Botox injections are used not only for therapeutic purposes but for cosmetic ones too. Unlike other fillers, which are superficially injected just beneath the skin, Botox is injected directly into the muscle. Because Botox is made of a neurotoxin, it blocks signals between the muscle and the brain, ultimately preventing muscle contraction in a localized area. When the muscle relaxes, wrinkles smooth out and soften. Performed correctly, these injections only affect targeted muscles while still allowing for facial expression. Botox can be used for any type of wrinkle that has not been caused by sun damage or stretching of the skin due to gravity. Results are usually best on expression lines, such as those around the eyes and forehead.

Did you know…

that 11 million women have undergone Botox? In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that it is the most common cosmetic treatment requested in America, with numbers at an all-time high. More than a million treatments are performed every year, and it isn’t just the rich and famous indulging in the liquid facelift. People of all economic backgrounds get Botox because of its affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for Botox treatments?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, consult with your dermatologist to find out if Botox is right for you. The best candidates for cosmetic Botox treatments are usually men and women bothered by facial lines and wrinkles – particularly those along the forehead and between the eyes. You should not get Botox injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from any type of neurological disease.

What should I expect when getting Botox?

Botox injections are in-office procedures performed in just a few minutes. In fact, you can schedule a Botox injection for your lunch hour or on your way home from work. Injections use a very fine needle, which is inserted into the facial muscles. There is very little discomfort during the injection, and anesthesia is necessary.

Are there any special instructions I will need to follow after getting Botox?

There is a minimal recovery period of approximately 48 hours after getting Botox. During this time, you may experience bruising or headaches. Avoid rubbing your face in areas treated with Botox, and do not lie down for the first few hours after the injections. Keep in mind that results from Botox – though significant – usually begin to fade within 4 to 6 months. You’ll need to return for retreatment periodically.

Botox – the cosmetic formulation frequently used to help smooth lines and wrinkles – is effective in the treatment of chronic migraine headaches. Millions of Americans suffer from migraine headaches, many of which are debilitating. As an alternative to pain medications, which provide only temporary relief, Botox that is given at regular intervals, a few times a year, can reduce the frequency and intensity of future headaches over time.

Did you know?

Pain relieving medications have long been the standard of managing chronic headaches and migraines. But did you know that Botox has been approved for the prevention of chronic migraines by the Food and Drug Administration? The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence conducted controlled trials to test the efficacy of Botox for migraine headaches in comparison to placebos. In each trial, Botox significantly out-performed the placebo, producing a noticeable reduction in headache frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have chronic migraines. Am I a candidate for Botox treatment?

Botox is generally not the first line of treatment for migraine headaches. Instead, it is reserved for patients who have been unresponsive to headache medications. You may be a candidate for Botox for migraines if you have headaches on at least 15 days each month, with more than half of them being migraines. The only way to know for sure if Botox could help alleviate your headaches is by scheduling a consultation with your doctor.

What should I expect during a migraine Botox treatment?

Your Botox treatments will be administered in your doctor’s office. Most sessions take only 5 to 10 minutes, during which time a fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into 7 key areas of the head. There is a total of 31 injections, which may induce mild discomfort. You’ll be allowed to return home the same day and resume normal activities soon after.

What types of results can I expect after getting Botox for my headaches?

Botox can provide significant pain relief for chronic headaches, but results vary from person to person. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks and more than one treatment before your headaches begin responding to Botox injections. Botox is not effective for the treatment of existing headaches.

Facial fillers are substances injected beneath the skin to help smooth fine lines and boost facial volume. Also known as dermal fillers, these injections are in-office procedures that are minimally invasive alternatives to cosmetic surgery. Patients often undergo facial filler injections to achieve a more youthful appearance with as little down time as possible. Fillers are available to target nearly any area of the face, including crow’s feet, laugh lines, and thin lips.

