Child Orthodontist
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…
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.…
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…
What Are the Three Stages of Orthodontic Treatment? Regardless of the orthodontic issues that need to be addressed, all our patients go through three stages of orthodontic treatment. These three stages are: Planning Stage — involves photos, necessary x-rays, 3D imaging, and any preparatory work needed before the application of braces or Invisalign Active Stage — the patient actively wears braces or Invisalign Retention Stage — focuses on holding teeth in their new position with retainers In this article, we’ll look at what is involved with each stage of orthodontic treatment, so our patients are prepared and know what to…
Understanding Orthodontic Treatment Terms Most people have a general understanding of common orthodontic terms, such as braces or Invisalign. However, most people are not familiar with many of the more specific terms related to different orthodontic treatments. To help educate our patients about the various devices that may be used during orthodontic treatment, we have put together a glossary of orthodontic terms. Because not all patients will have the same treatment, we’ve divided the list into general categories. General Orthodontic Terms These terms refer to the types of problems corrected by orthodontics, diagnostic tools, and accessories that may be used…
How to Floss with Braces Flossing with braces can be more challenging than flossing without braces, especially for younger children. Most orthodontists who treat young kids recommend that parents help them with flossing until they can do it well on their own (typically around 10 years old). Even teenagers may need to learn new flossing techniques and get accustomed to new tools once they begin wearing braces. This article discusses some of the different tools and techniques that can be used to floss with braces. Parents may want to try a few until they find one that works best for…
Dental Midline Definition A non-medical definition of the dental midline is a vertical dividing line between one side of the face and the other. Running from the top of the head, this line should pass through the eyes, over the nose, and down to the chin. Ideally, the line falls directly between the two upper center teeth and the two lower center teeth. In addition, the upper and lower jaws should ideally align with the middle of the face. When the dental midline is off center, it is called a dental midline shift. Other common terms for this misalignment are…
What Is a Malocclusion? Malocclusion is a medical term that refers to the abnormal alignment or fit of the upper and lower teeth. The term comes from the Latin word’s “occlusion” (which means “bite”) and “mal” (which means “bad”). Thus, the literal interpretation of malocclusion is “bad bite.” Most malocclusions can benefit by orthodontic treatment, usually with braces or Invisalign. However, more severe bite problems may require specialized orthodontic appliances or treatment approaches. What Causes Malocclusions? Malocclusions can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Many bite problems are passed from one generation to the next. Behaviors such as…
Smile Direct Club vs. Your Local Orthodontist What’s the Difference and Why Should You Care? Today, it can be exhausting keeping up with all the quick-fix, minimal-effort-needed products that appear to make life easier at first glance. Direct-to-consumer products have taken the business market by storm in recent years, from personalized meal plans to prescription eyeglasses delivered to your doorstep and ready for wear. After filling out a short questionnaire online, a person can seemingly get all the vitamins needed to supplement a healthy lifestyle. While these products may be viewed as quick and easy solutions initially, you will notice…
People often assume that orthodontic treatment is reserved for teenagers. However, early orthodontic treatment (called interceptive orthodontics) can help children between the ages of 7 and 11 with developing orthodontic issues. In this article, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment for children. What Does Orthodontic Treatment Do? A main goal of orthodontic treatment focuses on creating a healthy and normal bite. A healthy bite is when the upper and lower teeth fit together as intended. Contrary to what many people think, orthodontic treatment involves much more than simply “straightening teeth”—although this is a component…