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!
(more…)TMJ Troubles: Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Pain?
December 5, 2023
Staying On Track with Invisalign Over the Holidays
November 8, 2023
Even if you’ve had your Invisalign aligners for a long time, the holiday season may test your ability to stay on track with your treatment. This goes double if you’re going out of the town or seeing family for the holidays; an unfamiliar environment can take you out of your routine, and disrupt your ability to properly take care of your orthodontics.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to think a little bit beforehand about what you can do to make sure you stay on track with your Invisalign treatment. Here are some tips that may help you.
(more…)5 Must-Have Tools for Those with Braces
October 11, 2023
Even with the decision to go for traditional braces, you might assume your oral care routine will remain unchanged. However, the reality is that metal braces demand additional care beyond standard dental hygiene practices. To ensure the health and comfort of your mouth during the alignment process, it’s crucial to have specialized dental tools. If you’re contemplating traditional metal braces for teeth straightening, read on to discover five essential dental tools that will not only elevate your oral hygiene regimen but also enhance the overall comfort and success of your braces experience.
(more…)Everybody in the Pool: How We Celebrate Our Patients
September 13, 2023
Our practice wouldn’t last very long without our patients, which is why each member of our team deeply appreciates and values everyone who comes through the door here at Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano. Of course, saying this is one thing, but we’re all about doing here! That’s why we decided to invite all of our patients and their families to a pool party this past July. It was the ideal time for us to show the people we take care of just how much they mean to us, getting quality face time while also giving away plenty of prizes. Couldn’t make it? Keep reading to see what happened and know what you can look forward to next year!
(more…)Running Down the 3 Most Common Myths About Metal Braces
August 5, 2023
Just about everyone knows someone who has had braces at a certain point in their life, which means that most people have heard some things about how they work. However, many of the things you’ll hear aren’t quite true—some of them are outdated, and others were never based in fact in the first place.
If the time has come for you to get braces, you might be suffering from some misapprehensions about how the treatment is going to work. To clear the air, here are some common myths about braces that shouldn’t influence your decision to get them.
(more…)Can You Still Get Invisalign if You’ve Already Had Braces?
July 11, 2023
Many of us undergo orthodontic treatment in our teenage years. There’s nothing like the relief and joy of finally getting your braces removed. However, it’s not unusual for people to stop wearing their retainers for one reason or another. This can cause your once-straightened teeth to become crooked again. Here’s why even if you’ve already had braces, you can still get Invisalign.
(more…)5 Common Problems with Braces & Tips for Addressing Them
June 2, 2023
Braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic solution that has assisted countless patients across multiple generations with achieving straighter, healthier, more attractive smiles. Unfortunately, as effective as they are at addressing dental misalignment, bite problems, and other orthodontic issues, they still come with some minor issues and discomforts that aggravate patients. Here’s a closer look at a few of these issues along with some effective ways for resolving them and promoting a more comfortable orthodontic journey.
(more…)Why Do Gums Swell While Wearing Braces?
May 11, 2023
Wearing traditional braces can be the kind of treatment you need to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. While receiving care, though, you may notice that some slight discomfort forms and that your gums become inflamed. While there are many reasons for this, it’s important that you understand why it happens and what you can do about it after treatment is finished. This article details the truth about swollen gums while wearing braces and how your dentist can help.
(more…)3 Helpful Tips for Traveling with Invisalign
April 13, 2023
Whether your summer plans include backpacking at a National Park, flying to the beach for some much-needed R&R, or vacationing in Europe, you might be wondering how to balance travel and clear aligner treatment. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, there are several steps you can take to enjoy your time away in a way that doesn’t result in you falling off-track with your treatment plan. With this in mind, read on to learn three helpful tips for traveling with Invisalign!
(more…)Lost Your Invisalign Aligners? Here’s What to Do!
March 27, 2023
Modern times have made everything more convenient. And that includes getting a straighter smile! Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to align your teeth. Not only is it incredibly discreet but gives you so much flexibility. You can still eat your favorite foods and easily maintain your oral health! However, with the easy removal of Invisalign’s clear trays comes the risk of losing them. here to guide you on what to do so you can continue toward your picture-perfect smile!
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