Toggle navigation
Ruvo Dental Practice
171 Ridgedale Ave. Annex, Suite L Florham Park, NJ 07932(973) 301-2223
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: orthodontic treatment

You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England

By Ruvo Dental Practice
September 09, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment  
YouCanHaveaStraighterSmile-JustLiketheQueenofEngland

The monarchs of the world experience the same health issues as their subjects—but they often tend to be hush-hush about it. Recently, though, the normally reticent Queen Elizabeth II let some young dental patients in on a lesser known fact about Her Majesty's teeth.

While touring a new dental hospital, the queen told some children being fitted for braces that she too “had wires” once upon a time. She also said, “I think it's worth it in the end.”

The queen isn't the only member of the House of Windsor to need help with a poor bite. Both Princes William and Harry have worn braces, as have other members of the royal family. A propensity for overbites, underbites and other malocclusions (poor bites) can indeed pass down through families, whether of noble or common lineage.

Fortunately, there are many ways to correct congenital malocclusions, depending on their type and severity. Here are 3 of them.

Braces and clear aligners. Braces are the tried and true way to straighten misaligned teeth, while the clear aligner method—removable plastic mouth trays—is the relative “new kid on the block.” Braces are indeed effective for a wide range of malocclusions, but their wires and brackets make it difficult to brush and floss, and they're not particularly attractive. Clear aligners solve both of these issues, though they may not handle more complex malocclusions as well as braces.

Palatal expanders. When the upper jaw develops too narrowly, a malocclusion may result from teeth crowding into too small a space. But before the upper jaw bones fuse together in late childhood, orthodontists can fit a device called a palatal expander inside the upper teeth, which exerts gentle outward pressure on the teeth. This encourages more bone growth in the center to widen the jaw and help prevent a difficult malocclusion from forming.

Specialized braces for impacted teeth. An impacted tooth, which remains partially or completely hidden in the gums, can impede dental health, function and appearance. But we may be able to coax some impacted teeth like the front canines into full eruption. This requires a special orthodontic technique in which a bracket is surgically attached to the impacted tooth's crown. A chain connected to the bracket is then looped over other orthodontic hardware to gradually pull the tooth down where it should be.

Although some techniques like palatal expanders are best undertaken in early dental development, people of any age and reasonably good health can have a problem bite corrected with other methods. If you are among those who benefit from orthodontics, you'll have something in common with the Sovereign of the British Isles: a healthy, attractive and straighter smile.

If you would like more information about orthodontic treatment options, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Magic of Orthodontics.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?

By Ruvo Dental Practice
December 04, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment   extraction  
CrazyLittleThingCalledHyperdontia

The movie Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury. But when we see pictures of the flamboyant singer, many fans both old and new may wonder—what made Freddie’s toothy smile look the way it did? Here’s the answer: The singer was born with four extra teeth at the back of his mouth, which caused his front teeth to be pushed forward, giving him a noticeable overbite.

The presence of extra teeth—more than 20 primary (baby) teeth or 32 adult teeth—is a relatively rare condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes this condition causes no trouble, and an extra tooth (or two) isn’t even recognized until the person has an oral examination. In other situations, hyperdontia can create problems in the mouth such as crowding, malocclusion (bad bite) and periodontal disease. That’s when treatment may be recommended.

Exactly what kind of treatment is needed? There’s a different answer for each individual, but in many cases the problem can be successfully resolved with tooth extraction (removal) and orthodontic treatment (such as braces). Some people may be concerned about having teeth removed, whether it’s for this problem or another issue. But in skilled hands, this procedure is routine and relatively painless.

Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone like posts in cement—they are actually held in place dynamically by a fibrous membrane called the periodontal ligament. With careful manipulation of the tooth, these fibers can be dislodged and the tooth can be easily extracted. Of course, you won’t feel this happening because extraction is done under anesthesia (often via a numbing shot). In addition, you may be given a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.

After extraction, some bone grafting material may be placed in the tooth socket and gauze may be applied to control bleeding; sutures (stitches) are sometimes used as well. You’ll receive instructions on medication and post-extraction care before you go home. While you will probably feel discomfort in the area right after the procedure, in a week or so the healing process will be well underway.

Sometimes, dental problems like hyperdontia need immediate treatment because they can negatively affect your overall health; at other times, the issue may be mainly cosmetic. Freddie Mercury declined treatment because he was afraid dental work might interfere with his vocal range. But the decision to change the way your smile looks is up to you; after an examination, we can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for your own situation.

