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Author: Identiwrite

blonde teenager holding invisalign clear aligners

Introduction to Invisalign

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Invisalign.

Since 1998, Invisalign® has been available in the United States. By 2001, the company went public and was valued at $1 billion. Worldwide, countless image-conscious people have transformed their smiles and self-confidence with Invisalign clear, removable orthodontic aligners.

Since 1998, Invisalign has developed many product lines. The original Invisalign is for teens and adults, and it has three subcategories (Express, Light, and Comprehensive) for different case types. 

However, the company also offers:

  • Invisalign Teen
  • Invisalign First (phase 1 ortho)
  • Invisalign i7 (for crowded teeth)
  • Invisalign Full (complex cases)
  • Vivera Retainers
  • Invisalign Whitening (ortho with whitening)

In today’s blog, we’ll focus on basic, traditional Invisalign and explain:

  • What Invisalign Is
  • What Invisalign Does
  • What to Expect During Treatment
  • How to Maintain A Great Smile Post-Invisalign

What Invisalign Is

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Wint Tun provides Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is a custom therapy that uses digital scans of the patient’s dentition to create a progressive treatment plan with clear, disposable aligners. 

Then an Invisalign lab fabricates a series of aligners for a patient, based on designs produced by proprietary software. Each clear acrylic aligner fits snugly and securely over the upper, lower, or both arches of teeth. 

What Invisalign Does

Over six to 18 months, Invisalign’s custom-made aligners can reposition teeth to improve appearance and oral function.

Some Invisalign products accomplish other things. For instance, the Invisalign First aligner helps expand a child’s palate. Also, Invisalign Whitening simultaneously accomplishes teeth movement and whitening.

What to Expect During Treatment

We will send your case to our Invisalign lab, and then you’ll return to our office once the aligners arrive. Dr. Tun will guide you through how to wear and care for your aligners. She’ll explain what you need to do to see desired results by your projected treatment completion date. 

Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Remove them when cleaning teeth, eating a meal, or attending a special event.

If an aligner is lost or damaged, the patient should contact our office immediately, so we can order a replacement. Neglecting to wear an aligner can, in a short time, allow teeth to begin shifting back toward their initial position. 

Clean your aligners daily. Rinse them with cool (never hot) water and an unscented, transparent soap, like dish or hand soap. If your aligner discolors because you ate or drank staining foods while wearing the aligners, you can clean them at home. Mix half lukewarm water with half hydrogen peroxide and soak your aligners in the solution for about 20 minutes. Rinse and reinsert them.

Six-week check-in visits allow Dr. Tun to evaluate progress and answer any questions you have about your treatment.

How to Maintain A Great Smile Post-Invisalign

After Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer. At first, you’ll wear it all day, every day for a few weeks to a few months, according to Dr. Tun’s instructions. Then you should wear your retainer every night while you sleep so that teeth retain their positions. Upon request, Dr. Tun can bond the retainer to the back of your teeth, making it permanent, so you won’t lose it or forget to wear it. 

If you’d like a no-cost, no-obligation Invisalign consultation at our Tomball, TX, orthodontist office, call us at 832-699-3683. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Tun has the training, experience, and professionalism to deliver excellent service and head-turning results!

6 Year Old Girl with Phase 1 Orthodontics Braces

Who Needs Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

Phase 1 orthodontics is a therapy for children, and it can begin as early as age six. At Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, Dr. Wint W. Tun offers two primary options for phase 1 treatment: traditional braces or Invisalign First. Both therapies reshape the mouth to make space for 32 adult teeth to properly develop.

In today’s blog, we’ll review:

  • Who needs phase 1 orthodontics
  • What phase 1 accomplishes
  • Treatment options for phase 1

Does your child need phase 1 orthodontics?

According to the AAO, children should have an orthodontic consultation by age seven. At this consult, the orthodontist can determine whether a child needs braces and when the braces should be applied. In many cases, orthodontists advise parents to wait until all or their child’s permanent teeth have developed before undergoing orthodontic treatment. Other times, children as young as age six may benefit from phase 1 orthodontics.

The purpose of phase 1 treatment is to ensure the mouth has sufficient room for 32 adult teeth to come in straight, while also promoting healthy occlusion. The term occlusion refers to the relationship of upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Children who need phase 1 may have a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. Children who sucked their thumb, bottle-fed, or used a pacifier past age three may have an improperly shaped palate. Those who habitually thrust their tongue against their teeth may experience improper development of the palate.

