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 ...
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 ...
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats dental misalignment and malocclusion. Orthodontists complete four years of dental school and two or three years of an orthodontic residency program to be able to practice orthodontics. During this time, they learn how to create treatment plans and position the brackets of braces (and other appliances), so that each patient achieves perfectly aligned teeth and jaws. General dentists can also offer orthodontic treatment as there are ...
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 ...
Getting braces is exciting and nerve-wracking. Many patients come in feeling a bit anxious because they’re unsure of what to expect. While everyone is different, most patients report that getting through the first week is the hardest, but once you’ve adapted, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful smile. Tips to help you through the initial adjustment period of having braces: 1) Don’t leave the office with questions. Our ...
