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braces, Orthodontics, smile, teeth
Mouth breathing appears harmless. For many, breathing is breathing and it has no relevance whether it is from the mouth or nose.
Why do some people mouth breath?
Chronic allergies, tonsil hypertrophy, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, constricted upper airways, a backward positioned lower jaw caused by thumb sucking, excessive pacifier use or insufficient suckling as an infant. Children with special needs such as Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down’s Syndrom, etc…. are often mouth breathers. Pediatricians and many otolaryngologists often do not understand nor appreciate the long term mouth breathing problems during the critical early facial growth period. Pediatricians say the child will eventually “grow” into his/her tonsils or adnoids. Unfortunately, by the time that happens, the habit of mouth breathing has already been formed and facial manifestations have resulted.
Some of these manifestations are:
* Facial vertical growth patterns (growing a longer narrow face)
* Gummy (smile shows a lot of gum tissue)
* Dry mouth (gum tissue is red and puffy due to dryness)
* Crossbite… Tongue posture is important for jaw growth.The correct tongue position is up, on the roof of the mouth. If and when the tongue is positioned down, the lower arch is stimulated creating a narrow upper arch and a larger lower arch. Many times creating a crossbite relationship.
Recommendations:
1. See an ENT for a consult to evaluate tonsils and adnoids
2. See a Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists
3. Make an appointment with an orthodontist
It is important to breath through the nose because:
1. The nose filters the air, it is healthier
Try These Exercises: )
* While watching a movie, place a plastic tooth pick longways between the lips to form a seal. If the toothpick falls, the seal has been broken.
* A piece of gentle tape over the lips during a movie works well, also.
* Practice a humming sound
More and more people are coming to the same conclusion…. Beautiful Smiles are where it is at. They seem to be popping up everywhere.
Many people understand the benefits of orthodontic care (healthy teeth, beautiful smile, anti-aging), yet have been mislead by the “quick fix” dental makeovers shown on reality TV.
Dr. Melvin DeSoto, an orthodontist and president of the AAO says, “Public attention has been drawn lately to ‘makeover’ TV shows. These ‘makeovers’ are fast, but may not necessarily be the best way for an individual to change the appearance of unsightly teeth.”
For example, Veneers or bonding require permanent removal of enamel, thus changing fundamental tooth structure. These non-reversible changes to the enamel do not correct an underlying orthodontic problem.
If you are considering cosmetic procedures to cover up unsightly teeth, give the orthodontist a call first. They will work together with your dentist and other dental specialist toward the overall goal of a healthy and beautiful smile.
Life is full of missed opportunities. Luckily, life is full of second chances. Many adults who missed out on braces when they were younger are choosing to correct and improve their smiles.
It’s never too late to straighten teeth!
Many people think that if they didn’t have braces in junior high, they’ve missed the only chance to straighten their teeth. But more and more, we see a strong trend in orthodontics: adults who realize that the time is now.
Chicago resident Sally Thompson, retired and in her 50s, didn’t dream she’d ever wear braces. After treatment, she couldn’t imagine why she hadn’t started earlier. “I’d always related braces to young people, but I guess I’m living proof that it doesn’t matter how old a person is, “Thompson said. “When I look in the mirror, I can hardly believe that the smile looking back at me is mine.”
And because orthodontics closes up spaces between teeth or eliminates crowding, patients have found it’s easier to keep them clean. John Smith of Loveland, Colorado, said he noticed fewer problems with tartar buildup since braces had realigned his teeth and jaws when he was in his late 20s. “I do believe my teeth will last a lot longer,” said Smith, now in his 30s.
Bob Struck of Tampa, Florida, was 81 (“and a half,” he’d add) when his braces came off. Struck said his smile was a source of pride until one of his teeth began to slip behind its neighbors when he was in his late 70s. When his family dentist told him that his teeth, gums and supporting bone were in good shape – and his son, an oral surgeon, concurred – he said, “Why not?”
Why not, indeed? One out of every five people in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 18. A couple great options to straighten teeth are: In-Ovation C by GAC (clear self ligating braces)… they look great and create a beautiful smile 
and of course, Invisalign. So if your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like, and you find yourself jealously eyeing your pre-teen’s braces, call your orthodontist. There is no age limit on a perfect smile.
The VALUE of a healthy, beautiful SMILE is PRICELESS!
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March 1, 2009 
