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"Unlock Your Best Smile: The Ultimate New Year's Resolution"

As we embark on a new year, many of us reflect on the changes we want to make to improve our lives. While resolutions often revolve around fitness, career, or personal growth, one aspect that is often overlooked is the power of a great smile. A beautiful, confident smile can have a profound impact on our overall well-being, and what better way to kick off the year than by prioritizing your oral health? In this blog post, we explore the importance of a stunning smile as a New Year's resolution and why getting your teeth straightened at an orthodontist might be the key to unlocking your best self. The Power of a Smile: A smile is more than just a facial expression; it's a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people. A confident smile can boost your mood, enhance your self-esteem, and even positively influence the way others perceive you. Research has shown that smiling triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, creating a r

How to floss with braces

  Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but when you have braces, it can be a bit tricky. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, leading to cavities and other dental problems. In this article, we'll discuss two ways to floss with braces: using traditional floss and using a water flosser. Flossing with traditional floss: Step 1: Get a floss threader. A floss threader is a small, flexible tool that helps you thread floss through the wire of your braces. You can find them at most drug stores. Step 2: Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Step 3: Thread the floss through the threader, then guide the threader under the wire of your braces. Step 4: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and glide it up and down between your teeth, making a C-shape around each tooth. Step 5: Repeat the process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time. Flossing with a water flosser: A water flosser is a device that use

What is Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment?

  Orthodontic treatment is a specialized dental service that focuses on correcting problems related to tooth and jaw alignment. It is typically divided into two phases: Phase 1, which occurs during childhood or early adolescence, and Phase 2, which occurs during adolescence or adulthood. Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically recommended for individuals who have completed Phase 1 treatment, or for those who did not receive Phase 1 treatment and require more comprehensive correction. It usually involves the use of braces or clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions, improve bite function and aesthetics. The ideal age range for Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is between 12 and 18 years old, when the permanent teeth have fully emerged and the jawbone has stopped growing. However, it is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment, as some adults can also benefit from Phase 2 treatment to correct their bite or improve their smile. At our office, Dr. Leung o

What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment

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Phase I orthodontic treatment, also known as early interceptive treatment, is a type of orthodontic treatment that is performed on children. In this blog post, we'll discuss what phase I orthodontic treatment is, why it may be necessary, and how it is performed. Phase I orthodontic treatment is performed on children who still have primary teeth or a mix of primary and permanent teeth. The purpose of this treatment is to correct or prevent dental issues that may become more severe as the child's permanent teeth come in. Phase I treatment is typically recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase I orthodontic treatment may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as to correct bite problems, to create more space in the mouth for permanent teeth, or to prevent dental issues from developing. By addressing these issues early on, the child can avoid more complex and costly treatment in the future. During phase I orthodontic treatment, the child may wear braces or o

What are orthodontic braces?

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  Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. They consist of brackets, bands, wires, and other orthodontic components that work together to apply controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct position. Orthodontic problems such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth can all be corrected with braces. The treatment process typically takes between 18 and 36 months, depending on the severity of the case and the age of the patient. Let's take a closer look at how braces work to straighten teeth. Placing the Brackets The first step in the braces treatment process is to place the brackets on the teeth. Brackets are small, square-shaped metal or ceramic pieces that are attached to the front of the teeth using a special dental adhesive. Attaching the Archwire Once the brackets are in place, an archwire is threaded through them and secured

Meet Dr. Brian Leung

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  Dr. Brian Leung is a highly skilled and accomplished orthodontist with over a decade of experience in the field. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. He went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. After completing his dental training, Dr. Leung pursued advanced 3 year training in orthodontics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he received his Certificate in Orthodontics. Dr. Leung is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and is dedicated to continuing education to keep up to date with the latest technologies in orthodontics. An engineer at heart, Dr. Leung enjoys creating and implementing treatment plans that maybe less traditional especially for patients who present a more challenging case. Dr. Leung is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to his patients, and he t

What is the difference between a general dentist and orthodontist?

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  Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and that's where dental professionals come in. When it comes to dental care, there are different types of dental professionals who specialize in various fields. Two of the most common dental professionals are general dentists and orthodontists. Although these professionals provide dental care, their roles and expertise differ. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between general dentists and orthodontists. General Dentists General dentists are dental professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage overall oral health. They provide various services, such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, and crowns. Their main goal is to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. General dentists often provide preventive care to patients, which includes regular check-ups and cleanings. They may also provide treatments for common dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you have a dental emerg