AJ Orthodontics Blog

As effective as they are when it comes to straightening smiles, traditional braces aren’t exactly subtle, and you might not be too thrilled about having to wear the metal brackets and wires for an extended period of time. However, did you know the color of the rubber bands that you wear on your brackets can actually influence the appearance of your teeth? In fact, certain colors can even accentuate the color of your teeth and give your smile a nice glow throughout your braces journey! Here’s more about which colors you should consider and which you should steer clear of when it comes to rubber bands.

Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm! These incredible aligners are revolutionary when it comes to correcting alignment issues and providing patients with a beautifully-straightened set of teeth. However, the Invisalign process is somewhat nuanced; every so often, patients will need to wear extra sets of trays to “refine” their treatment and achieve their desired results. But what exactly are these refinements and why are they necessary? Keep reading to learn more!

Did you know that swollen, puffy gums often develop during orthodontic treatment? Braces bring about a lot of changes, but many people don’t know about this one! Sometimes the swelling is temporary or related to oral hygiene, but that’s not always the case. Unhealthy gums could slow down your orthodontic treatment and put your health at risk. If you plan on straightening your smile soon, here’s what you need to know according to an orthodontist in Palm Harbor about swollen gums with braces. 

When your orthodontist inserted and removed your Invisalign, it seemed so easy. Now that you are home and trying to do it yourself, you may be struggling. Don’t panic though; you’ll be able to take them out. In fact, you can do so painlessly and seamlessly with these essential tips for removing clear aligners.

At age 71, Katsusuke Yanagisawa, a retired Japanese schoolteacher, became the oldest person to climb Mt. Everest. At age 77, John Glenn became the oldest person to go into space. William Ivy Baldwin became the oldest tightrope walker at age 82, crossing the South Boulder Canyon in Colorado on a 320-foot wire. You’re only as old as you feel, and you’re never too old to have straight teeth you’re proud of. So, if you’ve wondered, “Am I too old for Invisalign?” – you’re not! Invisalign can deliver your dream smile whether you’re 14 or 74. Read on to find out from your orthodontist in Palm Harbor why it’s never too late to straighten your smile.

After you have had traditional braces for 4-6 months, your orthodontist might tell you it is time to start using rubber bands which are also known as elastics. It is understandable if you feel a little frustrated because now you have yet another component of treatment to think about, but you can be certain that your orthodontist in Palm Harbor would not advise you to use them unless absolutely necessary. This post discusses the critical role of rubber bands on braces, and it provides some guidance on what you can expect while wearing them.

Modern-day inventions have made things so much more convenient and appealing. Have you tried removable wallpaper? Or maybe you’ve tried a cool temporary tattoo. Just like these modern luxuries, Invisalign has provided a removable and aesthetically pleasing way to straighten your teeth. But with the easy removal of these clear trays, versus the stuck-in-place metal braces, comes the risk of losing them. You wanted them to be invisible in your mouth, not everywhere else! Your dentist is here to guide you on what to do so you can continue toward your picture-perfect smile!

At your last Invisalign appointment, you can’t help but look forward to life without dental devices. However, your orthodontic care doesn’t end when the clear aligners are removed. To preserve your hard-earned results, you must wear a retainer for the rest of your life. If you neglect to do so, your teeth could move back into their original pre-orthodontic positions. Aside from consistently wearing your retainer, you must also take proper care of it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Most of the time, traditional braces are worn on both arches of teeth to correct any alignment issues. However, if one row of teeth is relatively straight, you may wonder if you can have the treatment done with just a single arch to save time and money. Could one-row braces be the right choice for your smile? Here’s what your orthodontist has to say.

It’s no wonder that Invisalign has become so popular in recent years. After all, it can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of having metal wires and brackets in your mouth. Plus, there are no dietary restrictions during the process of straightening your teeth. All you have to do is remove the clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. That does mean food particles can get trapped between teeth, so good oral hygiene like flossing is mandatory. Read on to learn more about flossing with Invisalign from your orthodontist in Palm Harbor so you maximize your treatment benefits!