Your mouth’s ability to function is a vital part of your oral health. In orthodontics, a patient’s “bite” refers to the way upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is at rest. When teeth meet improperly, or don’t meet at all, it is known as a malocclusion.

There’s been a  growing uptick in orthodontic care in recent years, and research indicates a number of social and lifestyle trends are at the root of this newfound fascination in smile enhancement. A number of factors contribute to this growing trend, but a few of the biggest may come as a surprise.

Orthodontic treatment and teeth whitening are two of the most common methods for cosmetically improving your smile. The question is, can you achieve straighter and whiter teeth at the same time?

For many patients the answer is yes – it is possible to whiten your teeth while wearing braces.

You probably see your regular dentist twice a year for routine exams and preventative care. Perhaps, you have recently begun to consider straightening your teeth using an orthodontic treatment plan. If so, you may wonder whether you actually need to see an orthodontic specialist.

Choosing to receive orthodontic care can be a big decision for you and your child. If you’re looking for a straighter smile, or you have physical issues such as a misaligned jaw, orthodontic treatment can be very beneficial. Thanks to myriad treatment options, more people are seeking orthodontic treatment in the U.S.,

Do I need to go to the dentist if I have braces and am seeing an orthodontist? We hear this question all the time. The answer is yes, absolutely! Whether you’re wearing braces or aligners, we recommend that you see a dentist every six months for regular checkups.

If you’re waiting until teenage years to take your child to an orthodontist, you may want to reconsider. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, seven is the ideal age for an evaluation in order to monitor how a child’s jaws and teeth are developing.

It’s not surprising that some patients are a little unsure about how orthodontic treatment works. To clear up some misconceptions you may have, we’d like to set the record straight on some of the most common myths we’ve heard.

Portage Orthodontist

Only Kids Need to See an Orthodontist

While it’s true that a lot of teens and adolescents wear braces and aligners,

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What you might not know is that research has found the health of your mouth actually mirrors the overall condition of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry,