#Retainer For Bruxism

[therevengeoffrankenstein]

need 2 live in the universe of high fidelity. rob gordon would sign my shit band and an astral projection of bruce springsteen would nod on proudly as i take a starstruck pete wentz backstage with me to show him my retainer. and i show him my retainer and tell him quite seriously about how they have to make it extra strength for my bruxism and he nods and manually shuts his mouth with his hand.

[asofspades]

This is a bit out of pocket but I want to rant.

So, I've had a dental splint for like almost 2 years now, I should have got it sooner (like, around 14-15 yo) but honestly I hadn't been to a dentist in like 6 years at that point and the last one had been extremely incompetent.

Anyways, the splint is, for course, to avoid causing damage to my teeth due to jaw clenching and teeth grinding and as such should be used every night (I'm working on being consistent with that) and whenever I'm doing something that requires focus and generates stress, which is basically the description of college assignment and related stuff.

The problem here is that means I should wear it at the library (or whatever space is available for working) when I do college stuff but first of it's definitely not normalised to wear it in public settings (and I have very bad social anxiety), it's also noticeable even with my mouth closed, it's bright green and it gives me a very noticeable lisp when I have to speak while wearing it. Technically I could count on no one speaking to me in the library and some college libraries even have space separators at the desks so I could avoid being seen.

But then I'd have to carry around my toothbrush and toothpaste and the special brush for the splint and I'd have to brush my teeth before using it and then go wash the splint afterwards, which would also be awkward as fuck.

What I mean to say is, if we've normalised wearing retainers and Invisalign (which you have to take off before eating in public spaces as well and brush your teeth before putting it back in) can we please normalise wearing splints at public working spaces because bruxism is a real problem and struggle for a lot of people but I feel like everyone finds the splint too bulky and noticeable and people look at you weirdly for wearing it.

[jcmarchi]

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/interactive-mouthpiece-opens-new-opportunities-for-health-data-assistive-technology-and-hands-free-interactions/

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

When you think about hands-free devices, you might picture Alexa and other voice-activated in-home assistants, Bluetooth earpieces, or asking Siri to make a phone call in your car. You might not imagine using your mouth to communicate with other devices like a computer or a phone remotely. 

Thinking outside the box, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University researchers have now engineered “MouthIO,” a dental brace that can be fabricated with sensors and feedback components to capture in-mouth interactions and data. This interactive wearable could eventually assist dentists and other doctors with collecting health data and help motor-impaired individuals interact with a phone, computer, or fitness tracker using their mouths.

Resembling an electronic retainer, MouthIO is a see-through brace that fits the specifications of your upper or lower set of teeth from a scan. The researchers created a plugin for the modeling software Blender to help users tailor the device to fit a dental scan, where you can then 3D print your design in dental resin. This computer-aided design tool allows users to digitally customize a panel (called PCB housing) on the side to integrate electronic components like batteries, sensors (including detectors for temperature and acceleration, as well as tongue-touch sensors), and actuators (like vibration motors and LEDs for feedback). You can also place small electronics outside of the PCB housing on individual teeth.

Play video

MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation Video: MIT CSAIL

The active mouth

“The mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity,” says senior author Michael Wessely, a former CSAIL postdoc and senior author on a paper about MouthIO who is now an assistant professor at Aarhus University. “This compact, humid environment has elaborate geometries, making it hard to build a wearable interface to place inside. With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others. Dentists and other doctors are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.”

The excitement for MouthIO’s potential in health monitoring stems from initial experiments. The team found that their device could track bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth) by embedding an accelerometer within the brace to track jaw movements. When attached to the lower set of teeth, MouthIO detected when users grind and bite, with the data charted to show how often users did each.

Wessely and his colleagues’ customizable brace could one day help users with motor impairments, too. The team connected small touchpads to MouthIO, helping detect when a user’s tongue taps their teeth. These interactions could be sent via Bluetooth to scroll across a webpage, for example, allowing the tongue to act as a “third hand” to open up a new avenue for hands-free interaction.

“MouthIO is a great example how miniature electronics now allow us to integrate sensing into a broad range of everyday interactions,” says study co-author Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and leader of the HCI Engineering Group at CSAIL. “I’m especially excited about the potential to help improve accessibility and track potential health issues among users.”

Molding and making MouthIO

To get a 3D model of your teeth, you can first create a physical impression and fill it with plaster. You can then scan your mold with a mobile app like Polycam and upload that to Blender. Using the researchers’ plugin within this program, you can clean up your dental scan to outline a precise brace design. Finally, you 3D print your digital creation in clear dental resin, where the electronic components can then be soldered on. Users can create a standard brace that covers their teeth, or opt for an “open-bite” design within their Blender plugin. The latter fits more like open-finger gloves, exposing the tips of your teeth, which helps users avoid lisping and talk naturally.

This “do it yourself” method costs roughly $15 to produce and takes two hours to be 3D-printed. MouthIO can also be fabricated with a more expensive, professional-level teeth scanner similar to what dentists and orthodontists use, which is faster and less labor-intensive.

Compared to its closed counterpart, which fully covers your teeth, the researchers view the open-bite design as a more comfortable option. The team preferred to use it for beverage monitoring experiments, where they fabricated a brace capable of alerting users when a drink was too hot. This iteration of MouthIO had a temperature sensor and a monitor embedded within the PCB housing that vibrated when a drink exceeded 65 degrees Celsius (or 149 degrees Fahrenheit). This could help individuals with mouth numbness better understand what they’re consuming.

In a user study, participants also preferred the open-bite version of MouthIO. “We found that our device could be suitable for everyday use in the future,” says study lead author and Aarhus University PhD student Yijing Jiang. “Since the tongue can touch the front teeth in our open-bite design, users don’t have a lisp. This made users feel more comfortable wearing the device during extended periods with breaks, similar to how people use retainers.”

The team’s initial findings indicate that MouthIO is a cost-effective, accessible, and customizable interface, and the team is working on a more long-term study to evaluate its viability further. They’re looking to improve its design, including experimenting with more flexible materials, and placing it in other parts of the mouth, like the cheek and the palate. Among these ideas, the researchers have already prototyped two new designs for MouthIO: a single-sided brace for even higher comfort when wearing MouthIO while also being fully invisible to others, and another fully capable of wireless charging and communication.

