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Getting braces isn’t as simple as just putting them on your teeth as they are. In fact, there are several steps one must go through prior to getting the actual appliances on your teeth. First, you will need a thorough tooth cleaning to make sure there is a clean, healthy surface. In some cases, more extensive preparation is necessary – like a tooth extraction. While tooth extraction may not be necessary for every patient, some patients will require this. Read on to learn more about tooth extractions from Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics.Read More

Did you know that early orthodontic care may help you avoid costly treatment in the future? Like most things in life, orthodontic health can be much more manageable if you get ahead of it. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that a child visits the orthodontist by age 7 in order to keep their oral health in check. Much like you wouldn’t skip a well visit with a pediatrician or a dentist appointment, you shouldn’t wait until your child absolutely needs braces to get an orthodontist’s opinion. Keep reading to learn more about how an early visit to the orthodontist may help you avoid more costly or invasive treatments in the future from Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics.

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Braces are a great option for correcting several dental issues. These issues include overcrowding, misalignment, spacing, and overbites and underbites. A lot of people like braces because of the aesthetic change that they can make, however, braces can also fix non-aesthetic issues that are pertinent to the health of your teeth and jaw. Braces help to bring your teeth into proper intercuspation, which means that your teeth will align properly over one another. Read on to learn more about how orthodontics can help jaw alignment from Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics.

An overbite or underbite has an impact on how your jaw is positioned. The jaw extends outward because the teeth are misaligned when one has an underbite. When one has an overbite, the chin may look weak, and the lips may protrude from the face in a harsh, unflattering manner.Read More

Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well sunshine lovers, Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increase vitamin D production in our bodies.

 

The Importance of Vitamin D

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

• It may help fight periodontal disease

Vitamin D is also an anti-inflammatory. Periodontal disease, which is the result of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria, is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Several studies have found that people with high vitamin D levels are less likely to experience bleeding gums and gum detachment.

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We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not, Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics will explain the correlation between running and oral health.Read More

Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find out what Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics has to say about some bad breath causing foods!Read More