Choosing an orthodontic treatment plan is a big decision. All the options can feel really overwhelming! Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign vs. braces to help you find the best fit for you. Advantages of Braces Comparing Invisalign vs. braces can feel confusing at first, but it’s simple once you know the differences. While they are similar in that they are both used to straighten your teeth, they are very different in many ways. Braces are the traditional option, and the most common type uses metal wires and brackets to align your teeth. The brackets are attached to each tooth with a ..read more

Making resolutions for a happier and healthier year ahead? What are your new year’s smile goals? Whether your goals are a straighter, brighter, or healthier smile, we’ve got tips to help you achieve results you’ll be happy with! Your Smile is Important We believe that our patient’s smiles are important because we know what a difference a healthy, confident smile can make. A smile can make a stranger’s day, greet an old friend, make an incredible first impression, and comfort someone who needs encouragement. Smiles are pretty amazing and we love to help our patients feel amazing about their smi ..read more

Celebrating the holidays with braces can be different than what you’re used to. You might have to skip a few foods that aren’t braces-safe. But the good news is there are still lots of braces-safe Christmas treats! You might just discover your new favorite holiday treat! Finding Braces-Safe Treats It’s important to learn about which foods are braces-safe Christmas treats and which ones are not before holiday get-togethers so that you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about breaking your braces. Orthodontists typically recommend avoiding foods that are sticky, chewy, crunchy, or hard. In ..read more

Is it your first holiday with new braces? It’s normal to have questions! There’s a lot to learn about having braces! Here’s what you need to know about celebrating Thanksgiving with braces so you can feel prepared and enjoy a worry-free holiday. Things You Need for Braces Care Before the busyness of the holidays is upon you, it’s a good idea to make sure you have everything you need to take good care of your braces. Celebrating Thanksgiving with braces is easier when you don’t have to worry about running out of dental picks or toothpaste! The essentials we typically recommend are a toothbrush ..read more

New braces can be a big change! There are lots of things to get used to and learn. Taking care of your new braces can feel overwhelming, but you’ll get the hang of it! Here’s what you need to know about how to care for your new braces. Braces Care at Home Learning how to care for your new braces is important because they require daily care and this starts at home. Caring for your braces is similar to caring for your teeth. You should clean your braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after each meal or three times a day. Flossing daily is also important. Talk with your o ..read more

Braces can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. But you may have also wondered, can you whiten your smile with braces? Here are the facts and some helpful tips for brightening your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Can You Use Whitening Treatments? Many different kinds of teeth whitening treatments are available, from whitening toothpastes and at-home whitening kits to professional treatments your dentist can apply in-office. But can you whiten your smile with braces? It’s best not to use whitening treatments on your teeth until you get your braces off. Because braces bracket ..read more

Have you ever wondered if you could smile more confidently? You can! You’ve come to the right place! We’re all about helping our patients enjoy their smile more. Continue reading for 5 steps to a confident smile! 1. Practice Smiling One of the first steps to a confident smile is to simply practice smiling! Write some encouraging messages to yourself on your phone reminders, stick some post-its on your mirror where you get ready in the morning, or post them around your work area. The more you smile, the more your brain releases ‘happy hormones’ that make you feel like smiling! 2. An Attitude of ..read more

Summer vacation is finally here! Summer is the time for fun, fresh, and frozen treats! But how do you know which ones are safe for your braces? Here are some braces-friendly summer treats to satisfy your summer cravings all season long. Farm-Fresh Fruit and Berries Summer is a great time for a trip to your local farmers market! If you’re looking for braces-friendly summer treats that are fresh and juicy, the farmers market is the place to go. Look for soft fruits, veggies, and berries (seedless is best) at peak ripeness and great prices since they are grown by local farmers. You’ll wish it was ..read more

Many people worry that when they get braces they’ll have to give up a lot of the activities and foods they enjoy, but that’s often not the case! There are a lot of things you can continue to do with braces: play instruments, sports, and games. So, what can’t you do with braces? Here’s a list. 1. Play Sports without a Mouthguard One of the most asked questions we get when patients first get braces: “Can I still play my favorite sport?” The answer is typically “yes!” but with one caveat: make sure to wear a mouthguard! A mouthguard (or sportsguard) is a thin piece of flexible plastic that fits o ..read more

You have probably heard before that soda can be hard on your teeth, but is seltzer safer than soda? Or can they both be harmful to your smile? Read on to learn about how soda and seltzer affect your teeth so you can keep your smile healthy and bright. Why is Soda Bad? The main reason why soda can be hard on your teeth is because it often contains high amounts of sugar. Sugar is a leading cause of cavities because sugar feeds the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produces acid. The resulting acidic environment can erode the enamel (or outer layer) of your teeth, leading ..read more