Jiang, Mueller, and Wessely’s co-authors include PhD student Julia Kleinau, master’s student Till Max Eckroth, and associate professor Eve Hoggan, all of Aarhus University. Their work was supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation grant and was presented at ACM’s Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

[warwicklodgedental]

Are Vivera Retainers really necessary after Invisalign?

Invisalign can give you a straighter, more confident smile but holding onto those results is a different part of the process. What many people don’t realize is how quickly teeth can start to shift once the aligners come off sometimes within just a day. That’s because the bone and tissues surrounding your teeth are still adjusting. Without something to hold everything in place, there is a real risk of relapse.

That is where retainers come in; they play an essential role in protecting your results. 

Vivera retainers are designed specifically for post-orthodontic treatment. Made from durable, high-quality thermoplastic and tailored to your final tooth alignment, they help make sure all the progress you’ve made stays intact. In this article, we’ll break down how they work, why retention matters so much, and how Vivera can support your smile in the long run.

What Are Vivera Aligners?

Vivera retainers are custom-made clear retainers developed by the makers of Invisalign. They are designed using advanced 3D digital scans, ensuring a perfect fit according to your final tooth alignment. This personalized approach ensures comfort and also helps maintain your results with maximum effectiveness.

They’re made from a durable, BPA-free thermoplastic similar to Invisalign’s SmartTrack material which is known for its strength, flexibility, and comfort. The clear design makes them discreet, and their smooth finish helps reduce irritation and provides a natural-feeling fit.

Advantages of Vivera retainers 1.Strength and Durability

Vivera retainers are up to 30% stronger than other leading clear retainers. This makes them particularly effective against teeth grinding (bruxism), as they are more resistant to cracking or deformation. They require fewer replacements in the long term, thus making them an affordable solution in the long term.

2. Multiple Sets Included

A standard Vivera package contains four sets of retainers (four upper and four lower), providing built-in backups if one is lost or damaged. This eliminates the need for emergency replacements and offers convenience and peace of mind—especially compared to other brands that typically provide only a single set.

3. Comfort and Custom Fit

Each Vivera retainer is fabricated using a digital scan of your teeth, ensuring a snug, accurate fit without awkward tightness or gaps. The comfortable fit encourages better compliance, which is the key to preserving your treatment results.

4. Clear & Aesthetic

Vivera retainers are completely clear and fit closely over your teeth, making them barely visible when worn. This is perfect for those who want a subtle option for day or nighttime wear.

5. Easy Maintenance

Vivera retainers are easy to clean and don’t require any special equipment. You can simply brush them gently with a soft toothbrush or soak them in a retainer cleaning solution. Regular cleaning prevents plaque buildup and odors, supporting long-term comfort and hygiene.

How long you need to wear Vivera retainers

Retainers are a life-long commitment that begins immediately after you have finished Invisalign treatment. For the initial 6 to 10 months, most doctors recommend you to wear your retainers for 20–22 hours daily, a crucial phase during which your teeth are still stabilizing in their new positions. Once this initial period is over, you can typically transition to wearing your retainers during nights only.

It's essential to continue this nightly use indefinitely to avoid any unwanted shifting, as teeth can subtly move over time. Long-term use of Vivera retainers helps ensure that the results you worked so hard to achieve remain intact. Additionally, orthodontists recommend changing your retainer sets every six months or often as needed.

How Much Do Vivera Retainers Cost? The price of Vivera retainers can differ depending on several factors, including the dental provider you choose, your geographic location, and your individual treatment plan. Vivera retainers typically cost between £350 and £500 for a full set, which generally includes four sets (eight pieces in total) that are custom-made to secure your post-Invisalign results. Even though they carry a higher upfront cost compared to single-set or generic retainers, the investment is justified by their durability, as they are designed to be durable and resistant to damage or wear.

Having multiple sets at once reduces the overall cost per retainer and minimizes future replacement expenses. Additionally, multiple sets on hand can be convenient if one is lost or damaged, helping you stay consistent with your retention plan without interruptions.

Why Choose Vivera Retainers Over Others ?Vivera Retainers stand out for their blend of durability, comfort, and convenience compared to traditional options:

Vs. Essix Retainers: Made from SmartTrack™ material stronger than standard plastic, Vivera retainers are resistant to cracking and discoloration, lasting 2–3 times longer than Essix. This reduces long-term costs and hassle from frequent replacements.

Vs. Hawley Retainers: Unlike bulky wire-and-acrylic Hawley retainers, Vivera’s clear, smooth design is nearly invisible and more comfortable  to wear every day.

Vs. Permanent Bonded Retainers: Vivera eliminates the risk of bonded wires breaking or trapping plaque. They’re removable for easy cleaning, eating, and special occasions, without compromising retention.

Conclusion In summary, keeping your smile in place after Invisalign is just as important as the treatment itself. Vivera retainers not only lock in your progress with precision and durability but also protect your beautiful results against everyday wear and tear. They represent a smart investment in your long-term oral health and confidence.

Schedule your appointment today at Warwick Lodge Dental in Kent, UK. You can rely on us  to provide the highest level of care for your orthodontic requirements.

[maxineharvey01]

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Overall Health and Well-Being

Sleep apnea isn’t just a condition that disrupts your nights; it can significantly impact your physical and mental health. Characterized by interruptions in breathing while you sleep, this condition often goes unnoticed but has serious consequences if untreated.

If you’re struggling with symptoms or suspect you may have this disorder, seeking care for sleep apnea in Milton, MA, can make a world of difference. From its effects on your heart to mental clarity, understanding sleep apnea’s impact is the first step toward a healthier life.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by a physical blockage of airflow due to the throat muscles relaxing excessively. Symptoms can include loud snoring, gasping for air, and persistent fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep.

It’s worth noting that many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition because it primarily occurs during sleep. However, the signs often manifest in other ways, such as daytime drowsiness, trouble concentrating, or irritability, urging the need for professional evaluation.

Physical Health Impacts of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea has significant consequences on your physical health, many of which can grow into severe conditions when left untreated.

Increased Risk of Heart and Circulatory Problems

Repeated breathing pauses lower oxygen levels and stresses the cardiovascular system. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, heart attack or stroke. Addressing sleep apnea is crucial to reducing these risks.

Worsened Metabolism and Weight Gain

Sleep apnea often coexists with obesity, perpetuating a harmful cycle where weight gain worsens the airway obstruction. Disrupted sleep also throws off hormones that control hunger and metabolism, leading to overeating and further complications.

