Will Braces Change My Facial Structure?

If you’re interested in getting braces for yourself, chances are, you’re doing it to achieve a better looking, healthier smile. And sometimes, the shifting of the teeth does cause slight changes in the shape of your face.

After all, your teeth are part of your face! (Along with your other facial tissue and bone structure.) Particularly if you have maloclussion—misalignment of the teeth—it is quite possible that your new smile will make your face look a little different. However, these changes almost always work to bring more balance to your facial features and add up to an overall more attractive appearance. In fact, many orthodontic treatments were designed to improve unbalanced facial features.

For example, if you have a protruding mouth or chin, wearing braces that are properly aligned by a skilled orthodontist can absolutely correct the problem. You may even see noticeable changes in your profile and jawline within the first year of wearing braces—so not only will you have a straighter smile, but you’ll also have a perfectly proportioned face!

If you’re especially worried about major changes to your facial structure, consider lingual braces—installed behind the teeth, they’re 100% customizable and result in straight teeth without making drastic, negative changes to the shape of your mouth or jaw. These are a great choice for adults who are hesitant about having metal wires and brackets wrapped in front of their teeth.

To schedule an appointment with Tina Reed Orthodontics, call us today at 412.421.8565 or click here to send our staff a message.

What “Causes” Bad Teeth?

It’s completely normal and common for new patients to come in feeling a little embarrassed about their teeth. Having teeth that you don’t feel confident showing off can be a big source of stress and some patients may even take it personally that they don’t have the most perfect teeth in the world from the get-go.

But new research tells us that we actually have very little control over our teeth—we are born with them, after all. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have determined that genetics are in fact the most important factor when it comes to your teeth. However, of course we do have some control—brushing regularly, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods are great ways to make the most out of the teeth that you do have.

Here are some of the key facts courtesy of CNN.com:

About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors, says Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

The other 40% has to do with environment: diet, brushing frequency, smoking habits, dental care access, culture, even socioeconomic factors, according to Robert J. Weyant, chairman of the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Dental Public Health.

So far, the single biggest environmental factor scientists have identified that encourages tooth decay is the consumption of sugary drinks, Weyant said. Any sugary treat can hurt, but sugary drinks are particularly adept at spreading sugar to every corner of your mouth to feed the bacteria that cause decay.

Click here to read the full article on CNN.com.

To schedule an appointment with Tina Reed Orthodontics, call us today at 412.421.8565 or click here to send our staff a message.

Fourth of July Festivities in Pittsburgh

With July 4 approaching, Pittsburghers are gearing up for a busy weekend of Independence Day Celebrations. And fortunately, there’s lots going on!

Year after year, the Three Rivers Regatta is one of the biggest, most fun events celebrating our rivers and some of our city’s most talented people. Here’s some info on this year’s Regatta, courtesy of WTAE:

Highlights will include the F-2 Powerboat North American Championships, the K9 Crew Frisbee Dog Show, a BMX stunt show, the Anything That Floats competition and a Zambelli fireworks show to light up the sky over the Golden Triangle on the Fourth.

Previously announced was Pogopalooza, the annual world championship of extreme pogo, featuring high-flying stunts and flips by competitors from the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe.

Or, if you’re more of a night owl and are really looking forward to this year’s fireworks display, there are lots of secret and not-so-secret spots that’ll give you a great view. About.com’s Pittsburgh section gathered some of the best fireworks viewing spots in the city:

• If you like your fireworks up close and personal, then head downtown early to stake out a lawn spot at Point State Park where the fountain is finally up and running again!
• Great lawn spots are also available on the North Shore riverfront. Parking may be at a premium, so to avoid the worst of the crowds try parking in one of the downtown Pittsburgh garages and then walk over the Roberto Clemente Bridge to the North Shore.
• For a true front seat view, Kayak Pittsburgh offers a special 4th of July paddle. The fun begins with a leisurely paddle upstream at 7:00 p.m., and then a float back to the Point at sunset for a gorgeous view of the fireworks. Cost is $70.00 for Venture Outdoors members and $95.00 for non-members.
• There's a front row seat waiting for you at the Carnegie Science Center too. For $39.00 per person, you can enjoy a special evening of activities at the Science Center's Fireworks Blowout, plus a guaranteed spot for spectacular views of the fireworks from the lawn! For a premium, you can even stake out seats atop the U.S.S. Requim, or the roof of the Science Center.

Click here to read the full article!