Will my insurance pay for this?

At Valley Ridge Dental, we believe that financial concerns should not dictate the decisions you make as far as the dental treatment you might need. As a professional, Dr. Katie Daniels’s job is to provide you with knowledge of the condition of your mouth and options to achieve optimal dental health. We accept nearly all forms of insurance, but sometimes insurance will not cover the cost of needed treatment. Rest assured that our knowledgeable staff will do all they can to make sure your insurance benefits are maximized. For your portion of the treatment cost, we offer a variety of payment options, including third-party financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance as well as credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you have any questions or concerns about paying for treatment, we invite you to give us a call before your appointment so we can go over your options.

I'm nervous. How do you handle dental anxiety?

We try to keep our environment relaxed and personal. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs, and we take the time to get to know our patients so that they feel comfortable and confident in their provider. If someone needs a little extra TLC, we make sure we have the time set aside to do that. Our in-office amenities are also designed to keep our patients happy and calm. These include aromatherapy and paraffin hand wax treatments to help you relax. To keep you distracted and entertained while you are in the treatment room, we offer music. We can talk to you about anesthesia options before treatment to ensure you are completely comfortable. For those patients who are particularly anxious, we are able to provide nitrous oxide — also called laughing gas — to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is breathed in through a mask similar to the way oxygen is administered. Its effects are mild, and you will still be fully conscious and able to speak to Dr. Daniels and the rest of our team during treatment. Because nitrous oxide exits the body almost immediately once we remove the mask, you will be able to drive yourself back to work or home after treatment. Rest assured that our knowledgeable staff will do all they can to make sure your insurance benefits are maximized. For your portion of the treatment cost, we offer a variety of payment options, including third-party financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance as well as credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you have any questions or concerns about paying for treatment, we invite you to give us a call before your appointment so we can go over your options.

My teeth are in bad shape. Have you ever seen teeth this bad?

We never want anyone who comes to see us to feel embarrassed about their smile, and we don’t want you to feel anxious about seeing the dentist if it’s been a while since your last appointment. You can feel confident in the fact that we are a judgment-free practice! We are just happy you are taking that first step toward dental health and have chosen us to help you. We have seen a wide range of conditions and are experienced in treating these to help patients achieve a healthy mouth and smile. We can’t change the past, but we can certainly alter the future of your oral health by taking care of your teeth and gums today. After a thorough cleaning and examination, Dr. Katie Daniels will talk to you about any needed treatment. She can answer any questions you might have about proper oral home care. She will also recommend that you plan to see us at least twice a year in the future. Don’t let fear get in the way of protecting your oral health. Make an appointment for an examination and cleaning so we can help lay the foundation for a healthy mouth.

Do you accept payment plans?

We accept the following third-party payment options: CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance. Both offer low- and no-cost financing so you can get the treatment you need while still staying within your budget with monthly payments. For your convenience, we also accept most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you pay upfront for treatment or you are a senior citizen with no dental insurance, we are pleased to offer a cash discount off of services. We don’t want financial worries to get in the way of you getting the dental treatment you need to enjoy optimal oral health. If you would like to talk about payment options, please take a moment with one of our team members so they can review your options. They are very knowledgeable and can walk you through a variety of scenarios. It’s also important to remember that coming to the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings can save you money in the long run. When we see you regularly, we can detect dental problems while they are still small and easier—and less expensive—to treat. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

What is a cavity and how did I get one?

Cavities occur when the bacteria in our mouths eat the food and sugars that have been left on our teeth. When they do this, they create acid, which dissolves the enamel on our teeth. Our saliva buffers this acid and remineralizes the enamel. When this process is out of balance, a cavity forms. Individuals with dry mouth, which can be caused by medication side effects or medical conditions, are therefore more prone to cavities. To prevent cavities, we can minimize the amount of sugary and starchy food we consume, remove the bacteria from our teeth with good brushing and flossing habits, and strengthen our teeth with fluoride, which makes the enamel more resistant to the acid created by the bacteria. It’s also true that some people are simply more prone to developing cavities than others. By coming to our office twice each year for examinations and cleanings, we are better able to spot tooth decay while it is still small. A filling will keep the decay from growing—and it will protect the health of your tooth. Skipping dental appointments means risking that an untreated cavity will grow, eventually creating a need for more invasive treatment, such as a root canal.

I brush and floss my teeth every day; why do I need to come in to have my teeth cleaned regularly?

Even with the most diligent care at home and regular brushing and flossing, our teeth will still build up tartar or calculus. Calculus is hardened plaque on teeth that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. It is important to have this removed regularly by a dental hygienist to prevent gum disease. Along with your teeth cleaning at your regular check-up, you will also receive a thorough examination from Dr. Katie Daniels. She will check for tooth decay in addition to reviewing the overall health of your teeth and gums. Gum disease often presents with no symptoms whatsoever, and the only way to know for sure that your gums are healthy is to see your dentist. Dr. Daniels will also perform an oral cancer screening at these routine appointments; early detection means more successful treatment. Additionally, she will take the time to check the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for problems as well as examine the bone supporting your teeth. In dentistry, prevention is crucial, and seeing us twice each year for cleanings and examinations can help us stay ahead of any problems. When routine care occurs, issues that do arise can be detected—and treated—while they are still small ones. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, give us a call today!

