If You Have Overcrowded Teeth, You're a Candidate For Orthodontic Treatment

One of the most common problems several of our patients get treated for at Morristown Orthodontics is crowded teeth. We actually see this problem on a daily basis, and this term is defined just like it sounds, either the teeth are too big for the patients jaw size, or the mouth has too many teeth and is overcrowded. The problem with too many teeth in the mouth is the lack of space, as the teeth are shifted out of place resulting in a crooked position. Unfortunately, this can occur in both adult orthodontic patients as well as children.

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It is pretty easy for us to determine this problem for our patients as an examination of the patients’ mouth can lead to a diagnoses. The teeth typically appear crooked and jammed in an unnatural way, causing teeth that can lead to future dental problems because they’re harder to clean. Another result of crowded teeth is the obvious fact of a smile that may not be considered cosmetically appealing and can lead to self-consciousness.

Depending on the severity of the overcrowded teeth, Dr. Wadhwa can determine which method of treatment will work best. Sometimes having excess teeth extracted helps with expansion of teeth. Other times, palate expanders are used in the mouth to help widen the jaw; this method is only used on children, not adults; their jaws have already stopped growing. Also, several types of braces give amazing results for adults and children with overcrowded teeth. It all really comes down to the individual being treated when we determine how to correct the crowding.

If you suffer from this condition and live in the South Orange or Morristown area, please call us to schedule a consultation to learn about your orthodontic treatment options.

National Buttercrunch Day

Today is another yummy national holiday...National Buttercrunch Day!

If your mouth is watering from the name, but you're not too familiar with what buttercruch is, you're not alone! While we had an idea of what it was, we weren't sure of any recipes to share, but low and behold after doing some digging we found some. If you're anything like the average person, you will be happy to see chocolate usually plays a part and that it can be incorporated into pies, cookies, cakes or it can just be a snack on its own.

Buttercrunch is defined as a crunchy confection that you cook to at least 290 degrees F. This candy is similar to toffee, but it contains slightly less butter.  Check out this recipe we found and let us know how it turns out!

Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy Recipe

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + cooling Cook: 25 min.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup butter
• 1-1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups finely chopped toasted almonds
• 8 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each)

Directions

1. Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil; set aside. Using part of the butter, grease the sides of a large heavy saucepan. Add remaining butter to saucepan; melt over low heat. Add sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
2. Remove from the heat and stir in almonds. Quickly pour into the prepared pan, spreading to cover bottom of pan. Cool completely. Carefully invert pan to remove candy in one piece; remove foil.
3. Melt half of the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl; spread over top of candy. Let cool. Turn candy over and repeat with remaining chocolate; cool. Break into 2-in. pieces. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 2 pounds.

Clear Braces

Ceramic braces are the perfect combination of strength and beauty, so you can keep smiling during, and after your treatment

Clear braces are a popular choice for teens and adults who want to make a less noticeable statement with their commitment to a healthier smile. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor.

These ceramic brackets offer our patients the look they want, with all of the functionality of traditional metal brackets. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform. They are the perfect combination of strength and beauty, so you can keep smiling during, and after your treatment at Morristown Orthodontics.

Two-phase Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. They are flexible, compliant and their growth potential is still at a maximum. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and aesthetic occlusion.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

To learn more please contact Morristown Orthodontics.