Cavities, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and other oral health issues are very common. Fortunately, your general dentist is often equipped to address such conditions and prevent them from having a great impact on your health and quality of life. But what if, despite your efforts to care for your smile, oral health problems continue to recur? You might have a form of dental misalignment. This blog post explores how misalignment may be the underlying cause behind a range of issues and how orthodontic treatment can help.
(more…)Willow Bend Orthodontics Blog
Address the Underlying Cause of Dental Problems with Orthodontic Treatment
September 8, 2024
Encouraging Your Teenager to Wear Invisalign at School
August 2, 2024
Teenagers are already a fairly self-conscious bunch without orthodontic treatment thrown into the mix. Invisalign clear aligners makes dental realignment far less conspicuous, but your highschooler might need some nudging to stay on top of maintenance in front of their academic peers. Here are some tips that can help encourage them to power through their Invisalign treatment.
(more…)Bothered by Braces: Common Problems and Solutions
July 12, 2024
Braces are fantastic for achieving a straightened smile, but they can also come with their own set of challenges. Whether you’re new to braces or have been wearing them for a bit, you may have encountered a few of these bumps along the way. Don’t worry—these issues are a universal experience, and there are plenty of ways to manage them. Read on to see a few of these common braces “bumps” and some solutions that really work.
(more…)Summer Snacking with Braces: The Best (and Worst) Foods
June 14, 2024
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious seasonal foods, but if you have braces, you need to be mindful of what you eat. Certain snacks can damage your appliance or make your treatment less effective. If you’re ready for summer, but don’t want the hassle of vetting everything at your uncle’s BBQ, continue reading. Here’s a guide to seasonal snacking with braces, including what to enjoy and what to avoid!
(more…)Ortho 911: What Should I Do If I Break My Braces?
May 7, 2024
If you have braces, you already know how important it is to care for them to avoid a potential orthodontic emergency. However, even if you wear a mouthguard during physical activities and do your best to steer clear of overly hard or sticky foods, it’s possible for your brackets to break.
It’s natural to feel worried under these circumstances, but that won’t help you fix your orthodontics. Continue reading to learn about 3 proactive steps you can take to get back on track with your treatment!
(more…)Phase 1, Ready to Launch: Why Baby Teeth Might Need Braces
April 10, 2024
A lot of the time, people associate braces with a particular period in their lives: adolescence. While this is hardly a complete picture of what orthodontics can do, it’s also understandable to think this. People usually get all of their permanent teeth by their teens, which usually means it’s the first time that patients can straighten the teeth that they’ll have for the rest of their life.
However, it’s actually not necessary to wait that long to get braces; there are some instances where aligning baby teeth could be a good idea. Here’s what you should know about this process, and how you can know whether your child is a good candidate for these braces.
(more…)5 Easy Ways to Prevent an Orthodontic Emergency
March 21, 2024
You want your journey to a straighter smile to be as smooth and stress-free as possible, right? If so, you might find it helpful to learn all of the things you can do to prevent an orthodontic emergency, like a protruding wire or loose bracket. Here are five easy ways to do so!
(more…)Demystifying Orthodontic Treatment Costs: Understanding the Factors at Play
February 5, 2024
Orthodontic treatment can be a life-changing investment, offering not just a beautiful smile but also improved oral health and self-confidence. However, the cost of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly depending on various factors. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their orthodontic care. Let’s delve into the key elements that influence the cost of orthodontic treatment.
(more…)Common Question: Is It Okay to Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
January 1, 2024
If you have a mildly crooked smile, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces. These clear, plastic aligners are customized to fit snuggly over your teeth and gently reposition them over a designated period. Part of the reason they’ve grown so popular over the years is because there aren’t as many dietary concerns as there are with metal brackets on your teeth. That said, many patients wonder if they can have coffee with Invisalign. If you don’t want to live without your daily dose of caffeine, continue reading to learn more.
(more…)TMJ Troubles: Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Pain?
December 5, 2023
If you’ve been waking in the morning with a headache and notice that your jaw has been feeling particularly stiff, you could be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This painful condition can progress to the point that you get a locked jaw and can’t open your mouth to eat or speak, so it’s important to get professional help to address it. Treatments vary and can involve physical therapy or oral devices provided by your orthodontist. Many patients in this predicament wonder whether Invisalign can alleviate their symptoms. If you’re curious, keep reading to find out!
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