Eugene, Oregon, is a captivating community that promises an invigorating blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Known for its lush landscapes and passionate spirit, Eugene offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to a broad spectrum of residents. Home to the University of Oregon, this city thrives with intellectual energy and creativity, fostering a vibrant ambiance that resonates across its population.
Residents of Eugene cherish its commitment to sustainability and green living. The city is a leader in environmental initiatives, encouraging a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. With extensive bike paths and numerous parks, including the picturesque Alton Baker Park, outdoor enthusiasts find a haven for adventure and relaxation. Eugene's connection to the Willamette River provides ample opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
Culture aficionados find joy in Eugene's bustling arts scene, which features theaters, galleries, and music festivals. The city's dedication to creativity is celebrated through events like the Oregon Country Fair and the Eugene Saturday Market, where local artisans and farmers come together to share their crafts and produce.
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Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene,
4 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Winter Issue
Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon, is a captivating community that promises an invigorating blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Known for its lush landscapes and passionate spirit, Eugene offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to a broad spectrum of residents. Home to the University of Oregon, this city thrives with intellectual energy and creativity, fostering a vibrant ambiance that resonates across its population.
Residents of Eugene cherish its commitment to sustainability and green living. The city is a leader in environmental initiatives, encouraging a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. With extensive bike paths and numerous parks, including the picturesque Alton Baker Park, outdoor enthusiasts find a haven for adventure and relaxation. Eugene's connection to the Willamette River provides ample opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
Culture aficionados find joy in Eugene's bustling arts scene, which features theaters, galleries, and music festivals. The city's dedication to creativity is celebrated through events like the Oregon Country Fair and the Eugene Saturday Market, where local artisans and farmers come together to share their crafts and produce.
Eugene, with its thriving community spirit and breathtaking setting, invites everyone to experience its unique charm and opportunity for growth, making it a delightful place to call home.
Hello Eugene, Oregon • Winter Issue |5
Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene,
Understanding Crossbites and Their Implications
A crossbite is a type of dental misalignment in which one or more of the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. This can affect the front of the mouth, known as an anterior crossbite, or the back teeth, called a posterior crossbite. While it may appear to be a minor cosmetic concern, leaving a
crossbite untreated can lead to significant dental and skeletal complications over time.When the upper and lower teeth do not meet in proper alignment, strain can build across the bite. Patients may experience uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, or speech problems. Jaw joints can also suffer
6 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Winter Issue
Understanding Crossbites and Their Implications
A crossbite is a type of dental misalignment in which one or more of the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. This can affect the front of the mouth, known as an anterior crossbite, or the back teeth, called a posterior crossbite. While it may appear to be a minor cosmetic concern, leaving a crossbite untreated can lead to significant dental and skeletal complications over time.
When the upper and lower teeth do not meet in proper alignment, strain can build across the bite. Patients may experience uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, or speech problems. Jaw joints can also suffer from chronic stress. In growing children, untreated crossbites may interfere with normal jaw growth, creating jaw asymmetry and visible facial imbalances. These problems can become more pronounced as adult teeth come in and growth and development continue.
The causes of crossbites are varied. Genetics often play a role, especially when one jaw develops larger or smaller than the other. Environmental factors, such as thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or blocked airways in childhood, can also affect jaw growth. Regardless of cause, pediatric orthodontics stresses the value of early orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this age, orthodontists can spot misaligned bites and recommend early orthodontic intervention while the upper jaw is still flexible enough for change.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the crossbite. In younger patients, palatal expanders or rapid palate expanders are often used for widening the upper jaw. Braces may then move misaligned teeth into their correct positions. Elastics or other appliances are sometimes used to stabilize the bite and improve function. These effective treatments are generally most successful when growth is ongoing, making pediatric orthodontics critical to long-term outcomes.
For patients who delay care, orthodontic options can become more complex. Adults with untreated crossbites often face rigid bone structures that limit non-invasive correction. In such cases, tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or a combination of orthodontics and surgical procedures may be required to restore proper alignment. Correcting misaligned teeth and achieving bite stability in adults is possible, but the process is more challenging than early orthodontic treatment in children.
Early treatment of crossbites is essential to prevent long-term dental and facial complications.
Crossbites are more than a matter of appearance. If left untreated, they can affect chewing efficiency, speech, jaw function, and facial symmetry. By recognizing the signs early and pursuing orthodontic intervention, patients can avoid the lasting consequences of misaligned bites and achieve proper alignment during critical years of growth and development.
