top of page
Orthodontic & Orofacial Health Insights
Educational articles written by an orthodontic specialist addressing orthodontic diagnosis, facial growth, jaw function, airway considerations, and related clinical topics. Content is informational and not a substitute for individualized care.
Featured Article
TMJ Clicking: Evidence, Causes, Imaging Considerations, and Natural Course
TMJ Clicking: Evidence, Causes, Imaging Considerations, and Natural Course
General educational information provided on this page does not constitute a diagnosis or an individualized treatment recommendation.
TMJ Clicking: Evidence, Causes, Imaging Considerations, and Natural Course
General educational information provided on this page does not constitute a diagnosis or an individualized treatment recommendation.
Snoring, Mouth Breathing, and Sleep Apnea: Orthodontic Considerations
Snoring and mouth breathing are common findings that may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These conditions may affect behavior, physical growth, and cognitive performance in children and may contribute to long-term health risks in adults. Orthodontic evaluations may identify craniofacial or dental features associated with airway restriction. Medical diagnosis of OSA is established by a physician, typically through a sleep s
Dental Crowding, Spacing, and Black Triangles: Developmental and Anatomical Consideration
Introduction Black triangles, also referred to as open gingival embrasures, are triangular spaces that may appear between adjacent teeth near the gumline when the interdental papilla does not completely fill the embrasure. Although often considered an esthetic concern, these spaces can contribute to food impaction, difficulty with oral hygiene, increased plaque retention, and, in some individuals, alterations in speech. Black triangles are not caused by braces or aligners. In
Mouth Breathing in Children: Clinical Considerations for Parents
Mouth breathing in children is sometimes regarded as a benign habit. However, persistent mouth breathing may be associated with patterns of craniofacial growth, dental development, and sleep-related breathing concerns that warrant clinical evaluation. In orthodontic practice, children who present with dental crowding, narrow maxillary arches, or crossbites may also demonstrate altered breathing patterns. These findings may coexist but do not establish causation in isolation.
Orthodontic Therapies in the Context of Breathing Disorders
Introduction Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) refers to a spectrum of conditions characterized by impaired airflow during sleep. These conditions may be associated with disrupted sleep architecture, daytime fatigue, behavioral changes, cardiovascular strain, and developmental concerns, particularly in children. Medical diagnosis and management of SDB, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are directed by physicians and are commonly established through sleep studies. For in
What are refinement aligners?
Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is planned using digital software to design a sequence of aligners intended to move teeth and coordinate the bite in staged increments. Despite detailed digital planning, tooth movement does not always occur exactly as predicted. Variability in biological response, aligner fit, and patient wear can result in differences between planned and achieved tooth positions. For this reason, refinement aligners are commonly incorporated into al
When Is the Appropriate Time to Consider Tooth Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment?
Following orthodontic treatment, the timing of tooth whitening should be determined based on the health and stability of the teeth and surrounding periodontal tissues. Immediately after appliance removal, some patients may present with gingival inflammation, enamel demineralization in the form of white spot lesions, or untreated carious lesions. Whitening agents can increase tooth sensitivity and may exacerbate these conditions if applied prematurely. Before proceeding with t
Aesthetic Gingival Recontouring
Gingival aesthetics contribute to the overall visual assessment of a completed orthodontic case. Excessive gingival display, asymmetry of gingival contours, and disproportionate clinical crown heights or widths may influence the perceived balance and harmony of an otherwise well-aligned dentition. These features reflect variations in gingival anatomy and tooth–gingiva relationships rather than orthodontic tooth position alone. In the maxillary anterior region, the position an
bottom of page