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Author: Identiwrite

two front teeth are uneven

FAQs: Straightening Uneven Teeth with Braces or Invisalign

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

Crooked or uneven teeth may make you want to hide your smile, which has emotional repercussions. In contrast, straight, uniform, symmetrical teeth contribute to an attractive smile–one you’ll want to share.

When you smile, your body releases neuropeptides that reduce stress. The process continues with the release of serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. If you feel good about your smile, you’ll smile often; if you smile often, you’ll feel happier. It’s a beautiful cycle that begins with your mouth.

In today’s blog, we’ll review some frequently asked questions about straightening uneven teeth with traditional or clear braces, or with Invisalign clear aligners.

How many people have crooked, uneven teeth?

According to research, 56% of humans worldwide have malocclusion, which is the improper relationship between how upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is shut. In the USA, this statistic is 53%. Scientific American reports that nine out of ten people have at least some dental misalignment, regardless of occlusion. So, if your teeth look crooked or uneven, you’re certainly not alone. You’re not even in the minority.

What health problems can uneven teeth cause?

  • Ineffective brushing and flossing, which leads to gum disease and cavities
  • TMJ disorder – headaches, jaw pain, tingling extremities, clicking jaw joints
  • Bruxism (clenching and grinding teeth), which causes tooth wear and breakage
  • Digestive issues
  • Speech problems
  • Breathing issues

How long does it take for braces or Invisalign to straighten uneven teeth?

Every case is different, but generally, Invisalign takes up to 18 months to straighten teeth and correct occlusion, and traditional braces take up to two years to produce the same results. 

What causes misaligned teeth?

The root cause of dental misalignments stems from a number of potential issues, including but not limited to:

  • Genetics
  • Injury
  • Jaw size and shape
  • Palate underdevelopment
  • Tooth loss and drifting
  • Eruption of wisdom teeth
  • Mouth breathing
  • Tongue thrusting
  • Thumb/pacifier sucking
  • Poor nutrition

Can uneven teeth cause jaw pain and headaches?

Yes. If uneven teeth contribute to malocclusion, your jaw joints (TMJs) will not find a comfortable resting position. To hold the mandible in a non-restful position all day and all night, day after day, jaw muscles and nerves become overworked. This can lead to clenching and grinding teeth, which usually occur when a person is asleep. Grinding teeth leads to tooth wear, further harming occlusion, so a cycle of destruction begins.

Improperly seated or irritated jaw joints is a condition known as TMJ disorder. Symptoms include jaw, head, and neck pain, as well as migraines. 

Braces or Invisalign can balance occlusion and relieve TMJ pain. As a result, clenching and grinding also stops. If molars are worn down or otherwise damaged from teeth grinding, restoring them with dental crowns will help ensure occlusion is maintained long-term.

Which is best, Invisalign or braces?

To find out which type of orthodontic therapy is best suited to straighten your uneven teeth, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX. After reviewing fresh X-rays and conducting an oral health exam, the orthodontist will talk with you about treatment options. Some cases are better suited for Invisalign than others, but regardless of which treatment is best for you, rest assured that your teeth can be straightened.

Dr. Wint treats patients as young as age six and no one is too old for braces. Call us at 832-699-3683, and we’ll bring your dream smile to life!

young woman with crooked teeth needs braces

5 Good Reasons to Straighten Crooked Teeth

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

You’re considering braces to correct crooked teeth but wonder if they’re worth the financial investment and time commitment. Studies show that improving your appearance can have a positive impact on how others perceive you, as well as career success. Even so, orthodontic therapy offers benefits beyond beauty.

In today’s blog, Dr. Wint will present five good reasons to justify straightening crooked teeth. If you have questions about what you read here or want to schedule a complimentary no-obligation consultation, call Harmony Orthodontics at 832-699-3683.