If you have questions about tooth extraction or orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Simple Tooth Extraction” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile

By Ruvo Dental Practice
May 18, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment   retainers  
HowKathyBatesRetainsHerMovie-StarSmile

In her decades-long career, renowned actress Kathy Bates has won Golden Globes, Emmys, and many other honors. Bates began acting in her twenties, but didn't achieve national recognition until she won the best actress Oscar for Misery — when she was 42 years old! “I was told early on that because of my physique and my look, I'd probably blossom more in my middle age,” she recently told Dear Doctor magazine. “[That] has certainly been true.” So if there's one lesson we can take from her success, it might be that persistence pays off.

When it comes to her smile, Kathy also recognizes the value of persistence. Now 67, the veteran actress had orthodontic treatment in her 50's to straighten her teeth. Yet she is still conscientious about wearing her retainer. “I wear a retainer every night,” she said. “I got lazy about it once, and then it was very difficult to put the retainer back in. So I was aware that the teeth really do move.”

Indeed they do. In fact, the ability to move teeth is what makes orthodontic treatment work. By applying consistent and gentle forces, the teeth can be shifted into better positions in the smile. That's called the active stage of orthodontic treatment. Once that stage is over, another begins: the retention stage. The purpose of retention is to keep that straightened smile looking as good as it did when the braces came off. And that's where the retainer comes in.

There are several different kinds of retainers, but all have the same purpose: To hold the teeth in their new positions and keep them from shifting back to where they were. We sometimes say teeth have a “memory” — not literally, but in the sense that if left alone, teeth tend to migrate back to their former locations. And if you've worn orthodontic appliances, like braces or aligners, that means right back where you started before treatment.

By holding the teeth in place, retainers help stabilize them in their new positions. They allow new bone and ligaments to re-form and mature around them, and give the gums time to remodel themselves. This process can take months to years to be complete. But you may not need to wear a retainer all the time: Often, removable retainers are worn 24 hours a day at first; later they are worn only at night. We will let you know what's best in your individual situation.

So take a tip from Kathy Bates, star of the hit TV series American Horror Story, and wear your retainer as instructed. That's the best way to keep your straight new smile from changing back to the way it was — and to keep a bad dream from coming true.

If you would like more information about orthodontic retainers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more about this topic in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Why Orthodontic Retainers?” and “The Importance of Orthodontic Retainers.” The interview with Kathy Bates appears in the latest issue of Dear Doctor.

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces

By Ruvo Dental Practice
October 30, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   braces   orthodontic treatment  
WhyemBigBangTheoryemActressMayimBialikCouldntHaveBraces

Mayim Bialik has spent a good part of her life in front of TV cameras: first as the child star of the hit comedy series Blossom, and more recently as Sheldon Cooper’s love interest — a nerdy neuroscientist — on The Big Bang Theory. (In between, she actually earned a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA…but that’s another story.) As a child, Bialik had a serious overbite — but with all her time on camera, braces were just not an option.

“I never had braces,” she recently told Dear Doctor – Dentistry & Oral Health magazine. “I was on TV at the time, and there weren’t a lot of creative solutions for kids who were on TV.” Instead, her orthodontist managed to straighten her teeth using retainers and headgear worn only at night.

Today, there are several virtually invisible options available to fix orthodontic issues — and you don’t have to be a child star to take advantage of them. In fact, both children and adults can benefit from these unobtrusive appliances.

Tooth colored braces are just like traditional metal braces, with one big difference: The brackets attached to teeth are made from a ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of teeth. All that’s visible is the thin archwire that runs horizontally across the teeth — and from a distance it’s hard to notice. Celebs like Tom Cruise and Faith Hill opted for this type of appliance.

Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth. Each one, worn for about two weeks, moves the teeth just a bit; after several months, you’ll see a big change for the better in your smile. Best of all, clear aligners are virtually impossible to notice while you’re wearing them — which you’ll need to do for 22 hours each day. But you can remove them to eat, or for special occasions. Zac Efron and Katherine Heigl, among others, chose to wear clear aligners.

Lingual braces really are invisible. That’s because they go behind your teeth (on the tongue side), where they can’t be seen; otherwise they are similar to traditional metal braces. Lingual braces are placed on teeth differently, and wearing them often takes some getting used to at first. But those trade-offs are worth it for plenty of people. Which celebs wore lingual braces? Rumor has it that the list includes some top models, a well-known pop singer, and at least one British royal.

So what’s the best way to straighten your teeth and keep the orthodontic appliances unnoticeable? Just ask us! We’d be happy to help you choose the option that’s just right for you. You’ll get an individualized evaluation, a solution that fits your lifestyle — and a great-looking smile!

