One of the most exciting days in a person’s life is when their braces come off. That is why it is so disheartening when white spots are revealed right after the braces are removed. This can be extremely frustrating after all the time and money spent to get that beautiful smile. Do braces actually cause these white spots on the teeth? Can they be prevented? Can the white spots be fixed after they appear? ...
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The two most common drawbacks to orthodontic treatment are discomfort and the length of treatment. Many patients consider treatment to be too long if it extends beyond one year. Unfortunately the reality is that most orthodontic treatment requires between one and a half years to two years to complete. In cases such as these, the results would be naturally compromised if treatment was interrupted any sooner. As a result, comfort for the patient and reduction in orthodontic treatment times have become a ...
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People often ask why it is so important to wear retainers after their orthodontic treatment has been completed. Well, to varying degrees, teeth will always shift back slightly toward their original positions when retainers are not worn faithfully. This can partially and sometimes even completely undo the work that was done by the orthodontist. Therefore, to continue to keep the healthy smile that braces or Invisalign aligners have made possible, it is crucial to take the time to make wearing ...
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Many adults would love to have straighter teeth or have their bite corrected, but many of them also think that it’s too late to have treatment or they simply don’t want to wear braces. Well, now more than ever, there are several different options for straightening teeth that may be virtually invisible and can take much less time than in years past. Adults of any age can now straighten their teeth and get the beautiful smile they always wanted, and ...
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Okay, first things first! It is important to note that all orthodontists are dentists, but very few dentists are orthodontists. What does this actually mean? Well, all dentists must attend an accredited dental school for four years and they must pass the dental board examinations afterward to be licensed to practice dentistry in their state. Once they are licensed, they can “technically” do anything within the realm of dentistry. This includes orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), oral surgery (extraction of teeth ...
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At Tanner and Reichhold Orthodontics, we know that no one likes a mouth full of gooey putty and that impressions can be uncomfortable and a major hassle. In an effort to provide our patients with a positive experience and the best treatment possible, we are proud to have an iTero Digital Scanner as a new state-of-the-art tool in our office!
The iTero Digital Scanner is the latest technology for digitally capturing an image of your teeth. It is far more accurate than any impression that ...
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Exposure to x-rays has long been associated with the potential increased risk of non-cancerous tumors. A news story that was published in April of 2012 referenced this link and renewed the concern among the general population. Therefore, we feel that it’s important to review the use of x-rays for the purpose of patient care in our orthodontic office. The following questions and answers are intended to provide you with information that you can use to make wise decisions about your ...
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When you first start thinking about going to an orthodontist, it is normal to feel a little apprehensive. What will your orthodontic experience be like? Whether you have been referred by your general dentist or chosen to seek out orthodontic care on your own, there are a few things that you can do to prepare for your initial consultation.
One of the best ways to prepare for an orthodontic consultation is to understand your options. With so many choices available today, ...
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Today’s technology has come a long way and patients have many choices when it comes to straightening their teeth. A frequently asked question in our office is “Which is better: Braces or Invisalign?”
Braces are made up of metal or ceramic brackets and metal wires. A single bracket is affixed in an ideal position on each tooth. A wire is then inserted through each bracket and this wire gently draws the teeth into their proper alignment. An orthodontist is responsible for ...
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One of the most common comments that our patients or their parents make during the initial examination in our office is “why do teeth have to be removed before the braces go on?” The answer to this question depends on several factors.
Everyone has two sets of teeth. The first teeth to grow into the mouth are the primary or “baby” teeth. These teeth typically fall out on their own between the ages of 5 and 12 years. The second set ...
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