Skip to main content
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  • 1
  • 2