Try though you might, it’s impossible to anticipate when an urgent situation will crop up, and orthodontic emergencies are no different! Whether you’ve developed a chronic toothache or noticed that a bracket has come loose, it’s important to contact your provider right away. You wouldn’t want the dilemma to impact your treatment timeline, after all. If you’ve found yourself dealing with an unexpected issue, keep reading to learn more about some common problems and how you can address them! What Is an Orthodontic Emergency? If you’re not sure whether your situation requires immediate attention ..read more

People put a great deal of effort into following their orthodontist’s instructions when wearing braces or clear aligners, and wearing a retainer is a necessary part of preserving the hard-won results of these treatments. While these appliances are durable, they do not last forever. Here are four signs that can tell you that it might be time to talk to your orthodontist about replacing your retainer. What Are Some Signs That My Retainer Needs Replacing? A retainer needs to be strong and fit properly in order to prevent a patient’s teeth from shifting out of alignment. Some signs your retainer ..read more

Compared to traditional metal braces, clear aligners are a walk in the park. With that said, it is normal to experience some soreness as your teeth move, which is typically most noticeable in the hours following your transition to a new set of trays. The good news is that there are several ways you can ease clear aligner discomfort – here are six! Tip #1: Switch Your Trays in the Evening One of the best ways to combat clear aligner discomfort is by switching to your new trays directly before bed. That way, you sleep through the period of time where your teeth are moving the most! Tip #2: Sip ..read more

Braces may not be the subject of much conversation at your dinner table (unless someone in your family happens to have them). But the history and science behind these complex little devices can make for far more interesting conversation than you know! Just look at these seven little-known facts about braces, and you’ll see that it’s more than delicate metal and rubber. 1.     Thanks, NASA The alloy used in modern braces was originally developed by the scientists at NASA for use in the space program. They found that the metal could remember its shape when introduced to the ..read more

Whether you’ve just recently decided to pursue orthodontic treatment or you’ve been contemplating it for a while, there’s likely quite a lot on your mind—after all, straightening your smile is a pretty big commitment! That said, knowledge is power; the more you know about orthodontic treatment, the better you’ll feel about committing to it and ensuring that things go as planned. Here are a few must-ask questions for you to keep in mind going into your initial orthodontic consultation that your provider will be happy to answer! #1: What Treatment Options Are Available? During your appointment ..read more

If you looked into straightening your teeth decades ago, you might have been told that metal brackets and wires were the only solution. Today, that’s far from the case. Clear aligners are custom-made for each patient, and they are as effective as they are discreet. There’s another perk: they are suitable for patients of all ages! With this in mind, keep reading to learn why you’re not too old for clear aligners. Why You’re Never Too Old for Clear Aligner Treatment Since many patients undergoing orthodontic treatment are teens and young adults, it’s not surprising that people over the age of 4 ..read more

There are a lot of things to keep up with during the holidays. From travel arrangements to preparing the guest bedrooms for loved ones, things can get hectic quickly. On top of that, there’s also the food. Cooking special holiday meals takes a lot of preparation, but the end result is worth it. Even so, eating during the holidays looks a little different if you have braces. Continue reading to learn three helpful tips that will make eating holiday meals with braces a breeze. Tip #1: Take It Easy Patience is key when it comes to eating holiday meals with braces. Be sure to chew slowly and care ..read more

Stockings are iconic to the holiday season, but along with them come some treats that aren’t great for your child’s metal braces. The sweets that normally become stocking stuffers can potentially snap a wire or pop a bracket. If you want to protect your child’s teeth and engage in this tradition, here are some things that could take the place of sticky sweets this year. Small Toys The only thing a child is happier to see on Christmas than candy is a toy. If you want something to put in your child’s stocking this year, try a small trinket. You can use a present you’d normally put under the tre ..read more

Did you know 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 18? It’s never too late to invest in a healthy, straight smile with traditional braces. Following your orthodontist’s instructions, like brushing and flossing, will prevent any delays in your journey to a better smile; however, accidents can happen. Although you might not expect any orthodontic emergencies, it’s best to plan ahead just in case. Here’s what you need to know to prevent an orthodontic emergency from interrupting your day. What’s Considered an Orthodontic Emergency? Orthodontic emergencies can take many forms, like a brok ..read more

Now that you have clear aligners, you are probably curious as to how you should take proper care of them. Because they’re a flexible orthodontic solution that allows you to remove them before eating and drinking, it’s essential that you understand what steps you should take to ensure the health and safety of these clear trays. In this article, we’ll look at four ways you can take better care of your smile and your aligners and avoid a possible delay in treatment. Clean Your Teeth Before Reinserting Your Trays It’s important that you properly clean your teeth before reinserting your trays afte ..read more