How Misaligned Teeth and Jaw Impact Oral Health: Causes, Problems and Fixes

Did you know that around 9 out of 10 people have teeth that are at least a little misaligned? This common condition, called malocclusion, happens when the teeth or jaws don’t line up the way they should. While most people have some degree of malocclusion, it becomes a problem when it significantly affects oral function, health, or aesthetics. When your bite isn’t right, some teeth may take on more pressure than others, leading to uneven wear or jaw muscle strain, which can cause pain or discomfort.

Apart from being a cosmetic concern, misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew or speak clearly and might even lead to long-term dental issues. This article explores the different types of malocclusion, their possible causes, how misalignment can affect your jaw and overall oral health, and the treatment options available to correct it.

Types of Misalignment

Tooth misalignment can vary in form and severity. Here are some of the most common types of teeth misalignment seen in both children and adults:

Overbite: The upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth. A deep overbite may give the face a slightly convex appearance and can cause wear on the lower teeth or even damage to the gums behind the upper front teeth.
Underbite: The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. This gives the face a concave profile and can affect chewing and speaking, while also increasing the risk of jaw joint issues.
Crowding: Occurs when there isn’t enough space in the dental arch for all the teeth to erupt properly, causing them to overlap or twist. It may be due to early loss of baby teeth, genetic factors, or having larger teeth in a smaller jaw.
Spacing: Extra space between teeth, which can occur if teeth are missing, smaller than average, or if the jaw is oversized. This may affect aesthetics and sometimes speech.
Open Bite: A vertical gap between the upper and lower teeth when the back teeth are closed. This can affect chewing and speaking, and may be linked to habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Crossbite: One or more of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It can occur at the front (anterior crossbite) or back (posterior crossbite) and may cause uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, or facial asymmetry if untreated.

Reasons for Misaligned Teeth

Several factors, ranging from genetics to childhood habits, can contribute to teeth becoming misaligned. In fact, it’s more common today than in past generations. The causes include:

Genetics: A small jaw or abnormal skeletal development passed through genes significantly increases the risk of malocclusion.

Prolonged Bottle Feeding and Pacifier Use: Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to develop malocclusion. Prolonged bottle feeding or pacifier use affects muscular development around the mouth, increasing the risk of misalignment.

Thumb Sucking: Common in children for comfort, this habit alters the arch shape from a natural “U” to a “V,” reducing eruption space and leading to overbite or open bite.

Mouth Breathing: Often caused by allergies or enlarged tonsils, this habit affects jaw growth, leading to high-arched palates and narrow arches, which can lead to crowding.

Dietary Habits: Soft and processed diets reduce jaw stimulation in children. As a result, the jaw may develop smaller than normal, while the teeth remain the same size, increasing the risk of crowding and misalignment.

Genetic Disorders and Syndromes: Conditions like Down syndrome or cleft lip and palate affect normal jaw development, often leading to misalignment that requires orthodontic treatment later on.

Early Loss of Milk Teeth: Milk teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. Their premature loss can disrupt space, causing permanent teeth to erupt in abnormal positions.

How Teeth Misalignment Can Affect Oral Health

Misaligned teeth can lead to several oral health concerns, such as:

Gum Disease: Irregular placement makes it harder to clean teeth properly, increasing plaque and calculus buildup.
Tooth Decay: Food particles get trapped in crowded areas, promoting bacterial growth and cavities.
Enamel Wear: Abnormal bite pressure leads to enamel erosion or chipping, known as attrition.
Speech Difficulties: Sounds like “S” and “Sh” become harder to pronounce, resulting in a lisp.
Chewing and Digestion Issues: Improper chewing impacts food breakdown, causing digestive discomfort.
Jaw Pain: Continuous stress from a poor bite results in chronic jaw pain and headaches.

Beyond these, misalignment can also impact the jaw joint itself, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Teeth Misalignment and TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and helps you speak, chew, and move your jaw smoothly. For the TMJ to function properly, your teeth and jaws need to be in correct alignment.

When your teeth are misaligned, it forces the jaw to shift into an unnatural position every time you bite, chew, or speak. Over time, this repeated strain can put stress on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.

As a result, you may start experiencing symptoms like jaw stiffness, pain, clicking or popping sounds, and even headaches or earaches.

Treatment Options for Misaligned Teeth

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers various solutions based on the severity and cause of misalignment:

Braces: Traditional metal braces are the most effective and time-tested treatment, lasting typically 1-3 years.

Clear Aligners: Ideal for mild to moderate misalignment, aligners like Invisalign offer a discreet, comfortable alternative to braces.

Orthodontic Appliances: Palatal expanders, space maintainers, and headgears help guide proper jaw development, especially in growing children.

Myofunctional or Airway Therapy: Used to address habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing, these therapies can aid in correcting muscular and functional causes.

Veneers and Crowns: For minor cosmetic issues, veneers offer a quick solution. However, they are not suitable for all cases.

Jaw Surgery: Severe skeletal misalignments often require surgical correction alongside orthodontic treatment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can crowd other teeth. In such cases, extraction helps maintain proper alignment.

Final Thoughts

Misaligned teeth are quite common and treatable. More than just an aesthetic issue, they influence your overall oral health and quality of life. Therefore, if you suspect you have teeth misalignment, consult a dentist or orthodontist for a thorough evaluation. Early intervention not only prevents long-term complications but also helps you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

If you are in or around Lake Elmo, an expert cosmetic dentist at Valley Ridge Dental can help you with a personalized plan that suits your needs.

Book an appointment with an experienced dentist at lake elmo mn today! You can either call us at (651) 439-0322 or visit our clinic at 12425 55th St N, Suite B, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

Exceptional Dental Care for You and Your Family

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