For more information about hard-to-see (or truly invisible) orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Orthodontics for the Older Adult” and “Clear Aligners for Teenagers.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • March (1)
        • How You Can Help Your Smile Stay Attractive as You Get Older
      • February (3)
        • What Tara Lipinski Does to Protect One of Her Most Valuable Assets - Her Smile
        • Your Gums Need Extra Care After Periodontal Disease
        • Help Your Dentures and Your Health by Taking Them Out at Night
      • January (3)
        • That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • 4 Areas Deserving Attention as You Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime
  • 2020
      • December (2)
        • Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
        • 3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Sound 'Smile' Investment
      • November (3)
        • Mike Tyson: The Prizefighter Prizes His Unique Smile
        • Implants Can Make It Easier to Restore Missing Teeth in Stages
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
      • October (3)
        • Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
      • September (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
      • August (3)
        • Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
        • Removing Hardened Plaque Reduces Your Risk of Disease
        • This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
      • July (4)
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
        • 4 Things You Should Do - or Not Do - to Maintain Your Oral Appliance
      • June (3)
        • Zac Efron's Smile Transformation Could Happen to You
        • Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
        • Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque
      • May (3)
        • Diet and Lifestyle Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
      • April (3)
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Can Still be a Problem for the World's Youngest Billionaire
      • March (3)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Don't Neglect Office Cleanings with Dental Implants
        • Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
      • February (3)
        • Even Celebrities Have Accidents: See What They Do to Restore Their Chipped Teeth
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
        • If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
      • January (3)
        • Celebrating Paul Revere, Patriot and Dental Craftsman
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
        • 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Smile in the New Year
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
        • Share These Timely Dental Care Tips With Your College-Bound Son or Daughter
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
      • November (3)
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
      • October (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • Tooth Sensitivity Could Be a Sign of Deeper Problems
      • September (3)
        • Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Dentures
      • August (3)
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Getting an Implant - if it's Under Control
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • July (3)
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • If You're Older, be on the Lookout for Root Cavities
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
      • June (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • 3 Things to do to Prepare for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Get a Handle on Stress-Related Tooth Grinding to Stop Tooth Damage
      • April (3)
        • A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
        • To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • March (3)
        • You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
        • Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
        • Take These Steps to Prevent Early Decay in Your Baby's First Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
        • Sleeping in Dentures: Don't Do It!
      • January (3)
        • Air Abrasion Offers a More Pleasant Dental Office Experience than Drills
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Determining the Right Whitening Approach is Key to Brightening a Dull Smile
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
        • Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • November (3)
        • Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
      • October (3)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
      • September (3)
        • Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
      • August (4)
        • Artificial Sweeteners Could Help You Reduce the Risk of Dental Disease
        • Know the Benefits - and Limitations - of Your Dental Insurance Plan
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • A Smile Makeover Depends on Balancing Technique with Beauty
      • July (3)
        • Air Abrasion: An Alternative to the Traditional Dental Drill
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • June (3)
        • Know the Kind of Smile You Want Before Cosmetic Dental Treatment
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
        • Reducing Tooth Sensitivity will Depend on the Cause
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
      • April (1)
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (2)
        • 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (2)
        • Not Your Granddad's Dental Care: the New Approach to Tooth Decay Treatment
        • Timing is Everything When Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
      • January (2)
        • Be Sure Your Child has Access to Dental-Friendly Snacks at School
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (28)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • nutrition (5)
  • missing tooth (1)
  • dental implants (8)
  • tooth decay (5)
  • oral health (12)
  • shingles (1)
  • oral hygiene (9)
  • flossing (2)
  • fluoride (2)
  • veneers (3)
  • sensitive teeth (2)
  • dental injury (5)
  • cosmetic dentistry (8)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • dentures (7)
  • air abrasion (2)
  • smile makeover (2)
  • retainer (1)
  • insurance (1)
  • artificial sweeteners (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • braces (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (4)
  • diabetes (2)
  • orthodontics (2)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • teeth whitening (3)
  • baby teeth (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (4)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • stress (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • root canal treatment (1)
  • dental implant (5)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • crown (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • wisdom teeth (1)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • gum disease (2)
  • gum recession (1)
  • lingual braces (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • dental cleaning (1)
  • crowns (1)
  • bad breath (2)
  • (1)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (59)
  • Dental Procedures (50)

Our Location

171 Ridgedale Ave. Annex, Suite L
Florham Park, NJ 07932
(973) 301-2223

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map