Then & Now: The History of Braces

Today, braces are widely known for their ability to effectively address everything from small gaps between teeth to severely rotated teeth. But did you know that orthodontics dates back to ancient times? It’s true! In fact, archaeologists have found mummified skeletons with pieces of metal attached to their teeth. If you’re interested in learning all about the history of braces, read on.

Are you currently insured through your employer or an individual plan? Then you have access to numerous perks that benefit your smile and your wallet. However, like many patients, you may assume that coverage doesn’t extend to orthodontic treatment. After all, many other smile-enhancing services, like teeth whitening and veneers, certainly aren’t. With that being said, you may have available benefits that can be used! Keep reading to learn how braces and dental insurance works.

Do you have braces? If so, then you already know that the metal brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing a bit more cumbersome. Fortunately, there are products for braces that are made to make your life simpler. Keep reading to learn what they are!

How is your posture right now? Ideally, your head, neck, spine, and hips form a perfectly straight line, correctly supporting all your joints and muscles. However, for many people, this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence rather than an everyday habit. Unfortunately, chronic slouching can lead to unpleasant consequences, like back soreness. In fact, if not corrected, your bite could be at risk too! To learn how posture affects bite alignment, read on!

It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season is just around the corner! Aside from their ability to address virtually every orthodontic issue, one of the best things about traditional braces is the colored rubber bands. Since they are customizable, experimenting with different colors and patterns is a great way to show off your unique personality, especially during the holidays. If you need a little inspiration, keep reading for a few creative colors of rubber bands for braces to try out!

Orthodontic treatment of any kind – from traditional metal braces to Invisalign – comes with some discomfort. After all, moving your teeth into an entirely new position is no easy feat! With that being said, there are certain instances when seeking urgent treatment is necessary. Keep reading to learn what exactly constitutes an orthodontic emergency.

Have you just started wearing braces, or do you plan on starting your treatment soon? If so, you already know that this traditional orthodontic treatment requires a few adjustments in your day-to-day life. You know to avoid snacking on certain foods and to take extra care when flossing, but have you thought about kissing with braces? Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice romance on your journey towards a straighter smile! Here are three important kips to make kissing with braces a pleasant experience for both you and your partner.

While completing your series of Invisalign aligners or getting your braces off is an exciting milestone, it’s not the last step of your treatment! The final step on your journey towards a straighter smile is wearing and caring for your retainer. After all, you worked hard to achieve the results of your orthodontic treatment! A retainer will help you “retain” your beautifully straightened teeth for the rest of your life. Here’s everything you need to know about wearing and caring for your retainer.

Many people choose to get orthodontic treatment like braces because they want a beautifully straightened smile. After all, studies show that straighter teeth can improve your social life, self-esteem and even your career! However, some patients are hesitant about spending money on a treatment they see as purely cosmetic. What they may not realize is that correcting orthodontic issues is about much more than changing your appearance. In fact, braces can end up saving you a substantial amount of time, money and hassle in the long run—here are five ways how!

If your child just lost their first few baby teeth, you’re probably not wondering if they need braces quite yet. However, you should be! In fact, experts recommend that children get their first orthodontic checkup when they turn seven years old. This gives the orthodontist a good idea of whether your little one will need treatment in the future. However, there are some signs to look out for that could mean you should schedule that visit even sooner. Here are seven of the most common indications that your child may need braces.