When it comes to enhancing your smile or addressing dental alignment issues, deciding whether to see an orthodontist or a dentist can be pivotal. While both professionals play integral roles in maintaining oral health, their areas of expertise, especially concerning orthodontic treatment, differ significantly. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your oral health care. This guide aims to clarify the distinctions between orthodontists and dentists, helping you choose the right professional for your orthodontic needs. The Role of Dentists and Orthodontists Dentists: The General Practitioners of Oral Health: Dentists are akin to general practitioners in the medical field. They diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral health care needs. This includes treating tooth decay, gum disease, and conducting regular cleanings and exams. Some dentists also offer basic orthodontic services, such as fitting for braces or Invisalign, especially if they have received additional training in these areas. Orthodontists: The [...]

Mouth breathing is a common issue in children, often overlooked because it seems harmless. However, persistent mouth breathing can lead to serious health concerns, including swollen adenoids. Adenoids are small patches of tissue located in the back of the nasal cavity that play a role in the immune system. When they become swollen, they can cause a cascade of problems, from sleep disturbances to facial development issues. Understanding the connection between mouth breathing and swollen adenoids is crucial for protecting your child’s health. What Are Adenoids and Why Are They Important? Adenoids are small, spongy patches of lymphatic tissue located in the upper part of the throat, just behind the nasal cavity. Together with the tonsils, they form part of the body’s immune system, acting as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter through the nose or mouth. In young children, adenoids are particularly active, helping to filter out harmful pathogens and produce [...]

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 [...]

Thumb and finger sucking is a natural reflex for babies and young children. It provides comfort, self-soothing, and even helps infants feel secure as they navigate the world. However, when this habit persists beyond the toddler years, it can lead to significant dental and orthodontic problems that may require intervention. Understanding the impact of thumb and finger sucking on your child’s teeth and jaw development can help you address the habit early and protect their oral health. Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs or Fingers? Thumb and finger sucking is an innate reflex that begins even before birth. Ultrasounds have shown babies sucking their thumbs in the womb. After birth, this behavior helps infants self-soothe, sleep better, and feel calm in unfamiliar situations. Most children naturally stop thumb or finger sucking by the age of 2 to 4 as they develop alternative coping mechanisms. However, if the habit continues beyond this age, it can interfere with the normal development [...]

The Myobrace System is an innovative orthodontic treatment that goes beyond just straightening teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which primarily focus on correcting misalignment, Myobrace addresses the root causes of crooked teeth by correcting poor oral habits, encouraging proper jaw growth, and supporting overall health. This pre-orthodontic approach is suitable for children as young as three and has benefits that extend well beyond dental alignment, impacting areas such as breathing, sleep, and facial development. Here’s how the Myobrace System promotes both health and development in children, making it a powerful, preventive solution for families seeking more than just a straight smile. Encourages Proper Jaw Development A common reason for crowded or misaligned teeth is underdeveloped jaws, which may not have enough space for permanent teeth to come in naturally. Myobrace appliances help guide the growth of the jaw by gently widening the dental arches over time, creating room for teeth to erupt without the need for extractions. This [...]

Traditional metal braces have been a cornerstone of orthodontic treatment for decades, helping millions of people achieve straighter teeth and healthier smiles. Despite the rise of modern options like clear aligners, traditional braces remain a highly effective and reliable solution for a wide range of alignment issues. For anyone considering this treatment, understanding what metal braces involve, how they work, and what to expect during the process is essential. What Are Traditional Metal Braces? Traditional metal braces are fixed orthodontic appliances designed to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall oral health. They consist of three main components: Brackets: Small metal squares bonded to the front of each tooth. Archwire: A thin metal wire threaded through the brackets to guide teeth into their correct positions. Elastic Bands: Also called ligatures, these hold the archwire in place on the brackets. They come in a variety of colors, allowing for some personalization. Braces work by applying gentle, consistent [...]

Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in dental health and aesthetics. As we approach 2025, it's essential to understand the factors influencing the cost of braces to make informed decisions.Average Cost of BracesThe cost of braces varies based on the type of treatment, complexity, and geographic location. On average, traditional metal braces range from $3,000 to $7,500 without insurance. Ceramic braces, which are less noticeable, typically cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Lingual braces, placed behind the teeth, are more expensive, ranging from $6,500 to $11,500. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, generally fall between $3,500 and $8,500. Factors Influencing the Cost Several factors contribute to the overall cost of braces: Type of Braces: Traditional metal braces are usually more affordable, while options like lingual braces and clear aligners come at a higher price due to their specialized design and aesthetics. Treatment Complexity: Severe misalignments or bite issues may require longer treatment times and more frequent adjustments, increasing the cost. Geographic [...]

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. [...]

Are you thinking about getting Invisalign to correct your smile and improve your confidence? Great idea!! But before you go out to the first orthodontist you find on Google, check out our tips for choosing Invisalign providers below. It will help you get the best Invisalign provider for you and your specific needs. Keep reading! 1. Always Check Online Reviews Did you know that people trust online reviews as much as they trust their friends and family when it comes to choosing a service or item? And online reviews are so convenient to check. Once you have a preliminary list of Invisalign providers that you are considering, run them through Google Reviews or any other review system and see what others have to say about them. One or two negative reviews aren't a red flag, of course. But if you consistently see negative reviews from previous customers, with similar complaints cropping up, then you might need to remove that [...]

Jaw injuries and trauma can significantly impact tooth alignment, affecting both the appearance and function of the smile. Whether caused by sports injuries, accidents, or falls, trauma to the jaw can disrupt the natural alignment of teeth and potentially lead to more severe issues such as pain, difficulty chewing, or bite misalignment. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we understand the complexities of jaw trauma and its impact on oral health. Here’s a closer look at how jaw injuries can affect tooth alignment and how orthodontic care can help restore a healthy, functional smile. How Jaw Injuries Impact Tooth Alignment The jaw, teeth, and surrounding muscles work together in a balanced system to support proper bite and alignment. Trauma to the jaw, however, can upset this balance and lead to misaligned teeth, a condition known as malocclusion. Depending on the severity of the injury, trauma can cause immediate changes in tooth position or lead to gradual misalignment as the [...]