I got my braces. Now what?

You’ve taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful appearance by getting braces at Gass Orthodontics, and you’re probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the period of biggest adjustment, and there’s a lot to learn in this short time. Don’t worry; in a few short days your braces will feel completely natural. The first week …

Energy and Sports Drinks Eat Away at Teeth, Study Says

Sports and energy drinks cause irreversible damage to the teeth of teens and young adults. A recent study published in General Dentistry states that energy and sports drinks contain so much acid that they begin destroying teeth after only five days of consistent use. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of U.S. …

What is dentofacial orthopedics?

You may have noticed that we specialize in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. And while most people we talk to have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title. Today, Dr. Gass and our team thought we would explain the difference. While orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of …

Going on vacation? Remember these simple tips!

If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at Gass Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town. They include: Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners Travel toothbrush A water bottle or a …

Braces-Friendly Recipe: Lunch

Getting braces comes with a lot of rules. No sticky candies, watch out for popcorn, and steer clear of chips. These rules leave many braces-wearers wondering what they can still eat without hurting their teeth or their expensive orthodontic appliances. Fortunately, constructing a braces-friendly lunch is straightforward once you know which foods to avoid. Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces …

How to Protect Your Braces During Sports Activities

Proper mouth protection is recommended by Gass Orthodontics when you participate in any sports activities. If you wear braces, this protection becomes essential. Injuries to your mouth can not only damage your teeth, but your braces could break and cut open your lip. Full Facial Guards Full facial guards are often used in football and offer protection to your mouth …

How much do braces cost?

This is one of the most common questions that is asked at Gass Orthodontics and, unfortunately, it does not have a simple answer. Just as every patient we see is unique, so is their treatment plan. Some patients have very simple problems which require less appliances and time, while other cases are much more complicated and may require multiple appliances …

Braces-Friendly Recipe: Dinner

Wearing braces during your treatment at Gass Orthodontics presents some unique challenges in the types of food you can safely eat. The wrong items can be difficult to remove from between your teeth and the appliance. Other foods may even break or loosen your braces. Dinner recipe ideas Lasagna is a great dinner choice because it provides you with several …

The Evolution of Braces

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? Gass Orthodontics thinks of modern orthodontic appliances as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights in the evolution of braces. Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and …

How do braces move my teeth?

Great question! Tooth movement is your body’s natural response to light pressure applied by braces over a period of time (usually two years). Braces work by using brackets that are glued onto your teeth; these brackets have small slots, and that is where Dr. Gass and our team insert orthodontic wires. These wires are held in place by small elastic …