Our Blog - Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics

What are the Different Parts of Braces For?

Posted on August 22nd, 2023 at 10:38 AM

ANYONE WHO HAS or had braces has noticed the different parts and probably wondered what role they perform in orthodontic treatment. Some patients just have the basics: brackets, archwires, and O-rings, while others have extra components to correct a more complex issue.

Smile More to Boost Your Health!

Posted on August 1st, 2023 at 9:12 AM

YOU PROBABLY HEARD the line “it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown” when you were growing up, but the pedantic dentist might point out that it technically isn’t true. At least ten muscles are involved in smiling, while as few as six are required for frowning. But that’s no reason to frown more; if you think about it, it just means that smiling burns more calories! Even better, there are many other benefits that come from a smiling face.

The Banned Foods List Is There for Good Reason

Posted on July 25th, 2023 at 8:43 AM

ONE OF THE LEAST fun aspects of orthodontic treatment is the banned foods list. No more movie popcorn, no more chewing gum, etc. But we don’t just ban these foods to be mean; they pose a serious threat to the complex orthodontic appliance that is there to gradually straighten a patient’s smile.

How Do Braces Do What They Do?

Posted on July 18th, 2023 at 8:35 AM

A LOT OF PEOPLE take it for granted that braces can move teeth into their correct positions, but how many people know how that actually works? It’s a pretty fascinating process, and we’re excited to give our patients a closer look at the cellular level of their treatment.

Show Dr. Murray Around Erie Contest

Posted on June 27th, 2023 at 8:45 AM

Dr. Murray is still getting to know Erie and we need your help to show him all that Erie has to offer. Take Dr. Murray’s photo with you wherever you go this summer….Waldameer, Presque Isle, your favorite Erie hang out, where will he go? We can’t wait to see all the funny, creative and silly pictures you take with him.

Crooked Teeth Can Cause Speech Problems

Posted on June 27th, 2023 at 8:18 AM

LET’S TAKE A look at how orthodontic treatment can overlap with speech pathology. Overbites are common causes of lisps and whistling while talking, as are gaps between teeth. Air can escape through the gap while trying to make sounds that require the speaker to press their tongue against their teeth. Orthodontic treatment corrects these problems and makes it easier to speak clearly.

When Is It Time to See the Dentist?

Posted on June 14th, 2023 at 4:06 PM

DENTAL PROBLEMS LIKE gum disease and tooth decay can easily sneak up on us if we aren’t careful, which is why regular dental checkups are so essential — even when you’re pretty sure nothing is wrong. For most people, two regular appointments (consisting of professional cleaning and a dental exam) are enough to stay on top of any dental health concerns. In certain circumstances, however, it’s a good idea to come in ahead of schedule.

What to Do About an Impacted Canine

Posted on June 5th, 2023 at 4:02 PM

SOME OF US get our adult teeth on schedule, some early, some late, and some are left to wonder if a tooth or two might have gotten lost somewhere under their gums. When that happens, we call it an impacted tooth. It happens most often to wisdom teeth, but not always.

Show Off With Some Weird Mouth Trivia

Posted on May 9th, 2023 at 10:44 AM

THE NEXT TIME you need an ice-breaker, why not toss out a few weird mouth facts? We’re confident you’ll be able to impress your friends.

Dental Health PSA: Stop Chewing Ice

Posted on May 2nd, 2023 at 2:01 PM

WHY DO DENTISTS always warn against chewing ice? It’s because it’s a habit that can do serious and permanent damage to the teeth and gums. Even when ice-chewers know this, they can still find it difficult to quit, so let’s take a closer look at what chewing ice can do to dental health and why people do it.

Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics Blog