Traditional Metal Braces
The term “malocclusion” is often used by orthodontists and dentists. In its simplest form, the term means “bad bite.” The word derives from the Latin term for bad (“mal”) and the root word “occlusion.” In dentistry, occlusion refers to how the teeth fit together when the jaws are closed. In other words, occlusion means “bite.” Burke & Redford Orthodontists treat many different types of bite problems using a wide variety of orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at two types of malocclusions caused by the misalignment of the jaw.…
Braces are a Popular Choice Today, over 4 million Americans are wearing braces. That is certainly a lot of beautiful smiles in the making. Orthodontic treatment is a popular choice for kids and teens worldwide. Braces do a fantastic job correcting problems with tooth alignment and crowding, as well as addressing issues with a person’s bite. Nearly 80% of the 4.8 million Americans wearing braces are children and teens. The average age for a child to get braces is between the ages of 9 and 14. According to statistics, 25% to 50% of children require orthodontic treatment at some point…
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 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…
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…
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 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…