Self-ligating braces are designed to gradually shift teeth into healthier positions using built-in clips instead of elastic ties, and they can be an excellent way to address mild to moderate dental misalignments like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, these devices are not for everyone, and your orthodontist will be happy to help you understand the best way to achieve a straighter and healthier smile during your consultation. Here’s a quick look at what self-ligating braces are and who they can help.

A well-aligned smile and properly developed oral structures can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health and confidence in their appearance. Still, as a parent, you may have questions about orthodontic care. For example, if your child completed Phase 1 orthodontics and is about to embark on Phase 2, you might be curious about what to expect. This blog post shares some helpful information.

Although it’s considered normal to have a slight overbite, if your top arch of teeth juts too far past the bottom one, it can become problematic. This type of malocclusion can have several potential causes, such as genetics, physical trauma, or indulging in too much thumb-sucking as a child.

Whatever the reason for it, if your upper teeth don’t touch the lower ones where they should, it can put your smile at risk. Your orthodontist can correct your bite with braces, but you might avoid treatment if you’re unsure it’s necessary. Continue reading to learn 3 excellent motives to correct your overbite!

months (or even years) of orthodontic treatment, your retainer is the key to keeping your teeth in line. But like anything you use every day, your appliance doesn’t last forever. If you’re wondering how often you should replace it, keep reading. You’ll learn about common signs of wear and when it’s time to go out with the old and in with the new.

When it’s finally time to start with braces, you may be excited about this first step toward straighter teeth. While your teeth will move to a healthier alignment, it’s expected to feel a little sore, especially during that first week. Thankfully, making some simple adjustments to your diet can make the process easier. Keep reading to learn what foods you should stock up on and how you can manage any discomfort.

If it’s been a while, you may only know of traditional braces as the tried-and-true way of fixing misalignment. However, a new kid is on the block, and it is Invisalign! These clear aligners are discreet and removable, so they fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. But are they just as effective as good ol’ braces? Continue reading to learn how Invisalign can address many common bite problems.

With more than 17 million patients around the world, Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. There are several reasons for this, including that the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months (while traditional braces can take 3+ years). To ensure your teeth-straightening journey is smooth and seamless, there are a few do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind, including:

If you wore braces as a teen, you probably remember the excitement of seeing your straight smile for the first time. However, it’s common for teeth to gradually shift over the years, especially if you forgot to wear your retainers or your bite changed with age. If your teeth have become crooked again, you may wonder if Invisalign can help you regain your confident smile without going back to metal braces.

The good news? Invisalign is an excellent solution for many adults who have had braces in the past and want to discreetly straighten their teeth again.

Patients often think their orthodontic treatment is done when the brackets come off or there aren’t any more aligners. The reality is that there is another crucial step: the retention phase. This is crucial because upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse, which is when the teeth move back into their previously misaligned positions. Retainers help prevent that from happening! To keep yours in pristine condition, we recommend:

Your jaw hurts, and you were told you have something called a temporomandibular joint disorder – or “TMD” for short. Fortunately, your treatment outlook is pretty good. Many TMDs can be solved with the help of orthodontics, and you have plenty of options! You’re just wondering how they all compare. How long will each treatment take to complete, for example?

Keep reading, and you’ll learn about the average timeline for various TMD solutions in Plano.