Entries by mbiermann

About Rubber Bands for Braces

Orthodontic braces perfect your smile by applying constant, steady pressure to move your teeth into proper position. The brackets and wires attached to your teeth are limited in the direction of the applied force, however. Some situations, particularly to correct bite problems, require the upper and lower rows of teeth to move relative to each […]

Types of Braces for Teenagers

Braces have come a long way since the days when big metal bands were connected to a wire in your mouth. Today, the wire is still there, but small metal or ceramic brackets have replaced the clunky bands. Another change is that many teens make a statement with their braces, according to Mamashealth.com. They often […]

Tooth Braces and Pain

Braces are a fact of life for many people—according to a study done by Orthodontics.org, approximately 4 million people in the United States are under orthodontic care at any given time, and 80 percent of teenagers will wear braces. Braces can cause tooth pain, though it’s typically not severe and doesn’t last for very long. […]

What are Orthodontic Spacers?

Your orthodontist may have told you that you need to have spacers before your braces go on. What does this mean? Some of your teeth may need brackets that are attached to metal bands that go all the way around the tooth.* Usually, the bands are used only on molars. If the space between your […]

A Smile Makeover Can Help Boost Self-Confidence

Projecting a healthy, radiant smile can help boost self-confidence and lead to increased comfort and success in both personal and career-oriented situations. Yet, many people are unhappy with their less-than-pearly whites, causing them to avoid social interaction and even lose out on opportunities because they are too self-conscious. Your dissatisfaction with the appearance of your […]

What Are the Different Methods of Teeth Whitening?

Before you consider teeth whitening methods, it’s important to understand how they work, in order to make an informed decision that best suites your teeth whitening needs. Choosing a whitening method for your teeth can be confusing and overwhelming, with so many teeth whitening products available on the market today. Over-the-counter or from your dentist, […]

Help! Did I Stain My Braces?

One of the most common questions we get on ArchWire’s Metal Mouth Forum involves ceramic brackets stained from foods, particularly curry. Well relax, your brackets are NOT stained. The brackets themselves are still white, but the elastic ligatures have become stained. The ligatures are those little rubber bands on each bracket that hold the arch […]

Does Smoking Cause Stains on Teeth with Braces

We all know that smoking cigarettes and tobacco can be extremely harmful to our health in a variety of different ways. Many people associate smoking with conditions that affect our lungs but they do not consider oral health is one of the major health concerns associated with smoking is well. When people receive braces it’s […]

10 Tips for Healthy, White Teeth

Not only do your teeth help you talk and chew, they can make or break your appearance. Here are 10 secrets for keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape. 1. Go on a white-teeth diet. If you’re quaffing red wine and black tea, or smoking cigarettes or cigars, expect the results to show up as […]

4 Benefits of Using Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to avoid oral health issues like gingivitis. If you add mouthwash into the equation you’re set for success. Mouthwash is an effective tool in the fight against tooth decay, gingivitis, as well as the promotion of healthy teeth and gums. Here are just a couple benefits from using […]