Category: For Teens

A QUICK FIX FOR MAXILLARY DIASTEMA RELAPSE – AKA: THE GAP BETWEEN THE FRONT TEETH

Posted on April 3, 2017 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

woman gapped front teeth

April 3rd, 2017

Every once in a while there is a request in Dr. King’s office for a little post treatment help after non-compliance. It happens, a retainer gets lost, a permanent retainer gets broken, things happen and Dr. King understands that. Dr. King has developed a very successful procedure used when the space between the front teeth slowly returns and is not welcome.

Neal Kravitz, Editor for the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics requested Dr. King to contribute an article which describes a simple and esthetic solution he created for consolidating anterior spaces with light force and minimal effort. The technique evolved from a method of minor space closure in which a 1/8”, 2 oz elastic was placed around the central incisors and below the contact point in the gingival one-third of the tooth. This procedure is more comfortable, esthetic and predictable, requiring no special patient cooperation.

The included photos are of a 20 year old who lost his retainer a year previously. First, the anterior teeth to be bonded are isolated and etched and a bonding agent is applies. Next, a clear elastic thread* is cut to a length of 6” and positioned on the middle third of the crowns. A small teardrop of composite** is added over the thread on each tooth surface and cured one at a time. Maintaining tension as the elastic thread is lightly stretched across the teeth. This patient was bonded canine to canine and the space was closed in 10 days.

A space of 1mm or less can close in 24 hours if the thread is bonded fro lateral incisor to lateral incisor. If the patient has an overjet, space will rarely open distal to the lateral incisors. To avoid rotation of the upper lateral incisors, the patient should be scheduled to return to the office in 24 – 48 hours, since the teeth are being moved by uncontrolled tipping with no moment of a couple. If the lateral incisors begin to rotate, either excessive tension has been placed on the thread of the force has been exerted for too long.

If the patient is unable to return within two days, or if the rotation of the lateral incisors is a concern, the elastic thread can be bonded from canine to canine as shown here. Space closure will then take seven to ten days, but there is less risk of rotation due to the added anchorage of the canines. A bonded retainer should be placed once space closure is complete.

LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT

Posted on September 28, 2016 by - Braces, For Adults, For Teens

You and your braces have to have a good relationship while you’re spending time together. As is the case with all good friends it’s important to get that relationship off to a good start. If you want to avoid the rocky times there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

The first thing in the order of importance is properly caring for your teeth and braces. FLOSS! It’s a must. Yes, we agree it’s a bit more difficult, in fact a pain to floss around your braces but it’s the best prevention. You want to prevent gum disease and oral health problems and flossing is the place to start. A few minutes each day will stave off significant dental health issues when the braces come off.

Second, you’ll want to avoid foods and treats that are not brace friendly. While it may seem impossible to forgo caramel, gum, pretzels and all the other favorite items in your snacking repertoire we assure you it is not! A clash between hard candy and a bracket or wire will be won by the candy and might result in an additional trip to the orthodontist office. While Dr. King is fun to see, the extra trip should be avoided for the sake of your braces. Avoid those food/snack items altogether.

Thirdly, you may need to adjust your eating habits. You’ll want to chew with your back teeth and avoid taking large bites with your front teeth. Taking large bites can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. It is best to cut larger items into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth. While corn on the cob has small kernels this is one food item you’ll want to keep for a post brace treat! Cut it off the cob to enjoy it while you are wearing braces.

Fourth, it’s important to remember to wear your rubber bands. Rubber bands and all other orthodontic appliances may seem trial some at first but failing to work diligently with them can increase the length of your treatment time by months. You don’t want to do that no matter how much you enjoy seeing everyone at Jupiter Orthodontics!

If you have any questions feel free to review information on our site, or call us at 561-747-5766, and we’ll be happy to answer them for you. Dr. King’s patients are the best part of our day!

SMILE IT FORWARD PROGRAM

Posted on August 26, 2013 by - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

Police officer Mark Borsboom was caught doing a simple, good deed – tying an elderly man’s shoelace for him. As he was standing near the exit an elderly gentleman approached the police officer. The man had no feeling in his hands as a result of a health issue. He had a long way to walk to meet his son and his shoelace had come loose.

ALL GOOD DEEDS COME BACK TO YOU. He asked the office if he would mind tying his shoe for him. Officer Borsboom said, “I didn’t think anything of it – I said ‘sure’ and tied his shoelace”. Such kindness is needed throughout the world on a much larger scale.

Dr. King has created a program to encourage the same kindness. The ‘Smile it Forward’ program allows Dr. King to provide FREE treatment to underprivileged children in the community. For every ten children that start treatment in his office, Dr. King will select one child from a referral base which he receives from area dentists and sometimes teachers regarding kids
who need help and could never afford it.

