TLS Orthodontics

Monday, December 7, 2020

What is an Orthodontist?

You see a dentist twice a year. They clean your teeth and help keep your mouth healthy. But what about orthodontists? What can they do for you?

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw. While orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.

A question people often ask is, “Can my dentist give me braces?” The simple answer is no.

Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists complete further training after they graduate from dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, and fitting them for braces and other corrective devices. The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your smile goes beyond just having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew, and speak effectively.

Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:

Crossbites: When you have a narrow upper jaw or a wider lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a you to move the lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

Crowding: Crowding, typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Crowding can be the cause or result of other problems, such as impacted teeth, retained teeth, or teeth that have not naturally fallen out.

Spacing Issues: Spaces between teeth may be related to tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spacing issues.

Overbites: When you have excessive vertical overlapping of the front teeth, generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws.

Excessive Gingival Display: Also known as a gummy smile, excessive gingival display gives the appearance of exposed gums on the upper arch.

If you have been wondering if you should see an Orthodontist to improve your smile...Give TLS Orthodontics a call today. Dr. Theresa L. Skelton and her friendly staff are here to answering any questions you may have.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

More Than a Pretty Smile

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

At TLSOrthodontics, our goal is to provide you provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Whether it’s through Invisalign, traditional braces, or clear braces...orthodontics goes beyond just having a pretty smile.

Benefits of Having Straight Teeth

1. Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are a foundation to a healthy body. The health of your mouth and your body are connected. Your gums are essential to your overall health. When your teeth are spaced out or crowded, it is possible for them to become inflamed, which can be a sign of periodontal disease.

2. Easier to Clean: A great benefit of straight teeth is the ease of keeping your teeth clean…which means healthier gums. Crowded teeth are difficult to brush and floss properly. Improper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and tooth decay.

3. Less Tooth Wear: The straighter your teeth are, the less wear and tear you place on them. Biting and chewing generate quite a bit of pressure. Properly aligned teeth can handle biting and chewing without any problems. However, those with bite problems end up putting an excessive amount of stress on their teeth. This excessive amount of stress can lead to fractures and even abnormal flattening of the biting surface.

4. Clearer Speech: Your teeth plays an important role in your speech. If you have teeth that are crowded, spaced out, or protruding from your mouth, it can affect your speaking patterns negatively.

5. Better Digestion: Straight teeth are better for chewing. Chewing is the beginning of the food digestion process. When you chew your food more thoroughly, it helps speed up the digestion process.

If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and braces, give Dr. Theresa L. Skelton a call in our Greenville, MS orthodontic office at 662-332-4902.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Are You Too Old For Braces?

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.

Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with an age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Depending on your budget and the severity of your orthodontic problem, Dr. Theresa L. Skelton will discuss your options to ensure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re 7 or 70, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, as long as you are healthy...your teeth can be straightened at any age.

Not every type of appliance is suitable for correction of every kind of orthodontic problem. At TLS Orthodontics, we offer full range of appliances, and will help you choose the appliance is right for your orthodontic care.

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting our Greenville, MS office today.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Adjusting to Your New Braces

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

So…you just got braces, now what? As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming, at Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics, we are here to help you at every step along the way.

Here are a few tips to help you adjust to your new braces.

Tip 1: Be confident. Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will no longer be a concern. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile. Be proud and know that in no time at all your braces will come off and your smile will look amazing.

Tip 2: Be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. There are routine steps that we ask you to take prior to leaving the office. These steps will minimize discomfort and ensure an optimal response to treatment.

Use your finger and tongue to make sure that nothing is poking you. We have been as careful as possible when applying the brackets and inserting the wire, but only you can tell us whether or not everything feels ok.

Make sure that you have all of the supplies you need for your first stage of treatment. This could include wax, elastics, and tools to clean your teeth and braces.

Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.

Tip 3: Alleviate discomfort right away. As your teeth begin to move, the teeth themselves, your jaw, and your gums will feel achy and maybe a little sore. Taking a non-prescription pain remedy can prevent any discomfort and pain. A saltwater rinse, made from warm water and salt, can also be used to help alleviate any soreness in the mouth.

Tip 4: Make sure your mouth stays clean. While you’re in braces, you’ll have to pay extra attention to making sure your mouth stays clean. The brackets and wires create a lot of nooks and crannies where food particles and debris can hide, so take your time with brushing and flossing. Carry a travel toothbrush with you so you can brush after meals and snacks.

Tip 5: Give yourself time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your smile looks. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more. Wax may also be purchased at a local drug store.

We know that getting braces can be both scary and exciting. The first month is a bit of an adjustment period, but you’ll soon forget that you are even wearing braces. Keep on smiling and laughing throughout your treatment. Time will fly by and soon enough you’ll be getting them off and showing the world your new straight smile!

Monday, August 24, 2020

The Damon Difference

Dr. Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

At the office of Dr. Theresa L. Skelton, our top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Our practice offers many advanced treatments, including Damon System Brackets.

The Damon System is not just about revolutionary braces and wires, it's an entirely new way of treating our patients. This clinically proven treatment approach aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics without extractions or palatal expanders, giving you a smile that is full and natural.

Achieved with light force specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient, Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows the teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably. The passive self-ligating brackets eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With these tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening. The unique design of these braces also helps to reduce the buildup of food particles and debris that tend to get lodged in the brackets of traditional metal braces, making oral hygiene easy during treatment.

Damon System treatment requires fewer office visits. On average, patients treated with the Damon System require seven fewer office appointments than patients who undergo traditional orthodontic treatment. That means more convenience for you.

Damon Braces give you a broader and healthier smile in less time and with greater comfort than conventional braces. If you are curious about Damon Braces or if you have specific questions about how they can help you achieve your best smile, please contact our Greenville orthodontics office anytime!