AS ORTHODONTISTS, WE KNOW that starting treatment can feel overwhelming. Patients and parents often have similar concerns and questions when considering braces or aligners. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear in our practice.
WHEN PEOPLE THINK about the dangers of tobacco, lung cancer and heart disease typically come to mind first. However, tobacco products pose serious and immediate threats to oral health, regardless of how they’re consumed. Whether smoked, chewed, or vaped, tobacco damages teeth and gums in ways that can lead to painful, expensive, and sometimes irreversible consequences.
NOW THAT YOU have braces or clear aligners, you’re probably paying more attention to your oral hygiene than ever before. Choosing the right toothpaste matters even more during orthodontic treatment, when keeping your teeth clean becomes more challenging. Let’s break down what’s actually in that tube and how it helps protect your smile.
NOVEMBER IS HERE, and with it comes TMJ Awareness Month — a time dedicated to educating patients about temporomandibular joint disorders and the important role oral health professionals play in diagnosis and treatment. Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain yourself or simply want to learn more about this common condition, now is the perfect time to understand TMJ and how we can help.
CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING your orthodontic treatment! Whether you’ve just had your braces removed or finished your clear aligner therapy, your retainer is now your most important tool for maintaining that beautiful new smile. Let’s review the essential aspects of retainer care and proper use to ensure your results last a lifetime.
SCROLL THROUGH SOCIAL media for five minutes, and you’ll likely encounter someone confidently dispensing dental health tips. From oil pulling to activated charcoal toothpaste, the internet is awash with supposed miracle cures and quick fixes for everything from whitening teeth to preventing cavities. While some of this advice is harmless, much of it ranges from ineffective to downright dangerous. Here’s why you should think twice before following that viral dental trend.
GETTING BRACES IS an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but it also means learning new oral hygiene habits. While maintaining clean teeth and gums becomes more challenging with orthodontic appliances, mastering these techniques will protect your investment and ensure the best possible treatment outcome.
DENTAL CARE HAS evolved dramatically over the past few decades, yet many people still hold onto outdated beliefs that can actually harm their oral health. Understanding the difference between modern dental science and persistent myths is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile throughout your lifetime.
WHEN YOU FIRST get braces, you may be surprised by all the different parts that make up your new smile-correcting appliance. Every piece of orthodontic hardware is carefully designed to move teeth into better alignment. Understanding what each part does can help you feel more confident and make it easier to care for your braces throughout treatment.
WHEN SUGAR FIRST arrived in England, it was considered an exotic luxury. By the Elizabethan era in the late 1500s, the sugar trade was thriving, and the country’s wealthy elite had embraced this costly import as a symbol of status. Imported primarily from the colonies, sugar was rare, expensive, and often displayed as a sign of wealth and sophistication. Unfortunately, this indulgence came with a hidden cost: a dramatic decline in dental health, particularly among the nobility.
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