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An orthodontist is a professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent the orthodontic correction of severe malocclusion. They offer a whole range of treatment alternatives to correct crooked teeth, straighten out crooked teeth and realign the jaws properly. This includes procedures such as bite re-contouring, bonding, gum lifting and various appliances designed to help with the overall appearance of one’s smile. Loveland orthodontists use a variety of tools including braces, retainers, endplates, veneers, mandibular advancement device (MADD), bite shields, splints, combs, retainers and more. They also work closely with patients on diet, nutrition, and other aspects of health care.

Braces are usually worn by children during the early years of their lives. These braces can be made from either metal or clear plastic, but most orthodontist recommend that braces be worn only by younger children because they are not yet ready for solid orthodontics. The orthodontist will take an impression of the child’s mouth by using light technology so that the orthodontist will know what type of braces to order. During the initial visit, the orthodontist will explain everything about the braces and give the patient instructions as to how the braces should be worn.

Braces are normally worn for two years. At this time, the orthodontist will adjust the brackets as needed to ensure that the teeth are correctly aligned. Braces can be adjusted up or down, but generally the orthodontist will choose whether to put braces on in the front, back or both. Once the orthodontist has diagnosed the problem, he/she will give the patient instructions on how to properly care for the braces so that they will last the longest amount of time.

Braces are usually made with the wires or brackets placed in your mouth around the teeth. The orthodontist will use these wires to retie the jaw so that the teeth do not move out of alignment when the mouth is closed. If the braces are not properly adjusted, the braces may not last very long, which may result in them having to be taken off early.

When a tooth moves out of alignment, it is called an extrusion. Some causes of extrusions are overbite or underbite. An orthodontist can fix an extrusion by putting a rubber band around the bracket or wire. Once the archwire or bracket is fixed, the rubber band will tighten around the bracket or wire, creating an arch to close the gap.

An orthodontist such as Comfort Dental Orthodontics in Loveland uses all of these methods to help an orthodontist reshape the teeth and the gums. Orthodontists have a high level of education and training to perform all of these procedures. If you are interested in becoming an orthodontist, you can check with your local dentist to see if they specialize in orthodontics. Most dentists, including Dr. Brian Diemer of Comfort Dental Orthodontics Loveland, have orthodontic school as part of their routine care for their patients.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread primarily by the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks. It is most common in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest regions. The illness is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart.

How Lyme Disease Begins

After a tick bite, the bacterium enters the bloodstream. The first sign in many cases is a circular rash that resembles a bull’s-eye, known as erythema migrans. This rash typically appears 3 to 30 days after the bite and may be warm to the touch, but not usually painful or itchy. Some people may never develop this rash, which makes early detection more difficult.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The early symptoms of Lyme Disease can be similar to the flu. These may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may develop, such as:

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• More rashes on other areas of the body
• Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling
• Facial drooping (Bell’s palsy)
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Nerve pain or shooting pains in hands and feet
• Memory problems or confusion

These symptoms can appear weeks or even months after the tick bite and may persist for a long time without treatment.

How Lyme Disease Is Diagnosed

Doctors often diagnose Lyme Disease based on physical symptoms, a history of possible exposure to ticks, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can check for antibodies to the bacteria, though they may not be accurate in the early stages. The most commonly used tests include the ELISA test followed by a Western blot test for confirmation.

Medical and Holistic Treatment Options

The standard treatment for Lyme Disease is a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin. Most people who receive treatment in the early stages recover quickly and completely. However, some individuals experience ongoing symptoms even after completing antibiotics. This is sometimes called post-treatment Lyme Disease syndrome.

Holistic approaches to care are often used alongside medical treatment. These strategies may include:

Nutritional Support

Anti-inflammatory diets, hydration, and gut-friendly foods help reduce stress on the immune system and support recovery. Some patients benefit from supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins C and D.

Physical Therapy and Movement

Gentle movement helps maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness, especially for those experiencing Lyme-related arthritis. Low-impact exercises like yoga or tai chi may improve circulation and energy.

Herbal Remedies

Some practitioners recommend natural antimicrobials like cat’s claw, Japanese knotweed, or andrographis. These herbs are thought to support the immune system and help reduce microbial activity.

Stress Reduction and Mental Health Care

Ongoing pain and fatigue can affect emotional well-being. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking with a licensed therapist may help patients better cope with symptoms and stress.

Detoxification Practices

Some people seek therapies that support the body’s natural detox systems, such as infrared saunas, dry brushing, or Epsom salt baths. These practices are often used to manage Herxheimer reactions, which are temporary symptom flares during treatment.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Symptom Management

Making small adjustments to daily routines can help people with Lyme Disease manage fatigue, pain, and cognitive challenges. These might include:

• Prioritizing sleep and rest
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps
• Pacing activities to avoid symptom flare-ups
• Staying hydrated throughout the day
• Keeping a symptom journal to track changes

Support from friends, family, or online communities can also be valuable. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement can make it easier to stay motivated and informed.

Prevention Strategies

Avoiding tick bites is the most effective way to prevent Lyme Disease. Precautionary steps include:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas
• Using insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
• Checking for ticks after outdoor activities, especially on the scalp, underarms, and behind the knees
• Removing ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers
• Keeping lawns trimmed and clearing brush from around homes

In areas where Lyme Disease is common, awareness and early action are key to reducing risk and ensuring quick response if symptoms appear.