Orthodontic specialist Dr. Darrin L. King DDS, voted Best Dentist or Orthodontist in Southern Minnesota + Favorite Orthodontist in Rochester, responds to FAQs about orthodontic treatment and innovations. Dr. King serves patients in state-of-the-art facilities located in Rochester, Faribault and Owatonna.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

King Orthodontics to Relocate, Open Brand-New Rochester Office July 1

King Orthodontics is pleased to announce the relocation and opening of their new Rochester office. As of July 1, 2015, Dr. King and his staff will be serving patients at the following address: 2769 Superior Drive NW, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

Dr. King has been serving the Rochester area for over 17 years, and this new facility will greatly expand his ability to provide patients with a great experience and outstanding smiles.

“When we notice a painting, a flower or a smile, we get a sense of what is beautiful," Dr. King commented. "At King Orthodontics, we pay special attention to the principles of aesthetics to provide our patients with a smile that wows.

“Just as two different artists could draw or paint the same object differently, two different orthodontists could straighten the same smile with different outcomes. Perhaps one smile would be considered acceptable -- but the other has that special touch, leading one to say 'Your smile is amazing.'"

At King Orthodontics, the entire staff is not only focused on excellence, but also efficiency, to provide patient families with the best fee -- guaranteed -- plus outstanding value.

How can Dr. King charge so much less? First, he never starts your child’s care too early. Treatment timing is extremely important, and he provides each patient’s care just as he would for his very own daughter. At King Orthodontics, you can be certain that you will receive honest, straightforward and easy-to-understand recommendations based on the science -- not the business -- of orthodontics.

The second reason Dr. King can provide the lowest fee, is that he is extremely precise in the placement of your child’s [or your] braces. In fact, he personally places each and every brace to maximize artistry, precision and efficiency. “It takes much more of my time," says Dr. King, "but I am happy to do it because it makes such a huge difference in the comfort of the process, and the beauty of the outcome.”

King Orthodontics may not be Rochester's biggest practice, but you will be well cared for by one doctor who gets to know you and sincerely cares about your smile. So come on over for a free consultation or second opinion. King Orthodontics offers traditional braces and is an Invisalign® Preferred Provider, giving options for everyone. Fifteen minutes may make a true and profound difference for your family :-)


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Dr. King Answers: Can Braces Be a Tool in Correcting TMJ Issues?

Q: Can braces be a tool in correcting TMJ issues?

A: This is a very good question, because so many people suffer from TMJ problems. By definition, problems with the jaw joints are known as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder.

There are various types of symptoms. Sometimes, sounds like pops or clicks come from the jaw joint. Other problems are more serious and may result in the jaw getting locked open or closed. Oftentimes, pain is involved as well.

The causes of these problems can be quite complex and difficult to diagnose. Trauma to the head can cause injury to the tendons and ligaments of the jaw joint. Psychological stress can lead to tense jaw muscles, resulting in symptoms as well. Even something as simple as excessive gum chewing can lead to TMD.

There is only one root cause of TMD that an orthodontist can fix: a bad bite. Sometimes, if the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly -- a bad bite --  the jaw joints cannot articulate properly. A bad bite leads to all sorts of problems, such as those previously mentioned; e.g., popping, clicking, pain and dysfunction. 

If a bad bite is the cause of the TMD, braces can be a good solution. When corrected, these problems typically subside -- creating a much higher quality of life for the person who has been suffering.

At King Orthodontics, we specialize in correcting bad bites. Consultations are free. So, if you have TMJ problems, we might be able to help or point you in the right direction.
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SOURCES: Invisalign®, Wikipedia


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Dr. King Answers: Why Are Rubber Bands Necessary?

Q: Why are rubber bands necessary?

A: Rubber bands are not only necessary -- they are often the difference between great results and mediocre results.

I use braces and wires to straighten the teeth and create beautiful arch forms. This gives patients what they want: an awesome-looking smile. But the bite, or how the upper and lower teeth touch together, is probably more important.

Rubber bands, also known as elastics, help shift the upper and lower teeth into a healthy and comfortable bite. Patients who are great at wearing elastics always achieve the best possible end results.

Remember: a successful orthodontic treatment is a team effort. The patients play their role by being awesome brushers and great rubber band wearers!

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consult!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Dr. King Answers: Are Sports Mouthguards Compatible With Braces?

Q: Can my child get a sports mouthguard if he wears braces?

A: Yes -- for sure! Mouthguards are recommended for many sports -- such as football, hockey, wrestling, softball, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and volleyball. Interestingly, sports mouthguards are not recommended for soccer or swimming.

At King Orthodontics, we provide free mouthguards for all of our athletes to help keep their teeth and braces safe. Also, there is some evidence that mouthguards might help in preventing concussions.

At King Orthodontics, we also offer custom professional-style mouthguards after braces or Invisalign® treatment completion. Such pro-style guards are just that: the exact, same thing that a Minnesota Vikings, Twins or Timberwolves player would wear.

Keep smiling, and see you soon -- maybe for a sports mouthguard!
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SOURCE: Invisalign®: Living With Invisalign