In my practice of cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics here in Houston, whether we are doing comprehensive orthodontics or six month braces it is somewhat common for patients to develop sore spots on newly placed orthodontic brackets. I would like to discuss some of these problems and how they can be treated. First of all the brackets are small squarish projections which can be felt on the inside of the lips and cheeks. In time the lips and cheeks will develop shallow callouses. Some of the brackets have small wire projections (which allow us to use for springs and rubber bands).…

Orthodontic braces are worn temporarily to correct teeth misalignment, gaps, overbite, underbite or crossbite. The severity of the issues within your mouth will dictate how long you’ll need to wear your braces for. Braces do take some getting used to and require special cleaning to ensure that food does not get stuck in them. However, if there’s one thing braces do not do, it’s affect your beautiful singing voice. Does wearing braces require that you adjust the way you sing? When you first start wearing orthodontic braces, your mouth, tongue and cheeks will need to adjust to their new contours.…

Traditional orthodontic braces are usually worn for a couple of years. Two years is a long time, which can deter adults who want to correct the alignment of their teeth. More and more patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth are turning to short-term braces, or fast braces, for a straighter smile in just six months! Fast braces are meant to improve the appearance of the front upper and lower teeth in just six months. They are not a substitute for traditional orthodontic braces, which are necessary for correcting more comprehensive orthodontic issues. Fast braces can move…

Changing the colours of your orthodontic braces is a great way to express yourself and have some fun! You won’t be changing the colour of the wires or the brackets, just the small elastic bands that go around each bracket. Your orthodontist will have lots of colours for you to choose from, and you can change the colour of your braces with each visit if you’d like. You can even choose a combination of colours.There are no rules when it comes to choosing braces colours, but here are some guidelines and ideas to help you choose colours for your orthodontic…

It’s incredibly common in North America for young people to get braces between the ages of 13 and 17. Traditional orthodontic braces consist of metal wires that are threaded through metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth. These are gradually tightened over time, applying pressure to the teeth to move them into the right place. Braces are used to correct a misaligned bite or teeth that are unevenly spaced. Many adults didn’t have the chance to go through traditional orthodontic treatment when they were young. Having uneven teeth or a misaligned bite can affect your self-esteem and confidence in…