Orthodontics is an extremely important branch of dentistry, not only because the treatment it provides can improve bite function and long term oral health, but also because it’s able to provide patients with much better, more comfortable and beautiful smiles! In this three-part article series, we spoke to a dentist in Silver Spring about orthodontics so that we can all benefit from a valuable insight into this field of corrective oral healthcare. The Silver Spring Orthodontist Answers: “Orthodontics is a field of dentistry dedicated to the treatment (and diagnosis and prevention) of facial and dental irregularities, such as skew teeth and a poorly aligned jaw or bite. These can either be a result of congenital or birth defects or accidental trauma. In the case of teeth replacement, many orthodontists also offer experience in the treatment of the diseases that cause tooth loss and in the placement of dental implants.” The Dentist in Silver Spring Answers: “An orthodontist is a dentist who has the additional training and qualification necessary to guide facial development, manage tooth movement and correct defects/trauma and disease affecting the oral and maxillofacial skeleton. Orthodontics is a recognized dental specialty, according to the American Dental Association.” The Orthodontist in Silver Spring MD Answers: “In most cases, if not all, the goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve overall oral health by correcting a maloccluded bite, which can either be the result of poorly aligned teeth and/or jawbones. While the goal is correctional in nature, the results are almost always aesthetically beneficial for Silver Spring MD patients and those from elsewhere, as well.” Here are some of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment: • Teeth that fit better and therefore function better. • A more comfortable bite, which eliminates problems such as muscle strain and inflammation around and of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This in turn can solve the many problems caused by TMJ disorders, including chronic headaches, muscle fatigue, neck pain, jaw stiffness and even nausea caused by migraines. • A more aesthetically pleasing and attractive smile. • Increased self-confidence, which is especially important for young patients in their developmental years (teenagers). • Improved ability to maintain oral hygiene, since teeth that are straight and even are easier to brush and floss. • Orthodontic treatment guides the teeth into newer and more favorable positions in the mouth. • Better and healthier long-term wear pattern across the biting surfaces of the teeth, which translates into better long-term oral health for Silver Spring residents. • Orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of trauma to any teeth that may protrude from the mouth as a result of malocclusion. • Orthodontic treatment generally improves and optimizes the success of other dental treatment. • It can also treat problems that include snoring, sleep apnea and difficulty swallowing and articulating in speech. Stay Tuned for Part 2 To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series on orthodontic dentistry in Silver Spring MD.
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This four-part article series provides an in-depth explanation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), looking at causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Welcome back to our four-part article series on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the articulating joint between the jawbone and temporal plate of the skull. In our previous article, the second installment of the series, an experienced dentist and orthodontist in Silver Spring MD described the various symptoms of TMD before explaining the various checks dental healthcare specialists do in order to diagnose the condition. In this article and the next, we shall take an in-depth look at the treatment options facing Silver Spring residents with TMD. The Treatment Options for TMD “Treating TMD is far more complex than simply taking a course of prescribed medication,” explains a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “The kind of treatment we recommend also depends substantially on how severe a patient’s condition is. Usually, the best approach is to begin with conservative therapy, which should appease the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, surgery may ultimately be required.” In this article, an orthodontist will explain the non-surgical treatment approaches. In Part 4, the final installment of the series, we’ll look at the surgical options. Basic Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment Most Silver Spring cosmetic dentists agree that the best way to treat TMD is to begin with a combination of conservative therapies. The goal of these therapies is to reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviate pain and eliminate the source of stress or strain aggravating the TMJ. Adjust Your Diet: Refrain from eating hard, crunchy foods (hard candy, crisps, raw vegetables, ice, caramels) and foods that require you to stretch open your mouth to fit. Rather, stick to a softer diet (yogurt, soup, cooked vegetables, mashed potato, fish, etc.) for a few weeks or as recommended by your dentist. Cut smaller bites and chew gently. You’re trying to rest the TMJ and give the swelling and inflammation a chance to subside. Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply an ice pack to your temple for approximately 10 minutes. Your orthodontist will show you how to perform some easy jaw stretching exercises, which you should subsequently do. After stretching, press a warm, moist towel to the same temple region for five minutes. Repeat this procedure two to three times a day. Medication for the Symptoms: The orthodontist in Silver Spring may prescribe you some pain medications (for example, Aleve, Advil or Motrin) to help alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with TMD. You may also be required to take muscle relaxants, especially if the cause behind your TMD is determined to be teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Nighttime Night Guards and Splints: Wearing a mouth guard at night when you are more likely to grind and clench your teeth prevents the damage these bad habits have on the biting surfaces of the teeth, as well as lessening the stress it puts on the TMJ. A mouth guard or splint (which is worn all the time and not just at night) will also position the teeth correctly, eliminating the joint strain caused by a bad bite. Resting the Jaw: “Simply resting the jaw joint by avoiding extreme movements, eating soft foods and keeping yawning to a minimum, you can give the TMJ a chance to heal, thus reducing pain and inflammation” explains the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “Other habits to avoid include resting your chin on your hand or cradling a telephone between your ear and neck. Bad posture can also exacerbate TMD. Sit up straight!” Seek Treatment for Dental Problems: If a bad bite is to blame for your TMD, you may need to seek corrective dental treatment for crooked or missing teeth! Balancing the biting surfaces of your teeth will eliminate any strain on the TMJ caused by a bad bite. Keep Your Mouth Slightly Parted: For as long as possible during the course of the day. This will reduce the pressure on the TMJ and prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth. Stay Tuned for Part 4 To find out what the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist has to say about what surgical treatment options are available for TMD, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series! The Dental Implants Specialist in Maryland Talks About Gum Recession: Causes and Treatment, PART 311/22/2013 This four-part article series provides an in-depth look at why gums can recede from the crowns of the teeth, the various problems it causes for one’s oral health and what can be done about it.Welcome back to our four-part article series on gum recession, it’s causes, symptoms and treatment. In our previous two article installments, the first and second of the series, an experienced dental implants Maryland specialist, listed the host of factors that are linked with gum recession. They included gum disease, bad oral hygiene, hormonal fluctuations, aggressive toothbrushing, genetic heritage, smoking, teeth grinding and jaw clenching, an uneven bite and crooked teeth and tongue or lip piercings. In this article, we shall explain the importance of treating gum recession before exploring the various treatments offered by Silver Spring residents for this remarkably common condition. What are the Dangers of Gum Recession?“When the gums recede and pull away from the crowns of the teeth, the roots become exposed to the food you eat, bacteria and abrasive actions, such as toothbrushing,” explains the dental implants specialist in Maryland. “The difference between your tooth roots and crowns is that the latter is specifically protected against general wear-and-tear by dental enamel. So, when the roots become exposed, they can easily become damaged and decayed. “Additionally, gum recession causes pockets or spaces to develop between the tooth roots and the gingival walls, affording oral bacteria excellent refuge from your attempts at maintaining good hygiene. The build-up of disease-causing bacteria in these pockets destroys dental, gum and jawbone health, leading to gum disease and eventual tooth loss. This is why prompt treatment is so important,” emphasizes the dental healthcare specialist. So... what treatments are available for gum recession? Gum Recession TreatmentThere are essentially two solutions recommended for gum recession by dental implants Maryland specialists. The one recommended for you will depend upon the extent of recession. Mild recession can usually be treated with deep cleaning and root planing, which involves the removal of calculus from between the tooth roots and the gingival walls surrounding them. Your dentist will then smooth the root surfaces (known as “planing”) to make it difficult for bacteria to re-establish a foothold on the root. Your treatment may also be complimented with a course of anti-bacterial medication to ensure that you have as good a chance of complete recovery from infection as possible. If your dentist determines that the extent of gum recession is too far advanced and the pockets between your tooth roots and gums too deep, you may be referred to a periodontist for surgery to eliminate diseased tissue and repair the damage done to your gums. This may involve procedures such as pocket depth reduction, soft tissue grafting and regeneration. These will be fully explained in Part 4 of this article series, but for now, the orthodontist in Silver Spring MD provides us with a list of gum recession prevention tips... How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?1. Maintain good oral hygiene, which includes regular and thorough brushing and flossing 2. Quit smoking and/or chewing tobacco 3. Eat a balanced, healthy diet 4. Try not to press down so hard when brushing 5. Remove lip/tongue piercings that appear to be damaging the adjacent gums 6. Seek prompt treatment for any changes you may notice to your oral health 7. Treat problems and conditions such as bad bite alignment, crooked teeth, teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Stay Tuned for Part 4To read find out more about the various gum recession treatments recommended by orthodontist in Silver Spring MD, as well as what can be done to prevent it in the first place, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series. In this article, the key benefits of dental implants are explained and some comparisons drawn up between them and conventional teeth replacement techniques.
