Retainers and Sports Mouthguards
What Is an Asymmetrical Face? Symmetry is generally defined as “balanced proportions.” When it comes to human faces, symmetry means that the two sides of a face are in balance. In other words, the right side of the face looks like the left side of the face, or the top half of the face is in proportion to the lower half of the face. However, most people do not have perfectly symmetrical faces. Most people have slight differences, such as one eye being bigger than the other, ears of different sizes, or eyelids that do not match. Although facial asymmetry…
Orthodontic Appliance One of the primary tasks of an orthodontist is to address issues related to malocclusions. Malocclusion is a fancy term for “bad bite.” To correct bite issues, orthodontists use orthodontic appliances (devices) to widen the jaw, make space in the mouth, and move teeth into optimal positions. One such appliance is the fixed pendulum appliance (FPA). What Does a Pendulum Appliance Treat? A pendulum orthodontic appliance helps to create more room in a patient’s mouth by widening the upper jaw and shifting a patient’s top molars back to provide more room for crowded teeth to move into alignment.…
What Is a Nance Arch? Orthodontists use a variety of specialized appliances to treat specific orthodontic issues. Some of these appliances—such as the Nance holding arch—are used to preserve space in the dental arches. The dental arch is the curved structure that contains teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Every human has two dental arches—an upper arch and a lower arch. The Nance Holding Arch is a space maintainer used in the upper jaw. The device itself is comprised of a few parts, which include: Two stainless steel rings (called bands) that are fixed to the upper 6-year molars with orthodontic…
Quad Helix Appliance The definition of quad helix appliance is an orthodontic appliance that is used to gently and gradually widen a patient’s jaw. This type of device falls under the category of palatal expander. Because the quad helix expander is used on the upper teeth/jaw, it may also be called a maxillary expander. Maxillary is the term used when referring to the upper jaw. When referring to the lower jaw, the term mandibular would be used. The quad helix appliance can be removable, but it is usually bonded to the teeth with orthodontic cement. The appliance consists of stainless-steel…
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.…
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 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…
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…