Orthodontists Associates of Western New York

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment in Buffalo, NY You may be wondering whether your child needs braces and early orthodontic treatment. There was a time when most parents didn’t begin to think about the need of early orthodontic treatment for their children until the teenage years. Now, parents, dentists, and orthodontists look toward treating children that haven’t quite hit their teen years in an effort to help avoid more complicated and costly treatment in the future. Why Should You Consider Early Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child? In the past, the trend for orthodontic treatment was to wait until most or all of a child’s permanent teeth had come in. However, most orthodontic problems are much easier to correct sooner rather than later. This is why professionals recommend and insist upon early orthodontic treatment. Certain orthodontic conditions can be treated as early as 7 or 8 years old. Although they may not be able to be totally corrected at that time, early orthodontic treatment can drastically reduce the amount of treatment that a child needs to undergo during their teen years. What Are The Most Common Early Orthodontic Treatments for Children? There are several conditions that can benefit from early orthodontic treatments. Early or late loss of baby teeth Patients usually lose their baby teeth are in the same order in which the teeth came in for the child. If a patient does not lose baby teeth during the normal time frame or in the right order, there are several issues that can require orthodontic intervention. Crowding of teeth may occur if the baby teeth are lost too soon. If baby teeth fall out too late, the permanent teeth may come in crowded and also be crooked. If a permanent tooth comes in before a baby tooth is lost, it can create crowding. Although crowding isn’t an emergency, it is something that can affect the smile or bite of a child. If a child loses a tooth due to trauma or decay, early orthodontic treatment can include using a spacer to make sure that the permanent tooth comes in correctly. Orthodontic issues caused by thumb sucking Prolonged thumb sucking can cause an open bite. Sometimes an open bite corrects itself, but many times it can only be corrected with orthodontic care. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the open bite. What Are Overbites and Underbites? An overbite occurs when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. Overbites and underbites don’t always cause problems. Yet, even if your child doesn’t suffer from a speech impediment or sinus problems they may be subject to teasing from other children. Early orthodontic treatment involves taking x-rays and a mold to determine the cause of the misplaced bite. Then, treatment is customized for each child. What Is A Crossbite? A crossbite can be either anterior or posterior. Essentially, it means that when your child bites down, their teeth don’t line up properly. A crossbite can cause dental problems and problems for your child’s self-esteem. It’s possible that an untreated crossbite can cause your child’s face to develop in an asymmetrical fashion. It can also cause gum disease and chronic pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. A crossbite can be corrected with early orthodontic treatment and can save your child from a life full of chronic pain and low self-esteem. The Stages of Early Orthodontic Treatment Early orthodontic treatment is usually done in stages. These stages are referred to as Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, treatment focuses on correcting your child’s bite, teaching your child good oral hygiene, preventing or lessening a dental issue, helps guide the development of the child’s jaw, guides permanent teeth into their proper place, and could also provide a positive boost to your child’s self-esteem. Phase I is all about beginning the corrections that need to occur to help minimize the risk of lifelong dental issues. Phase II occurs a little bit later into the early orthodontic treatment. This involves the use of braces. The purpose of braces is to help guide your child’s teeth into the proper position and stabilize them. Phase II often doesn’t begin until the child is between 11 and 15 years of age. Their permanent teeth have come in. One of the benefits of waiting until this age for braces is that orthodontists are able to work with the child’s bite and teeth placement during the time they are most likely to grow. This can actually help lessen the amount of time that the child needs to have braces. Determining If Your Child Would Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment So, just how do you know if your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment? As a parent, you may see some indications in the way that your child’s smile looks or if they’re complaining of pain in their jaw.

