Dr. Bryan King lectures about Invisalign at the University of Southern Nevada

Dr. Bryan King was recently invited to lecture to the 35 orthodontic residents at University of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. Last Friday, Dr. Bryan King lectured to the orthodontic residents about how to treat difficult cases and teens with Invisalign. It was an honor for Dr. Bryan King to lecture at the university.

Our doctors and team at King Orthodontics are proud to have the expertise and experience to distinguish our orthodontic office as an Invisalign Elite Premier Provider. Please give us a call if you have any questions about Invisalign, or if you would like to schedule a free consultation appointment!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Winter is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Drs. King will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at King Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Moooooove over gum disease!

Drs. Bryan and Earle King want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Patient Question: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. King. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

King Orthodontics is proud to be a a Invisalign® Super Elite Premier Provider in Wexford and Pittsburgh, PA. Less than 1% of orthodontists are awarded this honor. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.