Let’s explore these important benefits of braces:

  1. Deter Periodontal Disease
  2. Improve Chewing & Digestion
  3. Prevent Excess Tooth Wear
  4. Correct Speech Problems
  5. Address Cosmetic Issues

Deter Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, AKA periodontal disease, is a chronic condition that afflicts about half of the population in the United States. It’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss and also increases a person’s risk of developing serious systemic health issues, including but not limited to heart disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory conditions, low-weight births, and diabetes complications. 

Crooked teeth make brushing and flossing less effective, and thus contribute to the potential for developing gingivitis–the earliest stage of gum disease. Without professional periodontal care, gingivitis will worsen.

Improve Chewing & Digestion

Mastication, commonly known as chewing food, is the first step in the digestive process. When food isn’t adequately broken down by teeth, the job of the stomach and colon becomes more difficult. You may experience gas, bloating, and nausea, in addition to not reaping the nutrition from the foods you consume. Crooked teeth can negatively impact the quality of chewing. By correcting bite issues with orthodontics, patients are better able to thoroughly masticate foods.

Avoid TMJ Disorder & Bruxism

TMJ disorder refers to the improper seating of one or both temporomandibular joints. When crooked teeth interfere with how upper and lower teeth fit together, the nerves and muscles around TMJs become irritated and inflamed as they struggle to hold the jaw in proper position. This often leads to bruxism, which means clenching and grinding teeth. As you can imagine, grinding your teeth contributes to premature tooth wear and breakage.

When we straighten teeth with orthodontic therapy like braces or Invisalign, and proper occlusion (bite) is achieved, the TMJs find true rest. Healthy TMJs can eliminate bruxism, as well, further improving the potential for good, long-term oral health.

Correct Speech Problems

Speech impediments stem from a variety of issues, one of which is crooked teeth. The teeth, tongue, and lips work together to form sounds. When teeth are crooked, sound distortions can occur. Because speech is an important part of our daily lives, the inability to speak properly can cause social and emotional issues in both kids and adults. Correcting the bite by straightening crooked teeth and establishing proper occlusion can eliminate related speech problems.

Address Cosmetic Issues

The most obvious benefit of wearing braces or Invisalign to correct crooked teeth is an improved smile. Studies show that a beautiful smile can make you appear:

  • More attractive
  • Friendlier
  • Healthier
  • Smarter
  • More successful

In addition, you’ll feel more confident in your appearance, so you might smile more often!

Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation for Crooked Teeth Correction

Enjoy a head-turning smile, as well as the functional and health benefits of straight teeth. Call Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, today at 832-699-3683 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wint W. Tun. After reviewing x-rays and your oral health, Dr. Tun will discuss her findings and treatment options. She will also answer all of your questions so that you can make an informed decision about wearing braces or Invisalign to straighten your crooked teeth.

man wearing metal braces to straighten teeth

3 Options to Straighten Teeth

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

Every person’s smile is unique but not necessarily attractive or healthy. Issues like wide or varied spacing between teeth, twisted or crooked teeth, and overlapping teeth can make a smile unappealing. An orthodontist can close spaces, straighten teeth, and line them up uniformly in the arch to create a more pleasing smile. Orthodontists also correct bite issues for optimal functional comfort and reduced potential for tooth wear/damage. 

We accomplish teeth movements with orthodontics. Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, offers three primary treatments to straighten teeth. In today’s blog, we’ll explain these three options:

  • Clear Braces 
  • Metal Braces
  • Invisalign

Clear Braces

Adults and teenagers often want an inconspicuous alternative to metal braces, and clear braces fit the bill. Clear braces feature transparent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets, coupled with nickel wires, which are less obvious than traditional metal orthodontic wires. Around each clear bracket, a clear rubber band acts as a ligature, holding the archwire in place and creating strategic to direct tooth movement.

You might wonder why anyone would choose clear braces over Invisalign clear aligners. Some cases simply don’t qualify for Invisalign. For example, aligners cannot pull teeth farther out of the socket for a longer look or push teeth into the socket for a shorter look. Additionally, twisted teeth aren’t corrected by aligners; they require a bracket and archwire to achieve rotation within the socket.

Patients often select clear braces for top teeth and metal braces for lower teeth.

Metal Braces

Modern metal braces are smaller and less bulky than in previous generations. However, they still feature metal brackets and wires. Because of their durability, metal braces are better suited for complex cases. In addition, metal braces cost less than ceramic braces.

Patients can wear metal braces for six months to two years to achieve the desired outcome. Every six weeks, the patient needs to attend an orthodontic visit so we can adjust the archwires, change out rubber bands (ligatures), and assess treatment progress.

Young patients may want to jazz up their braces with colored bands. Kids often choose school or favorite team colors to show their spirit. Holiday colors are also popular: green and red for Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween, etc.

Invisalign

A popular choice for our image-conscious patients, Invisalign clear, removable orthodontic aligners are custom made from transparent, flexible acrylic, so they aren’t easy to see when the patient smiles or speaks. Furthermore, patients can remove the aligners when eating a meal, cleaning their teeth, or attending a special event, like a photo session or wedding.

Patients wear an aligner for approximately two weeks, then discard it and wear the next one in their series. Each aligner moves teeth a specific degree, and the next aligner picks up where the previous one left off. Most patients wear Invisalign for 6 to 18 months. To meet the projected treatment end date, patients should wear aligners 22 hours per day. Also, patients attend check-ins every six weeks or so.

We offer Invisalign for interceptive or phase one orthodontics in children, as well as for teens and adults. Invisalign Teen comes with 6 replacement aligners and BlueDot technology to measure compliance, at no additional cost.

Which is the best treatment to straighten your teeth?

Dr. Tun offers a no-cost consultation for new patients, with no obligation to accept a treatment plan. She’ll take x-rays, evaluate your teeth, and talk with you about the pros and cons of various orthodontic options. Together, you and she can decide upon the best treatment plan for the future of your smile.

We provide orthodontics for children, as well as adults of all ages. Call us today, in Tomball, to schedule your consultation: 832-699-3683.

two teen girls with orthodontic braces and retainer

Why Do I Need an Orthodontic Retainer?

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

To understand why a retainer is essential after your braces come off, we should begin by exploring how the body reacts to braces during treatment. Specifically, I want to tell you about bone remodeling. 

Whether you wear traditional braces or Invisalign, constant forces are responsible for the movement of your teeth. When brackets and archwires apply consistent pressure on a tooth, the bone around the tooth’s root begins to remodel, or change shape, to allow each tooth and its socket to move. As bone resorbs where teeth moved to, it forms anew where teeth moved from. This is bone remodeling. 

The constant force is absent after treatment ends, so bone remodeling slows or stops, allowing teeth to reside in their new, ideal positions. However, remodeling won’t stop immediately. Additionally, forces of any type can prompt bone remodeling to begin again. 

At the completion of orthodontic therapy, bone continues remodeling. A compliant patient will wear his orthodontic retainer all day and night, except during meals and when cleaning the retainer and teeth. Continual retainer wear is advised for the first few months post-treatment because it, in essence, tells the body, “Okay, these teeth are in the right spot. No more pressure.” Your body finally gets the message within about two months of constant retainer wear. 

In the past, orthodontists advised patients to wear a retainer at night for a few years (or a timeframe equal to treatment time). Today, however, with a better understanding of bone remodeling, orthodontists usually recommend that patients wear a retainer for life to keep teeth in proper alignment. 

The good news is that wearing a retainer isn’t like wearing fixed braces. It’s much easier. 

About Orthodontic Relapse

When a patient doesn’t wear his retainer for a week or two, it might feel tight when placed on the teeth. This indicates that teeth began to move when the retainer was absent. It’s a wake-up call that wearing a retainer is imperative to retaining orthodontic treatment results.

Not all teeth relapse. In general, the more crooked teeth were before treatment, the higher the chance of relapse. The most common situations for orthodontic relapse are with open bite cases, in lower molars, and for rotated teeth.

