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What Every Parent Should Know — A Balanced Perspective from Dr. Ryan Redford When “airway orthodontics” becomes a marketing slogan, many parents feel pressure or fear. But as Dr. Ryan Redford at Burke & Redford Orthodontists often reminds families, good care starts with clear evidence, not hype. In our Temecula and Lake Elsinore offices, we believe airway analysis has a role, but only when it is combined with the full orthodontic and medical context. Dr. Ryan Redford will discuss: What “airway orthodontics” claims, and which deserve skepticism How structural factors, growth, and soft tissues interact in breathing When orthodontic tools…
From the quiet biology labs at Brigham Young University to the treatment bays of Burke & Redford Orthodontists, Dr. Ryan Redford’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, rigorous training, and a genuine love of working with kids and teenagers. Today Dr. Redford is one of fewer than 40 percent of U.S. orthodontists who have earned voluntary board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Parents across Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and the wider Inland Empire trust him for the same reason his professors once did: he brings science-driven precision and a calm bedside manner to every growing smile. Early…
Causes, Detection, and Management of Root Resorption By Dr. Ryan Redford & Dr. Michael Burke – Burke & Redford Orthodontists, Temecula & Lake Elsinore, California Why Parents Should Understand Root Resorption Most families visit an orthodontist to straighten teeth and improve a child’s bite. Few arrive knowing anything about root resorption, yet it is an important concept for long-term dental health. In simplest terms, root resorption is the shortening or loss of tooth-root structure. A small amount is considered normal during orthodontic therapy; excessive loss, however, can threaten the stability of a tooth. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we believe…
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit Outgrowing Myths Ask ten parents when a child should see an orthodontist and you may get ten different answers: “Middle school—after all the baby teeth are gone.” “High school, when they’re ready for braces in yearbook photos.” “Only if the dentist spots a problem.” While well-intentioned, these answers overlook an important fact: facial growth does not pause until the teenage years. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists,…
How 3-D Imaging Transforms Diagnosis and Treatment A New Era of Clarity in Orthodontics A generation ago, orthodontists worked almost entirely from two-dimensional X-rays and plaster models. Today, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a three-dimensional map of the teeth and jaws—often in less than ten seconds. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, our CBCT images could be considered as the “MRI of the smile”: a crystal-clear window into complex anatomy that traditional images can only hint at. Parents who visit our Temecula or Lake Elsinore offices may wonder, “Why does my child need a 3D scan?” This article answers that…
When and Why Maxillary Expansion is Necessary in Orthodontic Treatment One of the most effective and widely used techniques in pediatric orthodontics is maxillary expansion. This method plays a vital role in correcting jaw discrepancies, creating room for crowded teeth, and improving overall bite function. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, with offices located in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, California, Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke offer advanced orthodontic treatments for children and teenagers. What Is Maxillary Expansion? Maxillary expansion is an orthodontic technique used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla). This is especially important in growing children whose jawbones…
What is Orthodontic Biomechanics? Orthodontic biomechanics is the science of applying controlled, gentle forces to move teeth. These forces act on the periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding alveolar bone to bring about desired changes in tooth position. Tooth movement occurs when pressure on one side of a tooth causes bone to break down (resorption), and tension on the other side leads to new bone growth (apposition). This dual process allows the tooth to shift without compromising the health of the bone or gums. How Teeth Move: The Biological Response Each tooth is anchored to the jawbone by the periodontal ligament.…
The Role of Sliding Mechanics in Space Closure At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, with offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, California, Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke utilize advanced orthodontic techniques to deliver optimal results for children and teenagers. One such method is sliding mechanics—a precise and efficient approach to space closure during orthodontic treatment. Sliding mechanics plays a vital role in managing gaps caused by tooth extractions, natural spacing between teeth, or other dental issues. Whether your child or teenager is treated with self-ligating ceramic braces, metal braces, or Damon braces, this technique ensures controlled tooth movement while maintaining comfort and stability throughout the process. What is Sliding Mechanics…
Enhancing Precision in Orthodontic Care for Kids and Teens Skeletal anchorage is a valuable orthodontic technique, especially in complex cases that require precise and controlled tooth movements. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke use this approach alongside various orthodontic treatments—ceramic, metal, and Damon self-ligating braces and Invisalign—to deliver excellent results for kids and teens. With over 30 years of experience in Riverside County, they have earned their reputation as the top orthodontists in the Temecula Valley, making a difference in young patients’ lives across the Inland Empire. What is Skeletal Anchorage in Orthodontics? Skeletal anchorage provides stability for controlled…
What Is a Deep Bite and Why Does It Matter for Dental Health? A deep bite happens when a person’s upper front teeth extend excessively over the lower front teeth in the vertical plane of space when the bite is closed. This condition can significantly impact dental health, affecting not only the appearance of a smile but also leading to issues with chewing, gum recession, and tooth wear if left untreated. While a mild overbite is normal, a pronounced deep bite can lead to functional issues, gum tissue recession, excessive wear on the teeth, and even long-term esthetic concerns. 30…