Richardson Orthodontics Blog

Metal braces have been a reliable orthodontic treatment for decades, but many misconceptions still surround them. Whether you’ve heard they’re painful, outdated, or limit your lifestyle, misinformation can make starting treatment feel intimidating. The truth is that today’s braces are more comfortable, efficient, and customizable than ever before.

Let’s bust some of the most common myths so you can feel confident about choosing the right treatment for your smile.

Choosing braces is a big decision, and one of the most common questions patients ask is whether one type causes less pain than the other. While both traditional and self-ligating braces are effective at straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, there are differences in comfort levels and how each system applies pressure to the teeth. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice for your orthodontic journey.

Getting your braces removed is a big milestone in your orthodontic journey. After months (or sometimes years) of getting used to brackets, wires, and adjustments, the day finally comes when the appliance comes off—and you see your new smile in full.

But what really happens during that appointment, and what should you do afterward? Here’s a helpful guide to walk you through the process and make that day a little less nerve-wracking.

Starting Invisalign is an exciting step toward a straighter smile, but there can be a few bumps in the road at first. Sometimes, the aligners can even affect your speech, causing your words to slosh or be muffled. Even so, there’s no need to worry! Any speech hiccups are usually temporary and improve with a little practice. Here’s why speech issues can arise with Invisalign and how you can quickly overcome them.

Cavities are pretty difficult to avoid. With sugar- and starch-filled diets, about 90 percent of Americans contract at least one cavity by the time they turn 19 years old. And did you know that cavities can still form during Invisalign treatment? In this post, you’ll learn what cavities are, how to prevent them during Invisalign treatment, why maintaining your oral health during this time is important, and why you should consider starting Invisalign despite the maintenance needed.

A very small overbite is normal and healthy, but if your top teeth sit too far in front of your bottom teeth, you actually have an orthodontic condition. Without treatment, you may never achieve optimal oral health and function. What are some specific reasons to talk to your orthodontist about getting an overbite corrected? This blog post discusses five.

If you have misaligned teeth, braces are a great way for you to achieve your smile goals. Whether you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or crowding, this traditional orthodontic solution can help you work towards straighter teeth. Sometimes, orthodontists ask their patients to wear rubber bands on their braces. Here’s their purpose and why it is so important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions.

Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile. But let’s be honest – the first week can be a bit of a challenge. Your teeth are adjusting, your mouth feels different, and even speaking or eating can feel awkward at first. However, with a little preparation and patience, you can make it through that first week with confidence and minimal discomfort. Here are 5 helpful tips to help you get through your first week with braces.

Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up your spot in the band. Whether you play trumpet, flute, clarinet, or a big, bad tuba, there might be a bit of an adjustment period, but music and orthodontics can absolutely go hand in hand. If you’re worried about missing a beat, these five tips will help you play with confidence and comfort.

Braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles and have a proven track record of success. Whether you’re dealing with mild overcrowding or gaps, or have more severe bite or dental misalignments to correct, standard orthodontics is a reliable treatment option.

However, you might feel anxious if you’ve recently started treatment and notice that your teeth feel unstable in your mouth. Although this might be worrisome, it’s not usually problematic. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens so you don’t develop anxiety about potential tooth loss!