Video: Early Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign

Invisalign in Buffalo, NY You are probably here because you are looking for a discreet way to achieve the beautiful and healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign provides a more comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the unsightly metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. What Is Invisalign? Invisalign® is a system of clear aligners that help teenagers and adults get the straight smiles that they want without the use of traditional or clear braces. Since Invisalign® aligners are made specifically to treat your orthodontic needs, they are often more comfortable for you to wear. The FDA has classified Invisalign as a Class II medical device. The FDA cleared Invisalign® for use by the public in 1998. Invisalign® aligners and retainers are phthalate free. They are made from Class VI (medical grade) high molecule weight polyurethane resins. Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces. However, for a lot of patients, the increased rates are worth it. You should review your dental insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost. Many Invisalign providers also have financial plans to make the smile of your dreams more affordable. Why Would I Want Invisalign? Invisalign® have many benefits. First, Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. If you currently have traditional or clear braces, you do have the option of talking with your orthodontist to find out if you can switch to Invisalign. Many orthodontists treat their patients by combining the use of traditional braces and Invisalign. One of the things that people hate about having traditional or even clear braces is that they have to give up certain foods during treatment. With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. One of the few times that you remove your aligners is when you are eating. Then, you clean your teeth and put your aligners back in. You can continue to eat crunchy foods, drink coffee, and eat foods with tomato based sauces. The only restriction generally given with Invisalign is to avoid chewing gum. This is because chewing gum sticks to your aligners. If you’re worried about the pain that is often associated with the use of traditional braces, then you should consider Invisalign. Although some patients report minor discomfort in the first few days of a using a new aligner, it is generally far less uncomfortable than traditional or clear braces. Patients often report it not as feeling painful, but as a feeling of pressure in their mouth. Invisalign is clear and easy to use. They are great for people who are worried about the attention they may get from wearing traditional braces. Since they look and fit similar to a custom whitening tray, they aren’t as noticeable during treatment. Some patients do report having a small lisp during the first few days of treatment. However, this goes away as your tongue learns to navigate in your mouth with the aligners. Invisalign treatment takes, on average, about a year. However, it could take more time to help you get the smile of your dreams. Invisalign has come a long way since its first approval for use in 1998. Orthodontists now use it to treat various bite problems. So, if you thought that you wouldn’t qualify for Invisalign, check with an orthodontist who specializes in its use. You may be pleasantly surprised! How Does Invisalign Work? First, you should visit with an orthodontist who is trained in the use of Invisalign®. Many offer free consultations. However, when you call to make an appointment, you should ask if they will charge you for this initial appointment. Your orthodontist will assess you and determine if Invisalign is the right choice to help you straighten your smile. He can also talk to you about Invisalign options: standard treatment, teen treatment, or express treatment. Your orthodontist will take dental impressions of your teeth as well as measure them. Dental impressions may be digital or your orthodontist may do them out of a putty tray. Your orthodontist will also take a bite registration. This helps your orthodontist better understand how your teeth meet. We will take X-rays to determine the root positioning for your teeth. Finally, the orthodontist will take a series of photos. This will help document the progress of your treatment. At the end of this portion, the office might ask you to make a payment for your treatment. So, you should make sure that you know if your dental insurance will pay for any of the treatment and what your financing options are if you cannot pay in full. Your orthodontist will send the information about your bite and your teeth, including the photos, to Invisalign. Invisalign® will create a digital simulation of the movement your teeth will undergo with treatment. Your orthodontist will review this digital simulation to ensure that it is correct for you.

Video: Invisalign

Clear Braces

Clear Braces in Buffalo, NY Have you been searching for a way to straighten your teeth that is less visible than traditional metal braces? Clear braces provide an easy way to straighten your teeth and revitalize your smile without metal brackets or wires. What Are Clear Braces? Clear braces, or invisible braces, are less conspicuous than traditional braces. These are ideal for both adolescents and adults. The purpose of clear braces is to not draw attention to the mouth. Hence, they are less obvious. As a result, the wearer is more confident about their appearance whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment. Download Our Free Orthodontic Care Guide Traditional braces are made from stainless steel. The brackets are cemented onto your teeth. The metal wires, known as a metal archway, is run through the bracket. Invisible braces perform the same job as traditional braces. While traditional braces make use of metal wires, or a metal archway, clear braces allow patients to choose between clear ceramic archways or metal ones. Clear archways are preferred by people who struggle with the prospect of sporting unsightly braces. After the orthodontist affixes the braces to your teeth, you will visit him/her every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. The typical amount of time that one wears clear braces is 1-3 years. After treatment is complete, patients wear retainers to keep their teeth in the right place. Patients are advised to follow their orthodontists’ instructions about maintenance of the braces. Not doing so can cause noticeable discoloration of the braces. We advise patients to stay away from consumables that cause staining, like coffee, tea, red wine, tomato based sauces, curry and smoking. It is also important that you brush your teeth three times a day. These are best practices for good oral health, and it will help protect clear braces from staining. Additionally, you should carry on your person a travel toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste the event that you are dining out and discover food stuck in your braces. While the same holds true with metal braces, it becomes distinctly more noticeable with clear braces. What’s The Difference Between Clear Braces and Clear Aligners? Clear braces and clear aligners are not the same thing although they serve the same purpose. They both straighten your teeth in a way that is less obvious than wearing traditional braces or a traditional aligner. A series of clear aligners are designed for you based on the goals set by you and your orthodontist to straighten your smile. Clear aligners can help straighten moderately crooked smiles and can sometimes even be used to correct problems with your bite. Of course, clear braces can be used to treat a wide array of orthodontic issues. Regardless of your age, if you worry about misplacing items or if you worry that you will forget to wear the aligner, then you may want to consider clear braces. Invisible braces are attached to your teeth. So, you don’t have to worry about losing them or forgetting to put them in your mouth. Clear aligners are worn for up to 22 hours each day. You should only remove them when you eat, brush your teeth, or floss. Clear aligners may require you to have attachments placed on your teeth. Attachments are a build up of a composite that matches the color of your teeth. They’re like little ridges. They help keep your aligners in place. Clear braces stay in your mouth while you eat which is why orthodontists advise that you avoid foods that could stain your braces or your teeth. Cleaning clear braces is easy. You simply brush your teeth regularly. You don’t necessarily need anything special. With clear aligners, the manufacturer may recommend that you use only their cleaning system. Although may also be able to remove your clear aligners and brush them with toothpaste and rinse them out, the specialized systems keep bacteria at a minimum. When it comes to the cost of clear braces and clear aligners, here’s what you need to know. Often, clear braces are a little more expensive than traditional braces. However, your dental insurance company may pick up a portion of the cost. Many people find that the extra expense is worth it since they are less obvious than traditional braces. Clear aligners are also a little more expensive than clear braces. Then, you may also have the added expense of a cleaning system. Your dental insurance policy may not cover the use of clear aligners. After your orthodontic treatment is completed, you may need a retainer (regardless of whether you used clear braces or clear aligners). Talk with your orthodontist about how many retainers you may need and if that cost was included in your treatment. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Braces? There are two distinct advantages of clear braces. The first is that clear braces are more favorable aesthetically.