Did you know…

that non-surgical cosmetic treatments like Restylane and Juvederm are the fastest growing form of aesthetic medical enhancements in the U.S.? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were up by 6 percent in 2012 over 2011 despite surgical procedures being down by 2 percent. More than 1.4 million dermal injections were administered to American patients in 2012 alone – up from 1.3 million in 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for facial fillers?

You may be a candidate for dermal facial filling if you are unhappy with your facial volume or are looking for a non-surgical way of smoothing fine lines. Many types of facial injections are available; and our staff would be happy to help you find out which filler is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or find out more about dermal injections.

What should I expect during a facial filler injection?

Getting a facial filler is as easy as dropping by our office on your lunch break. Using a very fine needle, your filler will be injected just beneath the surface of your skin. You will experience little or no discomfort and can return to work immediately after the procedure.

What types of results can I expect from a facial filler?

Results vary from patient to patient and are never guaranteed. However, most patients begin to see visible results within just days of undergoing a dermal injection. Results may continue to improve over the course of several weeks. Depending on the location of your injection and the type of filler used, the effects of your filler may last as long as 6 months or more.

What is Space Closure?

Space closure, also known as gap closure, refers to the process of removing space from the teeth with appliances, such as braces or Invisalign. Space gaps, medically called a diastema, occurs commonly in patients. These conditions occur when the teeth develop too small for the jawbone, and can also be caused by habits such as thumb sucking, an incorrect swallow reflex, and physical trauma. To correct these spaces, our orthodontists have to preform an anchorage control. Anchorage control helps alleviate the movement of the tooth, and direct the development of the teeth in the proper position. This can be accomplished through a number of techniques, such as palatal expanders, braces, removable aligners, and headgear.

The Benefits of Space Closure Treatment:

Having gaps in teeth can cause significant problems eating certain foods, cause problems with speech, and can be considered undesirable. Space closure treatment, such as braces, can be effective at closing gaps, as well as fixing crooked and uneven teeth alignments. Patients with lost teeth can also benefit from space closure treatment because our orthodontists can close the gaps without the need for invasive treatments such as dental implants. Dental implants require cutting open the gum to expose the bone and then require the dental surgeon to install a metal post for the tooth replacement. Small gaps and lost teeth can benefit from orthodontics by focusing on realignment methods rather than invasive surgeries.

Our treatment options for space closure contain various options t choose from, including:

• Invisalign
• Braces
• Clear Braces
• Orthognathic Surgery
• Aligner Therapy
• Ceramic Bracket Therapy

Depending on the severity of your space gaps, we’ll present these options to you and help organize a strategic plan for your gap realignment. Full treatment can take time, but our orthodontic treatments can have a huge impact on your life. You’ll be able to receive a more attractive smile without noticeable gaps.

Why Choose Burns Orthodontics?

Burns Orthodontics specializes in child and adult orthodontic treatments as well as treating TMJ disorders and aligner therapy conversions. Dr. Burns, our head orthodontist, has earned numerous achievements, including accreditation from the American Association of Orthodontics, and has published articles on Class III Camouflage treatment in the American Journal of Orthodontics. We operate our business on a first-name basis. We understand the need for proper orthodontic care, and that’s why every doctor behind our name aims to be empathetic with our patients, passionate in our line of work, and flexible with our payment plans.

Have questions about our space closure treatments? Contact us at any one of our various locations across the state, and schedule an appointment. Visiting the orthodontists can give you a fresh start towards a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing smile. If you wish to learn more about our services, then call us today to get a free consultation with your first visit, and at Dr. Burn’s office, she’ll be able to discuss all the treatment plans available for you.

Surgical orthodontics involves corrective jaw surgery alongside orthodontic treatment to remedy jaw problems. Because adults no longer grow, the only way to modify the size and shape of the person’s jawbones is through surgery.

How Our Surgical Orthodontics Works

First, for patients in need of orthodontic treatment, our orthodontists focus on aligning the teeth to fit correctly before the surgery is performed. Severe malocclusions, or bad bites, can cause long-term functional problems, such as the inability to speak, chew food, and can cause problems such as headaches, TMJ, and periodontal disease. Surgical orthodontics also can help treat obstructive sleep apnea.

