2023 - Page 2 of 3 - Miami Orthodontist Group

Bite Alignment and Its Impact on Facial Aesthetics

April 24, 2023April 7, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

When you think of a stunning grin, straight, white teeth may come to mind. However, a beautiful grin is more than just how your teeth look. Your bite’s position has a significant impact on the way your face looks as a whole. This article will discuss bite alignment, how it affects the face’s appearance, and how to correct it.

What Is Bite Alignment?

Bite alignment refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. A properly aligned bite means that your upper teeth fit slightly over your lower teeth, allowing for proper chewing and biting. However, when your bite is misaligned, it can cause a range of dental problems, including:

Teeth grinding
Jaw pain
Headaches
Speech problems
Difficulty chewing

Types of Bite Alignment

There are three major types of bite alignment: crossbite, underbite, and overbite. Here’s a quick overview of the three types of bite alignment:

1. Crossbite

It is known as a crossbite if some upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Jaw discomfort, tooth decay, and gum disease are just a few dental issues that can result from this. Another effect of crossbites is a jaw displacement to one side, which results in the asymmetry of the face.

2. Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. This can cause problems with chewing and speaking and dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain. Underbites can also cause the lower jaw to appear larger than the upper jaw, affecting overall facial aesthetics.

3. Overbite

When the upper front teeth touch the lower front teeth excessively, it is called an overbite or a deep bite. This can result in jaw discomfort and oral issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and worn teeth by forcing the lower teeth into the roof of the mouth. Additionally, overbites can shorten the face and hide the jawline.

How Bite Alignment Affects Facial Aesthetics

Bite alignment has a big impact on your facial appearance in addition to your oral health. Your look may be impacted by changes in the structure of your face brought on by a misaligned bite. Let’s examine some of the ways that bite alignment affects the appearance of the face.

1. Facial Symmetry

Your facial features will be more symmetrical if your bite is correctly aligned. Asymmetry in the face can result from changes in the size and form of your jaw brought on by a misaligned bite. Your facial features may appear uneven, giving the appearance that one side of your face is distinct.

2. Lips

The alignment of your teeth can also affect how your lips look. Your lips may move about your bite, giving the impression that they are uneven or out of proportion. Your smile’s general look may be impacted by this, which may also change the aesthetics of your face.

3. Jawline

The alignment of your bite also influences the form and outline of your jawline. Your jaw may become more noticeable on one side than the other if your bite is out of alignment, giving the impression that your jawline is uneven. This may change your face’s general harmony and proportion, changing the way you look.

4. Facial Profile

The position of your bite also influences your facial profile. Your jaw’s position and size may alter as a result of a bad bite, which could have an impact on the way your face is built. Your face may look longer or shorter, altering your overall facial profile.

How to Enhance Bite Alignment and Facial Aesthetics

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to bite misalignment, several options are available to improve it. Let’s look at some of the most common treatments for bite misalignment.

Orthodontic Treatment

One of the most popular treatments for a misaligned bite is orthodontic therapy. Your teeth can be progressively moved into the proper position with braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances, improving your bite alignment and general facial symmetry.

Jaw Surgery

In severe cases of bite misalignment, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the issue. This procedure involves surgically repositioning the jaw to improve the alignment of the teeth and improve facial aesthetics.

Bite Splints

If your bite misalignment is caused by teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend a bite splint. This custom-made appliance fits over your teeth and helps correct the alignment of your bite while protecting your teeth from damage.

Dental Restorations

Dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, and bridges can also improve bite alignment and facial aesthetics. These treatments can help strengthen your teeth’ appearance, creating a more symmetrical and balanced smile.

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can treat mild to moderate cases of bite misalignment. This treatment involves wearing clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position, improving your bite alignment and overall facial aesthetics.

Expert Opinion on Bite Alignment and Facial Aesthetic

According to Dr John Smith, a profound dentist with over 20 years of experience, “Bite alignment is an important factor in overall dental health, but it also plays a significant role in facial aesthetics. When your bite is misaligned, it can cause changes in the structure of your face, affecting your appearance. Improving your bite alignment can improve your dental health and enhance your facial aesthetics, creating a more symmetrical and balanced smile.”

Conclusion

Both oral health and facial aesthetics are significantly influenced by bite alignment. Various oral issues and changes to your face’s appearance can result from a misaligned bite. Fortunately, multiple procedures, including orthodontics, jaw surgery, dental restorations, and bite splints, are available to better bite alignment and boost facial aesthetics. Consult your Miami orthodontist to review your options and decide on the best course of action for your particular requirements if you’re worried about your bite alignment and how it affects the appearance of your face.

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Transforming Your Smile with Dental Appliances: Success Stories and Expert Insights

April 10, 2023April 19, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Dental Care

A smile is one of the most important aspects of our appearance. It is often the first thing people notice about us, which can significantly impact our confidence and self-esteem. However, many people are self-conscious about their smiles due to dental issues such as crooked or misaligned teeth, gaps, or overbites.

Fortunately, orthodontic appliances can transform your smile and improve your oral health. This article will explore some success stories of people who have transformed their smiles with dental appliances and insights from dental experts.

Stories of People Who Have Transformed Their Smile with Dental Appliances

Success Story One: Using Braces to Straighten Crooked Teeth

One of the most widely used dentistry tools for straightening crooked teeth is braces. They efficiently treat dental problems, including overbites, underbites, and misplaced teeth. Let us look at Evelyn’s success tale, who used braces to change the appearance of her smile.

Evelyn was constantly embarrassed by her misaligned teeth. She avoided smiling in public because she felt self-conscious about showing her teeth. For Evelyn’s misaligned teeth, her Miami orthodontist suggested braces. Evelyn was initially reluctant to get braces because she believed they would be uncomfortable and conspicuous. However, her dentist reassured her that many covert alternatives were available and that braces had advanced significantly since she was a child.