Commonly, a child’s upper palate is too narrow, which causes the need for extractions when permanent teeth develop. Phase 1 orthodontics makes space, eliminating the need for extractions. Genetics also has much to do with the shape of the jaws. 

How Phase 1 Ortho Helps Kids as They Grow

Since the primary goal of phase one orthodontics is to reshape the palate to accommodate all permanent teeth, treatment usually involves wearing a palatal expander. This device is worn on the upper palate to guide bone growth and widen the palate. (Note that harmful habits like thumbsucking and tongue thrusting stop when a child wears a palatal expander.)

Bone growth occurs in the center of the palate, where the left and right maxillary bones meet.

By altering mouth shape to accommodate 32 adult teeth, phase 1 orthodontics can prevent future orthodontic problems. Ultimately, this eliminates the need for extractions and other procedures later in life. If the child needs to wear braces during the teen years, treatment time may be shorter because of the results of phase 1 therapy.

Treatment Options for Phase 1

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Tun offers two options for phase 1 orthodontic treatment. 

The therapy that provides the most accurate tooth movement and jaw expansion is traditional phase 1. The child wears a palatal expander and may also need spacers, in addition to wearing metal braces. A parent will need to turn a special key on the expander each night, to create appropriate pressure for jaw growth. Typically, traditional phase 1 ortho takes two years and is appropriate for children between ages six and nine. 

Another option for patients with qualifying cases is Invisalign First. Like regular Invisalign, the patient wears a series of clear, removable aligners instead of affixed metal braces. Invisalign First acts as both a palatal expander and braces, expanding the width of the upper palate and repositioning teeth. Not all patients’ cases qualify for Invisalign First. 

No-Cost, No-Obligation Phase 1 Orthodontic Consultation

Call Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, at 832-699-3683 to schedule your (or your child’s) complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Wint Tun. After x-rays and a thorough oral exam, Dr. Tun will explain her findings and discuss treatment options, if necessary. We offer a few different options for phase 1 orthodontics and Dr. Tun will provide you with all the details during your visit.

woman magnifying her teeth

Amazing Trivia About Teeth

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

Teeth. We brush and floss them daily because they work hard for us! Human teeth bite and chew food, as the first part of our digestive system. They also help us enunciate and pronounce words, and as part of our mouth, teeth contribute to emotional expressions. Furthermore, a person’s smile (and teeth) are statistically the second trait people notice about us, next to our eyes. People with a gorgeous smile are considered more intelligent, friendly, and successful, according to an AACD poll. So our teeth matter…a lot.

How much do you actually know about those teeth that serve you well? In today’s blog, you’ll learn some awesome trivia about our 32 pearly whites.

Tooth Enamel

In addition to being the strongest substance in the human body, tooth enamel is the second-hardest natural substance on the planet!

Fluoride and calcium make teeth strong and hard. Fluoride is a sensational mineral because it actually attracts other minerals to strengthen enamel.

Acid produced by bacteria feeding on starches in our mouths leeches calcium and fluoride out of our teeth. When this happens, enamel softens. Saliva contains minerals to help harden soft enamel, and fluoride attracts nutritious minerals, as well.

Cavities

Soft enamel is prone to bacterial invasion! When bad bacteria eat away a tooth, a cavity develops. Cavities are also called tooth decay, or clinically, dental caries. 

The most common childhood disease, tooth decay, keeps kids out of school and parents home from work. Simply brushing and flossing teeth, using a fluoridated toothpaste, and drinking pure water throughout the day help deter cavities. Dentists also offer fluoride rinses and dental sealants to stop decay from forming.

Smiles

For better or worse, people judge others, to some degree, by the way they look. 

Women smile about 62 times a day. Men smile about 8 times a day.

60% of adults base their romantic attraction solely on a person’s smile. 

Smiling is contagious in that the action actually makes other people smile. 

Fake smiling fools our bodies into producing the happy hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. When you’re feeling sad or mad, force a smile and the good vibes will follow!

Oral Bacteria

Did you know there are more bacteria in YOUR mouth than there are people on the earth? That’s a lot of germs! Some bacteria are healthy, while others cause damage.

Streptococcus mutans, or S. mutans, is a villain. This bacteria contributes to tooth decay, gum disease, and infective endocarditis (IE). This last disease involves hardening of the arteries and can be fatal.

Tastebuds

Your tongue holds 2-4000 taste buds. Each one lives about 10 days. It takes a few weeks for a tastebud to be replaced. 