Jaw Pain and Related Oral Issues

A lesser-known effect of sleep apnea is its association with bruxism, the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. This habit can contribute to jaw pain, worn-down teeth, and other dental issues, adding to the condition’s ripple effect on health.

Mental Health and Cognitive Effects

Sleep apnea's reach extends to mental and emotional health, influencing daily functionality and long-term well-being.

1. Daytime Fatigue

Interrupted sleep results in daytime tiredness, making it difficult to focus, stay alert, or retain information. This issue can heavily impact your performance at work or school and even your ability to drive safely.

2. Stress and Mood Disturbances

Constant fatigue often leads to heightened stress levels, which can fuel anxiety. This cycle affects emotional well-being, making it harder to manage daily life challenges.

3. Connection to Depression

Research has linked untreated sleep apnea to an increased risk of depression. The lack of restorative sleep affects brain chemistry, amplifying feelings of sadness or hopelessness, which can further interfere with quality of life.

Why Professional Treatment Is Essential

Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to more than poor sleep. Beyond the immediate symptoms, untreated cases result in higher risks for chronic illnesses, declining mental health, and overall reduced quality of life.

Professional care often includes non-invasive interventions, like CPAP machines, that provide continuous airflow to keep the airways open during sleep. For others, surgical options may be suggested, especially in severe cases. Treating sleep apnea often alleviates symptoms of related conditions, such as bruxism, helping you achieve a more comprehensive recovery.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is more than a nighttime inconvenience; it’s a condition that can disrupt your entire system. From heart health and metabolism to focus and mood, its effects are widespread and significant.

Addressing sleep apnea in Milton, MA, with professional expertise, can restore your vitality, protect your health, and enhance your quality of life. Prevent further complications and move closer to restful, restorative sleep by seeking the necessary care.

[kevkesblog]

I read a fan who met Jule yesterday and she say he didn't talk much because he had mouth retainers.

Some time ago I was going to ask if anyone knew if he had bruxism cause I've seen him grind his teeth or clench his jaw too much.... although it must also be part of the treatment to align his smile, which looks more and more beautiful 😌😍

It could be. My brother has the same problem with bruxism. He sometimes looks like a boxer with his retainer in his mouth 😅

[dentael-blog]

How Regular Dental Visits Support Long-Term Oral Health

Maintaining top-notch oral health is going past day-by-day brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits play a critical role in making sure there is healthy enamel and gums for existence. Many people only visit the dentist when they reveal an ache or soreness; however, preventive care is important for a lengthy-time period dental health. At Dentael Dentist, we emphasize the importance of habitual checkups to assist our patients in avoiding essential dental troubles and enjoying a confident smile.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

One of the most important benefits of normal dental checkups is the early detection of oral fitness problems. Issues like cavities, gum sickness, and oral infections regularly broaden steadily without foremost symptoms and symptoms. An expert exam at Dentael Dentist allows us to pick out these worries in their early tiers, making remedy simpler, less invasive, and more cost-effective. Detecting dental issues early can save you the want for enormous tactics like root canals or enamel extractions.

Professional Cleaning for a Healthier Smile           

Even with extremely good oral hygiene at home, plaque and tartar can build up over time, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular visits to a dentist in Ealing for expert cleansing assist put off cussed plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas. This not only keeps your teeth looking whiter and healthier but also additionally reduces the chance of cavities and gum infection. At Dentael Dentist, our professional hygienists use advanced cleansing strategies to make certain your mouth remains sparkling and wholesome.

Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment

Gum illness is one of the main reasons for tooth loss, and plenty of human beings do no longer comprehend they have got it until it reaches an advanced degree. Symptoms like bleeding gums, horrific breath, and gum recession regularly pass ignored in the early levels. Regular dental checkups permit our team at Dentael Dentist to screen your gum fitness and offer preventive treatments to stop the development of gum sickness earlier than it ends in critical complications.

Oral Cancer Screening for Early Detection

Oral cancer is an extreme fitness situation; however, early detection notably improves the chances of successful treatment. A habitual dental go-to includes an oral cancer screening, where we take a look for any uncommon symptoms along with lumps, sores, or discoloration inside the mouth. This easy yet critical exam can save lives with the aid of identifying potential troubles early and recommending suitable scientific interest.

Prevention of Bad Breath and Tooth Sensitivity

Chronic awful breath (halitosis) and tooth sensitivity are commonplace problems that have an effect on many people. Regular dental visits assist in diagnosing the root motive of those problems, whether it’s gum disease, cavities, or dietary elements. Our dentist in Ealing gives personalized advice and treatment options to help patients preserve sparkling breath and decrease sensitivity, improving general oral consolation.

Monitoring for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Issues

Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw disorders (TMJ dysfunction) can cause headaches, jaw pain, and excessive wear on enamel. Many human beings are unaware that they grind their teeth at night until they go to a dentist. During a recurring checkup at Dentael Dentist, we verify symptoms of tooth grinding and jaw pressure and endorse solutions along with nightguards or bite adjustments to guard your tooth and relieve pain.

Customized Advice for Better Oral Hygiene

Every affected person has specific dental wishes, and a habitual checkup is a brilliant possibility to get hold of a customized recommendation on retaining true oral hygiene. Whether you need suggestions on the quality toothbrush, flossing strategies, or nutritional selections that sell sturdy teeth, our team at Dentael Dentist provides expert steering to maintain your smile in top shape.

Saving Money with Preventive Care

Regular dental visits might also appear like a further fee; however, they absolutely store cash ultimately. Preventive care reduces the risk of luxurious dental approaches with the aid of addressing troubles before they become extreme. Treatments like fillings, crowns, and gum illness treatment may be costly; however, they may be regularly avoidable with ordinary checkups and proper preservation. Investing in everyday dental care facilitates your avoiding painful and luxurious emergency treatments.

Boosting Confidence with a Bright and Healthy Smile

A healthful smile can enhance self-belief and overall well-being. Regular dental checkups make certain that your teeth stay easy, strong, and loose from stains or decay. At Dentael Dentist, we offer professional teeth whitening and cosmetic remedies to assist in beautifying your smile’s look, supplying you with the self-assurance to express yourself without hesitation.

Why Choose Dentael Dentist in Ealing?

