girl brushing teeth

How Many Times Should I Brush My Teeth With Braces? (4 Times Per Day?)

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums during your orthodontic treatment requires brushing and flossing very regularly. Our recommendation is to brush at least four times per day while wearing braces: after breakfast, in the morning, and at night. In the afternoon, right after school/work or after lunch.

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Do Braces Make The Roots of Your Teeth Shorter?

People want braces for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest ones is for healthier teeth and gums. As such, many patients are concerned about the effects braces might have on the roots of their teeth. One of the most common questions we are asked is “Do braces make the roots of your teeth shorter?” While it is possible for roots to grow shorter, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern.

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tongue thrusting

How to Stop Thrusting? (5 EASY READ FACTS TO HELP SOLVE IT)

How to Stop Thrusting? A tongue thrust can be stopped in the comfort of your own home. On the tip of your tongue, place a sugar-free candy, such as a lifesaver. Once that’s done, press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. The tongue should be pressed against the gum. Keep your lips apart and bite your teeth together. Last but not least, swallow, keeping your lips apart and your teeth together. You can stop tongue thrusting by performing this exercise twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. It may be challenging at first, but once you get used to these exercises, they will become easier.

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child hugging pregnant mother

Braces and Pregnancy | 7 EXPERT FACTS | LATEST 2023

There is no known problem combining braces with pregnancy, but you need to speak with your orthodontist about your specific situation. The teeth and gums may be affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy, so orthodontic treatment may need to be modified or postponed. Braces may also cause swelling and tenderness in the gums for some women during pregnancy. During pregnancy, maintaining proper oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups, including orthodontic appointments, is essential to ensure mother’s and baby’s health. To determine what is the most appropriate course of action for you regarding braces and pregnancy, speak with your orthodontist.

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X-Ray For Braces? Why Are They Needed?

When it comes to getting braces, X-rays are an important part of the process. Even though many people know what to expect when getting metal braces, not everyone is aware of what to expect when getting an X-ray. X-rays are a crucial part of the orthodontic treatment process and can help orthodontists create a personalized treatment plan for a healthy, straight smile. A dental X-ray can also provide you with valuable information about your treatment plan based on the information gathered.

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confused

Can You Get Your Braces Off Early in 2023?

Are you tired of wearing braces and eager to show off your straight teeth? While it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan and wear your braces for the recommended amount of time, you may be wondering if there’s any way to get your braces off early. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that can affect the length of your orthodontic treatment and discuss whether or not it’s possible to speed up the process. We’ll also provide tips on how to take care of your braces and ensure that your treatment is as efficient as possible. So, read on to learn more about getting your braces off early and achieving a beautiful, straight smile.

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Dry Mouth With Braces & Invisalign (What is Xerostomia)

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be a common problem for people with braces. Here are a few tips to help alleviate dry mouth while wearing braces:

  1. Drink plenty of water: Keeping your mouth hydrated is crucial for preventing dryness. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
  2. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks: Sodas, sports drinks, and other sugary or acidic beverages can contribute to dry mouth by reducing the amount of saliva in your mouth. Instead, opt for water or other non-sugary, non-acidic drinks to keep your mouth hydrated.
  3. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which can help alleviate dryness. Just be sure to choose a gum that’s specifically made for people with braces to avoid damaging your braces or teeth.
  4. Use a saliva substitute: If you’re experiencing severe dry mouth, you may want to try using a saliva substitute, such as a mouth spray or gel. These products can help keep your mouth hydrated and comfortable.

Overall, dry mouth is a common problem for people with braces, but it can be managed with a few simple steps. By staying hydrated, avoiding sugary or acidic drinks, chewing sugar-free gum, and using a saliva substitute if necessary, you can keep your mouth moist and comfortable while wearing braces.

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baking soda in bowl

How to Clean Retainers With Baking Soda? (Other Ways?)

How to clean retainers with baking soda? Or are there better solutions? Firstly, having clean retainers is extremely important no matter how often you need to wear them. Thus, after hours of wearing your retainer, it really won’t take long for bacteria and plaque to start to build up on the appliance. This is also true for Invisalign aligners and most position retaining orthodontic devices.

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happy couple

Will Braces Fix My Jaw?

Braces straighten teeth and improve jaw alignment, which can change a person’s jaw/chin shape.

An unbalanced, unhealthy jaw can cause overbites, underbites, and crossbites. You will have an outward extension of your jaw if you have an underbite. A person with an overbite will have an extended upper arch and teeth, as well as a small chin and weak cheeks. Rather than being directly below the upper teeth, the lower jaw sits left or right with a crossbite.

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Winnie’s Beach Braces Testimonial (September 2022)

Do you live in Manhattan Beach? Are you thinking about getting orthodontic treatment? The following is a review from Winnie, who kindly took the time to share her experience receiving orthodontic treatment in our Manhattan Beach office with us.

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