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With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care of themselves, there is no reason why adults should not investigate having beautiful teeth! There are many benefits to getting braces at any age. Everyone wants a straight and gorgeous smile and the positives do not stop with appearance. When teeth are crowded or badly positioned, it can lead to serious problems in the future. A poor bite can affect the function of the teeth and can even lead to tooth loss and gum disease. Don’t wait any longer for the smile you deserve! There is no better time than the present to schedule a complimentary exam. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off a beautiful smile. There are many new treatment options available to reduce treatment time and discomfort. 

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It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or consider improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting.

The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths! 

 

Invisalign Cost

Oftentimes, Invisalign is as cost-effective as traditional braces – and you will have doctors working by your side who are specialists in tooth movement and jaw development to ensure success. This is important with so much misinformation being distributed on the Internet today and with “do it yourself orthodontics” that cause major long-term dental health issues.

There are also numerous options for payment with Invisalign. Ask your orthodontic team about financing and coverage options throughout your treatment. 

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We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you ever thought about the toll your running habit could be taking on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Read on for some advice about the correlation between running and oral health from Dr. John Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan at McAllen Orthodontic Group.

While the rest of your body may be in great shape, with each extra training hour, your risk of tooth decay actually increases. Additionally, there are two very specific oral health problems that athletes are at risk for: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects.

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Who doesn’t love to catch some rays? Well here’s some good news for you sunshine lovers – a little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A little sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and catalyzes vitamin D production in our bodies. Keep reading for some advice on how sunshine can help your teeth from Dr. John Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan at McAllen Orthodontic Group.

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D actually helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

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Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. However, you may be surprised to know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath. For some people, bad breath can be genetic, however, it could also be certain foods that may be a part of your daily routine that are to blame. Read on to find out about some bad breath causing foods from Dr. John Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan at McAllen Orthodontic Group!

1. Pasta Sauce

The acidity from tomatoes in pasta sauce can cause a buildup of acids in the mouth and foster the growth of bacteria. These pesky bacteria can result in bad breath.

2. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein packed favorite among many of us, however, its paste-like consistency makes it difficult for saliva to break down the proteins once they’re in your mouth. The stickiness makes it so peanut butter can stay around your mouth for hours. Bad breath bacteria thrive on protein, making peanut butter a potential culprit for your stinky breath.

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Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up the sports you love! Luckily, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while in treatment. To be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your mouth during athletic activities, be sure to read on for some advice from Dr. John Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan at McAllen Orthodontic Group.

Play Safe, Play All Season

In general, it is not uncommon for an athlete to experience injuries to the mouth and jaw area. Anyone ever taken a soccer ball to the face? A fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, does increase your risk of oral injuries. Common oral injuries include: lacerations to the cheeks, lips, and tongue, chipped or broken teeth, TMJ, and root fractures. Have no fear, you can easily protect your teeth, mouth, and braces while playing sports by investing in a mouthguard. While it is suggested that braces patients invest in an orthodontic model, a basic mouthguard will provide more protection than nothing at all.

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