Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- December (6)
- Infection Control at the Dental Office Isn't Something New
- A RPD Could Be Your Answer to Replacing Missing Teeth
- Endodontic Treatment Could Save a Tooth in Crisis
- Local Anesthesia Makes for a More Pleasant and Pain-Free Dental Experience
- Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
- Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
- November (7)
- Dental Implants Could Help You Avoid This Long-Term Effect of Losing Teeth
- Engaging in Regular Dental Appointments
- Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
- A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
- That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
- 3 Ways We Can Improve a Smile Affected by Unformed Teeth
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- October (6)
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Provide a Viable Alternative to Dental Amalgam
- Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
- A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
- There's a Quick Fix For That Irritating Mouth Sore You Keep Biting
- Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
- September (6)
- How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
- Implants Can Make It Easier to Restore Missing Teeth in Stages
- Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
- Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
- Addressing Risk Factors: Taking the Fight Against Tooth Decay to a New Level
- August (7)
- 4 Simple Things You Can Do to Stop Bad Breath
- Stop Plaque Buildup Around Your Implant-Supported Bridge With Flossing
- Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
- What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- One Dentist for Your Whole Family
- July (7)
- Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
- Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
- Think Twice Before Considering Botox for Chronic Jaw Pain Relief
- This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
- Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
- Talk With Your Dentist About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
- Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
- June (6)
- Guide Your Older Children or Teens through These 3 Oral Health Areas
- Prevention and Early Detection of Root Cavities Could Save a Tooth
- What to Do For Mouth Injuries Your Child Might Encounter
- Don't Fear the Root Canal - it Could Save Your Tooth
- Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
- Saving a Diseased Primary Tooth Could Mean Better Oral Health Later in Life
- May (7)
- Reducing Teeth Grinding Leads to Better Sleep and Better Dental Health
- Tooth Pain? Here Are Some Possible Causes
- Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
- Preserving the Pulp is Priority One with a Newly Erupted Permanent Tooth
- What is Causing My Tooth Pain?
- Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease
- Complex Mouth Conditions Call for Dental Specialties
- April (6)
- Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
- These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
- Avoid Becoming a Dental Injury Statistic - Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
- Why and How to Save a Diseased Tooth
- In These Uncertain Times, We Still Care About Your Dental Health
- A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
- March (6)
- Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
- Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- It's Best to Avoid This Online Trend for Your Enamel's Sake
- If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
- Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
- February (7)
- 4 Things to Do to Keep Your Child's Dental Development on Track
- Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
- The Importance Of Preventive Care
- Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
- Why Vaping isn't a Safe Choice for Your Oral Health
- 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
- This February, Show a Little Love to Both Your Heart and Your Gums
- January (6)
- 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
- Here's What You Can Do to Avoid Gum Disease
- Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
- Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
- Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
- Celebrating Paul Revere, Patriot and Dental Craftsman
- 2019
- December (6)
- Know the Facts to Reduce Your Child's Teething Discomfort
- Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
- Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
- Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
- Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
- Stay Vigilant with Oral Hygiene to Avoid Another Bout of Gum Disease
- November (7)
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable Going to the Dentist
- Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile
- Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
- Keep Oral Care in Focus for a Family Member With Special Needs
- Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
- October (6)
- The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
- There's Still Hope for a Re-Infected Tooth After Root Canal Treatment
- These Popular Drinks Could Put Your Enamel in Danger of Erosion
- It Takes Both You and Your Hygienist to Keep Your Smile Healthy and Beautiful
- How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
- Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
- September (6)
- Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
- Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
- 4 Ways You Can Take Years off Your Smile
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Improve Your Bone Health
- Dental Office Infection Control Protects You From Viral Infection
- August (7)
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
- Make Sure Your Kids' Teeth Are Ready for School
- You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Getting an Implant - if it's Under Control
- A Detailed 'Smile Analysis' Sets the Stage for a Successful Makeover
- July (7)
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth in the Great Outdoors
- Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
- FAQs about Root Canal Therapy
- Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
- Do a Little Extra Food Prep to Ease TMD Discomfort
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- June (6)
- Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
- Considering a Smile Makeover? Be Sure You Include Your Bite
- Smoking Could Shorten Your Implants' Longevity
- Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- Improve Your Dental Health by Mastering Your Brushing Skills
- May (6)
- Transforming Your Smile with Veneers, Step by Step
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
- Root Canal Therapy Might Just Save Your Tooth!
- Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
- Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
- April (7)
- E-Cigs Could be Just as Hazardous for Your Teeth and Gums as Cigarettes
- Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
- What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- How Dental Crowns Protect Your Teeth
- 3 Questions to Answer Before Your Smile Makeover
- Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
- March (6)
- 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- 4 Common-Sense Tactics to Lower Tooth Decay Risk Between Dental Visits
- 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
- Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
- Here's What you Need to Know about a Root Canal Treatment
- February (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Your Toothache is Telling you Something's Wrong in Your Mouth
- Take Care of Your Gums, Take Care of Your Heart
- Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
- Why the Treatment Model for Your Jaw Joint Disorder Matters
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- January (7)
- Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Invisalign
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
- 2018
- December (6)
- Early Action Needed to Save Your Tooth from Root Resorption
- An Infected or Injured Primary Tooth Can Be Saved - but it's Complicated
- Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
- Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
- A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
- Don't give up on Flossing!
- November (6)
- A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
- A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
- Tooth Troubles for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- Increase Your Implant's Success Chances by Keeping Your Gums Healthy
- A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
- October (6)
- Create a Strategy to Deal with Dental Problems to Avoid Future Expenses
- Customized Temporary Crowns let you 'Rehearse' Your Future Smile
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Dental Implants can also Support Other Traditional Restorations
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- September (7)
- 3 Reasons for Why It's a Smart Move to Invest in Dental Implants
- Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
- Does My Tooth Need To Be Extracted?
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- July (7)
- Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
- Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- June (7)
- Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Habits and Avoid Bad Ones
- Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- May (6)
- Take Steps to Treat Chronic Mouth Breathing as Early as Possible
- Keep Your Baby's Fluoride Intake within Moderate Limits
- Replace Teeth for Better Speech
- Recreational Marijuana Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
- See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Getting Dental Implants Requires Minor Surgery
- April (6)
- Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
- Signs You May Need a Filling
- If You're not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants, Consider Bridgework
- Worried about Your Child's School Snack Choices? Here's What You Can Do
- Your Teen Could get a Straighter Smile with Clear Aligners Rather than Braces
- Protect Your Smile - National Facial Protection Month
- 2017
- November (5)
- Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry
- Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
- For Your Teeth's Sake, Exercise Caution Consuming Energy or Sports Drinks
- Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
- How Effective is Your Oral Hygiene? Find Out with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- September (6)
- Your Next Dental Visit Might Save Your Life - Here's How
- Your 'Smile Makeover' Should Uniquely Reflect You
- Back-to-School Is an Excellent Time for a Dental Checkup
- A Smile Makeover Depends on Balancing Technique with Beauty
- Want Straighter Teeth?
- Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
- July (5)
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Not All Bacteria are Harmful to Oral Health
- Here are the Facts on the Impact of Metal Allergies on Dental Work
- Besides Your Health, Shingles Could Affect Your Dental Care
- You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
- June (6)
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Don't Neglect Your Flossing
- Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
- Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
- Even with Mercury, Dental Amalgam is a Safe Choice for Tooth Filling
- Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
- March (6)
- What's Causing Your Throbbing Toothache?
- A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
- Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important
- A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
- Know the Facts Before Considering Botox for Jaw Joint Pain
- A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
- 2016
- November (5)
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- Where - and How - Does it Hurt? Getting to the Source of Tooth Pain
- Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- We can Minimize Discomfort from Canker Sores with a few Basic Treatments
- October (5)
- The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
- Take Your Dentures out at Night to Extend Their Usefulness
- 3 Things to do to Prepare for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
- August (5)
- Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
- Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
- Increase Bone Mass for Dental Implants through Grafting
- Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
- See Your new Look Before Dental Work with a 'Trial Smile'
- July (5)
- You can Still have Implants with Diabetes - if you have it under Control
- Don't Forget Hidden Fluoride Sources Your Family Could be Ingesting
- Quitting Smoking Decreases Your Risk of Implant Failure
- 4 Diet Changes You Should Make for Better Oral Health
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- March (6)
- 5 Ways to Make Your Smile More Confident and Inviting
- Changes in Bone Structure can Affect Denture Fit
- Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
- Stopping Tooth Decay Could Require Root Canal Treatment
- What Is Dental Bonding?
- Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
- 2015
- December (5)
- Have Teeth or Jaw Problems Checked Before Your Next Flight or Dive
- Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Habit with These Tips
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Some Patients Might Need Antibiotics Before Routine Dental Work
- Bitewing X-Rays Provide Early Detection of Tooth Decay in Back Teeth
- July (5)
- Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
- What you can Expect if You're Undergoing Implant Surgery
- Clear Aligners Provide a Less Embarrassing Orthodontic Choice for Teens
- 3 Questions You Should Ask before Undergoing Teeth Whitening
- Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
- March (5)
- Braces and Other Orthodontic Appliances: Which Type Is Best for You?
