Category: Braces & Treatment
★ The short version No, you are not too old for braces. Teeth can be moved at any age, and a large share of orthodontic patients today are adults. Treatment works the same way it does for teens, though it can take a little longer and some jaw issues are handled differently once you have […]
★ The short version The seven things orthodontists most wish patients knew: retainers are essentially forever, the cheapest quote is not always the best value, straight-looking teeth are not the same as a healthy bite, consistency beats gadgets, broken brackets and missed visits add months, it is worth checking who owns the practice and whether […]
★ The short version With braces, avoid anything hard, sticky, or chewy: popcorn, nuts, ice, hard candy, caramel, gum, and tough or crunchy foods that can snap a wire or pop off a bracket. Stick to soft foods, especially in the first week and after each adjustment, when teeth feel sore for a day or […]
★ The short version You choose braces colors from the small elastic bands around each bracket, and you can change them at every visit. Dark, cool shades like navy, deep purple, and teal make teeth look whiter, while yellow, gold, and clear bands tend to make teeth look more yellow or stain easily. The best […]
★ The short version Malocclusion is the dental term for a bad bite, meaning the teeth or jaws do not line up correctly when the mouth closes. The most common types are overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Most are treatable with braces or clear aligners, and the best age to catch them is early, […]
★ The short version There are four main types of braces: traditional metal, ceramic (tooth-colored), lingual (behind the teeth), and clear aligners like Invisalign. Metal braces are the most affordable and versatile, ceramic braces are less visible, lingual braces are hidden but pricey, and clear aligners are removable and discreet. The best choice depends on […]
★ The short version Yes, you need a retainer after braces. Teeth naturally drift back toward their old position, and a retainer holds them in place while the bone settles. There are two main kinds: permanent (a wire bonded behind the teeth) and removable (clear Essix or wire-and-acrylic Hawley). Removable retainers cost roughly $150 to […]