Relapse is more likely to occur when pressures are emitted on teeth or when extra space allows for easy tooth movement. This happens in cases of:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Third molar eruption/movement/extraction
  • Tooth loss
  • Latent lower jaw (mandible) growth
  • Gum weakness
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Aging (mainly for lower front teeth)
  • Mouth breathing (often caused by enlarged adenoids and tonsils)
  • Tongue thrusting (when swallowing)
  • Sucking on things

Remember, though, that in the simple act of eating food, our teeth endure 70 pounds of pressure per square inch, so pressures are part of the daily life of teeth. A retainer eliminates the potential for any type of pressure to cause tooth movement. (Spacers or tooth replacement eliminates the potential for open spaces to allow for dental shifting.)

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

Bonded Retainer (Permanent)

A bonded retainer is a metal wire permanently adhered to the back of teeth after orthodontic therapy. Bonded retainers are fixed (not removable, except by a dentist). You won’t have to worry about forgetting to wear, losing, or breaking your retainer, or neglecting to wear it on purpose.

For people who travel, aren’t disciplined, or who know they just won’t willingly wear a retainer, a bonded retainer is a great option.

Removable Retainer

A removable retainer relies upon the patient choosing to wear it. For best results, wear your removable retainer all night long, every night. If it ever feels uncomfortable, call the orthodontist to see if the appliance needs repair or adjustment.

Let’s Talk About Your Retainer

If you don’t wear an orthodontic retainer after treatment, your teeth may relapse. To get teeth back into proper alignment, you will need to undergo some form of orthodontic treatment again. This means additional expense, time, and hassle. Avoid relapse!
Call Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, today at 832-699-3683. Dr. Wint W. Tun will provide options for retainers that will keep your teeth in alignment long term.

multi-colored braces bracket bands on teen girl

Show Your Spirit with Colored Braces

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Metal Braces.

Kids and teens may not be excited about wearing metal orthodontic braces, but colored braces? That’s another story!

To show school spirit or their own free spirit, colored braces come with unlimited options for mixing and matching. And in addition to standard color-wheel options, like black, reds, blues, greens, purples, pinks, and oranges, we often have metallic and glitter bands, which can add a bit of sparkle to your color scheme. (Did someone say “GO TEAM?”) In October, our glow-in-the-dark bands are quite popular, though they’re cool any time of year. For the winter holidays, popular colors are red, green, silver, gold, and blue. With colored bands, you’re the artist.

In today’s blog, we’ll answer common questions about colored braces. If you have additional questions, give us a call at 832-699-3683. As your Tomball orthodontist, Dr. Wint is always happy to answer questions, so you and your kids can make informed decisions about orthodontic treatment.

FAQs for Colored Braces

What are colored braces?

Metal braces brackets help hold an archwire in place by way of ligatures, also called rubber bands, elastics, or just bands. At every appointment, the bands are changed out. Normally, we use clear bands. But who likes normal? 

Colored braces are really metal braces with colored ligatures.

How are bands attached?

The bands are woven into brackets, and they are not the same types of rubber bands that span from top to bottom arches. Those are called interarch bands.

Ligatures (colored braces bands) are literally woven in and around each bracket.

Why do brackets have bands?

Colored braces feature ligatures to help move teeth in specific directions. The archwire itself doesn’t do all of the work.

What colors should I choose?

This is an excellent question. First of all, note that if you use our palette to choose colors, the shade of your bands will be a bit darker than what’s represented in the palette. 

And BONUS, here are some more great tips:

  • DO NOT choose colors that could be mistaken for food stuck on your brackets (brown, green).
  • DO NOT choose yellow; it makes teeth look yellowed.

And…

  • DO choose dark-colored bands to make your teeth look whiter.
  • DO celebrate holidays with the shades of the season.
  • DO support your favorite teams by sporting team colors.
  • DO match bands to your eyes or hair. (This is especially fun if your hair is pink or blue!)
  • DO choose bands in the most prevalent colors of your wardrobe.
  • DO match your bands to your manicure.
  • DO be creative and let your personality shine through!
  • DO plan ahead. Your bands won’t be changed again until your next adjustment appointment. What will happen between now and then? Will baseball end and football begin? Is the 4th of July coming up? What about class pictures? It’s good to plan ahead!

