Tag: news

MEAW METHOD – NON SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE

Posted on July 17, 2017 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Teens, News

young woman smile dentist orthodontist

July 17th, 2017

I FIRST LEARNED the MEAW method in its earliest stages from Dr. Kim.

Having an insatiable appetite for cutting edge orthodontic knowledge this method was inspirational since I was determined to offer patients a non surgical option.
Early in the 1970s, Dr. Kim developed the Multi-Loop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW) appliance in his Weston, Mass, practice. This appliance allowed him to treat open bites and other severe malocclusions with excellent clinical results.

The Multi-loop Edgewise Archwire (MEAW) technique is a very intricate, complex and non-surgical method for treating patients that would normally require surgical realignment of the jaws. This technique utilizes braces, custom-formed loop archwires, and elastics to guide the teeth into the correct positions.
In all of South Florida very few orthodontist are trained in the MEAW technique and is offering it as a treatment option to their patients. I am proud to have become proficient with the intricacies of custom-fitted loop archwires since 2005 and provide this cutting-edge technology to my patients with a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to painful jaw surgery.

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.

WONDERING IF YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DENTIST?

Posted on December 20, 2016 by - Braces, Community, News

December 20th, 2016

So, you just got your braces on and you’re wondering if you need to visit your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. King every other month. Patients often ask if they need to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. The answer is an emphatic yes.

There are a few crucial reasons why you should keep up with your regular dental visits while coming in for your orthodontic adjustments at Jupiter Orthodontics.

There are a few crucial reasons why you should keep up with your regular dental visits while coming in for your regular adjustments at Jupiter Orthodontics.

  • There is no room for tarter and plaque in your mouth while you undergo orthodontic treatment so it is important to visit your dentist regularly.
  • Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most, if not all, plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing clear aligner treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.
  • The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable; patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.
  • The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without delay (and we know you are) you should visit your dentist every six months which will go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Dr. King encourages you to visit your dentist which will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. Straight teeth are beautiful but healthy teeth are an absolute necessity.

STEPPING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Posted on May 28, 2013 by - Community, News

There is a new project called Mars One and its objective is for humans to inhabit Mars.

Imagine that!

Chris Hadfield, former commander of the International Space Station who just returned to Earth after five months in space (whew!) has shown interest in living on Mars. He earned a glider pilot scholarship at age 15 because his dream to be an astronaut started from childhood.

The mission, a private venture by the Dutch non-profit organization Mars One, aims to send a crew to the Red Planet in 2022 (TIME NEWSFEED.COM) The project is under way and nearly 80,000 people have applied for the ride! Whether or not the program will be a success remains to be seen. What CAN be seen is that amazing things start with a thought. The lesson for you is this; don’t be afraid to step outside “your box” with your ideas because you never know what you can do until you try.

Dr. King encourages everyone, no matter what your age, to reach your full potential. Sometimes that starts with just an idea and a smile so don’t be afraid to step outside the box & follow your dreams. You have more to offer than you probably even know. Dreams are the stuff reality is made of!

WHAT AN ORTHODONTIST CAN DO TO DECREASE OUR “CARBON FOOTPRINT”

Posted on July 17, 2012 by - Community, News

GOING GREEN BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO…

In 2002 the need to consider our environment prompted me to get on board in my office just as I had in my home.  Pioneering the way my practice, Jupiter Orthodontics, was the first Palm Beach orthodontic office to go paperless by using computers at each treatment chair.  This step was not only environmentally green but protected my patients from any bacterial contamination resulting from the handling of paper charts.

Another option to take care of my patients and the environment was through a complete conversion from conventional x-rays to direct digital x-rays, which decreases the carbon footprint and decreases ionizing radiation by 85%.

As the internet became a way of life I embraced Face book as another avenue of communication rather than marketing.  Here was an opportunity to keep my patients informed regarding important events that affect my office. (i.e.: Hurricane closures, changes in schedules, contests, annual patient parties, etc)  As we all know, small incremental changes will result in large beneficial effects.  This is all about how we can achieve the same or better results using less energy and resources.

TAKING THE GOLD – BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Posted on June 20, 2011 by - Community, News

When it comes to helping kids in the community Dr. King takes the GOLD!

There are many annual awards but the Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award is unique and very special.

Dr. Roy K. King won the GOLD level award at the 23rd Annual Commissioner’s Award program. School Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson recognized the Business Partners for the major contributions they make to our schools and students every day. Notable about the award is that this recognition reached the state level which is truly an honor.

Mr. Jimmy Peterkin (District Business Partnership Coordinator) wrote congratulating Dr. King stating, “On behalf of the School District of Palm Beach County, congratulations on being selected as a recipient of the 23rd Annual Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award. The award recognizes those businesses throughout the state that have shown an outstanding commitment to improving education by partnering with schools in their communities.

Once again, congratulations, and thank you for making a difference in the lives of Palm Beach County students. “

Dr. King considers it a privilege and will continue to help your children in your community for years to come.

WHY USE AN ORTHODONTIST TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH?

Posted on June 17, 2011 by - Braces, Community, News

Frequently I am asked that question, usually with the follow up question; “What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?”

Orthodontists are highly trained specialists who receive 2-3 years additional education after dental school. The additional education an orthodontist receives concentrates on growth and development regarding the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of all types of malocclusions and jaw growth discrepancies. This extra training is necessary when becoming a specialist in a specific area of treatment.

An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth, correcting facial profiles and creating beautiful smiles. They treat hundreds of new cases each year while a general dentist may see only a few orthodontic cases. An orthodontist’s combination of specialized training and experience means the orthodontist is better able to make an accurate diagnosis, especially in severe and complicated cases.

Finally, there is the issue of value and affordability. Often patients are surprised to find that orthodontic fees are usually the same as a general dentist. An orthodontist and their expertly trained staff are equipped to devote all their efforts and attention towards orthodontics. So while fees are nearly the same, the specialist possesses a significantly higher level expertise and experience.

You will agree that when you decide to improve your smile, the smart choice is to select someone who shares your passion and has trained specifically to provide you with just that smile!

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

Posted on May 11, 2011 by - Braces, Community, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign, News

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog.

Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctor and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!