Video: Clear Braces

Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentofacial Orthopedics in Buffalo, NY You are probably here to learn more about dentofacial orthopedics. Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized form of dental care for children and adolescents. The purpose of dentofacial orthopedics is to help guide the growth and development of the face. As you may know, orthopedics is a term that is commonly used to refer to a doctor who specializes in bone health. If you have ever broken a bone, you likely met with an orthopedist. Let’s break down the term “dentofacial orthopedics” so it is clearer. The term “dentofacial” refers specifically to matters of the teeth and the face. The word “orthopedics” has to do with bone health. Therefore, a professional who practices dentofacial orthopedics provides specialized services in matters of the growth and development of the bones in the face as they relate to dental issues. Why Is Dentofacial Orthopedics Used Primarily in Young People? Dentofacial orthopedics is a common form of treatment for both young people and adults. However, dentofacial orthopedic treatment is usually more tolerable for younger patients. In children and adolescents, the purpose of dentofacial orthopedics is to help guide the growth of the bones. This is easier in children and adolescents because their bones have not yet finished growing. Adult patients also benefit from dentofacial orthopedic treatment. However, it is important to note that the bones in the face of an adult have finished growing. This is why adults undergoing dentofacial orthopedics will often require surgery during their treatment. This is because it is much more difficult to adjust the bite and move the teeth to the right places in adults. What Are The Phases of Treatment? Dentofacial orthopedic treatment occurs in phases with children and adolescents. However, before any work is done, your child will first be examined by a dental professional. This professional will assess your child’s bite and teeth to determine if your child will benefit from dentofacial orthopedics. Dentofacial orthopedics usually occurs in two phases. The first phase happens if your child has not lost all of their baby teeth. Phase I typically begins when a child is 7-8 years old. Treatment for Phase I focuses on guiding the proper growth of the bones in either jaw. Doing so helps shorten the length of treatment during phase II. Phase II treatment in dentofacial orthopedics involves the traditional use of braces. Braces are used to align and straighten the teeth. There is a large variety of braces that patients may chose from during this phase of treatment. What Common Conditions Are Treated with Dentofacial Orthopedics? Dentofacial orthopedics is used as a corrective method for misaligned bites. The scientific term for it is “malocclusion”. Simply put, it means that the bite of the patient is misaligned in some form. The degree of this misalignment ranges from minor to severe. Patients with an overbite – a malocclusion – stand to benefit greatly from dentofacial orthopedics. An overbite is when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. An overbite often tends to result in the overcrowding of teeth. Dentofacial orthopedic appliances are used to correct overbites. Treatment generally lasts between 6-12 months, provided it commences while the patient is between 8-10 years of age. Overbites usually do not cause much of a problem. However, there are some cases where the overbite is more severe. The most common accompanying issue with a severe overbite is a speech impediment. Unfortunately, children often become victims of bullying and teasing at school because of severe malocclusions. Another malocclusion is an underbite. This occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. Left untreated, it can develop into TMJ disorders. The misalignment causes increased friction. Therefore, your child’s tooth enamel wears down faster. As with overbites, treatment lasts between 6-12 months provided the patient is 8-10 years old. A crossbite occurs when one jaw is narrower than the other. A crossbite can be either unilateral or bilateral. Furthermore, depending on which jaw is the narrower, your child could have an anterior or a posterior crossbite. Left untreated, a crossbite can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Moreover, because a crossbite creates an uneven bite, your child’s face could develop asymmetrically. In spite of the serious consequences associated with untreated crossbites, the matter can interestingly take as little as 30 days to treat. Is Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Painful? Ultimately, the severity of the oral condition is what determines the extent of pain and discomfort a patient might expect. However, most patients report that the discomfort is mild. Often, an over-the counter anti-inflammatory medication tends to suffice.

