Facts About Elastics

We offer various orthodontic treatments to fit the needs and desires of our patients. Every orthodontic treatment comes with hardware that is necessary to shift your teeth into the correct placement. Patients who wear braces may need elastics to help move their teeth and shorten treatment time. Do you know what elastics are and the purpose of wearing them? Read on to learn more about this common item used in many orthodontic treatment plans.

Tips To Help You Prepare For Orthodontic Treatment

No matter your age, preparing for braces can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We see people each and every day who are receiving orthodontic treatment for one reason or another. It is important to remember that each person’s experience is different, so it is best to take any feedback lightly. We want to share some helpful tips that may be useful to you before you start your orthodontic journey. Continue reading to learn about these tips.

Tips For Traveling With Orthodontics

We don’t know how you feel, but we are thrilled that the warm weather is finally upon us. With the summer season starting soon, we have loved hearing about all of the plans our patients have for the summer. We know that many of you are going on day trips, relaxing with friends and family, and going on vacation. Not that we want to be negative during all the fun, but it is important to be mindful of your orthodontic treatment this summer. Not preparing correctly for a trip or forgetting your restrictions while out and about can lead to complications with your treatment plan. Read on to learn more.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces and orthodontic hardware may seem like a more recent invention, although the first modern braces can be traced back to the 1800s. Traditional metal braces became even more popular over the past few decades. The braces that we use today are not the same as the ones your parents and grandparents had. Dental treatment and technology are constantly changing to bring patients the best care.

Braces & Sport: Do They Mix?

One of the most common questions we get from patients and their parents is about restrictions when wearing traditional metal braces. Two of the most common concerns are about food restrictions and if there are any restrictions or limitations in playing sports or any physical activity. We have often spoken about the various food restrictions and would be happy to answer any questions you may have if you contact the office. Today, we are going to discuss physical activity while wearing braces or receiving orthodontic treatment. Read on to learn more.

Can Braces Help With Sleep Apnea?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be desperately looking for a solution to your problem. You may be wondering if orthodontic treatment can help with sleep apnea, and the answer is yes. Before we explain further, we want to make it clear that we cannot diagnose or treat sleep apnea. When we are performing our initial consultation with future patients, there are a number of examinations we perform. The examination ranges from visual examinations to in-depth X-rays and scans of the teeth, bone structure, skull, and more. During these examinations, there are certain red flags that may indicate you have certain conditions or issues, and we would recommend you see a medical professional who specializes in the condition we may suspect. Sleep apnea in children and adults is one of the conditions that may be a red flag for us during our examination.

Caring For Your Braces Over The Holidays

We cannot believe that December has arrived. Many of our patients are busy preparing for the holiday season. While this is a time to visit and celebrate with loved ones, remember to be mindful of your orthodontic hardware. We’ve talked before about which foods to avoid while wearing braces and other hardware. However, there is so much food during this time of year that it can be tempting to indulge, even when you know better. This can be especially difficult for our younger patients, who may not have much restraint.

Play Ball!…Even With Braces

With the arrival of spring and the brighter and longer days upon us, we know that many of our patients are returning to playing a variety of sports. We are often asked if patients need to refrain from sports during their orthodontic treatment, and our answer is always that our patients are free to enjoy all the sports they love. However, we do make our patients aware that athletes with braces carry a higher risk of injury to the mouth while playing sports. It can be nerve-wracking and expensive to deal with the consequences of mouth injury while playing. Continue reading to learn about proper care for braces while playing sports.