Huntington Orthodontics Blog

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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Few people have straight teeth naturally. Besides genetics, your teeth can shift over the years. Gapped, rotated, or overcrowded teeth aren’t just cosmetic imperfections. Poor alignment can affect your dental health and quality of life. No matter the severity of your concerns, traditional braces can give you a straight, beautiful smile. While many people have issues with both arches, it’s not uncommon for orthodontic problems to only affect the upper or lower teeth. If you only need to move a few teeth on the top or bottom, most orthodontists won’t recommend single arch treatment, however, and here’s why. 

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An overbite is what we call it when the top teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth. Aside from the potential negative cosmetic side effects of this orthodontic issue, an overbite can cause a number of other problems – including jaw pain, teeth grinding, difficulty speaking, and more. 

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After your braces come off, or you’ve finished your series of clear aligners, it’s time to preserve your new smile. Your teeth can drift back into their previous positions if you don’t commit to wearing your retainer. Initially, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear it at all times before decreasing how often it’s needed. You can ensure nothing compromises your straight smile by maintaining the device. Here are 5 tips to use when caring for your retainer. 

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After years of seeing photos of your gapped, misaligned smile, you’ve started to consider undergoing Invisalign treatment. This process utilizes clear aligner trays to move your teeth into a better position over a period of months or years. Though there are benefits of getting Invisalign any time of the year, beginning treatment during the summer offers extra perks. Read on to learn about three reasons why you should get Invisalign this summer.

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Sometimes, children may not be able to communicate problems they have with their teeth. While it’s often apparent when your child may require braces, other times it might not be quite so obvious when tooth correction is necessary. If you think braces for your children may be needed, here are some signs to look for.

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Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to guide your teeth into the proper positions. While the materials are very durable, they aren’t indestructible. Being mindful about what you eat and wearing a mouthguard when playing sports are key to preventing a broken bracket or wire, but there’s always the possibility of an accident. If you ever have to deal with broken braces, learn what to do from your emergency orthodontist in Huntington.

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