Speaks Orthodontics

What Causes Bad Breath? It’s no secret that having braces can cause bad breath—but what exactly causes it? The main cause of bad breath is the presence of bacteria. The bacteria living in your mouth work to break down food, sugars, and proteins. During this process, volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are released, causing a foul […]

Be Prepared Whether you’ve just been fitted for your braces or you’re a more seasoned orthodontic veteran, there are certain items that you can carry around to make life with braces a little easier. Here are some tips to help you build your own braces kit to carry around throughout your orthodontic journey. Things to

What are Canker Sores? If you’ve experienced small, sore bumps on the inside of your cheeks and lips after getting your braces, you know how annoying canker sores can be. Although they can be inconvenient and painful, they’re usually nothing to worry about. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that can

Braces-Safe Sweets and Treats With the holidays nipping at heels, you may find yourself wondering what Christmas goodies you can and can’t have when you have braces. While there are some restrictions when it comes to holiday sweets and treats, there are many that are braces-safe. Here are some guidelines to help keep your braces

Picking the Right Color for Your Braces Most people wear braces for about 18 months to 3 years, so it’s important to pick colors that make you feel happy and confident throughout your orthodontic journey. Picking rubber band colors can be both fun and difficult. Here’s everything you should know to help you liven up

Common Myths About Braces If you’re getting fit for your braces soon, chances are you’ve heard some horror stories about orthodontia. We’re here to set the facts (and your teeth) straight. When it comes to braces, here’s everything you need to know. Myth: Braces are for kids and teens Many adults feel that they have

Discomfort After Tightenings If you’ve recently been fitted with your braces or have had your braces adjusted, you may be feeling some discomfort and tenderness around your teeth and gums. There’s nothing to worry about; this is entirely normal! Whenever you visit your orthodontist, they make adjustments to your archwire—this is the metal band that

Don’t Panic! It’s not uncommon to experience a broken wire or a loose bracket when you have traditional braces, so there’s nothing to panic about. The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to get your broken braces fixed. Orthodontic malfunctions can be uncomfortable, and can even cause cuts on

When To Clean Your Retainer If you’ve recently had your braces removed, chances are you have a shiny new retainer to keep clean. Here are a few cleaning tips to help keep your retainers clean and your teeth healthy: When To Clean Your Retainer Most people couldn’t imagine going days without brushing and cleaning their