Tastebuds identify five types of flavors in specific regions of the tongue: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory).

Dentist Required

As the only body part that cannot heal naturally, teeth require dental treatment for repair and restoration.

Hidden Roots

Only ⅓ of a tooth shows above the gumline. This third is called the crown. Another ⅔ resides beneath the gums, in a socket within the jaw. Connective tissues hold teeth in place by the roots. Teeth roots do not have a protective enamel coating like the crowns.

Gum disease can progress to below the gum line, where bacteria lodge on rough areas of teeth roots. There, the infection destroys connective tissues. Acute periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease, is responsible for most adult tooth loss in the United States.

Don’t Floss?

More than half of dental patients admit that they don’t floss. How many more don’t admit it? Another poll showed that 73% of us would rather grocery shop than floss our teeth. 

If you do not floss daily, you’ll neglect about 35% of each tooth’s surface. Plaque, which constantly develops in your mouth, calcifies into tartar over 48 hours. Also called calculus, tartar isn’t water soluble, so it must be scraped off. Note also that plaque and tartar cause gum disease.

Systemic Connection

Your mouth allows things to enter your body. While nutritious foods and medications are helpful when ingested, bad bacteria and toxic substances will harm your systemic health. Research shows that heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory conditions, cognitive diseases, and low-weight birth are of greater risk to people with gum disease. One study found that poor oral health impacts 90% of systemic diseases.

Do Your Teeth Need to Move?

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Wint Tun offers a diverse selection of orthodontic treatment options for children, teens, and adults. Call 832-699-3683 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Tun to learn whether orthodontic treatment will improve your oral function and appearance.

Tomball, TX map

I Need to Find a Great Orthodontist Near Me

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Tomball Orthodontist.

Has your general dentist referred you for an orthodontic consultation? Does your child or teen need braces? Are you interested in Invisalign for cosmetic improvements to your smile? You may be asking yourself, “How do I find a great orthodontist near me?”

Today’s blog will help you find an “orthodontist near me” by providing you with 5 important considerations for your search. We’ll cover these topics:

  • Best Location
  • Convenient Appointments
  • Extensive Dentist Training
  • Friendly, Welcoming Office Atmosphere
  • Diverse Treatment Options
  • Excellent Patient Comfort & Care

Let’s dive in!

Best Location

You’re searching for a “dentist near me,” but take a moment to consider just how often you’ll see your orthodontist. Whether you or your child need traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll visit the orthodontist every six weeks for a check-in appointment. What would be most convenient? Do you need an ortho office that is:

  • Near work?
  • Near home?
  • Near school?

Convenient Appointments

What time of day is best for your regular orthodontic visits? With Invisalign, check-in visits take only a few minutes. For patients who wear braces, visits can take an hour or so, depending on what needs to be adjusted to keep teeth moving toward their ideal position. 

Orthodontists may offer before-work appointments, at 8 am, or after-work visits, after 5 pm, for your convenience. However, if you choose an orthodontist near your work, you could opt for lunchtime visits. 

Dentist Training

Orthodontists first earn a doctorate in dentistry, either a DMD or DDS. These degrees involve the same training. Afterward, a specialist (like an orthodontist, prosthodontist, oral surgeon, etc.) must train for an additional two or three years. This advanced training includes a hands-on residency under the supervision of experienced specialists.

The most highly trained and vetted orthodontists are board certified. This means, after earning their specialist designation, they applied to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for board certification. The process involves hundreds of hours of work and is completely voluntary. Orthodontists can practice without board certification.

To acquire board certification, an orthodontist undergoes testing and submits cases for peer review. Selection for board certification has to do with experience and demonstrating knowledge, as well as good judgment, in practice. The entire process must be repeated every 10 years to maintain board certification.

Office Atmosphere

In addition to being clean and having a friendly, professional staff, an orthodontist’s office should make you feel welcome. The decor, seating, sites, and sounds should be upbeat and positive. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with the physical attributes of the office or the attitudes of the team members or dentist, consider finding a new orthodontist.

Diverse Treatment Options

A trained and forward-thinking orthodontist will offer diverse treatment options for children and adults. For instance, the orthodontist may offer:

  • Traditional Braces
  • Phase 1 Orthodontics
  • Retreatment
  • Clear Braces
  • Lingual Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Invisalign First
  • Invisalign Teen
  • Other Appliances

Patient Comfort & Care

Perhaps most importantly, you need to feel emotionally and physically safe and well cared for by your orthodontist and his or her team. This means, in addition to being served well at appointments, when you call the office, you should feel respected and appreciated.

