One of the most important factors for patients going through Invisalign is to make sure that they wear their trays for about 20-22 hours every day, as this maximizes their ability to shift the teeth. While this sounds easy in practice, it can become a little tricky when real life gets in the way! Thankfully, a few basic tips can make this nice and simple, ensuring that a patient is able to achieve the beautifully straight smile they desire as quickly as possible. 1. Don’t Use Your Phone While Eating The primary time that most people will take off their trays is during meals. Usually, actually ..read more

As soon as someone even thinks about getting their teeth straightened, one of the first questions that likely pops into their mind is, “How much will it cost?”  In all cases, the answer is “it depends.” Because every patient is unique, their orthodontic treatment has to be personalized in order to guarantee the best possible result, so there is no set price for braces or Invisalign. However, there are a few key factors that can make orthodontic care more or less expensive, and knowing about them can help you better know what to expect walking into your initial consultation. Orthodontist ..read more

Are braces interesting? If you were to talk to an orthodontist, they could easily go on for hours about them, but just thinking about orthodontic care right now might have caused you to yawn. Braces actually have a long and fascinating history that most people don’t know about, and here are just a few fun facts you can share with your friends and family. 1. Mummies Have Braces Several Ancient Egyptian mummies have been discovered with what appears to be rudimentary braces. They have usually consisted of cords made from dried sheep or horse intestines that are tied around metal posts held agai ..read more

Over the past few decades, the field of orthodontics has changed dramatically when it comes to the technology and techniques that orthodontists use on a daily basis. But, even among advancements like Invisalign and digital scanners, many patients’ best option is still traditional metal braces. Why is this the case? What would make braces a better fit for a patient instead of clear aligners? If you’re thinking about starting orthodontic treatment for either yourself or your child, read on to find out why braces might be the way to go. Traditional Braces Can Handle More Complex Cases While each ..read more

Even though the year just started and we’re nowhere close to Halloween, you and everyone you know probably find themselves wearing a mask relatively often. While this is a proven way to protect everyone’s health during the ongoing pandemic, many people are having to deal with what dentists and orthodontists are calling “mask mouth” as a result. This poses a risk for everyone, but it can be especially troublesome for those with braces. What is it, and how can you keep yourself safe? Keep reading to learn how a few simple tips can make mask wearing more pleasant and healthier for your smile! Wh ..read more

A lot of people think of orthodontics as a cosmetic treatment, in that the reason most people get it is to straighten their teeth and make their smile more attractive. While the benefits of doing this shouldn’t be overlooked, orthodontics is actually able to accomplish much more than simply improving what you see in the mirror. In fact, it’s often the key to solving long-term problems and stopping chronic pain! How so? Read on to learn how orthodontics can benefit your health just as much as your appearance. Stop Chronic Jaw Pain & Headaches Right in front of both of your ears is your jaw ..read more

For a long time, orthodontics was considered to be something that only kids and teenagers went through, but today, roughly 25% of all orthodontic patients in the U.S. are over 18. That means if you’re hoping to straighten your teeth to improve your health and appearance, now is a great time to do it! Of course, the cost of treatment is likely on your mind, so you’re probably wondering if you can use dental insurance to help pay for it. The answer is yes, and here are three straightforward ways to find a plan that offers the exact coverage you need. A Quick Note Before We Begin… Many dental in ..read more

You probably already know that keeping your teeth and gums healthy is incredibly important, but you may not be aware of just how much your oral health contributes to other parts of your overall well-being. Most of us have heard the standard advice for keeping up with flossing and brushing, but do you know the reasoning behind it? Read on to learn 10 things you never knew about dental health. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Most of us would love to have a perfect smile. Having straighter teeth has many benefits beyond just looking nice. When there’s an overlap, it’s harder to brush ..read more

And just like that, 2021 is out the door—bring on 2022! People have likely started asking you about your New Year’s Resolution, and if you haven’t come up with one yet, we’re happy to share a few ideas! For people with braces or Invisalign, a few small changes in the coming year can make a big difference for how their treatment goes, so here are 5 resolutions to consider. 1. I will brush after every meal. Yes, you’ve probably heard that you need to brush at least twice a day, but for people with orthodontics, it’s better to do so after each meal and snack. Why? Because braces can easily trap ..read more

Whenever you see your smile, whether it’s in a picture or the mirror, do you always notice your gums much more than your teeth? Do they actually overshadow your teeth or make them look short and stubby by comparison? This is a very common problem that is simply called a “gummy smile,” and it can often be resolved by orthodontics. How does this work? Read on to find out as well as learn about more treatment options! What Causes a Gummy Smile? There are three main reasons why a person might have a gummy smile: The upper jawbone is too long or overdeveloped. There is too much gum tissue. The up ..read more