Dr. Ben Thornton
from chronic stress. In growing children, untreated crossbites may interfere with normal jaw growth, creating jaw asymmetry and visible facial imbalances. These problems can become more pronounced as adult teeth come in and growth and development continue.The causes of crossbites are varied. Genetics often play a
role, especially when one jaw develops larger or smaller than the other. Environmental factors, such as thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or blocked airways in childhood, can also affect jaw growth.Regardless of cause, pediatric orthodontics stresses the value of early orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this age, orthodontists can spot misaligned bites and recommend early orthodontic intervention while the upper jaw is still flexible enough for change.Treatment depends on the type and severity of the...
Early treatment of crossbites is essential to prevent long-term dental and facial complications.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Thornton, a highly experienced orthodontist, is dedicated to providing top-notch orthodontic services in Eugene and Creswell, OR. With extensive education, including a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science, ongoing continuing education, and board certification, he and his passionate team are committed to creating stunning and functional smiles for their patients.
HelloEugene, Oregon • Winter Issue |7
Managing Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment slowly moves teeth into better positions and sometimes changes the way the jaw works. This process is carefully planned by orthodontists and is very important for long-term oral health. But along the way, many patients feel some level of discomfort. While usually temporary, these
sore spots can affect daily life and how a person feels about treatment. Knowing why discomfort happens and how to manage it helps patients stay on track and feel more comfortable.The most common time for soreness is right after an adjustment or when a new aligner or appliance is put in place. As
8 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Winter Issue
Managing Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment slowly moves teeth into better positions and sometimes changes the way the jaw works. This process is carefully planned by orthodontists and is very important for long-term oral health. But along the way, many patients feel some level of discomfort. While usually temporary, these sore spots can affect daily life and how a person feels about treatment. Knowing why discomfort happens and how to manage it helps patients stay on track and feel more comfortable.
The most common time for soreness is right after an adjustment or when a new aligner or appliance is put in place. As teeth shift, pressure builds on the surrounding tissues. This pressure causes mild swelling and sensitivity. Patients may notice sore gums, tender teeth, or small spots inside the cheeks and lips where brackets or wires rub against the skin.
Most patients find that the first few days after an adjustment are the hardest, but symptoms usually fade within two or three days. Simple steps can make this period easier. Warm salt water rinses calm irritated areas and promote healing. Orthodontic wax, which is placed over brackets, keeps the metal from rubbing against the inside of the mouth. If pain feels stronger, over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or Tylenol can help reduce soreness. Aspirin is usually not recommended because it can thin the blood and slow healing.
Good oral hygiene plays a major role in easing irritation. Plaque left around brackets can make gums more swollen and sensitive. Using a soft toothbrush keeps teeth and braces clean without adding pressure. Small interdental brushes can reach between wires and teeth to remove food and reduce buildup.
Food choices also matter. During times of sensitivity, soft foods are much easier to handle. Yogurt, oatmeal, cooked vegetables, and smoothies let patients eat without too much chewing. Hard or crunchy foods, like nuts or chips, often make soreness worse and can even damage brackets. Most patients notice that once the mouth adjusts to each change, normal eating becomes easier again.
Staying in touch with the orthodontist is also important. If discomfort lasts longer than a few days or feels severe, it may point to a problem with the fit of an appliance. Wires that stick out or brackets that shift out of place can create sores that do not heal on their own. A quick check by the orthodontist can usually solve the issue before it leads to bigger problems.
Discomfort during orthodontic treatment is normal, but it does not have to disrupt daily life. By using simple home remedies, keeping up with hygiene, choosing gentle foods, and speaking up when pain lasts too long, patients can stay comfortable while still making steady progress toward a healthier smile.
Dr. Ben Thornton
teeth shift, pressure builds on the surrounding tissues. This pressure causes mild swelling and sensitivity. Patients may notice sore gums, tender teeth, or small spots inside the cheeks and lips where brackets or wires rub against the skin.Most patients find that the first few days after an adjustment are the
hardest, but symptoms usually fade within two or three days.Simple steps can make this period easier. Warm salt water rinses calm irritated areas and promote healing. Orthodontic wax, which is placed over brackets, keeps the metal from rubbing against the inside of the mouth. If pain feels stronger, over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or Tylenol can help reduce soreness. Aspirin is usually not recommended because it can thin the blood and slow healing.Good oral hygiene plays a major role in easing irritation. Plaque left around brackets can make gums more swollen and sensitive. Using a soft toothbrush keeps teeth and braces...
Most patients find that the first few days after an adjustment are the hardest, but symptoms usually fade within two or three days.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Thornton, a highly experienced orthodontist, is dedicated to providing top-notch orthodontic services in Eugene and Creswell, OR. With extensive education, including a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science, ongoing continuing education, and board certification, he and his passionate team are committed to creating stunning and functional smiles for their patients.
