AJ Orthodontics Blog

Playing sports offers fantastic opportunities for fitness and camaraderie. Whether you are playing casually with friends or competing on a school team or professionally, sports are a key part of many people’s lives. Luckily, having braces shouldn’t hinder your athletic pursuits! If you’re considering orthodontic treatment but want more information before making an appointment, read on for answers to common questions from your orthodontist about playing sports while wearing braces.

Loud, chronic snoring can be a telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring isn’t the only concern of the sleep disorder. It causes frequent breathing disruptions while sleeping, depriving your body of oxygen. You can be at risk of potentially deadly health conditions with no treatment, but the complications don’t end there. OSA also affects your sleep quality, which can lead to sleep deprivation. If you get behind the wheel when you’re sleep deprived, you can place yourself and others at risk. Sleep apnea is linked to auto accidents caused by drowsy driving. Here’s why you might want to think twice before driving if your sleep apnea is untreated.

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Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces because it can straighten your smile without the need for bulky brackets. Instead, it relies on clear plastic aligner trays that fit over your teeth to gently reposition them. One of the biggest benefits of this transparent solution is that patients don’t experience the same level of self-consciousness as with standard orthodontics because their appearance isn’t as impacted. If your Invisalign becomes stained or discolored, however, it defeats the purpose of this ‘invisible’ option.

Fortunately, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals can help resolve the problem. Keep reading to learn how to use them properly to keep your aligners sparkling fresh!

Orthodontic treatment is a complex system of many moving parts and strategies. Because of this, orthodontic emergencies are bound to happen sooner or later. Being unprepared could lead to disrupted progress and frustration. This is not to mention the potential discomfort from broken brackets or loose wires.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of orthodontic emergencies. Read on to learn how!

Achieving a beautiful smile involves several factors, including white and uniform teeth with minimal gaps. Among these, the alignment of your teeth plays a crucial role. However, maintaining straight teeth can become a challenge when they start shifting. If you’ve ever wondered what leads to this shift, read on to explore seven common causes and discover how your dentist can effectively address and correct these issues, ensuring your smile remains radiant and aligned.

Embracing the journey towards a straighter smile no longer requires the conspicuous presence of metal braces. Invisalign, a popular choice among both teens and adults, offers a discreet alternative with its virtually invisible clear aligners. However, before delving into the transformative world of Invisalign, it’s crucial to be aware of six key considerations that can influence your orthodontic experience.

Did you know that it’s normal for our teeth to shift over time? Whether from changes to your face, teeth grinding, tooth loss, or other causes, it’s not unusual for an adult to want to straighten their smile. In fact, they make up 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today. Whatever the reason, you might worry it’s too late for you to revamp your pearly whites. Thankfully, your orthodontist can help! Braces are an excellent solution for patients of all ages. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to get braces even if you’re over 40!

Invisalign has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional braces because the clear aligner trays are a much more discreet option than bulky metal brackets. There’s no need to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your dental gear when you can barely see it! That said, some patients have run into challenges with their aligner trays becoming somewhat tinted, which defeats the purpose of “invisible” orthodontics. If you’ve noticed your Invisalign is turning yellow, read on to learn 2 reasons this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

Jaw pain can put a real damper on your daily life. It’s no fun to feel throbbing anytime you chew- or even open your mouth to talk. This is unfortunately the reality for patients who frequently grind their teeth or have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Thankfully, your orthodontist can help! You may not have been aware, but straighter teeth aren’t the only benefit of braces. Continue reading to learn more about 4 ways braces contribute to your oral health!

Invisalign treatment can straighten a smile in a shorter amount of time than traditional braces using appliances that are only barely visible, but even this ingenious process could use some help sometimes. When things aren’t moving quite on schedule, Invisalign refinements come in handy for keeping treatment on track. Here’s what you need to know about when refinements are necessary and how they work.