Orthodontics is the realm of dentistry that focuses on repositioning the teeth and jaws into a proper alignment. Most people think of traditional brackets and wires when they hear the word orthodontics. Actually, it encompasses much more than that.
Orthodontics is not just a corrective type of treatment. It can be preventive in nature, involving the promotion of proper growth and development of the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontists are experts at identifying and intercepting poor growth patterns while the child still has growth potential that we can harness to correct the problem.
Orthodontics is often an essential part of speech therapy, as poorly positioned teeth can lead to speech impediments. We work closely with local speech therapists to reposition a child’s teeth so that they can learn how to make certain sounds.
As most are aware, we also use orthodontics to correct noticeable misalignment of teeth. This includes crowding or crookedness, spaces or gaps between the teeth, and crossbites (a situation in which the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth when biting down). The goal is a beautiful smile that functions well with upper and lower teeth that fit together perfectly.
We know that braces are not attractive to many adults considering orthodontic treatment. That is why we are proud to offer clear aligner therapy with Invisalign. With Invisalign’s exceptional system, we can give you the smile of your dreams without unsightly brackets and wires.
Airway Orthodontics Helps You Breathe Your airway passage is directly associated with your unique dental structure and orthodontic condition. How well you breathe and sleep, and your ability to focus on daily tasks are related to the state of your airway. These issues may indicate you have a sleep apnea disorder. One solution to treat
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces If you’ve been told it’s time for you or your child to get braces, you may wonder if Invisalign or traditional braces are the better option. The type of orthodontic treatment most suitable for you depends on the problem that requires correcting. Clear aligners aren’t the best option for some issues,
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, most people assume you’re treating crowded or crooked teeth. But brackets and wires can treat many more conditions than that. Orthodontic treatment corrects dental concerns, even when you can’t see the issue. Impacted teeth are common and develop because a tooth grows at an angle or takes up the
The Important Role a Retainer Plays When you think about braces, an image of metal brackets and wires likely pops into your head. While those components do the heavy lifting to straighten your teeth, orthodontic treatment isn’t over once the braces come off. Orthodontists often recommend wearing a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting
Defining an Underbite An underbite is a dental condition classified as the lower jaw sticking out further than the upper jaw. It can be a genetic trait, but malformed and overcrowded teeth can also contribute to the problem. A popular question among those affected by this condition is, “how can you fix it?” There are
What Is Malocclusion? When your dentist talks about your bite, they refer to how the upper and lower teeth come together. This is known as occlusion. A normal, healthy bite has the upper teeth naturally meeting slightly in front of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Any variation from this position is a
How A Quad Helix Expander Works Has your child’s orthodontist recommended a quad helix expander? This may have left you wondering what they were talking about! Simply put, this device is an orthodontic appliance placed in the mouth to reduce the overcrowding of your child’s teeth. Your orthodontist will review everything you need to know
An overbite is a dental malalignment in which the upper teeth are positioned higher than the lower teeth. Other names for it include buck teeth and crooked teeth. In addition to impacting your overall appearance, an overbite can present other health issues such as dental injuries to teeth and gums, jaw discomfort, speech impediments, and
When an orthodontic patient presents with a narrow palate, the first order of orthodontic care is to expand the palate. A narrow palate leads to crowding of teeth, which causes they to become misaligned and requiring orthodontic care. That is where a Hyrax expander comes in handy. How Does an Orthodontic Hyrax Expander work? Rapid,
The role retainers plays in orthodontic care The day is coming when your teen is scheduled to have their braces removed. If they are like most kids, they are excited to finally enjoy snacks and food without fear of gumming up their braces or snapping a bracket. Let them enjoy the win of getting the
