Causes of Gap Teeth

Are you tired of your gap-toothed grin? At Enid Dental Care, we provide orthodontic treatment for major as well as cosmetic tooth alignment issues. We can help close a diastema, or gap between teeth, but treatments may vary depending on other bite issues.

A small gap could be covered with veneers. These porcelain shells are cemented to the front of teeth and can be deliberately made somewhat larger than the natural tooth in order to cover gaps and chips. They also mask cracks and stains. When the teeth are slightly jumbled, the Invisalign brand of clear, removable aligners we offer can move them into positions that are healthier, as well as more aesthetically pleasing. Enid Dental Care also offers traditional braces for people with problems such as overbites which require more intensive orthodontic correction.

Sometimes, a diastema in the top front teeth is not just due to teeth coming in misaligned. There is a strand of tissue on the inside of the upper lip called the labial frenum which links it to the jaw bone, and when it is too thick, it can prevent the teeth from coming together. It must be thinned surgically. Tongue thrusting during swallowing and thumb-sucking can also result in an overbite and gap teeth. These may require coordination with other specialists, such as ear-nose-and-throat doctors, to fix.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit Enid Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Caring for Invisalign

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers Invisalign, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of traditional braces. Another perk of clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and don’t prevent you from eating any particular foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes to your diet, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and the straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Invisalign Treatment

Whether you’ve had traditional braces once before, or you’re new to orthodontic treatment, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can recommend Invisalign. Invisalign is ideal for adults and teenagers who wish to have a straighter smile, but don’t want to deal with wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. Invisalign provides a better fit, more comfort, and is effective for a wide variety of malocclusion cases.  

Before beginning Invisalign treatment, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will develop a custom and precise treatment plan for you. Once your aligners are created, they will need to be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day for optimal results. As you wear each set of aligners, the teeth will gradually shift into place. The duration of treatment will depend on the individual case, but the biggest advantage of Invisalign is that you are able to remove your aligners to brush, floss, and eat.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Diabetes and Orthodontics

Enid’s Dr. Dennis Morehart has kept up with the latest research during his long career as a dentist, earning him the Master in the Academy of General Dentistry distinction and making him proficient in orthodontic therapy. Among the many developments in dentistry during that time is better care for diabetic patients, including those needing orthodontic correction.

Anybody could develop misaligned teeth. People with diabetes are just at higher risk of developing gum disease, which in its most advanced form can erode jaw bone tissue, allowing tooth migration. At the same time, they are more in need of straight teeth, which are easier to clean and therefore less at risk. The problem in the past was determining whether a person with uncontrolled diabetes could manage the increased hygienic challenges of braces. If someone with braces develops periodontal disease, the braces may have to be removed. But with Invisalign, diabetic patients can brush and floss as normal. The system of invisible aligners also puts less pressure on the teeth, making correction an easier process for people who are prone to inflammation. People with diabetes may also be good candidates for normal braces if their blood sugar is controlled. During monthly tightenings, we can ensure that their teeth are still fit to continue correction.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to orthodontic options, Invisalign has several clear advantages over braces. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK offers Invisalign here in our office. Keep reading to learn why patients love Invisalign over traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is a teeth aligning system made of a series of clear, smooth, BPA-free plastic trays. The trays are completely customized to fit your teeth. Using a computer system, each tray will be created with minor adjustments so your teeth gradually shift into place.

The length of each patient’s treatment will vary depending on the complexity of their case. The trays are switched out every two weeks and you will visit with us every four to five weeks to pick up your new trays and to make sure the process is going as planned. The Invisalign trays are to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss, unlike with braces.

This also means that there are no restrictions on what you can eat with Invisalign, so you do not have to avoid crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Since you can brush and floss normally, there are no special supplies you need to purchase like interdental cleaners or floss threaders.

The smooth plastic is also more comfortable than metal braces, so it is easier on the gums and cheeks. The biggest reason patients like Invisalign over braces is the appearance. No more metallic smile; Invisalign is nearly invisible. Plus, you can take them out for important moments like graduation photos or family photos.

Straightening your teeth leads to great oral health and a boost in confidence. To learn more about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK. Call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Invisalign in Enid, OK

Dreaming of straight teeth? Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK offers Invisalign, the nearly invisible teeth straightening system, to his patients looking to straighten up their smile.

Invisalign is a teeth straightening process that works by using clear, plastic aligner trays to gradually shift teeth. Invisalign can treat mild and more difficult cases. Some of the main conditions Invisalign treats are gapped teeth, overcrowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and openbite. Dr. Morehart will be able to tell you if your specific case will benefit from Invisalign.

The recommended amount of time to wear the aligners is twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You take them out when eating and when brushing your teeth. The aligners are switched every two weeks, and the new change to each set of aligners will gradually straighten your teeth. For adults, this process usually takes about a year. For teenagers, the average duration is two years.

Invisalign has major advantages over traditional metal braces. For one, the aligners are taken out while you eat, so there are no limitations on what you can eat. They are also taken out when you brush and floss your teeth, so there is no hassle keeping a good oral hygiene routine. Another large advantage is no metallic smile. Invisalign is nearly invisible.

If you are looking to straighten teeth and do not want the hassle of traditional metal braces, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS at our Enid, OK dental practice. Call (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.