At Burns Orthodontics, our process for surgical orthodontics involves collaboration between Dr. Burns, your dentist, and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our orthodontists will first work with you to determine the severity of your condition and focus on realigning the teeth and palates for preparation of the surgery, which can take up to a year depending on the factors present. If surgery is needed, we will organize and work with a recommended oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the surgery. Your surgeon will schedule a consultation with you to explain the process and give you the necessary information needed to prepare for the upcoming surgery, including information related to recovery time and what to expect during the healing process.

After the surgery is complete over a period of nine to 12 months, our orthodontists will check in with you during the post-surgical phase, usually around four to eight weeks, to fine-tune your bite with braces. These braces will need to be worn during a six to 12 month period following the surgery, and then a retainer will be placed to help maintain proper jaw function and teeth alignment. For patients, the recovery after the procedures will produce a healthier, happier smile, as well as a decrease in jaw problems and breathing difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks for surgical orthodontics?

With any major surgery, there are risks. Common complications such as vascular disease, TMJ disorder, nerve damage, periodontal disease, and hearing problems may occur after the surgery. If you have any questions about the devices we prescribe during our treatment plans, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.

What causes the need for surgery?

For some patients, the cause is genetic, meaning the jaw bones and joints grew out of position and causing problems with biting, speaking, and chewing. Other causes can come from congenital disabilities, jaw injuries, and other environmental causes.

Does insurance cover surgical orthodontics?

Depending on the type of insurance coverage you have, your insurance may or may not cover surgical orthodontics. To find out whether or not you’re covered, check with your insurer regarding your policy’s coverage.

Contact Burns Orthodontics Today!

At our offices, located in McMurray, Mt. Lebanon, and Waynesburg, PA, we will discuss the overall diagnosis and analysis of your jaw and skeletal problems, provide treatment objectives, and give you treatment options with their risks and benefits. If you have any questions, please contact us and schedule an appointment today for a free consultation.

Metal braces come in mind for many people when it comes to teeth alignment. They’re a classic treatment that’s proven to work and is a highly reliable application that can also be comfortable and aesthetically appealing. While we offer a variety of braces and other orthodontic treatments, our metal braces are more than capable of helping you achieve the smile you desire. Learn about our practice and how our orthodontists can give you a classic, trendy, and effective treatment plan for your misaligned teeth.

How Do Our Metal Braces Work

Metal braces consist of metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands. The metal brackets are glued with a bonding agent to the enamel of your teeth. The brackets can be made with many materials, but for metal braces, they’re typically made with stainless steel. These brackets work like handles, holding the arch-wires and elastic bands, allowing them to reinforce the pressure needed to adjust your teeth over time. The arch-wires guide the teeth into position and the elastic bands hold the archwires in place to help support the movement of the teeth.

Depending on the design of the braces, additional components, such as spacers, springs, buccal tubes, and face-bow headgear, can be added to help align the teeth and fix issues such as closing spaces, move upper molars, and open space between the teeth. All of these components work to gradually exert constant pressure over extended periods, allowing your jaw and teeth to conform to the pressure.

How To Take Care of Metal Braces

When a patient first experiences metal braces, it can be a confusing time learning how to take care of them. Luckily, our dentists understand these worries, and can give you the correct advice for your new metal braces and give you the preventative care you need to care for your teeth! When wearing braces, you should:

Brush and floss regularly – Brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. While many diligent patients already practice these habits, brushing and flossing at least four times a day can help to prevent food particles and bacteria from building up between the braces, gums, and teeth.

Avoid hard and sticky foods – Sticky, hard foods can potentially cause damage to your braces, such as breaking the wires and loosen them. Avoiding foods such as taffy, for instance, can greatly help you adjust to your new braces over time

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are metal braces painful?

Some adjustments may make your mouth feel sore and uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate the soreness from the metal braces. If you experience any severe discomfort, contact Burns Orthodontics at any point to help with adjustments.