If you're searching out a trusted dentist in Ealing, Dentael Dentist is dedicated to presenting awesome, affected person-targeted care. Our experienced crew makes use of the ultra-modern generation to make sure complete oral fitness evaluations and customized remedy plans are made. Located at 6 Medway Parade, Perivale, Greenford UB6 8HR, we serve sufferers of all ages, supporting them in gaining and holding tremendous oral fitness.

Book Your Appointment Today

Regular dental visits are important for long-term oral health and ordinary well-being. Don’t wait for dental problems to stand up—agenda your checkup at Dentael Dentist today. Call us at 020 8997 0006 to book an appointment and take step one toward a healthier, brighter smile!

[smileretain]

Can You Sleep with Your Clear Retainer On?

Everything You Need to Know About Sleeping with a Retainer

If you're new to clear retainers, one of the first questions you might ask is: "Can I sleep with my clear retainer on?"

The short answer: Yes, and it’s highly recommended!

Wearing your clear retainer overnight is a key part of maintaining your orthodontic results. These retainers help keep your teeth in their corrected position and prevent shifting while you sleep. In fact, orthodontists typically advise wearing your retainer at night for several months or even years after treatment to ensure your teeth stay perfectly aligned.

If you're considering a clear retainer or are new to wearing one, this guide from Retain Your Smile will walk you through why sleeping with your retainer is important, what to expect, and how to care for it properly.

Why Should You Wear Your Clear Retainer While You Sleep?

1. Prevents Teeth from Shifting

After completing orthodontic treatment, your teeth can slowly start shifting back to their original positions. Wearing a clear retainer while you sleep prevents this movement by holding your teeth in place. Since your teeth are most prone to shifting in the months following braces or aligners, consistently wearing your retainer at night is essential to keeping your new smile intact.

2. Comfortable & Convenient

Unlike traditional metal retainers, clear retainers are lightweight, smooth, and nearly invisible. Their custom-fit design makes them comfortable to wear, even while sleeping. Plus, by wearing your retainer at night, you can keep your daytime routine simple—no need to worry about taking it on and off throughout the day.

3. Long-Term Retention of Your Smile

Your retainer is your best defense against relapse, which is when your teeth gradually shift out of place over time. Skipping nights can lead to noticeable movement—and in some cases, this may require additional orthodontic treatment to correct. Wearing your clear retainer nightly ensures that your braces-free smile stays beautiful for years to come.

4. May Help with Teeth Grinding

If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a clear retainer can offer some level of protection against wear and tear. While retainers aren’t specifically designed to prevent grinding, they act as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing potential damage caused by clenching at night.

Tips for Sleeping with Your Clear Retainer

While wearing your clear retainer at night is crucial, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays in great condition:

1. Clean Your Retainer Nightly

Since your retainer sits in your mouth for several hours at a time, it can accumulate plaque, bacteria, and odor. To maintain good hygiene:

✔ Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water after removing it. ✔ Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner—avoid toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. ✔ Store it in a clean, dry case when not in use.

2. Avoid Eating or Drinking While Wearing Your Retainer

Eating or drinking anything other than water with your retainer in place can cause:

🚫 Staining from dark-colored foods and beverages. 🚫 Bacteria buildup leading to bad odors. 🚫 Damage to the retainer’s fit and clarity.

💡 Best Practice: Always remove your retainer before eating or drinking (except for water) and clean it before putting it back in.

3. Store Your Retainer Properly

When you’re not wearing your clear retainer, keep it in a protective case to prevent:

✔ Loss or misplacement ✔ Accidental damage (like breaking or bending) ✔ Exposure to dust and bacteria

🚫 Never wrap your retainer in a napkin or leave it out in the open, as it can easily get thrown away or stepped on.

4. Check for Fit & Comfort Regularly

Over time, your clear retainer may experience wear and tear or your teeth may slightly shift. If you notice that your retainer:

❌ Feels too tight or painful, it may need an adjustment. ❌ Feels too loose, it may not be working effectively.

If this happens, consult your orthodontist or consider getting a new, custom-fitted retainer from Retain Your Smile.

Can You Sleep with Your Clear Retainer Every Night?

Yes! In fact, wearing your clear retainer every night is the best way to maintain your smile.

For the first few months to years after treatment, most orthodontists recommend nightly wear. After this period, you may be advised to transition to wearing it a few nights per week—but this varies depending on your individual case.

💡 Tip: If you ever skip wearing your retainer and notice that it feels tighter than usual the next time you put it on, your teeth may have already started shifting. This is a sign that you should wear it more consistently to prevent further movement.

Final Thoughts: Retain Your Smile for a Lifetime

Sleeping with your clear retainer is a simple, effortless way to preserve your orthodontic results and keep your smile straight, healthy, and beautiful.

To recap: ✔ Yes, you should sleep with your retainer on every night—it prevents teeth from shifting. ✔ Keep it clean and avoid eating or drinking while wearing it. ✔ Store it properly to prevent damage. ✔ Check the fit regularly to ensure it continues to work effectively.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, custom-fitted clear retainer, Retain Your Smile offers professionally crafted retainers designed for maximum comfort and durability. Whether you're maintaining a recent orthodontic treatment or replacing an old retainer, we make it easy to keep your smile in perfect alignment.

For more details on our products and services, please feel free to visit us at:upper essix retainer, clear retainers near me, transparent retainers for teeth, night time retainers & night retainers for teeth.

Please feel free to visit us at: https://www.retainyoursmile.com/

[dualumina]

If this were cavemen days we would have died just from lack of nutrition. Not from lack of food, no no. Lack of capacity to eat it.

Stomach problems is one thing but our God forsaken teeth have only caused grievance. Four pallet enlargers, two years of braces, bottom wisdom teeth removal, jaw pain from bruxism, mouth guard, mandatory Invisalign to fix a single tooth that the braces didn't correct, remaining wisdom teeth start coming in, one of which is trying to exit from the side of the jaw, removal of remaining wisdom teeth, the area of the wisdom tooth that decided to be the problem child continued to be in on and off pain for over A YEAR, and now that we just have the night time Invisalign retainers, the bruxism is wearing through the plastic.

