Treat Yourself Right

A few sweets can be okay occasionally, provided that the orthodontic patient remembers to brush and floss after eating. Below are the guidelines for orthodontic patients so that they can enjoy the holiday and still be on pace to achieve their beautiful smiles.   Treats to Avoid *Caramel *Nuts *Licorice, Jellybeans or Taffy *Hard Pretzels *Bubblegum *Candy Corn   The …

Helpful Hints for Dealing with Braces Pain

Your first few days with braces will feel rather odd, awkward, and even painful. The day you get your braces you will probably just feel weird, like you have something in your mouth – because you do. You are most likely to feel pain and soreness during the second and third days. After that, you should be fine. If you …

How do teeth move with braces?

Although teeth seem to be solidly fixed in their sockets (at least they don’t wobble when we chew!), all teeth can easily be moved if Dr. Gass and our staff attach brackets and wires to them called braces. In the past, all braces were made of stainless steel, but today’s advanced dental technology gives people the option of wearing transparent, …

How to Floss with Braces

The Gass Orthodontics team knows that oral hygiene is important, whether you have braces on your teeth or not. But if you are a person who wears braces, caring for your teeth and gums can become somewhat challenging. Without daily oral hygiene practices, you may become prone to cavities and tooth decay during your time in braces. Naturally, you know …

Too old for braces? You Might be Surprised

Although adolescence is a common time to get braces, there’s no reason for adults of any age to have to deal with crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, or other dental issues. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists notes that demand for orthodontic treatment in adults continues to grow, with adults representing 20% of new patients. You’re never too old for …

What’s in my mouth? A Rundown of Orthodontic Appliances

Dr. Gass and our team correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws so that you can speak clearly, chew food effectively, and look attractive when you smile. We do this by putting sophisticated gadgets in your mouth. While many of these dental devices look similar, we use a wide variety of orthodontic appliances to straighten your teeth and repair …

Why is flossing so important when I have braces?

You’ve made an investment on spending money on getting braces, so why not keep your teeth in good health while undergoing orthodontic treatment?  Dr. Gass and our team at Gass Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you’re wearing braces as you did before proceeding with treatment. Flossing is essential to …

Besides straight teeth, what are the benefits of braces?

Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces from Gass Orthodontics can help deliver one. However, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the cosmetic ones. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each …

Should I use a water pick during my treatment?

Dr. Gass and our team at Gass Orthodontics know that for some of our patients wearing braces, it can be difficult to weave through those wires and brackets as you brush and floss during your treatment. Some of our patients use a water pick to flush out food and other particles and bacteria stuck between their teeth as the water …