What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth, more correctly called malocclusions, have reached epidemic proportions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 80 percent of American teenagers are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Although advances in orthodontic devices and increased availability of such devices explain part of this increase, it still means […]
The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco
Many smokers believe that chewing tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. This simply isn’t the case! In fact, smokeless tobacco can cause serious health concerns. Smokeless tobacco comes in many forms and goes by many names: dip, snuff, snus, or simply chewing tobacco. Use of these products usually involves sucking or chewing on […]
Tips to Avoid Common Problems Associated with Braces
While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated. Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural […]
Orthodontics and Whole Body Health
In recent years, many links have been established between orthodontic treatments and whole body health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, researchers have observed that people with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease or experience difficulty controlling blood sugar than people without gum disease. While researchers continue to […]
Thanksgiving
At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we love to celebrate the holidays with vigor! Dr. Mark Sundberg would love to share some unique ways of celebrating Thanksgiving from beyond the Tacoma, WA area to the national level! When Americans sit down to dinner on the last Thursday of November, the day that Abraham Lincoln designated as the […]
Top Ways to Ensure You and Your Braces Have a Good Relationship
You and your braces will become good friends over the coming months or years, so it’s important to get your relationship off to a good start. Consider the following recommendations to prevent rocky times ahead: Floss, floss, floss. Yes, it’s a pain to floss around your braces, but it’s the best way to prevent gum […]
Orthodontic Emergency Care
Although major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, when they do happen it is important to seek immediate attention. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue is something you can usually take care of yourself, or wait until your next scheduled appointment for care. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the difference between an orthodontic […]
The Intriguing History of Halloween
Halloween is fast approaching, and Dr. Mark Sundberg wanted to be sure to wish our patients a happy day, no matter how you might celebrate this holiday. The Halloween that is familiar to most people today bears little resemblance to the original Halloween; back in the “old days” it wasn’t even called Halloween! Festival of […]
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
A great smile can go a long way. Scientific research suggests that people who smile are perceived as more attractive and confident than those who don’t flash their pearly whites. When it comes time to invest in orthodontics to improve your beautiful smile, choosing the best option can be daunting. Comparing Invisalign to traditional braces […]
How does wisdom tooth removal affect orthodontic care?
The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially […]