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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 Orthodontics provides 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.

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When it comes to braces treatment, one concern that often arises is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. Many patients wonder if this is a normal occurrence. Similarly, tooth whitening is a topic that dental professionals frequently address. If you’re seeking effective ways to whiten your teeth and maintain their shine, Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics have got you covered.

In this post, we will explore:

1. Understanding White Spot Lesions (WSLs) with Braces
2. Professional Teeth Whitening Options
3. At-Home Whitening Solutions

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Invisalign is awesome; it gives you an amazing smile without anyone ever noticing it doing its hard work. Mild soreness after switching your Invisalign trays is completely normal but uncomfortable. To help you manage any Invisalign pain, here are a few tips from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics. 

• Switch Your Aligners Before Bed: Switching to your next set of Invisalign aligners is what typically triggers any pain or soreness. Putting your new set of trays in right before you go to sleep means the tightness and pain associated with the tooth movement can be avoided for at least the night. And, by the time you wake up the worst of it will be over!

• Stick to Soft Foods: As always with a new orthodontic appliance or a change in your mouth, soreness can be helped with a soft-food-only diet, at least for a couple of days! We recommend stocking up on some soft braces-friendly food before you know any pain will set in. Here are some ideas: 

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You might be considering getting braces to help straighten your teeth. Congrats! Before you make a decision about which treatment path is best for you, it’s important that you ask your orthodontist some key questions. In this post, we’ll cover what you should ask about the treatment process, the cost of braces, and what to expect after your braces or Invisalign treatment starts, with insights from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

What Does My Treatment Timeline Look Like?

You should always ask your orthodontist for a description of the treatment plan, as a patient it is crucial to at least have a basic understanding of what will be going on in your mouth over the next few months. This will help you to understand what is going to happen during treatment and what you can expect in terms of results. And, understanding your treatment helps you to make more informed lifestyle choices, motivates you to maintain oral health, and helps you plan for costs down the road. our orthodontist will be happy to share where your treatment is headed with you!

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Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of your health. But vitamins are good for more than keeping your energy up or gut health, they are integral to good oral health as well. Your teeth are bones just like those that make up your arms and legs and therefore need the same support as the bones in the rest of your body. 

Vitamins are essentially an all-around preventative measure for common oral health issues. Improving your mouth’s health every day with vitamins is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free healthy dental experience. Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics recommends these vitamins for tooth health to strengthen your enamel and promote jaw health. 

Five Vitamins and Minerals you Should Have Daily: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

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