Davis Orthodontics: San Diego and Escondido

Presidents’ Day Fun Facts!

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents’ Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Davis Orthodontics.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called “20-year curse,” in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

The Benefits of a Beautiful Smile

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Allen Davis and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Davis Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

Happy New Year from the Top of Iron Mtn!

2012-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the top of Iron Mountain! Megan, Dr. Davis, Alyssa.

All of us at Davis Orthodontics wish you a happy and prosperous 2012.

Seasons Greetings from Davis Orthodontics!

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season here, Dr Davis and all the staff at Davis Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, this holiday season.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Can You Be Too Old for Orthodontic Treatment?

2011-12-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

At Davis Orthodontics, no one is “too old” for orthodontic treatment. If you have healthy teeth and gums, braces can benefit you at any age. Many adults are realizing this. In fact, it was reported recently that the number of adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Braces can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. In todays society, an attractive smile can help you succeed in both your professional and personal life. Realizing that evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, more adults are wizely choosing to invest in orthodontics. If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, Dr. Davis would love to see you for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

How to Make Your Own Office Sign!

2011-12-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

For all you do-it yourselfers out there, here's how you make your very own office signage:

1. Buy plywood letters online.

2. Lay them out on your garage floor (see above) and paint them.

3. Screw them to top of your building.

Now you know what your orthodontist does in his spare time!

We Have New Xbox Video Games!

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

We've added a brand new video game area to our Escondido office at 400 North Broadway! It has three Xbox 360 games with three 32" Flat screen TVs to go with them! So far our games are Sonic Unleashed, The Bee Movie Game, and The Cars Movie Game!

Happy Thanksgiving from Davis Orthodontics!

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Allen Davis and our entire staff at Davis Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

I Got My Braces, Now What?

2011-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Davis Orthodontics recommends that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; ask us for a recommendation.

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Our team at Davis Orthodontics will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our San Diego orthodontic office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting our office during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Happy Veterans Day from Davis Orthodontics

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day! Today is a day to thank all military veterans and the men and women currently on active duty that put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Davis Orthodontics would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans’ Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas!

Five Tips to Avoiding Dental Plaque

2011-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

At Davis Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly.. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Davis.

We've Moved Our Escondido Office!

2011-10-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

We've moved our Escondido office to a new location!

400 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025

Just north of City Hall, across the street from Grape Day Park, and next to George Burgers. Very easy to get to and plenty of dedicated parking!

October: National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy October! For those who don’t know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by the American Association of Orthodontists. We here at Davis Orthodontics realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Davis and other dental professionals in San Diego and Escondido.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

Is Nail Biting Really So Bad?

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is a bad habit. But what’s really so bad about it? Recently, we found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.

• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.

• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.

• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation.

Good luck!
Your friends at Davis Orthodontics

Vacation!

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Time for a fun and relaxing getaway vacation in Maui! I hope you're having a great summer! I'll see you all when I get back in a week!

How to Freshen Your Breath

2011-08-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Davis and his staff recognize that many of their patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. Except for chronic bad breath, bad breath usually is temporary, and can be prevented.

We found this helpful video about bad breath, which explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Davis Orthodontics, such as brushing and flossing daily. Take a look at this video for additional tips on how to control bad breath:

Fluoride During Orthodontic Treatment

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

There are many ways you can protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Davis Orthodontics. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask us how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

You probably would think that after 11 years of higher education to become an orthodontist, I would be done with going to school. Well, not really! I take several continuing education courses every year to keep informed on the latest techniques in orthodontics. I just got back from a 4 day lecture series in Torrey Pines put on by the American Board of Orthodontics. There were 8 prominent expert lecturers speaking on several interesting topics and trends in the orthodontic profession. This lecture series was only for those orthodontists that have taken the extra effort to become board certified, which comprises only about 25% of orthodontists practicing today. So I'm living proof that you can still teach an old dog new tricks! My lifelong goal is to never stop learning! Thanks to all my patients and referring dentists for all of your support!

Dr. Allen Davis

Foods to Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment

2011-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of foods Dr. Davis wants you to avoid while you’re wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:
• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Davis Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

How to Brush with Braces

2011-07-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Proper brushing with braces is crucial to avoiding dental decay and problems with the gums. Here are a few points to remember:

* Use a fluoride toothpaste recommended by your dentist or one that bears the approval seal of the American Dental Association. Do not use whitening toothpaste.

* Brush teeth within minutes of completing each meal and right before bed. Brushing away food residue that can stain the braces and your teeth. Staining may not be obvious until after the braces are removed.

* Angle the toothbrush to 45 degrees and move it back and forth with short gentle strokes. Brush the front, back and top of each tooth. Also brush your tongue, gums and the roof of your mouth.

* Be careful when brushing around the dental braces. Start from the top and brush down. Brush gently to avoid bending or snapping wires and brackets.

Here's a helpful video:

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July is finally here! This Independence Day the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom. For many, Independence Day is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Whatever you plan to do, Dr Davis and his staff hope you have a fun and safe holiday!

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

2011-06-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer from Davis Orthodontics!

How to Floss with Braces, from Davis Orthodontics

2011-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Flossing with braces can be a bit of a challenge because of the orthodontic wire blocking easy placement of the floss. Here is a detailed video showing how to thread the floss under the orthodontic wire by using an ingenious device called a floss threader.

Five Reasons to Visit Davis Orthodontics for a Consultation this Summer

2011-06-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

It may be human nature to put off visiting the orthodontist for a consultation. And it seems that lately we have heard several excuses circulating - vacations, chores, emergencies, et cetera. Today, we here at Davis Orthodontics thought we’d give our prospective patients five reasons to visit our office this summer for an orthodontic consultation.