Clear braces are less conspicuous than conventional metal braces, so Evelyn chose them. Her teeth progressively straightened during the two years she wore them. Evelyn was shocked by the transformation in her smile after the braces were eventually taken off. She felt secure enough to grin without hesitation, and her teeth were even and straight. Evelyn’s impressive transformation demonstrates how braces can enhance your grin and self-confidence.

Dental Expert’s Insight: According to a Miami orthodontist, braces are a great option for correcting misaligned teeth. They are a tested-and-confirmed method for straightening teeth and have been very helpful in recent years. Patients can leverage clear braces to achieve a straighter smile confidently.

Success Story Two: Using Clear Aligners to Close Gaps

Another widely used dentistry tool for improving smiles is clear aligners like Invisalign. For those who are self-conscious about their appearance, they are a discrete choice because they are essentially invisible. Let us look at Nelson’s success tale, who used clear aligners to improve the appearance of his smile.

The space between Nelson’s front teeth had caused him to feel insecure. He felt his smile was the first thing people observed about him, so he avoided using it. Clear aligners were suggested by Nelson’s orthodontist to close the space between his teeth. Nelson was initially dubious because he believed wearing aligners would be visible and uncomfortable.

However, after doing some research, he decided to attempt clear aligners. Over several months, Nelson wore the aligners, and his gap progressively closed. Nelson was ecstatic with the outcomes after the procedure. His teeth were even and straight, and the fissure was gone. Nelson’s impressive transformation demonstrates how clear aligners can boost your confidence in addition to the look of your teeth.

Dental Expert’s Insight: According to a Doral Orthodontist, clear aligners are one of the best options for closing gaps between teeth. They are the favorite choice of many people because they are discreet and comfortable. In addition, clear aligners are easy to remove, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.

Success Story Three: Using Orthodontic Headgear to Correct Overbite

Orthodontic headgear treats overbite, a disease in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. An overbite can bring on dental issues like teeth grinding, jaw discomfort, and headaches. Let us look at Jason’s success tale, who used orthodontic headgear to improve the appearance of his smile.

Jason had a severe overbite, making it challenging to chew and talk. Additionally, he felt self-conscious about his appearance, and his overbite prevented him from beaming comfortably. In order to fix Jason’s overbite, his dentist suggested wearing orthodontic headgear. Jason was initially reluctant to try it because he assumed it would be uncomfortable and noticeable.

Jason, however, decided to give it a shot after reviewing the advantages with his dentist. His overbite progressively improved while he wore the headgear for several months. Jason was astounded by the improvement in his grin after the procedure. His overbite had been fixed, and his teeth were even and straight. Jason’s impressive transformation demonstrates how wearing orthodontic headgear can enhance your look while treating dental issues and enhancing oral health.

Dental Expert’s Insight: To treat overbite and other dental problems, orthodontic headgear can be a very effective instrument. It functions by gently pressing on the teeth and jaw over time to rectify misalignment.

Summary

Using dental appliances to alter your smile can alter your entire existence. Many choices are available to fix dental problems and enhance your oral health, from braces and clear aligners to orthodontic headgear. The success tales of Jason, Nelson, and Evelyn demonstrate how dental appliances can improve your mouth and instill confidence. You can choose the dental appliance that is best for you based on the expert advice of dental experts.

Consult your dentist or orthodontist to review your choices if you want dental appliances to improve your smile. You can have a stunning, healthy smile that you can be proud of if you use the right dental appliance and take good care of it.

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Braces Beyond Aesthetics: How Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Speech and Jaw Alignment

April 3, 2023April 7, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care is frequently considered a method to make someone’s smile more attractive and straighten their teeth. While it is undeniably one of the primary purposes of orthodontic care, it is not the only one. In reality, orthodontic treatment can also aid in improving speech and jaw alignment for those with specific orthodontic issues.

In this article, we will walk you through how orthodontic treatment can enhance speech and jaw alignment and some common orthodontic issues contributing to these issues.

How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Speech

The coordination of different muscles and structures in the mouth and throat is required for speech, which is a complicated process. Speaking clearly and efficiently can be improved if these structures align.
Multiple methods that orthodontic treatment can enhance speech are listed below. First, it can fix issues with how the molars are positioned. For instance, a severe overbite or underbite can make it challenging to pronounce certain sounds, like “s” or “th.” Orthodontic therapy can enhance how these sounds are produced and improve speech clarity by repositioning the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can help better the position of the tongue and other speech-related muscles and fix dental issues. For instance, a narrow palate can restrict the tongue’s ability to move easily, impeding speech. The palate can be made larger through orthodontic treatment so the tongue has more space to move, enhancing speech.

How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Jaw Alignment

Additionally, speech and general oral health are significantly influenced by the location of the jaws. Incorrect jaw alignment can result in many issues, such as trouble chewing and swallowing, persistent jaw pain, and even sleep apnea.

Numerous methods exist for orthodontic treatment to help improve jaw alignment. Using braces or aligners to move the teeth into the right position is one of the most popular ways. Additionally, by doing this, the mandible can move into a better position, which enhances the alignment of the jaws as a whole.
In some circumstances, orthodontic therapy may also entail using appliances to alter the jaws’ natural growth. For instance, a device that promotes the development of the upper jaw may benefit a person with a severe underbite because it can help correct the underbite and improve jaw alignment.

Orthodontic Issues that Can Affect Jaw Alignment and Speech

Orthodontic problems can impact your speech and jaw alignment and the look of your teeth. Alignment problems can result in various issues because the position of the teeth and jaws can affect how you talk and chew. Here are some of the most prevalent jaw alignment and speech problems caused by orthodontic problems.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude before the upper front teeth. This can cause similar issues to an overbite, including difficulty with speech and jaw alignment. In addition, an underbite can put extra pressure on the jaw joint, leading to jaw pain and other issues.

Overbite

This is an overbite when the top front teeth cross the lower front teeth. The top teeth may protrude too far forward, affecting speech and jaw alignment. For instance, an overbite may restrict the tongue’s ability to move, making it challenging to produce sounds like “s” and “th.” Additionally, an overbite can increase strain on the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, resulting in jaw pain and other problems.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. This can make it difficult to bite into food and affect speech. For example, an open bite can cause difficulty with certain sounds, such as “t” and “d,” as the tongue may not be able to touch the teeth properly.