How often are bands changed out?

At every adjustment visit, which occurs every 6 to 8 weeks, we change out colored braces bands. This means, you can select a new color scheme at every visit (though you don’t have to change the color scheme). For a faster visit, plan ahead of time which colors you want.

Why are elastics changed?

Have you ever noticed how elastic-waisted pants become stretched out over time? Braces elastics are no different. To maintain the pressure required to move your teeth, elastics must be swapped out at every adjustment appointment.

Schedule Your Colored Braces Consultation 

Do you want colored braces? If you now wear or will soon wear traditional orthodontic braces, we’ll be happy to help you show your school spirit or your inner pazazz! Call Harmony Orthodontics now at 832-699-3683 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wint W. Tun. Located in Tomball, TX, Harmony Orthodontics serves children, teens, and adults. We are accepting new patients now, so give us a call!

woman smile with clear or ceramic braces brackets

Inconspicuous Braces for Teens and Adults

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

Many people want a gorgeous smile with straight, white teeth, but wearing metal braces keeps them from pursuing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics understands! She knows the importance of maintaining a professional, mature appearance so she offers alternatives to metal braces for adults and teenagers.

In today’s blog, we’ll review the most popular inconspicuous orthodontic therapies. To learn which is best suited for your case, schedule an appointment for a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Tun. At your visit, Dr. Tun will conduct a thorough exam, take x-rays, and present you with treatment plan options, so you can make an informed decision about braces.

Clear or Ceramic Braces

Often called clear braces because they blend with the color of tooth enamel, ceramic brackets make orthodontics much less obvious than metal braces. Like metal brackets, ceramic brackets are cemented to the front surface of teeth that need adjustment. A nickel wire threaded through the brackets applies strategic forces to reposition teeth over the course of about two years.

Ceramic braces are just like metal braces, but inconspicuous. Because they aren’t quite as intricate and strong as metal brackets, not all cases qualify for ceramic bracket braces.

Six-week adjustment visits with Dr. Tun and six-month cleanings and checkups with your general dentist are a required part of treatment. You’ll need to brush and floss after meals, as well as morning and evening. An interdental brush can help you effectively clean around brackets. Keeping your braces and teeth clean will ensure good oral health throughout treatment and reduce the potential for stains and damage when we remove the ceramic brackets. 

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. Shaped like a mouthguard, the clear, acrylic aligners fit over the top and/or bottom arches of teeth. Strategically placed pressure pushes or pulls teeth toward their ideal alignment over the course of six to 18 months. Every two weeks, you’ll discard your current aligner and use the next one in your series.

Wear your Invisalign aligners 22 hours a day, but remove them when eating meals and cleaning your teeth. You may also remove your aligners for short periods if you have a speaking engagement, a photo shoot, or another event where you’ll feel more comfortable without your aligner.

Invisalign Teen is a special version of Invisalign that features two unique benefits. First, since teenagers often misplace or lose their aligners, up to six replacement aligners are included with treatment. Second, Blue Dot technology reveals the level of compliance with wear. A blue dot on the aligner will disappear with use, so parents and Dr. Tun will know if the teen patient is wearing the aligners as instructed.

Since Invisalign is removable, non-compliance with 22 hours of wear a day can result in orthodontic relapse. Teeth may shift when the aligner isn’t worn, interrupting treatment. This can result in needing an adjustment to the treatment plan or an all-new treatment plan.

Lingual Braces

Though we don’t recommend lingual braces, they are an option for patients who do not want to wear braces for esthetic reasons. Lingual braces are placed on the back surface of teeth and are usually applied to bottom teeth. They can be harsh on the soft tissues of the tongue, causing irritation and abrasions. Also, they’re difficult to clean and adjust.

If You Need Braces, Call Dr. Tun Today!

To learn more about braces that won’t mar your image, contact us today for your no-cost, no-obligation orthodontic consultation. At this appointment, in addition to taking x-rays and providing a treatment plan, Dr. Tun will answer all of your questions. Call 832-699-3683 to schedule your appointment.

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.