Blog

The Baby Boomers are a generation like no other. In addition to growing up in the tumultuous sixties and seventies, they were the first to experience the full benefit of modern medicine, changing attitudes about nutrition and exercise, and the advent of plastic surgery.

As a result, they have been able to maintain a youthful appearance far longer than any other group (at least most of them have!). However, there is a part of the Fountain of Youth that many boomers may be overlooking—their smiles. Read More

This year, Lisa P. Howard DDS MS and her team renew their New Year’s resolution to make sure all their patients wearing braces and Invisalign, along with their families, receive the best quality orthodontic care and customer service available in the Scarborough ME area. This includes connecting you with the chatter from the American Association of Orthodontists and actual orthodontic patients who completed treatment. In the videos below, they discuss how orthodontic treatment affected their lives.

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At the orthodontic offices of Lisa P. Howard DDS MS, we are midway into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. When was the last time you stopped to simply experience and appreciate what your life has to offer and how much you take for granted on a regular basis?

Take a few moments to be grateful for the simple things in life like running water, electricity to light our way and charge our digital lives. Don’t forget to also appreciate everything that keeps us warm? When was the last time you stopped to appreciate a day when your body was functioning properly and your health was good? Take away any one of these things we take for granted and our comfort level will be affected immediately.

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Have you ever noticed a clicking or popping sound in your jaw when chewing or speaking? The orthodontists at the offices of Lisa P. Howard DDS MS want you to know this happens to everyone from time to time. However, if it happens frequently and is combined with other symptoms such as jaw pain, locking of your jaws, reduced ability to open and close the mouth, ear pain, or difficulty chewing, you may have a condition known as TMD or TMJ disorder. Watch the video below to find out more about TMJ dysfunction.

Orthodontics is a special field of dentistry that concerns itself with the study and treatment of irregular bites. An abnormal bite can be the result of uneven teeth, a jaw that is out of proportion or misaligned, or both. Depending on the situation, crooked teeth can be brought into alignment with orthodontic treatment. If you notice your jaw popping a bit too often and you think the alignment of your teeth or jaw is to blame, contact Dr. Lisa P. Howard DDS MS before you have the painful problem of full-blown TMD causing a lifetime of discomfort and unnecessary dental treatment and expense.

Orthodontist Lisa P. Howard DDS MS specializes in the movement of teeth and correction of adverse jaw growth problems. Evaluating and diagnosing each individual patient’s dental development, presents a slightly different challenge for an orthodontist. There are many factors at work and different approaches that can be used.

In severe situations, permanent tooth removals may be required to create the necessary space for others. However, no one enjoys having their teeth extracted and we try to avoid this option whenever possible. Fortunately, there is another way. By using a child’s natural growth spurts, a savvy orthodontist can avoid the need for tooth extractions if he evaluates a patient at an early age.Read More

Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages… but can be a “nightmare” for an orthodontic practice if patients are damaging appliances eating the wrong treats.

At the orthodontic practice of Lisa P. Howard DDS MS we love Halloween!! However, we also are proactive educating parents and patients of the potential hazards that can occur if orthodontic patients don’t watch what they eat.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month. We support the American Association of Orthodontics in their efforts to make patients aware of foods they need to avoid, especially with Halloween goodies.

Patients still can enjoy treats… just orthodontic friendly treats. Click here to download a Do’s and Don’ts Treat List offered by the AAO. As a reminder, print it off and post in on your refrigerator for all to see.

Follow the list and save candy you can eat and give away treats that will harm your braces. A few sweets can be OK occasionally, whether wearing braces or not, as long as you brush and floss after eating.

The team at Lisa P. Howard DDS MS orthodontic practice wants everyone to enjoy the holiday. However, we also want you to protect the investment you and your family has made in helping us create a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Click here to find Brace Friendly Recipes offered by the AAO.

Click Here for Tips for Trick – or -Treaters.

Do you think we are being unreasonable asking patients to give up treats that damage their braces? Please leave your comments below. Now is the time to vent.