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Two-thirds of what goes on in your mouth is below the surface. Most people are just concerned about having straight teeth and pearly whites, however, oral health goes far beyond that. That is why orthodontists use x-rays. Orthodontists use x-rays to check below the surface of the mouth to look for extra teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or teeth coming into the wrong positions. To learn more about the importance of x-rays keep reading from Dr. McReath at McReath Orthodontics.

Looking below the surface is so important because some things may be hiding in your mouth that can only be seen through x-rays. Impacted teeth may prevent adult teeth from “erupting”, or growing into your mouth properly. An impacted tooth can even harm the roots of nearby teeth, cause crowding and other teeth to move into unhealthy positions.

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Many people wonder how pacifiers and thumb sucking can affect their child’s teeth. In short, it is a valid worry because if these actions are prolonged it can cause oral health issues. Thumb sucking or pacifier use is one of an infant’s natural reflexes, prolonged sucking can exert force on the teeth and jaws. To learn more about common orthodontic problems caused by prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, read on from Dr. McReath at McReath Orthodontics.

If your child sucks a thumb, finger, pacifier, or lips, their teeth or jaw may growth may be affected. These bone changes can actually occur as early as 18 months. The most common issues include: protruding front teeth, an open bite, or a crossbite. If you continue to notice prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, it is time to consult an orthodontist.

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Most likely you’ve heard that you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. However, should brushing come before flossing or vice versa? According to recent studies, researchers have found that flossing before brushing may be the most effective way to remove dental plaque. This sequence also makes your tooth enamel stronger by increasing the fluoride concentration delivered from toothpaste. Read on to learn more about brushing and flossing from Dr. McReath at McReath Orthodontics.

It’s important to know that you are a very important participant in keeping your oral health in tip top shape. You have to take care of your teeth beyond going to the dentist and orthodontist. Especially when you are in orthodontic treatment, it is crucial that you make your oral health a priority. While orthodontic appliances don’t cause oral health issues, they can create spaces that are difficult to clean. Additionally, when plaque and food accumulate around your braces it can lead to permanent white marks, cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, and periodontal disease. 

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Straight teeth help to create a beautiful smile. However, straight teeth actually do so much more than provide a great smile. Teeth are made to fit together in a certain way. If they don’t fit together properly, they can’t function properly, which can lead to a variety of oral health problems. To learn more about the importance of straight teeth from Dr. McReath at McReath Orthodontics, keep reading.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. It is easier to remove plaque when teeth are aligned. Additionally, crooked teeth provide more places for plaque to hide and get missed while brushing. Plaque buildup can result in cavities and gum inflammation.

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Did you know that early orthodontic care may help you avoid costly treatments in the future? Like most things in life, orthodontic health can be much more manageable if you get ahead of it. It is suggested that a child has made a visit to an orthodontist by age 7 in order to keep their oral health in check. Much like you wouldn’t skip a well visit with a pediatrician or a dentist appointment, you shouldn’t wait until your child absolutely needs braces to get an orthodontist’s opinion. Keep reading to learn more about how an early visit to the orthodontist may help you avoid more costly or invasive treatments in the future from Dr. McReath at McReath Orthodontics.

There are several things an orthodontist may suggest when seeing a child. They may suggest a palatal expander, early interceptive treatment, tooth removal, or other things. A palatal expander is often used when the patient is still growing. This device in younger patients may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth. Cases that are not corrected in growing patients may require surgery down the road or lead to abnormal wear and tear.

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