Article by Padraig Dennehy, DMD | Featured on Dentistry IQ
This article first appeared in the newsletter, DE’s Breakthrough Clinical with Stacey Simmons, DDS.
While orthognathic surgery is sometimes the only option for treatment of certain skeletal malocclusions, having another tool in the orthodontist’s arsenal is a welcome option for patients and clinicians alike. Anterior open bite, defined as a state in which the maxillary and mandibular molars occlude first in mandibular closure, leaving the anterior teeth out of contact (1), has previously been treated by a variety of means. These treatments include but are not limited to extractions, high-pull headgear, bite blocks, elastics, and functional appliances (2). In more severe cases, the patient may require orthognathic surgery to correct the skeletal malocclusion. In cases of anterior open bite due to overeruption of the maxillary posterior teeth (posterior maxillary vertical excess), the oral surgeon will reposition the posterior maxilla superiorly, allowing autorotation of the mandible upward and forward to close the open bite (2). Orthognathic surgery is a predictable treatment modality for anterior open bite cases, but is sometimes cost prohibitive and has associated risks and recovery time.
ADDITIONAL READING | Treatment considerations for the congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor
Recently, the minimally invasive placement of TADs (temporary anchorage devices) has allowed orthodontists to treat some of these patients without orthognathic surgery through intrusion of the posterior maxillary molars. While TADs are not a substitute for surgery in all cases, they do provide a treatment alternative for specific mild-to-moderate open bite cases without other skeletal malformations.
TADs are titanium-alloy mini-screws that range from 6–12 mm in length and 1.2–2 mm in diameter (3). The orthodontist or surgeon can insert the TAD directly into the bone through the gingiva with a handheld driver and, most often, with the use of only topical anesthetic (3). The TAD can be loaded immediately as it gains its anchorage through mechanical gripping of bone rather than through osseointegration (3).
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Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) use in the treatment of anterior open bite
/in OrthodonticsArticle by Padraig Dennehy, DMD | Featured on Dentistry IQ
This article first appeared in the newsletter, DE’s Breakthrough Clinical with Stacey Simmons, DDS.
While orthognathic surgery is sometimes the only option for treatment of certain skeletal malocclusions, having another tool in the orthodontist’s arsenal is a welcome option for patients and clinicians alike. Anterior open bite, defined as a state in which the maxillary and mandibular molars occlude first in mandibular closure, leaving the anterior teeth out of contact (1), has previously been treated by a variety of means. These treatments include but are not limited to extractions, high-pull headgear, bite blocks, elastics, and functional appliances (2). In more severe cases, the patient may require orthognathic surgery to correct the skeletal malocclusion. In cases of anterior open bite due to overeruption of the maxillary posterior teeth (posterior maxillary vertical excess), the oral surgeon will reposition the posterior maxilla superiorly, allowing autorotation of the mandible upward and forward to close the open bite (2). Orthognathic surgery is a predictable treatment modality for anterior open bite cases, but is sometimes cost prohibitive and has associated risks and recovery time.
ADDITIONAL READING | Treatment considerations for the congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisor
Recently, the minimally invasive placement of TADs (temporary anchorage devices) has allowed orthodontists to treat some of these patients without orthognathic surgery through intrusion of the posterior maxillary molars. While TADs are not a substitute for surgery in all cases, they do provide a treatment alternative for specific mild-to-moderate open bite cases without other skeletal malformations.
TADs are titanium-alloy mini-screws that range from 6–12 mm in length and 1.2–2 mm in diameter (3). The orthodontist or surgeon can insert the TAD directly into the bone through the gingiva with a handheld driver and, most often, with the use of only topical anesthetic (3). The TAD can be loaded immediately as it gains its anchorage through mechanical gripping of bone rather than through osseointegration (3).
Read more
Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?
/in Dental EducationArticle Featured on WebMD
The Rumor: Using certain toothpastes and mouthwashes can regrow lost tooth enamel
You know that the key to a great smile is keeping your pearly whites in top-notch shape. The best way to do that? By taking really good care of your tooth enamel. Enamel is the thin outer covering of teeth that protects the delicate tissues inside. A lifetime of chomping and sipping can stain, chip and wear away that covering, however — and once that happens, your teeth become extremely sensitive to hot and cold. Even your favorite sugary treats can deliver a twinge (if not a bolt) of pain.
While tooth enamel is actually translucent, teeth start to look more yellow as it wears away, because the yellow dentin underneath begins to show through. Which can leave you wondering: What can you do to get your precious enamel back? Today there are lots of products out there (from toothpastes to mouthwashes to dental guards filled with strange, squishy paste) that allegedly help restore lost enamel. But by making that promise, are manufacturers biting off more than they can chew?
