Extractions for Orthodontic Treatment
In many cases for adults with braces, tooth extractions are necessary. When an adult has too much crowding there is only so much that can be done with braces and appliances. By removing teeth, the orthodontist will have room to bring other teeth into their proper position. While this procedure is much more common with […]
Occlusal Adjustments
Do you often wake up in the morning with a sore jaw? When you bit do you feel that your jaw is lopsided? If so, you may need occlusal adjustment. If a dentist or orthodontist recommends an occlusal adjustment it is probably because they feel your bite is not coming together properly. An occlusal adjustment […]
Orthodontists vs. General Dentists for Invisalign Treatment
One of the things that surprises me the most when I am asked this is that many people don’t understand the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. The easiest way to explain it is to compare it to doctors. A dentist is the equivalent of a general practitioner. They do general dentistry, sometimes this […]
How Long Do I Have To Wear Braces?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies for each patient, however, the average patient only has to wear braces for 16-18 months!! The average time using Invisalign is only 10-14 months! Gone are the days were someone had to wear braces for well over two years to get that perfect smile! Of course, the length of […]
Laser Gum Treatment
A laser is a high tech device that generates a tiny beam of extremely concentrated light. The beam of light brings energy into the mouth though a small fiber, to help remove areas that may be infected and remove gum disease around the teeth with precision and accuracy. The laser light can remove, vaporize, or […]
National Orthodontic Health Month
Can you believe it’s already October? For those who don’t know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. Miller Orthodontics realizes that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health […]
Laser Frenectomy
A frenum is a piece of tissue that connects or holds down a part of the body such as the tongue, lip, or cheeks. The tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is called the lingual frenum, while the tissue connecting the lip to the gum in front of the teeth is […]
Decalcification Marks
Despite what some people think, orthodontic appliances do not cause cavities or decalcifications (white marks on teeth) and are nearly always preventable. These white marks are caused by the build up of plaque on the tooth enamel that occurs due to inadequate oral hygiene. Basically, decalcification is the loss of calcium from the tooth enamel. […]
Does My Child Need to See an Orthodontist?
Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child to the orthodontist. There are some other things to look for as well, which may be early indicators of more serious orthodontic issues. Here are some warning signs of orthodontic issues: Difficulty when chewing or biting Chronic mouth-breathing Sucking the thumb, the fingers, […]
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends a child see an orthodontist around age 7, or when all four 6-year molars have erupted. Braces may not be put on at this age, but plans can be made for how and when orthodontic treatment may begin. Some situations where orthodontic therapy may be initiated at this age […]
