Articles

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. 

How Long Do Braces Take?

If you are considering treatment to straighten your teeth, you might wonder how long your orthodontic treatment may take. The answer is – it depends.First, the short answer. Orthodontic treatment typically takes between 12 and 36 months. Your treatment may take less time, or longer.

National Orthodontic Health Month | Caring For Your Smile

When you think of October, costumes, pumpkins and candy might come to mind. But October is about more than just Halloween – it's also National Orthodontic Health month, a time to celebrate healthy smiles and the treatments that help them get and stay healthy. This October, take some time to learn more about what you can do to get a healthier smile and teeth you can be proud to show off.

3 Things to Ask Your Orthodontist At Your First Visit

At your child's last visit to your family dentist, they recommended an orthodontist visit to correct issues with your child's bite, tooth alignment or jaw. Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth, leading to improved oral health and better self-confidence. But first, your child needs to see an orthodontist and get braces. Knowing what to expect at the orthodontist and the questions to ask during your first orthodontist appointment helps the process go smoothly and ensures you and your child have the info you need to get the best results.

Invisalign® Vs. Incognito Braces

Many people have avoided getting braces unless it was medically necessary because they believed the traditional wire and bracket system was not appealing. Now, with more advanced and less visible options available, including Invisalign and incognito braces, more people are turning to orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of.

5 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

Straight teeth are attractive, of course, but the benefits of straight teeth go beyond an appealing smile – they can also contribute to your oral health and overall health. If you are like many people, though, you don’t want to wear braces; this is especially true for teenagers who don’t want to be bothered with the hassles of wearing braces. Fortunately, there is a way to get all the benefits of teeth straightening without braces.

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