Gapping between the teeth is an orthodontic concern that many people seek treatment for. Closing your gap may even be the only reason you need braces. Known formally as diastema, gaps in teeth can cause self-consciousness and also dental issues. Many patients with this issue often ask, “Can braces fix gaps in teeth?” Our Liberty Township orthodontist answers this question below. Can Braces Fix Gaps in Teeth? Fortunately, braces are a great option when trying to close a gap in between the teeth. The basic function of braces extends effectively to gaps–they simply pull the teeth together using t ..read more

If your child has an overbite – where the top teeth protrude beyond the underdeveloped lower jaw – braces may not fully correct the problem. Most often, the child will need additional treatment to move the lower jaw forward, and that nearly always means an appliance. In our office, we frequently recommend the Herbst appliance for this condition. This device eliminates the need for elastics or headgear. Instead, in most cases metal crowns are cemented over the upper and lower back teeth with tubes attached that stimulate the lower jaw bone to grow forward as they hold the upper jaw back. Some ..read more

Once you make the decision to get braces, our orthodontist in Monroe, OH, says there are certain responsibilities that come along with them. Regular brushing, flossing, and eating a proper diet are just a few of the ways to maintain braces. Sometimes, even with the best care, wires can poke the inside of your mouth, irritating your lips and rubbing sores. When this happens, our orthodontist in Monroe, OH, has a few tips you should follow. Tips for Handling Braces-Related Irritation from Our Orthodontist in Monroe, OH Tip #1 – Prevention is Key As with most things in life, prevention is key whe ..read more

Our orthodontist in Mason, OH, says it’s a common misconception that once you get braces, you won’t be able to play a musical instrument. With the proper knowledge and the right orthodontics team, you can straighten your teeth and enjoy playing your instrument with little to no interruption. Keep reading for advice from our orthodontist in Mason, OH. Braces Don’t Have to Interrupt Your Passion – Advice from Our Orthodontist in Mason, OH Consider Your Options Before you take the braces plunge, our orthodontist in Mason, OH, wants you to be aware that you have multiple options. If you spend a si ..read more

Our Fairfield Township orthodontist says if you’ve been on the fence about getting orthodontic treatment, then there’s never been a better time than now to take the first step toward your best smile. Whatever the reason for your hesitation, it’s important to remember that maintaining proper oral health is essential to your overall health. An untreated malocclusion could lead to more serious problems like tooth decay, speech issues, and decreased self-confidence. Don’t Delay Treatment – Choose Invisalign from Our Fairfield Township Orthodontist There is good news, however. Invisalign from our F ..read more

Even though the majority of patients our Fairfield, OH, orthodontist sees are teenagers and adults, it’s important for everyone to understand the significance of early evaluation for children. Many parents put off orthodontic evaluation for a variety of reasons, but if you have a child, it’s crucial to providing them with a lifelong healthy smile and increased self-confidence. Does Your Child Need Early Evaluation? – Advice from Our Fairfield, OH, Orthodontist What is an Early Evaluation? If you take a look around, you may notice that many more children have braces today than in past years. Th ..read more

To keep your smile happy and healthy, our Oxford, OH, orthodontist says a proper oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing and flossing twice a day is standard, plus using mouthwash goes a step further in removing harmful bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth, causing plaque and tartar buildup. There are times, however, that you can follow these simple rules and still end up with dirty teeth. When this happens, our Oxford orthodontist says your toothbrush may be to blame. Keep Your Smile Happy & Healthy – Advice from Our Oxford, OH, Orthodontist When it comes to a clean mouth, your ..read more

We all have fond memories of those special teachers who made a difference in our lives.  To honor and thank an outstanding educator in our communities, we asked our patients, their friends, and their families, to reflect on the educators who have made an impression on their lives and the lives of others.  Not only did we receive 57 entries, but we also received some wonderful photos of these amazing educators in action. On May 12th, we honored the deserving winner, Mrs. Crystal VonBargen of Fairfield North Elementary, with a pizza party for her class and a $100 Visa gift card.   ..read more

Happy day! Your braces are finally coming off! No more stabbing wires, orthodontic visits, half-smiling, saying “no” to gooey caramel apples. After two or so long years, you’re done. The last thing you probably want to hear from your orthodontist is that, in fact, you’re not finished yet. Every person who completes orthodontic treatment must wear a custom-made retainer for around twelve months – and probably for much longer part of the time. Don’t be discouraged. The retainer is an important piece of your treatment plan – and it is usually easy to deal with, comfortable and barely visible. W ..read more

If you’ve never closely examined your braces, or your child’s, you may not be aware of how many separate parts they contain. Traditional braces are applied by first bonding metal attachments directly onto the teeth. Then a wire, called an arch-wire, is run through slots in the brackets; this wire applies the pressure needed to move the teeth. Tiny rubber bands, in a choice of colors, hold the wire in place. The orthodontist replaces these bands, called ligatures, at each visit and patients can choose different colors each time. For many patients, another type of rubber band will be needed to ..read more