People are often faced with many choices when it comes to choosing orthodontic care for themselves or their children. In the past, people were usually referred to an orthodontist by their general dentist, and this frequently still occurs. However, many general dentists are now performing orthodontic treatment themselves and may try to convince you to get treatment directly from them. Only an orthodontist has graduated from an accredited orthodontic program, and a specialist will have the advanced training in the latest diagnostic methods and advanced treatment technology. To find a uniquely trained orthodontic specialist, check out these resources: The American…

There are certain conditions in which the removal of permanent teeth is recommended to provide the best solution to an orthodontic problem.  This sometimes causes concern with families since the teeth that are removed are often healthy permanent teeth. Extractions are typically recommended for problems including crowding, bite issues, protrusion, and asymmetries. We are all conditioned to try to avoid losing our teeth, which is good motivation to take good care of our mouths.  While I always prefer treatment modalities that do not involve extractions, there are many instances in which extractions are simply the most appropriate treatment option to…

This is a question I hear often, especially now that the outdoor sports season is upon us.  April is National Facial Protection Month, so this is a good time to emphasize the importance of routine use of mouth guards. It is well established that mouth guards can protect the teeth and jaws from serious damage and trauma, especially for somebody with braces on.  Many people are surprised to learn that mouth guards also play an important role in the prevention of concussions. While mouth guards are typically required equipment for sports such as football and wrestling, I am often asked…

We see many adults who come to us seeking orthodontic treatment, many of whom were treated as teenagers.  They often tell me that they were told to wear their retainers for two years and then they could stop.  Unfortunately, many of these individuals are back at the orthodontist because their teeth have shifted, sometimes dramatically.  They often report that they would have worn their retainers longer if they knew their teeth were going to shift later. These days we make it a priority to remind our patients that long-term retainer wear is required to prevent the inevitable shifting that occurs…

Parents often wonder “When should I bring my children to the orthodontist for the first time?”  There is a common misconception that the child needs to have all of their permanent teeth prior to seeing an orthodontist, which is definitely not the case.  There is also a misconception that your dentist needs to make the referral to the orthodontist, but no referral is ever required to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Gehring Orthodontics. In fact, the best time for an initial orthodontic evaluation is around seven years of age.  This is an ideal time to assess the bite and…