Video: Dentofacial Orthopedics

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical Orthodontics in Buffalo, NY You are here because your bad bite, or jaw abnormality is so severe that braces and other dental appliances cannot completely correct the issue on their own. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery can help move your teeth and jaw into a more balanced and functional position, thereby improving your health, appearance, breathing and speech. What Is Surgical Orthodontics? Surgical orthodontics is a type of specialized dental treatment. It is performed by orthodontists and not traditional dental practitioners. The purpose of surgical orthodontics is to diagnose and correct several types of conditions. Some conditions may be as simple as something known as a bad bite. Other conditions may be more serious and your orthodontist may need to partner with an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. Common treatments that fall under the umbrella of surgical orthodontics include mandibular advancement, mandibular setback, maxillary advancement, maxillary setback, correction of an openbite, correction of a gummy smile, and chin advancement. Of course, that’s not a complete list of treatments that fall under surgical orthodontics. Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics? Usually, surgical orthodontics don’t begin until between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. Of course, it can also be used for older patients. In girls, the jaw usually stops growing around the time that they are 16 years old. In boys, the jaw doesn’t stop growing until they are around 18 years old. The reason why surgical orthodontic treatment doesn’t occur until this age (or later) is because the goal of the surgery is to align the jaws (which create the bite of the patient). If the jaws are still growing, performing surgical orthodontics would not be able to achieve its stated purpose. After surgery, the jaw would still grow and that could cause a misalignment. Surgical orthodontics is only used when braces and other dental appliances cannot completely fix the bite on their own. Your orthodontist will let you know if you are a candidate for surgical orthodontics. Surgical orthodontics may be required if you have: Mandibular advancement. This means that you have an under-developed lower jaw. This creates an overbite. In surgical orthodontics, incisions are made so that the jaws can be properly aligned. Mandibular setback. Mandibular setback means that your upper-jaw is under-developed. This causes you to have an underbite. Much like with a mandibular advancement, the goal of surgery is to align the jaws to correct your bite. Maxillary advancement. Maxillary advancement creates a form of underbite that’s known as a crossbite. The incisions for this condition is usually made in the mouth on the upper jaw near where it would line up with the eye sockets. Maxillary setback. Maxillary setback creates a form of overbite that’s known as an overjet. This surgery actually isn’t as common as a mandibular setback although they may seem similar to you as a patient. With maxillary setback, overjet is caused by the fact that the lower jaw simply did not grow enough. Openbite. An openbite is known as maxillary impaction. The objective of surgical orthodontics is to correct the space between the front and back teeth when you bite down. Bone from the upper jaw is removed and placed higher in order to help correct the problem. The lower jaw is repositioned as well. Gummy smile. A gummy smile means that when you smile there is a large amount of gum that is displayed when compared with others. A portion of the upper jaw bone may be moved and placed higher in order to pull the gums up and lessen the amount of gum that is displayed when you smile. Chin advancement. Chin advancement is used for patients who have a weak jaw line. This can be used to do more than strengthen the jaw line. It can also be used to help fix the bite of the patient. Depending on the initial diagnosis, you may not need further orthodontic treatment after this procedure. How Does Surgical Orthodontics Work? The first step in surgical orthodontics is to develop a treatment plan with your orthodontist. The orthodontist and your oral surgeon will work together to develop a plan that will best suit your specific needs. This could include setting up plaster or 3D models of your mouth, jaw, and entire face. Other specialists, including an ENT and speech therapist, may also be part of the treatment plan depending on the severity of the dental condition being treated. Usually, the second part of treatment is the use of braces. The use of braces is an important component in your surgical orthodontic treatment. It helps create reference points in order for the oral surgeon to be able to do their job. Next, one or more surgeries will take place in order to correct the dental issue or issues being treated.

