Dr. King Answers: Does It Take Longer to Straighten Teeth in an Adult?

Q: Does it take longer to straighten teeth in an adult than in a child/teen who is still growing?

Exceptional orthodontic results are possible for adults, too.

A: Great question! All things considered, the answer is yes: An adult patient would take longer. But orthodontic care with exceptional results is still a sure-fire possibility in adults.

It is important to remember that younger patients have softer jaws that are more agreeable to tooth movement. Also, growing bone cells help the process be more efficient and comfortable. Adult jaws are firmer and have a tendency to resist tooth movement.

Although orthodontics is possible at ANY age, I see greater corrective changes and long- term stability in growing teenage patients.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation -- young or old!
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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: Is There More to Orthodontia Than Just Braces?

Q: Is there more to orthodontia than just braces?

A: Although orthodontics is known for braces, there are many other aspects and types of care to help straighten your smile.

Invisalign® is popular among teens and adults.

One example is Invisalign®, which has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Patients really like the clear aligners and brace-free treatment options whenever possible.

Palatal expanders are another type of care used to widen narrow jaws, making more space for crowded teeth and improving the bite.

Habit appliances help patients stop sucking on fingers and thumbs. This often reduces the need for more invasive surgical care in the future.

Another aspect of care is retention. We make bonded and removable retainers that are very comfortable and effective. 

Last, but not least, I sometimes offer mouthguards for patients involved in contact sports, and even special mouthguards to protect teeth from clenching and grinding.

See you soon for a free consult -- maybe for something other than braces. Keep smiling.

Dr. King Answers: Do You Offer Treatment Options for All Budgets?

Q: Do you offer treatment options for all budgets?

A: Yes, at King Orthodontics, we offer all available treatment options.

I am a firm believer that our role is to educate patients and parents about their specific orthodontic problems, and the various possible solutions. An educated and informed patient is best equipped to apply their own values, priorities and budget to the situation.

At King Orthodontics, we feel the best patients are active participants in their care. The doctor may “know best,” but, in reality, there are many factors at play. We will work with you to provide great care within your financial framework.

Keep smiling, and see you soon!

Dr. King Answers: While Wearing Braces, Can Teeth Actually Get Worse Before They Look Better?

Q: When wearing braces, is it possible to have teeth get worse before looking better?

A: This is truly a great question -- and the answer, unfortunately, is yes.

One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontic care is that, start to finish, it's a  straight-line path, with everything getting continually better with each passing day. The reality is that orthodontics is a complex, multi-step process in which some things get worse in the beginning before they get better.

For example, sometimes spaces form between teeth that were never there before. Also, as the occlusion, or bite, changes, it can collide in an uncomfortable manner for a period of time. In the end, though, it all comes together for a beautiful smile and healthy bite.

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

Dr. King Answers: What Is the Importance of a Sports Mouthguard?

Q: What is the importance of a sports mouthguard?

A: A sports mouthguard is important for children and adults who participate in contact sports, such as wrestling, hockey, lacrosse, football and basketball. Sometimes, mouthguards are even worn in non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or skateboarding. 

Sports mouthguards help to prevent injuries to the teeth, tongue, gums and cheek tissues. There is even some evidence that they help reduce the severity of concussions and/or prevent other injuries.

All King Orthodontics offices offer free sports mouthguards for our braces patients during treatment. We also offer custom-fitted, professional-style sports mouthguards for our patients after their orthodontic care is complete.

Keep smiling, and see you soon...for a mouthguard :-)
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SOURCE: PubMed.gov

Dr. King Answers: Can You Customize an Orthodontic Treatment Plan to Meet Our Budget?

Q: Can you customize an orthodontic treatment plan to meet our budget?

A: Great question. At King Orthodontics, we take great pride in listening to our patients' real concerns. Perhaps only one tooth is the issue, and a patient doesn't want a comprehensive treatment. We always consider all orthodontic care options, and let you know the risks and benefits of each.

I am a firm believer that our patients [and parents of patients] are the boss, and our role is to facilitate their care how they see best fit -- given their concerns and budget. Knowing all of your options is powerful indeed.

Our mission is to deliver affordability and excellence, because our patients deserve both. As noted on our website's FAQ page, we offer the best and most convenient payment plans available. Simply stop by for a free consultation to find out what your options are, and to learn more about our Best Fee Guarantee.

Dr. King Answers: Are Kids' First Orthodontic Evaluations OK After Age 7?