Crossbite

When the top teeth overlap the lower teeth, this is known as a crossbite. Both speaking and chewing issues may result from this. For instance, a crossbite may restrict the tongue’s ability to move freely, making it challenging to create some sounds, like the “s” and “z.”

Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust is a common issue affecting speech and jaw alignment. It occurs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, speaking, or resting. This can cause the teeth to move out of position and affect the jaws’ development. Over time, tongue thrust can lead to speech issues and problems with jaw alignment and bite.

Narrow Palate

A narrow palate occurs when the roof of the mouth is too narrow. This can affect the tongue’s position and make it difficult to produce certain sounds. In addition, a narrow palate can lead to crowding of the teeth and other orthodontic issues.

Treatment of Speech and Jaw Alignment-Related Orthodontic Issues

Several treatment choices are available if your orthodontic problem is causing speech problems or jaw alignment. Your particular problem and its seriousness will determine the best action plan.

Braces are among the most widely used therapies for orthodontic problems. Braces use brackets and wires to move the teeth into the right position. This can help enhance speech and jaw alignment. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can address various orthodontic issues besides conventional metal braces.

Conclusion

Orthodontic therapy is not just limited to straightening teeth and enhancing smiles. It can also improve speaking and jaw alignment in people with orthodontic problems. Orthodontic treatment can enhance a person’s ability to talk, chew, and even breathe by realigning the teeth and jaws.

Consider orthodontic therapy as a potential remedy for jaw alignment or speech issues. Your problems’ root cause and the best course of action can be determined during a consultation with an orthodontist.

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Optimize Your Invisalign Experience with 5 Must-Have Accessories

March 20, 2023March 13, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Invisalign

Many dental patients select the procedures they desire. While adults prefer the discreet treatment approach of Invisalign, teenagers do not have issues with conventional treatments. Metal-free teeth straightening is possible with Invisalign.

Because of its greater flexibility, gentler process, quicker healing time, etc., Invisalign is a more comfortable treatment option. Although Invisalign appears natural, few people can tell if you wear braces. You can remove your aligner trays to eat whatever you like and put them back in once you’ve finished brushing your teeth.

However, after getting Invisalign treatment, there are accessories you need that might help in improving your smile experience. If you read further, you can learn about these accessories and that every patient using clear aligners should have a better treatment outcome.

What Essential Accessories Do You Need for Your Invisalign Treatment Journey?

1. You Need an Extra Case for Your Retainers

When straightening teeth with Invisalign, you will enjoy removing and wearing back your trays to have occasional snacks, drinks, and meals. However, if you must take out your Invisalign occasionally, ensure you still have a wear time of up to 22 hours daily.

Wearing your Invisalign trays for shorter periods per day can alter your treatment process. However, the point is that you need a case for your retainers to help you avoid losing your trays whenever they are off your mouth. You can ask your orthodontic specialist to prepare extra cases for you and also ensure to keep them in a clean and safe place.

Even though your orthodontist will provide you with one or two cases from the moment you start your treatment, you can still request two more for your kits or any other essential spots, such as your nightstand or study desk. Most Invisalign cases have functional features like embedded mirrors, perfect for you to go about with, especially when you need to remove and wear back your trays after a meal at a restaurant.

But you have many other options if you wish for more extravagant trays. You can opt for a clip-on case, an excellent choice for teens using Invisalign, or settle with many other elegant retainer cases available on many innovative platforms. All you need is a good-looking case for your retainers to remain clean and safely stored.

2. You Need Clear Aligner Mints or Chewies, On the Go

The essence of using any braces, whether traditional or explicit, is to have the same result as repositioning your teeth. Therefore, Invisalign shifts your teeth into a perfect order through orthodontic force. But your treatment only works if you wear your clear aligners correctly.

Over the years, orthodontic specialists have always provided their patients with a seating aid known as foam chewies. While this works all the time, chewies are convenient for Invisalign users on the go, but since you need to clean them consistently, they can accumulate bacteria and produce a funky smell if you fail to clean them as much as you should.

Therefore, you can use chewies-like movements. Movements are sugar-free mints with a vanishing groove that sits conveniently between your clear aligners. They are strong chewies, making them a better option for permitting gentle chewing routines. They also help you emit fresh and minty breath and withstand dry mouth. Movement is a must-have in your clear aligner kit.

3. Always Carry Along a Smile Saver Spray

Your Invisalign accessory kit should also contain a smile-saver spray. You can consider it an excellent solution for ensuring fast cleaning of your aligner tray. It is safe to use this cleansing agent because you need to maintain a bacterial-free aligner while treating your smiles.

Smile Saver Spray contains an alcohol-free, sugar-free, and peroxide-free formula, which makes it a perfect cleaning solution for your clear aligners. You can use them instead of rinsing them with water or spitting a sour aftertaste.

The spray has active actions as it rapidly removes oral bacteria in the space of 60 seconds, thereby helping you maintain odor-free and neatly cleaned Invisalign trays. This item should be with you throughout your smile journey.

4. OrthoKey Clear Aligner Removal Tool

While it might seem easy for you to remove your aligners, you should know that you might also warp them and render them useless for your effective treatment if you are not removing them properly.

Also, using your fingers to remove aligners from the chewing areas of your mouth is not a safe practice. You can cause damage to your health by either introducing bacteria into your teeth or injuring your gum or cheeks with stray fingernails.

However, this is why you need orthoKey. It is a handy piece of equipment that lets you remove your clear aligners easily. Orthokey is designed for comfort, which makes it an effective tool to add to your Invisalign kit. You can fit it inside your tray case and use it to remove your aligners without worrying about causing damage.

5. Floss Picks Are a Must Have

Floss picks make your teeth straightening journey more comfortable and easy. You are already familiar with the idea of regular teeth flossing. But, your daily oral hygiene practice must increase when receiving Invisalign treatment.

