October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a time to focus on the importance of orthodontic care and how it contributes to a healthy smile and overall well-being. Sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), this observance highlights the value of proper orthodontic treatment in promoting oral health. Whether you’re currently in treatment or considering braces or aligners, this month is a reminder to take care of your teeth and understand how orthodontics can ...
In 24 months or less, you could have the smile of your dreams! Straight, white, beautiful teeth will give you new confidence and improve the first impression you make on people. You’ve committed to wearing braces so that you can enjoy a head-turning smile for the rest of your life. Great! But while you’re in braces, you’ll need to spend time each day brushing, flossing, and cleaning your mouth. In addition, there ...
At first blush, many patients consider orthodontic treatments to be a purely cosmetic solution that offers little benefit outside of aesthetics. But, nothing could be further from the truth! Indeed, orthodontia does much more than create beautiful smiles–it helps enhance one’s dental and systemic health for years to come. However, many individuals are concerned about the financial aspect of orthodontics, leading many patients to wonder: Are orthodontics covered by dental insurance? In this ...
Your bite, or occlusion, is the way that your top and bottom teeth align when you open and close your mouth. While most patients are concerned with straightening their teeth, dentists and orthodontists prioritize bite correction– and for good reason! A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, may cause the following problems: Not being able to chew food properly or fully Speech impediments Worn teeth caused by additional pressure in odd areas Jaw problems Dental decay Gum ...
A 2021 survey found that our smiles are likely to be the very first thing that people notice about us. So, it’s no wonder that we all want perfectly straight and luminous teeth. But, our teeth only play one role in our smiles. Jaw alignment plays an equally important role in our smiles. In fact, proper jaw alignment doesn’t just affect our overall aesthetics – it affects the appearance, function, and health of our ...
What makes an attractive smile? Straight, even pearly whites with symmetry and balance contribute to a person’s overall attractiveness. In fact, studies show that next to a person’s eyes, one’s smile is the second physical attribute people notice. But we aren’t all born with excellent dental genes. If you want a gorgeous smile for yourself or your children, you aren’t alone. According to Humana, over 4 million Americans wear braces ...
Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and other forms of malocclusion (the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed) can be a source of low self-esteem and poor oral health. If you find yourself hiding your smile, being embarrassed by your teeth, or suffering from chronic oral health issues (like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath) it may be time to consider braces or clear aligners. Are you ready to start your journey to ...
For some patients, the most uncomfortable part of dental work happens before the actual procedure. The process of taking traditional dental impressions is never pleasant and can be particularly traumatic for those who experience dental anxiety or have a gag reflex. Though dental impressions aren’t necessary for all procedures, they are needed for those that entail tooth structures or appliances to be fitted in your mouth. Common procedures that require dental impressions include: Dental ...
Gap-toothed smiles might be endearing in children, but not so much when it comes to adults. Known formally as diastema, gaps in teeth go beyond esthetic concerns and, if left untreated, can lead to serious dental issues. Tooth Gap Causes Tooth gaps can be the result of natural skeletal development, genetics, or external factors, such as habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, which can push teeth out of alignment over time. Tooth loss can also create ...
