Are you soon going to attend your first orthodontic appointment? If so, you may be eager to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. You certainly have an exciting time ahead of you! Before you get started on your journey with braces or clear aligners, however, your orthodontist might tell you that you should undergo a procedure known as interproximal reduction (IPR). The prospect might seem a little scary at first, but there is nothing to worry about. This quick procedure can play a big role in helping you enjoy successful orthodontic treatment.

In recent decades, clear aligners have become increasingly popular. Other forms of orthodontia have also emerged, giving patients a range of options. While most of these newer treatments are highly effective, that doesn’t mean they have made traditional braces obsolete. In fact, there are a number of circumstances that can make braces the best choice for someone who is looking to straighten their teeth and/or correct a misaligned bite. Let’s talk about some signs that traditional braces may be the ideal treatment for you.

Children should visit an orthodontist by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to identify and treat potential problems early on, leading to healthier, more confident smiles for your little one as they grow up. Will your child need to wear braces? Here are some signs that braces for children might be necessary for your son or daughter:

Appearances are important, and many people want to straighten their teeth solely because they desire to enhance their smile. That is perfectly okay. But did you know that correcting dental misalignment can do so much more than improve your facial aesthetics? Let’s talk about some significant health benefits of straight teeth.

In discussions about Invisalign, we usually talk about moving the teeth. But what about moving things that are attached to the teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers? Do these restorations negatively affect candidacy for Invisalign treatment? No, not usually. Let’s talk about why that is the case and how your orthodontist can help you to achieve a straighter smile.

Once you finish your course of treatment with Invisalign or braces, you must wear a retainer in order to maintain your results. But what if you become a little lax with retainer wear over time? You might find that your teeth shift out of place. Can wearing your retainer re-straighten your smile? Let’s talk about the answer to that question.

Traditional metal dental braces are quite durable. Unfortunately, though, they aren’t invincible. Once in a while, things happen that can damage them. For example, you might have an accident while playing sports or eat the wrong type of food. How should you handle broken braces? Let’s discuss some steps you can take to deal with the situation and minimize the damage to both your orthodontic treatment and your mouth.

Invisalign is a wildly popular orthodontic treatment, and for good reason. It is subtle, effective, and convenient. However, it is understandable if you hesitate to commit to it, especially if you are concerned that it might affect the way you talk. Not to worry. Although speaking with Invisalign can take a bit of getting used to, it is unlikely that your speech will be significantly altered. Let’s talk about what you can expect with Invisalign when it comes to the way you speak.

When your orthodontist informs you that Invisalign has accomplished its purpose and your teeth are well-aligned, you certainly have reason to celebrate! However, your orthodontic journey isn’t over. You’ll have to wear a retainer. Just how long will you need to wear your Invisalign retainer, and why is it so important that you do so? Let’s talk about the answers to these questions.

Proper oral hygiene is always important, but it is especially critical for people with traditional braces. Failure to adequately clean your teeth greatly increases the risk that plaque and food particles will accumulate around your brackets and wires. Cavities, gum disease, dental discoloration, and other issues may result. Fortunately, brushing and flossing with braces is relatively easy and simple once you get the routine down. In this blog post, we provide practical guidance on how to keep a clean mouth while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.