Cordes Orthodontics Blog

Traditional metal braces are a tried and proven orthodontic method that can address even severe bite misalignments. These appliances consist of brackets cemented to the teeth to provide leverage and archwires run through these pieces to create tension, and these two components work together to gradually shift the pearly whites into healthier positions. However, some patients may need to wear rubber bands on their braces to provide additional force. Here’s a brief guide to how rubber bands work and why they may be necessary for your orthodontic treatment.

Did you know that having crooked or overcrowded teeth can impact more than just your appearance? In addition to denting your self-confidence, they also can harm your dental health. It’s hard to reach all their surfaces to thoroughly brush and floss them, which leaves you at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Fortunately, your orthodontist can straighten your smile with Invisalign. This clear alternative to braces utilizes clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them over time. However, properly caring for them is essential to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn three helpful hints for keeping your Invisalign in good shape!

Invisalign aligners are a popular choice for straightening teeth discreetly and comfortably. But what happens when your teeth aren’t moving like they’re supposed to? If you’re not seeing the expected progress, it can be frustrating, but what could be causing it? Continue reading to learn some common reasons why your teeth aren’t on track with Invisalign and what you can do about it.

While everyone wants a beautifully straight smile, many people are hesitant about orthodontics because of the dietary restrictions and the irremovable metal parts that come with traditional metal braces. Thankfully, Invisalign has allowed many patients to straighten out their smiles using removable and virtually invisible clear aligners. However, it can take some time to get the hang of removing these dental trays comfortably. Here’s a brief list of ways to make removing your clear aligners a breeze.

Whether you’ve wanted to straighten your teeth for years now or you only recently started looking into your orthodontic treatment options, it’s only natural to want to know as much as possible about the teeth-straightening process and life with braces beforehand. Fortunately, you can learn the answers to four popular questions about Spark Clear Aligners right here!

Though you know they’re necessary to straighten your smile, having braces can impact your life in unexpected ways. You’ll have new dietary restrictions to be aware of and will have to discover how to brush your teeth around the wires and brackets, for example.

For those who play musical instruments that involve their mouths, however, there are some additional challenges to contend with. Many patients worry that they’ll have to give up their art to perfect their smiles as a result. Fortunately, that’s not the case! Continue reading to learn 3 tips to successfully play your instrument with braces!

We tend to associate having braces with our teenage years because that’s when many people get them. Despite this, plenty of grown people have crooked teeth or bite misalignments and need braces, too. Unfortunately, some individuals never get the beautiful smile they deserve because they’re too worried about what others will think or say about their appearance. If you’re longing to straighten your teeth but are feeling self-conscious, keep reading to learn 4 reasons why it’s not too late to achieve your ideal smile!

The orthodontic process is different for everyone, which means the amount you end up paying for your treatment won’t necessarily be the same as that of another patient. Your orthodontist can give you an estimate after examining your mouth, but before then, it’s a good idea to learn more about the factors that can influence the final price. Below is a list of 4 variables that will play a role in determining the cost of your orthodontic treatment.

When you first begin your treatment with orthodontics, there may be a bit of discomfort. Your teeth will shift, and there may be a tight sensation as your braces or aligners do their work. Minimal discomfort is normal and you’ll slowly grow accustomed to it. However, pain and irritation caused by broken brackets and difunctional aligners are orthodontic emergencies.

If you want to learn how to prevent these types of emergencies, continue reading.

Braces have long had a bad rap for being unattractive or “nerdy.” However, pop culture has produced plenty of brace-faced heroes to turn that perception around. Whether they be from popular TV shows or movies, these iconic and beloved characters have stood the test of time and given people who wear braces icons to look up to.

If you want to see the most iconic braces-wearing characters to ever grace the screen, continue reading.