Handling Teeth Grinding Problems The Right Way There is a term for the medical condition which involves habitual grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. It is called bruxism and it’s often defined by dental care experts as a condition that’s difficult to prevent. If you are suffering from bruxism, there is a […]
How long do I have to wear my retainers for?
How long do I have to wear my retainers for? The retainer phase of orthodontic treatment is the last and final phase in the overall orthodontic process. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the final alignment of the teeth and the beautiful smile that you and your orthodontist worked so hard to obtain. Retainers […]
Does my insurance cover orthodontic treatment and Invisalign
Does my insurance cover orthodontic treatment and Invisalign Dental Insurances vary greatly in what they cover and what they don’t. Not all dental insurances are the same and understanding your coverage can be a tricky game. Just like medical coverage there are generally two main categories of dental insurances: HMO plans and PPO plans. With […]
If only everything was as easy as an orthodontic visit:
If only everything was as easy as an orthodontic visit: I recently went to see an orthopedic surgeon for an ankle problem. Once I arrived at the office I filled out the usual lengthy patient forms, signed a bunch of insurance consents, and went through a long questionnaire regarding my specific injury. After a 20 […]
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
What is Invisalign and how does it work? Traditional braces have been used for decades if not centuries to straighten crooked teeth and improve smiles. Braces however have several setbacks in that they are visible, they can interfere with proper oral hygiene, and can irritate the lips and other parts of the mouth. With increasing […]
My Teeth have shifted! What do I do?
My Teeth have shifted! What do I do? Retainers play a crucial role after orthodontic treatment and must be worn as instructed by your orthodontist to maintain the ideal alignment of the teeth. If not worn properly teeth will shift and “relapse” of the crowding will likely occur. Spaces that were closed during orthodontic treatment […]
Tips for maintaining great oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment
Tips for maintaining great oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment Good oral hygiene is essential for the health and longevity of the teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene becomes even more important during orthodontic treatment because of the addition of braces and appliances that now act as food traps. Without a good oral hygiene protocol the […]
Do wisdom teeth cause crowding as they erupt?
Do wisdom teeth cause crowding as they erupt? Third molars or “wisdom teeth” as they are commonly known are the last set of molars that erupt in late teenage years. For the majority of the population wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt and often remain “impacted” or stuck under the gums. There […]
Can I speed up my orthodontic treatment?
Can I speed up my orthodontic treatment? Moving teeth is a delicate, tricky, and slow process because it involves living cells and tissues. Three factors are involved during orthodontic tooth movement: the force applied on the tooth, the duration of that force, and the healing period that follows. Let’s talk about each of these factors […]
Are Braces safe?
Are Braces safe? The field of orthodontics has gone through great technological advancements in the last century. The braces used today are much smaller, stronger, and safer than what they used to be decades ago. I am often asked if braces are safe for the teeth. The answer is yes. If placed properly by a […]
