Tongue Thrusting And Orthodontics

When a patient visits our office for their initial consultation, there are a number of factors we check to determine if orthodontic care is needed. We look at the placement of the teeth and we also check the jaw placement and learn if you suffer from conditions such as TMD, sleep apnea, have a speech impediment or other issues. One issue in particular that we look for is tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusting occurs when the tongue is in an incorrect position during swallowing. It can also be called a reverse swallow or an immature swallow. It is cause for concern because it can reverse the corrections made by orthodontic treatment and move teeth out of alignment.

Reasons To Receive Treatment From An Orthodontist Over A Dentist

When inquiring about orthodontic care and researching to start treatment, it can get a little overwhelming. For many years, patients would visit a dentist for general dentistry needs, an oral surgeon for surgical dental needs, and an orthodontist for care in shifting and moving the teeth and jaw into proper placement. Over the years, general dentists have started increasing the variety of treatments they offer, and it can get confusing as to which dental professional to see. At The Best Braces, we encourage any patient interested in receiving orthodontic care to visit our office rather than a general dentist.

Is Your Bite Right?

When you visit our office for an evaluation, one of the areas that we inspect is your bite, or the way the upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. If your bite is off, it can affect the way you eat, speak, and even swallow. Over time, bite issues can lead to further complications with your oral health. While each bite problem is unique, we want to share more information about common bite problems. Read on for more information.

What If I Don’t Get Braces and I Need Them?

At The Best Braces, we know that orthodontic treatment is a big commitment, financially and with your precious time. We inspect each potential patient’s mouth thoroughly using various pieces of technology, and we do not make recommendations lightly. If we suggest a treatment plan for you or your family, please know that it is truly needed and will not only improve the esthetic appearance of your smile, but will also benefit your oral health and eliminate the potential for considerable long-term damage to your teeth. If you are having second thoughts about going through with the treatment we recommended, we encourage you to continue reading about the importance of orthodontic treatment.

Why We Still Love Braces

Are you or a loved one interested in orthodontic treatment, but are undecided which option would be the best choice? With the popularity of social media, certain orthodontic trends such as clear aligner trays are on the rise, but what about traditional metal braces? Have they become totally obsolete? While clear aligner trays do have their benefits, they are not always the best solution for every patient. Today we want to share some of the benefits of choosing traditional metal braces for orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn more about this timeless treatment and why it may be the perfect treatment for you.

Why is Oral Hygiene Important While Wearing Braces?

At The Best Braces, our team continuously stresses the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. It is important for patients to realize the care they put into their oral health while wearing braces can affect the health of their teeth for many years to come. Lack of oral hygiene can greatly disrupt your current treatment plan and lead to complications, emergencies, and additional treatment time.

Don’t Let Your Braces Stop You This Halloween!

Are you wondering if you are going to be able to enjoy Halloween while wearing braces? We are happy to tell you that of course you can enjoy the holiday; however, your indulgences may need to look a little different than in previous years. Being that Halloween is centered around sugary treats, it is important to be mindful of your choices while wearing braces. It is even possible to incorporate your braces into your Halloween fun. We want to offer a friendly reminder of treats that are safe to choose and those that should be left behind. Read on to see if your favorite treats made the list and how your braces can play a fun role in your celebrations!

Common Orthodontic Terms You Should Know

Do you or a loved one visit our office for treatment and you are confused with the terminology that you hear? We know that it can be a little tricky to understand not only the different treatments we offer, but the vocabulary and terms used for each one. It is important to have some idea what the more popular terms mean especially if you or a loved one experience an emergency and have to explain over the phone what is broken. We have created a glossary of ten popular orthodontic terms to help guide you. Read on to see how many terms you are familiar with.

Three Things To Know Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment

Are you or a loved one planning on starting orthodontic treatment in the near future? Whether you are starting treatment with traditional braces or clear aligners, it can be an exciting time to imagine what your teeth will look like in the future. It can also be a little nerve-racking to begin, especially if you are a new patient with no prior experience with orthodontics. We wanted to share some important information that is important to know before starting treatment.

We Can Help Jaw Discomfort

Are you suffering from persistent jaw tenderness and discomfort? We know that issues with your jaw can affect much of your daily life. If you are having trouble eating, speaking, or even breathing, we can help. By combining jaw surgery and orthodontics, we are able to improve not only your comfort, but also the function and appearance of the mouth. Orthognathic surgery is surgery of the jaw that helps to correct form and function. It realigns the jaw into the proper position and improves the way it works. This procedure, although extremely involved, can be a blessing to a patient who struggles daily with discomfort. It can make life enjoyable again.