Ahava Orthodontics helps Fort Worth families protect their children’s smiles with custom mouthguards for kids with braces. The team explains why mouthguards matter, how they’re made, and what parents should expect when their child plays contact sports during orthodontic treatment. Braces straighten teeth, but they also create new concerns when kids hit the field or court. Here’s a clear guide to choosing the right mouthguard for your child. Why Mouthguards Are Essential for Kids in Braces Mouthguards protect teeth, gums, and braces during sports. Without one, a sudden hit to the face can cause broken brackets, cut lips, or even tooth damage. For kids with braces, the stakes are higher. Traditional mouthguards may not fit properly around brackets and wires. A poorly fitted guard can increase risk instead of reducing it. That’s why orthodontists recommend specially designed mouthguards for kids with braces. These offer full coverage while allowing for tooth movement throughout treatment. Learn more about protecting smiles during orthodontic [...]

Ahava Orthodontics helps Fort Worth patients feel confident about choosing Invisalign. The team explains the process, sets expectations, and ensures aligners fit easily into daily life. Whether for teens juggling school activities or adults balancing careers, Invisalign offers a clear, convenient way to straighten teeth. For many patients, the biggest question is what treatment actually looks like. Here’s a closer look at how Invisalign works, what to expect, and why families across Fort Worth are choosing this modern orthodontic option. How Invisalign Works for Different Ages Invisalign is designed for both teens and adults. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, the system gradually moves teeth into place. Each aligner is custom-made based on a digital scan of the mouth, ensuring a precise fit. For teens, Invisalign offers flexibility with fewer food restrictions and a less noticeable appearance. Compliance indicators on the aligners help orthodontists track wear time. For adults, Invisalign provides a professional, discreet option that fits into busy [...]

Ahava Orthodontics helps Fort Worth patients understand the full process of orthognathic surgery. The team explains when surgery is recommended, what to expect at every stage, and how orthodontics supports the best possible outcome. For many patients, hearing the word “surgery” feels intimidating. But with the right preparation and guidance, the process can be smooth, predictable, and life-changing. This roadmap explains how orthognathic surgery works before, during, and after treatment. What Is Orthognathic Surgery? Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve alignment, function, and appearance. Unlike simple braces or aligners, this procedure addresses skeletal problems that affect how the jaws fit together. It is often recommended for: Severe overbite or underbite Facial imbalance Breathing problems like sleep apnea Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking By correcting these issues, surgery can improve both health and confidence. Learn more about jaw-related orthodontics on our Jaw Repositioning page. Before Surgery: Preparing With Orthodontics The [...]

Ahava Orthodontics helps Fort Worth families understand the differences between ceramic vs metal braces so teens can feel confident in their treatment choice. The team walks patients through what to expect, how each option works, and which style best fits their lifestyle. For many families, the big question is whether to choose ceramic or metal braces. Both straighten teeth effectively, but appearance, durability, and comfort often guide the decision. Here’s what parents and teens need to know. What Are Ceramic Braces? Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend with the teeth, making them less noticeable. They work like traditional braces, but the material gives a more discreet appearance. For teens who are self-conscious about their smile, ceramic braces can make orthodontic treatment feel less intimidating. They are especially popular for older students who want straighter teeth without the classic “metal smile.” Ceramic braces may stain if not cared for properly, but with good brushing habits and dietary awareness, [...]

Ahava Orthodontics helps Fort Worth patients explore options for sleep apnea treatment. The team explains how orthodontics can support better breathing, when to seek medical care, and what families can expect during evaluation. By combining expertise in jaw alignment and airway development, the practice works alongside medical providers to create healthier sleep patterns for children and adults. For many families, the first question is whether orthodontics can actually make a difference with sleep apnea. Here’s a closer look at how treatment works and what patients should know. What Is Sleep Apnea and Why It Matters Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway is blocked by relaxed throat muscles, jaw position, or other structural issues. For children, sleep apnea can lead to behavioral challenges, poor school performance, and slowed growth. Adults may experience daytime fatigue, headaches, or an increased risk of heart problems. [...]

