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Posts for: March, 2019

Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 30, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontic treatment   clear aligners  
GoodReasonsforChoosingClearAlignersforOrthodonticTreatment

If your teenager is in need of orthodontic treatment, you might automatically think braces. But while this decades-old appliance is quite effective, it isn’t the only “tooth movement” game in town any more. Clear aligners are another choice your teenager might find more appealing.

Clear aligners are a sequential set of computer-generated plastic trays that are worn by a patient one after the other, usually for about two weeks per tray. The trays are fabricated using 3-D computer modeling of the patient’s mouth, each one slightly different from the last to gradually move teeth to the desired new positions.

So, why choose clear aligners over braces?

They’re nearly invisible. Because they’re made of a clear polymer material, they’re not nearly as noticeable as metal braces. In fact, they may go completely unnoticed to the casual observer.

They’re removable. Unlike metal braces, which are fixed in place by an orthodontist, clear aligners can be removed by the wearer. This makes brushing and flossing much easier, and they can also be removed for eating or special occasions. That said, though, they should be worn at least 20 to 22 hours each day to be effective.

They’re becoming more versatile. With some complicated malocclusions (poor bites), braces and other orthodontic appliances may still be necessary. But innovations like added power ridges in clear aligners can more precisely control which teeth move and which don’t. This has greatly increased the number of poor bite scenarios where we can appropriately use clear aligners.

If you’d like to consider clear aligners, just remember they require a bit more self-discipline on the part of the wearer than braces. And once the treatment finishes, they’ll still need to wear a retainer just as with metal braces to help keep the repositioned teeth from reverting to their old positions.

If you think your teen is up to the challenge and their particular situation can be corrected with this innovative technology, then clear aligners could be a great choice.

If you would like more information on clear aligners orthodontic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Clear Aligners for Teens.”


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Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 20, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontic treatment   braces  
ThinkYoureTooOldforOrthodonticsReadThis

You’ve lived most of your life with crooked teeth and an imperfect smile. You feel you should have done something about it years ago, but now you’re approaching your golden years — what would be the point?

Here’s the point: there’s a growing trend of older adults undergoing orthodontic treatment. People are discovering the life-changing benefits of straightening their teeth — even if they’re no longer teenagers.

So, what’s really holding you back?

I’m too old to have my teeth straightened. Not true — teeth can be straightened at any age, not just during childhood or adolescence. If anything would prevent orthodontic treatment it would be the state of your oral and general health, not your age. Your teeth’s supporting bone must be reasonably sound and healthy; likewise, systemic problems like bleeding disorders, leukemia and uncontrolled diabetes can make orthodontics difficult. But if you and your mouth are reasonably healthy, you can have your teeth straightened.

It’s too much to spend just to look better. Yes, orthodontic treatment can transform your smile — but it can also improve your oral health. Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risks for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease; they also don’t work well together so chewing is more difficult. By correcting your bite, you can reduce your chances of dental disease and improve overall mouth function.

I’d look silly at my age in braces. Self-consciousness about wearing these traditional appliances is common at any age. It’s understandable — the glint of metal is the first thing people see when you smile. But there’s a good chance you may be able to wear an alternative appliance that’s barely noticeable: clear aligners. These are a series of removable, clear plastic trays that you wear in sequence to gradually move your teeth. Not only are they less noticeable than braces, you can take them out for special occasions.

Don’t let these or other excuses keep you from a more attractive smile and healthy mouth. Visit your dentist for an examination to see if orthodontics can work for you.

If you would like more information on transforming your smile through orthodontics, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Orthodontics for the Older Adult.”


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Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 10, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment   extraction  
CrazyLittleThingCalledHyperdontia

The movie Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury. But when we see pictures of the flamboyant singer, many fans both old and new may wonder—what made Freddie’s toothy smile look the way it did? Here’s the answer: The singer was born with four extra teeth at the back of his mouth, which caused his front teeth to be pushed forward, giving him a noticeable overbite.

The presence of extra teeth—more than 20 primary (baby) teeth or 32 adult teeth—is a relatively rare condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes this condition causes no trouble, and an extra tooth (or two) isn’t even recognized until the person has an oral examination. In other situations, hyperdontia can create problems in the mouth such as crowding, malocclusion (bad bite) and periodontal disease. That’s when treatment may be recommended.

Exactly what kind of treatment is needed? There’s a different answer for each individual, but in many cases the problem can be successfully resolved with tooth extraction (removal) and orthodontic treatment (such as braces). Some people may be concerned about having teeth removed, whether it’s for this problem or another issue. But in skilled hands, this procedure is routine and relatively painless.

Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone like posts in cement—they are actually held in place dynamically by a fibrous membrane called the periodontal ligament. With careful manipulation of the tooth, these fibers can be dislodged and the tooth can be easily extracted. Of course, you won’t feel this happening because extraction is done under anesthesia (often via a numbing shot). In addition, you may be given a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.

After extraction, some bone grafting material may be placed in the tooth socket and gauze may be applied to control bleeding; sutures (stitches) are sometimes used as well. You’ll receive instructions on medication and post-extraction care before you go home. While you will probably feel discomfort in the area right after the procedure, in a week or so the healing process will be well underway.

Sometimes, dental problems like hyperdontia need immediate treatment because they can negatively affect your overall health; at other times, the issue may be mainly cosmetic. Freddie Mercury declined treatment because he was afraid dental work might interfere with his vocal range. But the decision to change the way your smile looks is up to you; after an examination, we can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for your own situation.

If you have questions about tooth extraction or orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Simple Tooth Extraction” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
      • November (3)
        • More Than Indigestion: How Acid Reflux Could Harm Your Teeth
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
      • October (3)
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
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        • New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
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        • You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
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        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
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        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
      • February (3)
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • Not Jazzed About Wearing Braces? Consider Clear Aligners Instead
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        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Lingual Braces Offer a Less Visible Alternative to Traditional Braces
        • Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
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        • Take Extra Dental Care Precautions While Undergoing Orthodontic Therapy
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
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        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
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        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
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        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
        • 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
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        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
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        • What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
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        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
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        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
        • Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
      • April (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
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        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (2)
        • How Tara Lipinski Protects Her Teeth from the Daily Grind
        • 3 Things You May Not Know About Orthodontics
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        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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      • December (2)
        • Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
      • November (2)
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        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
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        • Help Your Kids Have a Healthier Halloween
        • Tackling Dental Plaque
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
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        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • An Orthodontic Retainer: Insurance Well Spent for Keeping Your New Smile
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
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        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
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        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
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        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
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        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
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        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
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        • Don't Let Your Loose Tooth Become a Lost Tooth
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • January (3)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
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        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
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        • A Royal Fix
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        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
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        • Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
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        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
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