Palatal expanders are often placed while a child is still growing. They are used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper teeth fit properly together out and over the lower teeth. The appliance is cemented in place on the upper teeth (usually molars) and patients and/or parents are taught how to advance the screw of the expander on a daily basis. The screw is expanded slowly to minimize discomfort. Once the palate is expanded to the correct width determined by your orthodontist, the patient is instructed to stop turning the screw. The appliance remains in place until the soft cartilage in the palate fills in. This entire process normally takes only 4 – 6 months, start to finish.

The appliance is then removed and a removable retainer is placed to maintain the expansion until most of the permanent teeth erupt. Palatal expanders will not prevent the need for braces when all the permanent teeth erupt, but often times will eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth to create space or invasive jaw surgery to correct the growth discrepancy after the jaws fully develop.

Early interceptive orthodontics by Dr. Joe Pearson using a palatal expander often makes the difference between a good orthodontic result and a great orthodontist when creating a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary first examination to determine if your child would benefit from this type of treatment.

The risks are numerous and oral piercings have the potential to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums:

• When piercing the mouth, especially the tongue, you’re opening the mucosa to bacteria that can lead to some pretty nasty infections.
• Long stem barbells can chip or break teeth, wear away enamel, or cause your teeth to become non-vital and require root canals or even extraction of a fractured tooth.
• Oral piercings also contribute to gum recession when different types of piercing continually comes in contact with the gum area.

At Pearson Orthodontics, we would like parents and patients to consider the long term ramifications that can arise from oral piercings. Is it really worth it? As dental professionals in the field of orthodontics, our job is to inform and make recommendations for healthy long term dental care. Not only is infection and damage to teeth a huge factor, oral piercings also have an effect on tooth movement when rings and barbells are continually hitting teeth with talking, eating, and swallowing.

In a study conducted by Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and Ohio State University College of Dentistry in March 2002, researchers tracked 52 young adults with tongue piercings and found evidence of gum recession in 35 percent with piercings for four or more years. This was reported in the Journal of Periodontology. Half of those studied wore long-stemmed barbells for two or more years when damage was reported. Nearly half who wore barbell oral jewelry chipped teeth as a result of the jewelry.

Lip rings are a problem also. They wear a groove into a tooth because of the constant movement against the tooth when talking, eating, and constantly playing with the ring with their tongue.

The Team at Pearson Orthodontics highly recommends thinking twice before considering oral piercing, or if you do have oral piercings, removing them now to prevent further damage. If you must express yourself with piercings and you have parental approval, consider other parts of the body where long term affects are not as damaging to the body or as easily accessible to infection. Plus, consider the cost to repair the damage to chipped or broken teeth and gum recession. It can be very expensive. Do the math… Is it worth it?

Throughout the years, orthodontists have approached this issue in different ways. In the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, the most common practice was to remove permanent teeth to make room. Dr. Joe Pearson recognizes that tooth extractions may not be necessary in many crowded situations. The removal of permanent teeth may result in lack of lip support or reduction of a patient’s profile. While the reduced profile may be acceptable in younger years, the reduction becomes more pronounced with the aging process and less flattering as they grow older. For this reason, correct treatment diagnosis when considering tooth removals is critical to the outcome of a good long term result.

Due to these aesthetic considerations, extensive research, and technological advancements in the field of orthodontics, many orthodontists have altered their view on how best to deal with crowded situations. Today, a non-extraction therapy is preferred rather than extracting permanent teeth in most treatment plans for children and adolescents. Instead, the treatment focus is on encouraging jaw growth to properly house all the teeth and is most successful when children and adolescents are still growing and developing.

This type of treatment usually is based on the use of specialized appliances and newly designed self-ligating brackets such as Suresmile Braces which can move teeth further and faster than traditional braces of old. Successful non-extraction therapy results in a more pleasing long-term facial balance and improved bites. It is recommended that children be checked out by an orthodontist by age 7 or 8 to find out if they are a candidate for this type of treatment.

For more information contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic consultation. Dr. Joe Pearson and his Team will be happy to help you determine if your child would benefit from this type of orthodontic treatment using the latest in orthodontic treatment and Suresmile.

