What is surgical orthodontics? Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects severe jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe and for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed [...]
Removable Retainers The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, [...]
Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable, and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, and you can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no [...]
The most common age for orthodontic treatment is during the ages of 11 and 17. By age 12, most if not all of our permanent teeth have erupted and are in place. Crooked teeth, gaps between our teeth and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems rarely correct themselves, so this is when most [...]
Why is “early treatment” recommended for some children? In some cases, preventive or interceptive care can guide the jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions, improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve space for the permanent teeth, and /or reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruding front teeth. Some examples of why early [...]
Underbite An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. Spacing Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Upper Front Teeth Protrusion The appearance and function of your teeth [...]
Sealants – This is a preventive technique used to reduce the chance of cavities on the top surface of permanent molars. A white, plastic-like material is placed on the surface of the tooth to seal the grooves of the back permanent molars. Sealants have shown to reduce the chance of cavities by 60-65%. Composite Resin Fillings – [...]
Regular Check-ups The American Dental Association recommends that you, and your child, visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings. Regular dental visits help your child to maintain a bright and healthy smile. During the check-up, the pediatric dentist will review your child’s medical and dental history and gently examine [...]
Caring for gums Begin building good oral health habits at birth by cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a cloth and water after breast- or bottle-feeding. Development From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon [...]
Orthodontic records usually include X-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. The records provide a wealth of information that is not always revealed by a visual examination. This may include missing teeth, extra teeth, the condition and development of tooth roots, growth patterns of the jaws and face, symmetry, and [...]