How much do metal braces cost?

If you’re interested in learning about our metal braces treatments, please stop by any one of our multiple locations to see our orthodontists! Contact Burns Orthodontics to schedule for a free consultation by filling out our online appointment request form or call us at any one of our multiple locations!

Amazing smiles help build confidence and can make you feel like our on top of the world. However, when it comes to correcting smiles, orthodontic treatments, such as metal braces and clear braces, don’t always offer the convenience needed to vastly improve teeth overtime and make patients feel like they’ve accomplished in their goals for a beautiful smile. Invisalign has offered both patients and orthodontists new ways of treating misaligned teeth and has helped revolutionized orthodontic treatment. That’s why our orthodontists at Burns Orthodontics offer Invisalign as an alternative solution for achieving that perfect smile.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work to Realign Teeth

Invisalign, a modern take on traditional braces, is an orthodontics application system that features clear aligner trays that can be worn at all times of the day and can be removed during meals and brushing teeth. The trays are custom-fitted to the teeth and provide a small amount of resistance to the teeth that force them to move over time. The aligners are shaped around the gums of the teeth instead of focusing on a straight line, which many braces and aligners focus on to achieve these results. These aligners are made to be worn 20-22 hours per day and are swapped out every two weeks. After the initial treatment, patients will need to wear a retainer to maintain the teeth in place and correct minor misalignments.

As one of the pioneer appliances, the cost for Invisalign aligners depends on the complexity of each case, all of which depend on the treatment time needed to achieve the best results. At Burns Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign aligners to both adults and children, in addition to metal braces and clear braces.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long do I have to wear Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign can straighten teeth within 9 to 24 months when applied properly, and in some cases, some orthodontic treatment plans will attach a raised button to the teeth to give them more traction when they move into position.

How do I clean my aligners?

With Invisalign aligners, you will need to take some extra precautions to allow them to work. Invisalign attachments can stain easily, and hot drinks such as tea and coffee can warp and stain the plastic. Drink cold water, brush your teeth after every meal, and it’s recommended that you don’t get any whitening treatments during this treatment plan. With Invisalign, it takes discipline and commitment to go through the treatment plan completely; that’s why we’re here to help.

Do I qualify for Invisalign aligners?

Candidates can qualify for Invisalign aligners if they have crooked teeth, gapping teeth, and have overbites, underbites, and open bites. For more severe cases, such as crossbites, malocclusions, and other flaws, Invisalign will lack the necessary components needed to treat the teeth properly. In more severe cases, metal or clear braces will provide the necessary appliances needed to fix those issues.

Have questions about Invisalign? Contact us at either of our various locations and schedule an appointment today for a free consultation.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ Disorder, causes jaw and bite alignment malfunctions, and refers to conditions that affect the Temporomandibular Joint, facial nerves, and jaw muscles. TMJ pain can be triggered by opening and closing the mouth, side-motion jaw movements, and twisting of the jaw. As the muscles and ligaments attempt to hold the jaw in position, those muscles can get damaged or stretched, moving the lower jaw out of alignment.

A TMJ disorder can produce a number of symptoms, including:

• Constant headaches and neck-aches
• Pain radiating from the ear and areas around the ear
• Pain from the jawbone
• Clicking sounds when the mouth moves
• Sore jaw muscles
• Teeth sensitivities
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder

Orthodontic treatment for TMJ Disorder will depend on many individual factors, such as the overall health of the patient, tolerances for medication, previous history of mouth appliances, and the extend of the disorder. At Burns Orthodontics, we offer several treatment options, which vary from patient to patient, and will all be designed specifically for the patient in mind. Some of the orthodontic treatment options we present include:

Stress management techniques – Physical therapy that focuses on joint movement and reducing muscle stiffness can alleviate stress on the joints and jawbones. Manual therapy procedures can help reduce the “locking” of the jaw and restore motion surrounding the joint. We also offer soft tissue techniques, using the hands to work into the joints to remove pressure and decrease the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Orthodontic appliances – Braces, splints, and night guards can help reduce the effects of tooth grinding, help realign the teeth and jaw to the proper position, and relieve jaw pain. Nightguards ease the pressure on the temporomandibular joint, enabling it to move back into position over time, and lessening the impact placed on the joint overall. Occlusal splints treat TMJ disorder by controlling bite elevation and have to be worn every day for an expended time for the treatment to work properly. Braces offer not only teeth alignment, but can help treat bite issues associated with TMJ disorders, and reduce the amount of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and jaw pain over time.