Understanding the physiology of the human body explains why gentle forces are used to move teeth. (read more about tooth movement). When braces put pressure on teeth, it causes cells known as osteoclasts to break down the bone in the path of the tooth movement, similar to a ship moving through sand. At the same time, other cells called osteoblasts are at work on the other side of the tooth. Their job is to make new bone to fill in the space left behind the teeth, like sand filling in behind the ship as it moves, changing direction.

Bone cells work together during orthodontic treatment to make sure the teeth are stabilized in their right place in the bone when treatment is completed. Tooth movement is most effective when slow, deliberate, and guided by Dr. Joe Pearson. The ideal amount of movement is about one millimeter a month. This rate of speed moves the teeth as quickly as the bone cells are able to do their work effectively.

Each orthodontic patient at Pearson Orthodontics is different and so is treatment time based on individual problems. Some patients require only limited treatment to realign teeth for approximately a year, others with a more severe problem due to a “bad bite” (also known as a malocclusion), generally need braces for 18 to 24 months to correct the problem and attain a healthy occlusion. A properly aligned bite is very important to help maintain good dental health over a life time. It prevents future problems such as premature wearing of teeth, tooth decay, and chronic jaw pain if left untreated.

Treatment time varies with each individual problem and teeth may be moved at any age as long as there is proper bone support to allow tooth movement, allowing the bone cells to regenerate. A healthy new smile achieved at the end of treatment is well worth the time it takes Mother Nature and your orthodontist to correct the problem.

At Pearson Orthodontics we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. For more information, please contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

Metal braces have been used for many years and proven successful creating beautiful healthy smiles. However, today, there are other options available for teens and adults who are self conscious about wearing braces. One alternative is Invisalign, the “braceless” alternative to straight teeth offered Dr. Joe Pearson.

So, what makes Invisalign so different?

It's a product that is comprised of aligners that are made out of a thermoplastic material instead of traditional metal brackets. At first glance, they resemble teeth whitening trays; however, they are much more. Little by little, these invisible aligners move teeth into proper alignment. Every couple of weeks a patient will change set their aligners which move his or her teeth one step closer to a radiant healthy new smile.

There are a number of reasons why teens and adults choose Invisalign over traditional braces. First off, unlike traditional braces, aligners are invisible and don’t irritate lips or cheeks so patient experience minimal discomfort. Best of all, it's hard to tell if a person is even wearing braces at all! Another advantage is that they can be removed whenever a person eats, brushes their teeth, and flosses as well. This is not possible when wearing traditional braces.

To learn more about Invisalign to determine if you are a candidate for the invisible alternative to straight teeth, call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We would love the opportunity to help you determine if Invisalign is right for you.

When the dentin loses the protection of hard enamel, the nerves under the tooth are less protected, triggering pain whenever it is hit with a hot or cold temperature. So, how do you fix this problem? When even brushing causes intense pain and even damage to sensitive teeth, how are you supposed to keep protected against sensitivity?

Preventing loss of enamel as you age is the key to preventing this problem. Here are some tips to protect your teeth against loss of enamel causing discomfort and pain.

Good oral hygiene – The most obvious and important tip for keeping teeth and gums healthy. Gums protect your teeth just like enamel; your gumline prevents food particles and bacteria from entering below your gums. If your gums are unhealthy from lack of proper brushing and flossing, gums can recede, exposing tooth structure that is less protected causing discomfort. If brushing hurts, all the more reason to maintaining good oral habits. At Dr. Joe W. Pearson Orthodontics we recommend a soft bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Hard bristled toothbrushes encourage gum loss and whitening or anti-tartar toothpastes can be abrasive, causing the sensitivity.

Brush correctly – One of the main causes of gum loss is improper brushing. Many people brush so hard, they’re actually damaging their teeth and gums. Watch this video on how to correctly brush your teeth.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks – Sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices are a main staple in many diets today, but they also can be harmful to your teeth when consumed in excess. They are acidic and erode the protective enamel on your teeth. Pickles, white bread, eggs, dairy products, processed meats, and all forms of alcohol are highly acidic also. Cutting down on these foods and drinks can prevent their eroding effects, especially if you are already sensitive. Consuming sodas and citric juices through a straw will minimize their contact with your teeth and help reduce enamel erosion. However, we still recommend limiting the amount of acidic foods and drinks you consume every day for a healthier lifestyle.