Oh yeah and most of this required going out of town and driving for 6 hours for every orthodontist appointment because our hometown doesn't have an ortho 🫠

*It should be noted that the braces and palette enlargers were also deemed medically necessary due to having such a tiny freaking mouth

*We DID NOT want the Invisalign and even asked if the tooth could just be removed instead since it was so badly misaligned but nope! That would have caused a cascade of other problems down the line since it was a molar

*The dentist audibly gasped when she realized where The wisdom tooth was. She even turned to the assistant to ask her to feel where it was. That's right, you couldn't see it; the sucker was so far back you had to use a finger to feel for it

[pure-ablution]

I read on your blog that you had an open bite and fixed it with braces. Can you talk more about it? Like the cost, duration, results etc

I have an (anterior) open bite but I can’t fix it bc it costs too much & i’m a uni student🥲. It’s one of my biggest insecurities bc it affects my smile, mouth area, jawline etc. Hopefully one day 🙈

I didn’t have an open bite—I had an overbite and a narrow palate, a little snaggletooth and very minor crowding, and quite bad TMD. My overbite gave me the appearance of a thin upper lip and over-stretched philtrum, I had visible dark corridors on either side of my mouth due to my narrow arch, and my chin appeared a little recessed and my jaw very soft and undefined. I also suffered from pretty severe pain.

I went to an orthodontic surgeon who owns a practice in a medium-sized city in the Midlands—I’m very happy to recommend him if you’re in the UK, just send me a private message. I’d researched a lot before finally settling on an orthodontist, and what I liked about this gentleman was how experienced he was and yet still at the very forefront of orthodontic research. He and I also got along extremely well from the start, and I trusted him and liked the result photos of his previous cases.

My treatment lasted 18 months in total. My first appointment was very informal, and mostly involved discussing my aesthetic and medical aims—the second appointment, a week later, was much more diagnostic. I had x-rays and measurements taken, several 3D models, impressions, and result mock-ups drawn up, and was given a drafted report and an estimation of costs. I was also fitted with a Kois deprogrammer at this appointment, and booked in for another appointment in a month’s time, to assess the results and finalise the report and estimations. At that next appointment, I had the deprogrammer removed and a palate expander fitted. Because of my age and development point, my palate expander was assisted with mini-implants—I didn’t need a full surgical fitting, but I was too far down the line for tooth-borne expanders. I was given pain medication, instructions on how and when to turn the screw, and a detailed guide as to how to keep my mouth clean for the next 6 months.

I wore the palate expander for 6 months, and had a pretty prominent gap between my front teeth by the time I was finished. It was uncomfortable at times, and I had to be really diligent about cleaning, but it wasn’t that bad. I did it over the summer vacation, and stayed in the UK to make my regular check-ups and monthly hygienist appointments. The palatal expansion actually happened very quickly, but then the expander had to stay in for a while so that my teeth and jaw could settle into place. Once it was finished, I had metal braces fitted to my teeth—I had lingual braces at the front of my upper arch, and self-litigating braces everywhere else. This mixing and matching is a slightly unorthodox approach, but it meant that not only were my braces slightly less noticeable, but it allowed my narrow back and bottom teeth to be tilted outwards, whilst my front overbite was pulled back inwards. I wore my braces for 12 months, and had monthly check-ups and cleanings. Again, it took a little adjustment at first, but the pain subsided very quickly. A little wax, plus my Waterpik and interdental brushes, were really lifesavers during this time!

When I had my braces removed, my dentist reassessed my bite again with another Kois deprogrammer. I had occlusal equilibration to perfect my bite and relieve my TMD, and a bonded retainer fitted which will stay there until I’m 25—at which point, it will be removed and I’ll switch to a removable retainer. I was fitted with a night guard as a precaution against bruxism, too, but I decided against any sort of veneers or composite bonding, because I wanted a very natural and charming look—though I did have a very small amount of gum contouring. I also had a tiny amount of masseter Botox to relieve the last of my bruxism and correct a very slight jaw asymmetry, and my teeth whitened in-clinic 6 weeks after my braces were removed.

Now, let’s talk about price. I had my teeth done by an excellent but very charitable dentist in a reasonably cheap area of the UK, and paid £5500 total for my entire treatment. This was split between an initial payment of £1500 and then monthly payments that averaged between £100–£150 depending on what my appointments had involved. I was a student at the time, and couldn’t have afforded to pay for the whole thing in one go, but the practice had a good financing scheme with 0% interest, and this is something that I would recommend for those in a similar situation to me. I usually avoid monthly repayments like the plague, but I think there’s a huge difference between repaying for a car or something like Klarna, and paying for something like orthodontics. I have no regrets regarding the cost and financing of my treatment, and I consider every penny to be well-spent.

Finally: my results. I’m going to pull from my report here, so please do excuse the overly scientific language. Nobody has ever really commented on my results, because I didn’t have crooked teeth to begin with, but the before and after photos are quite astonishing. My jaw is still soft, but in a defined way—I was never meant to have an especially angular jaw, but now I have a smooth defined curve. My chin is balanced with the rest of my face, though it is still ever so slightly recessed, and I’ve chosen not to fix that because I actually like it—I think it’s quite gentle and feminine on me. The assymetry in my jaw, cheekbones, and even eyes is gone, my lips appear fuller and my philtrum is significantly shorter, and my face is far less flat and more dimensional, with a fuller and shorter midface region. I will say that having my teeth fixed meant that my nose looked even more crooked and large than before, because it was suddenly in such stark contrast to the rest of my face, but I don’t regret the order in which I had my treatments, because I felt (and my rhinoplasty surgeon agreed) that having my jaw and bite fixed prior to my nose meant that I avoided having my teeth shift my nose out of joint post-surgery, and having my septum fixed meant that the results of my orthodontic treatment wouldn’t be reversed or impacted in any way by mouth-breathing at night. The two were really very symbiotic, and that’s why I’d always intended to have them fixed in quick succession—and I’ve no doubt at all that, once the swelling in my nose has gone down, I’ll be exceptionally pleased with the results of everything.

[modernmethodslab0]

Dental Labs in Liberal, KS: A Vital Link to Quality Oral Care

When it comes to maintaining oral health, many people think of the dentist as the primary healthcare provider. However, behind every successful dental procedure, there is often a skilled dental lab technician. In Liberal, Kansas, Dental Lab Liberal Ks play an essential role in ensuring that patients receive high-quality dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prosthetics.