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Kids Dental Health
/in Orthodontics For ChildrenWhat you teach your children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated dental procedures tomorrow. While good dental health is critical for everyone, regardless of age, instilling healthy habits in kids early may prevent the dread typically associated with climbing into the dentist’s chair. This fear often comes from personal experience with painful and lengthy treatments or seeing friends’ and family members experience similar procedures. By creating a home environment that sets a positive example for your children, you’ll turn dentist visits into stress-free occasions.
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6 Oral Health Challenges for Children with Disabilities
/in Oral Health, Orthodontics For ChildrenSome children with disabilities have challenges that affect their oral health. These challenges may include:
Article Featured on Healthy Children
Looking for an orthodontist in Beaverton, Oregon? Biermann Orthodontics is a cutting-edge orthodontic practice that serves Beaverton and Molalla, OR, and focuses on providing world-class customer service and efficient treatment. We strive to create stunning smiles in the shortest amount of time without ever sacrificing quality.
Visit our Locations page to find a clinic near you, or schedule an initial consultation.
Biermann Orthodontics
503-690-0722
17885 NW Evergreen Parkway, Suite 200
Beaverton, OR 97006
Healthy Teeth and Your Child’s Diet
/in Oral HealthArticle Featured on HealthyChildren
Besides regular toothbrushing, your child’s diet will play a key role in his dental health.
Why Sugar is the Big Villain
The longer and more frequently his teeth are exposed to sugar, the greater the risk of cavities. “Sticky sugar” foods such as sticky caramel, toffee, gum, and dried fruit—particularly when it stays in his mouth and bathes his teeth in sugar for hours—could do serious damage.
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Start Proper Oral Hygiene Early
/in Orthodontics For ChildrenWhen To Start Proper Oral Hygiene For Kids
Many parents want to know: At what age should I brush and floss my child’s teeth? A good rule is to start flossing as soon as the child has teeth that are in contact with each other, usually around age two to three years. Once teeth reach this point, food particles can get caught between them and foster the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque. Not all children need to have their teeth flossed at this age, so ask your dentist for advice. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents should be brushing a toddler’s teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush specially designed for toddlers’ small mouths and delicate gums, like the Oral-B® Stages® line of toothbrushes.
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Break The Thumbsucking Habit
/in General CareIt’s not uncommon for a child to suck his or her thumb, or the lip, or a finger, as a way to self-soothe or to help fall asleep.
Most children outgrow thumb sucking between ages 2 and 4 years, which is the time when the first baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth appear. But it’s important to break a child of a thumb-sucking habit before the permanent teeth start to arrive in order to prevent problems with tooth alignment and development of the mouth.
How intensely your child sucks his or her thumb can make a difference in the risk of problems with dental health later on. A child who sucks the thumb or finger aggressively is at greater risk for damaging teeth than a child who keeps a thumb or finger passively in the mouth.
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14 Healthy Halloween Recipes
/in Holiday Tips, Tips & TricksBY SOPHIA BREENE | Featured on Greatist
Hosting a Halloween party this year? Treat friends to fun homemade goodies—these 14 recipes are a bit healthier, much cuter, and way more inventive than prepackaged candies. From fresh fruit to low-fat cheese, these tasty All Hallow’s Eve recipes from around the web won’t send you running to the dentist.
1. Candy Corn Chicken Quesadillas
Start the evening with a nutritious, protein-rich dinner that will keep you fueled through hours of Trick or Treating (or Monster Mashing). Add some fiber by subbing in whole-wheat tortillas.
2. Gluten-Free Spiderweb Cupcakes
These healthier treats are made with almond flour, coconut oil, and unsweetened applesauce. Make the creepy-crawly design by dragging a toothpick through the center of concentric circles of icing.
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Oral Health Challenge: 5 Tricks for Dealing With Halloween Treats
/in Holiday TipsArticle By Kathleen Doheny | Featured on WebMD
Children’s Halloween dream — to get lots of candy — can be their parents’ nightmare. But pediatric dental experts say Halloween can be a time to teach your children good oral health habits for life, without depriving them of Halloween treats (think moderation). Here are their five best tricks for healthy teeth.
Halloween Candy vs. Cavities: Don’t Make Kids Choose
Don’t deny your children the Halloween experience. That can send the entirely wrong message — deprivation — and make candy seem even more irresistible, leading to other problems. They may end up sneaking sweets or eating too much candy once they’re out on their own. Instead, let them have the joy of Halloween in all its sticky goodness and the experience of going to a party or trick-or-treating.
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Types of Dental Bridges
/in About OrthodonticsTypes Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have many advantages for people who are missing teeth as a result of dental disease, fractures or injury. If you maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly, a fixed dental bridge can last for approximately 10 years.
A dental bridge consists of dental crowns for the teeth anchoring either side of the bridge, and a false tooth (or teeth) between them. There are three main types of bridges:
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