- Eating Disorders May Contribute to Damaged Teeth and Gums
- Whiten Your Teeth For A Better First Impression
- Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
- Daily Hygiene Tasks Performed Properly Help Ensure Good Oral Health
- 2014
- August (5)
- Frequently Asked Questions about Inlays and Onlays
- Replace Missing Teeth to Prevent Other Teeth From Moving Out of Place
- Dental-Friendly Chewing Gum can be Beneficial to Your Oral Health
- Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening - Weighing Your Options
- Dental Implant Surgery is a Routine, Worry-Free Procedure
- May (5)
- The Importance of Oral Hygiene During Cancer Treatment
- Jaw Pain Could be Linked to Other Pain Causing Conditions
- Why should you visit your dentist regularly?
- Did You Know? Minor Tooth Contouring and Reshaping Can Enhance Your Smile!
- Help Your Mouth's Ability to Fight Tooth Decay With Better Hygiene and Diet
- 2013
- December (6)
- Battling Bruxism and Saving Your Teeth
- Bad Eating Habits and Oral Health in Orlando
- Taking the Stress Out of Childhood Dental Visits
- TLC for Your Toothbrush
- Treating Accessory Root Canals Improves the Chances for a Successful Tooth Recovery
- Your Body's Intolerance to Gluten can Cause Dental Problems
- 2012
- August (7)
- Seven Things You Should Know About Oral Cancer
- The Effects Ordinary Tap Water Has On Your Oral Health
- How Modern Dental Fillings Mimic Real Teeth
- Matching Game: Which Smile Design Technique Is Right for You?
- Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
- Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Dentures
- How Do Clear Orthodontic Aligners Work?
- 2011
Tags
- dental implants (62)
- cosmetic dentistry (65)
- oral sedation (3)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- dental anxiety (3)
- oral hygiene (67)
- oral health (96)
- common symptoms (9)
- periodontal (gum) disease (5)
- missing tooth (3)
- replacing teeth (2)
- dental implant (14)
- diabetes (5)
- smile makeover (36)
- sports dentistry (3)
- dental emergencies (4)
- dental injuries (9)
- mouthguards (5)
- laser dentistry (3)
- veneers (13)
- celebrity smiles (5)
- dentures (10)
- chipped tooth (1)
- bonding (4)
- crowns (7)
- wedding day smiles (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- x-rays (5)
- tooth decay (29)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- dental hygiene (3)
- teeth whitening (19)
- bad breath (9)
- nutrition (11)
- fluoride (4)
- oral cancer (2)
- sealants (1)
- pediatric dentistry (28)
- sleep apnea (6)
- snoring (6)
- sleep (2)
- sensitive teeth (4)
- invisalign (7)
- orthodontics (13)
- clear orthodontic aligners (3)
- braces (9)
- tooth colored fillings (3)
- fillings (7)
- gum disease (18)
- periodontal disease (2)
- heart disease (1)
- tmd (2)
- tmj (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- dental health tips (2)
- bridgework (3)
- mouthguard (2)
- tooth wear (4)
- grinding (1)
- bone grafting (5)
- dental injury (5)
- dental emergency (2)
- root canal (14)
- fun dental facts (1)
- dental fillings (2)
- brushing (2)
- wedding day smile (2)
- bleeding gums (2)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- flossing (3)
- tooth pain (10)
- toothache (7)
- discolored teeth (1)
- bleaching (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- prepless veneers (1)
- overdentures (1)
- toothpaste (2)
- Orlando (1)
- Infants (1)
- Cavity (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- gluten (1)
- accessory root canals (1)
- Bad Eating Habits (1)
- bruxism (1)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- crown (5)
- furcation (1)
- tooth contouring (1)
- Dentistry (1)
- jaw pain (3)
- xylitol (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- porcelain veneers (17)
- Dental Cleanings (3)
- Cleanings (1)
- smoking (3)
- tongue scraper (1)
- invisible braces (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- local anesthesia (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- saliva (1)
- tmj disorders (7)
- Dental Bonding (2)
- orthodontic treatment (9)
- antibiotics (3)
- stress (1)
- dental care (4)
- clear aligners (5)
- smile design (3)
- bacteria (2)
- medications (1)
- sinus surgery (2)
- Crowns and Bridges (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- extractions (5)
- teeth grinding (2)
- root canal treatment (29)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- tooth extraction (4)
- tooth staining (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- blood pressure (2)
- partial denture (5)
- bridge (3)
- dental visits (1)
- root resorption (3)
- missing teeth (4)
- cancer (2)
- shingles (2)
- metal allergies (1)
- dental visit (1)
- sugar (1)
- family dentist (1)
- canker sore (1)
- adult braces (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- restorative dentistry (1)
- dental treatment (1)
- gerd (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- teething (1)
- pain management (1)
- vaping (2)
- Preventive Care (1)
- tooth extractions (1)
- oral heath (1)
- composite resin (1)
- dental specialists (1)
- Family Dentistry (1)
- dry socket (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- Regular Dental Appointments (1)

Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
Orlando, FL 32812

My Blog
Posts for tag: braces

We treat most malocclusions (bad bites) with braces or clear aligners. But not all malocclusions are alike — some can require extra procedures to achieve successful results.