The Role of Dental Labs

A dental lab is a specialized facility where dental technicians work to fabricate and repair dental devices based on the prescriptions provided by dentists. These devices are often essential for patients who need replacements for missing teeth, or adjustments to their existing dental work. For example, crowns are used to restore damaged teeth, while dentures help replace missing teeth for those who may have lost some or all of their natural teeth.

The dental lab technicians in Liberal, KS, collaborate closely with local dentists to create custom dental appliances that fit precisely and comfortably, contributing to the overall success of the treatment. Their work requires both technical skill and artistic flair, as each restoration needs to look natural while meeting the functional requirements of the patient's mouth.

Services Offered by Dental Labs

In Liberal, dental labs typically offer a variety of services aimed at improving oral health and enhancing a patient's smile. These services include:

Crowns and Bridges – Crowns are often used to cover damaged teeth, while bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring onto adjacent teeth. Both are crafted to match the patient’s natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

Dentures and Partials – Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Full dentures replace an entire row of teeth, while partial dentures are used when only some teeth are missing. The dental lab customizes dentures for fit, comfort, and aesthetics.

Veneers – Thin layers of porcelain or composite resin are bonded to the front of teeth to correct cosmetic issues like discoloration, chips, or gaps. Dental labs ensure that veneers are crafted to match the patient’s natural tooth color and shape.

Implant Restorations – Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Dental labs design custom implant restorations that fit securely onto the titanium posts placed in the jaw, restoring both function and appearance.

Retainers and Night Guards – Retainers help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment, while night guards are used to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Dental labs fabricate these devices based on impressions taken by the dentist.

Quality and Precision in Every Step

One of the key factors that set dental labs in Liberal apart is their commitment to quality and precision. Dental technicians rely on their extensive training and advanced technology to ensure that each restoration fits properly and looks natural. This level of detail helps minimize the chances of discomfort or adjustments later on, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Additionally, many dental labs offer personalized services, working closely with patients' dentists to meet specific needs or requests. This personalized approach ensures that the final product isn’t just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, which is particularly important for visible teeth restorations.

Why Local Dental Labs Matter

Choosing a local Dental Lab Hays Ks, offers several benefits. Proximity allows for quicker turnaround times, reducing wait periods for dental restorations. Local labs are also more likely to have a vested interest in the community’s health and well-being, making them a trusted partner for local dentists and patients alike.

[sunaleisocial]

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/interactive-mouthpiece-opens-new-opportunities-for-health-data-assistive-technology-and-hands-free-interactions/

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

When you think about hands-free devices, you might picture Alexa and other voice-activated in-home assistants, Bluetooth earpieces, or asking Siri to make a phone call in your car. You might not imagine using your mouth to communicate with other devices like a computer or a phone remotely. 

Thinking outside the box, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University researchers have now engineered “MouthIO,” a dental brace that can be fabricated with sensors and feedback components to capture in-mouth interactions and data. This interactive wearable could eventually assist dentists and other doctors with collecting health data and help motor-impaired individuals interact with a phone, computer, or fitness tracker using their mouths.

Resembling an electronic retainer, MouthIO is a see-through brace that fits the specifications of your upper or lower set of teeth from a scan. The researchers created a plugin for the modeling software Blender to help users tailor the device to fit a dental scan, where you can then 3D print your design in dental resin. This computer-aided design tool allows users to digitally customize a panel (called PCB housing) on the side to integrate electronic components like batteries, sensors (including detectors for temperature and acceleration, as well as tongue-touch sensors), and actuators (like vibration motors and LEDs for feedback). You can also place small electronics outside of the PCB housing on individual teeth.

Play video

MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation Video: MIT CSAIL

The active mouth

“The mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity,” says senior author Michael Wessely, a former CSAIL postdoc and senior author on a paper about MouthIO who is now an assistant professor at Aarhus University. “This compact, humid environment has elaborate geometries, making it hard to build a wearable interface to place inside. With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others. Dentists and other doctors are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.”

The excitement for MouthIO’s potential in health monitoring stems from initial experiments. The team found that their device could track bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth) by embedding an accelerometer within the brace to track jaw movements. When attached to the lower set of teeth, MouthIO detected when users grind and bite, with the data charted to show how often users did each.

Wessely and his colleagues’ customizable brace could one day help users with motor impairments, too. The team connected small touchpads to MouthIO, helping detect when a user’s tongue taps their teeth. These interactions could be sent via Bluetooth to scroll across a webpage, for example, allowing the tongue to act as a “third hand” to open up a new avenue for hands-free interaction.

“MouthIO is a great example how miniature electronics now allow us to integrate sensing into a broad range of everyday interactions,” says study co-author Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and leader of the HCI Engineering Group at CSAIL. “I’m especially excited about the potential to help improve accessibility and track potential health issues among users.”

Molding and making MouthIO

To get a 3D model of your teeth, you can first create a physical impression and fill it with plaster. You can then scan your mold with a mobile app like Polycam and upload that to Blender. Using the researchers’ plugin within this program, you can clean up your dental scan to outline a precise brace design. Finally, you 3D print your digital creation in clear dental resin, where the electronic components can then be soldered on. Users can create a standard brace that covers their teeth, or opt for an “open-bite” design within their Blender plugin. The latter fits more like open-finger gloves, exposing the tips of your teeth, which helps users avoid lisping and talk naturally.

This “do it yourself” method costs roughly $15 to produce and takes two hours to be 3D-printed. MouthIO can also be fabricated with a more expensive, professional-level teeth scanner similar to what dentists and orthodontists use, which is faster and less labor-intensive.

Compared to its closed counterpart, which fully covers your teeth, the researchers view the open-bite design as a more comfortable option. The team preferred to use it for beverage monitoring experiments, where they fabricated a brace capable of alerting users when a drink was too hot. This iteration of MouthIO had a temperature sensor and a monitor embedded within the PCB housing that vibrated when a drink exceeded 65 degrees Celsius (or 149 degrees Fahrenheit). This could help individuals with mouth numbness better understand what they’re consuming.

In a user study, participants also preferred the open-bite version of MouthIO. “We found that our device could be suitable for everyday use in the future,” says study lead author and Aarhus University PhD student Yijing Jiang. “Since the tongue can touch the front teeth in our open-bite design, users don’t have a lisp. This made users feel more comfortable wearing the device during extended periods with breaks, similar to how people use retainers.”