Video: Surgical Orthodontics

Craniofacial Orthodontics

Craniofacial Orthodontics Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment in Buffalo, NY Was your child born with a cleft lip or palate? You are probably searching for ways to help improve the quality of their life as they grow. We can help. Craniofacial orthodontics is a specialized area of orthodontics that focuses on treating cleft lips and palates, as well as other birth defects that affect the development of the teeth and jaws. Specialists in the field do not work on their own. Rather, they most often partner with other patients including speech therapists, oral surgeons and plastic surgeons who specialize in craniofacial repairs. Craniofacial orthodontics handles the non-surgical portion of treating cleft lip and palate. What is a Cleft Lip and a Cleft Palate? Cleft lips and cleft palates are birth defects. They are facial and oral malformations. The condition develops in utero during an extremely early part of the pregnancy. A cleft signifies that there is not enough tissue in the mouth or around the lip. Therefore, the areas do not join together as they should. A cleft lip means that the lip is split into two parts instead of being one. It causes a gap to appear between the two parts of the lip. It can even extend beyond the base of the child’s nose. Because of the lack of tissue, the split in the lip can also mean that there is less bone and gum tissue in the mouth. The area behind your upper top teeth is known as your palate. A cleft palate is when there is a split in the palate like in the lip. It can happen at the front of the palate in the bony area or it can occur toward the back of the palate in the softer area. Cleft lips and palates can be an extremely serious condition. They can affect only one side of the lip and palate or both sides. A cleft palate is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. It occurs in around 1 of every 700 births. Clefting is something that is quite obvious at birth. That makes diagnosing a cleft lip and palate easier than other types of birth defects. Often, it can even be diagnosed through ultrasound before the baby is born. This is important because there are times when a cleft lip and palate may be indicators of other abnormalities. How Is Cleft Lip and Palate Treated? Generally, treatment for cleft lip and palate requires surgical correction. Craniofacial orthodontists specialize in the treatment of this condition. However, it can be rather challenging to estimate the number of surgeries that could be required to correct it. Naturally, treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. The optimal time for treatment of cleft lip and palate is between three and six months of age. The first surgery is designed to repair the palate. The goal of this surgery is to minimize the likelihood of liquids to develop in the ears. This surgery will also help the child’s jaws and teeth grow into the right places. Often, children undergo another surgery for cleft lip and palate when they are around 8 years old. The goal of this surgery is to perform a bone graft (although this isn’t always needed). The bone graft supports the permanent teeth and may also be used to fill in the upper gums. Further surgeries for cleft lip and palate that occur from this point are often done to help the child improve their speech. Generally, future surgeries are only needed by around 1/5 of the children diagnosed with cleft lip and palate. Sometimes, the additional surgeries do not serve the sole purpose of improving speech only. There are times when future surgeries are needed for functional and/or functional reasons. Some children need surgery to help them improve the way that they are able to open and close their mouths. Or they may need surgery simply to improve the appearance of the skin. In other cases, they may need surgery to help improve breathing. What Happens If Cleft Lip and Palate Goes Untreated? Thankfully, when cleft lips and cleft palatea are treated using craniofacial orthodontics at an early enough age, they could very well achieve a normal appearance, giving the patient normal speech patterns and the ability to eat without issues. When children with cleft lips and cleft palates are not treated, serious complications can occur including: Difficulty feeding as babies Difficulty eating as they get older Ear infections as a result of fluid build-up Hearing loss Future dental problems Speech difficulties Low self-esteem What Does Cleft Lip & Palate Treatment Involve? If your child is born with cleft lip and palate, you should consult with a craniofacial orthodontist. One of the keys to successfully treating clefting is early dental intervention. Your craniofacial orthodontist will show you the proper way to care for your child’s mouth. If your child’s mouth and teeth cannot be properly cleaned with a soft bristled toothbrush, your child’s craniofacial orthodontist can recommend a tool known as a toothette.

