Metal braces have been used for generations to fix bite and alignment issues. The system of brackets and wires applies continual pressure to move your teeth slowly. Elastics are also an important component of braces. They come in many fun colors to showcase your personality. However, certain colors can make your teeth look discolored. Here’s how to choose the right elastics to ensure your pearly whites shine their brightest.

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You were probably quite proud and relieved to finally have your braces removed when you were a teenager. However, many people who had braces when they were younger find that their teeth have slipped out of their ideal alignment at some point in adulthood. Luckily, it is perfectly possible to have a second round of braces to help straighten things out! Read on to learn a little more about some of the reasons why you might end up needing braces a second time and how the treatment differs.

When you’re beginning your research for your orthodontics journey, all the information you find can be a little overwhelming. Maybe you don’t know where to start or what you should even be looking up! Rather than searching online, why not get your answers straight from the source? During your initial consultation, your orthodontist can answer any question you might have about your treatment options or how the procedures work. Here are 5 questions you should ask at your first orthodontic appointment.

When it comes to navigating your dental insurance plan, there are probably lots of small, specific details and terms that might not make much sense to you, especially if you’re trying to determine your coverage for orthodontic care! Not all types of dental insurance provide coverage for orthodontic services, so it’s important that you read your plan carefully and fully understand your circumstances. Here’s some important information from your orthodontist about how dental insurance affects the cost of orthodontic care.

Are you embarrassed by gapped or overcrowded teeth? Maybe you suffer from jaw pain because your bite isn’t aligned correctly? No matter the reason, you can invest in a straight smile with braces. Whether you missed your chance for braces as a child, or your teeth have shifted over time, you’re never too old to improve your smile, even if you’re over 40 years old. 1 in 4 adults are over the age of 18 because there are more treatment options than ever before, like Invisalign. You can invest in the straight smile you’ve always wanted using a nearly invisible solution, and here’s how.

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Invisalign is the preferred orthodontic treatment for teens and adults because it is virtually undetectable. You don’t have to worry about any attention being drawn to your teeth by brackets and wires. Instead, clear aligners are worn over your teeth. The aligners will stay transparent, but only if you care for them correctly. Simple mistakes can make them turn yellow. Here are 5 reasons aligners discolor and what you can do to stop it.

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According to the American Dental Association (ADA), thumb sucking doesn’t cause permanent teeth or jaw problems when it’s stopped before age four. Though anywhere from 85 to 99% of children are done sucking their thumb before this time, continuing the habit past this point can lead to oral health problems. Keep reading to learn about a few potential complications of prolonged thumb sucking and tips on guiding your child toward healthier oral habits. 

Traditional braces are one of the most reliable treatments to straighten your pearly whites. While it might feel unnatural to have metal brackets and wires in your mouth at the beginning, these will be essential for improving your bite in the long run. That said, some patients are surprised to hear that they’ll require rubber bands on their braces. Why is this so crucial for your orthodontic process? Read on to learn what these elastic bands do for your treatment and several tips for wearing them!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time full of family, food, and fun. It is also a reminder to embody its name…to give thanks! While there are so many major things in life to be grateful for, you can also appreciate the smaller things that bring joy—like a straight, beautiful smile from Invisalign! Here are six reasons to give thanks if you’re undergoing this unique orthodontic treatment this holiday season.

Braces are a common way to fix bite problems, gaps, and alignment issues. As beneficial as this treatment is when it comes to improving both the look and the function of one’s smile, braces are notorious for having a long list of foods you have to avoid. Popcorn, gum, and other treats need to be avoided when wearing braces since they can lead to complications. The list of foods you shouldn’t eat can make the holidays a bit difficult, so what should you have instead? Read on to learn why it’s so important to clean your teeth, what to avoid, and braces-friendly foods for the holidays.