1. For students, scheduling the appointments needed to put on braces is easier when school is out for the summer. These appointments are usually a little longer and it's nice to get them done before school starts again.

2. Summer is a great time to get used to your new braces. Whether you're away from work on vacation or away from school for the summer, you can use the down time to get comfortable with your braces.

3. Insurance and Flex Plans often have open enrollment in the Fall. Scheduling an orthodontic consultation during the summer can help you plan for next year. Plus you can wisely take advantage of whatever funds you may have for the current year.

4. Summer has fewer scheduling conflicts with schoolwork or organized sports.

5. And here's another reason to visit us: did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven? Give us a call to schedule a consultation!

What’s on Your Summer Reading List?

2011-06-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

With summer 2011 here, some of us at Davis Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. More specifically, summer reading. Of course it’s easier to go play baseball with friends or watch TV, but reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for your classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

If you’re out of ideas for summer reading material? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in San Diego for some ideas or check out this list at Barnes and Noble that we found earlier today.

Happy reading!

Emergency Orthodontic Care with Davis Orthodontics

2011-06-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Davis Orthodontics.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it’s worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

June is National Smile Month!

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

According to the American Dental Association, a person’s smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it’s important for our team at Davis Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Davis Orthodontics.
Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call.

Dispelling Myths About Orthodontucs

2011-05-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

Trust us when we say Dr. Davis and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Davis Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

2011-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

You just got braces at Davis Orthodontics and Dr. Davis has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter “sit” for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don’t want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy!

Orthodontic Fun Facts, from Davis Orthodontics

2011-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Davis Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).

The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

Wires activated by body heat used in today’s braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Orthodontic Treatment in the Mixed Dentition

2010-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

The following article was written by Dr. Davis for Facets, a magazine for dentists, published by the San Deigo County Dental Society.

Evaluation of patients for what is commonly called a Phase I orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition has become the standard of care among orthodontic professionals. Indications for this type of treatment include severe dental and skeletal malocclusions, arch length deficiency, and harmful habits. In order to determine if a given patient would benefit from a Phase I treatment, the AAO recommends referral for an orthodontic screening exam by age 7. The decision of whether to provide this early treatment needs to be based on careful case selection and a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan. Patients and parents need to realize that Phase I does not obviate Phase II treatment. Patients who receive treatment in the mixed dentition commonly also require a second phase of treatment in the permanent dentition. Phase I treatment is best considered as a way of laying the groundwork for better results in Phase II.

One of the primary objectives of mixed dentition treatment is to obtain some degree of skeletal correction. The advantage in initiating some sort of treatment at this developmental stage is that an optimum orthopedic influence can be exerted during the rapid rate of bone growth that is occurring. Thus, somewhat of a “window of opportunity” presents itself for treatment directed at correcting the skeletal component of a Class II malocclusion, Class III malocclusion or bilateral crossbite. Fixed or removable appliance therapy, or some combination of both, may be chosen as treatment modalities.

Functional appliances such as Bionators, Frankels, or Twin Block appliances may be a consideration. They work by holding the mandible in a more ideal position in an attempt to orthopedically influence ramal growth in a more favorable direction. They may also increase arch development, expand arch length, and open or close the bite depending on the design. Patient cooperation may pose a problem with these appliances since 24 hour wear is recommended for optimum results.

Fixed appliance therapy in the mixed dentition has the advantage of increased patient compliance because the appliance is bonded and/or cemented in place. When the permanent first molars and anterior incisors are fully erupted, a “2 by 4” appliance can be placed. Bands are placed on the first molars and brackets on the incisors, connected together by an orthodontic wire, bypassing the remaining deciduous teeth. Quad helix or rapid palatal expanders can be cemented to correct posterior crossbites.

Extraoral appliances can be utilized to correct anterior-posterior discrepancies. For maxillary retraction cervical-pull headgear is available. However, for patients with an open bite tendency, high-pull headgear may be more appropriate. For correction of maxillary retrusion, forward-pull headgear can be used to achieve maxillary protraction.

Removable biteplates can be made to correct anterior deep bites or crossbites and can be combined with fixed appliance therapy. For example, a patient with maxillary protrusion and a deep anterior overbite can be treated with a maxillary anterior biteplate, a “2 by 4” appliance, and a cervical-pull headgear. The patient is requested to wear the headgear 14-16 hours per day, so compliance may be may be better than with the 24 hour functional appliance routine.

Issues of arch length deficiency can be addressed through some sort of expansion protocol or, in severe cases, a treatment involving serial extraction. Fixed or removable expanders can be used to gain arch length, although patient compliance is better with a fixed expander attached to first molar bands. If the degree of arch length deficiency is too severe, then there may be no other choice other than to proceed with a serial extraction regimen, eventually ending up with the extraction of first bicuspids in the permanent dentition.

Harmful habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrust can be successfully treated in the mixed dentition. This may involve a palatal appliance cemented to first molar bands. It can have little prongs to discourage thumb sucking. Or it can be like a little wire fence to hold the tongue back away from the teeth in an attempt to treat a tongue thrust. If these mechanical barriers don’t work, then some type of behavioral treatment involving a myofunctional therapist may be necessary.

Interception of other dental problems is often best timed in the mixed dentition. These include ankylosed deciduous teeth, impacted teeth, ectopic teeth, missing teeth, and supernumerary teeth.

Treatment of cranio-facial anomalies such as cleft palate and suture formation abnormalities may be initiated in the mixed dentition. However, diagnosis and treatment may begin much earlier, usually involving a panel of expert specialists associated with a children’s or university hospital.

In conclusion, many developmental problems can be diagnosed and successfully treated in the mixed dentition. As mentioned above, patients should be screened by age 7 to determine if they would benefit from early treatment or would be better off postponing treatment until the permanent dentition.