Richardson Orthodontics Blog

Since its debut 20+ years ago, Invisalign has helped more than eight million patients achieve the straight, beautiful smile of their dreams. Since the before and after pictures often show patients who used the discreet aligners to address orthodontic issues on both arches, many wonder, “Can I get Invisalign on only my top teeth?” If you’ve asked yourself something similar, keep reading for the answer!

After learning you need braces to straighten your teeth, you begin to wonder how long the process will take. The reality is that no two patients are alike, so you can’t compare your timeline to a friend or colleague. Instead, your orthodontist is the only person who can tell you what your expected braces treatment time will look like. On average, it’s normal for a person to wear braces for anywhere from 1-3 years. How is it determined? Why do some cases require only months while others require individuals to wear them for years? Here are 4 factors that will determine how long you can expect to wear your braces.

To gradually shift your teeth into a healthier, properly aligned position, traditional orthodontics use metal brackets and wires to exert just enough pressure on your teeth. While these materials are incredibly durable, they can break. Most often, it’s the result of a sports-related injury or biting into something too crunchy, which is why it is important to protect your mouth and abide by the food restrictions. If you do accidentally break your brackets or wires, however, don’t panic. Keep reading to learn how to properly handle an orthodontic emergency.

Metal braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment that has helped countless patients leave crooked, crowded, and spaced-out teeth in the past. Although clear alternatives have maintained their popularity throughout the years, metal wires and brackets are the only solution that can fix complex orthodontic concerns, like severe bite issues and extremely rotated teeth. Since issues like these can take more time to correct, the last thing you want is to fall off-track with your treatment timeline. Keep reading for some must-have tools to keep your oral health and braces in pristine condition to prevent that from happening!

Before 2020, terms like social distancing and self-isolating were rarely used, if ever. However, today we find ourselves in an unprecedented time where face masks, gloves, and extensive sanitation are a part of our daily lives. While this transition has affected everyone in more ways than one, it has been particularly difficult for patients with braces. To help ease your anxiety and provide peace-of-mind, an orthodontist is sharing answers to frequently asked questions regarding caring for your braces during the stay-at-home orders.