Hart Orthodontics Blog

Once you finish your orthodontic treatment, whether with traditional braces, clear aligners, or other procedures, your retainer is the key to holding it all together. But like any tool, it doesn’t last forever. Over time, these helpful oral appliances can wear out, lose their effectiveness, or even cause problems if not replaced. So, how often should you refresh your retainer? Continue reading to learn the signs that a potential swap could be in your future.

Many people spend more than a year wearing braces, so knowing that you will soon get your orthodontic appliance removed from your teeth can be quite exciting. After all, you’ll finally be able to smile without showing metal wires and brackets and eat and drink whatever you please. However, it can take some time to get used to wearing braces, and the results of your orthodontic treatment will not last if you don’t adopt the right habits. Here’s what to expect after your braces are taken off and how to adjust more easily afterward.

If you’ve started your orthodontic journey with braces, you will have a straight, healthy smile in no time. You don’t want unnecessary delays complicating your treatment. Certain foods can damage your braces. You don’t want to spend your summer dealing with orthodontic emergencies. Here’s your go-to guide for summer foods to avoid while wearing braces.

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It’s completely normal to feel excited if you’ve just been informed that your orthodontic treatment is coming to an end. After 18+ months of having metal brackets bonded to your teeth, you’re probably thrilled to finally have them removed to reveal your newly straightened grin. This excitement is a testament to your patience and commitment to the treatment, and your provider understands and shares your joy.

Although you may be looking forward to life without braces, having them taken out is a big change that may take some time to acclimate to. Continue reading to learn about 3 things you can anticipate once your orthodontics are detached so you won’t be taken by surprise!

These days, everyone is always looking for ways to save money – or at least ways to ensure that their money is being well spent! But when it comes to orthodontic treatment, it’s sometimes tough to understand or feel comfortable about the associated costs. However, by recognizing which factors affect the cost of braces, it’s easier to commit your hard-earned money towards enhancing your smile and livelihood. Continue reading to learn more about four of the biggest factors that contribute to the cost of orthodontic care.  

Over the past twenty years or so, there has been a bit of a revolution in orthodontics. Previously, patients interested in a straighter smile had one option: metal braces. However, in recent years clear aligners have become incredibly popular, allowing patients to achieve the grin of their dreams without the need for wires and brackets.

If you’re looking to align your smile, picking between these two is an important decision you have to make. Here’s what you should know in order to make that choice easier.

In the United States, where over four million people are currently donning braces, these orthodontic devices have solidified their position as one of the most established and effective treatments. While their prevalence is undeniable, the intricate details and nuances of metal braces often remain shrouded in misconceptions. Beyond their practical use for achieving straighter teeth, metal braces harbor a wealth of information and misconceptions that warrant exploration. Keep reading as we delve into some of the most prevalent myths surrounding metal braces, shedding light on the realities of this time-tested orthodontic solution.

One of the biggest perks of clear aligner treatment is that the trays are clear, making them virtually undetectable. So, what happens if they start to turn yellow? The good news is that you can help prevent this from happening throughout your orthodontic treatment by learning about the causes of discolored trays as well as how to take care of them properly. We’re covering all of this information and more right here!

Braces are a great investment, but they are also a big responsibility. They require a lot of care and maintenance to do the important work of realigning your teeth. They are incredibly durable, but like everything else, braces can break if put under too much stress. While inconvenient, breaking your orthodontic appliance is not a disaster. Read on to learn what you can do if your wirework get damaged.

Getting braces is the beginning of a new stage of life, so a consultation with your orthodontist can easily make you both excited and nervous. Your orthodontist understands, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

If you want to feel prepared to go into orthodontic treatment, here are a few things you may want to clear up at your first appointment.