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Posts for tag: orthodontic treatment

You have a lot of options for replacing missing teeth, from state-of-the-art dental implants to affordable, but effective partial dentures. But if the teeth in question have been missing for a while, you may first have to undergo orthodontic treatment. Here's why.
While they may feel rigid and firm in the jawbone, teeth are actually held in place by periodontal (gum) ligaments. These elastic tissues lie between the teeth and the bone and attach to both with tiny filaments. This mechanism allows the teeth to incrementally move over time in response to biting pressures or other environmental factors.
When a tooth goes missing the teeth on either side of the space naturally move or "drift" into it to help close the gap. This natural occurrence can reduce the space for a restoration if it has gone on for some time. To make room for a new prosthetic (false) tooth, we may have to move the drifted teeth back to where they belong.
If you're thinking metal braces, that is an option—but not the only one. Clear aligners are another way to move teeth if the bite problem (malocclusion) isn't too severe. Aligners are a series of custom-made, clear, plastic trays worn over the teeth. The patient wears each tray, slightly smaller than the previous one in the series, for about two weeks before changing to the next one. The reduction in size gradually moves teeth to their intended target position.
Many adults prefer clear aligners because they're nearly invisible and don't stand out like metal braces. They're removable, so you can take them out for cleaning or for special occasions. And, we can also attach a prosthetic tooth to the tray that temporarily covers the missing tooth space.
Whichever orthodontic treatment you choose, once completed we can then proceed with restoration to permanently replace your missing teeth. While it can be a long process, the end result is a beautiful smile that could last for years to come.
If you would like more information on your dental restoration options, 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 “Straightening a Smile before Replacing Lost Teeth.”

Your teen is about to embark on an orthodontic journey to a straighter, more attractive smile. But although you're excited about the outcome, you both may be steeling yourselves for a few years of "life with braces."
But maybe not—your teen may be able to take advantage of a different kind of corrective appliance: clear aligners. This 21st Century teeth movement method has a number of advantages over braces. For teens, though, there's one big one that could have a huge impact on their social life—clear aligners are nearly invisible to other people.
Clear aligners consist of a series of clear, removable, computer-generated trays based on photographs, models and x-rays of an individual patient's teeth and bite. Each of the trays is slightly different from the previous one in the series, and by wearing each one for about two weeks before moving on to the next, the aligners gradually move the teeth to the desired new positions.
Besides reducing embarrassment often associated with wearing metal braces, clear aligners have other benefits. Unlike braces, they can be removed for eating, easier oral hygiene or for rare special occasions (although for best effectiveness, they should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day). Recent developments like added elements that help target certain teeth for movement or "power ridges" for more controlled and efficient force have increased the range of bite problems they can be used to correct.
While this means clear aligners can be used for many bite problems, in some severe cases braces and other orthodontic treatments might still be necessary. And because they're not fixed like braces (only the orthodontist can remove them) the patient must have the maturity and self-discipline to wear them consistently.
Your teen will need to undergo a thorough orthodontic examination to see if clear aligners are a viable option for them. If so, it could make the next few treatment years less stressful for both of you.
If you would like more information on clear aligners, 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: User-Friendly Orthodontics.”

On your way to a more attractive smile, you’ll have to deal with some inconveniences while wearing braces like avoiding certain foods or habits or dealing with possible embarrassment about your new “metal smile.” But there’s one consequence of wearing braces that could dramatically affect your dental health: the difficulty they pose for keeping your teeth clean of dental plaque.
Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria and food particles that if allowed to build up on tooth surfaces could trigger tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Brushing and flossing thoroughly every day helps prevent this buildup.
Unfortunately, metal brackets and wires can get in the way and cause you to miss areas while performing these hygiene tasks. This could cause plaque buildup in those isolated areas that could trigger an infection. And if you (or someone you love) are also a teenager, the natural adolescent surge in hormones can increase your infection risk.
If while wearing braces you notice your gums are reddened, swollen or bleeding when you brush, these are all signs of infection and the body’s inflammatory response to it. The longer the infection continues, the weaker the tissues become, causing them to gradually detach from the teeth. Along with bone deterioration (another effect of the disease), this can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to be as thorough as possible with daily brushing and flossing. To help make it easier, you can use special tools like an interproximal brush that can maneuver around the braces better than a regular brush. For flossing you can use a floss threader to more readily guide floss between teeth or a water flosser that uses a pressurized stream of water rather than floss thread to remove plaque.
This extra cleaning effort while wearing braces can greatly reduce your disease risk. But you’ll still need to keep an eye out for any symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, and see your dentist as soon as possible. If the symptoms become severe you may need your braces removed until the disease can be brought under control. The health and future vitality of your teeth and gums is what’s of primary importance.
If you would like more information on dental care 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 “Gum Swelling During Orthodontics.”