Patient comfort may also shine through in how the orthodontist and clinical team members provide care. Gentle, compassionate clinicians will ask how you feel, help you feel optimally comfortable during treatment, and offer advice for easing post-treatment discomfort.

Your “Orthodontist Near Me” Is Right Here!

Patients who live or work near Tomball, TX, should explore Harmony Orthodontics, where Dr. Wint Tun provides expert orthodontic care for patients of all ages. In our bright, welcoming office, you’ll feel respected, appreciated, and well cared for. Give us a call today at 832-699-3683 to reserve a convenient initial consultation with Dr. Tun.

braces for kids - twins

What Are the Best Braces for Kids?

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Invisalign, Orthodontics, Tomball Orthodontist.

Your children–you adore them and so do we. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun and the compassionate, kid-friendly team at Harmony Orthodontics want to invite you and your children to join our family of patients. We always want the best for our young patients, so Dr. Tun offers a variety of braces for kids. To determine which is best for your child, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation orthodontic consultation in our Tomball office with Dr. Tun by calling 832-699-3683.

What happens at an ortho consultation?

Children’s smiles are as diverse as their personalities! All kids should have an ortho consult by age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Your little one may not need braces, or he might be best served by Invisalign First, and another child in your household may be well suited for traditional braces. This is why Dr. Tun offers a free consultation. 

At your first appointment, we will take x-rays and photos, then Dr. Tun sit down with you (and your child, if he wants) to explain her findings and treatment recommendations. Your input is important during the consultation because you can share valuable insight into the lifestyle factors and habits that will help us choose the best braces for your child.

Now, let’s explore the options. The following braces for kids are available in our Tomball orthodontist office.

Types of Children’s Braces: Ages 6 to 9

The type of braces your child needs will depend upon his specific case and age. Early orthodontics, also called phase one ortho or interceptive braces, creates additional space in the mouth for incoming permanent teeth. This allows your child to avoid future extractions, which are necessary when kids’ mouths are too small for all their permanent teeth. In addition, phase one ortho can set a child up for fewer orthodontic issues in his teens and adult years.

If a child needs phase one, Dr. Tun may suggest Invisalign First or palatal expanders prior to placing traditional braces. Both types of braces for kids have pros and cons.

Traditional Braces for Phase One Orthodontics

The braces we know from our childhood have significantly evolved in the past few decades. Today, traditional braces for kids are smaller, lighter, and less obtrusive than the train tracks you may have worn.

Dr. Tun will recommend traditional braces for kids when simpler options, like Invisalign First, won’t solve the orthodontic issues.

With braces, more precise tooth movement can be achieved. Issues like lifting teeth further out of the jaw or pressing them deeper can only be achieved with traditional braces. Twisted teeth require a straightening strategy that only traditional braces can achieve, as well. Perhaps most important, patients cannot remove traditional braces, so compliance is practically guaranteed. Invisalign First requires that the patient choose to comply every day to be effective.

Also, in phase one ortho, we use a palatal expander to guide bone growth of the upper jaw, creating room for incoming permanent teeth. While Invisalign First also expands the upper palate, it isn’t ideal for extremely narrow mouths. Once the palate is sufficiently expanded with a palatal expander, in some cases the patient can opt for Invisalign instead of traditional braces.

Invisalign First: Removable, Clear Aligners for Kids

In the past, Invisalign was made only for adults, then they created version for teenagers. Today, parents and young children can opt for Invisalign First, an effective phase one orthodontic therapy for children, ages 6 to about 9. The clear aligners are made with the same special software and materials we use for Invisalign for adults and Invisalign Teen. 

Invisalign First can expand the upper palate without the use of a traditional palatal expander with a key. However, children must wear their aligners as instructed, 22 hours per day, to see projected results. Non-compliance or partial-compliance will delay results and could allow relapse, meaning teeth shift back out of alignment when the aligner isn’t worn. Relapse creates the need for a new treatment plan, so wearing the aligners as instructed is imperative for success.

Invisalign First is wonderful for oral home care! The removable aligners can be brushed and rinsed clean, and teeth are free of any obstruction. The patient should floss and brush normally, but parents, please make sure your child does a thorough job morning and evening.