Q: I read that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation should occur at age 7. What happens if my child is older than 7?

A: Ideally, I would like to evaluate patients at about age 7, because the permanent molars and incisors are beginning to erupt. Missing teeth, extra teeth and overall bite issues can also be identified at this early age.

The honest truth is, most children will not need orthodontics at age 7-8. But the evaluation can give parents peace of mind and more information about their child’s smile.

If you happen to be a bit late -- say, age 9-10 -- no worries; we can still help with a complete, no-cost evaluation. I begin to worry if patients are first evaluated at age 12-14, as irreversible problems may have occurred, such as impacted teeth, enamel wear or impaired jaw development.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation.
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SOURCE: Terri Heisele [photo]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Ever Do Fixed Retainers?

Q: Do you ever do fixed retainers? Wouldn’t they be better than removable retainers in keeping teeth in place after braces treatment?

A: Yes, I do fixed retainers for many patients. The standard of care is a removable upper retainer, and a fixed or bonded retainer on the lower.

The reason that bonded retainers are not used more frequently on the upper teeth is very simple: The lower teeth may have food collide into them, leading to breakage.

It is also important to consider other factors when choosing between fixed and removable retainers. Excellent oral hygiene is required for fixed retention, as plaque and calculus are more likely to build up.

Also, the patient’s original problem is an important consideration. For example, a gap between the upper front teeth would best be retained with a bonded lingual wire. However, gaps on the lower teeth are sometimes better held with a removable retainer.

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

Dr. King Answers: What Is the Most Common Orthodontic Problem You Encounter?

Q: What is the most common orthodontic problem you encounter?

A: Great question. The most common problem I encounter and treat is crowded, crooked teeth.

Crowding [see image, right] results when the jaw bone is not large enough to accommodate all of the teeth in their natural, straight positions. As a result, teeth grow in twisted, sideways, angled, tipped, and sometimes do not grow in at all. Crowding can occur at any age, and the solutions are the same -- regardless of the patient's age.

The treatment concept is simple: find a way to make more room for the crowded teeth. Sometimes, I can expand the jaws to make the amount of available space increase. Other times, teeth need to be removed to make more space.

I decide on the proper treatment by analyzing the patient’s facial proportions, facial profile, lip posture, angle of the front teeth and interdigitation, or interlocking, of the back teeth. There is always a solution to provide a beautiful and healthy end result.

Keep smiling, and see you soon.
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SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can I Begin Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?

Q: I am pregnant and want to begin orthodontic treatment. Is this OK?

A: Yes, absolutely. Orthodontic treatment is very safe during pregnancy -- however, some special precautions are required.

Traditionally, dental x-rays were avoided during the first and third trimesters. However, with modern digital x-rays and lead apron protection, recent medical recommendations allow for diagnostic x-rays during pregnancy. If a reasonably new x-ray is available from your family dentist, that can also be used to limit exposure.

In addition, you should know that pregnancy tends to increase gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Special attention to oral hygiene is required during pregnancy -- especially with orthodontics. At King Orthodontics, we recommend a Philips Sonicaire toothbrush and special flossing instruments.

Pregnancy and braces/Invisalign® can go hand in hand. Keep smiling, and see you soon.
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SOURCE: Benjamin Earwicker [photo]

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 :-)

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

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!

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

Dr. King Answers: What Is a Deep Bite?

Q: What is a deep bite?

A: Deep bite, or deep overbite, occurs in approximately 15% to 20% of the U.S. population.[1]

Some overbite is good. The upper front teeth should overlap, or overbite, the lower front teeth -- but only by a little bit.

Approximately one-fourth to one-third of the height of the lower front teeth should be covered by the uppers when your bite is closed. When more than one-third is covered, it is considered a "deep bite."

Many deep overbites fully hide the lower teeth and can be quite detrimental. If extremely deep, enamel wear and chipping will add up over the years.

Deep overbites are very treatable with orthodontic braces and, sometimes, Invisalign®. Creating a healthy and safe amount of overbite allows proper chewing and eliminates enamel wear.

Do you have a deep overbite? Stop by for a fee consult at King Orthodontics. Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCES: National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI] [1], Invisalign® [image]

Welcome to King Orthodontics' Blog

Visit us here to read Dr. King's answers to common orthodontic questions -- and to learn helpful information about our offices, our treatment options and our outcomes.

We hope this blog will be beneficial to patients, potential patients and parents interested in achieving that perfect smile.