Flossing helps remove trapped food bits between the teeth, which, when left behind, can cause plaque buildup and form tartars. Before wearing your aligner tray back, you must pick out particles between your teeth. It might feel uncomfortable to carry string flosses around, but you can try handier floss picks.

Conclusion

Caring for your clear braces is essential when receiving Invisalign treatment, as it helps you have a better experience and faster results. Accessories like floss picks, aligner retrieval tools, Invisalign chewies, and other necessary kits can help you on the go and are a preventive measure for oral problems like tooth decay during orthodontic treatment.

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Reaching New Levels with Spring Digitizer Technology in Dentistry

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Pediatric Dentistry

The wide range of digital appliances available to implant dentists, cosmetic dentists, general dentists, and orthodontists has significantly extended. This improvement technology provides patients with more conventional solutions that beat the traditional options when solving dental problems.

Some dentistry technologies available as digitizers include radiography, computerized, and electronic digitizers. Surgical guides depend on digital technology, such as impressions and implant placements.

Nowadays, many dental experts see that they utilize all proven digital techniques while practicing dentistry to help them offer more modernized dental treatment to patients. One thing about digital technology is that performances are more delicate, effective, efficient, and convenient. You can learn many more things about this rise in dental technology as you read further.

What Is Digital Dentistry?

Digital dentistry talks about many areas of dental technology as it involves digital-based devices like software solutions and hardware components. Digital technology allows a dental expert to offer treatment to patients using computer-aided apparatus.

For instance, the current level of technology in dentistry, including digital scanning, permits dental professionals in diagnostic performances, taking impressions, and planning treatment while excluding mechanical devices.

Also, the digital approach to dentistry for diagnostic laboratories, including design software and impression scanners, is relevant for speed when molding dental products or processing them. Digital dentistry helps in reducing manual work.

Digital technology for dental purposes is widely and readily available for laboratory and clinical use, and they have a vast range of functions and purposes. Scanning, milling or 3D printing, Imaging, and digital design are all self-developed technologies. But they work together for design, treatment planning, and treatment delivery.

What Does CAD/CAM Do in Digital Dentistry?

CAD or Computer-Aided Designs and CAM or computer-Aided Manufacturing technologies are software solutions professionals use in dentistry. However, engineers also use these software programs in the automotive field.

CAM and CAD initially and technically focus on the manufacturing and design stages of technology; in the dental field, the process deals with everything concerning dental technology, from intraoral scanning to setting up a computerized design, printing or milling, and carrying out dental work in the mouth.

It takes little time for your dentist to work using CAM or CAD. Therefore, the process can be as quick as 30 to 40 minutes. With this, you can easily have a successful treatment through a single visit.

According to a survey, it is pointed out that CAD or CAM software solutions like dental design and oral scanning can improve treatment accuracy, speed, and effectiveness. They are also affordable and reduce patients’ stress.

Are There Digital Orthodontic Treatments?

Treating malocclusion is now easier with the new level of technology as orthodontic specialists can now handle misaligned bites, jaw problems, and mal-positioned teeth through digitized orthodontic care.

Digital treatment is possible without the standard panoramic X-ray and traditional methods of teeth realignment that might not still produce accurate results. However, digital orthodontics involves using impressions, a process done by using digital dental scanners.

When receiving treatments through digital orthodontics, your dentist uses a 3D digital visualization to design an accurate and detailed mold of your teeth from all angles. With digital technology, a professional can select the best positions for clear aligners, retainers, braces, or other orthodontic appliances.

What Benefits Does Digital Technology Offer in Dentistry?

1. Digital Dentistry Is Cost-Effective

Digital technology in dentistry can help a dentist to save more on getting impression appliances and conveying the materials needed for treatment by using digital means instead. Similarly, patients will not pay for materials and time they never used. Digital dentistry includes more planning, proper treatment, and improved software solutions that support excellent treatment design and precision.

2. Digital Dentistry Saves Time

Digital dentistry permits a dentist to perform a faster treatment, allowing a patient to spend less time during treatment. This means that a patient can complete treatment during a single session.

3. Patients Are More Engaged During Treatment

With digital dental technology, professionals can show their patients the steps to their treatment results up to the final stage. Therefore, when using a dental design procedure, the dentist can engage a patient in dialogue to know their expectations. With this, the dentist can adjust to match the patient’s treatment desire, especially if it concerns the treatment period and aesthetics.

4. Space-Saving

Most patients need to learn that the dentist can help them preserve their physical impressions in the dental clinic. Some countries include space saving in their regulations. Through digital impression technology, dental clinics can use a single computer to store different kinds of teeth models and back them up in the cloud. This is better than having a physical store full of orthodontic appliances.

5. Digital Dental Technology Reduces Gag-Reflex

Dentists using the old-fashioned dental treatment methods often have patients reporting cases like teeth hypersensitivity or gag reflex. However, when a dentist uses digital impressions, the discomfort will not occur.

6. Entertainment

With digital pediatric dentistry, kids can have a more relaxing and less stressful dental procedure. Dental technology of 3D images can appear to children on the monitor like video games. This might feel entertaining even though they know they are fixing their oral problem.

7. Openness

With digital technology, a dentist can save information in a Standard Triangulation Language or STL format and adjust the information later by opening the 3D imaging system. Also, this improvement enables patients to independently bring their diagnostic or treatment results to a desired dental clinic.

Conclusion

Digitalization technology in dentistry started over four decades ago. But it was limited to adoption until the recent rise in adaptive technology. With this new change, dental experts are investing more in technological digital equipment, and dentistry will expand digitally in the few years ahead.

While digital technology in dentistry helps a dentist to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency in treatment, it also advances a patient’s confidence, convenience, and interaction.

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Crucial Role of Space Maintainers in Oral Health Preservation

March 6, 2023March 13, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

Space Maintainers are crucial for oral health. They are objects placed in the mouth to maintain and preserve space between teeth. Space Maintainers are necessary when there is a loss in premature molars because of disease or trauma.

