Everything You Need to Know About Orthodontics at Burlingame Smile Studio, Dr. April Lee Orthodontics is one of the most important branches of dentistry. It focuses on diagnosing and treating misalignment and irregularities in the teeth and jaw, as well as correcting improper bites. Orthodontic treatments can be used for both children and adults, and …
Why do we wear wires? The archwires we wear during our orthodontic treatment use continuous pressure to move your teeth into optimal alignment. It may seem simple, but there is a lot going on. Did you know that our teeth often need more than just restoration? Of course, some teeth need to listen to a …
What are children’s braces? Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth and gums. They consist of a series of chips, wires, and brackets that constantly apply a small amount of pressure to your child’s teeth, slowly moving them into an upright position over time. Braces can fix: Crooked or overcrowded teeth Gaps between teeth Overbite Underbite Other jaw misalignments Orthodontic braces can also be used in general to improve the appearance of your child’s …
Studies have shown that the frequency of malocclusions in adults is similar to what we see in children and teenagers. Perhaps three-quarters of adults have some kind of orthodontic problem – tooth decay or tooth displacement after extraction, for example. A beautiful smile is a sure way to boost self-confidence, and research shows that orthodontic treatment can improve career opportunities and social life. There are also potential health benefits, as misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean, setting the stage for tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can …
People who have had their teeth fixed with braces use retainers. They are usually the last part of the orthodontic straightening process and ensure that the teeth stay in their new position. Although some people may believe that orthodontic work is complete when braces come off, wearing retainers for the prescribed amount of time is essential. Not following the guidance of one’s dentist or orthodontist could undo …
During the first few days or weeks of wearing braces, your teeth and jawbone will be sore. The inside of your lips can also be very sensitive since they rub on the metal all day. It can be painful and very annoying. Keep in mind that the first few weeks of the braces are the …
There are a surprising number of braces options for orthodontic patients. Contact Dr. April Lee, Orthodontist, at Burlingame Smile Studio for more information or to discuss a treatment plan. We serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae. Traditional/Metal Braces Traditional braces involve placing metal brackets (usually stainless steel) over the teeth, which are attached to wires (usually metal alloys). The fibers are held together by small rubber bands. …
How Two-Phase Treatment Works The main goal of the first treatment is to allow the normal development of permanent teeth. This often results from jaw growth problems in children who are at high risk of needing jaw surgery later in life. The first part of the treatment is done when the jawbone is very flexible. Once the bones are strong, it is too late to change them through orthodontic procedures and invasive surgery will be required. Common methods of …
Some teenagers enjoy wearing metal tooth braces in high school. Braces and wires can be tempting and may take a little more work than some teenagers to manage properly. If the teenager in your life could benefit from a smile but doesn’t want to commit to traditional braces, consider Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign treatment for teens is designed to meet your teen’s social and emotional needs while …
Conventional thinking says that orthodontic treatment, including braces, is only for teenagers or perhaps young adults. However, the field of dentistry and orthodontics has changed a lot in recent years. Not only that, but people are living longer, and many older people have more disposable income than previous generations. Whether an older person simply wants …
