Mar 1, 2020
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that is the study and treatment of improper bites possibly resulting from tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships or both. Improperly aligned teeth and jaws are called a malocclusion and often lead to a host of painful dental disorders. The type of dentist that specializes in orthodontics is orthodontists. Orthodontists can protect your bite, maximize your teeth’s effectiveness in performing their functions and create a well aligned smile. Orthodontists are able to do this through numerous methods. In addition, they are able to guide jaw growth, lower risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, correct harmful oral habits, improve the way lips meet, and improve appearance resulting in improved self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment can rejuvenate the facial appearance through reshaping the jaw, neck and lips. These different enhancements place orthodontic treatment in the same category as cosmetic surgery.
With all of the technological advancements, there has been a growing trend for adults to receive orthodontic treatment. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 30% of orthodontic patients in the US are adults. There is no longer the preconceived notion that orthodontic treatment is strictly for kids who need to fit braces for their teeth. More adults are becoming increasingly fashion conscious and paying more attention to their appearance. Adults are requesting orthodontic treatment to create the “well-aligned smile”. An improved smile creates improved self-confidence for people.
A referral will be made by the dentist if orthodontic treatment is requested. During the orthodontic visit, an evaluation is made to identify an individualized treatment plan. Typically, before the treatment plan is developed the orthodontist will need to obtain the following:
- Oral, facial and function evaluation
- Intraoral and facial photographs
- Panoramic and cephalometric x-rays
- Impressions for models of the teeth and bite
The results from the different assessment methods and tests performed will result in a treatment plan developed by the orthodontist. The orthodontist will discuss all of the orthodontic treatment alternatives that will be best suited for the individual.
Feb 27, 2020
Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes respiration to stop when a person is sleeping. This is a very common disorder affecting more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. A person can stop breathing from 10 seconds up to a few minutes. The pauses in breathing can take place up to 30 times in one hour. Sleep apnea can cause life-threatening health problems related to oxygen deprivation if it isn’t addressed. Some of the health problems resulting from oxygen deprivation include heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems.
Warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Frequent silences during sleep due to breaks in breathing
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings to restart breathing
- Daytime sleepiness
In an effort to reduce sleep apnea, some medical companies have introduced some sleep apnea dental appliances. Two common oral devices are the Mandibular Repositioning Device and the Tongue Retaining Device. These devices work by opening your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep. It appears the dental appliances have been successful for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Fewer apneas occur when using these dental devices.
If a patient chooses to use a dental appliance, dentists are great choices to work on designing the oral appliance for a person’s mouth. A dentist will design and fabricate a mold of the teeth and jaws. It is important to get fitted by a dentist specializing in sleep apnea and work with the dentist to identify any dental problems with using the dental appliance.
Why Use a Dentist to help with Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea occurs within the airways, the symptoms are produced through the mouth. Since dentists are the mouth experts, it seems very appropriate to use a dentist, particularly one who has significant knowledge on sleep apnea. Another great benefit of choosing dental sleep apnea treatment is that the dentist may be able to pick out specific problems within your mouth that may be exacerbating your sleep apnea. If a person grinds his teeth during sleep, the dentist will be able to repair any damage that may have been caused.
Dental treatments for sleep apnea offer a huge array of benefits to a person’s health, appearance and condition. Techniques such as oral appliance therapy will not cure sleep apnea, but it can reduce the episodes that occur resulting from sleep apnea.
Feb 25, 2020
Dental implants are a replacement or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Dental implants have a lot of advantages in comparison to having dentures or bridges. Dentists indicate that when a patient has missing teeth, it’s important to have bone preservation. Dental implants allow this by being embedded in the bone, which will preserve the bone. Often, what occurs with missing teeth is the bone deteriorates. This creates some changes in a person’s facial appearance. The advantage of dental implants is since the dental implant will replace the natural tooth root it will be attached to the bone like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are stronger and last longer and appear to be more effective in comparison to bridges and dentures. Bridges and dentures often can be loose and unstable. Other advantages of dental implants include:
- Not distinguishable from other teeth. So, the implants do not stand out in a person’s mouth. Dental implants are close in appearance to a natural tooth.
- More comfortable and convenient for a person. A person with dental implants does not have to worry about having to remove dentures on a daily basis. Dental implants are permanent.
- Ease of eating. Often, people complain about the difficulties with dentures of eating food. Since dental implants are permanent, you don’t have to worry about dentures falling out.
- Improved oral health. If a person gets a bridge, they may have to reduce other teeth. However, dental implants would not require any reduction in teeth. All other teeth will remain intact.
- Durability. As mentioned, dental implants last a long time and may last a lifetime for many people
- 95% success rate with dental implants. Dental implants are small fixtures and they are often not rejected by the body.
Feb 13, 2020
Cinnamon floss is red, mouthwash is blue.
Brush twice a day, and to your dentist be true!
Happy Valentines Day from Falmouth Dental Arts! In celebration of a day of love, we have a list of the Top Ten Reasons to Love (and take care of) Your Teeth!
10. Your teeth give you the ability to smile at the people you love!
9. Your teeth are how you bite into candy hearts, and…
8. Your teeth help you chew those candy hearts! (Just remember to brush after enjoying your Valentine’s sweets!)
7. Your teeth support your oral structure and speech, allowing you to say “I love you.”
6. Feeling more theatrical? Your teeth let you sing “I Will Always Love You.”
5. If you’d rather whistle Whitney, your teeth help you do that, too!
4. Your teeth enable you to chew gum. Heart shaped bubbles, anyone?
3. Doctors and dentists agree that oral health affects heart health. Show your teeth some TLC and keep your heart healthy in the process!
2. Your teeth bring you and your dentist, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, together! We love getting to know our patients, and we have your teeth to thank for that.
1. Your teeth hold the rose while dancing the tango with your sweetheart.
As you celebrate Valentine’s Day, your team at Falmouth Dental Arts reminds you to enjoy sugary sweets in moderation. Don’t forget to show your teeth some love by brushing and flossing twice a day, every day of the year! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a cleaning, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
