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Going Green: how a “green” office can be beneficial to patients

Our green office offers many benefits to patients. And just because we’ve gone green doesn't mean that we won't be able to provide the same services as a traditional office. In fact, our goal is to provide the same (or better) services as a regular office, but services that act in harmony with the body [...]

Going Green: how a “green” office can be beneficial to patients

When Clear Aligners aren’t the Answer

Clear aligners like Invisalign® have become increasingly popular over the past several years and rightly so. They’re removable, easier to clean than braces, and hardly anyone knows you're wearing them. They are great in treating many cases, but they aren't for everyone. Below, Dr. Meena Wilde and Dr. Natalie Swoboda and our team cover some [...]

When Clear Aligners aren’t the Answer

Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which is better for teeth?

When most patients ask Dr. Meena Wilde and Dr. Natalie Swoboda this question, they're thinking strictly about sugar content — cut out the bacteria-feeding sugar that's present in regular soda by opting for a diet soda and it will be better for your teeth. That seems logical, right? Well, there's a bit more to it [...]

Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which is better for teeth?

Color Combinations of Elastics for the Holidays

There's something special about customizing the elastics on your braces to fit your unique personality. Once you embrace your braces (no pun intended) you'll realize how many color options and combinations there are to choose from. Although you'll have a fantastic smile afterward, you won't have this level of customizability once your braces come off, [...]

Color Combinations of Elastics for the Holidays

Help! My gums hurt when I floss!

By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums do indeed hurt when you floss, and unbearably so, there are some things you can do. [...]

Help! My gums hurt when I floss!

Post-Braces Care: Wear your retainer!

  Many patients underestimate the importance of wearing their retainers after their braces come off, but it is one of the most critical post care practices to keep your teeth in alignment. Why spend all that time, energy, and money to straighten your teeth when you don't plan to keep them straightened after treatment? What [...]

Post-Braces Care: Wear your retainer!

Anxiety, Phobia, and Fear of the Dentist

Not many people look forward to going to the dentist, especially if you already know that you need dental work done. A small amount of anxiety is one thing, but dental phobia, or odontophobia, is something else entirely. It is an irrational fear of going to the dentist. If you have it, you might be [...]

Anxiety, Phobia, and Fear of the Dentist

The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco

Many smokers believe that chewing tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. This simply isn't the case! In fact, smokeless tobacco can cause serious health concerns. Smokeless tobacco comes in many forms and goes by many names: dip, snuff, snus, or simply chewing tobacco. Use of these products usually involves sucking or chewing on [...]

The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco

Crushing the Ice-Chewing Habit

It's a habit many people have and not only can it be annoying to the people around you, it can be detrimental to your dental health. Chewing ice is so common that it even has its own name, pagophagia. We're not talking about a slushy or shaved ice (although those artificially sugary treats should be [...]

Crushing the Ice-Chewing Habit

Worst Candy for Braces

Most kids love candy; actually, most people in general love candy. So when it comes time for you to get braces there can often be a natural conflict between candy consumption and maintaining the integrity of your braces. For that reason, Dr. Meena Wilde and Dr. Natalie Swoboda and our team know that it’s good [...]

Worst Candy for Braces