What About My Braces During COVID-19?

With the rapid spread of COVID-19 forcing many orthodontic and dental offices to temporarily close, it is more important now than ever to practice good oral hygiene. Although we may not be sure exactly when our practice will be able to open its doors again, your smile is still our priority. For those currently undergoing Read More

4 Surprising Foods that can Cause Bad Breath

Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find Read More

Hey Runners! Pay Special Attention To Your Oral Health

We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not. Dr. Larry Davis, Dr. Randy Womack, Dr. Chris Teeters at Affiliated Orthodontics will explain the correlation between Read More

Common Speech Problems Orthodontics Can Help

Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you struggle to pronounce certain words, your teeth could be the reason why. Thankfully, orthodontics can help. Orthodontists Dr. Larry Davis, Dr. Randy Womack, and Dr. Chris Teeters at Affiliated Orthodontics can provide orthodontic treatment to resolve common oral problems such as: Read More

5 Reasons to Smile in the Year 2020

There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. As we close out the year, it is important to find reasons to smile and be Read More

Custom vs. Store-bought Mouthguards

Anyone participating in a sport should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. This is especially important for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and wires can damage the mouth if you receive a ball to the face. Many people ask whether it is necessary to invest in a custom-fit mouthguard or will an over-the-counter one Read More

6 Orthodontic Tips for a Sensitive Gag Reflex

Having a sensitive gag reflex is nothing to be embarrassed about. Additionally, it is not something that should deter you from seeking orthodontic treatment. Those with a sensitive gag reflex can get frustrated, but it is certainly something that can be worked with while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists, like Dr. Larry Davis, Dr. Randy Womack, Read More

Are Your Braces Triggering Your Canker Sores?

A few weeks into orthodontic treatment, you notice a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth. A few days later, canker sores appear. Fortunately, canker sores are not often a serious issue, but they sure can be annoying! These small ulcers can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and Read More

Surviving Date Night with Braces

Date night can be a nerve-wracking experience. From what to wear, where to go, what to talk about, the numerous variables of date night can wreak havoc on what should be a fun experience. You don’t want your braces to be another source of worry on this evening, and they don’t have to be! With Read More

How to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

You’ve gotten your clear aligners and it’s time to begin your journey to a healthier, straight smile with Invisalign. Just as your oral hygiene routine would change with braces, you will need to adopt a new routine with Invisalign. This includes stocking up on a few more hygiene products and supplies to maintain your new Read More

Elastics for Braces, Explained.

Whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not, you’ve seen people wearing elastics or rubber bands as part of the process. But do you know what they’re used for? To help give you a better idea of why rubber bands are used with metal or clear braces, we’ll explain what they are, why they’re used, and Read More

How to Survive Summer BBQ Season with Braces

Summer is here! That means outdoor barbecues with family and friends will be abundant. Whether celebrating a national holiday, graduation or attending a simple gathering, summer barbecues are a common summertime activity meant for everyone to enjoy. So how do you survive a summer BBQ while wearing braces? Fear not, we’ll break down the foods Read More

Wisdom Teeth After Braces, Explained.

You’ve been patiently waiting for your orthodontic treatment to come to an end and your braces to come off. You followed all the oral hygiene instructions during and after treatment, but now your wisdom teeth are starting to come in. Will they ruin your new smile? At Affiliated Orthodontics, we get this question a lot Read More

What to Expect in Your First Week With Braces

You’re getting your braces put on for the first time and you’re not sure what to expect. One thing is for sure; your oral hygiene practices will definitely change. To help prepare you for what’s in store and make the most of your orthodontic treatment, we at Affiliated Orthodontics explain what you can expect from your Read More

The Top 3 Best Drinks For Your Teeth

In a previous post, we discussed some of the drinks that have a negative effect on the teeth. This included soda, fruit juices, and coffee. While it may seem like water is your only beverage option, fear not. There are a few drinks still available to quench your thirst without affecting your orthodontic treatment. Milk Read More

Orthodontic Treatment: One Phase Or Two?

Did you know that orthodontic treatment is not just for teens and adults? In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that by the age of 7, children should have an initial orthodontic consultation. These comprehensive consultations determine whether or not a child’s teeth are developing properly or if early orthodontic treatment is or Read More

Are You Too Old For Braces?

When you think of braces, who do you picture wearing them? If you’re like most Americans, children and teens come to mind. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you probably think you missed your chance for straight teeth, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to advances in technology, orthodontic treatment for adults Read More

What is the Value of Orthodontic Treatment?

Did you know that orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states, “The goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile and a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw and look great.” A straighter smile isn’t only good for aesthetics, Read More