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October marks the start of cooler temperatures and Halloween festivities, but it also means it’s National Orthodontic Health Month! This month recognizes the impact that orthodontics has on patients’ lives, not just in terms of oral health but also in mental well-being. Straightening a crooked bite or fixing occlusion issues might seem like a small task, but it can have a lasting impact on your future health.

 

Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics is a highly trained professional who specialize in tooth alignment and general dentistry. They undergo additional residency programs that can last up to three years to specifically study orthodontia and occlusion. They also attend conferences and continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best possible care to patients.

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The real answer to this question is yes. You might see advertisements online or in magazines for services that bypass the orthodontist to get you clear aligners. These services are typically referred to as mail-in orthodontics. Many adults who seek orthodontic care later in life view the orthodontist as a hassle and may be more likely to try these non-certified options, so keep reading to learn more about why you should get Invisalign from an orthodontist, from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

 

Why an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals. While aligner companies have technology that allows them to create sets of correctional aligners, they lack the training and expertise of a certified orthodontist to make diagnostic decisions regarding your bite and teeth. 

Orthodontists go through dental school and a specialized master’s program adding two to three years of specified bite-focused training to their dental education. They complete an orthodontic residency and often participate in research to further the field as a whole. 

Many orthodontists also invest in continuing education programs and are up to date on the best and most effective ways to straighten teeth. An orthodontic office has all the materials and staff to facilitate an easier and less harmful path to a beautiful smile.  

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Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field that sees advancements in technology and practices regularly. As a patient, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s new in orthodontics and how these changes can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great example of how innovation can lead to better orthodontic treatment. Invisalign was the first company to pioneer this technology, and since then, millions of patients have seen great success with clear aligners. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is their invisible nature, which makes them ideal for patients who are self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners are associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software that helps create the most accurate and best-suited tools for treatment.

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How often do I need to wear my Invisalign? Adjust my expander? Wear rubber bands, retainers, or mouthguards? These questions and more are some of our most asked questions during treatment. The short answer is that if you wear these appliances and are diligent with your oral health, your treatment will progress easier. Your compliance and the length of time you wear braces or have aligners are directly related. Keep reading to learn more about the Importance of Compliance During Orthodontic Treatment from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

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Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, your dental health is critical for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chemical imbalances throughout your body, leading to changes in vitamin and mineral levels. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy, including how pregnancy affects your gums, whether pregnancy causes tooth decay, and what vitamins you need more of from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

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If you’re a reader of our blog, you know that orthodontic treatment benefits our patients in many ways that may not be immediately obvious. Most people who seek orthodontic treatment focus on a crooked bite, crowded teeth, or a smile they are generally unhappy with. While we certainly love giving every one of our patients a smile they can’t wait to show off, there are other benefits to treating any issues with the bite.

One of those benefits is helping to solve issues a patient may have with their speech. Speech impairment is relatively common among children, and we see it frequently. Luckily, some simple orthodontic treatments can alter the anatomy and positioning of the tongue within the mouth, and these simple tweaks can make speech much easier and improve impaired speech. To learn more about how orthodontics can effectively address speech impediments, keep reading and find out how Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics can help.Read More