20% Of People Suffer From This

Adult Orthodontics, Invisible Aligners, Pediatric Orthodontics, The Best Braces

In an ideal world, your teeth should fit easily together with no crowding, spacing, or overlaps. In reality, about 15 to 20% of the American population suffers from malocclusion, or a misaligned bite. A misaligned bite can develop from various conditions or habits, including a cleft lip or palate, thumb sucking, abnormally shaped teeth, mouth breathing, and tumors in the jaw. The good news, however, is that there are options to correct this common dental issue. Read on to find out more.

How Braces Work

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Have you ever wondered how brackets and wire work together to move teeth into a different position? While there may be some discomfort here and there, you don’t feel your teeth moving, so how does it work? The way braces move teeth is that they exert a constant pressure on them for an extended period of time. The jaw also conforms to this pressure to create a more aligned bite.

Most Issues Are Preventable, But When They Happen…

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Braces typically hold up well to normal daily activities such as eating and tooth-brushing. To keep your braces functioning well, we recommend avoiding hard foods, sticky candy, and ripping packages open with your teeth. There are other instances, too, when there may be an issue with the braces for which we ask that you call us so we can fix the problem. Read more to find out when to call us.

Braces For Bruxism

Life with Braces, The Best Braces

Do you often feel pain in your jaw or face? Do you have soreness in or around your ear? Is chewing sometimes painful? These are all symptoms caused by the clenching or grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism. While it can be triggered by stress or anxiety, bruxism can also be a sign of a bite or tooth misalignment. Orthodontics can help with this uncomfortable but common problem.

What’s Next?

Patient Education, The Best Braces

Our patients are always so excited as they near the end of their orthodontic treatment. There is so much to look forward to depending on the type of braces they’ve had. Whether it’s their brand new smile, being able to floss easier or not having to think about removing their clear aligners before they eat, there is much to celebrate. Yet, we like to prepare our patients ahead of time to let them know their treatment may not be completely done even though the braces are off. Read more to find out the next step in orthodontic treatment.

Not Just For Teenagers

Pediatric Orthodontics, The Best Braces

While the mention of braces makes most people picture teenagers, orthodontic treatments can be even more effective when the patient is younger. If a child as young as 7 is already showing signs of crowding or misplaced teeth, spaces between teeth, mouth breathing, difficulty when they eat or chew food, or teeth that protrude, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated. Orthodontic treatments during these younger years will improve the outcome of treatments they may need as teens.

Why Do Some People Need Braces And Others Don’t?

The Best Braces, Types of Braces

Why do some people need braces and others don’t? Why an individual is recommended for orthodontic treatment depends on many factors. The main reason would be to correct misaligned teeth and jaw alignment problems. Especially at a young age, it’s important to correct these issues when they are easier to treat. Did you know that there are alternatives to metal braces? Read more to find out about different orthodontic options.

What Does The Future Hold?

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Pediatric Orthodontics, The Best Braces

The immediate benefits of orthodontic treatment are quite noticeable. Patients come into our office with crooked and crowded teeth; upper teeth that stick out; and bites that need to be corrected, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. After treatment, they walk out with straighter, better aligned teeth that, when followed up with retainer use, can last a lifetime. It’s not just the appearance of teeth that are improved by orthodontic treatment, though. There are other benefits that may not be as noticeable, but are just as important to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.