TMJ/ TMD Treatment

TMJ/ TMD Treatment in Buffalo, NY Have you been experiencing facial or jaw pain? Maybe the pain has been causing difficulty chewing, frequent headaches, limited ability to open your mouth, swelling, and/ or lockjaw. If these symptoms describe you, you may be a candidate for TMJ/ TMD treatment. Find out how our orthodontics can help provide the relief you have been looking for. Temporomandibular joint disorder is often abbreviated and referred to as TMJ or TMD. In fact, you may find that many dental and healthcare professionals use the terms TMJ and TMD interchangeably. The joints involved in this disorder are located on each side of your head. The joints work with the muscles and ligaments to help you open and close your mouth for talking, chewing, or yawning. TMJ / TMD happens if these joints do not work as they should. Despite the location of the joints involved, TMJ / TMD can affect face (and your head) in other locations. TMJ / TMD causes chronic facial pain. It is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. According to the American Dental Association, this condition is more common in women than in men. With TMJ / TMD, the joints of your jaw do not work in the way that they are designed. Treatment does exist for TMJ / TMD. Generally, the goal of treatment is to control or stop the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment could include finding a way to minimize the spasms that occur in the muscles and the ligaments around the affected joints. Sometimes, dental professionals prescribe the use of specialized dental appliances to help reduce the likelihood of negative problems that result from the disorder. Relaxation techniques are often taught in order to help the patient learn how to lessen the tension in the jaw muscles. In extreme cases of TMJ / TMD, surgery may be recommended. What Are Some Symptoms of TMJ? TMJ / TMD is often symptomatic. Yet, one issue with relying only the symptoms is that there are other dental and craniofacial issues that have similar symptoms. It is very important that if you see any of the following symptoms that you see a dental professional. Your dentist will take a complete history of your dental and physical health. Then, you’ll most likely undergo x-rays so that the dentist can examine the jaw bones and teeth. The dentist will also perform an exam. Symptoms of TMJ include: Severe headaches. Many patients with TMJ believe that they have a migraine because of the location and severity of the pain. Because of the close proximity of the jaws to the ears, when patients have TMJ, they often experience earaches. It could be dull pain or sharp pain. Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth. Additionally, the jaw may also lock into place. Although no one knows what causes TMJ, many theorize that it is a form of arthritis in the jaw. Pain or tenderness in the jaws. Inflammation in muscles and ligaments can cause pain. Grinding of the teeth can also cause pain. Your upper and lower teeth do not fit together anymore. If your bite was normal and suddenly becomes abnormal, you may have TMJ. If you have certain risk factors, it is more likely that you will develop TMJ / TMD. Risk factors include a diagnosis of certain types of arthritis, experienced an injury to your jaw, have a history of grinding or clenching your teeth, or have certain connective tissue disorders. If TMJ / TMD is left untreated, complications may develop. Common complications related to this dental problem include poor oral health, long-term headaches, sleep loss because of grinding of the teeth, malnutrition, eating disorders, and hearing problems. If you have suspect that you may have TMJ / TMD, see a dentist right away. Is All Jaw Pain Associated with TMD? Not all jaw pain is associated with TMD. While TMD occurs in around 10-15% of the population, other conditions have similar symptoms. These include: Sinus infections. Sinus infections can be really mild and have practically no symptoms passed pressure in the sinuses or they can be severe. Severe sinus infections can do more than cause pressure in the face. It can cause ear pain, dizziness, and some people even experience jaw pain. Problems with neck muscles. As you learned earlier, jaw muscles can cause ear pain. Neck muscles can cause jaw and ear pain. Our muscles in the craniofacial region are interconnected. So, you may not have TMD, but you could have a pulled or strained muscle in your neck and shoulder region that is causing you pain in your jaw and ears. An abscess. If you have an abscessed tooth, it can eventually cause jaw and ear pain. Signs of an abscess, aside from pain, includes a swelling of the face, a buildup of pus under the gum line, a blister like sore on the gum, or even a fever. An abscess requires treatment with antibiotics or it can become life threatening.

Video: TMJ/ TMD Treatment

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD)

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD) in Buffalo, NY You may be here because you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, but are looking for ways to achieve faster tooth movement in a more efficient and comfortable way. Temporary anchorage devices act as an anchor for braces and help strategically guide the movement of the teeth while you are undergoing orthodontic care. What is a Temporary Anchorage Device? TAD is an abbreviate for temporary anchorage devices. In the simplest explanation, TADs are mini-implants in the mouth. The function they serve is to hold the teeth in a certain place. Orthodontists frequently use temporary anchorage devices to align and support the teeth of the patient during treatment. Temporary Anchorage Devices are relatively new to the market. The FDA only recently approved them for use in 2005. Before temporary anchorage devices, many patients had to use headgear in order to keep their teeth in place. The issue with headgear lies in patient cooperation. If patients do not wear the headgear as directed, their teeth will not fully benefit from orthodontic treatment. TADs enable orthodontists to ensure that the teeth have proper support for the correct amount of time. Currently, temporary anchorage devices are the most reliable method to anchor teeth during the treatment process. There are two types of TADs: an indirect anchorage and a direct anchorage. An indirect TAD links to your teeth. Orthodontists use TADs when they do not want to anchor the teeth to each other. This is because it is more flexible. A direct TAD is an anchor that supports tension on certain teeth that need to be moved. TADs are removed after the orthodontic treatment is completed. How Are Temporary Anchorage Devices Placed? During orthodontic treatment, orthodontists usually have to remove premolars to make room in the mouth to move the teeth into their proper positions. Temporary anchorage devices are important because they can help support teeth during the orthodontic process instead of having to remove them. TADs also provide anchorage when the orthodontist must move teeth. They can also help to anchor teeth when there is a need to correct a gap between the teeth. TADs are made out of titanium alloy. Titanium alloy is extremely strong and doesn’t rust. That’s two of the many reasons why titanium alloy is an ideal choice of material for TADs. Temporary anchorage devices have two parts. The first part is the implant head. This is the part of the TAD that is used to secure the teeth. The second part of the TAD is the implant body. It is similar to a screw in nature. It is put into the bone to act as an anchor. The head of the TAD has an eyelet that is used by the orthodontist to thread the wire through in order to secure the teeth. TADs have a smooth part that both suppresses growth of the gum material where the implant is located and to also minimize the risk of bacterial infection. There are several different TADs. Your orthodontist will let you know which TAD will best meet the goals of your treatment. Regardless of the type, the screw portion of the TAD is drilled into jaw. Although it may sound painful, it’s often not. It’s generally painless because the bone in your jaw has no pain receptors. Your orthodontist will first apply a topical analgesic to numb your oral tissue. You will feel pressure when your orthodontist inserts the TADs. In fact, TADs are not painful to remove. When it is time for your TAD to be removed, your orthodontist will apply a topical analgesic to numb your oral tissue. Then they will back the TAD out. It usually takes only a few seconds. What Can I Do to Relieve the Discomfort Caused by My TAD? Generally, most patients experience no discomfort after the procedure. If you do find that you have discomfort from your temporary anchorage devices, take some over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you are experiencing discomfort in the gum line, you can take over the counter medication or cover the tip of the TAD with a cotton swab. Then, make an appointment with your orthodontist. How Can I Keep My TAD Clean? Believe it or not, keeping your temporary anchorage devices clean is extremely easy. You will clean your TAD three times each day using a soft toothbrush. Your orthodontist will also give you a special mouthwash to use. It is important that you use it as directed. The mouthwash helps minimize the growth of microbial bacteria that can cause infection. You should use the mouthwash twice each day. How Long Will I Need a TAD? How long you will need a TAD depends on the problem that your orthodontist is correcting. A patient usually does not require a TAD for longer than a few months. Again, though, this depends largely on your specific issue. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an idea of how long you’ll need the TAD.

