Traditional metal braces are a great way to address many dental issues by bringing the teeth into a healthier and more beautiful alignment. This treatment can last for one or more years, and braces require rubber bands to be placed on their brackets. While many people enjoy having rubber bands with fun or exotic colors, others may be more interested in making sure that their teeth appear as white as possible. Here’s a brief guide to help determine which rubber band color is right for you. When Can I Choose the Color of My Rubber Bands? Your rubber bands will be removed and replaced at each of ..read more

Traditional metal braces are a time-tested way to correct issues with a patient’s bite, leaving them with a beautifully realigned smile that can last a lifetime with proper care. However, this effective orthodontic treatment is not always comfortable, and it’s not uncommon for patients to encounter problems along the way. Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily addressed. Here are a few common problems for patients with braces and a few tips for remedying them. Soft Tissue Irritation This is perhaps the most common problem for people wearing braces. Braces are made out of metal wires ..read more

Mental health issues have become more common in the last couple of decades. In 2017, about 13 percent of US teens (about 3.2 million) had a depressive episode that year, and 17.3 million US adults were diagnosed with depression in the same year. Unfortunately, these problems are complex and can impact other areas of life, including dental health. Keep reading to learn how mental and dental health are connected, and what you can do to improve both with the help of your orthodontist. How Mental Health Can Affect Dental Health Depression and anxiety can lead a person to neglect their oral care ..read more

The holidays are all about enjoying delicious homecooked meals, socializing with friends and family, and relaxing. Due to the time off of work and school, it’s also one of the most popular moments of the year for people to start undergoing Invisalign treatment. Whether you’re planning on being out of town during the holidays, have parties that you’re looking forward to, or are just planning to feast at home with your loved ones, it’s crucial to do what you can to stay on-track with your treatment timeline. Read on for four tips to help get you through the holidays during your treatment. Wear ..read more

Ensuring that your clear aligners are properly handled and cleaned is essential while undergoing Invisalign treatment. This is key to achieving a straighter and healthier smile. Although you might not consider the time of year significant, this is particularly crucial during cold and flu season. Here are several helpful tips to navigate the season while safeguarding both your oral and overall health. Tips #1: Stay Hydrated When feeling unwell, a stuffy nose commonly leads individuals to breathe through their mouth, causing it to become drier than normal. Increased mouth dryness heightens the ..read more

For many teens, braces are a right of passage. However, despite reaping a lifelong reward of a straighter smile after treatment, living with metal brackets and wires isn’t always fun, especially during the holidays. If you have a teenager with braces, the typical stocking stuffers of candy likely won’t cut it. Instead, help them get excited and power through their journey with fun, orthodontic-friendly stocking stuffers! Read on for four great gift ideas to fill your child’s holiday stocking. An Electric Toothbrush If your teen has an old manual toothbrush or outdated electric one, getting th ..read more

When you think of the holiday season, what are the first things that come to mind? Family, friends, food? The season of giving and togetherness is synonymous with delicious feasts and festive treats. However, for those with traditional braces, it can pose a unique set of challenges. Enjoying the meals with your family may require a bit of mindfulness. In this guide, you’ll tips to help you enjoy the culinary delights of the season while keeping your braces in tip-top shape. So, continue reading to sled your way to holiday bliss. 1. Be Mindful of Your Food Choices With Traditional Braces While ..read more

Recent decades have seen Invisalign become more and more popular. Unlike traditional braces, which have visible metal parts and require certain dietary restrictions, Invisalign is removable and virtually invisible to the casual observer. While Invisalign can be an excellent way to bring a smile into a better alignment, it is sometimes necessary to correct the course of orthodontic treatment. Here’s how Invisalign refinements are used to get a treatment back on track. How Does Invisalign Work? Invisalign treatment involves a sequence of clear aligners customized to fit your teeth. The patient ..read more

If you are frustrated by your somewhat crooked teeth or gaps in your smile, you’re probably considering orthodontic treatment. In the past, traditional braces were used to address such issues. Today, however, advancements in materials and technology have led to a more discrete option. Invisalign has helped millions like you achieve a beautifully straight smile without the need for metal brackets. With something as important as your teeth, however, you want to be sure you’re making an educated decision about which method works best for you. Keep reading to learn about 4 commonly asked question ..read more

Trends come and go. Most of them are harmless, and some of them are fun or even silly. However, a number of them are downright harmful. For example, some people have adopted so-called “health” trends in an effort to improve their overall wellness. Unfortunately, they may inadvertently end up harming their smile. If you want to maintain healthy teeth, you should avoid these trends: DIY Braces Braces from an orthodontist can cost thousands of dollars, so it is understandable that some people try to save money by making their own braces at home. They might use items like paper clips, rubber band ..read more