braces

Are Braces Really Necessary?

Your dentist may recommend braces to correct alignment issues with your teeth, even minor imperfections. Braces are often used to correct crowded or crooked teeth. 

Braces Can Help Your Smile

Misaligned teeth can impact your smile, which can then affect confidence in your appearance. Even correcting subtle alignment issues can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of your teeth and smile. 

Another consideration is that slightly misaligned teeth will worsen over time if left untreated. The effect of daily chewing and the forces on the jaw will continue to shift your teeth. Braces prevent further shifting by realigning your teeth to give you a smile that makes you confident.

Reduces Jaw Pain

By straightening your teeth, you will remove the improper forces placed on your jaw when chewing. When your teeth fit together there is less risk of jaw problems like temporomandibular disorders, which can be very painful. You are also less likely to grind your teeth.

When teeth are correctly aligned, they will wear down in a natural and even manner. This helps prevent problems such as tooth sensitivity and potential tooth discoloration.

Easier to Clean Teeth

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, with fewer areas where it is hard for a toothbrush or floss to reach. Areas around the teeth which are difficult to clean will see a build-up of bacteria and plaque. This build-up can be harmful to your teeth and gums.

When braces straighten your teeth, they can make it is easier to brush and floss. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

A Worthwhile Investment

Braces can improve your oral health and not just the appearance of your smile. You may be reluctant to wear braces at first, but understanding their benefits illustrates they can be a worthwhile investment. Braces have come a long way over the years, and options today include clear aligners and ceramic braces as well as traditional metal braces.

cleaning

Why Frequent Cleanings Are Best for a Healthy Smile

In the past, most experts recommended visiting the dentist every six months in order to obtain a professional cleaning. However, times have changed. Some people tend to have more plaque buildup, so require more frequent cleanings. 

There are a number of advantages when cleaning take place on a regular basis. 

Dealing with Bacteria and Plaque

At-home brushing and flossing techniques are not always effective at removing the harmful plaque and bacteria that can accumulate within the mouth. This is even more relevant for those who have crooked or tightly spaced teeth. Professional dental cleanings are capable of accessing all of these “nooks and crannies”. Therefore, the chances of developing issues such as cavities and gum disease are dramatically reduced. 

Avoiding Common Dental Problems 

One of the concerns with oral health is that some problems are difficult to detect. Tooth decay and gum disease may not show symptoms of problems until later stages. Dentists and dental hygienists are able to look for any tell-tale signals that a more thorough examination may be required. Those who don’t get the cleanings are at a higher risk of needing more in-depth treatments that could have otherwise been avoided. 

The Notion of Early Detection

Regular professional cleanings are great ways to make sure that your oral health is never taken for granted. We are not only referring to cavities and gum disease in this sense. Cracked veneers and damaged bridges may likewise be detected with a cleaning. The same holds true for any fillings that have come loose or partially detached over time. There are even times when cancer screenings can be used to search for any serious concerns at an early stage. 

This is why you should follow your dentist’s advice if they request more frequent dental cleanings. You will be helping to ensure that the health of your teeth and gums is never called into question. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist today!

Learn more:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-regular-teeth-cleanings-keep-your-smile-healthy/
lisp

How Orthodontics Can Help to Correct a Lisp

Some children have difficulty pronouncing specific sounds, words or letters. This is particularly the case when referring to the letters “s” and “z”. Otherwise known as a lisp, there are several reasons why this condition may present itself. 

Let us take a look at some possible causes as well as if orthodontics may be able to correct the issue at a young age.

What Might Lead to a Lisp?

Lisps can often result from a condition which causes the tongue to fail to contact the roof of the mouth when forming specific letters. Doctors cite malocclusions as the primary cause of this scenario. In other words, the teeth within the mouth do not fit together as they should. 

There are three types of malocclusions which can lead to a lisp:

  • An underbite (occurring when the bottom teeth protrude further than the top teeth).
  • An underbite (when the top set of teeth stick out further than the bottom teeth while the mouth is at rest).
  • An open bite (even when shut, the teeth within the mouth do not touch).

Common orthodontic treatments such as braces have been used to correct all of the conditions pointed out above.

What Other Factors May be Present?

Still, there can be times when a lisp is caused by other situations. One example is known as a “tongue tie”. In this case, the tissues connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth are overly tense or too short. A “tongue thrust” can likewise occur if the tongue protrudes between the teeth when the mouth is at rest. Both of these can lead to a lisp if they are not treated.

Additionally, there can simply be times when incorrect pronunciation techniques were employed when specific words were first being learned. In this situation, the expertise of a speech therapist will often come in handy. It is nonetheless wise to speak with an orthodontist so that other potential problems can be ruled out in the beginning.

Treatment is Available

The good news is that the majority of children and adults who suffer from lisps have numerous options at their disposal. The best way to determine which treatments are the most appropriate is to speak with a dentist or orthodontist. 

Our Myokids program is designed to help treat these problems early, so the child has the best chance of resolving the lisp problem quickly. If your child has a bite problem and/or a lisp, let’s discuss it. Danny the Dentist can help!

TMJ

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Unfortunately, many of these individuals fail to obtain the proper treatment. They are instead forced to endure a significant amount of pain and discomfort. 

Thankfully, there are a host of innovative solutions which are capable of providing the relief that you have desperately search for. Let us first examine some of the causes of TMJ before moving on to discuss how this condition can be effectively treated. 

