Doctor’s Corner

Many infants suck their fingers, thumbs, or a pacifier.  This is as part of their normal development.  Unfortunately if these habits are not stopped by a certain age, they can cause damage to developing teeth and jaws.  The general age that any oral habit should stop is age 2, this is the age when all [...]

This is a question that Dr. Galkin gets asked all of the time.  Retainers are given to orthodontic patients at the completion of treatment to keep their teeth from relapsing or shifting out of place.  There is no time during one’s life when their teeth become “set in stone” and do not need need retainers [...]

Yes, all sports can be played while undergoing orthodontic treatment.  Although some additional precautions need to be taken.  Since braces and wires are made of metal, a mouthguard should be worn during all sports/activities that may produce contact to the mouth.  Wearing a mouthguard protects the lips and gums from any damage that may occur [...]

This is a question that Dr. Galkin get alot.  After college, anyone interested in becoming an orthodontist must first attend dental school.  Dental school is 4 years total.  Many dental graduates choose to specialize and orthodontics is one of the many specialties that exist.  Specialty training varies depending on the school that one attends and the specialty [...]

The answer is maybe.  10 years ago, when Invisalign first become prominent in the dental world, the answer was no.  But over the past couple of years, Invisalign has developed a product called “Invisalign Teen.”  It is not for all teenagers.  But for teenagers that fit the criteria, it is a great way to avoid [...]

The answer to this question is yes.  Even though a tooth may have a filling or crown on it, it still can be moved.  The roots of these teeth are still present and this is why tooth movement will still work.  Braces can be bonded or “glued” to fillings or crowns.  The adhesives or “glues” that the [...]

This is a question that Dr. Galkin hears all of the time.  The textbook answer is age 12.  But not every child acts like a textbook.  What that means is that age 12 is an average and there are some children that gets all of their permanent teeth before age 12 and some who get [...]

The answer is yes!  Oral hygiene is important for everyone and is just as important if you are wearing braces.  First braces and wires can make be a trap for plaque (which cause cavities and gum disease) and make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.  Seeing your regular dentist can help patients with the necessary maintenance [...]

This is a question that Dr. Galkin gets asked all of the time.  Because of the force that is necessary to move teeth; braces are made out of stainless steel or a ceramic material, both which do not have color to them.  But the good news is that the elastic ligatures or “donuts” that hold [...]

Yes!  The fact that braces and wires are on your teeth and making it harder to keep your teeth and gums clean and cavity free makes it a must to see your regular dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment.  Even though braces and wires are attached to your teeth, the dentist and his staff can still clean around [...]