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Straighter teeth is something many people desire. A nice smile is one of the most attractive things about a person. However, wearing a mouth full of braces for two, three, or more years can be a major pain, both literally and figuratively.

Luckily, there is another option. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Learn more about the benefits Invisalign offers and why you should consider this exciting method of straightening teeth.

• When you have straight teeth, your mouth is healthier in general and there is less chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign makes it possible for more people to straighten their teeth.
• Invisalign is essentially invisible. You can straighten your teeth without unsightly metal in your mouth.
• The average cost is similar to that of traditional braces, which makes it affordable for many families.
• With Invisalign, the aligner trays are smooth and comfortable to wear. Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and cause irritation to the mouth.
• Invisalign is removable, so you do not have to wear the system during special occasions, or when you’re eating. With normal metal braces, you are stuck with them for the entire straightening process.
• Brushing and flossing are simple. Since the system is removable, you can brush and floss just like normal.

As you can see, Invisalign is an exciting option we provide at Teguis Orthodontics for those who want straighter teeth. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, talk to Dr. Teguis and find out if it would work for your particular situation. Get started today, and before you know it you will be enjoying your straighter teeth.

For more information about Invisalign, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Teguis, please give us a call at our convenient Biddeford office today!

Orthodontists like Dr. Teguis recommend a first orthodontic visit and evaluation for your child around the age of seven. We will evaluate your child’s jaw and facial development and make sure that there is enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth when they arrive. One of the recommendations we might make for early treatment is the use of a palatal expander. If you are unfamiliar with this device, let’s take a closer look at why it’s necessary and what exactly it does.

Why do we recommend the palatal expander?

There are two dental arches, composed of the upper and the lower teeth, in your child’s mouth. This arch-shaped design is meant to accommodate all the permanent teeth. Further, when the upper and lower teeth meet, they should result in a healthy occlusion, or bite.

Sometimes, the upper dental arch is simply too small to accommodate all of your child’s permanent teeth, leading to crowding, extractions, and impacted teeth. Also, a too-narrow arch can result in a crossbite, where some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones. An improper bite can lead to problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, improper wear and stress on teeth, certain speech difficulties, and other potential complications. The palatal expander was designed to prevent these problems from occurring.

What is a palatal expander and how does it work?

The expander itself is a device that increases the size of the upper dental arch. Before your child’s bones are finished growing, the space between the two bones of the upper palate is filled with cartilage. This tissue is flexible when children are young, but gradually fuses solidly into place by the time they are finished growing (usually in the early to mid-teens). If the arch can be widened to accommodate the emerging permanent teeth, or to reduce malocclusions, this improvement can also affect the need for, and length of, future dental work.

There are several types of expanders available at our Biddeford office. These are custom-made appliances, commonly attached between the upper teeth on each side of the jaw. The two halves of the device are connected with a screw-type mechanism that can be adjusted to widen the upper palate and dental arch with gentle pressure. This is a gradual process, with small adjustments usually made once or twice a day to slowly move the bones further apart. As weeks go by, you will notice a successful change in the spacing of the teeth. Your child might even develop a gap in the front teeth, which is normal and will generally close on its own.

If you would like more detailed information, talk to Dr. Teguis about the palate expander. We can tell you what to expect from this treatment if we think it is best for your child’s unique needs, and how to make it as easy as possible for your child. Our goal is to provide your child with the healthiest teeth and bite possible, always making use of treatments that are both gentle and effective.

The holiday season is upon us, and our office is fully in the festive spirit! We've decked out our practice with holiday decor and every Thursday, our team wears our holiday t-shirts made by one of our assistants. As we get into the holiday groove, please note that we'll be closed on the afternoon of December 12th for our annual holiday party!

Many of us have exciting holiday traditions and plans. Some of our favorites include attending Kennebunkport's Prelude, and selecting and cutting down our own Christmas trees at a local farm. We've also embraced the spirit of giving by adopting two local families as Secret Santas, eagerly picking out special gifts for them.

We would love to hear what plans you all have for this holiday season! I’m sure many of you will be busy with friends and family. If you are planning to host this holiday season, we have plenty of recommendations. Some of our favorite local holiday events include Kennebunkport Prelude, Biddeford's Downtown Holiday Festival, the New Year's Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach, a Christmas Carol at the Rochester Opera House, and Winter Wonders in Elliot.

Of course, we couldn’t forget to include some dental tips this holiday season. While enjoying holiday treats, consider tooth-friendly options like chocolates without caramel or nuts, peanut butter cups, KitKats, 3 Musketeers, and peppermint patties. Soft cookies, ice cream, sorbet, and smoothies are also good choices. It's best to steer clear of sour candies, hard and chewy treats, taffy, and caramel-laden sweets as they can harm your teeth and damage your braces resulting in an extra visit to our office.

And remember to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, limit sugary indulgences, and maintain your brushing and flossing routine.

This year, our office will be closed from December 24-27, 2024, and January 1-3, 2025. While our office hours will be limited over the holidays, we always have someone on call for orthodontic emergencies. Call our regular office to get the on-call phone number.

And finally, don't miss out on opalescence teeth whitening kits! You can purchase one at our front desk. They make a fantastic holiday gift. They are safe and effective and this is the whitening kit that Dr. Teguis recommends!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with happiness and good oral health!