If it’s been a while since the braces have come off and you’re thinking it might be nice to get some space from your retainer, you’re not alone. It’s extremely common for kids and adults alike to enjoy the newfound freedom away from having to have a metal setup in their mouth after a lengthy stint with braces and several months worth of diligent retainer wearing. After a number of months or years wearing your retainer you are probably ready to have some space. But is it okay to stop wearing your retainer? And if you choose to stop, what is your plan for how to deal with any possible shifting teeth? Will My Retainer Restraighten My Teeth? In a short answer to this question - no. A retainer will not help teeth return to their straight positions, particularly if a considerable period of time has passed since your braces were taken off and you forewent wearing [...]

Going to the dentist should be something you do at least twice a year, if your teeth are healthy. But when it comes to your kids’ dental health, how do you know when or if you should take them to the dentist? Just because they brush their teeth well on their own at home doesn’t mean that they have good dental hygiene. Young children should see their dentist as often as their parents do - ideally, every 6 months. There are many benefits to getting your child an appointment with a pediatric dentist, but 5 of the top reasons you should schedule an appointment are: Your child will receive specialized care Access to early prevention and treatment Visits will reduce anxious thoughts around dental exams Get an early start on forming lifelong dental habits Pediatric dentists can address childhood dental issues Specially Trained Dentists One of the greatest things about pediatric dentists is that they are specifically [...]

If you’ve even the least bit familiar with Invisalign treatment, you’ve probably wondered if it’s too good to be true. And thankfully, it’s not! Invisalign treatment is an innovative technique to straighten one’s teeth without having to go through the hassle and appearance of typical metal braces. Instead, you will use a series of clear aligners to help shift your teeth into their ideal positions and voila! The process does take some time and you must be diligent about wearing your retainers constantly, aside from while you’re eating, drinking or brushing your teeth, but all things aside, Invisalign is truly a dream come true if you’ve wanted to correct your smile without having to use traditional braces! The Consultation Visit First things first, you’ll need to set up a consultation appointment with an orthodontist who provides Invisalign treatment. The visit will help you determine if Invisalign is right for you, provide a cost estimate and possibly even give [...]

Dental health is an important aspect of hygienic care for adults and children alike, but pediatric dental care for children is especially important to implement early in a child’s life, even before their teeth start to come in fully. Pediatric dentistry helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, and even periodontal disease and childhood dental caries, a condition of early cavity development in children under 5 years of age. Pediatric dentistry isn’t just another task to check off of your to-do list; it’s a start to good lifelong habits that will protect your child’s dental health and set the stage for good oral hygiene throughout his or her life. We now know that oral health has many effects on overall health, so don’t put off getting your child started with a pediatric dentist. Starting early is the best thing you can do for your child’s dental health! How Pediatric Dentistry Differs From Adult Dental Care Adult dental care is [...]

As an orthodontic practice that specializes in sleep apnea treatment, we at Ahava Orthodontics are passionate about raising awareness about this condition. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to a host of health issues and should not be ignored. Let's look at the five signs you may have sleep apnea, the health issues that come with it, the benefits of seeing an orthodontist, and why you should seek treatment sooner rather than later. TLDR, we want you to know that sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can take off up to 10 years of your life span and you should see an orthodontist to get a proper diagnosis of an physical reasons why you are suffering from sleep apnea. Sign #1: Chronic Loud Snoring One of the most common signs of sleep apnea is loud and chronic snoring. If you snore loudly every night, it could be a sign that you [...]

Why it's Important to Wear Your Retainer After Treatment After completing orthodontic treatment, whether it's with traditional braces or Invisalign, it's important to continue wearing a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth. Retention is an essential step in the process of achieving a beautiful and healthy smile, and it's important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist to ensure the best possible results. Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Orthodontic Treatment? Teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original position over time, especially after undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is because the periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place have been stretched and weakened during treatment. Wearing a retainer helps to hold your teeth in their new position and allows the ligaments to heal and reattach to the tooth in its new position. What Kind of Retainer Should You Use? There are two main types of [...]

What Happens at an Orthodontic Exam? An orthodontic exam is an important step in the process of getting braces or other orthodontic treatment. It is a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw by an orthodontic specialist, who will determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. In this article, we will take a look at what happens during an orthodontic exam and why it's important for achieving a straighter, healthier smile. Initial Consultation The first step in an orthodontic exam is an initial consultation. During this appointment, the orthodontist will ask about your dental history and any concerns you may have about your teeth and bite. They will also perform a visual examination of your teeth and bite, looking for any issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or open bites. They will also check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. X-Rays and Imaging The next step [...]

Orthodontic check-ups are an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and jaws. These regular appointments allow orthodontists to assess the progress of treatment, identify any potential problems, and make adjustments to ensure that the teeth and jaws are properly aligned. One of the most important reasons to schedule regular orthodontic check-ups is to monitor the progress of treatment. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, can take several months or even years to complete. During this time, it is important to make sure that the teeth are moving in the right direction and that the treatment plan is on track. Orthodontists use x-rays, photographs, and impressions to track the movement of the teeth and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Another important reason for regular orthodontic check-ups is to identify potential problems early on. Orthodontic treatment can put a lot of pressure on the teeth and jaws, which can cause pain, discomfort, or other issues. [...]

Ahava Orthodontics is a leading orthodontic practice in Fort Worth, Texas. Our team of experienced and highly trained orthodontists has been providing top-notch care to adults for over 25 years. We understand that orthodontic problems can be just as common in adults as they are in children and teenagers, which is why we offer a wide range of treatments to help adult patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. In this article, we'll be discussing some of the most common orthodontic problems that adults may face and how they can be treated. Whether you're experiencing pain, discomfort, or simply self-conscious about your smile, there are options available to help you achieve the results you desire. Ahava Orthodontics is a leading orthodontic practice in Fort Worth, Texas. Our team of experienced and highly trained orthodontists has been providing top-notch care to adults for over 25 years. We understand that orthodontic problems can be just as common in adults [...]

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and even headaches and earaches. While there are many different treatment options available for TMJ, orthodontic treatment can be a highly effective way to address the underlying causes of the disorder and help patients achieve lasting relief from their symptoms. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we understand the importance of providing trusted and experienced care to patients who are suffering from TMJ. Our team of experienced orthodontists, led by Dr. Barron, is dedicated to helping patients find the right treatment options for their unique needs and goals. Bite Guards and Splints for Treating TMJ One of the most common orthodontic treatment options for TMJ is the use of custom-made dental appliances, such as bite guards or splints. These appliances are designed to help correct [...]