Does Your Child Breath Through Their Mouth or Their Nose?

McSurdy Orthodontics in Gilbertsville and Collegeville PA

Normal, well-developed airways allow normal breathing through the nose, with the mouth closed. Nasal breathing is important because it is now known to be vital to good health. Research has shown that air breathed through the nose is quite different to the body than air breathed through the mouth.  The benefits of nasal breathing begin within hours of birth when nasal nitric oxide gas can first be detected.  Nitric oxide is a potent gas and a key component of human health.  Nitric oxide is produced in the nasal sinuses, secreted into the nasal passages and inhaled through the nose. It is well known to prevent bacterial growth, and in the lungs, nitric oxide improves the ability to absorb oxygen.  Nitric oxide is a strong vasodilator and brain transmitter. Furthermore, nitric oxide increases oxygen transport throughout the body and is vital to all body organs. A good airway and normal nasal…

All Invisalign Practices are NOT Created Equally

Accelerated Invisalign

In today’s world, it is easy to be uniformed or even misinformed. It is easy to become Invisalign certified, and not become an expert in treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign is a treatment tool in orthodontics, just like braces, retainers and expanders. To become an expert with any of the above treatment tools, it requires excellent diagnostic skills, innovation and good problem solving abilities. Additionally, clinical experience that is voluminous helps  lead to expertise. Dentists who are Invisalign certified are trained to handle simple cases that do not require bite correction. Orthodontists who dabble with Invisalign likewise are not prepared to take on difficult treatments that require significant bite correction. All Invisalign doctors need to gain expertise through experience, beginning with simple cases and gradually improving their skills. So a great question for any practice who offers Invisalign is “How many Invisalign cases have you done?” Personally, I believe that I…