How to handle orthodontic emergencies Orthodontic “emergencies” are an unfortunate part of any orthodontic treatment. Even with the best orthodontist and the highest quality braces one is bound to have one or more emergency trips to the orthodontic office during treatment. Even though I am using the word emergency, complications with orthodontic treatment are rarely […]
Year End Dental Insurance Benefits
Year End Dental Insurance Benefits As we head into the month of October, many things are uppermost in our minds: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, insurance benefits, flexible spending plans… OK, maybe insurance benefits and flexible spending plans are not on the list, but they should be. We all work hard for our money, and these […]
Treatment options for the relapse of crowding
Treatment options for the relapse of crowding Orthodontic treatment offers life changing benefits. By creating a proper bite it ensures that the teeth, gums, and jaw joints all work in harmony to maintain proper oral health. However, keeping that everlasting beautiful smile can be a little tricky. Teeth do not want to be straight and […]
2 cups of Starbucks in exchange for a beautiful smile
2 cups of Starbucks in exchange for a beautiful smile A beautiful and radiant smile is one thing many people desire. In addition to the esthetic benefits of a perfect smile, straight teeth allow for better oral hygiene, healthier gums and supporting structures, more harmonious jaw functions, and better overall health. Many people however assume […]
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 […]
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 […]
“Self-ligating braces”: What are they and when are they needed
“Self-ligating braces”: What are they and when are they needed The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving and great technological advances have been made in the last few decades. One of these breakthroughs has been “self-ligating braces”. Also known as “friction-free braces” these appliances allow the orthodontist to treat cases faster, with less discomfort, and […]
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 […]
Braces and Surgical Orthodontics
Braces and Surgical Orthodontics Braces are used to treat a variety of malocclusions or improper bites. For the majority of the population, a simple course of orthodontic treatment can lead to a beautiful and healthy smile. However, in some individuals the underlying problem is the position of the jaws and not just crooked teeth. In […]
Braces and cosmetic alternatives:
Braces and cosmetic alternatives: Braces can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems with the ultimate result being a beautiful, healthy smile. Braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the basic design is the metal one we are all familiar with. Metal braces are still the most widely used type […]