Corrections for jaw misalignment come in a variety of solutions, but for the most severe cases of jaw misalignment, orthodontists usually recommend jaw surgery. Jaw surgery, otherwise known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that aligns the upper and lower jaws to their proper positions. The surgery itself usually is performed at the end of a phase of orthodontic treatment in which an orthodontist prepares a patient’s mouth for the changes surgery will bring about.  Before committing to the orthognathic surgery process, it’s important to have an understanding of:  What the orthognathic surgery entails If you’re a good candidate for surgery Benefits and risks of undergoing the surgery Orthognathic Surgery Procedure Orthognathic surgery, or jaw repositioning surgery, involves a multi-step process that begins with orthodontic treatment. Prior to the procedure, the patient will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including dental and medical exams, imaging studies, and consultations with their orthodontist. The surgery itself may take several [...]

Jaw repositioning is a common approach orthodontic patients pursue to help improve the function and/or appearance of their jaw. Treatment is typically dependent on the severity of issues caused by a misaligned jaw, and solutions can range from utilizing traditional braces or Invisalign to a surgical procedure known as orthognathic surgery.  To get a true understanding of whether jaw repositioning can help you, let’s take a look at a few considerations, including:  The risks of jaw repositioning  The benefits of jaw repositioning Who the best candidates are for jaw repositioning  What Are The Risks? As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with jaw repositioning techniques. With traditional braces or Invisalign, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or difficulty speaking and eating during the initial adjustment period. More severe cases may require orthognathic surgery, which carries additional risks such as infection, nerve damage, or relapse of the jaw misalignment. [...]

Gone are the days that orthodontic treatment is used only for creating a beautiful smile! Orthodontics is traditionally associated with cosmetic treatments such as braces or aligners, but it can also be used to address a variety of medical conditions, including sleep apnea. By repositioning the jaw and opening the airway, orthodontic treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, improve breathing, and promote better overall health and quality of life. There are numerous benefits to exploring orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea, but here are the top 5 benefits of using orthodontic treatment to alleviate sleep apnea: Less invasive alternative Corrects dental and facial abnormalities Increases airway space Alleviates irritating symptoms Improves quality of life Less Invasive Alternative To Surgery Or CPAP While orthodontic treatment might seem invasive, in that you have to allow people to work inside your mouth, the treatment itself is far less invasive than alternatives such as surgery or CPAP [...]

Until you learn about jaw repositioning, you may not even know that it could benefit you. Jaw repositioning provides many benefits to patients who wish to improve their jaw’s position, either for cosmetic or physical reasons. There are a handful of treatment options available for patients who don’t require orthognathic surgery, which is reserved for severe cases of jaw misalignments. You may be a great candidate for jaw repositioning techniques if you suffer from: Sleep apnea Difficulty chewing Speech difficulty Feeling self-conscious Pain Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Perhaps you never knew why you were experiencing pain and discomfort in your jaw, or figured your speech impediment was just natural. Now you know that with proper treatment, you can feel and see the effects that jaw repositioning has on your smile and your confidence! Traditional Braces Traditional braces work to help reposition your jaw by applying pressure to your teeth and jaws at the same time, [...]

Going to the dentist should be something you do at least twice a year, if your teeth are healthy. But when it comes to your kids’ dental health, how do you know when or if you should take them to the dentist? Just because they brush their teeth well on their own at home doesn’t mean that they have good dental hygiene. Young children should see their dentist as often as their parents do - ideally, every 6 months. There are many benefits to getting your child an appointment with a pediatric dentist, but 5 of the top reasons you should schedule an appointment are: Your child will receive specialized care Access to early prevention and treatment Visits will reduce anxious thoughts around dental exams Get an early start on forming lifelong dental habits Pediatric dentists can address childhood dental issues Specially Trained Dentists One of the greatest things about pediatric dentists is that they are specifically [...]

Dental health is an important aspect of hygienic care for adults and children alike, but pediatric dental care for children is especially important to implement early in a child’s life, even before their teeth start to come in fully. Pediatric dentistry helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, and even periodontal disease and childhood dental caries, a condition of early cavity development in children under 5 years of age. Pediatric dentistry isn’t just another task to check off of your to-do list; it’s a start to good lifelong habits that will protect your child’s dental health and set the stage for good oral hygiene throughout his or her life. We now know that oral health has many effects on overall health, so don’t put off getting your child started with a pediatric dentist. Starting early is the best thing you can do for your child’s dental health! How Pediatric Dentistry Differs From Adult Dental Care Adult dental care is [...]

As an orthodontic practice that specializes in sleep apnea treatment, we at Ahava Orthodontics are passionate about raising awareness about this condition. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to a host of health issues and should not be ignored. Let's look at the five signs you may have sleep apnea, the health issues that come with it, the benefits of seeing an orthodontist, and why you should seek treatment sooner rather than later. TLDR, we want you to know that sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can take off up to 10 years of your life span and you should see an orthodontist to get a proper diagnosis of an physical reasons why you are suffering from sleep apnea. Sign #1: Chronic Loud Snoring One of the most common signs of sleep apnea is loud and chronic snoring. If you snore loudly every night, it could be a sign that you [...]

Why it's Important to Wear Your Retainer After Treatment After completing orthodontic treatment, whether it's with traditional braces or Invisalign, it's important to continue wearing a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth. Retention is an essential step in the process of achieving a beautiful and healthy smile, and it's important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist to ensure the best possible results. Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Orthodontic Treatment? Teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original position over time, especially after undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is because the periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place have been stretched and weakened during treatment. Wearing a retainer helps to hold your teeth in their new position and allows the ligaments to heal and reattach to the tooth in its new position. What Kind of Retainer Should You Use? There are two main types of [...]

What Happens at an Orthodontic Exam? An orthodontic exam is an important step in the process of getting braces or other orthodontic treatment. It is a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw by an orthodontic specialist, who will determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. In this article, we will take a look at what happens during an orthodontic exam and why it's important for achieving a straighter, healthier smile. Initial Consultation The first step in an orthodontic exam is an initial consultation. During this appointment, the orthodontist will ask about your dental history and any concerns you may have about your teeth and bite. They will also perform a visual examination of your teeth and bite, looking for any issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or open bites. They will also check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. X-Rays and Imaging The next step [...]

Orthodontic check-ups are an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and jaws. These regular appointments allow orthodontists to assess the progress of treatment, identify any potential problems, and make adjustments to ensure that the teeth and jaws are properly aligned. One of the most important reasons to schedule regular orthodontic check-ups is to monitor the progress of treatment. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, can take several months or even years to complete. During this time, it is important to make sure that the teeth are moving in the right direction and that the treatment plan is on track. Orthodontists use x-rays, photographs, and impressions to track the movement of the teeth and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Another important reason for regular orthodontic check-ups is to identify potential problems early on. Orthodontic treatment can put a lot of pressure on the teeth and jaws, which can cause pain, discomfort, or other issues. [...]