Good Bite vs. Bad Bite

Do you have a good bite or a bad bite?

Here is a way for you to test your bite right now. 

If you close your mouth, do your teeth tap together in a sharp, clean sound with many teeth touching at exactly the same time? When teeth bite together, this is a good bite. The opposite one is a bad bite. Bad bites are more than just unattractive; they can cause serious problems with the teeth and jaw.

A bad bite can cause mild to severe tooth pain, loose teeth, make teeth sensitive to cold and air and wear down tooth enamel. Bad bites may cause chipped, cracked and fractured teeth, as well as crowding and poor alignment of teeth. 

Sometimes bad bites can cause more pain, suffering, and destruction than tooth decay and gum disease. However, like gum disease, bad bites can be treated. 

A dentist can put together a treatment plan to turn the pain of a bad bite into a beautiful pain-free good bite. Please call our office at 702-838-0707 to learn more about the treatment and make an appointment today.

Invisalign: Clear Orthodontic Alternative

Have your teeth grown incorrectly or been pushed out of place? Many people believe that their dental conditions are too severe for Invisalign to correct. The truth is, Invisalign will work to solve your dental problem in almost every case that can be fixed by traditional braces.

As a customized and subtle alternative to braces, Invisalign's clear aligners can reverse the effects of gaps left behind by missing teeth or accelerated jaw bone growth. Invisalign also corrects common dental problems, such as crossbites, overbites, and underbites, which are caused by jaw misalignment. Overcrowding is also a common problem that occurs when the jaw space cannot adequately accommodate all of the teeth. All of these problems can be solved by both traditional braces and Invisalign aligners, but only Invisalign offers the following added benefits.

   - Invisalign's clear aligners are virtually invisible and blend in with your teeth.

   - Invisalign aligners are made of a single, flexible piece of plastic that's reported to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

   - Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, which means no eating restrictions.

Desert Orthodontics - Team Introduction

Desert Orthodontics a Family Orthodontics Office   introduces team member: Ingrid Wollin

I've been working in the Orthodontic Field here in Las Vegas for 20 years.  I've enjoyed getting to know all the families over the years and I enjoy seeing the patients show off their new smiles.  I'm originally from California and I travel back there every chance I get.  I have 2 daughters that I'm very proud of and enjoy spending time with them and friends.

If you have any questions please click Las Vegas Orthodontist or call us at 702.463.7400.

Maintaining Braces Las Vegas Orthodontics Part II

To read Part I of Maintaining Braces click here

This Christmas tree-shaped brush is specially designed for cleaning between teeth with braces. The brush fits underneath the wires of braces and can clean under them. Make sure you brush in every direction to get the food out of every crevice.

Flossing with braces is also a little more complicated. To start, fit one end under the wire and slide the floss between the teeth. Use gentle motions to loosen the food between the teeth. Be careful not to use too much force or you’ll risk damaging your braces or breaking the floss.

The best way to keep your braces and teeth looking good are to avoid certain categories of particularly destructive food. Below are some examples of food to avoid:
• Tough, hard-to-bite foods (apples, bagels, etc.)
• Chewy, sticky foods (taffy, caramel, gum, etc.)
• Crunchy foods (hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, etc.)
• Corn on the cob
• Ice

Las Vegas Orthodontist Reviews Her Approach With Patients

In the video below, orthodontist Dr. Kate T. Nguyen of Desert Orthodontics discusses the health benefits of straight teeth, as well as how she examines the health of her patients.

Dr. Nguyen reveals that patients with straight teeth benefit from less time spent flossing, as well as enhanced results which lead to a healthier smile.



In addition to seeing an Orthodontist, it is vital for patients to maintain their regular checkups with their Dentist. If you have any more questions please call us at 702.463.7400 or visit Las Vegas Orthodontist

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers Question About "Getting Braces"

Patient: "I'm 15 years old and im getting braces on soon..I have very crowded teeth and a large overbite. Im worried that i might need over things besides braces. Do you think i would need other appliances beside braces? I was also wondering how do they put braces on and what are the spacers for. I forgot to ask my ortho thses questions because i was nervous?"

Kate T. Nguyen, DDS, MS: " That's great to hear that you're getting improving your smile and the health of your teeth with braces. As for your question regarding appliances, each individual is different and it depends on your "bite" if you need appliances or not. Your orthodontist will be the best person to assess and answer that question for you. Also for spacers, they are used to make space between the teeth to fit the braces made for the back teeth, which are also called bands. And how braces are put on is a simple process of gluing the braces onto the teeth with a glue made specifically for teeth. Generally, the day you get the braces on is really easy, so don't worry too much about it. Let me know if you have any other questions!"

For more information about Desert Orthodontics click: Orthodontic Treatments or please call (702) 463.7400.

View Our Las Vegas Orthodontics Office

Invisalign and Clear Braces by Desert Orthodontics

Check out our latest video on Invisalign, we provide information on Invisible Braces for adults , Clear Removable Dental Braces, Clear Braces for adults, teens, and children

Dr. Kate T. Nguyen provides free braces consultation, as well as, $250 off braces treatment* (*restrictions apply).

Our office is located in Las Vegas, NV 89149. For any questions call us at 702.463.7400.