Summer Orthodontics

Summer is traditionally the time of year for many new orthodontic patients to experience for the first time an appliance, retainer, or fixed braces. Often the summer visit to the general dentist results in the referral to the orthodontic specialist for a look at what's happening to the smile or bite. It's not a bad thing for kids (or adults) to get used to the feeling and maintenance of braces in the summer before school starts or when work vacations are frequent. No doubt the decision of when to start usually has a lot to do with flexible schedules and free time --and that is why we are so busy from July 4th 'til Thanksgiving. The younger patients (Phase I) who have removable bite plates or growth appliances can learn the responsibilities involved with new appliance care during summer. We are motivational experts at working with you and/or your child's ability to achieve your greatest results. Come and see us this summer!!!

Frederick Keys Opening Day and Lingual Braces

Opening night this year, April 12th, with the Frederick Keys was rainy and dreary weather-wise, but was an exciting social and culinary get-together with all the major supporters and advertisers. The club skybox was the site of an incredible buffet spread (see YouTube link on homepage) with everything from steamship round roast beef and sushi, to great drinks and dessert. The stadium lights came on early, and the grounds crew removed the infield tarp. The Keys lost a close game, but things bode well for 2011!
The only truly invisible braces that allow full control of each tooth are applied on the tongue side of the teeth, and are called "lingual braces." Many patients are trying the new "tray aligners" to straighten teeth without traditional fixed braces, but are often disappointed at the case finish. Check out an unusual video of the step-by-step process of bonding lingual braces! Simply click the YouTube link on our homepage!

Early Treatment is Sometimes Necessary

Seven years of age is an important structural and statural landmark in a child's life when it comes to correcting bones and teeth. Often, an overbite or underbite is due to jaw bones, not teeth, growing in disharmony. The correction of the bones must begin very early while the bones are changing rapidly. Bones can be stimulated to grow more, expanded with a palate spreader, or impeded with different treatment modalities. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends seven (7) years old for the first visit to the orthodontist for every child in the U.S. whether referred by the general dentist or not. Early intervention (called Phase I) can sometimes be the difference between extracting adult teeth and jaw surgery or not. Many families are moving off the sidelines and getting into the ballgame with the strengthening economy.

Get started today!!!

This is a busy time of year for new orthodontic treatment. The new calendar year brings many new dental plans with orthodontic benefits for the first time. Flex spending plans begin again for the year allowing new patient records and down payments to finally be covered for case starts. With these financial incentives and a flexible, no-interest monthly payment plan getting started is so much easier than it has ever been before. Let my treatment coordinator and I work out something special for you to make that dream begin today--that magical smile and healthy bite that you maybe have been putting off. Call us today!

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ symptoms can vary from jaw pain, neck pain, headaches, clicking& popping, grating sounds or locking of the jaw. Fall and Spring can be the worst time of the year because changes of temperature to somewhat cold can cause the water to contract in muscles. The contraction can cause the muscles in the neck, jaw, and even inside the mouth to ache and become stiff. Most people are prepared for cold temperatures in the middle of winter, and cover the jaws and head appropriately. Fall sometimes can catch you off-guard when the jaw and face muscles are exposed to cold, wind, etc. Plus your body tends to accommodate itself to cold temperatures as the winter progresses.

TMJ and TMD

The combination of oral appliance, joint physical therapy, and stress management is the current standard of care for jaw joint treatment that is called "conservative TMJ or TMD therapy." TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint, and is where the temporal bone meets the mandible bone at the jaw joint. TMD stands for Temporo-Mandibular Disorder. TMJ and TMD are pretty much interchangeable. When temperatures begin to change dramatically like they are now is when many TMJ problems begin, and when many old ones begin to come back or get worse. Conservative TMJ therapy is a large part of my practice and a sub-specialty that I have practiced for 22 years. More on symptoms and treatment next time...

Making you happy...

Our practice philosophy/mission statement: Practicing excellent orthodontic and TM-Joint therapy with care and professionalism. Leadership, optimal oral health and aesthetics are the goals of our team.
This is more than just words. In our practice we believe that you, our patients and families, are our biggest priority. YOU ARE VALUED. We want to make sure that your every visit is a pleasant one--that you have confidence in our team, and feel comfortable in our office. Nothing is more important than earning and maintaining your trust. Dr. Pierce or a highly-trained team member communicates with each parent after every appointment or adjustment. Questions are best handled on the spot, at the time of the in-office visit, and in a private area. Our entire team constantly works on all of this.