If you think the desire for straight teeth is a trapping of modern society, think again! Extreme Makeovers may be new, but "braces" date as far back as ancient man! Early History Even ancient people wanted straight teeth!
A Brief History of
Getting Teeth Extracted for Braces
One very common question on our Metal Mouth Forum involves extraction. Often, adults may need teeth extracted to make room so their other teeth can move into their proper positions. It's so easy for someone else to tell you
Dental Braces 101 – Part 4: Oral Hygiene With Braces
Hey there, my fellow metal mouth! Here are some tips to help you survive the next months (or years) in braces. Make or Buy a Dental Kit Make yourself a dental kit to carry in your purse, car, or briefcase. Keep extra
What Is An Orthodontic Adjustment?
Every 4 to 6 weeks, you go to your orthodontist to get your braces "tightened" or "adjusted." Sounds awful, doesn't it? Well, cast aside your visions of Medieval torture devices. Nothing is really "tightened." It's really
All About Orthodontic Elastics
by Dr. Greg Greenberg An elastic is essentially a small rubber band that your orthodontist will tell you to attach to your braces in a certain configuration/shape. The purpose of an elastic is to allow the patient to
All About Orthodontic Arch Wires
by Stephen Yang, DMD, MS An arch wire is the wire that attaches to your braces. It is called an "arch wire" because your top teeth comprise your top arch, and your bottom teeth comprise your bottom arch. An arch wire is
Can I Change My Own Braces Ligatures (O-Rings)?
Here's a topic that comes up frequently on our Metal Mouth Message Board: changing your own ligatures (or powerchains). Let's say you ate some curry and now your ligatures ("o-rings") are stained. They look yucky. You really
Understanding Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)
By John Graham, DDS, MD Orthodontic technology has made significant advancements in the past ten years, elevating the field and offering patients effective, affordable and less invasive treatment options. Cutting-edge
Treating TMJ Disorder
with Physical Therapy
by Alton Ching, DPT, OMT, MS and Deanne Smith, MPT, COMT, MS Did you know that neck and shoulder pain or stiffness can play a role in TMJ disorders? If you are suffering with TMJ problems, stop for a moment to consider