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Posts for tag: orthodontics

Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
August 17, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontics   braces  
MasterIllusionistBenefitsfromtheMagicofOrthodontics

Magician Michael Grandinetti mystifies and astonishes audiences with his sleight of hand and mastery of illusion. But when he initially steps onto the stage, it’s his smile that grabs the attention. “The first thing… that an audience notices is your smile; it’s what really connects you as a person to them,” Michael told an interviewer.

He attributes his audience-pleasing smile to several years of orthodontic treatment as a teenager to straighten misaligned teeth, plus a lifetime of good oral care. “I’m so thankful that I did it,” he said about wearing orthodontic braces. “It was so beneficial. And… looking at the path I’ve chosen, it was life-changing.”

Orthodontics — the dental subspecialty focused on treating malocclusions (literally “bad bites”) — can indeed make life-changing improvements. Properly positioned teeth are integral to the aesthetics of any smile, and a smile that’s pleasing to look at boosts confidence and self-esteem and makes a terrific first impression. Studies have even linked having an attractive smile with greater professional success.

There can also be functional benefits such as improved biting/chewing and speech, and reduced strain on jaw muscles and joints. Additionally, well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and less likely to trap food particles that can lead to decay.

The Science Behind the Magic

There are more options than ever for correcting bites, but all capitalize on the fact that teeth are suspended in individual jawbone sockets by elastic periodontal ligaments that enable them to move. Orthodontic appliances (commonly called braces or clear aligners) place light, controlled forces on teeth in a calculated fashion to move them into their new desired alignment.

The “gold standard” in orthodontic treatment remains the orthodontic band for posterior (back) teeth and the bonded bracket for front teeth. Thin, flexible wires threaded through the brackets create the light forces needed for repositioning. Traditionally the brackets have been made of metal, but for those concerned about the aesthetics, they can also be made out of a clear material. Lingual braces, which are bonded to the back of teeth instead of the front, are another less visible option. The most discrete appliance is the removable clear aligner, which consists of a progression of custom-made clear trays that reposition teeth incrementally.

How’s that for a disappearing act?!

If you would like more information about orthodontic treatment please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about the subject by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Magic of Orthodontics.”

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Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
February 28, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontics  
UnderstandingtheAgingProcessLeadstoMoreEffectiveOrthodontics

If you’ve ever looked at younger photos of yourself, you’re sure to notice differences with your present appearance. Of course, your basic features might appear much the same. But maybe your lips seemed a little thicker back then, or your nose a bit less prominent.

This is because your facial features don’t stop growing when you reach adulthood—they continue to change throughout your life. For example, lips reach their maximum thickness by around age 14 for girls or age 16 for boys; they’ll remain at that level of thickness for a few years before gradually thinning throughout adulthood. The nose will also continue to grow, becoming more prominent especially as changes in the lower part of the face can make the chin appear shorter.

Although each of us ages at different rates and in different ways, these general physical trends are somewhat predictable. That’s why we can use the knowledge of how our facial physiology changes with age to fine tune orthodontic or other cosmetic dental treatments. The most optimum approach is to consider treatment in the early stages of bite development during childhood or early adolescence.

This means we’re doing more than correcting a patient’s current bite: we’re also taking into account how tooth movement now might affect the jaw and facial structures later in life. By incorporating our understanding of age-related changes into our treatment we might be able to provide some hedge against the effects of aging.

This approach starts with early comprehensive dental care, preferably before a child’s first birthday, and an orthodontic evaluation at around age 6 to assess bite development. It may also be necessary to initiate interceptive treatment at an early age to lessen or even eliminate a growing bite problem to help ease the extent of future treatment. And if a bite requires correction, early evaluation can help create a timetable for effective treatment in later years.

Taking this approach can correct problems now affecting both dental health and appearance. But by acknowledging the aging process in our treatments, we can build the foundation for a beautiful smile well into the future.

If you would like more information on keeping an attractive smile throughout your life, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

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Take Extra Dental Care Precautions While Undergoing Orthodontic Therapy

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
December 30, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   orthodontics  
TakeExtraDentalCarePrecautionsWhileUndergoingOrthodonticTherapy

A “perfect storm” of dental disease could be brewing for your teenager undergoing orthodontic treatment. As braces or other appliances complicate hygiene efforts, newly erupted permanent teeth and changing hormone levels could also increase their susceptibility to tooth decay or gum disease.

Here are a few tips for helping your teenager maintain healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces.

Eat a Healthy Diet. Nutrition is a key component in a healthy mouth. Your teenager should eat a diet low in sugar, a key food source for bacteria that cause dental disease, and acidic foods and beverages that cause enamel erosion. Limit between-meal snacks to only a few times a day and drink acidic beverages only at mealtime.

Brush all Tooth and Gum Surfaces. For patients who wear braces, it’s important to thoroughly brush above and below the wire running through the affixed brackets. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle, brush between the wire and gums all the way around both the upper and lower jaws, then repeat the same technique brushing surfaces below the wire.

Clean Between Teeth. Flossing can be difficult while wearing braces, but plaque removal from between teeth is necessary for healthier teeth and gums. Orthodontic patients can benefit from special flossing tools like floss threaders, small interdental brushes or irrigators that remove plaque with sprayed water under pressure.

