June 2017 - King Orthonc

Common Signs that You May Need Braces

June 23, 2017

Braces can correct a number of cosmetic and functional dental issues. For a list of common signs that you may need braces, read on:

Crooked Teeth

The most obvious sign that you need braces is a visible malocclusion, commonly known as crooked teeth. This is more than just a cosmetic problem: It can be difficult to keep overlapping teeth clean and poor dental hygiene leads to oral issues such as cavities. Fortunately, braces can be used to fix everything from a mildly crooked smile to teeth that are so far out of alignment that they are growing out of the gum improperly. There is a form of braces available to fix every type of malocclusion, no matter what the problem might be.

Improper Bite

An even more serious problem than crooked teeth is an improper bite, of which crooked teeth may actually be an indicator. A normal bite will align so that the molars meet in a straight line and the top front teeth come down slightly over the bottom teeth when the mouth is at rest. If your bite is not configured like this, serious problems in chewing and speaking may occur.

Jaw Pain

An improper bite can contribute to temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ. This condition is a direct result of a poor bite: Because the jaw is out of alignment, the jaw muscles have to compensate, which can place undue strain on them and cause pain and stiffness. This can also cause the teeth to wear down faster and more unevenly.

If you think that you could benefit from braces, contact King Orthodontics in Durham, North Carolina. We provide a number of different braces systems, including Invisalign and Damon braces. For more information, call us today at (919) 246-4433.

Damon System Braces

June 19, 2017

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Until relatively recently, orthodontia involved a massive commitment of time, energy, and money. In many cases, permanent teeth were extracted to “make room,” and the wires and rubber bands used could exert an extraordinary amount of force, causing extreme pain. Fortunately, as this video explains, the Damon System of braces doesn’t present any of these problems.

The Damon System does not exert massive pressure on teeth, and so is not acutely uncomfortable for the patient. In addition, it’s very rare that a patient will require a tooth extraction while wearing Damon braces, because Damon orthodontists understand that crooked teeth are caused by the muscles of the tongue and mouth being out of alignment, rather than a mismatch between jaw size and the number of teeth. Finally, Damon orthodontists pay close attention to the way that they reshape the dental arch so that premature aging is avoided.

If you’re interested in the possibility of Damon braces, contact King Orthodontics in Durham, North Carolina by calling (919) 246-4433.

Understanding Dental Organizations

June 10, 2017

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Professional organizations can be hard for outsiders to understand. In this article, you can learn just what being a member of the most prominent dental and orthodontic associations mean:

The American Dental Association

The American Dental Association is a massive organization that contains over 156,000 members and sets the standards for the entire practice of dentistry. The ADA is a great resource for both members and laypeople, as it continues to perform research in order to advance the science of dentistry. It’s also the longest-running dental association on earth, having been founded in 1859.

The American Association of Orthodontists

In order to qualify for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, an orthodontist must:

Provide proof of membership in the American Dental Association.
Have a dental degree.
Hold an orthodontic degree or certificate.
Practice only orthodontia, except under certain special circumstances in which the orthodontist has been trained as a specialist.
Being a member of the American Association of Orthodontists means that your orthodontist is recognized as a peer by other prominent orthodontists—and that he is fully qualified to realign your smile.

The National Dental Association

This organization comprises a network of dental health professionals who belong to ethnic minority groups. The National Dental Association provides continuing education courses to ensure that dentists are able to hone their skills using the latest technology.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist who is a member of the above organizations as well as the Durham – Orange Dental Society, the Old North State Dental Society, and The Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, be sure to visit Dr. Wesley E. King at King Orthodontics. We provide only the best in oral care, with products such as clear Damon braces and Invisalign. For more information, call (919) 246-4433 today.