The Jorgensen Orthodontics Blog

Will having teeth removed ruin my face?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on May 12th, 2012

I was recently scanning the question-answer section of a popular online health website. I’m interested in the questions by consumers seeking dental advice for themselves and their children. I am sometimes surprised by the answers given by the so-called experts. (By the way, these experts only qualification seems to be that they can fill out an online registration form… I know because I’ve done it myself.) In response to the question “Will having teeth removed ruin my face?” the “expert” (a general dentist with no orthodontic training) gave an emphatic, unqualified “YES! Avoid having teeth removed at all costs!” Hang…

Do Dental X-rays Really Cause Brain Tumors?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on April 29th, 2012

A recent article in the journal Cancer suggested that having routine bitewing x-rays at dental checkups may cause a certain type of benign brain tumor (a meningioma). This article was picked up by the New York Times and then reported by most major news media including CNN and Fox News. Using dental x-rays in my practice every day, this article naturally caught my attention. Here’s how the study was performed. Two groups of patients between the ages of 20 and 79 were interviewed. They were asked to remember how many dental x-rays they had received at the following ages: less…

Why do I need teeth removed for my braces?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on April 16th, 2012

“I want a perfect smile, but I don’t want any teeth removed!” This is one of the most common things that I hear from patients during their initial exam in my office. Why do orthodontists recommend that some patients have teeth removed but not others? Why are teeth sometimes extracted as part of having braces? All of us have two sets of teeth, primary (baby) and permanent (adult). One of the first things your orthodontist will do at your initial consultation is take inventory of which teeth are in your mouth. Although everyone is different, baby teeth usually fall out…

Three Reasons Your Orthodontic Braces Are Still On

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on March 25th, 2012

Getting your braces on is exciting, but getting them off is the best day ever! Your orthodontist most likely gave you an estimated treatment time before your braces went on. If that day has come and gone, you are probably wondering why your braces are still on. Here are three possible reasons.

Is All Orthodontic Treatment The Same?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on March 11th, 2012

An attractive, healthy smile is an asset that can last a lifetime. Not only will orthodontic treatment influence how you feel about yourself, it will also contribute to how healthy and stable your teeth are in the long run. Awarding “the contract” to the right orthodontist for your family is too important to simply accept the lowest bid. All smiles are not created equally and just because a dentist has a license is no guarantee that you’ll be happy with the results. Here are four things you may want to consider as you choose your orthodontist: First, consider the organization…