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Temecula and Lake Elsinore - (951) 699-8011
Payment Options, if Qualified

Retainers and Sports Mouthguards

Glossary of Orthodontic Terms

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…

Dental Midline

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…

10 Benefits of Having Straight Teeth

Straight Teeth Provide More Than A Beautiful Smile At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we pride ourselves on shaping beautiful smiles. However, the benefits of straight teeth are much more than just cosmetic. There are also significant health and social benefits related to straight teeth and an attractive smile. In this article, we will examine the health benefits related to straight teeth. We will also discuss some of the issues that straight teeth can address or alleviate. We will look at some of the social benefits of straight teeth. Finally, we will discuss the financial benefit of addressing orthodontic issues earlier…

Overbite in Children

What Is An Overbite? Almost everyone has top teeth that slightly overlap their bottom teeth. However, when the overlap is significant or protrudes excessively over the bottom teeth, this is called an overbite. To be classified as an overbite, the upper teeth must protrude forward over the lower teeth by more than 3 millimeters. An overbite is a type of malocclusion, which is the medical term for the abnormal relationship of the upper and lower teeth. A malocclusion is just a fancy term for a bite problem. While orthodontists refer to overbite as excess vertical overlap of front teeth, lay…

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…

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…

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…

Summertime Is Ideal for Beginning Orthodontic Treatment

For many tweens and teenagers, summer means relaxation and fun. Activities such as swimming, eating ice cream, and sleeping late are top priorities. However, summer is also an ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment. In this article, we will look at why summertime is a great time to start orthodontic treatment. We will also share tips on caring for braces during summer. After all, no one wants to spend summer vacation getting a broken bracket fixed at the orthodontist! Three Reasons Why Summer Is Ideal for Starting Orthodontic Treatment At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we know that our patients in…

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