The role of a space maintainer is to allow the teeth to grow in the right place and align appropriately with another permanent tooth. When babies lose their teeth early, they usually have no guidance. The eruption process is natural and requires a guide to align nearby straight teeth.

Failure to aid its eruption will lead to a bad tooth position, and in most cases, it will grow in the wrong place in the gum. When there’s space between the teeth, other teeth can move to the open space, preventing permanent teeth eruption or proper alignment.

Space Maintainers must be used correctly; proper usage prevents the teeth from moving and causes loss of space for teeth.

Inclusively the permanent adult teeth like bicuspids and canines. Moreso, if the teeth are not firm, it begins to drift forward into another space, thereby causing a blockage and stopping the bicuspid teeth from erupting.

The process is vice versa; if not firm, the early bicuspid can also move inward and prevent the canines from erupting in the correct position and firmly.

Different types of space Maintainers can be used to preserve an individual’s oral health. Some of these Maintainers are long term while some are short-term usage.

In society, most deciduous teeth are ignored because of their temporal or short-term existence. Nevertheless, they are also important because they aid the growth and eruption of permanent teeth.

Some leading causes of teeth falling out and causing space in between are prolonged feeding with the bottle for babies. Also, the removal of grossly decayed primary teeth.

The types of space Maintainers depend mainly on the cause and extent of space in the teeth. The two types of space Maintainers are Removable and Fixed space Maintainers.

Your dentist will check and prescribe suitable space Maintainers when and if necessary.

Below are some of the role of space Maintainers in oral health:

Role of Space Maintainers in Oral Health

A Space Maintainer Helps to Shape the Teeth

The role of a space maintainer cannot be limited; it aids in aligning the erupting teeth. The space maintainer maintains the teeth’ arch length, width, and circumference.

It keeps it in regular shape, preventing unaligned and irregular growth and physique.

Often it is used in the mandibular and maxillary arch to aid the arch length after tooth removal. This is also to prevent future orthodontic treatments and complications.

A Space Maintainer Helps to Avoid Supra Eruption of the Opposing Tooth

Without a space maintainer, it is likely for a tooth to grow out of place in any available space. This can be prevented by the presence of a space maintainer, which protects the space created by the lost tooth until there’s an eruption.

When there’s a space loss, malocclusion and overcrowding can happen. In cases like the maxillary arch, a different method can be used in molar distalization.

Regaining space in the upper arch can be more challenging than in the lower arch; in such situations, the lip bumper can be used to avoid overcrowding and maintain space.

Improvement of Speech Abilities

If a child loses the anterior teeth, speech production may be affected. The formation and production of sounds will be unnatural.

The space Maintainers aid in improving speech while beautifying the treatment process done by losing a tooth.

How and When to Wear a Space Maintainer

The best time to wear a space maintainer is when it is required. Most times, it is after a tooth loss or extraction.

Your orthodontic specialist will advise you when a space maintainer is needed. Ideally, it should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid complications.

How a space maintainer is worn depends on the type of space maintainer and its function.

Usually, patience is required before the child gets used to wearing a removable space maintainer. Since it is a foreign orthodontic appliance introduced to the child’s mouth, the guardian should exercise patience until the child gets comfortable wearing and using the teeth aligner.

Notably, the child should be encouraged to practice proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing, cleaning, and flossing should be practiced to prevent future infections or damage to the space maintainer.

When it is a fixed space maintainer, the user should avoid certain foods that can stick to the teeth and in between the space Maintainers.

Furthermore, it is advisable not to stick fingers in between or tug the appliance using your teeth or tongue as this may cause the appliance to weaken and lose.

Continuous monitoring of the appliance is required, and do not hesitate to let your dentist know if there is any change or loosening.

If a space maintainer is not used correctly and there is a loss of teeth, the child will likely experience a drifting of teeth and a midline shifting of teeth. Sometimes they experience tipping in the tooth.

The crowding and alterations of arch-length teeth can reduce a child’s self-esteem and disrupt the child’s emotional and physical health.

Moreso, failure to use a space maintainer will lead to orthodontic processes, which can be stressful and painful, like teeth extraction, and it can also lead to future complications.

Conclusion

The loss of teeth almost cannot be avoided. It is the responsibility of guardians and parents to prevent future complications and misalignment of teeth, which can disrupt a child’s emotional and physical well-being.

Regularly visiting an orthodontic specialist and maintaining oral hygiene are very important. Taking care of a child’s oral health is as important as caring for the child’s general health.

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Unlock the Benefits of Twice-Yearly Dental Visits

February 23, 2023February 6, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Dental Care

From childhood, you would have been familiar with the standard order of brushing your teeth twice daily, visiting the dentist for an oral checkup, and practicing daily flossing. Even though it seemed stressful at that time, these practices helped you overcome many oral problems while you grew into adulthood. People who ignore dental visits are susceptible to having severe oral problems.

Also, skipping a day or two from brushing your teeth might seem harmless until you continue practicing the habit, and in no time, your oral health will also penetrate your overall health. Therefore, there is a need to keep the mouth clean and a greater need to visit your dentist for bi-annual checkups. The following are the benefits of visiting your dentist twice yearly:

1. It Improves Healthy Teeth and Clean Smiles

Imagine grinning at someone, and they turn away in disgust, or having your peers make fun of you because you cannot mingle confidently without hiding away your appalling teeth. When you practice frequent teeth brushing and flossing, it might take a while, but you will gradually get back your bright smile when you allow your dentist to help you.

Home practices of flossing and brushing are relevant for improving your oral health, but your dentist will do much more for you. No matter how many times you brush your teeth, if you already have plaque buildup that has turned to hard yellow deposits on your teeth, only your dentist can help you get rid of them. If you are trying to carry out severe teeth cleaning on already damaged teeth, you likely take forever to get rid of buildups.

