Office Blog

Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, your dental health is critical for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chemical imbalances throughout your body, leading to changes in vitamin and mineral levels. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy, including how pregnancy affects your gums, whether pregnancy causes tooth decay, and what vitamins you need more of from Dr. Brandon Zipper at Zipper Orthodontics.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Gums?

Pregnancy does not necessarily cause gum disease or gingivitis. However, if you already have gingivitis before pregnancy, it can worsen during pregnancy. Gingivitis often increases in severity throughout pregnancy, peaking during the third trimester. Localized sores or lesions called gingival enlargements can also occur in patients who have gingivitis during pregnancy, which may bleed and cause pain. However, these symptoms usually recede a few months after birth.

Pregnancy also causes changes in the soft tissue around the gums due to changes in saliva composition, which can lead to the progression of gingivitis and an increased risk of tooth decay. Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, also increases in severity during pregnancy. Periodontitis in women is linked to premature birth and low birth weight, with studies showing that approximately 18% of premature births can be associated with periodontal disease. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good oral health throughout pregnancy and inform your dentist of your pregnancy, so they can adjust your treatment accordingly.

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If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you may be wondering how often you need to wear your aligners to see results. The truth is that patient compliance is one of the most critical factors in achieving the desired outcome of Invisalign treatment. Discover the significance of compliance during orthodontic treatment as you read on, with insights from Dr. Brandon Zipper at Zipper Orthodontics.

Wearing Your Aligners

To be effective, Invisalign aligners need to be worn as often as possible, typically for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, but the more you wear them, the faster and more successful your treatment will be. If you don’t wear your aligners consistently, your teeth may not move as intended, and treatment time may be prolonged.

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Orthodontics is often associated with improving the appearance of teeth and correcting bite issues, but did you know that it can also help with breathing and sleep disorders? In fact, orthodontic treatment can be especially beneficial for patients who suffer from asthma and sleep apnea. In this post, Dr. Brandon Zipper at Zipper Orthodontics provides valuable insights on how orthodontics fits into the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Asthma is a common respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to a host of negative symptoms in the mouth, including decreased saliva production and higher rates of malocclusion. Asthma sufferers are also more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities due to the dry mouth associated with the condition. If you have asthma, it’s important to inform your orthodontist so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

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Speech development is a critical aspect of a child’s growth and development. Communication is an essential skill that impacts academic and social success. However, speech impairments can affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively and can result in frustration, anxiety, and isolation. To learn more about how orthodontics can effectively address speech impediments, keep reading and find out how Dr. Brandon Zipper at Zipper Orthodontics can help.

Orthodontics can play a significant role in improving a child’s speech by correcting malocclusions that affect speech patterns. Malocclusions, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, can cause speech issues by impacting the tongue’s placement and regulating airflow during speech.

Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can correct these malocclusions and improve speech by altering the anatomy of the mouth. By adjusting the position of the teeth and jaws, orthodontics can help the tongue connect with the alveolar ridge correctly and regulate airflow during speech, resulting in clearer speech sounds.Read More

When it comes to braces treatment, one concern that often arises is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. Many patients wonder if this is a normal occurrence. Similarly, tooth whitening is a topic that dental professionals frequently address. If you’re seeking effective ways to whiten your teeth and maintain their shine, Dr. Brandon Zipper at Zipper Orthodontics have got you covered.

In this post, we will explore:

1. Understanding White Spot Lesions (WSLs) with Braces
2. Professional Teeth Whitening Options
3. At-Home Whitening Solutions

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The mouth is a complex and intricate part of the human body. If you’re considering braces or Invisalign, it’s important to know all about the structure of your mouth, so that you can make an informed decision about what type of treatment will work best for you! Being well-informed about the intricacies of orthodontic treatment is highly advantageous for both patients and parents. Recognizing what occurs behind the scenes can empower you to approach consultations with confidence. At Zipper Orthodontics, Dr. Brandon Zipper is dedicated to sharing crucial information to ensure you have the knowledge you need.

In This Post We’ll Cover:

• The Jaw
• The Tooth
• Orthodontic Movement

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