Early childhood is a crucial time for dental development, and poor oral habits during these formative years can lead to misalignment issues that persist into adulthood. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we see how habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can impact teeth alignment and jaw development, often resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment later on. By addressing these habits early, parents can help set their children on the path to a healthy, well-aligned smile. Here’s a closer look at how some common oral habits in childhood affect teeth alignment—and how early intervention can make a difference. Thumb and Finger Sucking Thumb and finger sucking are natural reflexes for babies and young children, but when these habits persist beyond age four, they can start to impact dental alignment and jaw development. Continuous thumb sucking puts pressure on the upper front teeth, causing them to protrude and creating the potential for an [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics, we know that teeth don’t become misaligned by chance. Most cases of crooked teeth, known as malocclusion, stem from improper jaw development rather than from genetics alone. This restricted development limits the space available for erupting teeth, preventing them from aligning in their natural positions. Myobrace offers an innovative, preventive approach that addresses the underlying causes of malocclusion, giving children the opportunity for proper dental and facial development early on—often without the need for braces or tooth extractions later. Malocclusion: What Causes Misaligned Teeth? Malocclusion is frequently the result of poor jaw development rather than the size or shape of the teeth themselves. When a child’s upper and lower jaws don’t grow sufficiently, there’s simply not enough space for all of the adult teeth to come in properly. The result is overcrowded or crooked teeth, which may eventually lead to bite issues, alignment problems, and even airway restrictions. Traditional orthodontic treatments often delay addressing [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX, we understand that cavities can be a common issue for children. Our pediatric dental fillings provide an effective and gentle solution to restore your child’s teeth and prevent future dental problems. Our experienced pediatric dental team ensures that every filling is done with care and precision, so your child can maintain a healthy, pain-free smile. Pediatric dental fillings are used to treat cavities and stop tooth decay from spreading. By addressing cavities early, we protect your child’s teeth from further damage and avoid the need for more extensive dental treatments down the road. Why Pediatric Dental Fillings Are Important Cavities, or dental caries, are one of the most prevalent health issues in children. They occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to holes or decay in the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can progress, causing pain, infection, or even tooth loss. At Ahava Orthodontics, we provide [...]

Learn the answers to the top 10 questions we receive from patients before getting braces. Whether you're getting braces, or it's your child that is about to get braces, the idea of braces and all of the questions associated with what happens during the process and how they will affect yours or your childs life can begin swirling around in your mind. It's no wonder, we receive countless questions from patients that include things like: Will braces hurts? How long will I have to wear braces? Am I still able to eat the foods I usually do? While some of these questions are best left to asking the doctor directly, some can be answered here because they are universal, or at least nearly so. Below, are the top 10 questions that we receive at Ahava Orthodontics: Your Fort Worth Orthodontist. Can Crooked Teeth be Prevented? Crooked teeth are often a product of genetics, making them difficult to [...]

When it comes to addressing misaligned teeth, parents are often faced with a variety of treatment options. Two of the most popular approaches are the Myobrace system and traditional orthodontics, such as braces or aligners. While traditional braces and aligners focus on mechanically moving teeth into position, Myobrace takes a preventive approach by addressing the underlying causes of misalignment, such as poor oral habits and underdeveloped jaws. Understanding the differences between these systems can help families make an informed choice based on comfort, treatment time, and long-term results. The Myobrace System: A Preventive Approach to Alignment The Myobrace is a pre-orthodontic treatment designed for children aged 3 to 15. It consists of removable appliances that are worn for 1-2 hours daily and overnight. Unlike braces, which rely on brackets, wires, or trays to apply pressure to teeth, Myobrace addresses the root causes of misalignment by correcting oral habits that contribute to crowding, improper jaw growth, and bite issues. [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX, we believe that a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with regular pediatric dental cleanings. Cleanings are a vital part of your child’s oral health routine, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues while promoting strong, healthy teeth. Our gentle and comprehensive cleaning services are designed to keep your child’s teeth sparkling and their oral health in check. Routine cleanings not only keep your child’s mouth healthy but also help instill good dental habits early on. At Ahava Orthodontics, our experienced pediatric dental team ensures that every visit is comfortable, educational, and effective, setting the foundation for lifelong dental wellness. Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Important for Children Regular dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health. Even with the best brushing and flossing habits at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms [...]

If your retainer is lost, damaged, or no longer fitting properly, the most important thing to do is act quickly. Retainers are critical to maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment, and even a few days without one can lead to shifting teeth. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we provide fast, convenient, and expertly crafted retainer replacements to help patients protect their smiles without delay. We know how frustrating it can be to misplace a retainer, and our team is here to make the process of getting a new one as stress-free as possible. Why Prompt Retainer Replacement Is So Important Retainers help hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces or aligners have done their work. They support the surrounding bone and tissues as they adjust to the new alignment. When a retainer is no longer worn consistently—because it's broken, lost, or uncomfortable—your teeth can quickly begin to shift back. Even subtle changes [...]

If you’re in Fort Worth and dealing with a broken bracket, loose wire, or any orthodontic emergency, it’s crucial to know that prompt, reliable care is just around the corner. At Ahava Orthodontics, Drs. Andy and Shawne Barron understand how frustrating—sometimes painful—these issues can be. That’s why we offer convenient same-day appointments and flexible scheduling to get your braces fixed fast and get your treatment back on track. Why Prompt Braces Repair Matters A broken bracket or poking wire isn’t just inconvenient—it can affect your treatment progress significantly. Here's why immediate repair is essential: Keep treatments on schedule: Broken appliances can delay necessary tooth movement, slowing your entire plan. Protect your mouth: Protruding wires or loose brackets can irritate your cheeks, gums, and tongue—and may even cause sores or cuts. Avoid hidden damage: Ignoring an issue could cause further damage to braces or underlying teeth, leading to longer treatment or extra costs. At Ahava Orthodontics, our team [...]

Broken brackets and wires are no fun, especially if it means you’re missing out on time enjoying holiday feasts with family and friends, or stressing about whether your teeth will shift before you can get your braces repaired. Luckily, there are a few sure-fire ways to protect your braces (and your teeth!) as much as possible. Using orthodontic wax to prevent rubbing on your cheeks and gums Avoiding crunchy, hard, sticky foods that are prone to inflict disaster on braces Brush and floss gently and consistently to keep your braces in tip-top condition If you’ve fallen victim to a broken bracket and an exposed wire, your orthodontist should be able to fix you right up, but if you have to wait a while to be seen you can find some reprieve in taking advantage of the tips below. Use Orthodontic Wax Orthodontic wax is a great starting spot to protect your mouth in the event of a [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics, we believe the journey towards a beautiful, healthy smile begins with a comprehensive orthodontic exam. This initial examination is an essential step that provides valuable insights into your oral health and helps us tailor the most effective treatment plan for you. What is an Orthodontic Exam? An orthodontic exam is a comprehensive assessment carried out by an orthodontist to evaluate the health and structure of your teeth, gums, jaw, and facial muscles. This process often includes a visual examination, digital X-rays, photographs, and, if necessary, dental impressions. The information gathered during this exam aids in the diagnosis of any orthodontic issues and the creation of a personalized treatment plan. It is a crucial step in maintaining oral health and identifying potential problems early, facilitating effective and timely treatment. What to Expect During an Orthodontic Exam A typical orthodontic exam at Ahava Orthodontics involves several steps: Visual Examination: The orthodontist will visually inspect your teeth, [...]