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WHEN IS JAW SURGERY NECESSARY FOR ORTHODONTICS?
In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to achieve an ideal esthetic and functional orthodontic outcome. In cases of severe...


WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF MALOCCLUSION (MISALIGNED BITE)?
The consequences of a malocclusion (misaligned bite) include inadequate chewing function, uneven wear on the teeth, affected speech, and...


WHAT IS A GINGIVECTOMY OR GUM RESHAPING PROCEDURE?
A gingivectomy, or gum-reshaping procedure, uses either lasers or electrosurgery to contour the gingival margin, or "gumline." Some...


CAN YOU JUST GET BRACES ON THE TOP OR BOTTOM TEETH?
It is not recommended to treat only one arch at a time orthodontically. Orthodontic treatment will alter the alignment of teeth and the...


DO I NEED TO GO TO THE DENTIST IF I SEE MY ORTHODONTIST EVERY MONTH?
Six-month dental checkups and cleanings are important in addition to orthodontic appointments. Your general dentist will do a...


HOW DO I CLEAN INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNERS?
Aligners should be cleaned once per day to remove food and reduce bacteria buildup. This can be accomplished using retainer cleaning...


HOW ARE OPEN BITES TREATED WITH ORTHODONTICS?
Open bites can be caused by a pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, or by excess vertical growth of the posterior maxilla. Over time, a...


HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEE YOUR ORTHODONTIST?
With traditional braces, or with clear aligners (such as Invisalign aligners), you will typically see your orthodontist once every 4-6...


CAN I GET BRACES IF I'M ALLERGIC TO NICKEL?
Yes, you can get braces if you're allergic to nickel. While typical orthodontic brackets and wires do contain nickel, your orthodontist...


HOW DO I CLEAN RETAINERS?
It is important to clean orthodontic retainers daily to reduce bacteria buildup. This can be accomplished using retainer cleaning tablets...


HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR RETAINERS?
You should clean your retainers every day to reduce bacterial buildup. This can be accomplished using retainer cleaning tablets (such as...


CAN YOU VAPE WITH INVISALIGN IN?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners before vaping because they will get stained. Additionally, Invisalign aligners should be worn...


FLUORIDE RINSES WITH INVISALIGN
Fluoride rinses, such as ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash, are mouthwashes that contain fluoride. Swishing the product may help you...


WHAT CAUSES COLD SORES?
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), typically Type 1. They are contagious, and can be contracted through sharing...


SHOULD I GET VENEERS BEFORE OR AFTER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
It is ideal to wait until after orthodontic treatment to get veneers. Your orthodontist and general dentist will coordinate your...
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