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

Caring for Teeth After Braces

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…

Parts of Braces

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…

Braces for Kids

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…

How Straight Teeth Improves Dental Health for Your Kids

Interceptive Orthodontics One of the best reasons for early orthodontic treatment is to identify and correct teeth and jaw issues before they progress into more serious conditions. By correcting the progression of orthodontic problems, treatment with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Ryan Redford means your child will enjoy a healthier, happier smile throughout their life. Braces and clear aligners are the best way to straighten teeth, depending upon the specific needs of each patient. A specialized child orthodontist at Burke & Redford Orthodontists is specially trained to look for interceptive orthodontic issues children or teenagers may be developing. Our expert…

Underbite vs. Overbite

Understanding Malocclusions The word malocclusion is a Latin term meaning ‘bad bite.’ A ‘bite’ is the way teeth fit together. Problems with a person’s bite can cause many different issues, if not corrected. The highly skilled doctors at Burke & Redford Orthodontists understand the importance of and are experienced in correcting these issues in children and teens. Malocclusions can be divided into separate classes. These classes were first developed by Edward Angle, who is widely regarded as the “father of modern orthodontics.” These classes make it easier for an orthodontist to distinguish between the types and severities of problems that…

Invisalign Clear Aligners

What to Expect When Getting Your First Set of Invisalign Clear Aligners What are Invisalign Aligners? Invisalign aligners are customized trays used to shift teeth gently and accurately into their correct position over time. This can be a great choice for adults and older teens who are deemed good candidates for Invisalign, as the appearance of the trays is much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Is Invisalign Braces? No, Invisalign is not braces, it is a braces alternative. Invisalign uses a set of clear plastic aligners that are removable to straighten the teeth. These aligners are also able to…

What are Elastic Bands for Braces?

There are two different kinds of elastics that orthodontists employ to help straighten teeth and correct bite issues in children, teens, and adults. The first type is called ligatures, or o ties for braces. Ligatures are small, elastic rings that secure the archwire to brackets in traditional (sometimes called “twin”) bracket systems. In self-ligating bracket systems, o ties are not required, but can be used as a fun color decoration. O ties get replaced at every adjustment appointment. The other type of elastic band is orthodontic rubber bands, or elastics. These are a powerful tool used to correct bite issues.…

Damon System Bracelift

What are Damon System Braces? Damon System Braces are self-ligating, which means no elastic ties are needed to hold the archwire in place. Rather, a door mechanism is used to secure the wire. Damon braces are high-quality brackets that can produce excellent results. That said, claims by the company and some orthodontists that this system moves teeth faster and with shorter treatment times than other brace types have not been supported by well-designed studies. Learn more about the Damon System Bracelift. Other unsupported claims about the Damon system are that it moves teeth more efficiently and comfortably than other braces…