Monday, July 30, 2012

Temporary Anchorage Devices TADs

WE USE TEMPORARY ANCHORAGE DEVICES (TADs)

In orthodontics moving teeth is equated to basic mechanics. When you push on something (like your teeth), you have to pull on something else. The need to 'Brace' yourself against another object when moving teeth. Using an anchor is imperative, to achieve the necessary movement to create an ideal occlusion in orthodontics. Most of the time, anchorage is achieved by placing one force against a small tooth that you are trying to move, against another large tooth or several  teeth tied together as the 'anchor'. The small tooth moves a whole lot more then the anchor. Sometimes in orthodontics we have instances where this type of anchorage is hard to achieve. The usage of a TAD will allow the orthodontist to achieve tooth movement against this fixed point.

TAD  (Temporary Anchorage Device), are basically very small screws that are inserted into the tissue and bone by your orthodontist (or a referred specialist). There is little or no discomfort when a TAD is placed. Caring for your TAD generally requires only routine brushing, and use of an antiseptic to keep the site very clean. Placement of TAD's are customized for each individual patient, and are not confined to one particular spot. They will contribute to predictable results, shorter treatment time, and completion of active treatment on schedule.
This small appliance is extremely helpful to your orthodontist to move your teeth into their most optimal position.
Dr. Statler is proud to announce that she is and has been using the TAD system to aid in your treatment progress. She and her husband, Dr. David Prusakowski work together to place the TAD's right here in our office.





Saturday, July 14, 2012

HEY - WHAT ABOUT THE BOYS?

National trends show the percentage of girls and boys in orthodontic treatment is 60% girls and 40% boys. This is also true in our orthodontic practice. Since orthodontic problems are just as prevalent in boys as girls, it is a fair question to ask, HEY ...WHAT ABOUT THE BOYS? 

Because orthodontic treatment does more for an individual than provide a "pretty smile", we may be shortchanging the boys in our society. It has been shown by numerous studies that facial appearance has a great deal of influence in how a person is treated by others.

Improving facial esthetics can have a significantly positive effect on the life of a child and in later adulthood. Children, after all, want to look good...And...this certainly holds true for boys as well as girls. Boys as well as girls need properly functioning teeth, which are easier to clean and maintain.

Quality orthodontic treatment not only provides improved functional occlusion, but also results in enhanced self-esteem and confidence...something we all want for our sons as well as our daughters. So where did this tendency to overlook the boys come from? A question that begs an answer. We don't have one! So parents - dentists - hygienists...Don't sell that little guy short. One day both his smile and his face are going to matter to him very much!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Smile for the Camera, May/June Weddings & Graduations are upon us!

A smile is contagious! It's a universal sign of happiness! It relieves stress!
We are approaching the month of June when smiling at a Graduation or a Wedding will catch the camera's eye!
Be prepared, make it a big smile, make it genuine, and it will provide you and everyone around you with the warmth and love it was meant to produce.

Smile Facts
Babies are born with the ability to smile, they start right away in their sleep!
A smile can use from 5 to 53 facial muscles depending on the kind of smile!
It takes more muscles to frown, then to smile!
A smile can be recognized from 300 feet away. It's the most easily recognized facial expression!
Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood!
Smiling can improve your physical health and contribute to a strong immune system!
Smiles are more attractive then wearing make-up according to 69% of people polled!
Women smile more often then Men!

Now that you have the facts, we will be watching you! So don't forget:
You're never fully dressed without a smile!
Call us soon for your free consultation with Dr. Jennifer Statler
She and her staff would love to provide you with an amazing smile to take you through
the ordinary days as well as a lifetime of special occasions.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

DO OUR WISDOM TEETH REALLY REFLECT OUR TRUE WISDOM?

WISDOM IS FOUND ONLY IN TRUTH

Wisdom teeth, sometimes known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. Our modern diets consisting of much softer foods then eaten in the early ages, and the ever increasing need for orthodontic tooth straightening procedures produce a more full dental arch, commonly not leaving much room for the eruption of wisdom teeth. This sets the stage for potential problems when the final four teeth try to make their debut. These impacted wisdom teeth can become painful, and potentially lead to infection. They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots. Keep in mind that not all problems related to the third molars are painful or even visible (without diagnostic x-rays) and can cause damage without you even being aware. It is estimated that approximately 85% of  the population will eventually need to have their third molars  removed. 

Making sure you are seen regularly by your Orthodontist or General Dentist for periodic evaluations, is the best way for you to be made aware if your wisdom teeth can or will present a problem for you. At Statler-Krumholtz Orthodontics, we are very careful with our use of x-radiation. Dr. Statler is very conscientious to continually evaluate our patients pattern of growth and development of wisdom teeth from the very first visit, to the final digital panoramic x-ray that is taken at debond. A clear and concise recommendation is made at whatever time frame is necessary for wisdom teeth to be extracted (or for the fortunate 15%, not be extracted!). If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, please make us aware, and we would be happy to show you your most recent x-ray and discuss any concerns or recommendations with you.



Monday, April 2, 2012

MI PASTE - LIKE VITAMINS FOR YOUR TEETH

MI Paste is a product that restores minerals and can help to produce saliva. Our saliva helps provide us with needed minerals to strengthen and protect the enamel on your teeth.

Each of us may have various reasons that can produce an acid imbalance, which makes it difficult for our bodies to produce saliva and its protective minerals.

At Statler-Krumholtz Orthodontics we offer a simple at home therapy that can help prevent white spots, and protect your teeth during orthodontic treatment. For those of you who have already experienced an acid imbalance, causing white spots/scaring on your teeth, we also offer a 6 visit in office treatment/therapy to help re-mineralize and make white spots slowly diminish.

OTHER REASONS FOR USE OF MI PASTE
High risk of tooth decay
Sensitivity
Tooth Whitening
Acid Erosion
Active and Inactive White Spots
Dry Mouth
Special benefits for: Infants, Children and Special Needs Patients
&
Gastric Reflux

Please ask us about your specific situation and we would be happy to go over in detail the treatments mentioned, and how you can begin to reap the rewards of such an overall beneficial product.