The Causes and Symptoms of TMJ

There are a handful of reasons why an individual may develop TMJ. Here are some of the most common:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Incorrect lifestyle habits (such as incorrect posture)
  • Chewing hard or gummy foods
  • A misaligned jaw

A clinician will therefore examine your current situation in order to determine if these conditions are present. He or she may also perform in-depth procedures such as x-rays or CT scans if another issue is suspected. 

Of course, the concurrent symptoms will also be used to diagnose the presence of TMJ. These can include (but may not be limited to) clicking or grinding sensations within the jaw, difficulty chewing food, pain around the face, or the inability to fully open your mouth. 

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Let us imagine that you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. What treatment options are at your disposal? The most common involve non-invasive procedures. These include monitoring the types of foods that you eat, wearing an appliance in order to avoid grinding your teeth and managing your levels of stress (if this is a perceived cause).

There can still be times when the solutions mentioned above fail to provide relief. In such scenarios, more targeted solutions may need to be considered. For example, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery. In rare instances, your pain may be caused by other underlying health issues such as arthritis or a localised tumour. The best way to rule out these situations is to speak with a professional sooner as opposed to later. 

There is no reason why anyone who has been diagnosed with TMJ disorder should continue to suffer in silence. There are many unique options at your disposal and these can offer amazing results. Make it a point to consult with a specialist if you feel that a problem is present.

toothgapped

Fixing a Gap Between Your Teeth

If you have a gap between your teeth, you may be having trouble chewing food. You may be unhappy with the look it gives your smile. Whether the gap occurred naturally at birth — or as the result of a missing tooth — you will be happy to know that there are several options to correct it. 

Orthodontics

A tooth gap can result from a misalignment, and can often be corrected by using orthodontics like 6 Month Smiles. This is a type of braces made of clear brackets and white wires which are very discreet. Although they are not completely invisible, they are much less obvious than conventional braces. These will quickly and effectively move your teeth (gently) and transform your smile — filling in the gaps between teeth. 

Invisible aligners may also help; these are a clear and removable form of braces, much like a dental retainer, and also gently push teeth into the correct position. 

Veneers

Veneers can cover a very small gap, especially if the front teeth are involved. 

Veneers are ultra-thin ‘sleeves’ that are cemented to the enamel of your existing tooth with a very strong bonding agent. It is virtually impossible for others to notice a veneer and they are extremely sturdy. The majority of veneers are made from either porcelain or ceramic and they can withstand years of abuse if maintained properly. 

Dental Bonding

Bonding is the most cost-effective option when dealing with a gap. A dental bond consists of specially formulated resin that matches the colour of a tooth. It is then applied to the area that needs to be filled in. 

While quite effective in regards to the end results, we should mention that these dental resins will normally only address smaller gaps.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is essentially a means to anchor an artificial tooth to one or more surrounding teeth. This option is commonly employed when a tooth has been lost. A bridge is a great option if there are one or more large gaps within your mouth and if maintained properly, they can last for decades at a time with few issues. 

Talk with Danny the Dentist to discuss which method is the most logical solution for you.

early dental braces

What Causes of a Child’s Crooked Teeth?

A common perception is that genetics is the primary factor in why a child develops crooked teeth. However, recent research indicates the cause may be an abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position during rest, swallowing or speech. prolonged oral habits like thumb or finger sucking can be the root of the orthodontic problems.

Dentists refer to these as “myofunctional habits” and they can affect the natural development of the teeth and jaws. The Myobrace System was developed to treat these underlying causes in order to aid natural tooth growth and help prevent the need for orthodontics.

Incorrect Myofunctional Habits and Teeth Development

A very common habit for a child to develop is thumb sucking. Yet this is a prime example of an incorrect myofunctional habit as it can impede jaw development. 

Anything which prevents the tongue and lips from performing normally can result in tooth alignment issues and underdeveloped jaws. Further examples of incorrect myofunctional habits include:

Mouth breathing

If a child primarily breathes through their mouth, it not only means the mouth is often open, but the tongue is not in its natural position of rest. The outcome is a restriction of the correct forward growth of the surrounding muscles, with the jaws being narrower as well as developing in a downward manner. This ultimately means less space in the mouth and the potential for misaligned teeth.

Incorrect Tongue Position

When you are not chewing or talking, the tongue rests naturally in the mouth. This is key as the tongue helps form the shape of the developing jaw. 

This resting position is in the roof of the mouth, but if it is often positioned in the lower part of the mouth instead, for example as with mouth breathers, then there will not be enough space for the upper teeth to come through correctly. The lower jaw will also be forced back and downwards, affecting the shape of the face.

Reverse Swallowing

The correct forward growth of the jaw is also affected by reverse swallowing. This is when a child swallows the wrong way, with the tongue moving forward and the lips back. On average, a child swallows twice each minute, therefore when reverse swallowing, the face will not develop properly, as the muscles are being forced in the direction opposite to natural growth.

Poor Lips and Cheek Control

The lips and cheeks help with positioning the teeth and poor control of either, or poor muscle tone, makes it harder to close the lips when swallowing. This can result in teeth alignment problems.

The Myobrace System

The Myobrace system was developed to treat these underlying conditions to prevent need for braces later on in the teen years. The system involves a  removable device which is worn overnight and for up to two hours each day. 

Best suited for ages 3 to 15, our highly experienced practice specialises in this treatment. We will explain how Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment which aids natural teeth and bone development. 

By addressing the underlying habits which cause crooked teeth we aim to prevent your child from requiring orthodontics like braces or tooth extractions.