What is a Lower Lingual Holding Arch? A lower lingual holding arch is an orthodontic appliance that helps to maintain space in the mouth. A less technical term would be space maintainer. When the terms are broken down individually, the meaning and use of the appliance become clearer. Lower means that the device is attached to the lower (or bottom) teeth. With this appliance, two stainless steel rings (called bands) are affixed to the first molars. A stainless steel wire then runs along the inside of the lower teeth to connect the bands. Lingual is the medical term for the…
How to Fix Crowded Teeth Crowded teeth are a common problem for children, teens, and adults. Fortunately, dental crowding (also known as overcrowding) can be fixed with orthodontic treatment from the doctors at Burke & Redford Orthodontists. In this article, we’ll discuss: Levels of teeth crowding Causes of teeth crowding Problems caused by crowded teeth Wisdom teeth crowding Orthodontic treatment options for crowded teeth Levels of Teeth Crowding Orthodontists determine the level of dental crowding in two different ways. The first method is to count how many teeth are affected by crowding and end up being rotated as a result.…
What Is Your Child’s Smile Worth? The value of a great smile today is nearly immeasurable. A smile can tell a lot about a person, with children and teenagers being no exception. It is never too early to start thinking about planning for the future when it comes to the best orthodontic outcome for your child. Social Benefits of Straight Teeth The benefits of having a great smile are numerous. Teens who feel confident in their appearance are likely to have an easier time navigating social constructs. With the rise in social media apps where photos are posted and shared…
The term “malocclusion” is often used by orthodontists and dentists. In its simplest form, the term means “bad bite.” The word derives from the Latin term for bad (“mal”) and the root word “occlusion.” In dentistry, occlusion refers to how the teeth fit together when the jaws are closed. In other words, occlusion means “bite.” Burke & Redford Orthodontists treat many different types of bite problems using a wide variety of orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at two types of malocclusions caused by the misalignment of the jaw.…
Braces are a Popular Choice Today, over 4 million Americans are wearing braces. That is certainly a lot of beautiful smiles in the making. Orthodontic treatment is a popular choice for kids and teens worldwide. Braces do a fantastic job correcting problems with tooth alignment and crowding, as well as addressing issues with a person’s bite. Nearly 80% of the 4.8 million Americans wearing braces are children and teens. The average age for a child to get braces is between the ages of 9 and 14. According to statistics, 25% to 50% of children require orthodontic treatment at some point…
The Big Day Having braces taken off is an exciting experience. After all, a beautiful smile is a great reward for your time invested in transforming your smile. Dr. Ryan Redford and his experienced staff know this special day is one that many kids and teens anticipate. Even though the braces have been removed, there are several after-care practices that need to be kept in mind. Teeth Whitening Patients love inspecting their beautiful, new smile right after the braces are removed. In some cases, there may be a slight difference in tooth color where the brackets were adhered to the…
Understanding the Parts of Braces Good alignment and function of the teeth is a key component of overall oral health. Braces not only create a straighter smile but also contribute to improving the longevity and function of a person’s bite. A bite that is aligned functions properly and prevents premature wear. Straight teeth are easier for children to keep clean, which prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Ryan Redford understands that learning about the parts of braces and their function gives a greater understanding to patients who are considering this necessary step to great oral health. Braces are made…
Interceptive Orthodontics Statistically speaking, in any given group of children, chances are good that some of these kids are undergoing orthodontic correction with braces or clear aligners. In the US alone, 4 million kids and teens see an orthodontist every year. Orthodontic treatment can generally be done at any time after age 7; however, there is one type of treatment specifically for children whose mouths are still growing. This specific treatment is called interceptive orthodontics and it has become more common in recent years. Undergoing this type of orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s overall experience and outcome. Dr. Ryan…