Malocclusion is a technical term that describes crooked teeth, and is the reason why many patients undergo orthodontic treatment. If one or more of your teeth aren’t aligned perfectly, than you may already realized the effect that misaligned teeth can have on the appearance of your smile. However, image isn’t all that crooked teeth affect. Century City orthodontist, Dr. Alpan, warns that the orientation of your teeth also influences how well your mouth works and how effective your hygiene routine is.
LA Orthodontist Discusses Braces and Gum Disease
A Close Eye on Mouth Germs Everybody’s smile relies on proper daily attention to remain clean and healthy. Your toothbrush and floss are essential to controlling the buildup of sticky dental plaque, which consists of over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria. Some of these germs pose serious, specific threats to your oral health, such … Read more
As an orthodontist, 
Occlusion describes the manner in which your teeth fit together. When your jaw is closed, your upper front teeth should protrude ever so slightly in front of your lower front teeth. The chewing surfaces of your teeth should also align comfortably with the chewing surfaces of their opposites. This balance helps your jaw move smoothly along its joints, and allows teeth to evenly disperse the pressure of your bite to minimize impact and avoid damage. When teeth aren’t aligned properly, a condition known as malocclusion, a patient’s bite is imbalanced, and teeth can become excessively worn from exposure to undue pressure. The jaw’s joints can also become damaged, leading to debilitating discomfort in the form of TMJ disorder. Whether you are suffering from malocclusion, need 
For many people, the thought of braces might immediately conjure images of children with metal brackets and wires on their teeth. The natural connotation between children and braces may, in part, be due to the fact that orthodontic treatment is often prescribed in a child’s early years. Problems with a child’s occlusion (the way teeth fit together) and bite balance can become exponentially worse as the jawbone and teeth continue to grow. With a wide variety of options and designs for children’s braces, 
With today’s impressive array of technological and dental advancements, there are few oral health issues that cannot be effectively corrected with the appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, given the extent of damage that unchecked dental diseases can cause, prevention remains the most effective method for preserving your smile, especially since teeth can’t repair themselves when compromised. Practicing good hygiene at home is the cornerstone of excellent dental health, but without regular professional care and maintenance, your toothbrush and floss may fall short of protecting your smile from dental diseases. Patients with misaligned teeth, or who wear braces to correct malocclusion, are especially at risk for dental issues, which stem from plaque that can hide between braces and the odd crevices created by crooked teeth. As 
It is never too late to perfect your smile, and straight teeth can improve an adult’s social and professional life. Still, many adults are apprehensive when making a decision to undergo an orthodontic procedure. Because of this, 
Orthodontic work corrects irregularities in the teeth, and moves them into an optimal position. Once a procedure many considered only for adolescents and teenagers, many people that did not receive orthodontic work when they were younger opt for braces later in life. However, children are still among the top candidates for braces. Dr. David Alpan, your 
Most crooked teeth are inherently visible when patients smile, their unevenness disturbing what should be a perfectly balanced arrangement of teeth. However, not all of the effects of malocclusion (crooked teeth) involve visual appearance. When left untreated, a disproportionate bite can prove devastating by forcing the components of a patient’s mouth to absorb more pressure than they were designed to withstand. Often, it can lead to debilitating discomfort in the form of TMJ disorder, which describes damaged, inflamed, and/or misaligned jaw joints. As a dedicated