Learn More About Braces for Kids

If you want to talk with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun about the best braces for your kids, give us a ring at 832-699-3683. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation orthodontist consultation today!

child wearing braces

“How can I tell if my child needs braces?”

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

This is a great question that all parents of young children should have answered. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, will provide you with a lengthy but thorough answer in today’s blog, so read on. If you have additional questions or want to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation braces consultation with Dr. Tun after reading this blog, give us a call at 832-699-3683.

When to See the Orthodontist for a Braces Consultation

All children should have an ortho consult by the age of seven, according to the American Orthodontists Association (AAO). However, if your kiddo is over 7, bring him in any way! It’s never too late to improve dental alignment for more comfortable oral function and to create ample space for teeth to develop.

On the flip side, if your little one seems to have an orthodontic problem before age 7, Dr. Tun will be happy to evaluate his dentition. A consultation will provide you with all the info you need to make wise choices about your child’s orthodontic care.

The AAO also provides parents with excellent tips on determining whether a child needs braces. Dr. Tun will share those tips here, along with additional explanations to help you understand the symptoms of needing braces.

Losing Baby Teeth Early or Late

A child’s bottom and top center teeth, called incisors, usually fall out naturally between the ages of six and eight. On either side of these four incisors are the canines, or cuspids. The canines and first molars usually fall out between ages nine and 12. Around age 10 to 12, the last teeth left, the second molars, fall out. If your child’s teeth fall out more than a year before or after these age ranges, he might need braces.

Trouble Biting and/or Chewing Foods

At any age, if a child’s teeth hurt when he bites and chews, he may need braces. The pain referenced here is not “teething” – the expected discomfort that occurs when primary and permanent teeth erupt from the gums. Instead, this pain only happens while the child eats and may be felt in one or more existing teeth.

Breathing Through the Mouth: Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is the term we give to the condition that causes a person the inability breathe normally through the nose. These people breathe only through the mouth. This is different from when a child has a stuffy nose associated with a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus irritation. Mouth breathing is constant. In addition to causing sleep disorders, mouth breathing can alter the proper development of the face and jaws. Braces can help reshape the face and prevent mouth breathing.

Sounds from the Jaw

If your child’s jaw joint(s) pops, clicks, or cracks when he chews, talks, or yawns, he may need braces. When one or both jaw joints aren’t properly aligned, a person can develop TMJ disorder, which causes many issues, including pain ranging from mild to severe. 

Constantly Biting His Cheeks

Some people chew on the inside of their cheeks due to stress or anxiety, which is not indicative of needing orthodontics. Others accidentally bite their cheeks repeatedly when eating and speaking. This symptom can indicate a crossbite or other orthodontic condition that requires treatment with braces. 

Facial Unsymmetry or Imbalance

The appearance of our cheeks, lips, and chin has much to do with the underlying structure provided by jaws and teeth. If your child’s face seems imbalanced, his occlusion may need correction. We call this condition malocclusion, and braces can treat it. Occlusion is defined as the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Malocclusion can cause many issues, ranging from tooth wear and breakage to TMJ disorder.

An Image Says It All

This PDF, provided by the AAO, shows parents what different types of orthodontic issues look like. Compare your child’s mouth to these images, and if you notice similarities, give us a call. Your child may need braces as early as age six or seven. At this age, we use early orthodontics to direct proper development of the jaws and teeth, to reduce the potential for more complex issues later in life.

No-Cost, No-Obligation Braces Consultation

If you notice any of the symptoms described above or your child’s smile appears to have similarities to the images in the AAO’s pdf file, call Harmony Orthodontics today to schedule a visit. Dr. Tun’s no-cost, no-obligation consultation includes X-rays and a sit-down meeting so that she can show you her findings and explain whether your child needs braces. Give us a ring at 832-699-3683.

close up of woman putting Invisalign clear aligner in her mouth

What Newcomers Should Know About Invisalign®

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Invisalign.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a popular and discreet option that can straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces. While Invisalign treatment is ideal for most patients, there are still a few things to consider.

Are you ready to explore Invisalign with a top-ranking orthodontist in Tomball, TX? Delve deeper with Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. Schedule your Invisalign consultation today at (832) 699-3683 to get started toward your dream smile!

As a newcomer to Invisalign, it’s essential to understand the treatment process, benefits, and key considerations. This blog provides a concise guide to help you make an informed decision.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made clear aligner trays to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Orthodontists use advanced 3D imaging technology to create these trays according to a precise treatment plan.