Your toothbrush cannot even remove strong tartars, and when you shy away from visiting your dentist, loads of bacteria will lead to tooth cavities, and you will soon suffer gingivitis and probably lose some teeth. Your expert dental specialist can use professional equipment to remove tartar from your teeth. After your dentist carries out a professional deep cleaning on your teeth, you will feel fresher and cleaner in your mouth.

2. It Helps You Prevent Gum Diseases

Gum diseases are painful, and they usually cause inflammation of the gumline. Gum problems can begin from gingivitis and escalate to periodontal cases. Periodontitis is a severe inflammation that firmly deteriorates the bones that hold the gum and teeth. Your gum line can appear reddish, tender, bleeding, and swollen when you have gum disease.

If you have been away from your dentist, it will be difficult to identify this problem on your own during its early stage. When you visit your dentist twice daily, you undergo oral examinations and dental X-rays to determine early periodontal problems. The problem can lead to the teeth loosening from their hold, and they can later fall out. Also, periodontal diseases can lead to jawbone deterioration due to intensive infection, inflammation, and tooth loss. Visiting your dentist twice yearly can stop these problems from occurring.

3. Early Detection of the Problem

Oral health problems can sometimes escalate due to neglect or procrastination in fixing a dental appointment. Many people who now suffer serious issues with their teeth would have saved themselves from expensive treatment and excruciating pain if they had visited their dentist early.

The dentist knows how to catch these problems on time and helps you prevent tartar buildup, cavities, and tooth loss. Also, while the yellow film on the teeth leads to gum disease due to cavities, it further causes the teeth to wear off. But, all these stages of tooth loss will not occur if you meet your dentist on time. Before they become major problems, your dentist will inform you and provide adequate treatment to prevent them from happening. Your dentist can help you save money and exonerate you from invasive approaches.

4. It Helps in Securing Your Overall Health

Once your oral hygiene practice is good enough, your entire health responds to better functions. It is no longer news that most oral health problems are the leading courses of some terminal diseases. Bacteria in the mouth can penetrate the blood to cause severe infections, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and stroke. The best thing is for you to take yourself to the dentist’s desk two times every year, and you will only hear about these problems, but they will never happen to you. Try not to have poor oral health, which can lead to negative problems with your general health.

5. Your Dentist Can Monitor You for Oral Cancer

Cancer is a life-threatening problem that can cause you so much pain. When you visit the dentist frequently, you will be on consistent cancer monitoring as part of your routine checkup. If your dentist detects a trace of cancer, it is possible to apply the remedy on time since the illness will only be at its early stage. Also, treatments are usually successful.

Your dentist has tools that they can use when checking you up for oral cancer. The dentist screens the mouth sores and checks for white or red patches, lumps, and any other malfunctions in your mouth. People who miss yearly appointments will not have this opportunity to know the state of their oral health.

6. It Can Help You Treating Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath can be embarrassing, especially if your own is beyond eating a particular food or just a morning breath. People who complain about their breath suffer from halitosis, a condition due to poor oral practice. You cannot treat halitosis by yourself. Your dentist can help you identify the problem source and provide adequate treatment.

Conclusion

If you cannot recall the last time you visited a dentist, you might be causing harm to yourself without knowing. Maintain twice yearly professional dental visits for deep oral cleaning and general checkups. You can schedule an appointment at a dental clinic near you. What’s more? If you have a child showing early orthodontic signs or you need to straighten your smile, you can book appointments with Miami orthodontics.

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5 Questions to Ask when Choosing an Orthodontist

February 9, 2023February 6, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

Everyone deserves to smile confidently, no matter who they are or what phase they are in. So, when you decide to improve your smile, know that you have just made the best investment that will also boost your general health. However, choosing the best orthodontic to help you throughout your treatment journey is as relevant as getting those nice teeth.

It can seem like an easy process, but nobody walks up to an orthodontic specialist and starts an orthodontic treatment without checking to see if they are reliable. The whole idea of having a straighter is exciting. But the orthodontist you work with can even make it more worthwhile. Here is a guide on how questions you must ask before selecting the right orthodontist.

1. Do You Have Good Reviews about Your Orthodontic Practice from Previous Patients?

Before you choose an orthodontic specialist to give you a straighter smile, ask if other patients they have worked with have nice reviews about them. If they have online review platforms, you should go there and check what others say about them. From reviews, you can tell if they are reliable to work with or if they can offer you the quality of care you need. Your Miami orthodontist has a support team to take you on a successful teeth-straightening journey. They also have authentic reviews from past patients, and you can go through them before making a decision.

2. Do You Have Adequate Certification and Training to Carry Out Orthodontic Treatments?

Most people who claim to have the skills and expertise in orthodontic treatments might not be as real as they claim to be. It would help if you never assumed that all orthodontic specialists have certifications and proper training. Even if someone recommended them, you still have to determine whether they are reliable. A good orthodontist must pass through serious training during their academic studies.

Orthodontic practice is a part of dentistry, but those who practice them are known as orthodontists and not dentists. Orthodontics is a core of medicines that allows the trained specialist to treat you on a specific area of your dental need. While a good dentist supplies you with advice and guidance on your crown and cavities, a properly trained orthodontist handles issues related to your dental braces.

Make sure you ask them if they have proper orthodontic training in these areas:

How to re-establish patients’ facial structure and growth by creating another alveolar structure for them.
The maturation and studies of a patient’s jaw and teeth.
Biomechanical methodologies that ascertain proper teeth realignment
Case studies

Therefore, you must be sure if you want to depend on a particular orthodontist before starting your treatment journey. The person must have good orthodontic training and top-notch experience.

3. Can You Give Accounts of Your Orthodontic Experience?

It is important to know that much about your orthodontist. Trace the background and see the level of experience your orthodontist has. You can ask them several questions that align with their qualifications, especially during your consultation visit. From your first interaction, you can determine if an orthodontic is good enough for you.

You can ask them the following questions:

Which school did you attend?
How many years have you practiced as an orthodontic specialist?
Do you practice updated treatment options?

Any orthodontic specialist with proper training and qualifications can answer your questions and make you feel comfortable if you wish to know more about them.