The team’s initial findings indicate that MouthIO is a cost-effective, accessible, and customizable interface, and the team is working on a more long-term study to evaluate its viability further. They’re looking to improve its design, including experimenting with more flexible materials, and placing it in other parts of the mouth, like the cheek and the palate. Among these ideas, the researchers have already prototyped two new designs for MouthIO: a single-sided brace for even higher comfort when wearing MouthIO while also being fully invisible to others, and another fully capable of wireless charging and communication.

Jiang, Mueller, and Wessely’s co-authors include PhD student Julia Kleinau, master’s student Till Max Eckroth, and associate professor Eve Hoggan, all of Aarhus University. Their work was supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation grant and was presented at ACM’s Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

[porcelaindeerfigurine]

Read about atypical cardiac arrest /vascular disease symptoms and wow. Whose legs are fucking deceased after walking less than 1,5km??? I have ear pain with a pulsating rhythm and ear ringing also Jesus Christ the stabbing pain I feel in my back/chest area sometimes when I move my arm... Ughhhh... These might be explained by some other things too but also the article just kept mentioning how people just brush these symptoms off (there were many more and some rare diseases mentioned with their own set of niche symptoms [that don't seem like they might be cardiac]) and think of as the run of the mill pains or just something normal acting up.

Like ughhg I have a retainer and the pains of not having it were as horrible as these that I interpret as the healing pains and the jaw affects the ear and the balance sense. It's sucking the life out of me. But I have the leg symptoms !!!! Might as well be a fucking plantar fasciitis or whatever it was... But I don't feel the pain exactly where the point should be but they mentioned it as a side effect that the pain resides in the outer foot.

Ugh I don't have the knowledge of what to do like do I take these as the retainer doing its job and moving my jaw slowly to the right place and having the retainer out for the day and just sleeping with it is too little at this point and I need the new smaller retainer I can use at the day... Lord I hated taking those pressure point biting tests I almost threw up from those and not the mold making. I am disgusted. I would want the slimmer smaller retainer.. .but I immediately feel agony bc I have to use the public health care of course and it should've been scheduled like 4-6 months ago so that I would have some relief soon. I have eaten pain meds everyday now for more than a week bc I had the spiciest fucking menstrual pain and these migraines.

I have so many things to schedule and find out but it just doesn't help knowing it I completely get paralyzed from the information I should know for the appointment and scheduling it. Like yes they ask questions and I should be able to answer so the check up might go smoother but it's just pain I won't remember all the shitty nitty little things that should be looked up. Like my molars are really sharp? And I'm worried about the bruxism. And the retainer. I should exercise more all these muscles that's for sure.

Is it ADHD symptom that I don't remember all my symptoms and I usually feel like every little thing is just normal it will go away it's not something to focus on. And then it will get worse. And I keep the loop until it's so fucking bad. Idk maybe it's trauma response.

[jameswilli1]

Title :- Exploring the World of Acrylic Dental Appliances Acrylic Colored Dental Guard

Author :-

 Colored dental hawley retainer,night guard acrylic is a best appliance made of a metal wire &colorful             

 plastic or acrylic plate and protects the results of treatment.

Article :- 

Choosing the right colored Dewley retainer for your night guard involves considering several factors. First, think             about your personal style and preference; pick a color that you find appealing and will enjoy wearing. Next, consider practicality—darker colors might show fewer stains over time. Also, check for any customization options that might include patterns or mixed colors. Lastly, consider the visibility of the retainer if you prefer it to be discreet or noticeable. Consulting with your orthodontist can also provide guidance tailored to your needs.

"The Ultimate Guide to Colored Dental Hawley Retainer and Night Guard Acrylic" explores the vibrant world of dental appliances. It delves into the benefits of colored acrylics, which allow for personalization and aesthetic appeal, making retainers and night guards more appealing to wear. The guide covers material durability, maintenance tips, and customization options, ensuring readers understand how to choose and care for their colorful dental devices, enhancing both function and style.

A Comprehensive Guide to Night Guard and Retainer Acrylics?

"A Comprehensive Guide to Colored Dental Hawley Retainer and Night Guard Acrylics" explores the diverse options available for dental appliances. It covers the range of vibrant acrylic colors, customization techniques, and materials used to enhance patient satisfaction. The guide explains the benefits of colored acrylics in improving compliance and personalization. It also addresses care instructions, potential issues, and advancements in dental technology, providing a thorough understanding for both dental professionals and patients. https://www.langdental.com/products/subcategory/id/6/ 

Questions:-

Why Should You Choose Colored Dental Hawley Retainer,Night Guard Acrylic? 

Choosing a colored dental Hawley retainer or night guard made of acrylic offers several benefits: personalization with various colors, making it fun for kids and adults; durability and ease of adjustment; and visibility, reducing the risk of loss. Additionally, acrylic is comfortable and hypoallergenic.

Who Uses Colored Dental Hawley Retainer,Night Guard Acrylic?

Colored dental Hawley retainers and night guard acrylics are used by orthodontic patients who need to maintain teeth alignment post-braces. They are also used by individuals who grind their teeth at night (bruxism) to protect teeth from damage. The color option adds a personalized touch.

The Pros and Cons of Colored Dental Hawley Retainer,Night Guard Acrylic?

Pros of Colored Dental Hawley Retainer/Night Guard Acrylic:

1. Aesthetic appeal with customizable colors.

2. Durable and long-lasting.

3. Removable for easy cleaning and eating.

**Cons:**

1. More expensive than standard clear options.

2. Can be visible, which some may find unappealing.

3. May cause slight speech difficulty initially.

5 Reasons to Choose Colored Dental Hawley Retainer and Night Guard Acrylic?

1. **Style**: Diverse color options to suit individual preferences.

2. **Compliance**: Attractive colors can motivate consistent use.

3. **Identification**: Easily distinguish your retainer from others.

4. **Visibility**: Bright colors make finding the retainer easier.

5. **Quality**: Durable, high-quality acrylic in appealing colors.

[retainyoursmile]

What are clear retainers made of?

What are clear retainers made of?

Clear retainers are made of high-quality polypropylene or polyurethane material. They’re usually about 0.76mm in thickness and are designed to withstand any crack or stress resistance. To create a clear retainer, a mould of your teeth is created. A very thin plastic made from the materials mentioned above is then heated and sucked down the mould, creating a retainer that’s uniquely yours. Modern technology allows for greater accuracy now; intraoral scanners can virtually take a record of teeth shape and position and 3D printers can create dental models with 25-micron accuracy

For more details on our products and services, please feel free to visit us at: clear retainers after braces, clear retainers for teeth, dental essix retainer, clear retainer braces & essix clear aligner.

