Before your braces, expander or other orthodontic appliances are placed, your orthodontist may recommend spacers. These small elastic rings are only in place for a short time, but they play an important role in preparing your teeth for the next step of treatment. Here’s why spacers are needed, what to expect, and how to care [...]
Staying active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but if you participate in sports or physical activities, protecting your teeth should be a top priority. From contact sports like hockey and basketball to recreational activities, dental injuries can happen unexpectedly. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, taking extra precautions is essential to keep both [...]
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They correct bite problems that can affect chewing, speaking, and overall oral health. AtWonder West Orthodontics, we help patients of all ages address a variety of malocclusions (misaligned bites) to improve both function and aesthetics. Understanding common bite problems can help you recognize when orthodontic treatment may be needed. What Is [...]
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a treatment option for patients with severe bite problems that cannotbe fully corrected with braces or aligners alone. Beyond improving appearance, this corrective jaw surgery can improve breathing, speaking and chewing. It is performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results. What Is Orthognathic Surgery? Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to achieve proper [...]
Completing orthodontic treatment is a major milestone. Whether you have finished treatment with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, your smile is straighter, your bite is improved, and your confidence has grown. What Is Post-Orthodontic Relapse? Post-orthodontic relapse refers to the natural tendency for teeth to shift back toward their original positions after treatment. Even though your teeth [...]
If your child is recommended a palate expander, you likely have questions about what the treatment involves and why timing matters. Palate expansion is typically introduced during childhood, when the upper jaw is still developing and can be guided more effectively. This page will walk you through the essentials of palate expander treatment, what it [...]
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers. More adults than ever are choosing braces to improve their smiles, correct bite issues, and support long-term oral health. Modern orthodontics offers several treatment options designed to fit different lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. Whether you want a discreet solution or a highly effective traditional approach, there are braces options [...]
Completing orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or aligners, is an exciting milestone. Maintaining your results is just as important as achieving them. After your braces are removed or you finish your final set of aligners, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Without proper care, teeth can gradually shift, a process known [...]
Straightening your teeth with braces is a common orthodontic treatment that can result in a beautiful smile and improved bite. While the timeline for orthodontic treatment is unique to each patient, most cases are completed in one to three years with checkups every 6 to 8 weeks. People of all ages receive braces. While most [...]
An underbite is more than just a cosmetic concern. It can affect how you speak and chew. If your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth when your mouth is closed, you may have an underbite. Fortunately, several effective underbite correction options are available, whether you’re looking for early intervention or adult treatment. What Causes [...]
