James Olsen, DDS Blog

It’s been said that your health is your wealth. There truly is no price that can be put on having a healthy smile and living pain-free. Unfortunately, some people don’t have this luxury. It’s estimated that roughly 10 million people suffer from TMJ disorder. The pain associated with this issue can keep you from enjoying everyday pleasures, such as eating a delicious meal or having a conversation with loved ones. Fortunately, TMJ therapy can offer relief and help return you to a more comfortable smile. Read on to learn more about TMJ disorder and various treatment options.  

How people choose to straighten their teeth with orthodontics has changed a lot in the past few years. It’s estimated that while 4 million Americans have traditional braces, 11 million are undergoing Invisalign treatment. Obviously, the comfort, convenience, and discretion that come with the removable clear aligners are major benefits that can cause patients to opt for this revolutionary orthodontic. However, while they do offer unparalleled flexibility, sometimes you may find some difficulty getting your aligner to sit correctly onto your teeth. Here’s what to know about how aligners should fit and some easy solutions!

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face. They connect your jaw to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Your TMJs let you make many movements vital for your quality of life, like chewing, talking, and yawning. However, injury, inflammation, and other issues can cause the joint to function incorrectly. Many factors can increase your risk of a TMJ disorder, like an unbalanced bite. Although braces can fix the problem, there are other solutions to stop TMJ pain. 

(more…)

Do you grind or clench your teeth? The habit can take a toll on your dental health and quality of life, but that may not be the only reason you aren’t happy with your smile. Crooked, gapped, and overcrowded teeth can be embarrassing, but you can have a straight smile using the clear choice in orthodontics. No brackets or wires are used with Invisalign. Instead, clear aligners are worn over your teeth to move them, but what if you have bruxism? Even if you grind your teeth, Invisalign can be the solution you need to revamp your pearly whites. 

(more…)

One of the best benefits of Invisalign treatment is that you’ll be able to forgo cumbersome, uncomfortable metal brackets and wires for smooth, sleek trays. While you’ll get to enjoy the convenience of discretion throughout your treatment, there may be some adjustments that you’ll need to make, like practicing talking with your trays in your mouth so you don’t have a lisp or slur. Read on to learn how Invisalign can affect your speech and some helpful tips to overcome this adjustment process.

TMJ disorder is a common condition known to cause a variety of symptoms, including clicking and popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth and lockjaw. Many people associate this condition with adults because it’s often triggered by stress related to teeth grinding and underlying orthodontic issues. However, it’s also common in children. According to a study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences in 2014, TMD has a high prevalence in children and teens experiencing emotional stress. Read on to learn the warning signs to look out for in your little one and how to find help.

Millions of Americans suffer from TMJ disorder in one form or another. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions about the condition floating around. It’s important to have all the facts so that you can get the effective TMJ treatment you need as soon as possible. Below are 5 common TMJ myths and the truth behind each one of them.

Modern times have allowed people to conveniently attain many of the things they want—including their dream smile! Invisalign treatment changed the game for those who didn’t want to wear traditional metal braces. With their clear, removable aligners, the process toward straighter teeth is discreet, comfortable, and effective. Yet, it does require that you stick to your treatment plan so your teeth can move into their desired position. Here are three things to avoid with Invisalign to stay on track with your treatment!

Invisalign is an internationally recognized name, and people primarily know it as a more subtle, comfortable, and flexible alternative to metal braces. While most get it to help with problems like crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth, it can also be a viable solution for those dealing with a TMJ disorder. How? Using the same method it does to create beautifully straight smiles, Invisalign is also able to fix the underlying cause of many patients’ chronic jaw and head pain.

Invisalign has surged in popularity in recent years due to the results it’s able to produce. Aligners are discreet and require no major change in diet. For these reasons, it’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want it to be obvious they’re having their teeth straightened. If you’re interested, here’s a guide that will let you know what to expect from every step of the Invisalign treatment process.