Will Braces Correct TMJ Disorder?

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a severely debilitating condition that affects a person’s jaw joints; TMJ is normally characterized by the sufferer experiencing pain the muscles of the face, head, jaws and neck. Many people believe that TMJ is a condition they have to put up with, but orthodontics can help relieve the symptoms of TMJ.

TMJ occurs when the joint which connects the mandible (lower jaw) with the temporal bone in the skull becomes misaligned, and there are many causes and factors which can lead to TMJ, from misaligned bite, to bruxism, and skull trauma.

In addition to the symptoms given above, TMJ can also be characterized by the clicking, or popping of jaw joints; by jaws locking or sticking in open or closed positions; or by changes in a person’s biting alignment. In fact, there are many symptoms of TMJ, and often a diagnosis from an orthodontist can confirm whether TMJ exists in a patient.

While many sufferers of TMJ tend to live through the pain, others rely on relaxation, physiotherapy and massage techniques to relieve the symptoms. However, for more prolonged relief, TMJ can be successfully treated by an orthodontist through the use of dental braces.

The braces work by slowly altering the position of a patient’s teeth, helping to realign their biting pattern by shifting teeth through exerted pressure on one or more teeth. As the teeth shift into the desired position, the pressure on the mandible joint is lessened, helping to relieve the symptoms of the disorder.

Sufferers of TMJ needn’t feel they have to battle through the pain associated with the condition. TMJ will not improve of its own accord, and so sufferers should seek advice from an orthodontist for diagnosis of the condition, and also methods to relieve and cure the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder.

To learn if orthodontic treatment is recommended in your case, contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman, serving Nassau County, at 516-626-2060 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Orthodontics: Reasons to Start Treatment Early

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that uses various appliances, including braces and retainers, to help bring the teeth and jawbone into proper alignment. Braces are one of the most common orthodontic tools used to treat malocclusions, or bad bites. Though the image of braces is commonly associated with teenagers, younger patients can also undergo treatment.

The main advantage of starting orthodontic treatment early is that it will be over before the teen years. Teenagers tend to be more self-conscious than kids in their early teens or even younger, so earlier treatment means they will have a picture perfect smile throughout those more difficult years.

Starting orthodontic treatment early can also help the jaw grow to an appropriate size later in the child’s adolescence, which may prevent issues down the road. For example, an orthodontist can use an expansion device to widen the palate, making room for teeth that would otherwise have to be surgically removed to prevent crowding if the child were a teenager and the bones already set.

There are also appliances an orthodontist can use in interceptive treatments in younger children, to guide the arches of the mouth and the jaw into correct position. This may minimize the need for oral or jaw surgery when the child is older. It may also minimize the occurrence of protruding teeth, when the permanent teeth come in.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends screening children for malocclusions no later than age seven. While the family dentist may offer some orthodontic screening, it is best to take the child to a trained orthodontist. He or she can catch any malocclusions as they are forming at that young age, and recommend the best course of action for treating them with braces, if appropriate, and as early as possible.

To schedule your child’s initial orthodontic screening in Long Island, contact our dedicated and experienced team at Newman Orthodontics today.

Why are retainers essential to orthodontic treatment?

At the completion of your orthodontic treatment, you may be so relieved to have the braces off, you may not be inclined to wear your retainers. If you are an adult who has worn a retainer since childhood, you may assume that the appliance is no longer necessary. Sometimes, due to unfortunate circumstances, your retainer may become lost or damaged, and you may not recognize the importance of replacing it.

There are thousands of reasons that patients may lose sight of the need to wear their retainers. As your orthodontist will tell you, retainers are indeed essential to the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.

To appreciate the reason for ongoing retention, it may help to understand a little bit about dental anatomy. Although the teeth are anchored to the jaw bone, they are not fused directly to the bone. Instead, the roots of the teeth are held in place by microscopic ligaments or fibers that serve as tiny shock absorbers. These fibers allow the teeth to respond to biting and chewing forces without breaking.

This relationship between the teeth and the bone makes it possible for your orthodontist to reposition the teeth by applying gentle, steady force. Once the teeth have been properly positioned, they must continue to be subjected to gentle pressure (with a retainer), or there will be the tendency for them to drift out of position.

