The structure and beauty of life, art, the universe, and our smiles What is it about certain pieces of art – like the Mona Lisa – that make it so captivating and admired for centuries? …
Good Sleep / Bad Sleep and How Parents Can Tell the Difference
When a child is a new patient, I look at much more than their teeth. Their eyes tell me a lot, and so does their demeanor. I ask the parent how the child is sleeping. …
Why I Ask Parents How Their Child is Sleeping
Sometimes I can just see it in a child’s face – sleeping is a struggle. In our busy lives, even the best, most devoted parents often assume that restlessness or problem sleeping is just one …
What Can You Eat With Braces?
Braces are still the most common orthodontic treatment. Braces can straighten your teeth, align your bite, and correct a myriad of orthodontic issues. Starting braces treatment comes with a few changes, one of which is …
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move teeth. It is referred to as the clear alternative to braces because it achieves similar results in a less …
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that can achieve the same result as braces but through a different, more discreet method. Anyone who has had braces can attest to the fact that there is some …
Why Special Needs Kids Should Be Checked for Obstructive Sleep Disorders
@SleepWreckedKids All children need a good night’s sleep to be healthy and happy and ready to learn and grow. Even a little sleep deprivation can cause daytime tiredness, lack of focus, poor decision-making, grumpiness, even …
How Does an Orthodontist Treat Sleep Apnea Issues?
Sleep apnea is defined as a person who stops breathing or experiences shallow breathing for a period of time while sleeping. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, but the disorder cannot be recognized …
How Do I Tell If I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep, can lead to more than just restless nights and tired days—it can also cause cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, …
How Do You Clean Your Invisalign Trays & Retainers?
Congratulations on choosing Invisalign. You have made a choice that will give you straight teeth, and an aligned bite – with more freedoms than you will find with traditional metal braces. However, if you want …
Helping Your Child Stop the Thumb Sucking
If you’re starting to worry about your child’s thumb sucking, they’re likely getting too old for it. It’s completely natural and even beneficial for them to suck their fingers and thumbs when they’re infants. They’re …
How Do Clear Brackets Work?
If you’ve thought about orthodontic treatment but don’t want the look of traditional braces, you may be interested in clear braces. Unlike traditional braces, these have clear brackets that allow your smile to shine. What …
The 5 Sides of Your Teeth
Your teeth may be different sizes, colors, and even shapes. But even though they appear unique in their own way, each tooth has 5 sides. And to keep a high level of oral health, you …
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
An overbite is one of the most common orthodontic problems in patients. It means that the top row of teeth extends too far over the bottom row of teeth when you are biting down. An …
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the jaws through surgical means. Jaw surgery, as it is more commonly known, can be performed on the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible) and sometimes both. During orthognathic …
How Much Do Braces Cost in Missouri?
The cost of braces currently in Missouri typically range between $5800-$7535. The final cost of braces will depend upon the type of braces you get, the complexity and length of your treatment, as well as …
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder. It has reached levels of an epidemic in the US. Sadly many health care professionals ignore the signs or simply fail to screen patients for symptoms. …
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
There are many people who have been told they need braces, but have cringed at the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires in their mouth. It is understandable. Regardless of how well they work, …
What Happens if You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?
The day you hear the orthodontist tell you that your braces treatment is complete is one of the happiest moments – especially for those who have been wearing braces for a long time. Though the …
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
“How long do I have to wear braces?” It’s one of the most common questions people ask during consultations. In an ideal world, your health care professional would be able to give everyone a firm …
What is the Best Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
People often think if they are diagnosed with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) they will be strapped up to a CPAP the rest of their lives. They avoid speaking to healthcare professionals because they know they …
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Missouri?
Investing in Invisalign or other Clear Aligner Therapies is an investment in your smile & a lifetime of optimal health like any other orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional braces, these clear plastic aligners work to straighten …
How Does Invisalign Work?
Are you considering Invisalign for yourself or your child? Invisalign is an alternative to braces for orthodontic treatment. Many patients choose this option for a variety of reasons, namely because it is clear and less …
How Much Does a Retainer Cost in Missouri?
Nearly all orthodontic treatments require a retainer of some sort to be worn for a designated period of time afterwards. The purpose of a retainer is to keep the teeth in their correct position. Retainers …
What is Considered an Orthodontic Emergency?
Orthodontic issues rarely constitute a true emergency, but occasionally something can happen that requires prompt attention. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. But if your …
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
You made it! You finally got your braces off. So now you’re done, right? Well, not completely. Now that your teeth are in the right position, the next step is retention. You want your teeth …