Is your child embarrassed, anxious, or dreading their orthodontic appointment? We know that no one looks forward to the unknown and we want to help you prepare your child/children for their first appointment. Your child may have questions and so we’ve provided a few answers below to help you give them answers. Do I have to go? We get it, …
Rubber Bands For Braces: How Do They Help?
Braces can be hard to get used to, especially for children. The issue for many people is the rubber bands (also called elastics). Elastics are used with braces to further help straighten the teeth while also allowing individual tooth movement. They are also used to help with jaw alignment. What are the benefits of braces with rubber bands? There are …
At What Age Can My Child Start Using Fluoride Toothpaste?
A common question we often hear from parents at their child’s appointment is “when can my child switch to a fluoride toothpaste?” A general rule of thumb is when your child is 6 years old, which is usually when they are old enough to spit properly. Fluoride toothpaste should never be swallowed. Since brushing should begin as soon as the …
What Happens When Your Braces Are Tightened?
There are many reasons for people to undergo orthodontic treatments. Braces are used to treat such dental issues as a misaligned bite (malocclusion), crowding, and crooked teeth. It is not a quick fix and can range from several months to a few years, depending on your specific dental problems. In order to keep progressing the movement of your teeth into …
Holiday Tricks and Treats For Braces
The holiday season is nearly here! Halloween is in just a few weeks and then the holidays are in full swing! If you, your teen, and/or children are currently under orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the yummy treats that come out this time of year. Although there are some treats and candies that …
Can Vitamins Really Help Your Teeth With Braces?
We all know that vitamins are essential for our health. Whether we get them from supplements or diet, they are the building blocks for our bodies and when we are deficient, our bodies know it. Your teeth are no different and need these nutrients to help them respond successfully to orthodontic treatment. Here is our list of must-have vitamins you …
Orthodontics: Necessary or Just For Aesthetics?
Many people think that orthodontic treatment is only for gaining a “pretty smile” and while that is not a bad reason, it is not the only reason. Some patients seek out treatment to help resolve a medical condition which requires orthodontic intervention. Our appearance impacts many aspects of our lives and is what others will use to make their initial …
Oral Health Care Tips for Parents of Teens
Let’s face it, who really gets excited about oral hygiene? Adults don’t look forward to their daily oral health routine, so why do we expect our children and teens too? You can never get them as excited to brush and floss as they would be about playing a new video game, but arming them with the information to understand the …
Tips To Prevent Bad Breath With Braces
When considering orthodontic treatment, there are some adjustments that will need to be made regarding your oral hygiene routine. One common issue we hear from our patients is that they experience frequent bad breath with their braces. We will explain why it happens and give some tips on what you can do to combat it. Do braces cause bad breath? …
How To Treat Diastema?
What is diastema and what causes it? The space between two or more teeth is known as a diastema. Most often this occurs between the upper front teeth. It is common for children to experience this gap when their primary teeth fall out and are usually closed when their permanent teeth come in. Other causes for diastema may include: A …
Retainers After Treatment
Many patients who are currently in treatment, or those considering treatment wonder if they will need to wear a retainer after treatment is over. The answer is yes. Getting your teeth straight is only half the process. Keeping them straight, with the aid of a retainer, is a lifelong task because teeth can shift and adjust throughout your life. To …
Fun Holiday Treats For Kids With Braces
The holidays are here and there are so many fun things to see, do, and…..eat! Even though your child may be in the process of orthodontic treatment, they do not have to miss out on ALL of the holiday goodies this season has to offer! Of course, you will want them to stay away from hard candies and chewy treats, …
Can My Bite Change With Time?
Just like with anything in life, things can change. So, why would your teeth be any different? Although teeth are embedded in bone, bone is a living tissue that changes over time. The cells in your bones go through a process called bone remodeling in which they break down and rebuild. This process takes stimulation to keep moving along. For …
Tips On Making Flossing Easier While Wearing Braces
One of the habits most parents have a hard time encouraging their kids to develop is flossing. With or without braces, it is a daily struggle for parents. When your children have braces it can be an even bigger battle when the wires are placed. Good oral health routines are even more important during orthodontic treatment to maintain a healthy …
Questions Your Child Might Ask About Getting Braces
As parents, you are always fielding questions about things from your kids. It should be no surprise that they will have some about the prospect of getting braces. Some kids may be completely open to the idea, maybe even WANT them, others may be more hesitant, while some can actually be frightened by the idea of something foreign in their …