Dental appliances of any kind have their pros and cons. Desiring a straighter smile often means wearing metal brackets and wire braces. As a result, many patients experience discomfort because of the shifting of teeth, but this can usually be curbed with over-the-counter pain relievers. No matter if you’re currently undergoing treatment or preparing to start, it’s important to know what to expect so that you know when to seek professional help. Fortunately, orthodontic emergencies are rare but keep an eye out for these 3 common problems you might face while wearing braces.

Even if you take special precautions to avoid them, it’s possible to have an orthodontic emergency unexpectedly. For example, if you bite into something overly hard or sticky, trip and fall, or are hit in the face, the brittle metal wires and brackets could snap.

It’s natural to feel anxious if you’ve just realized you’ve broken your braces, especially if you’re in pain. However, panicking won’t do you any good. Breathe deeply to calm your heart rate, then continue reading to learn about three actions you can take to address your urgent issue!

Once your orthodontist places your traditional braces on your teeth, you never have to worry about forgetting to wear them. However, what you might forget are the basic supplies that you need to take good care of your smile throughout your treatment. What essential items should be included in your braces survival kit, and why are they so important? This blog post explains.

Straightening teeth with metal braces is a near-universal experience that many people can relate to, making them a sort of modern mythology. There are certainly plenty of rumors surrounding this orthodontic treatment, some of which are rather strange! If you’re curious about braces tall tales, keep reading.

Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to do some homework on the orthodontic treatment you’re considering. For example, what does the initial consultation look like? Are there any changes you need to make to your day-to-day routine? Is there anything you can’t eat or drink? Fortunately, we’re covering six things you should know before starting Invisalign right here, so all you need to do to learn the answers is read on!

While people generally associate braces with teenagers, many younger children can significantly benefit from phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Also called interceptive orthodontics, phase 1 treatment involves fitting a child with braces before all their adult teeth have emerged. Here’s a brief guide to why this can be necessary as well as a few signs that your child may be able to significantly benefit from receiving braces sooner.

Whether it is you or your child preparing to undergo orthodontic treatment, the cost of care can add up over time. It’s just one of the many reasons so many people turn to dental insurance as a helpful way to lower out-of-pocket expenses for this type of advanced service. But how can you know if you’re getting the most out of your existing plan? Discover three ways to maximize your benefits and save more while working toward a straighter smile. 

Damaged brackets, loose wires, and broken ligatures can be painful to experience and stressful to handle. They also have the potential to result in treatment plan delays, which can be quite frustrating as well. The good news is that you can prevent orthodontic emergencies like these with the following tips!

Traditional metal braces have allowed millions of people to correct misaligned bites so they can enjoy having straighter, healthier smiles. While this orthodontic method has been tried and proven to be effective over many decades, you may experience some discomfort while wearing them. Here’s why your teeth may feel loose when you wear braces, why this is completely normal, and a few tips for keeping yourself comfortable.

If there’s one activity people associate most with summer, it’s swimming. However, if you enjoy a dip in the pool or another body of water, it’s important to remember the oral health risks that swimming can present and how to mitigate them. Here’s a brief guide to how you can damage your teeth while swimming along with a few tips to help you keep your smile healthy, shiny, and bright all summer long.