Articles

Can Adults Get Braces?

Although it's common for children and teens to have interceptive orthodontic care to help them develop straight smiles and properly aligned teeth and jawbones, adults can also benefit greatly from orthodontic care. Having crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (malocclusion) not only affects the symmetry and balance of your smile's appearance but also the health of your teeth, gums, and maxillofacial anatomy.

3 Secrets Your Orthodontist Won't Tell You

The orthodontist is more than just a specialty dental health professional. They’re the person who is responsible for getting your teeth as straight as possible, and not just to give you a better-looking smile. Properly aligned teeth fit together better when you bite and chew. This reduces wear on your teeth and prevents issues like fractures, chips, and cavities. But once you’re in the orthodontist’s chair, there are a few things you may not know about the treatment you're receiving.

How to Protect Your Braces as an Athlete

As an athlete or the parent of an athlete, you might be concerned about how braces will affect your athletic performance or your success. Naturally, you got braces in order to correct your bite and improve your oral health. However, your investment in braces cost are also vulnerable to damage, especially during sports. Your orthodontist will likely give you a number of suggestions on tips for getting braces while you play sports. If you can’t wait for those, here are some tips about braces protection for athletes.

How to Treat Pain from Braces

It's news no child or teen wants to get: They need braces. The idea of living with a "metal mouth" for the next few years may not sit well with them. Add to that the discomfort braces can sometimes cause, and you might have an unhappy adolescent on your hands.

How to Make the Most of Your Braces

Embracing the beauty of a captivating smile due to perfectly aligned teeth is truly a wonderful feeling. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with perfectly straight teeth. It often takes time and attention to smooth out any inconsistencies in your smile. The good news is that getting braces is an affordable option for people of all ages. if you have questions about everything from flossing with braces to how much braces cost and the Invisalign cost, we are here to help! 

Orthodontic Myths Debunked

Our Brentwood orthodontist at Starling Orthodontics hears all sorts of myths about braces – from “braces pick up radio signals” to “if two people with braces kiss, their braces will lock up.” While most myths about braces are not this funny, misconceptions about orthodontic care can prevent some people from enjoying the benefits of straight teeth. To help you get the best orthodontic care possible, we’d like to debunk the top five myths about braces. 

How to Floss with Braces

Your child just got braces and you want the best experience for them! And, as a parent, you know that you can play an integral role in helping your child with their dental hygiene while wearing braces. Dental professionals have spent decades educating patients on the importance of brushing and flossing regularly to maintain healthy gums, reduce plaque buildup, and prevent gum disease, and it’s equally important to floss regularly when wearing braces. Orthodontic health is more important than ever for children and teenagers to have a beautiful smile for years to come once their wires and brackets are removed. Our top tips for brushing and flossing with braces will help your child maintain a beautiful smile during and after braces!

8 Common Causes of Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are very common. In fact, nine out of ten people have teeth that are slightly misaligned or downright crooked.In most cases, crooked teeth are merely a cosmetic issue. Sometimes, crooked teeth can even add charm to your smile. Crooked teeth may be a health hazard in some cases. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss, for example, and this can lead to tooth decay, tooth and gum infections, and even tooth loss. Crooked teeth can affect the way you speak, smile, and eat. They can also cause psychological distress, as crooked teeth can significantly detract from the cosmetic appeal of your smile.

Preparing Your Child or Teen for Braces

You love your child and want the best for them. At your child's most recent dental visit, their dentist recommended braces or Invisalign to straighten their teeth. As a parent, you see the value of orthodontic treatment but are having a bit of difficulty preparing your child for their treatment. Whether your teen or child is hesitant to get braces or is nervous about getting treatment, you can do a few things as a parent to help them prepare.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Retainer

Your retainer plays an important role in maintaining your amazing smile after your orthodontic treatment is done. Retainers keep your teeth in the best position possible for a dazzling smile and healthy bite. A clean mouth and a clean retainer mean healthy teeth. Throughout your day, bacteria build up on your retainer to cause bad breath and a foul taste in your mouth. If you don’t remove the bacteria, it can accumulate to form biofilm, which is a sticky substance that holds the bacteria to the surface of your retainer, teeth and gums. Dental plaque is a type of biofilm that is bad for your oral health; it can harden into tartar that can lead to gum disease, gum infections, tooth decay and tooth loss. 

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