4. What Treatments Can You Offer Me?

Most patients wonder what treatments to expect. But, orthodontic approaches are unique for treating malocclusions. However, patients have different orthodontic problems, so you can ask your orthodontist specialist some questions, such as; who will oversee my treatment process, how long will my treatment last, will I get follow-up visits, and how often? Asking these questions gets you prepared for the treatment procedure and outcome.

5. What Treatment Plans Are Available for Me?

Your orthodontist will work with you based on the treatment options they have strategized to meet your needs. Only your orthodontist knows what treatment will work best for you. Therefore, do not make decisions that will slow down the treatment process.

Also, getting orthodontic braces can take an extensive process that needs years of assistance and work in most cases. Since each treatment has a strategic duration, you should work hand in hand with your orthodontist to know what treatment methods are available for you to try.

There is a vast range of orthodontic treatment plans as follows:

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made up of brackets and wires. Many people reject using metal braces for their orthodontic treatment because they are too common and mostly worn by kids. However, metal braces are reliable for realigning malocclusions.

The braces work by firmly holding the wires connected to each tooth. Continuous pressure can move your teeth slowly and gradually throughout the treatment period. The time for wearing traditional orthodontic braces is between 12-36 months. But, this can rely on the severity of your malocclusions, how fast you respond to treatment, and your practices to determine your perfect result.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are teeth aligners that are as effective as traditional metal braces. The difference between the two approaches is in their appearances. While metal braces have components such as wires and brackets, clear braces use transparent ceramic brackets. Adults prefer them as they can blend with the natural teeth color, making them discreet in appearance.

Invisalign

Invisalign or clear aligners are removable orthodontic treatment approaches that use clear trays to adjust teeth. They do not make use of wires and brackets like the others. They are discreet, allowing you to continue your treatment without many people knowing. It is also the fastest, as you can wear the tray for up to 15 months.

Conclusion

When deciding to get a straighter smile, it is right to ask questions about the best orthodontic specialists to work with. Asking relevant questions can help you know if the orthodontist will be good for you and your household before hiring them.

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Preventing Gum Inflammation During Orthodontic Treatment

February 2, 2023February 6, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontic Treatment

When your gum suffers a buildup of excessive plaque, it leads to inflammation over time. People who do not carry out proper dental hygiene are susceptible to gum diseases. The accumulated plaque between the teeth and the gum line is also known as gingivitis, a painful disease that can lead to more severe periodontal problems.

However, people treating malocclusions to have beautiful smiles can also be at risk of gum diseases if they neglect proper teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning can indeed be difficult, with wires and brackets holding your teeth together. But, to prevent gum problems during orthodontic treatment, there are healthy tips you must practice throughout your treatment process. To achieve a healthy and straight smile, the following tips can help:

1. Practice Frequent Teeth Brushing

The best way to prevent gum problems is through frequent teeth brushing and flossing. While you might think your braces can be a problem, you can brush gently to get rid of food particles, especially after meals. Even if your brushing feels different with orthodontic braces over your teeth, proper brushing can help you keep gum inflammation away.

The right way to brush your teeth is after eating food and before you go to bed. People wearing orthodontic braces can feel less challenged if they brush their teeth with soft bristle toothbrushes. When brushing your teeth, hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees, and do not rush the process. Take as much time as possible until your teeth are clean.

If you brush hastily, you can damage your wires or brackets or even injure your gum. Most patients with orthodontic braces who do not follow proper teeth-brushing technique end up bleeding after every routine, or they avoid sending the toothbrush into certain angles of the dental brackets.

You should spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth and an additional 2 minutes if you consider flossing. You can purchase proxy toothbrushes with tiny single bristles, as they help you clean properly when wearing orthodontic braces. Also, you can opt for an electric toothbrush. They are easy to use, and they clean teeth properly.

2. Floss

Flossing is just as effective as brushing. It might take longer to floss, but you will save your teeth and gum from plaque buildup and gingivitis if you carry out this practice tirelessly. Flossing helps you get into tight areas between your teeth that your toothbrush did not reach. Your orthodontic specialist can recommend the best product for flossing, or you can get them over the counter at a drug store near you.

Some oral flossing products that can help you prevent gum inflammation during orthodontic treatment include:

3. Floss Threaders

If you are wearing orthodontic braces, orthodontic specialists have designed floss threaders to help you floss your teeth between brackets and wires, and you can floss up to your gum. Floss threaders look like big needles, but they are plastic-made substances that you can easily shove between your teeth and metal leaves wire and tooth.

4. Water Picks

Water picks can help you withstand inflammation and gingivitis and maintain good oral health. Water picks can irrigate tight corners between teeth and metal brackets. It uses force to remove dirt from areas in the teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.

5. Rinse

Rinsing might seem too simple to help you prevent gum problems, but every gum problem starts with accumulated debris formed on the teeth through the food you eat. Therefore, rinsing your teeth after a meal will help loosen trapped food bits around the wires and brackets.

It becomes more effective when you use the rinsing method and apply proper teeth brushing and flossing. You can gaggle with clean water, especially if you consume sugary drinks before bedtime. Your orthodontics can use recommended mouthwashes to get rid of gradually forming plaques that lead to inflammation of the gumline.

6. Avoid Eating Sticky and Hard Food Substances

Sticky and hard-to-bite food is not good for you when you have braces on your teeth. Those sticky food bits can travel into some spaces in your braces and hide there to accumulate problems. Orthodontists suggest that patients wearing braces, especially traditional types, should stay off gummy and hard foods as they can damage the braces and still cause tooth pain and decay.

If you wear clear aligners, you might not have these restrictions because you will need to take the trays off your mouth before eating and clean your teeth before putting them back on. If you chew nuts with your Invisalign, you should break it. If you must have your favorite hard food, such as nuts, grind them before consuming them to prevent ripping off the wires. But stay off sticky candies or other gummy treats.

