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. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey 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.
Orthodontic treatmentrequires dedication and patience, and one of the most important factors in a successful outcome is patient compliance. Whether you’re wearing Invisalign aligners,braces,retainers, or other appliances, how often and for how long you wear them can directly impact the length and success of your treatment. Learn about the vital aspect of compliance during orthodontic treatment from Dr. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey Orthodontics.
Essential Times for Compliance
Some of the most important times for patient compliance are when it helps to progress your treatment. For example, adjusting your expander, switching aligners, or changing out elastics all require diligent effort on your part to achieve the desired results. Removable appliances usually need to be worn 24 hours a day except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Invisalign aligners and rubber bands also need to be worn as much as possible to be effective.
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. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey Orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with the correction of crooked teeth and achieving a perfect smile. However, orthodontics offers more than just cosmetic benefits. In fact, orthodontics can also help solve speech problems, which can be quite common among children and adults alike. To learn more about how orthodontics can effectively address speech impediments, keep reading and find out how Dr. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey Orthodontics can help.
Speech impediments can be caused by several factors, and dental anatomy is one of them. Teeth, tongue, palate, and lips work together to create speech sounds, and if any of these components are out of place, speech can be affected. Malocclusions, such as overbites, crossbites, and underbites, can lead to speech issues by affecting the airflow, which is an essential part of creating sound.
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. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey 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.
The mouth is a bit of a mystery to those of us who haven’t gotten a degree in dentistry or orthodontics. But, if you’re a patient of an orthodontist, there are some terms and parts of your body you may want to become a bit more familiar with. From the jaw up to the cusp of a tooth, each part inside the mouth is important to a healthy smile!
Having a deeper understanding of the treatment process is invaluable for patients and parents alike. Knowing what goes on behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment can help you make informed decisions. That’s why Dr. James Donaghey and Dr. Steven Oliver at Donaghey Orthodontics are here to provide essential insights into important topics before you step into a consultation.
