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 …

What causes crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth, more correctly called malocclusions, have reached epidemic proportions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 80 percent of American teenagers are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Although advances in orthodontic devices and increased availability of such devices explain part of this increase, it still means there are a lot of …

What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. One important difference is that all orthodontists like Dr. Gass are dentists, but …

Electric Toothbrush: How do you choose?

Since the introduction of the power toothbrush in the 1960s, this tool has undergone many technological advances, from design and bristle motions to rotation oscillation and sonic vibration. What is rotation oscillation? That’s when the head of the toothbrush alternately rotates in one direction and then the other. Power toothbrushes can deliver up to 50,000 strokes per minute, which is …

How Long After My Braces Come Off Should I Wear My Retainer?

Braces are an investment in your smile. When your teeth reach a desired straightness, you’ll have a beautiful smile, but it’s important to keep it that way! You can accomplish this with a retainer provided by Gass Orthodontics. A retainer is a small, custom-fit device that reinforces the new position of your teeth after your braces are removed. But for …

Your Five-Step Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces

If you’re wearing braces, then you know they are working hard to straighten your teeth. However, those hard-working braces are also preventing you from easily cleaning your teeth. It is essential that you put some extra attention into preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. When your braces are finally removed by Dr. Gass, you want a beautiful, white smile, …

Misconceptions About Orthodontics

While everyone understands that a dentist takes care of teeth, not everyone is aware of what an orthodontist does. This confusion sometimes leads to misunderstandings about what Gass Orthodontics does for our patients and how exactly Dr. Gass can help them. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the myths and misconceptions about orthodontics. Perhaps the biggest misconception …

Keep that candy at bay during your treatment!

Now that you have braces, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment, as Dr. Gass will tell you. While we trust you will continue brushing and flossing on a regular basis throughout your treatment at Gass Orthodontics, you also have to mindful of what you eat. While all those sweet, sour, and sticky …

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 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 other and create …

How Long After My Braces Come Off Should I Wear My Retainer?

Braces are an investment in your smile. When your teeth reach a desired straightness, you’ll have a beautiful smile, but it’s important to keep it that way! You can accomplish this with a retainer. A retainer is a small, custom-fit device that reinforces the new position of your teeth after your braces are removed. But for many patients, especially the …