Dr. King Answers: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Q:  My dentist told me that I am developing periodontal disease around my crooked and crowded teeth. Can straightening my teeth help me avoid the negative effects of periodontal disease?

Orthodontic treatment can help patients avoid
the unhealthy, unsightly effects of periodontal
disease -- AKA periodontitis or pyorrhea. 

A:  Periodontal disease is the inflammation of tissues that surround the teeth. The supporting bone and gums can become severely damaged or lost from periodontal disease.  Negative consequences -- such as gum recession, tooth mobility and impossible-to-clean areas -- often result.

Straightening crooked teeth can often improve the odds of preventing periodontal disease.  Ultimately, diligent oral hygiene will be the most effective preventive means, Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean, which is the main benefit of orthodontics when periodontitis -- AKA pyorrhea -- is a concern.

Thanks for another great question! Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCE: Wikimedia [image], Wikipedia

Dr. King Answers: What Do Archwires Do?

An orthodontic archwire is a wire conforming to the alveolar
or dental arch that can be used with dental braces as a source
of force that can be used in correcting irregularities in the
position of the teeth.

Q: What do archwires do?

A: There are three basic components to "braces" as we know them: a bracket, a wire, plus a small rubber loop that holds the bracket and wire together.

The wire is known as an archwire because of its unique curved shape that follows a perfect ellipse, mimicking the shape of an arch of teeth. Archwires are used to straighten the teeth by applying gentle force on accurately and artistically positioned braces.

Some archwires are thin and flimsy, while others are thick and stiff. In fact, archwires also vary in cross-sections: some rectangular, some square and others round.

Archwires are made of a variety of metals, each for a specific purpose. Stainless steel and titanium are the two most popular.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a complimentary consultation.

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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Offer Any Year-End Deals on Orthodontic Care?

Q: With the holidays fast approaching, our funds are tight -- but we want to pursue braces. Are there any special offerings you provide that could help?

King Orthodontics offers multiple
payment plans and free processing
of health-insurance claims.

A: Great question! It is our mission at King Orthodontics to provide our patients with not only the best possible excellence in care, but also the best possible fee.

We accept most insurances, and even process the claims for you. There are many payment plans to choose from -- including one with no down payment.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free smile analysis!

Happy Holidays!
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SOURCE: Flickr [image]