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Orthodontic treatment is the process of straightening or moving teeth to improve their alignment and appearance. It also can involve changing the shape of the maxilla and/or mandible that house the teeth. The benefits of orthodontic treatment are numerous, and can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall oral health, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Teenagers can be vulnerable to many negative habits, and one of the most harmful is tobacco use. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products are popular among teenagers, who often do not understand the long-term effects they can have on their overall health.

Root resorption is the shortening of the root length of a tooth when compared to the pre-treatment panoramic or periapical radiograph. It is most common in the maxillary incisors, followed by the mandibular incisors.

Humans have a long history of crooked teeth! Irregularities in the alignment of teeth have been found by archaeologists in human remains that date back 50,000 years! People realized long ago that straighter teeth looked better, worked better and even made them feel better about themselves. Americans especially take pride in having straight teeth so it’s no wonder that 4 million of us are currently wearing braces!

Orthodontists are not just about fixing crooked/crowded/spaced teeth to create a beautiful smile. We can also be part of the health care team working to improve a patients sleep quality.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who concentrate on fixing irregularities in teeth and jaws. They straighten teeth and help correct problems such as crowding, overbites and underbites. Many patients believe that getting orthodontic treatment is all about cosmetics. This is a common misconception. The proper alignment of teeth can benefit a person's overall dental health as well as benefit overall well being.

As more people get vaccinated over time, we are all hoping that this summer starts to bring things back to normal for everyone. And now that good weather is finally here, the kids are starting to get back out there and enjoy time with friends! To kids, summer means playing lots of sports and participating in fun outdoor activities. If your child is currently in active orthodontic treatment or they have recently finished with their orthodontic treatment, consider taking some extra steps to protect your kids’ smile this summer!

When clear aligner orthodontic treatment is discussed, most patients are familiar with the company Invisalign. Today, there are other companies providing clear aligner therapies, including some “do it yourself” options which will be discussed.

The specialty of orthodontics involves much more than just moving teeth, and the management of sleep apnea bears witness to this. As such, there is increasing interest in the role of the orthodontist both in screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and as a practitioner who may be valuable in the multidisciplinary management of OSA in both children and adults.

Sleep plays a very important role in overall body health. Sleep disordered breathing is the disruption of a restful sleep by snoring or gasping. ​Poor sleep can lead to multiple health issues including increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Jaw expansion, or widening of the maxilla and/or mandible has become common occurrence in children 7-10 years old. Why is it that so many kids of this age are having this type of treatment recommended? Is it really necessary? ​What is trying to be accomplished? The purpose of this article is to shed some light on this treatment approach in orthodontics.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the Orthodontist to be at 7 years old. At this age, most children still have 12 primary or baby teeth remaining in their mouth. Since braces are usually placed on the adult teeth, this age is typically too young for full Orthodontic treatment. ​So why is there a recommendation for an early evaluation?