While the outcome of braces in Jacksonville may be well worth any changes you need to make to accommodate your braces, you may experience some bumps along the way. One common impact of this orthodontic treatment is swollen gums. Sometimes, this effect can be normal, signifying that your teeth are shifting, and other times, it could be the result of an underlying dental health concern. Read on to learn more about what swollen gums mean if you have braces and how to address them.

Traditional braces are a tried-and-true method for straightening your smile, but the first few weeks can come with mild irritations. One of the most common complaints from new braces wearers? Mouth sores. They’re frustrating, they can make eating and talking uncomfortable, and they have a way of showing up at the worst times. The good news is that they’re very manageable, and with a few smart habits, you can protect your mouth. Here’s what you should know.

When you were a kid, loose teeth might have excited you. They were a sign that you were growing up! But now that you are a bit older, you do not expect to have loose teeth. In fact, they can be alarming! But there is probably no reason to worry if your teeth feel loose with braces. In this blog post, you will learn why this sensation occurs.

Finishing braces or clear aligner treatment is a huge milestone for your oral health. Now that your bite feels better, you can finally enjoy the benefits of your new smile. However, there’s one more step to take if you want to keep your results—wearing your retainer. It may feel like an unnecessary chore, but this simple appliance is a critical piece of your treatment that can’t be skipped. Here are three important reasons to wear your retainer without fail.

One of the fun parts of having traditional braces is choosing the color of your rubber bands. Whether you prefer something bold, seasonal, or subtle, the right shade can do more than express your personality—it can also make your teeth look noticeably whiter. On the other hand, certain colors may emphasize stains or make enamel appear darker.

If you want your smile to look bright throughout orthodontic treatment, here are the best colors to choose and a few to steer clear of.

You’ve finally done it! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and have a beautifully straightened smile you can’t wait to show off. However, your teeth are prone to shifting back out of alignment in the period shortly after your braces are removed or you stop wearing your clear aligners.

Your orthodontist prevents this by providing a customized retainer that doesn’t exert enough force to shift your teeth, but helps them remain in their updated positions long enough for your mouth to adjust. Continue reading to learn 3 tips for caring for your oral appliance to avoid some common dental concerns!

Packing a school lunch for a child with braces can feel tricky at first. Many favorite foods — like crunchy chips, chewy candy, and whole apples — can damage brackets and wires or get stuck in hard-to-clean places. The good news is there are plenty of tasty, braces-friendly options that will keep your child satisfied and protect their orthodontic work. Here are 6 things you can safely pack in their lunchbox.

Let’s say you had braces when you were younger. If your teeth have shifted out of place since then, can you receive orthodontics a second time?

For the vast majority of patients with good oral health, the answer is “yes” – and in fact, your treatment is likely to be easier for round two than it was for round one. Keep reading to learn why you might need braces twice and what you can do to avoid a third treatment!

Sure, having straight, even teeth looks great, but did you know that a perfectly aligned smile has health benefits, too? Here’s why getting braces isn’t just about keeping up appearances!

Getting braces seems like child’s play. After all, according to the Dental Tribune, only 27 percent of braces wearers are adults. But the truth is, braces are great for patients of any age, including adults. In fact, there are many lesser-known benefits to getting braces as an adult. Here are four important reasons why you’re never too old for orthodontics!