Incorporate Fluoride into Your Dental Care. A proven decay-fighter, fluoride strengthens enamel against erosion and infection. In addition to hygiene products and many drinking water systems, we can also supplement fluoride through gels or varnishes applied to the teeth during office visits, as well as prescription toothpastes or rinses with higher levels of fluoride for patients at higher risk of dental disease.

Use an Antibacterial Mouthrinse. Orthodontic patients with gingivitis (gum inflammation) or other bacterial-induced conditions may benefit from over-the-counter or prescribed antibacterial mouthrinses.

Maintaining an orthodontic patient’s teeth and gums can be difficult, but not impossible. A little extra attention — along with regular office cleanings and checkups — will go a long way in preventing dental disease.

If you would like more information on effective oral hygiene while undergoing 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 “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”

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Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
December 14, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontics   adult braces  
YourAgeWontNecessarilyDecideAgainstStraighteningYourSmile

It’s something you think about often—especially when you look in a mirror or at a photo of yourself. You wish something could have been done about it a long time ago. But now you think you’re too old to correct your misaligned teeth—your “crooked” smile.

Actually, you can transform your smile through orthodontics, whatever your age. Millions of your peers have done just that—currently, an estimated one in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

If orthodontics isn’t right for you it won’t be because of age, but most likely the condition of your gums and underlying bone or your overall health. That first factor is extremely important: if you’ve lost a significant amount of bone due to periodontal (gum) disease, there may not be enough to support the force of moving the teeth during orthodontics.

Health conditions like severe heart-valve disease, uncontrolled diabetes or drugs to treat arthritis or osteoporosis can also make tooth movement difficult. And, if you have restricted saliva flow (dry mouth), wearing orthodontic devices could be uncomfortable and increase your risk of tooth decay.

If, however, your mouth and body are reasonably healthy (and you don’t have a difficult bite problem to correct), there’s no reason why you can’t undergo orthodontic treatment. The only other thing that might hold you back is concern over your appearance during treatment. Many adults balk at the possible embarrassment of wearing metal braces “at their age.”

If this is a concern, you may have an alternative: clear aligners. These are a series of computer-generated clear plastic trays that conform to the individual contours of your teeth. Each tray is slightly different—you wear one for a short period of time (usually two weeks) before moving on to the next tray to successively and gradually move your teeth. They’re nearly invisible to others and, unlike fixed metal braces, you can take them out for a rare special occasion.

The only way you’ll know whether correcting your misaligned teeth is a viable option is to undergo a full orthodontic evaluation. From there we can help you decide if and how you want to gain a straighter, more attractive smile.

If you would like more information on adult 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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4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
November 29, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontics   braces  
4TipsforAvoidingDentalDiseaseWhileWearingBraces

Wearing braces takes time, but if all goes well the changes to your smile will be well worth it. In the meantime, though, you’ll have to contend with one particular difficulty—keeping your teeth clean of disease-causing, bacterial plaque.

Don’t worry, though—while keeping dental disease at bay with braces can be challenging, it is doable. Here are 4 tips for minimizing your chances of tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease during orthodontic treatment.

Eat less sugar. Like any living organism, bacteria must eat—and they’re especially amenable to sugar. The more they have access to this favorite food source, the more they multiply—and the greater your risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Eating fewer sugary foods and snacks and more dental-friendly ones helps restrict bacteria populations in your mouth.

Brush thoroughly. Brushing with braces can be difficult, especially in areas blocked by orthodontic hardware. You need to be sure you brush all tooth and gum surfaces around your braces, including above and below the wire running through the brackets. A soft multi-tufted microline bristle brush is a good choice for getting into these hard to reach places. Brushing around braces takes more time, but it’s essential for effective plaque removal.

Use flossing tools. Flossing is important for removing plaque from between teeth—but, unfortunately, it might be even more difficult to perform with braces than brushing. If using string floss proves too daunting consider using a floss threader or a similar device that might be easier to maneuver. You can also use a water irrigator, a hand-held device that sprays water under pressure to loosen and flush away between-teeth plaque.

Keep up regular dental visits. While you’re seeing your orthodontist regularly for adjustments, you should also see your general dentist at least every six months or more. Besides dental cleaning, your dentist also monitors for signs of disease and can prescribe preventive measures like antibacterial mouth rinses. Of course, if you see abnormalities, like white spots on your teeth or red, puffy or bleeding gums, contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner a problem can be addressed the less impact it may have on your orthodontic treatment and overall oral health.

If you would like more information on caring for teeth and gums while wearing braces, 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 “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”

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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
      • September (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
      • August (3)
        • 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
      • July (3)
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
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        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
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        • Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
        • Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
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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
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        • 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
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • 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
      • September (3)
        • 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
      • August (3)
        • 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
      • July (3)
        • 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
      • June (3)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • May (3)
        • 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
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        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
        • 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
      • January (3)
        • 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)
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • 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
      • September (2)
        • 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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        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Your Dentist may have the Solution for Your Sleep Apnea
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
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        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
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        • Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
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        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • 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
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
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        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
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        • A Royal Fix
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        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
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        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
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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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        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
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        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
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        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
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        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
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        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
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        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
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        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
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        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
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