While a beautiful smile is a priceless gift, for some young ones the much needed treatment is medically necessary for proper chewing and at times improper jaw alignment.

This means that a minimum of two patients per month will receive free treatment because Dr. King chooses to ‘Smile it Forward’ helping children he has never met. If you would like to know more about SMILE IT FORWARD feel free to call the office and we will be happy to explain further how it works.

Come in and join the Jupiter Orthodontics family practice for beautiful smiles and happy people!

We can’t wait to meet you!

BULLIES ARE WEAK

Posted on July 2, 2013 by - Community, For Children, For Teens

Did you know that a bully actually NEEDS you in order to feel important?

Without a victim a bully is just a kid. YOU CAN TAKE CHARGE of yourself and destroy a bully’s power. Here are some suggestions that can help.

  1.  Bullies look for someone who looks timid, so make it a point to walk tall & show confidence so you don’t become a target. Avoid them if you can and show a positive and assertive attitude when you walk to or attend class. Ask your parent how to have strong and assertive body language.
  2. Walking away from a bully can succeed! If you see the bully in the hallway, leave with confidence as you remain calm, keep your head held high and veer around the bully. Refuse to be a target. Your strength is his kryptonite. Again, ask your parent to help you practice this at home.
  3. Set your boundaries clearly if you cannot leave a situation. Hold your anger back because bullies need that to feel strong. If provoked, you could put your hands up if front of you, palms open and outward. Then with a strong, confident voice say STOP and try to veer away. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR SPACE.
  4. Use your voice. If a bully tries to touch you, pull away and in a REALLY loud voice say “NO! STOP IT.” Bullies feed on your fear and if you don’t show it to them they have nothing to work with.
  5. Remember to talk to someone who can help you. Your parents and teachers are there to help – but they have to know that you need help.

Have you ever had to take out the trash at home? It is the same thing with the words of a bully. Just realize their words are trash and you can throw them away. Be strong, walk tall, wear a huge smile and have confidence that YOU are the person that matters.

THE TRAVELING TEETH

Posted on March 19, 2013 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

Laura’s* story begins with a gorgeous new smile when her braces were removed. “At last the smile I’ve always wanted!” Unfortunately, Laura decided NOT to wear her retainer after a while. “It was a hassle,” Laura complained. She stopped wearing it and months later when she decided to try her retainer again it was so painful that she couldn’t wear it. “My teeth felt like someone was squeezing them with pliers.”

Laura also decided not to go back for her checkups, “After all, I don’t wear braces anymore so I don’t need to see the orthodontist.” Her doctor would most certainly have been able to see the damage and correct it. But Laura waited far too long and when she became really unhappy with the deterioration of that great smile she went to the orthodontist once again.

Back in braces Laura learned that teeth have a memory and will travel back to their original position if not retained. Dr. King encourages all of his patients to wear their retainers so that the smile they dreamed of doesn’t become a nightmare in the future. The best advice to follow is to wear your retainers for as long as you want to keep your incredible smile!

*Name has been changed

YOU THINK YOU DON’T HAVE TALENT?

Posted on November 13, 2012 by - Community, For Adults, For Children, For Teens

You may have talent you don’t even know about yet.

Seth has begun an amazing business which came from something he enjoyed doing! Taking pictures of DOGS underwater. “Not in a gazillion years would I have thought that taking underwater dog photos would bring such attention,” said Casteel. Seth knew he was going to continue pursuing his passion for dog and cat photography.

He began by offering personal portraiture sessions of pets to a nationally renowned figure in the field of photography. Before he knew it – the offers came rolling in!

“He hit on something unique,” says art gallery director Sue Powell and that is what Dr. King is saying to you. Everyone has a personal talent, so be unique, don’t be afraid and pursue the things you love doing. Your success in life is tied up with who you are and having the determination to GO FOR IT.

SEPTEMBER BACK TO SCHOOL

Posted on September 25, 2012 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

This is an example of why Dr. King will provide a free mouth guard for any student who participates in a contact sports program.

He has seen firsthand the damage that can occur from a sports injury and wants to make sure you are protected.  The mouth guard protects not only the teeth buy the lips and cheeks as well.  So remember to pop that mouth guard in and keep your smile protected.  The ADA has endorses the preventive value of orofacial protectors, including helmets, faceguards and mouth protectors.

NON-SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS

Posted on May 29, 2012 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

Have you been told that you or your child will need surgery in order to correct your bite?

Cutting edge technology reveals non surgery alternatives whether you have an openbite, underbite or overbite.  There is a newer approach using bone plates, mini implants or M.E.A.W.  Orthodontic has taken a huge shift from surgery to non surgery.  Dr. King is one of only two orthodontists in south Florida proficient using the M.E.A.W. technique.