One such example is when incoming teeth crowd other teeth and cause them to erupt abnormally. The crowding also reduces the space needed to move the misaligned teeth to better positions. To make more room we'll often remove some of the teeth before undertaking orthodontics.
The key is to extract the right teeth. The best candidates are those whose absence will have minimal effect on both appearance and dental function. That's commonly the bicuspids, located right on the edge of the “smile zone” (the teeth most visible when we smile) between the cuspid (eye) teeth and the back molars.
Once we choose and remove the teeth our next concern is to protect the bone at the extraction site. The bone in our jaws benefits from the pressure created when we bite or chew. This stimulates new bone cells to form and replace older cells. Without it, as when we have a missing tooth, the amount of bone can diminish over time and affect the success of any future orthodontics.
To prevent this, we take care not to damage the gums and bone removing the tooth. We may also install a graft under the empty socket to encourage bone growth.
If we've removed teeth outside the smile zone, the resulting orthodontics will move teeth into the opened space. In the end, you won't even notice they're gone. Teeth lost or congenitally missing in the smile zone, though, may eventually require a replacement tooth. A dental implant is the best choice, but it should be put on hold for a younger person until their jaw has fully developed.
In the meantime, we can install a spacer or a temporary restoration to hold the empty space and prevent other teeth from drifting into it. This can be incorporated into braces or aligners, or with a removable partial denture or a temporary modified bridge.
Extracting teeth to aid orthodontics first requires a well-laid plan that could encompass several years. The end result, though, can be well worth the time and effort — better function and a new, attractive smile.
If you would like more information on the process of straightening teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Removal for Orthodontic Reasons.”
Do you wish you had straighter teeth? Does your misaligned smile make you feel as though you need to cover your mouth when you laugh? Straightening your teeth with orthodontic care is easier than ever with your Orlando, FL dentist. Learn more about orthodontic care and straightening your smile with Dr. Marcia Martinez.
How does orthodontic care work?
No matter which style braces you choose, the basic idea remains the same. Braces use slight pressure placed onto the teeth to move them into their new positions. Every few weeks, your dentist will tweak the tightness or positioning of the braces to adjust the pressure placed on the teeth. Dentists usually recommend braces for patients over the age of 12, though some patients may require earlier care to guide their still-growing teeth and jaws before further problems arise. The proper care is crucial to your end result, as tooth decay or gum disease could increase treatment times or cause other issues. Patients should have a committed at-home oral care routine consisting of brushing at least twice and flossing at least once a day.
What are my options for orthodontic care?
When you envision braces, you may first envision traditional metal braces. Metal brackets attached permanently to the teeth throughout treatment hold metal wires, held on by rubber bands. However, this method, while the most well known, is not your only option. Invisalign and other aligner-based orthodontic methods use clear, plastic aligner trays to move the teeth. The trays place the required pressure onto the teeth rather than relying on the metal wires of traditional braces. Ceramic, tooth-colored braces use the same general idea as metal braces, but replace the obvious metal parts with more subtle materials.
Orthodontic Care in Orlando, FL
Orthodontics treat many dental issues, including misaligned or crooked teeth, uneven teeth, overcrowded or overlapped teeth, under crowded or gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, cross bite, open bite, and more. If you think you could benefit from braces, you should consult with your dentist to determine if this is the best course of treatment for you.
For more information on orthodontics in the Orlando, FL area, please contact Dr. Martinez. Call (407) 273-6620 to schedule your consultation for braces today!

Orthodontic treatment is a big investment. But given the benefits for future good health and a more attractive smile, it's well worth it.
In the here and now, though, braces wearers face a different threat to their dental well-being — dental disease. Wearing braces can actually increase the risk of disease and make it more difficult to fight.
Tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, the two most common forms of dental disease, usually arise from plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces. The bacteria produce acid, which erodes enamel and makes the teeth susceptible to decay. Certain bacteria can also infect the gums and eventually weaken their attachment to teeth. Thorough brushing and flossing everyday removes this disease-triggering plaque buildup.
But braces' hardware can make brushing and flossing more difficult. The brackets attached to the teeth and wires laced through them make it more difficult for floss and brush bristles to access all the areas around the teeth. Plaque can build up in certain spots; it's estimated braces wearers have two to three times the plaque of a person not wearing braces. Acid can also remain in contact with some of the enamel surface for too long.
It's important, therefore, if you wear braces to make a concerted effort to brush and floss thoroughly. Besides improving technique and taking more time, you might also consider additional aids. You can obtain toothbrushes specially designed for use with braces, as well as floss holders or threaders that make it easier to access between teeth. Another flossing alternative is an oral irrigator that sprays water under pressure between teeth is an alternative to flossing.
As a precaution against acid damage, we can boost enamel protection with additional fluoride applied to your teeth. We may also prescribe antibacterial rinses to keep the bacteria population low.
Above all, be sure to look out for signs of disease like swollen or bleeding gums or pain. As soon as you sense something out of the ordinary, be sure and contact us.
If you would like more information on keeping your teeth disease-free while wearing braces, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”
Changing your smile with orthodontic care is one of the most obvious ways to overhaul and renew your look. With options like Invisalign, which uses unnoticeable, clear aligner trays instead of metal brackets and wires, you can straighten your smile efficiently and subtly. But how does Invisalign work? What is the science behind this virtually invisible orthodontic treatment? Find out with Dr. Marcia Martinez in Orlando, FL.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses the same principals as traditional braces to move the teeth. Just the right amount of pressure applied to the teeth moves them into their desired positions. However, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays rather than metal brackets and wires. This gives you the freedom to realign your smile and correct your bite discreetly and effectively. Additionally, Invisalign is completely removable, allowing you to easily clean and care for your teeth and giving you the freedom to eat the foods you love without the hassle of traditional braces.
The Science Behind Invisalign
The design of Invisalign’s aligner trays is based on a calculated prediction of where the teeth will move throughout treatment. The basis for this prediction comes from a 3D model of your mouth taken to your dentist. The series of trays, worn one after another, place pressure onto the teeth little by little. Your dentist may place tooth-colored bumps called attachments onto the teeth to further aid in the distribution of pressure. Attachments help some teeth move more or less than others.
Invisalign Treatment in Orlando, FL
A good candidate for Invisalign is in good general and dental health and would like to commit to improving their smile. Patients should wear Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, making their commitment to the treatment crucial in achieving a positive result.
For more information on Invisalign or how it works, please contact Dr. Marcia Martinez in Orlando, FL. Call (407) 273-6620 to schedule your consultation for Invisalign with Dr. Martinez today!
Ready to get a straighter smile? Find out how Invisalign could give you the smile you want more discreetly.
For many teens and adults, the thought of wearing big metal braces in front of classmates and colleagues may have them just learning to live with their crooked smile. But what if your Orlando dentist Dr. Marcia Martinez told you that there was a way to get the smile you want without wearing bulky and obvious braces? Well, there certainly is a way when you choose Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
This revolutionary system provides a more aesthetically pleasing way to straighten smiles without the need for metal brackets and wires. Instead, a series of custom-made clear trays are created to help shift teeth into the proper position.
Since Invisalign aligners are made from nearly invisible plastic it is the perfect solution for working professionals and teens in high school and college who don’t want others to notice their braces. Of course, before you decide to get Invisalign in Orlando it’s important that you find out if you are the ideal candidate for this treatment.
Who Should Consider Invisalign?
While this cosmetic treatment is a great option for many of our patients, it isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes traditional braces end up being the only option for getting the results you desire. By scheduling a consultation with our general dentist in Orlando you can quickly find out whether Invisalign is right for your smile needs.
Whether Invisalign is right for you will depend on the type of dental issues you are looking to correct. Crooked teeth, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth can often be treated with these clear aligners. However, if you are looking to correct more serious jaw positions, you might get better results with regular braces.
Also, because Invisalign trays are removable you’ll also need to be ready to stay committed to your treatment. It may be tempting to remove your aligners but in order to get the best results you should leave them in for at least 22 hours out of the day. While aligners can be removed prior to eating, drinking or brushing your teeth, they should stay on the rest of the time. By not wearing them often enough you risk slowing down your treatment’s progress.
Who doesn’t want a straighter smile? If you want to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment then it’s time you called our Orlando, FL dental office for a consultation. Call Dr. Martinez today!