Lakewood Orthodontics Blog

Orthodontics, specifically braces, is often associated with teens despite the fact that over a quarter of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are 18 years and older. Even with this statistic on your side, it’s normal to feel nervous about having braces as an adult, especially while at work. Concerns about looking “immature” or “unprofessional” are common, but thankfully, by following a few simple tips, you can ensure you feel confident and capable no matter what the day throws at you.

Swollen gums with braces can be a bothersome reality for many undergoing orthodontic treatments. No matter the reason or cause of the problem, the pain and soreness that often comes with it is something most patients prefer to avoid or eliminate altogether. But is it possible? How does it happen in the first place? An orthodontist is here to explain the reasons why gums can swell and what can be done once the braces come off.

Emergencies have a funny knack for happening unexpectedly—and often when it’s least convenient, too! And orthodontic emergencies are no exception. Whether it’s a broken wire or loose bracket, a lost retainer, or painful mouth sores, these types of situations can be panic inducing. But you don’t have to live in fear of experiencing an orthodontic emergency; there are many preventive measures you can take to avoid them entirely! Here are four helpful tips from your orthodontist to help you prevent orthodontic emergencies and keep your treatment progress unimpeded.

Summer is officially right around the corner! If you’re like most, you’re probably looking forward to indulging in all your favorite tasty seasonal treats in the coming months. However, those who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment may be wondering if there are any restrictions they should know about. While there are many delicious summer foods you can enjoy with braces, there are also a few items you should avoid. Read on to learn more from your orthodontist in Dallas about what you can eat during the sunny season.

Overlapping, gapped, and misaligned teeth are just a few of the many orthodontic issues that braces can correct. In fact, the traditional metal brackets and wires can fix everything from a minor gap to severely rotated teeth. There is, however, one drawback: mouth sores. Fortunately, this is largely avoidable with the right best practices in place. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four tips from your orthodontist in Dallas for preventing mouth sores with braces.

When you’ve been dealing with misaligned teeth, the decision to get braces can be a game-changer for your smile. Along your journey, braces will take some getting used to, of course. Don’t worry, because your orthodontist in Dallas has some tips to help you ensure your first week with braces is a net positive.

Invisalign is a wonderful way to straighten your teeth subtly. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift the teeth into their optimal position. Many adults and older teens choose this option to avoid wearing visible braces. Once you are finished wearing the aligners after about 9 months, using the prescribed retainer as directed is just as important as following the original treatment plan. 

The day has finally arrived – your braces are coming off and it’s happening before your senior year of high school is over just as you’d hoped! While this is a big moment, it doesn’t exactly mean that your orthodontic journey is finished. Your smile is much straighter now, but there’s still some work to do. As your orthodontist in Lakewood reminds you, there are a few crucial steps to ensure that these results you’ve invested the time in never fade away. Here’s what to expect when it comes to adjusting to life after braces.

Whether you’re planning to go visit family for the holidays or stay at home and play host to various friends this year, you may become so wrapped up in the festivities you forget to follow your Invisalign routine. To avoid a potential delay, here are four unique tips to keep in mind as you navigate the holidays while wearing Invisalign in Lakewood.  

Do you have overlapped, spaced-out, or otherwise misaligned teeth? If so, your dentist probably brings it to your attention at each six-month checkup and cleaning. You may have dismissed these comments throughout the years; however, it’s important to remember that braces do much more than enhance the appearance of your smile. In fact, straight teeth benefit your overall health too! Here’s how.