There’s a joint in your jaw that plays a large role in its ability to open and close. It’s known as the temporomandibular joint, and there are times when it doesn’t work as it should. The result is called TMJ or sometimes TMJD for temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, this affects roughly 5% to 12% of people. Here are some warning signs to look out for. Tenderness in the Jaw

There are many misconceptions about orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are an estimated 4 million Americans who are currently wearing braces. Many of these people likely had doubts about a few misconceptions. Let’s look into a few of the most common ones. Orthodontic Treatment Is Strictly Cosmetic While orthodontics can give you the beautiful smile that you’ve always dreamed of, that’s just the beginning. It’s also an effective treatment to correct jaw and bite issues

If you’re looking to achieve a straighter smile, you may be considering wearing braces. Most people who wear braces wear metal ones. However, these can be noticeable and may make you self-conscious. If you don’t want to wear metal ones, there is an alternative; ceramic braces. Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth, making them far less noticeable. Here are some of the key indicators that they may be right for you. You Plan to Be Cautious With What You

Most people think that an orthodontist can simply help by straightening your teeth. While this is something that they do, they can also help to align your teeth, correcting overbites and underbites. According to a recent study from the World Health Organization, approximately 20% of the population has some level of significant facial growth deformity. That means 20% of the population could benefit from treatment with an orthodontist. Read on as we explain what significant health problems one of these

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a condition that blocks the airway when the throat muscles become too relaxed. According to The American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that about 3% of children will develop OSA. While an orthodontist cannot diagnose and fully treat this condition, orthodontists and orthodontic treatment can play a beneficial role in detecting and treating this condition. Read on to learn more about combating OSA with orthodontic treatments. Recognizing Symptoms of the Condition Orthodontists play

Some folks think that orthodontists work primarily with children, and while that is sometimes true, an orthodontist can provide assistance no matter the patient’s age. From young children to adults, orthodontic care can improve health and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for adult or teen braces, or correcting biting issues among adults (and kids!), working with an orthodontist is smart. Curious how an orthodontist might be able to help? Read on! If you have any questions, however, feel free

There was a time when braces were only associated with kids and teens. Thanks to advances in orthodontic care, adults are taking advantage as well. Based on reports, as many as 75% of Americans should consider getting orthodontic treatment. So if you’re living with crooked teeth or other issues related to jaw alignment, know that it’s never too late to have a beautiful smile at any age. Here’s why you should consider getting adult braces. Confidence After going from crooked

Visits to your local orthodontist can help your child’s development. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, such visits can begin at seven years old to check for early problems as permanent teeth come in. If you think orthodontics is an extra service that can’t benefit your child’s life and health, the following points can help you see differently. Nutrition and Digestion Digestion begins in the mouth. So the better you can chew, the better digestion you’ll have. When your

A mouth full of straight teeth looks great when you smile. That’s why, according to Humana, as many as 25% of people with braces are adults. However, adults can seek such ortho treatments for reasons beyond having teeth in perfect formation. If you live in Hanover, PA or Baltimore, MD and want to find out how braces can improve your life, read on. Better Sleep According to the Sleep Foundation, you need at least seven to nine hours of restful