WHO? Usually headgear is recommended for the younger patient. Headgear works best while a patient is still growing so it can be used to guide jaw growth in the right direction. WHAT? Headgear is a removable orthodontic appliance worn to retract the upper molars and restrict excessive growth of the upper jaw. WHERE? Bands with [...]
I remember meeting this patient and her husband on the day they came in for her initial consultation with Dr. Coombs. She was in her mid-sixties and finally ready to deal with her crooked, crowded teeth. Because her bite was off, she was also dealing with some dental/periodontal issues. With coordination from her dentist to [...]
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an Orthodontist at age 7 7 is the age when children begin to get their adult teeth. Of course we can see a child younger than 7 if there is an issue of concern. Taking your child to the Orthodontist will not necessarily result [...]
Can botulinum toxin A (more commonly known as Botox®) be used to help TMJ disorders? The FDA has approved the use of botulinum toxin A for cosmetic purposes, to smooth lines and wrinkles. It has also been approved to treat certain medical conditions, including migraine headache, but it has yet to be approved for the [...]
Having braces won't ruin your Halloween! Dress up, go trick-or-treating, eat candy... have fun! Of course, you have to be careful when it comes to eating candy. Anything sticky, chewy or hard should be avoided. Our concern is that you might damage the braces. Chomping down on a hard candy and/or eating sticky candies like [...]
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account, provided by your employer, that you can place funds into to pay for qualified, out-of-pocket, healthcare and dental expenses. You don’t pay taxes on the funds placed in your FSA account. Orthodontic treatment is one of those qualified expenses. Funds in the account can [...]
How will I know if a permanent tooth is missing? An x-ray will be necessary to confirm that a permanent tooth is missing. Sometimes the issue of a missing permanent tooth is noticed because a baby tooth is retained too long or a baby tooth was lost but the replacement tooth never erupted. Sometimes it’s [...]
What is an Orthodontist? An orthodontist is a specialist in orthodontic treatment (proper alignment of teeth and jaws) and dentofacial orthopedics (guidance of dental, jaw and facial development). Only those who graduate from dental school, usually a four-year program, and who successfully complete an advanced study in orthodontics at an accredited two-to-three year orthodontic [...]
What are white spot lesions? They are chalky white stains that can develop during braces as a result of decalcification. Braces do not cause those white spots to develop, bacteria does. Decalcification or demineralization is a loss of the hard minerals on the tooth surface caused by bacteria that has built up around the brackets [...]
