Eating With New Braces

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

At The Best Braces, we know that it can be a transition for patients who are wearing braces for the first time. The first few days are going to be an adjustment. Not only do you have to get used to having something on all of your teeth, but there is also the discomfort of the braces starting to do their job. We recommend planning ahead and having foods available that will be a comfort during this time of adjustment. These foods can also be handy after an adjustment to your braces when you may be feeling some discomfort for a few days. Here are some food suggestions for meals:

Summer Safety Tips For Braces

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

We don’t know about you, but after another long winter in Michigan, we are thrilled that summer has finally arrived. We know that many of our patients are enjoying the long days and the slower pace of summer. Whether you are on summer vacation from school or perhaps taking some much needed time off from work, we hope that you have a wonderful and relaxing time. We want to share some things to avoid to ensure that your braces don’t keep you from experiencing everything this summer has to offer. Read on to learn more about what to avoid while wearing braces.

Can I Wear My Retainer If It Is Tight?

Patient Education, The Best Braces

There are various stages that patients who go through orthodontic care experience. There are some patients who may need their palate expanded so they need to wear specific hardware to accomplish the desired goal before wearing some form of braces. Other patients may strictly need to straighten their teeth and move straight into braces. No matter how your treatment may begin, every patient who wears braces will need a retainer when their braces are removed.

Do You Always Follow The Rules?

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

When patients are ready to start their orthodontic care journey, we are very specific with instructions on how to properly clean your teeth, what foods you should and should not eat, as well as how to properly wear any hardware you might have to add and remove from your mouth. Following our directions not only keeps your mouth safe from harm, but it also allows your teeth to move properly so you can finish your orthodontic journey on schedule. Continue reading to learn about the consequences of not following your orthodontic care instructions.

The Biggest Benefits Of Traditional Metal Braces

The Best Braces, Types of Braces

Many years ago, there was only one option when patients were in need of orthodontic care — traditional metal braces. Over the years, different variations and treatment methods have been introduced. Today, one of the most talked about orthodontic treatment options is clear aligners, which begs the question, “Are traditional metal braces still beneficial to patients?” The answer is yes! Most of our patients still receive treatment using traditional metal braces. In fact, there are some patients who are not even eligible for clear aligners for a number of reasons. Traditional metal braces offer a number of benefits to our patients.

Want The “Straight” Facts About Clear Aligners?

Adult Orthodontics, Invisible Aligners, The Best Braces, Types of Braces

Are you or a loved one about to start on your journey with clear aligners? Many of our patients have mixed emotions when they start their orthodontic treatment. There is excitement over the thought of straight teeth. Patients who are using clear aligners get very excited because they have seen a rendering of what their teeth will look like at the completion of treatment. Patients also feel a bit nervous about what to expect and how teeth will feel during treatment. To help ease your mind, we want to explain what you can expect when you first start clear aligner treatment. Continue reading to learn more.

Meet A Valued Team Member – Robyn

The Best Braces

At The Best Braces, our goal is to make every patient’s experience exceptional. One way we are able to do this is with the help of our outstanding staff. Our team works hard to not only offer exceptional orthodontic care that lives up to our name, but to help each and every patient feel welcome and comfortable while in our office. One person in particular helps our office run smoothly, and that is our office manager, Robyn. We want to take some time this month to share a little more about her.

It’s Time For Some Spring Cleaning

Life with Braces, The Best Braces

We don’t know about you, but we couldn’t be more thrilled that spring has arrived! The winter always seems very long, and the change of season is much appreciated. Many people use the start of a new season to clear out the winter cobwebs. This is one of the reasons the term “spring cleaning” is so popular. Similar to the cleaning you may do in your home, now is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning to your orthodontic hardware. Continue reading to learn more.

Tongue Thrusting And Orthodontics

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

When a patient visits our office for their initial consultation, there are a number of factors we check to determine if orthodontic care is needed. We look at the placement of the teeth and we also check the jaw placement and learn if you suffer from conditions such as TMD, sleep apnea, have a speech impediment or other issues. One issue in particular that we look for is tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusting occurs when the tongue is in an incorrect position during swallowing. It can also be called a reverse swallow or an immature swallow. It is cause for concern because it can reverse the corrections made by orthodontic treatment and move teeth out of alignment.

How Do I Take Care Of My Teeth With Braces?

Life with Braces, The Best Braces

Are you or a loved one currently receiving orthodontic care from our office? Are you brushing and cleaning your teeth as often and as well as you should? Before you started your treatment, we should have reviewed the importance of properly caring for your teeth during treatment. When patients are receiving orthodontic care, they have to change the way they clean and care for their teeth. At times, they may need to use special tools to ensure that their teeth are receiving the proper care. Continue reading to learn some of the best cleaning tools to have on hand when wearing braces, retainers, aligners, or other orthodontic hardware.