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.
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.
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.
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
Orthodontics is often associated with improving the appearance of teeth and correcting bite issues, but did you know that it can also help with breathing and sleep disorders? In fact, orthodontic treatment can be especially beneficial for patients who suffer from asthma and sleep apnea. In this post, Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodonticsprovides valuable insights on how orthodontics fits into the treatment of respiratory disorders.
Asthma is a common respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to a host of negative symptoms in the mouth, including decreased saliva production and higher rates of malocclusion. Asthma sufferers are also more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities due to the dry mouth associated with the condition. If you have asthma, it’s important to inform your orthodontist so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Sleep apnea is another disorder that can benefit from orthodontic treatment. While it’s not caused by orthodontic issues, studies have shown that orthodontists are well-equipped to screen for the condition. In a routine orthodontic exam, your orthodontist can quickly identify signs of sleep apnea and refer you to a specialist for treatment. In some cases, tooth movement may be recommended as part of the treatment plan for sleep apnea.
In addition to treating asthma and sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment can also improve the overall appearance of your face. By adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw, your orthodontist can create a more balanced facial profile and improve your breathing and speech.
Overall, orthodontic treatment is a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of issues beyond just the appearance of your teeth. If you suffer from breathing or sleep disorders, consider speaking with your orthodontist to see how they can help.
For those of us who haven’t gone to school for dentistry or orthodontics, some of the terms your provider may use can be a bit confusing. As a patient it’s important to understand how different parts of the mouth work together to create healthy teeth. From the jaw up to the tooth, each part inside the mouth is important to a healthy smile! It’s always beneficial for a patient or a parent of a patient to know a bit more about what’s going on behind the scenes during treatment. Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics share important topics to know before heading into a consult.
The Tooth
Many people don’t know this, but teeth are joints too! The space where the tooth connects to the jaw and gums is a joint called a gomphosis. The tooth is the only example of this variety of joints in the human body. A gomphosis joint is similar to a peg in a hole and is a stationary joint, which means it is not capable of movement on its own. The part of the jawbone that the teeth connect to is the alveolar bone, and is part of the tooth joint system. Essentially, it moves your teeth when you chew, swallow, or talk.
The tooth itself is composed of four layers of tissue. Three of these layers are hard tissue, which means they are calcified. The enamel, dentin, and cementum make up the hard parts of the tooth, while the pulp, a soft tissue, houses the nerves present on the inside of the tooth. The pulp is the only layer of soft tissue within the tooth. The cementum covers the root of the tooth below the gum line.
