Ortega Orthodontics Blog

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!

It seems like there are more options to straighten your teeth with each passing year, so selecting the one that suits you best can be challenging. Even as clear braces are gaining in popularity, traditional braces still have their own benefits. As you consider your method of treatment, read on to hear from your orthodontist in Jacksonville about when traditional metal braces are still the optimal selection for a straighter smile.

Few people have naturally straight teeth. If you didn’t hit the genetic jackpot or you’ve experienced orthodontic regression, your orthodontist can fix gapped, rotated, or overcrowded teeth with traditional braces. They’ll create the healthy, attractive smile you desire, no matter the severity of your alignment concerns. If you only have a few teeth out of position on the top or bottom, you may be wondering if you need to waste time and money treating both arches. Although you may not believe you need braces for the top and bottom, single-arch treatment is rare. While it’s entirely possible to put braces on just one arch, here’s why your orthodontist will advise against it. 

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Emergencies can happen when you least expect them; and they often happen when it’s least convenient, too! That said, one of the biggest inconveniences you can experience if you have braces is an orthodontic emergency. Whether it’s a broken wire or bracket, a lost retainer, painful mouth sores, or some other type of oral injury, these situations can be alarming; after all, your smile is at stake! But luckily, orthodontic emergencies can easily be avoided with a little knowledge and forethought. Here are four helpful tips for preventing orthodontic emergencies and keeping your treatment progress right on track.

If you have just had braces put on, or are getting ready for the big day soon, congratulations! This is an exciting time. You will be used to wearing braces before you know it – and then it will be time to get them off! But just like with anything else, there is usually a bit of an adjustment period right after you get the hardware put on. Keep reading for 5 tips to help you get through your first week with braces.