Video: Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD)

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Experienced Buffalo Orthodontists Providing Orthodontic Strategies for Sleep Apnea Treatment Not being able to get a good night’s sleep because of snoring can be frustrating. Snoring can be a sign of something more serious. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and potentially fatal consequences on your health due to the lowering of blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Find out how our orthodontic treatment can significantly increase air flow and help you get a better nights sleep. What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to either stop breathing or their breaths become extremely shallow during sleep. Sleep apnea affects 22 million Americans. These shallow breaths or the lack of breathing can last seconds or minutes. Normal breathing often restarts with a choking or snoring noise. Sleep apnea can cause you to feel unrested even if you slept for seven hours or more. This is because the symptoms of sleep apnea often causes patients to leave their deep sleep and enter into a lighter sleep. What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea? There are some common signs of sleep apnea. Some you may notice and some you may not notice in yourself. Unusually loud snoring. You stop breathing during your sleep. This is a sign that somebody else will usually notice first. You wake up suddenly feeling short of breath. You wake up with an unusually dry mouth or with a sore throat. You wake up every morning with a headache. You struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep (or you struggle with both). You are excessively tired during the day. You struggle to pay attention during the day. You’re irritable. If you have these signs or if someone in your family tells you that they’ve noticed them in you, you should contact our experienced orthodontist to arrange a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss your concerns, and formulate a plan to help improve your breathing at night. Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea? There are three different types of sleep apnea. The first type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is the most commonly diagnosed type of sleep apnea. Studies suggest that only about 10% of people with OSA receive medical treatment. This is because the majority of OSA sufferers are often undiagnosed. OSA occurs when part or all of the airway is blocked during sleep. This may happen because the tongue rolls toward the back of the mouth or because a patient has an excess of fatty tissue that blocks the throat. OSA diagnoses range from mild, moderate, or severe. Mild OSA means that the sufferer experiences between 5 and 14 interruptions each hour during their sleep cycle. Moderate OSA means that the sufferer experiences 15 to 30 interruptions each hour during their sleep cycle. Severe OSA means that the sufferer experiences 30 or more interruptions each hour during their sleep cycle. Central sleep apnea (CSA) isn’t caused by your airway getting blocked by your tongue or other fatty tissue. Instead, CSA occurs when your brain doesn’t send the message to your muscles to keep breathing. Your brain is part of your central nervous symptom. Your brain isn’t communicating properly when you’re asleep to keep you breathing normally. CSA isn’t as common as OSA. It is a side effect of a brain injury or a medical issue that affects the brain. With CSA, a common symptom is mood swings. The third type is complex sleep apnea. This means that you have a combination of OSA and CSA. Healthcare professionals will usually diagnose complex sleep apnea after a sleep study that shows a patient has signs of each. What Are the Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea? Risk factors vary depending on the type of sleep apnea. However, some factors are common with all three types. Risk factors for OSA include: Being overweight. This can cause an increase in fatty tissue that restricts the flow of air as you sleep. Your age. As we get older, we lose muscle tone even in our throats. Since the muscles are weaker, they can collapse over the airway and make it harder to breathe when you are sleeping. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can block your airway. Frequent use of intoxicants can cause the throat muscles to relax and block the airway during sleep. Smoking can cause irritation to your airway and make it harder to breathe. Family history. Parkinson’s Disease. Brain infection. Use of narcotics. Heart failure. Being overweight. Atrial fibrillation. Sleeping at higher altitudes. Brain tumor. Use of opioid medication. Complex sleep apnea includes the risk factors of both OSA and CSA. Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous? Sleep apnea can be very dangerous, and potentially fatal. It deprives our bodies of the oxygen we need to function properly. When this happens, we suffer more than a poor night’s sleep or fatigue during the day. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause numerous health problems.

