5 Signs It’s Time to Reline Your Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is nothing new, and dentures are an effective way to help you eat and speak normally. But once you have them, when will they need relining? Learn more here.
Will Six Month Smiles Fix My Teeth From My Thumb Sucking Habit?
I am exploring different options to fix my teeth from a thumb sucking habit and I am wondering if Six Month Smiles will help. I am 27 years old and have been sucking my thumb since I was 3 years old. The habit comes from childhood stress and trauma that I am now getting addressed through therapy. Already after just 2 months of therapy, there is a huge improvement in my thumb sucking, so I am targeting the spring for braces. My preference is to get treatment with braces that don’t have a huge time commitment. At my age, I want something that isn’t as noticeable as clunky metal braces. So Six Month Smiles look and sound good to me. If I can get it done quickly that would be a huge plus. Will it really make a difference in 6 months? Thanks Seana
Seana – The thumb-sucking habit thrusts the tongue forward and pushes the teeth forward also. This produces a gap between the upper and lower teeth and prevents them from touching when you close your mouth. These cases are generally too complex for Six Month Smiles. This treatment only straightens the teeth that show when you smile. An open bite usually affects more teeth and requires more aggressive treatment.
An examination and digital x-rays will reveal if the problem involves your teeth only, or if your jaw size and shape is also affected. Depending on the findings, longer-term orthodontic treatment and/or jaw surgery might be required.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist who offers different types of braces to determine the best options for closing your open bite. Other than Six Month Smiles, there are clear, low-profile braces and Invisalign braces that can treat more complex cases.
If your case is particularly complex, you might be referred to an orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Just remember there are ways to straighten your teeth so that your orthodontic treatment won’t be very noticeable—even if you are not a candidate for Six Month Smiles.
This post is sponsored by the San Jose dentists of Hillsdale Dental Care.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Halloween Candy
As we enter the fall season, the world is filled with pumpkin-spiced treats and plenty of sweets from Halloween — all of which can damage teeth without proper care. Here’s how to avoid the “sugar pitfalls” during the fall holiday season.
4 Tips to Extend Your Teeth Whitening Results
Stained, discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile, but a professional whitening treatment can correct the problem. Once you’ve had your teeth brightened, though, you’ll want to make sure they stay that way. Here’s how.
Why Do My Teeth Suddenly Look Longer?
Tooth problems are common, but sometimes the signs are harder to see. For example, if your teeth start looking longer, you might think it’s due to a dental issue — but the answer to why it happens may be surprising.
The Link Between Oral Health and Facial Collapse
Our bodies are in a constant state of change, and nowhere is that more evident than in our bones. Reabsorption is normal for bones, but problems like facial collapse often stem from dental issues that can be prevented.
Do I Really Need to Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
Instilling good health habits in children means starting at a young age. With oral hygiene, it’s no different. But, is it necessary to brush your baby’s teeth? If so, when should you start? Find out here.