Blog

The mouth is a complex and intricate part of the human body. If you’re considering braces or Invisalign, it’s important to know all about the structure of your mouth, so that you can make an informed decision about what type of treatment will work best for you! Being well-informed about the intricacies of orthodontic treatment is highly advantageous for both patients and parents. Recognizing what occurs behind the scenes can empower you to approach consultations with confidence. At Affiliated Orthodontics, Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis are dedicated to sharing crucial information to ensure you have the knowledge you need.

In This Post We’ll Cover:

• The Jaw
• The Tooth
• Orthodontic Movement

Read More

Having a pearly white smile is often a top concern our patients bring to our office. One of the most common questions we get as orthodontists during braces treatment is whether white spots on the teeth are to be expected. Even our patients who don’t have braces are concerned about maintaining a clean white smile. Luckily Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics have some tips and tricks for you in this post about white spots from braces, professional whitening services, and at-home whitening methods that are safe for your teeth. 

Read More

Invisalign is a popular and effective alternative to traditional braces. However, like any orthodontic treatment, you may experience some discomfort and pain as your teeth shift into their new positions. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to relieve Invisalign pain and keep your treatment on track. Here are some helpful tips from  Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics.

1. Follow the Recommended Switch Schedule

Invisalign aligners are designed to incrementally move your teeth into their optimal positions. It’s important to stick to this schedule to avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. You can make the switch to your new aligners right before bed to let the worst of the pain happen overnight. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed to help you sleep comfortably.

Read More

If you or your child is considering orthodontic treatment, it’s important to ask questions. We know that this can be an overwhelming process. You want to know what to expect, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. The best way to get this information is by speaking with your orthodontist directly. Below are some of the most popular questions we hear from our patient’s parents, with insights from Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics.

How do I take care of my appliances and my teeth?

The most important thing you can do to ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful is to take good care of your appliances and teeth. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using a fluoride rinse, avoiding chewing on the wires or brackets, and avoiding biting cold foods.

• Brush and floss daily. You should brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a gentle circular motion while applying light pressure (enough to feel the bristles on the gums). You should also floss daily using an interdental cleaner. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Use fluoride rinse if one is recommended by the dentist or orthodontist during treatment (you can find out more about this in our article about how dental health impacts overall health). Fluoride rinse helps prevent cavities by making it harder for plaque bacteria to stick to your teeth; this means that it takes longer for these harmful substances to develop into plaque buildup, which protects against tooth decay as well as gum disease like gingivitis or periodontal disease later on in life!

Read More

You may take vitamins daily for energy or a better immune system. But, vitamins are good for more than keeping your energy up or gut health, they are integral to good oral health as well. Vitamins are a great and super easy preventative measure for common oral health issues. Improving your mouth’s health every day with vitamins is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free healthy dental experience. Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics recommend these vitamins for tooth health and to strengthen your enamel and promote jaw health. 

5 Daily Vitamins for Your Teeth: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

Read More

Sugar, acid, and foods that stay in your mouth for longer than necessary are all guilty of worsening your oral health. From dissolving enamel and  promoting negative bacteria growth to downright decay, there are some foods you should be sure to moderate or take out of your diet altogether. Keep reading to learn more from Dr.Chris Teeters, and Dr. Larry Davis at Affiliated Orthodontics about which foods pose a threat to your dental health.

Read More