16 April

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Invisalign by iDentity Can Treat More Patients

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

Dear Dr. S.,
I love the idea of Invisalign. But I have a pretty severe overbite, and I’ve read that Invisalign probably won’t work for me. Why not?
Kelly T.

Dear Kelly,
When Invisalign first came on the market, it was limited in the types of malocclusions it could correct. It provided great results, but was only really used for mild orthodontic issues.But there is good news. In the hands of the right orthodontist, Invisalign aligners can treat a host of malocclusions.

16 April

8 Comments

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Is Invisalign Teen Right for Your Teenager?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Invisalign, Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,
My son needs braces for a mild crowding issue. His dentist thinks that Invisalign Teen is the right way to go. It sounds great, but honestly, I’m not sure my teenager is responsible enough to use it properly. What is your advice?
Sincerely,
Paula H.

Dear Paula,
Invisalign Teen is a great treatment option for many teens. We all know that teens can be self-conscious, and they already may be embarrassed by their smile. Invisalign allows them to straighten their smile invisible, without drawing more attention to their problem. Another great advantage of Invisalign is that it is removable. And for many, especially busy and forgetful teens, that can also be one of its biggest drawbacks.

12 April

10 Comments

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What Are Bollard Miniplates?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Orthodontic Appliances

Some orthodontic patients present very severe deformities that require more extensive work than just braces treatment to correct. But under the expert care of Dr. Michael Stosich, no matter how extensive your malocclusion may be, there is an excellent treatment option waiting for you to give you the smile of your dreams.

17 March

6 Comments

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When Invisalign Requires More Than an Aligner

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Invisalign, Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,
I’m considering Invisalign to perfect my smile. I have a friend in Invisalign treatment, and she was talking to me about the buttons her orthodontist is using. I thought Invisalign was just a series of aligners, similar to retainers, and made straightening your teeth easy and almost unnoticeable. What are these buttons?
Sincerely,
Pat R.

Dear Pat,
Invisalign is a treatment option for some orthodontic problems. Simply pop your aligner in, wear it for 22 hours a day, taking it out to brush, floss and eat. Then, as prescribed by your orthodontist move on to a new set of aligners until your teeth are beautifully straight. Seems easy, right? And it is, in a perfect world. But as we all know, we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes treatment is more intensive than that.

15 March

2 Comments

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Does Jaw Size Affect Your Bite?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,
My son’s orthodontist says that it appears that his mouth is simply too small for his permanent teeth, which is why the orthodontist is recommending we remove some a couple permanent teeth to make room for braces to help the remaining teeth find the right location. Removing permanent teeth sounds like a big step to me. What should we do?

Sincerely,
Joe R.

Dear Joe,
A common reason why teeth get crowded in a patient’s mouth is in fact a jaw that is too small. While in many cases, braces alone are enough to correct a malocclusion, in a patient with severe crowding, and in whom the jaw has stopped growing, removal of one or more permanent teeth might be a way to correct the issue.

09 February

6 Comments

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Do I Really Need to Wear My Retainer?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions, Retainers

Dear Dr. S.,
I just had my braces removed and it was such an exciting day! I love the way my teeth look, but I don’t love my retainer. My mom says I have to wear it or my teeth will move back. Is she right, or just trying to scare me?
Sincerely,
Amy P.

28 January

3 Comments

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Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist By 7

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,
My son’s dentist told me I should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. My son is only 7 – that seems way too early to me. Can’t I wait a few years?
Sincerely,
Maureen B.

12 January

5 Comments

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DIY Orthodontics – Don’t Try This at Home

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Blog

Dear Dr. S.,
I recently saw a YouTube video where a woman closed the gap in her smile with just rubber bands. It sounds great, and would save me time and money at the orthodontist. Is it as easy and successful as the video claims?
Sincerely,
Tamara L.

31 December

7 Comments

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Your Orthodontist Can Treat Sleep Apnea

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,
My wife says I snore at night, and I’ve been waking up not feeling rested at night. My wife is worried I might have sleep apnea, and thinks an orthodontist might be able to help me. I think she’s crazy – how can an orthodontist help a snoring problem?Sincerely,
James M.

19 December

6 Comments

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I Want a Perfect Smile

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. S.,I’m thinking of getting braces. I’m 43, so I’ve waiting a long time to have a more beautiful smile. How can I guarantee my smile will be perfect when my braces are removed?

Sincerely,
Maggie R.