Ask Dr. Salins: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Salins call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and, yes, even your appearance.

Dr. Salins will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Salins Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Smile now, smile later, smile often!

Great news! People with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Researchers there looked at photos of 230 baseball players who began their careers prior to 1950 - and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers of course then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, YES, even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old!

So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Salins Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Celebs get braces, too! From Salins Orthodontics

Yep, it's true. Back in 2002, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise had braces, and during this time he was 40 years old! During this time, Cruise filmed the films Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out Cruise's smile in Jerry Maguire, The Firm or Rain Man and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without help from orthodotnists

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this list of famous names, courtesy of ABC News. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please call Salins Orthodontics. We're waiting to have you LIVE LIFE SMILING!

Mom's For Mouthguards

At Salins Orthodontics, we want you and your family to Live Life Smiling. I see too many front teeth damaged, broken and/or knocked out during summer sports such as basketball, football, and karate. We want all out families and children to have mouthguards to protect their teeth as they are growing in.

Please have your friends and children's friends contact the office for a Free Custom Made Mouthguard they can use. (this offer is only good for children between the ages of 9-14).

http://www.momsformouthguards.org/
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Facts About Kids and Sports Safety

Former football great and father of four, Emmitt Smith has teamed up with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to provide tips and information on how to best protect athlete’s smiles during recreational and organized sports.

* Injuries can happen at any age or skill level – More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. *

o Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.*

* Mouth guard use is very low – 67% of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard – yet, 70% say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.**

o One out of every four (27%) parents say their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room.**

* Most coaches and leagues are not advising the use of mouth guards – Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it's because the league or coach does not require it.**

* Hard hits occur no matter what the sport – The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car.***

o Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls' athletics.****

* Children with braces need to wear mouth guards – One out of every three (31%) parents say their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing an organized sport.*

o Lacerations can occur if an orthodontic patient´s mouth is not properly protected.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
** American Association of Orthodontists
*** eFastball.com
**** MSNBC.com