Patients must wear each set of aligners for roughly one to two weeks, for no fewer than 20 hours a day. Regular check-ups with an orthodontist allow for frequent adjustments to ensure speedy and natural progress. The treatment duration varies depending on individual needs but typically ranges from several months to over a year.

Benefits of Invisalign 

One of the primary advantages of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. The aligners are nearly invisible, making them an attractive option for individuals seeking a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces. 

Additionally, the aligners are removable, enabling patients to eat their favorite foods without restrictions while maintaining optimal oral hygiene. And, unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are smooth plastic, making them a more comfortable option for most patients. 

Lastly, the treatment process typically involves fewer office visits compared to traditional braces. This can save patients significant time and hassle. 

Compliance and Commitment

For successful Invisalign treatment, it is crucial to comply with the prescribed guidelines. Patients must wear their aligner trays for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily, only removing them when eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. Failure to adhere to this schedule may prolong the treatment duration or compromise the desired outcome. 

Additionally, patients should maintain diligent and regular oral hygiene practices (such as daily brushing and flossing) to avoid cavities and other oral health issues. Compliance and commitment are key to achieving optimal results with this corrective treatment.

Potential Discomfort and Adjustments

Generally, patients consider Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces. However, this does not mean that Invisalign is completely painless. Most patients experience some mild to moderate discomfort with the progression of clear aligner treatment. This is completely normal and to be expected.

The discomfort that patients feel with each new set of aligners usually subsides as the teeth adjust to the aligners. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Alert your orthodontist if the pain lasts longer than three days. 

Invisalign in Tomball, TX

Invisalign offers a discreet and convenient solution for individuals seeking a straighter smile. Are you ready to see if this treatment is right for you? Schedule a consultation with the team at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, today! Call our front desk at (832) 699-3683 or get scheduled online here.

woman holding clear aligner or retainer and toothbrush on a yellow background

Five Little-Known Reasons to Visit an Orthodontist Beyond Straighter Teeth

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

When it comes to orthodontics, most people associate it with the process of getting straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. While that’s certainly one compelling reason to visit an orthodontist, the scope of their expertise extends far beyond mere aesthetics. An orthodontist is a highly trained dental professional who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.

Are you looking for a top-rated orthodontist near Tomball, TX? Come meet Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. Just schedule a 30-minute consultation with our team today at (832) 699-3683 to get started.

In this blog, we explore some lesser-known reasons to visit an orthodontist that go beyond achieving a straighter set of teeth. You might be surprised to learn how beneficial these specialists really are!

Improved Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just enhance the appearance of your smile–it plays a crucial role in improving your oral health, too. 

Crowded and misaligned teeth can create tiny nooks and crannies that can be extremely difficult to clean. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

By aligning your teeth properly, orthodontic treatment makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, an orthodontist can help you reduce the risk of dental issues to promote better oral health throughout your life.

Enhanced Digestion

Chewing is the first step in the digestive process, and the alignment of your teeth can significantly impact how effectively you break down your food. In fact, some research suggests that improper chewing due to poor dentition can lead to digestive issues, like acid reflux, bloating, and gas.

By addressing malocclusions and bite issues, an orthodontist can help ensure that your teeth are properly aligned. As a result, you may notice a marked improvement in your digestive health.

Alleviation of Jaw Pain and Headaches

Orthodontic problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites can strain the jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, chronic headaches, and other health issues. By realigning the teeth and correcting the bite, an orthodontist can relieve the stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and alleviate associated pain. 

Speech Improvement

Our teeth are a large part of what gives us the ability to speak. When they aren’t in proper alignment, then it can affect our speech patterns. This can make it more difficult for some people to convey their thoughts and feelings efficiently. 

Orthodontic treatments (like braces or Invisalign®) with Dr. Tun can help patients gain clearer speech and enhanced communication skills.

Prevention of Dental Injuries

Protruding teeth or misaligned jaws can increase the risk of dental injuries, particularly in active individuals or those involved in contact sports. Orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental trauma (such as chipped or fractured teeth) that may occur during accidents or sports-related activities.

Five-Star Orthodontist Near Tomball, TX

While achieving straighter teeth and a beautiful smile are undoubtedly popular reasons to visit an orthodontist, there are broader benefits. Want to see how our Tomball orthodontist can help you get a healthier, more functional smile? Contact Harmony Orthodontics today at (832) 699-3683 or schedule an appointment online here.