Blog - Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula & Lake Elsinore CA

Common Orthodontic Treatments: Jaw and Teeth Issues (Part 2)

Since 1991, Burke & Redford Orthodontists has been providing orthodontic treatment to children, teens, and adults throughout Riverside County. In part one of this two-part article, we discussed how orthodontists treat different bite issues. In the second part of this article, we’ll look at other issues that can be treated by an orthodontist, including narrow jaws, crowded teeth, impacted teeth, the early loss of baby teeth, and unwanted oral habits. Narrow Jaws When a patient’s upper jaw is too narrow, it can lead to teeth crowding, excessive wear and tear, proportion problems, undesirable shifting of the jaw to one side…

Common Orthodontic Treatments: Bite Issues (Part 1)

Since 1991, Burke & Redford Orthodontists has been providing orthodontic treatment to children, teens, and adults throughout Riverside County. In this two-part article, we’ll look at some of the reasons why patients need orthodontic treatment. Part 1 focuses on bite issues. Overbites An overbite is when the top front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth. Also known as excess “overjet,” overbites are the most common type of bite problem. Orthodontists refer to these type of bites as “Class II malocclusions” and they can have skeletal causes (e.g., mismatch in jaw size), dental causes (e.g., teeth are tipped), or…

Invisalign vs Braces

Pros and Cons of Braces and Invisalign Burke & Redford Orthodontists offers both Invisalign and braces for teenagers and children. Deciding which treatment, Invisalign vs braces, is best will depend on the specific orthodontic issues of the patient. Although both forms of treatment are effective, more complex cases will typically require braces. Another factor is the patient’s age and level of maturity. For older teens, Invisalign may be an ideal treatment option. However, a younger child may find it difficult to wear Invisalign aligners for the recommended duration or may easily misplace them. This article will discuss some of the…

Causes and Treatment Options for Gap Teeth

Diastema A space between teeth (also called “gap teeth”) is the colloquial term for a diastema. Although a diastema can occur anywhere in the mouth, the most common location is between the two upper front teeth. Although many people embrace the space between their teeth (think of Madonna), diastemas can also be an indicator of serious dental issues. In addition, diastemas located in the back of the mouth can cause serious, ongoing issues if not cleaned properly. Diastema Defined The simplest definition of a diastema is a gap between teeth. The precise terms for a diastema depend on its location.…

Bad Breath

Burke & Redford Orthodontists has been shaping beautiful smiles in Temecula and Lake Elsinore since 1991. However, we know that a smile is more than just straight teeth. After all, an attractive smile accompanied by bad breath can be a big turnoff. In this article, we will look at the causes of bad breath and how our patients can freshen their breath. Spoiler alert—one of the key components is practicing good oral hygiene! We will also explain why addressing orthodontic issues may help alleviate bad breath. What Causes Bad Breath? Bad breath—also known as halitosis—is a common problem that has…

FAQs About Adult Orthodontic Treatment

More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Adults seek orthodontic treatment for various reasons. For those who had braces as teens, teeth may have shifted back to their original positions. Others may be addressing crooked teeth or bite issues for the first time. Still, others want to boost their self-esteem with a new smile. Regardless of the reason, adults are seeking orthodontic treatment in record numbers. However, orthodontic treatment for adults does differ from braces for teenagers or children’s braces. Luckily, Burke…

Smile Maintenance After Invisalign Treatment

After the last Invisalign tray, patients enter the maintenance phase of Invisalign treatment. Without proper maintenance, teeth can shift and become misaligned again, wasting all the time and money invested in acquiring a beautiful smile. The maintenance phase primarily involves wearing a retainer. Patients must also follow their recommended oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we want our patients to enjoy their beautiful smiles for the rest of their lives. However, this will not happen if patients do not follow post-treatment recommendations. Here is a brief rundown on what…

Retainer FAQs

After the braces come off or the last Invisalign tray is used, orthodontic patients use a retainer to maintain their new smile. This is the last part of treatment but one of the most critical. Without proper retainer use, teeth can shift out of alignment—undoing months of treatment. Burke & Redford Orthodontists want their patients in Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Riverside County to keep their new smiles for years to come. In this article, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about retainers. What Do Retainers Do? After braces or Invisalign, teeth are properly aligned. However, teeth…