What Not To Do After Getting Braces Off: 7 Mistakes That Can Damage Your Smile

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Occasional jaw soreness or difficulty chewing can be easy to ignore. Crooked teeth or a shifting bite can be brushed aside as a cosmetic issue. 

The day has finally arrived! After months (or years) of orthodontist appointments, sore teeth, and bills, your braces are finally ready to be removed. Braces are a big investment of both time and money, so you want to protect your new smile so it lasts for years to come. This includes knowing what not to do after getting your braces off. 

Seemingly innocuous activities can cause damage to teeth after braces removal, or undo all the weeks of work that braces did. Some activities and foods should only be avoided for a day or two after braces removal, while other things should be avoided indefinitely. In this guide we will discuss 7 crucial things to avoid after braces removal to keep your new teeth pristine. 

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how to know if you need braces

The Orthodontic Dilemma: How To Know If You Need Braces

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Occasional jaw soreness or difficulty chewing can be easy to ignore. Crooked teeth or a shifting bite can be brushed aside as a cosmetic issue. 

However, these signs may be an indication that there are underlying alignment problems. These problems can affect everything from your long-term dental health to your overall well-being. 

Braces are designed to correct many alignment issues. So, how do you know if you will need braces? 

This article will explore common indicators that you may need orthodontic care, as well as the possible results of failing to correct dental issues. 

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what happens at your first orthodontist appointment

What To Expect at Your First Orthodontist Appointment and How To Prepare

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As you look through pictures from the party last week, you notice your crooked teeth and sigh — they’ve been smiling back at you for far too long.

Your dentist recently suggested you make an appointment with an orthodontist to discuss what can be done about your teeth for the umpteenth time. Maybe it’s time for you to finally make that phone call and schedule a consultation.

You’re nervous, though — what will happen at the first appointment? Let’s break down what you can expect at your initial orthodontist consultation and ways you can prepare yourself beforehand.

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what age can kids get braces

Early Orthodontics: When Is the Best Time for My Child To Get Braces?

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One moment, your child’s grin is full of baby teeth — and the next, a puzzle of gaps and twists.

You’re probably wondering, “At what age can a kid get braces?” It’s a great question, because waiting too long can sometimes cause more trouble (and costs) later on.

Every child’s smile develops differently, and the right timing can make a big difference in long-term dental health.

Breathe easy as we walk through when kids typically get braces, what qualifies as early orthodontic care, and when it’s time for that first orthodontic visit.

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How Long Do Invisalign Retainers Last? Let’s Clear Things Up

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Finishing orthodontic treatment and finally seeing the smile you’ve been waiting for is exciting — and naturally, you want to keep it looking that way forever. 

The great news is that with the help of a good retainer and proper care, it is possible to maintain your results and protect your smile for the long haul.

In this article, we’ll look at Invisalign retainers, how long they last, the signs that it might be time for a replacement, and the best ways to extend their lifespan so your smile stays as strong and beautiful as the day your treatment finished.

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TYPES OF GUM DISEASE

Types of Gum Disease

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Featured on Perio.org

Types of Gum Disease

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

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Diabetes doubles tooth loss for US adults

Diabetes Dentistry Diabetes Doubles Tooth Loss for US Adults

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Although tooth loss has decreased over the last four decades, U.S. adults with diabetes lose twice as many teeth as adults without diabetes. Black Americans with diabetes are at greater risk of experiencing tooth loss as they age than white or Mexican Americans with diabetes, Duke University researchers report.

The study assessed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) trends in tooth loss from 1971-2012. While overall tooth loss declined over the 40-year study period, tooth loss remained more common in people with diabetes. Black Americans with diabetes lost more teeth than white and Mexican Americans with diabetes. The researchers suggest this difference could be a result of historical challenges non-Hispanic blacks faced in obtaining proper dental care because of a lack of dental services and dental knowledge.

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Dentistry Nutrition / Diet Soda and fruit juice are 'biggest culprits in dental erosion'

Diet Soda and fruit juice are ‘biggest culprits in dental erosion’

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Article by David McNamee | Featured on Medical News Today

Soft drinks are the most significant factor in severity of dental erosion, according to a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.

Dental erosion is when enamel – the hard, protective coating of the tooth – is worn away by exposure to acid. The erosion of the enamel can result in pain – particularly when consuming hot or cold food – as it leaves the sensitive dentine area of the tooth exposed.

The enamel on the tooth becomes softer and loses mineral content when we eat or drink anything acidic. However, this acidity is cancelled out by saliva, which slowly restores the natural balance within the mouth. But if the mouth is not given enough time to repair itself – because these acid attacks are happening too often – the surface of the teeth is worn away.

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Keeping Your Smile Pretty

How to Keep Your Smile Pretty and Healthy

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by Jeannie Kim | From Health magazine

These days, it seems like everyone’s obsessed with getting a blindingly white grill. But there’s more to taking good care of your mouth than having a soap-star smile.

The condition of your teeth and gums is associated with a host of other health issues that involve your hormones and your heart, and your dental needs can change from decade to decade. Here’s how to keep smiling strong at any age.

Your 30’s: Heed Your Hormones

If you’re pregnant, you might not feel like dragging yourself to the dentist, but you should do it. Higher levels of estrogen and particularly progesterone can result in puffy, tender gums that are vulnerable to minor infection.

Flossing is especially important, experts say, because it helps cut the risk of periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can endanger more than your teeth: some studies have linked untreated periodontal disease to preterm and low-birth-weight babies.

Perfect Your Stroke

Many adults never learned how to brush and floss properly, says Irwin Smigel, DDS, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Use a soft brush that has rounded nylon bristles and make gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.

If flossing hurts or makes your gums bleed, keep working at it. “The more you floss, the tougher your gums become,” explains Paula Jones, DDS, immediate past president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

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Healthy Foods For Teeth

Eat And Drink Your Way To A Whiter Smile

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Article Featured on MSNBC

Stars like Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson need killer smiles for their livelihood, but for us mere mortals, a whiter, brighter smile can do wonders for our appearance and self-confidence. Plus, surveys reveal that one of the first things that people notice about others is their smile, and as that old saw goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Dr. Timothy Chase, a 15-year veteran of cosmetic dentistry in New York City says white teeth and healthy gums can take 10 years off your appearance. And while professional dental products work best for whitening,  what you eat and don’t eat can play a huge role in how white your teeth are.  It seems certain fruits, vegetables and other foods can aid in your quest for whiter teeth. Here’s what you should know about the white smile diet:

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