How To Keep Teeth And Braces In Tip-Top Shape This Summer

Dental Emergency, Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Summer is a favorite season for many of our patients. It is a time to let loose, enjoy the longer days and nights with family and friends, travel to favorite destinations, and not have to worry as much about rules and regulations… unless we are speaking about orthodontic care. As carefree as the summer can be, patients who are receiving orthodontic treatment need to be mindful of their oral health this summer. Treating your mouth properly can ensure that your treatment stays on target and orthodontic emergencies are avoided. Continue reading to learn our suggestions on how to keep your braces intact this summer.

Don’t Forget This Important Step on Your Journey to Straight Teeth

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

We know that there is nothing more exciting than the day your braces are finally removed. It is a day that you dream of for many months: the day you can look in the mirror and finally see all the hard work pay off—your teeth are straight and beautiful. Even though you are excited to show off your new smile, it is important to understand that your journey to straight teeth is not over yet. You still need another device to help your teeth remain in this beautiful condition. Continue reading to learn more about the next step in your journey.

True Or False?

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

True or False? Teeth require the same care with or without braces. The answer to that is false! Teeth with braces require much more care and cleaning time than teeth without braces. Braces create many tiny spaces that are perfect places to trap food, creating tooth decay. Continue reading to learn the necessary steps to keep teeth clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Don’t Let Halloween Play Tricks on Your Braces

Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Do you like tricks or treats for Halloween? If your answer is treats, we are here to help you keep your orthodontic treatment as quick, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible while celebrating. One of the best parts about Halloween is all of the delicious treats that are available. Sometimes, it is difficult to remember which treats are helpful and which treats can be harmful to your braces. We are here to share which are treats and which are tricks.

How Braces Work

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Have you ever wondered how brackets and wire work together to move teeth into a different position? While there may be some discomfort here and there, you don’t feel your teeth moving, so how does it work? The way braces move teeth is that they exert a constant pressure on them for an extended period of time. The jaw also conforms to this pressure to create a more aligned bite.

Most Issues Are Preventable, But When They Happen…

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Patient Education, The Best Braces

Braces typically hold up well to normal daily activities such as eating and tooth-brushing. To keep your braces functioning well, we recommend avoiding hard foods, sticky candy, and ripping packages open with your teeth. There are other instances, too, when there may be an issue with the braces for which we ask that you call us so we can fix the problem. Read more to find out when to call us.

Braces For Bruxism

Life with Braces, The Best Braces

Do you often feel pain in your jaw or face? Do you have soreness in or around your ear? Is chewing sometimes painful? These are all symptoms caused by the clenching or grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism. While it can be triggered by stress or anxiety, bruxism can also be a sign of a bite or tooth misalignment. Orthodontics can help with this uncomfortable but common problem.

What Does The Future Hold?

Adult Orthodontics, Life with Braces, Pediatric Orthodontics, The Best Braces

The immediate benefits of orthodontic treatment are quite noticeable. Patients come into our office with crooked and crowded teeth; upper teeth that stick out; and bites that need to be corrected, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. After treatment, they walk out with straighter, better aligned teeth that, when followed up with retainer use, can last a lifetime. It’s not just the appearance of teeth that are improved by orthodontic treatment, though. There are other benefits that may not be as noticeable, but are just as important to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.