Please feel free to visit us at: https://www.retainyoursmile.com/

Advantages:

Virtually invisible, so you’re more likely to wear it, which means a lesser chance of realignment or relapse

Less bulky and more comfortable than some retainers like Hawley retainers

Easy to take in and out

Less likely to affect speech than Hawley retainers

Inexpensive

Provides better oral hygiene than fixed retainers

Acts as a night guard for bruxism

Disadvantages:

Should your teeth be realigned, you will need to get a new set of retainers as clear retainers are not adjustable

They cannot be repaired if cracked or broken

Can warp if exposed to heat

May affect your speech more than permanent retainers

Can become discoloured if you smoke or drink coffee

Easily misplaced due to transparency 

Can I eat with a clear retainer on?

You should always remove your retainer when eating or even drinking beverages that tend to leave stains, such as coffee. Eating with a retainer on may cause the retainer to break, and food can get stuck between the plastic and your teeth.

When food and drink gets stuck between your retainer and teeth, it can cause decay, bad breath and a stained retainer — I’m sure you don’t wish to look like you have extremely yellow teeth thanks to your stained retainer. This is also why I emphasise for my patients to try to clean their retainer daily.

How do I clean my clear retainer?

Here are a few tips I share with my patients on cleaning their clear retainers:

Brush or rinse your retainer with warm water daily

Use a very smooth toothbrush so you don’t scratch the clear plastic

Avoid using toothpaste as this may too abrasive

Use a cotton swab or Q-tip to clean the corners and edges

Soak your clear retainer in a denture cleanser

Avoid soaking your clear retainer in hot water as this may warp the plastic material

If the above sounds like too much effort for you, the easiest way to keep your clear retainer clean is to soak it in warm water whenever you have a chance. This will keep your clear retainer moist and loosen any lingering food pieces.

Clear retainer for lost teeth

Patients with missing teeth can also benefit from clear retainers. In fact, one useful application of clear retainers is that they can fabricate and construct a crown or denture teeth to replace missing anterior teeth. It can be challenging for orthodontists to provide both function and aesthetics for a patient who’s waiting for final tooth restoration, and a clear retainer can help act as a temporary prosthesis.

 For more details on our products and services, please feel free to visit us at: clear retainers after braces, clear retainers for teeth, dental essix retainer, clear retainer braces & essix clear aligner.

Please feel free to visit us at: https://www.retainyoursmile.com/

[jamesbarnesdds]

Reasons Why Your Bite Can Shift

If you’ve noticed a slight change in your smile or teeth alignment, it may be an indication that your bite has shifted. This condition is known as malocclusion and results from crooked or crowded teeth and misalignment between the lower and upper dental arches.

Severe malocclusion can cause speech problems, breathing difficulties, facial changes, bruxism, and chewing issues. A properly aligned bite allows you to clean your teeth more efficiently and helps prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health problems.

Causes of Malocclusion

Malocclusion or shifts in the bite can occur in patients of all ages for a variety of reasons. Although you can prevent some of the resulting problems through proper oral health care and regular dental appointments, others require more advanced procedures. The most common causes of a shifting bite include:

Time: The older you grow, the tighter and smaller your lips become. This change in facial features also puts pressure on your teeth from the outside. Over time, your mouth feels crowded, and changes in dental alignment occur.

Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is one of the most common dental problems. Causes include physical trauma, decay, bone disease, gum disease, and normal wear and tear. If you lose one or more teeth, the remaining ones will shift towards the new gap and adversely affect your bite.

Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the tissue around your teeth. When it progresses further and becomes periodontitis, it can cause gum shrinkage and bone loss, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss and misalignment.

Genetics: It’s possible to inherit malocclusion. If you have the condition, your parents, siblings, and other relatives are likely to have it as well. Genetic disorders such as cleft lip or palate also affect your bite by changing your dental structure.

Injury or Trauma: Kids, teens, and young adults are at higher risk of traumatic dental injuries which affect their bite. Examples are fractures, extrusion, subluxation, and avulsion.

TMJ and Misalignment

Misalignment of the jaw is one of the most common causes of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and can have adverse effects on your dental health and overall quality of life. In some cases, it can also trigger shoulder and back pain and exacerbate migraines. Some dietary habits also worsen the condition. Examples include eating hard foods such as pretzels and chewing gum frequently.

A misaligned jaw affects your craniomandibular system, which includes your head, neck, and shoulders. Malocclusion can change the position of your jaw and cause symptoms whose cause might take years to pinpoint. TMJ treatment plans involve a comprehensive body and mind approach. Other than medication, it includes stress-relieving techniques, oral appliances, and surgery in extreme circumstances.

Ways to Correct Misaligned Teeth

Although maintaining good oral hygiene helps manage symptoms related to misaligned teeth, there are additional steps to follow. One of them is adopting a healthy diet that reduces the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease, and general wear and tear. Others include:

Traditional Braces: This solution uses metal brackets attached to an archwire that gradually shifts your teeth in the desired direction. Your orthodontist replaces or adjusts your braces during scheduled dental appointments until you achieve the optimal alignment.

Clear Aligners: These alternatives to traditional braces can correct bite issues by incrementally moving your teeth, provided you wear them consistently. The clear, customized trays can treat a range of alignment problems, including crooked and crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.

Retainers: Retainers are an effective solution for misaligned teeth and are most often used after treatment with braces or clear aligners. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how long to wear them, depending on your particular needs. You might have to wear them full time for up to 6 months, after which you should wear them at night indefinitely.

Ways to Identify Bite Changes

Malocclusion symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the type you have. Symptoms include:

A change in facial appearance

Biting your tongue or inner cheek frequently

Pain or general discomfort when biting or chewing

Speech difficulties including developing a lisp

A clench test is one way of determining whether you have bite issues. It involves biting down firmly and gently grinding your teeth in all directions. If you feel pain or discomfort, it means you have an uneven bite, and you should seek the assistance of a professional as soon as you can.

For more information about Dentist in McKinney TX visit here: James Barnes DDS

Resource Link: https://www.jamesbarnesdds.com/about-our-practice/blog/2021/3/31/reasons-why-your-bite-can-shift/