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Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field that sees advancements in technology and practices regularly. As a patient, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s new in orthodontics and how these changes can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great example of how innovation can lead to better orthodontic treatment. Invisalign was the first company to pioneer this technology, and since then, millions of patients have seen great success with clear aligners. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is their invisible nature, which makes them ideal for patients who are self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners are associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software that helps create the most accurate and best-suited tools for treatment.

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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. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

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Exciting news is sweeping through the community as Dr. Christopher Murphy, the founder of Southern Maine Orthodontics in Scarborough ME, is announcing the opening of his second orthodontic location at 94 Main St, Gorham, ME 04038 on August 25th. 

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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. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

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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. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine 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.

Orthodontic treatment can also work alongside a speech pathologist or other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive plan to improve speech. However, it is important to note that orthodontic treatment may not always be the sole solution for speech problems. In some cases, jaw or orofacial surgery may be required to correct severe speech impairments.

If your child is experiencing speech difficulties, it may be beneficial to consider orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist can evaluate your child’s mouth’s anatomy and determine if orthodontics can improve speech. Early intervention is key, and by addressing malocclusions at an early age, you can help your child develop clear and effective communication skills.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn how orthodontics can benefit your child’s speech development.

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. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine 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.

Sleep apnea is another disorder that can benefit from orthodontic treatment. While it’s not caused by orthodontic issues, studies have shown that orthodontists are well-equipped to screen for the condition. In a routine orthodontic exam, your orthodontist can quickly identify signs of sleep apnea and refer you to a specialist for treatment. In some cases, tooth movement may be recommended as part of the treatment plan for sleep apnea.

In addition to treating asthma and sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment can also improve the overall appearance of your face. By adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw, your orthodontist can create a more balanced facial profile and improve your breathing and speech.

Overall, orthodontic treatment is a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of issues beyond just the appearance of your teeth. If you suffer from breathing or sleep disorders, consider speaking with your orthodontist to see how they can help.