7. Limit Sugary Drinks

The idea of wearing orthodontic braces is to help improve smiles. But, when you are on this treatment without paying attention to what goes into your mouth, you can obstruct the process without knowing. Most people consume substances that cause trauma to the teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Acidic and sugary drinks can wreak havoc on tooth enamel, and while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you can develop cavities. At the end of your treatment, you will not like to see a straight smile with heavy tartars forming on them or yellowy aligned teeth. Therefore, if you must have sugary drinks, rinse your teeth immediately, and if you can, avoid them completely as they are bad for your teeth

Conclusion

Due to poor oral care habits, people undergoing orthodontic treatment can have gum diseases, otherwise known as gingivitis. But, paying attention to better oral hygiene can help keep gingivitis away. You can start by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing daily. Aside from brushing, flossing, and rinsing teeth to clear out accumulated debris on the teeth and braces, you should avoid eating some food and taking some drinks if they cause tooth decay or damage your braces.

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Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

January 23, 2023January 18, 2023 Posted By smart Posted In : Orthodontics

When you least expect it, an orthodontic emergency can strike. It may happen suddenly in any household and at any time. Competently handling such urgent situations will prevent further complications. It will help if you know how to deal with the issues before contacting a Miami orthodontist.

What Is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?

Usually, orthodontic emergencies involve trauma, pain, or a broken device. It is crucial to contact a Doral orthodontist immediately if you experience an orthodontic emergency. Orthodontic emergencies include broken brackets and wires, lost separators, and swelling or pain. Other orthodontic emergencies may consist of:

Swelling or excruciating pain
Abscess or infection around the teeth or gums
Broken braces
Movement of the appliance or archwire
Broken or missing retainers
Protruding wires or sharp edges that irritate the skin

Anyone may experience an orthodontic emergency. When such a situation arises, you must assess it. You can check for signs like oral bleeding or swelling. Also, inquire if any device was swallowed. Though orthodontic emergencies rarely happen, becoming familiar with them is necessary.

You or your family member may experience issues during or after an orthodontic procedure that require attention. Your knowledge about such situations will help prevent further damage. The orthodontic appliances may cause discomfort or pain. Besides, a part may come off or break when it shouldn’t. Orthodontic specialists can determine the best approach to address these issues.

You can easily handle some problems by explaining the situation to Alquiza Orthodontics over the phone. Pictures of the cases can also help in addressing them. However, some positions require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists, causing you to visit the professionals immediately.

It is best to seek the help of Miami orthodontists if you experience the following problems during orthodontic treatment:

Mouth or gum swelling or bleeding
Mouth, tooth, or face injuries
Severe gum or mouth pain that has not improved despite treatment

Orthodontic Emergencies and How to Handle Them

It may be challenging to decide whether a situation can be considered an emergency. Conditions like severe swelling, pain that doesn’t respond to treatment, or a fractured tooth require the immediate attention of orthodontic specialists. However, you may handle some situations temporarily before visiting your orthodontists.

Loose or broken brackets

The brackets attached to the front of your teeth may become loose when you chew hard or sticky food. The problem can result in pain. If not repaired immediately, an open bracket can delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment, prolonging it. The unglued bracket no longer holds the tooth in position, allowing it to become misaligned.

If a broken bracket still glued to the wire is causing you pain, leave it until you visit an orthodontist. However, you can cover the affected wire with orthodontic wax if it scrapes your mouth’s inner wall or irritates you. It is best to visit an orthodontist without delay during business hours to resolve the problem.

Wire Jutting out of Your Mouth

When the wire shifts from its position, leave it if you are not feeling discomfort until your next dental visit. If you are in pain, you can temporarily use a soft earplug on the irritant and contact your orthodontist for a solution. You may see the professional on the same day.

A wire can cause discomfort if it sticks out of your mouth. Trim the offending wire with a nail clipper and try pushing it back into its position using cotton. Then, schedule an appointment with a Doral orthodontist to rectify the issue.

Knocked-out Tooth

It is possible to save a knocked-out tooth if you can reach a dentist or an orthodontist within an hour of the accident. If the tooth has fallen out, rinse it with a salt solution while holding it at the crown. You can store the tooth in a container containing your saliva, milk, or saline. Take the stored tooth along with you to the dentist.

The device may prevent your tooth from being knocked out if you get hit on the face while wearing braces. Instead, the impact may move the tooth out of its position, forcing the wire to bend. It is best to contact Miami orthodontics to realign the tooth.

Food Trapped in Braces

Food particles caught between a band and your tooth can cause discomfort. Avoid poking out the particles with a sharp object, which can damage the tooth surface. Brushing and flossing your teeth is ideal for dislodging the trapped object. However, you can only visit a dentist if it is practical.

Broken Retainers

Parts of your retainer may break, resulting in an improper fit and making you uncomfortable. If your retainer breaks, stop using it. Broken retainers can change the position of your teeth by wrongly applying pressure to them. Save the broken orthodontic appliances and the pieces and take them along on your next visit to your orthodontist.

Apply cold compresses to the affected area if you are experiencing pain and swelling. An over-the-counter pain reliever can ease the discomfort. However, it will help if you visit your orthodontist.

How to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

Avoiding orthodontic emergencies is an ideal approach to handling the issues. Unexpected situations may arise even when you don’t have unresolved dental problems. However, you can help prevent them if possible. Here are some tips to help you:

Maintain care instructions for braces: Follow your orthodontist’s guidelines for brushing and flossing while wearing braces. You can protect your braces and teeth from damage by heeding the instructions. Besides, don’t miss your appointments with the orthodontist.

Keep the eating instructions: You shouldn’t eat certain foods during your orthodontic treatment with braces. Avoiding the foods specified by orthodontic specialists will prevent damage to the dental appliance and discomfort.

Use a mouthguard during sports: Wear a mouthguard if you have braces while participating in sports. The device will prevent mouth injuries and breakage of the braces if you bump into other players or anything.

Anyone can experience orthodontic emergencies. However, visit dental professionals if such situations occur to relieve the pain. Children’s orthodontists can help you if your child faces teeth- and jaw-related issues.

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