Important Note: Design functions for our orthodontic appliances will vary depending on the severity of the TMJ disorder, the patient’s dental history, and joint structure. For some of our appliances, we may require additional appliances, such as the maxilla or mandible, to ease the treatment process and gradually move the disc placement back into position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Offer TMJ Surgery?

Currently, we do not offer TMJ surgery, but if your dentist recommends surgery and we have properly diagnosed your TMJ condition, we can refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, especially if our treatment plans do not provide relief.

When should I seek medical care for TMJ disorder?

If you suffer from any of these TMJ conditions above, you should consult a medical professional. If left untreated, it can lead to jaw locking, constant pain, bruxism, malnutrition, and insomnia.

Is TMJ Therapy Covered By Insurance?

To find out if your insurance covers TMJ treatment, you will need to contact your insurer to learn about your coverage policy.

Contact Burns Orthodontics Today!

If you have any medical concerns about our TMJ therapy treatments, then don’t hesitate to call us at any one of our multiple office locations.

Functional Jaw Orthopedics, also called FJO, aim to treat crowded teeth and jaw correction without the removal of teeth. By ensuring that the jaw is in the correct position and size, it can create health benefits for growing children. While traditional orthodontics treats a child’s jaw by the time it stops growing, FJO focuses on the jaw and facial development that guides the facial structure to prevent more serious problems in the future.

How FJO Treatment Works:

The traditional route for many orthodontists would be to refer patients for treatment until their permanent teeth have begun to erupt at age 7, which is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. FJO treatment, however, works to prevent the removal of teeth by focusing on the child’s method of breathing, the size of their palate, and overall facial balance. This modern approach that our doctors at Burns Orthodontics practice all have ample experience in, and we practice FJO treatment in three, easy steps:

1. Breaking Habits – These habits can include thumb-sucking, tongue thrusts, and correcting crossbites. By treating these symptoms early, we can allow normal facial growth to continue to develop until age seven, where we diagnose and analyze the progress of the child’s development.

2. Guiding Growth – The second phase works to guide the growth of the jawbone and teeth into more favorable positions. We enact this step at around age seven through nine and look for abnormal development issues, such as a narrow upper jaw and crooked teeth.

3. Moving Teeth – The last phase focuses on moving the teeth once they’ve all erupted. This phase is what many would associate with orthodontics, and generally involves the movement of teeth through applications such as braces, aligners, and enhancers.

Notice: Not all children will require these phases of treatment, but if there’s a facial imbalance and there’s not enough room for the teeth to erupt, then early treatment can help correct these misalignments. Typically, those who require teeth removable have not had FJO treatment, and while the extraction of teeth can improve facial imbalances, FJO treatment can also help as a preventative measure.

The Benefits of Guiding Jaw Growth

FJO treatment can improve the position of the jaw, causing fewer headaches. Widening the palate with an expansion device can reduce and remove common symptoms associated with obstructed nasal breathing, including dark circles under the eyes, dry lips, and open mouth posture. Improving the jaw can change the way the tonsils and nasal septums form, which can improve sleep quality and prevent sleep apnea in the future. Those with improved jaw function also tend to experience a better quality of life, gaining more attention in school, work, and other life activities.

While FJO treatment is not a universal standard among orthodontists, we offer a growing demand for early treatment plans for all of our patients. We hope to give your child the most benefits when they arrive at any one of our offices. If you have any concerns regarding our orthodontic services, please contact us at any one of our locations and schedule an appointment with us today!