The primary goal of dental care is to preserve teeth. But there are circumstances in which removing a tooth, even a relatively healthy one, could prove best in the long run.
A malocclusion (poor bite) related to crowding might fit such a circumstance. Crowding occurs when the size of the jaw is too small for the teeth coming in. With not enough space, some teeth could erupt out of their proper positions. Removing certain teeth frees up space to eventually allow braces or other orthodontic devices to re-align the teeth.
The teeth most frequently removed are the first bicuspids, located between the cuspid (the "eyeteeth" directly under the eyes) and the back teeth, and the second premolar. Removing these won't normally affect appearance or functionality once orthodontic or cosmetic treatments are complete.
Because of the mechanics of jaw development it might be necessary to perform these extractions several years before orthodontic treatment. This could create another potential problem: the time lag could adversely affect bone health.
This is because bone, as living tissue, has a life cycle with cells forming, functioning and then dissolving, and new cells taking their place. When teeth are chewing or in contact with each other they generate force that travels through the tooth roots to the bone and stimulates cell growth at a healthy replacement rate.
But when a tooth is missing, so is this stimulation. This slows the replacement rate and eventually leads to decreased bone volume. Too much bone loss could create obstacles for orthodontic treatment or a future dental implant.
To avoid this, the dentist will often place a bone graft with processed bone mineral within the empty tooth socket right after extraction. The graft serves as a scaffold for bone cells to grow upon. The graft (plus any other added growth boosters) can help maintain a healthy level of bone volume to facilitate future orthodontic or restorative treatments.
Since targeted extraction for orthodontics is time-sensitive, you should have your child's bite evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 to see if any action is necessary. The earlier a malocclusion is detected, the more likely a more attractive and healthy smile will be the ultimate outcome.
If you would like more information on correcting poor bites, 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 “Tooth Removal for Orthodontic Reasons.”

For whatever reason, you’ve put off replacing a missing tooth for awhile. Now you want to fill that empty gap in your smile with a dental implant restoration.
But if your tooth’s been missing for a long time, there could be a problem with space. This is because the teeth on either side of the space may have gradually drifted into it, leaving no room for the implant. You could need orthodontic work first to return these teeth to their proper position.
We could use braces, metal orthodontic devices with wires threaded through brackets bonded to the teeth that are then anchored, usually to back teeth. The orthodontist uses elastics or springs as well as possibly incrementally tightening of the wire against the anchors. These techniques create pressure or tension on the teeth for the desired direction of movement. The teeth’s natural mechanism for movement does the rest.
But while effective, braces can be quite noticeable, an embarrassing thought for many adults having to wear them over several months of treatment. But there may be an alternative: clear aligners, a succession of slightly different plastic trays usually worn in two-week intervals. Sequentially wearing each tray gradually moves the teeth to their desired positions.
Though not appropriate for all bite situations, clear aligners have a number of benefits when they can be used. They’re nearly invisible to others and can be removed for hygiene tasks or rare special occasions. What’s more, the orthodontist may attach a temporary prosthetic (false) tooth to the trays to camouflage the missing space during treatment.
There’s one other issue you may have to deal with: if your tooth loss was related to periodontal (gum) disease, the gums and underlying bone may be in poor condition. In fact, substantial bone loss could rule out an implant altogether. But we may be able to remedy both gum and bone deficiencies through grafting or plastic surgery. It may be possible to regenerate enough bone to support the implant; and surgically repairing your gums will help ensure the implant appears natural.
If you have problems like these, don’t give up on your restoration goal just yet. With some orthodontic and dental work ahead of time, we may still be able to make implants a reality for you.
If you would like more information on restoring your smile after losing teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
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Archive:
- 2019
- January (6)
- Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
- A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
- Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- 2018
- December (6)
- Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- November (6)
- Your Teen Could get a Straighter Smile with Clear Aligners Rather than Braces
- Don't Ignore Sudden Tooth Pain - Your Teeth may be Telling you Something
- Keep up Regular Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
- Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- October (6)
- Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
- September (6)
- Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
- A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
- We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
- New Advances Could Revolutionize Decay Treatment
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- August (6)
- There's Still Hope for a Re-Infected Tooth After Root Canal Treatment
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- Dental Care of Prime Importance for Children with Special Health Needs
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Back to School Do's and Don'ts
- July (7)
- Those Red Patches on Your Tongue are Nothing to be Alarmed About
- Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
- Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
- Get Your Vitamins the Natural Way for Optimum Dental Health
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- June (6)
- A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
- June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
- 3 Advantages for Improving Your Smile with Composite Resins
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
- Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
- 2017
- December (5)
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- Gum Disease can Prevent Your Gums from Protecting Your Teeth
- Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
- Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
- Certain People may Benefit from Antibiotics Before Implant Surgery
- September (5)
- 'Test Drive' Your Future Look after Dental Work with a Trial Smile
- Stay Vigilant with Oral Hygiene to Avoid Another Bout of Gum Disease
- Reduce Future Bite Problems with These Innovative Techniques
- Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
- May (5)
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
- Keep an Eye on Your Young Children's Fluoride Intake
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- April (5)
- Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
- Enhance Your Smile for that Special, Once-in-a-Lifetime Day
- Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
- Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
- 2016
- November (5)
- Keep Your Baby's Fluoride Intake within Moderate Limits
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- June (5)
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- Consider a Removable Partial Denture as a Temporary Solution After Tooth Loss
- Replacing a Tooth or Saving it - Which Should you do?
- May (5)
- 5 Ways to Make Your Smile More Confident and Inviting
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Get a Handle on Stress-Related Tooth Grinding to Stop Tooth Damage
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
- March (5)
- Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- 2015
- December (5)
- Eating Disorders May Contribute to Damaged Teeth and Gums
- Treating a Baby Tooth with Inner Decay can be Complicated - but Still Necessary
- A Second Root Canal Treatment May Help Save an Endangered Tooth
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
- July (5)
- Common Types of Tooth Injuries and How to Treat Them
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
- There are Various Ways to Treat Sensitivity - Depending on its Cause
- Effective Oral Hygiene is Key to Disease Prevention While Wearing Braces
- April (5)
- Choosing the Right Mouth Rinse that Matches your Oral Health Needs
- 'Simple' Tooth Extractions are a Common Dental Procedure
- Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- Getting Smart About Wisdom Teeth
- 2014
- 2013
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- 2011
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