Since the discovery of titanium’s biocompatibility in the early 1950’s by Swedish orthopedic surgeon, Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, dental implants have been regarded as the best and most comprehensive solution to missing teeth. It was, in fact, this discovery that led to the conception of the field of dental implantology, the popularity of which exploded in the 1980’s. Today, orthodontists in Silver Spring and the world over recommend this incredible technology to anyone in need of new teeth. Let’s take a look at their benefits. Maryland Dental Implants and Smile Aesthetics
“One of the first things that people worry about when they lose one or more of their natural teeth is how it affects their smile. Naturally, they also worry about what kind of aesthetics a replacement tooth will offer them,” says an orthodontist in Silver Spring. “Dental implants are used to provide fixed support for either a ceramic tooth crown or a prosthetic dental bridge, the latter in cases where an entire dental arch is being replaced. The restorations supported by dental implants are expertly fabricated from materials that mimic the optical and functional properties of real teeth, so you can rest assured that the aesthetic outcomes of any dental implant treatment will be very good and very natural.” Maryland Dental Implants and Bite Function
“The materials from which dental bridges and crowns are made are able to support a very strong and close to natural bite strength. In fact, dental implants enable you to eat a much greater and healthier variety of foods than traditional removable dentures,” say Maryland dental implants specialists. “This helps our older patients to get the nutrition they need in order to remain strong and healthy. It can even help to extend life expectancy!” Maryland Dental Implants: Non-Removable and Comfortable
“Dental implants are placed permanently in the mouth and function very similarly to your natural teeth. This means that they cannot be removed and won’t shift around or fall out like removable dentures tend to. As a result, implants feel far more natural and comfortable to patients,” says an orthodontist in Silver Spring. “Additionally, they don’t require healthy teeth to be sacrificed in order to provide support for the replacement tooth, as is the case with conventional dental bridges. Dental implants are free standing, just like your natural teeth are and this spares the neighboring teeth.” Maryland Dental Implants: Long Lasting Solution
Dental implants boast a longer lifespan than any other tooth replacement technique. Where conventional bridges last 10 to 12 years, implants can last 20 to 30 years if not longer. “The better care you take of your new teeth, the longer they are likely to last you,” says an orthodontist in Silver Spring. “In fact, many patients have had their implants for 40 years and they’re still going strong! Dental implants don’t tend to require frequent restoration and replacement like traditional removable dentures do.” Maryland Dental Implants: Promoting Jawbone Health
“One of the key benefits of dental implants is that they help to keep the underlying jawbone stimulated and in doing so, prevent the atrophy that can lead to a weakened bite and premature aging,” explains a Maryland dental implants specialist. “This is why we recommend implants to patients over and above the conventional approaches to replacing missing teeth: dentures and conventional bridges.” |
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