Cleft lip is a birth defect in which the parts of the face that form the upper lip remain split, instead of sealing together before birth. Similar splits can occur in the roof of the mouth or palate. Cleft lip and cleft palate can each occur alone or together in the same person (cleft lip and palate). Cleft lip and palate happen early in fetal development. The defect may be genetic or the result of maternal environmental exposures during pregnancy. 

Crooked teeth and bite problems do more than interrupt your smile. They can cause gum disease, create tooth wear, increase risk for tooth injury, trigger chewing difficulties and more. Studies also show that your smile is one of the top three things that another person will notice about you. You want that smile to both make an impression and you want your smile to be healthy. Unhealthy smiles are ones that tend to have the teeth fall out over time, and once that happens, you can’t get your teeth back. Orthodontics can help improve a smile in countless ways. Here are some major ways that orthodontics can change your teeth and how the process works!

Keeping Your Natural Teeth for Life
A close-up view of a woman pointing to her mouth to emphasize her natural teeth.

Did you know that growing older doesn’t mean you have to eventually lose your teeth? Patients over 55 often see oral health changes as they age. However, there are ways to combat thinning enamel and tooth loss. Dentures, partials and implants can definitely restore your smile if you have lost teeth. However, find out how you can actually keep all your natural teeth and avoid tooth loss all your life!

Your teeth can easily decay as they age because they come in contact with so many sugars, acids and more over the years. This happens on a daily basis. Plaque is made when your mouth bacteria mixes with sugars in the foods and drinks you ingest. That plaque sticks to your teeth, and the acids in it break up the minerals (demineralize) in your teeth, decaying them. Decay spreads from there. Over time, you will see your teeth start to change from white to gray to black as decay sets in. This can happen all over.

When people think about discomfort during pregnancy, they usually picture back pain, sore hips, and swollen feet. Another more surprising symptom you might experience is sensitive teeth. Rest assured that you’re not alone! Other women experience this odd symptom, too. Learn the reasons behind sensitive teeth during pregnancy and how to deal with it.

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis no one wants to hear, but nearly 50,000 Americans will receive the news that they have oral cancer this year. Fortunately, this condition is highly preventable and treatable—as long as it’s detected early.