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…
braces
All Invisalign Practices are NOT Created Equally
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…
Importance of Early Treatment
See the case for this 9-year-old who had amazing results from getting started early!
Helping your child avoid big dental problems
Here are 5 conditions that warrant early treatment during mixed dentition (ages 6-9). 1. Mouth breathing /snoring This can cause narrow arches which delays and causes poor tooth emergence. Our patented Press-On expanders painlessly correct this condition. 2. Lack of Space for Permanent Teeth Permanent incisors normally emerge at age 6. Delayed emergence usually indicates a lack of space. This is easily corrected with painless expanders and or with short term braces (less than one year). 3. Thumb or Finger Sucking This causes flared incisors and can stunt lower jaw growth. Early correction (ages 5-9) helps the child’s growth to normalize and helps with speech and chewing. 4. Underbite Top teeth behind the lower teeth can cause the need for jaw surgery if left unchecked as well as tooth wear and periodontal problems often result as well and short-term braces between the ages of 6-9 yields dramatic correction. 5. Overbite…
Summer Vacation tips from Dr.McSurdy
Isn’t it a great feeling you get when you are preparing for vacation? It’s a great chance to relax and recharge your batteries with some outdoors fun. Here are some preparation reminders for our orthodontic patients from Dr. McSurdy: Remember to pack your toothbrush and your proxybrush Ask for extra elastics before you leave if needed Pack your dental floss or your Airfloss (want to learn more about the Airfloss click here) Pack your retainers if you have them Do NOT wear your retainers while you are swimming Store your retainers in your retainer case when not wearing them Call us in the event of broken appliances Ask us for orthodontic mouth guards if sports activities are planned. We wish everyone a great summer filled with fun and relaxation!