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Knowledge

Navigating the World of Custom Clear Aligners with Dr. Gilbert

20 September, 2023

Knowledge

Custom Clear aligners

Orthodontics has progressed leaps and bounds from traditional braces to sophisticated clear aligners. Dr. Gilbert, the mind behind Gilbert Orthodontics, is at the forefront of these advancements. With state-of-the-art technologies and innovative products, Dr. Gilbert ensures that each patient receives a tailored experience in their quest for the perfect smile.

Intraoral Scanners: Mapping the Path to Perfection

An accurate impression is paramount in orthodontic treatment. With intraoral scanners, Dr. Gilbert captures intricate details of the oral landscape. Say goodbye to messy molds and embrace swift, precise scans that lay the foundation for customized treatments.

intraoral scanner for custom clear aligners
3d printer for custom clear aligners

3D Printing: Bringing Aligner Designs to Life

After obtaining a precise scan, the magic of 3D printing comes into play. At Gilbert Orthodontics, we harness this technology to craft clear aligners that snugly fit each patient’s unique dental structure, ensuring both comfort and efficacy.
Discover the 3D printing marvels with Dr. Gilbert today.

Invisalign: The Pinnacle of Discreet Orthodontic treatment

Invisalign has become synonymous with clear aligners, and Dr. Gilbert, with his expertise, has helped countless patients transform their smiles without the noticeable presence of traditional braces.
Thinking about Invisalign? Dive into our comprehensive Invisalign guide with Dr. Gilbert.

Navigating the World of Custom Clear Aligners with Dr. Gilbert2023-09-19T07:00:27+00:00

What is a MARA?

20 September, 2023

Knowledge

What is a MARA?

In orthodontic treatment our goal is to give patients an esthetic pleasing smile and a healthy bite. Some patients present to the office with an ideal bite, but crowding and rotations of the teeth. However, many patients come with both crowding and an improper bite relationship. A common bite discrepancy is when your upper front teeth are ahead of your lower front teeth – an overbite. One way to correct a moderate to severe overbite is with a MARA appliance.

What is a MARA?

MARA is short for ‘Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance’. The MARA is an example of a functional appliance, similar to a Herbst appliance. The advantage of a MARA as compared to a Herbst appliance is that it is more comfortable for patients to wear and is not quite as bulky. Additionally, a MARA can be used at the same time as braces so we can reduce total treatment time. Below is a video of a MARA appliance and the desired treatment outcome from using a MARA.

When do patients get a MARA?

A MARA is used on growing children, ages 10-15. The theory behind the MARA appliance is that it stimulates and/or modifies growth of the lower jaw. The hope is to have the MARA appliance is in place +/- 1 year of a patients growth spurt. Timing is important for when the MARA is used because if it is placed too early it will not have maximal effects on lower jaw growth. Also if it is placed too early it may have to be in for longer than initially anticipated. On the other hand, if the MARA is placed too late the effects will be almost entirely on pushing the teeth rather than modifying lower jaw growth. MARA’s are not used on adult patients to correct severe overbites, rather, different treatment options will be discussed. Ideally the MARA is in place for 9-12 months and that time coincides with a patients growth spurt. See some photos of a recent patient who had a great treatment outcome from MARA and braces.

Does the MARA hurt?

A MARA appliance, just like any orthodontic appliance, will take some time to get used too. The most common site of discomfort is your cheek just next to the upper component. Your orthodontist can give you wax, cotton pads, or a mouth rinse to help with the soreness. This usually goes away within a week. The other challenge with the MARA is learning how to properly bite with the appliance in. You will practice this in the office a number of times before leaving and this will become 2nd nature within 24 hours. In general the MARA is a well-tolerated functional appliance that has been proven to be an essential tool for certain cases to achieve ideal bite correction.

If you have any further questions about why you or your child was recommended a MARA appliance do not hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We are welcoming new patients for complimentary initial consultations and are happy to discuss your specific needs. Thank you and please let us know any future blog topics you would like to have me write about.

What is a MARA?2023-08-31T09:24:33+00:00

Why are Baby Teeth Extracted?

20 September, 2023

Knowledge

Why are Baby Teeth Extracted?

During an early orthodontic exam your orthodontist will conduct a thorough clinical exam as well as evaluate a panoramic x-ray. This x-ray gives your doctor a lot of information such as the presence/absence of adult teeth and checking the ‘eruption path’ of adult teeth. In this blog post I am going to specifically address ‘eruption path’ as it relates to adult teeth.

What is eruption path?

Ideally adult teeth are positioned in such a way that they are developing directly underneath the baby tooth they are meant to replace. When this happens properly the adult tooth dissolves the baby tooth root. The baby tooth, as the root shortens, becomes loose and eventually falls out. It is then replaced with the adult tooth. When the adult tooth is not in a proper eruption path, and is not resorbing away the baby tooth root, problems can arise. The most common problem is the adult tooth not erupting into the mouth. When adult teeth do not erupt they are called ‘impacted’.

Impacted teeth have many downsides, one of which is that they can resorb the root of another adult tooth. To avoid this situation simply removing the baby tooth often allows that ‘off-course’ adult tooth to self-correct. In addition to baby teeth removal adjunctive procedures like expansion are often recommended. See below at the change in the adult teeth one year after extraction of baby teeth.

If your child is not seen for an early orthodontic exam there is an increased chance of tooth impaction. Impacted teeth can be dealt with during comprehensive treatment but this results in a longer time in braces with other procedures such as surgical uncovering of the impacted tooth.

As you can see baby teeth can be removed for a specific purpose – to allow self-correction of incoming adult teeth. Other times baby teeth are removed because they are not becoming loose despite normal eruption of adult teeth. These cases the baby teeth are called ‘over-retained’ and they just simply will not fall out. Removing the baby teeth will allow the adult teeth to come in on their own, often times without further intervention.

Thank you and be sure to see your dentist and orthodontist early to prevent these easy to prevent problems from ever arising.

Why are Baby Teeth Extracted?2023-06-30T11:31:56+00:00