What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ Disorder creates jaw and bite alignment problems in people who suffer from it. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge and gliding joint that is one of the most used joints in our body. Patients who suffer from TMJ problems will experience clicking of the jaw at the joints, jaw and/or facial pain, headaches, earaches, locking of the jaw, worn teeth and ringing in the ears.
Have you had friends get braces, only to have white spots on their teeth once the braces were removed? No matter what you may have heard, these spots are completely preventable and it’s up to you to prevent them.
“The main cause of white spots on the teeth during orthodontic treatment is poor oral hygiene,” says Kenilworth orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich. “Failing to brush properly leads to de-mineralized areas of your teeth. And no matter what anyone may tell you, they are caused by poor brushing and are 100% preventable.”
In order to ensure your mouth stays healthy, it is important to properly brush and floss your teeth. This can be a bit trickier while you’re in braces because the brackets and wires create nooks and crannies where food particles can get trapped. But, it is more important than ever to pay close attention to your oral hygiene while you are in braces.
Today, we are seeing more and more quick fixes to solve problems, and correcting a smile is no different. Products like 6 Month Smiles are being touted as easy and fast ways to improve smiles. Not only that, we’re seeing more dentists offering orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, in their offices.
One might think this is helpful – only having to schedule appointments at one office might save you time and energy, instead of trekking around town to different offices. But Grayslake orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich warns against trusting anyone other than a licensed orthodontist to perfect your bite.
Did you ever think you’d see the day when braces would become the latest fashion trend? There’s good news for all of you currently in orthodontic treatment – that day has arrived!
Models in braces walked the catwalk during last spring’s New York Fashion Week, and graced the cover of a popular fashion magazine. Seventeen-year-old model Kitty Hayes was on the cover of CR Fashion Book, smiling big and proud with her braces and blue ligatures.