Ahava Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry helps Fort Worth families prepare their children for pediatric dental visits with ease and confidence. The team explains what happens at each stage, gives parents clear guidance, and helps kids feel comfortable from the very first appointment. Early dental care sets the foundation for a healthy smile. A child’s first visit often happens by age one or when the first tooth appears, and ongoing checkups build habits that last. Here’s a look at what families can expect during pediatric appointments in Fort Worth. When to Schedule the First Pediatric Dental Visit Stanford Medicine recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. These early appointments are not about major procedures but rather about guidance for parents and a gentle introduction for the child. At the first visit, parents can expect the dentist to: Check for proper tooth and jaw development Look for signs of early decay or thumb-sucking effects Discuss diet, bottle use, and [...]

We are seeing many children with incorrect tongue posture and we wanted to provide some additional information if you notice this with your children. We also want parents to know that we use the MyoBrace system to correct incorrect tongue posture in children—setting the foundation for healthier teeth, better breathing, and stronger jaw development. The tongue plays a surprisingly powerful role in a child’s dental and facial development. When it rests in the wrong position—low in the mouth, against the teeth, or between them—it can contribute to serious orthodontic issues like crowded teeth, misaligned bites, narrow jaws, and even breathing difficulties. This condition is called incorrect tongue posture, and it’s something we see often in young patients. At Ahava Orthodontics, we take a proactive, non-invasive approach to correcting it using MyoBrace®, a pre-orthodontic system designed specifically to fix harmful oral habits like poor tongue posture, mouth breathing, and incorrect swallowing. What Is Correct Tongue Posture and Why [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we use the MyoBrace® system to create natural space for children’s adult teeth—without the need for extractions or early braces—by correcting harmful oral habits and guiding proper jaw development. As children grow, their jaws and facial bones develop to accommodate adult teeth. But when improper habits like mouth breathing or tongue thrusting are present, this growth can become restricted. At Ahava Orthodontics, we address these issues early using the MyoBrace system, a pre-orthodontic treatment that gently guides natural growth and creates the space your child’s teeth need—before crowding becomes a bigger problem. Why Space Matters in Early Dental Development Many parents are surprised to learn that the root cause of crowded adult teeth often starts years before those teeth erupt. If a child’s jaw is too small or underdeveloped, there simply isn’t enough room for adult teeth to come in properly. This can lead to: Crowding Misalignment Impacted teeth Need for [...]

Here in Fort Worth, we help pre-teens correct teeth spacing issues early with MyoBrace—a non-invasive system that guides jaw development and sets the stage for straighter, healthier smiles. Spacing problems in children’s teeth aren’t just cosmetic—they’re signs that the jaw may not be developing the way it should. At Ahava Orthodontics, we take a proactive approach to orthodontic care for pre-teens by focusing on prevention and growth. One of the most effective tools we use is the MyoBrace® system, a removable appliance that works with the body’s natural growth patterns to create space for adult teeth and correct bad oral habits. Why Teeth Spacing Happens in Pre-Teens As pre-teens transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, their mouths are going through big changes. In an ideal situation, the jaw grows wide enough to accommodate all adult teeth in proper alignment. But when the jaw is too narrow—or habits like mouth breathing or improper tongue posture interfere—adult teeth [...]

We offer a range of braces options for teens—each designed to fit their unique smile, lifestyle, and confidence level with expert care and flexible solutions. For many teens, getting braces is a big step—and a common one. It's the most effective way to correct crowding, spacing, and bite issues during the important developmental years. At Ahava Orthodontics, we help teens and their families choose the right type of braces based on both clinical needs and personal preferences. With the right support and treatment plan, teens can straighten their teeth in a way that’s comfortable, effective, and even confidence-boosting. MMany Teens Need Orthodontic Treatment The teenage years are ideal for orthodontic care. At this stage, permanent teeth are fully in place, but the jaw is still growing. This makes it easier to guide the teeth and bite into better alignment using braces or other orthodontic appliances. Some common issues we treat in teens include: Crowded or overlapping teeth [...]