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October is known for cooler weather, pumpkin patches, and Halloween, but did you know it’s also National Orthodontic Health Month? This month celebrates the important role that orthodontics plays in improving both oral and mental health. While straightening your teeth may seem like a minor concern, the benefits can have a significant impact on your future well-being.

Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS are highly trained experts in tooth alignment and general dentistry. To become an orthodontist, they must undergo additional residency programs that can take up to three years to specialize in orthodontia and occlusion. They also attend conferences and continuing education courses to keep up with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best possible care to patients.Read More

Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field that sees advancements in technology and practices regularly. As a patient, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s new in orthodontics and how these changes can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great example of how innovation can lead to better orthodontic treatment. Invisalign was the first company to pioneer this technology, and since then, millions of patients have seen great success with clear aligners. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is their invisible nature, which makes them ideal for patients who are self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners are associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software that helps create the most accurate and best-suited tools for treatment.

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If you’re considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering if you can get it without seeing an orthodontist. While some companies offer mail-in orthodontic services, it’s important to choose a licensed orthodontist for your treatment. Keep reading to learn more from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS about the benefits of getting Invisalign Treatment from an Orthodontist.

Expertise and Training

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating issues with teeth and jaws. They have completed dental school, a specialized master’s program, and a residency in orthodontics. They also participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies.

In contrast, mail-in orthodontic companies may lack the same level of expertise and training. While they may use technology to create clear aligners, they may not have the knowledge to diagnose underlying issues with your bite or teeth.

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Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, your dental health is critical for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chemical imbalances throughout your body, leading to changes in vitamin and mineral levels. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy, including how pregnancy affects your gums, whether pregnancy causes tooth decay, and what vitamins you need more of from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

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If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you may be wondering how often you need to wear your aligners to see results. The truth is that patient compliance is one of the most critical factors in achieving the desired outcome of Invisalign treatment. Discover the significance of compliance during orthodontic treatment as you read on, with insights from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Wearing Your Aligners 

To be effective, Invisalign aligners need to be worn as often as possible, typically for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, but the more you wear them, the faster and more successful your treatment will be. If you don’t wear your aligners consistently, your teeth may not move as intended, and treatment time may be prolonged.

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Orthodontics is often associated with improving the appearance of teeth and correcting bite issues, but did you know that it can also help with breathing and sleep disorders? In fact, orthodontic treatment can be especially beneficial for patients who suffer from asthma and sleep apnea. In this post, Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS provides valuable insights on how orthodontics fits into the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Asthma is a common respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to a host of negative symptoms in the mouth, including decreased saliva production and higher rates of malocclusion. Asthma sufferers are also more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities due to the dry mouth associated with the condition. If you have asthma, it’s important to inform your orthodontist so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Sleep apnea is another disorder that can benefit from orthodontic treatment. While it’s not caused by orthodontic issues, studies have shown that orthodontists are well-equipped to screen for the condition. In a routine orthodontic exam, your orthodontist can quickly identify signs of sleep apnea and refer you to a specialist for treatment. In some cases, tooth movement may be recommended as part of the treatment plan for sleep apnea.

In addition to treating asthma and sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment can also improve the overall appearance of your face. By adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw, your orthodontist can create a more balanced facial profile and improve your breathing and speech.

Overall, orthodontic treatment is a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of issues beyond just the appearance of your teeth. If you suffer from breathing or sleep disorders, consider speaking with your orthodontistto see how they can help.