Without a retainer, the teeth will be left at the mercy of other forces that can push them into an undesirable position. The muscles of the lips, cheeks, and tongue generate constant pressure on the teeth which can be counteracted with retainers.

As the name implies, the retainer works to “retain” or preserve the position of the teeth. Failure to wear the appliance regularly for an indefinite period of time following the completion of active orthodontic treatment will hinder the process.

Many patients have reported that, after a long period without the retainer, the appliance no longer fits due to the movement of the teeth. For other patients, the retainer fits into place, but feels tight and leads to discomfort. To avoid these complications, it is recommended that the retainers be worn as directed.

If you are currently wearing a retainer, it is important to continue your good habit! If you have questions about your existing retainer or are in need of a new one in Long Island or the surrounding areas, call the orthodontic practice of Dr. Seth Newman at 516-626-2060 today for an appointment.

Should I Continue To See My General Dentist While I Have Braces?

Getting braces can be a confusing process. Once your orthodontist installs the braces, there are several things to remember about how to properly care for them. This can include watching what you eat, adjusting the tension of the braces, cleaning the bands (if you have them), and continuing to get regular check-ups with your general dentist.

Most orthodontists recommend that their patients with braces see their general dentists every four to six months. The general dentist will conduct a routine cleaning of your teeth and gums. He or she will also give a cursory check of your braces and check your teeth for any cavities.

When you have braces, it is very important that you brush and floss daily. Bacteria can build up between the brackets and between your teeth, which can cause decay and cavities. If this occurs, you might need to visit the general dentist more often. Bacteria build up, especially that caused by poor oral hygiene and the consumption of sodas and other sugary foods, can also cause calcification scars on the teeth. Following the dietary guidelines given to you by your orthodontist, getting routine cleanings by your dentist, and practicing good oral hygiene will help prevent tooth scarring.

To maximize the effect of your braces and make the job easier on the dentist, avoid sugary foods that can cause tooth decay. You should also avoid hard foods, sticky foods, or liquids that are high in acid.

Along with seeing your general dentist every four to six months, a patient who has a history of gum disease will also need to see a periodontist while he or she has braces. Once you have the braces installed by the orthodontist, contact your general dentist and periodontist, if necessary, to determine the frequency with which you need to come in for cleanings and exams.

Our Long Island staff at Newman Orthodontics is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding orthodontic treatment. Call 516-626-2060 and schedule your consultation today!

Orthodontics: What Is An Expander?

Our bite can be influenced by habits like thumb sucking and also by hereditary factors. If you have large teeth and your spouse has a small upper palate, your child could inherit both genetic factors. This might result in crowded teeth and the need for braces. For some, an expander will have to be put in place prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. If your child is in need of braces in Long Island, our orthodontist will begin with an assessment of palate size to determine the plan of treatment.

The expander is a fixture in the field of orthodontics and is usually a prelude to braces. The appliance is used to help expand the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the maxillary molars. The device will have to be adjusted a few times until the desired width is achieved. It is important to stress that this orthodontic appliance must be worn as prescribed by the orthodontist.

If you wonder how jaw expansion can help create the perfect bite, the reason is quite simple. With proper expansion techniques, the orthodontist will be able to give large teeth ample space to move when braces are put in place. When the appropriate width is reached, the patient will be required to wear the orthodontic expander for a few more months. No adjustments will be made, but it is an important step because if treatment discontinues abruptly, there is a chance that the jaw will return to its original width.

There are other benefits to jaw expansion. Some people who have narrow or deep jaws, breathing through the nose is difficult. Those who wore their expander religiously report that they have an easier time breathing nasally. It is also important to point out that not everyone who requires braces will need to have an expander before treatment starts. With the help of a panoramic and cephalometric x-ray, your orthodontist will be able to determine if the patient requires this treatment beforehand. Since the palate fuses when the patient is 15 to 16 years of age, the expander is designed to be used before this occurs.

To learn more and to schedule a consultation, please contact Newman’s Orthodontics at516-626-2060.