Visit a dentist! No one knows more about your teeth than your dentist. We specialize in movement of teeth and jaw growth and limit our practice to orthodontic care, your dentist is the gate keeper for your overall dental health. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, just ask your dentist about it next time you’re due for a dental exam. You’ll be glad you did.

Feel free to ask questions or leave comments about tooth sensitivity below. At Dr. Joe W. Pearson Orthodontics, our goal is to educated our patients and families about all aspects of dental care.

Attached are some fun activities you can use to engage kids of all ages regarding dental health. Download Here

February is also National Pet Dental Health Month.

Did you know that human toothpaste can irritate your animal’s stomach? Watch this video on proper oral hygiene for your pet's teeth.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Tom Cruise, Kathryn Heigle, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes, Fay Dunaway, and Brandi.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. One in 5 orthodontic patients are adults.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Besides alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can improve self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists who completed and additional 2-3 years post graduate training in straightening teeth and aligning jaws to create optimal function and form. This training is above and beyond general dental training.

• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today’s braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

Feel free to contact our office with any questions about orthodontic care or leave a comment below.

There are many different types malocclusions or bite problems that require orthodontic treatment at Pearson Orthodontics. Below is list of the most common orthodontic problems seen today in children, teens and adults.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation to determine how we can help you with your orthodontic needs. It is not necessary to have a referral from you general dentist to take advantage of this complimentary service we provide to all our patients.

Overbite: Upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth. Often called "Buck teeth"
Deepbite: The upper teeth cover the lower teeth wearing down the enamel of the lowers
Underbite: The lower teeth cover the upper teeth. This may be the result of a jaw growth discrepancy and/or tooth problem.
Openbite: The upper and lower front teeth do not come together. Often the result of a finger habit, allergies, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Crowding: Jaws are too narrow or teeth are too large causing crowded or misaligned teeth.
Spacing: Teeth are too small or jaws are too large causing space between teeth.
Crossbite: Upper teeth are inside the lower teeth.

• The first baby teeth are usually lost at about six years of age. Some kids may lose theirs as early as five or as late as seven, which is still considered normal.
• The average child will have lost eight baby teeth by age eight; four front teeth on top and four front teeth on the bottom.
• Between 8-10 you will normally not see much loss or eruption of teeth. During this two-year “break” interceptive orthodontic treatment may be indicated. This is why the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be evaluated by age 7. This allows Dr. Joe Pearson to determine if your child’s teeth and jaws are developing correctly and intervene with recommendations or treatment, if indicated.
• Around ten years of age the remaining teeth begin to fall out. The average adolescent loses all their baby teeth before 13. Girls often lose their teeth faster than the boys and sometimes as early as 11. The 12-year or 2^nd molars start to make their appearance during this time.
• Third molars will begin to develop around age 16 and more often than not, need to be removed due to lack of space in the dental arch to accommodate the teeth. X-rays at this age are recommended to determine if there is enough room for third molars before the roots fully develop to make extraction easier if required.

Most parents have questions about delayed tooth loss during the two years between eight and ten when nothing is happening. However, parents need not worry about delayed tooth loss unless:

• There is not enough room for permanent teeth causing crowding. They may not be able to push out the overlying baby teeth.
• Congenitally missing permanent teeth. Baby teeth with no underlying permanent replacements may be retained indefinitely.
• Extra teeth can block the normal eruption of permanent ones. With a simple x-ray, your orthodontist can tell you if there really is a problem or if your child is just developing slowly.

An important service Pearson Orthodontics provides is monitoring the dental development of your child’s dentition and make recommendations regarding baby teeth to encourage proper tooth eruption and jaw development during growth.

Baby teeth preserve space for permanent teeth until they are developed enough to come in. If the baby teeth come out too early, space can be lost causing crowding of the underlying permanent ones. At the other end, baby teeth that are not lost on time can force the permanent ones to come in crooked creating a more difficult orthodontic condition. If the teeth are crowded, your child may lose two baby teeth naturally to accommodate the eruption of a single larger permanent tooth. If baby teeth are lost prematurely due to an accident or decay, an orthodontist should be consulted to see if a space maintainer is needed.
Contact our office for a complimentary new patient exam to determine if your child’s teeth are developing normally. Feel free to ask questions or make comments in the area below.