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irregularities

Orthodontic Fact #9 Irregularities of the teeth is one of the earliest writings about dental deformities, written by Hippocrates in 400 BC

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Hippocrates

Orthodontic Fact #9 Irregularities of the Teeth is one of the earliest writings about dental deformities, written by Hippocrates in 400 BC

People had known about dental irregularities since 400 BC when Hippocrates wrote about it. Since then, human beings have struggled to correct teeth deformities. During the 70’s, Egyptians used catgut to correct irregular teeth. Over time, the orthodontic practice has advanced considerably.

What are the common teeth deformities?

Overbite

An overbite results when the lower upper teeth extend beyond the lower front teeth. It may hinder efficient chewing and may also prevent one from speaking properly.

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greeks

Orthodontic Fact #11 “In 1000 BC, the ancient Greeks fashioned a catgut or metal strips with goat or sheep intestines to correct teeth deformities. Be thankful that you are living in the 21st century.”

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Greeks

Orthodontic Fact #11 “In 1000 BC, the ancient Greeks fashioned a catgut or metal strips with goat or sheep intestines to correct teeth deformities. Be thankful that you are living in the 21st century.”

It just goes to show that even the ancients had their issues with teeth. They figured out an ingenious way to straighten tooth issues that we have incorporated into our practice. No, we don’t use catgut, goat or sheep intestines. However, because of their ingenuity, we have learned to improve our procedures and techniques.

Learning from the past and improving on it is one of the ways we operate here at McDermott Orthodontics. It is fascinating to note that the metal strips the Greeks used to straighten their teeth are the basis for the metal braces still worn today. It is equally fascinating that most, but not all, the skill set the Greeks acquired by trial and error is being used today.

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toothbrush

Tooth brushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

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toothbrush

Not Using the Right Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is a simple and straight forward process, right? Not so. There are dozens of mistakes that can lead to a bad tooth brushing job. This means you’re running the risk of more cavities and plaque. The biggest mistake? Not using the right toothbrush. But what makes a toothbrush wrong?

Hard Bristles

Bleeding gums? If you’re picking up the floss for the first time in a month because of a pending orthodontist appointment, that’s no surprise. However, if you brush every morning and every night and your gums are still bleeding, you’re using the wrong toothbrush.

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invisalign

How Is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

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There are a wide array of orthodontic procedures available to assist you in having your teeth straightened. The most popular of these is the traditional brace procedure. However, the treatment known as Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular due to the many conveniences and benefits found with it. Understanding the differences between these two appliances will allow you to make an informed purchase decision when it’s time to straighten the teeth of you or your child.

Primary Differences

There is a myriad of differences between these two orthodontic appliances. The primary reason for these differences is that braces are permanent for the duration of the teeth straightening process, while the Invisalign appliance can actually be removed at certain times of the day. Both of these appliances treat the same types of orthodontic issues, including everything from spacing and crossbite to underbite and overbite. They will also both straighten the teeth of your child. However, this is basically where the similarities end.

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baking soda

Words of Wisdom No.6 – Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week

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Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week

While it’s true that baking soda can be abrasive when applied to Invisalign (because of its mineral content), using only a moderate amount of pressure during brushing will help prevent damage. An orthodontist might recommend removing your trays and soaking them in baking soda and peroxide. When brushing, you should always remember to dampen your toothbrush with water or vinegar after adding baking soda. This can help protect your teeth and braces. Additional ingredients for softening or diluting baking soda are:

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