As a first-time orthodontic patient, maybe you’re eager to start the alignment process. That’s only natural – you want the straight smile of your dreams soon! Before you commit to treatment, though, you should learn its basics. Having the right facts will ensure you get great care for your teeth. Luckily, your Jacksonville orthodontist can help with that task. Read on to discover four vital questions you should ask at your first orthodontic visit.

You have an overbite but haven’t considered braces because they’re unnecessary unless your teeth are crooked, right? This is a common misperception! Overbite refers to the amount of overlap between your top and bottom teeth. A slight overbite is natural and normal, but one that is either too big or too small can have detrimental effects.

Fortunately, braces offer a solution! If you have an unhealthy overbite, continue reading to learn about why you should consider treatment.

Fixing your bite and alignment with braces is a long commitment. The average treatment can take 18 to 24 months, but it’s time well spent to achieve a straight, healthy smile. Nothing is more exciting than the day your brackets and wires come off. However, that’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. There’s another step in your treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect after your braces are removed.

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If you had braces as a teen, you might be surprised to see your smile isn’t as straight as it used to be. It’s not unusual for teeth to move over the years, especially if you haven’t been wearing retainers. You don’t have to live with the changes because you can get braces again. However, this time you won’t have to worry about any brackets or wires because you can benefit from the clear choice in orthodontics with aligners.

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Do you have crooked teeth? Braces may offer a solution. They work by applying constant, gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. This pressure stimulates the bone cells in the jaw to change shape and create new bone tissue, allowing the teeth to move into their new, more aligned position. Braces can give you a beautiful smile, but obstacles can arise during the process. Continue reading to learn about five common ones as well as what to do about them.

If you have just finished your orthodontic treatment, you are most likely excited to be free from your traditional braces or clear aligners. Now it is time for maintenance and prevention to keep your teeth in their newly aligned spots. By wearing your retainer for the recommended amount of time, you are ensuring your new smile will last for years to come. However, you want to be sure to take care of it so you can get the most out of your treatment. Read on to learn about the five best habits to keep your retainer (and smile!) in great shape.

As you start wearing braces, you’ll likely feel excited about your future smile. Treatment, after all, is sure to straighten and align it! In the meantime, though, you may find that braces make your teeth feel loose. Luckily, there’s no need to worry – the appliance won’t cause any pearly whites to fall out. In fact, that loose feeling is to be expected! If you’d like to learn more, let your local orthodontist explain. Here’s a summary of why braces can cause teeth to feel loose and how this effect is normal.

Straightening your teeth with braces can make them more attractive, but it’s a mistake to think that orthodontics is only about making aesthetic improvements. The truth is that braces can improve your health in a variety of ways, especially if they’re used to address a specific underlying issue. Below are 5 ways that your mouth and body can benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Modern orthodontics offer the opportunity to give you the smile of your dreams. Whether you have crooked, overcrowded, or misaligned teeth, braces are a go-to solution to fix your pearly whites. But will you still be able to play wind instruments while undergoing the treatment? The answer is yes! Keep reading to learn three tips on how you can still enjoy playing your favorite tunes.

Do you typically enjoy playing a casual game of football or soccer with your friends? Are you part of a professional team? While sports are an incredible way to build a community and promote fitness, you may be wondering if you can still participate in them if you have braces. The good news is that orthodontic treatment won’t have to get in the way of your physical activities. Read on to learn what you should expect when playing sports with braces!