Video: Sleep Apnea

i-CAT Scans and CBCT Digital Imaging

i-CAT Scans and CBCT Digital Imaging in Buffalo, NY Are you looking for a faster, safer, and more predictable method of obtaining 3D imaging of your teeth and facial bones? i-CAT scans and CBCT digital imaging provide a panoramic x-ray of your face, jaw, and teeth for more accurate diagnostics and treatment planning. Dental and orthodontic treatment have come a long way during the last few decades, and not just in treatment options. Before your dentist or orthodontist fills cavities, performs root canals or oral surgery, or even fits you for certain types of oral appliances, they first take x-rays and other imaging of your teeth. This helps your dental professional ensure that they choose the right treatments. What Is an i-CAT Scan? An i-CAT® Scan is used by orthodontists to create a 3D view of your teeth and the craniofacial structure. It takes less than five seconds. i-CAT Scan is revolutionary not just because of its 3D results and quick use. It also helps protect you from being overexposed to radiation. The technology can be specifically targeted and provides a lower dose of radiation than older options. i-CAT Scan helps ensure that your dental or orthodontic treatment is perfect for you. It gives your dental professional more accuracy and clearer images. If you need a temporary anchorage device, iCAT® Scan makes the placement options perfectly clear to your orthodontist. For younger people, i-CAT Scan can still be used. This technology can help dental professionals assess teeth that have yet to surface as well as showing root placement and impactions. i-CAT Scan has different options for use depending on whether you need implants or orthodontic care. Is an i-Cat Scan Safe for Pregnant Women? There are times when pregnant women need dental implants or orthodontic care that may not be able to wait until after the birth of their baby. Although i-CAT Scans have a low radiation exposure, your dental professional may advise you to hold off as long as possible. There are often temporary measures that can be implemented by your dental professional in order for you to get some amount of treatment now if necessary and wait until after the baby is born for an i-CAT Scan. What Is CBCT Digital Imaging? CBCT Digital Imaging, also known as cone beam computed tomography is another recent advancement in dental technology. It provides another quick way for dental professionals to examine the positioning of your teeth, their roots, and the bones in your face. It takes only 20 seconds and, much like an i-CAT Scan, it has a much lower dose of radiation than older types of CT scans. This type of scan is used to help plan your dental treatment. Common uses for CBCT Digital Imaging include planning for dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic treatment, and the assessment and treatment of TMJ. Is CBCT Digital Imaging Safe for Pregnant Women? Because a CBCT digital imaging procedure is a CT scan, we do not recommend it for pregnant women. There is no known “safe” level of exposure for unborn babies. This is why it is safest to wait for this type of dental scan until after the end of your pregnancy. What Do Patients Need to Know About These Digital Imaging Procedures? Because the i-CAT® Scan and CBCT imaging are both a form of CT scan, there are somethings that you need to know. As mentioned earlier, both have a lower amount of radiation exposure than their predecessors. Regardless of which of these scans you will undergo, the things you need to know are the same. The processes are painless. You sit upright in a chair. In most CBCT digital imaging, a device moves around your head. It takes a lot of pictures in a very short amount of time. Because both the i-CAT Scan and CBCT digital imaging machines take the pictures so quickly, it is ideal for both younger patients and older patients. In order for your dental professional to get the best images possible out of the i-CAT Scan or a CBCT digital imaging machine, you must be still. This keeps the images from becoming fuzzy. Wear comfortable clothing. You should not wear jewelry including earrings, necklaces, or piercings. Ideally, you should not wear hairpins or glasses. You may be asked to remove any dental appliances that are in your mouth. This may include your dentures. However, do not just leave your dentures or dental appliances at home. Your orthodontist may find them useful after the scans in order to help plan your treatment. You should reach out to your dental insurance company, or call our office before your scan. It’s important that you know if any portion of the i-CAT Scan or CBCT digital imaging is covered. If so, what portion of the payment you will be responsible in covering. How Much Does A Dental CT Cost? If you are getting a dental CT scan the cost is around $700. Of course, this is the price without insurance.

Video: i-CAT Scans and CBCT Digital Imaging