Are you the parent of a child that might need braces? With so many orthodontic treatment options available, making the right choice for your child can feel overwhelming. One option to consider is ceramic braces, an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces offer a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, making them a preferred choice for many children and teens. This article will guide you through the ins and outs of ceramic braces, including their benefits over metal braces, the duration of treatment, and necessary lifestyle changes. How Do Ceramic Braces Work? Ceramic braces operate on the same fundamental principles as traditional metal braces. They involve brackets affixed to each tooth, connected by a wire that applies gentle pressure over time to guide the teeth into correct alignment. However, unlike metal braces, ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them far less noticeable. Advantages of Ceramic Braces Over Metal Braces [...]

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your child can be a daunting task with the variety of options available today. Among these, traditional metal braces remain a reliable and effective solution. It's important that before you have braces put on your child that you understand how metal braces work, their advantages over ceramic braces, and what your child can expect when it comes to how long your child will likely need to wear braces and any lifestyle changes that come with wearing them. How Do Metal Braces Work? Metal braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions. The two main components are brackets, which are bonded to each tooth, and a metal wire, which is threaded through the brackets. Over time, the orthodontist adjusts this wire, guiding the teeth into their ideal alignment. Advantages of Metal Braces Over Ceramic Braces While ceramic braces are less visible [...]

When you think of orthodontic treatment, you might instantly picture a teenager with braces. But did you know that orthodontic treatment can often have the most significant impact when initiated at a younger age? Yes, orthodontics isn't only for teenagers or adults. Children can greatly benefit from early intervention, setting the stage for a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. In this article, we'll delve into why orthodontic treatment works best for children. Benefiting from Growth and Development Children's bodies are constantly growing and changing, and this includes their jaws and facial structures. Their rapid growth allows orthodontists to guide jaw development and address misalignment issues effectively. By intervening at this stage, we can often prevent more severe problems that might require invasive treatment later on. This proactive approach to children's dental health is a cornerstone of modern orthodontic care. Maintaining Optimal Dental Health Generally, children have healthier gums and teeth because they've [...]

Taking your child to their first orthodontic visit is a milestone in their journey towards optimal oral health. This visit is a proactive step that lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Not only does it provide a chance for early detection and treatment of any potential issues, but it also acquaints your child with dental healthcare in a positive, friendly environment. Starting orthodontic visits early is a recommendation backed by various dental associations globally. But when exactly should this visit occur, and what should you expect? Let's explore these questions further. When to Schedule the First Visit The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling your child's first orthodontic visit around the age of seven. At this age, the first permanent teeth have typically started to emerge, providing the orthodontist with the opportunity to catch potential issues early. Even if your child's teeth appear straight, underlying problems could exist with the jaw and bite alignment. [...]

As a parent, your child's health is your top priority. This includes their dental health and alignment, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and self-confidence. While orthodontic treatment is commonly associated with teenagers, the fact is that early intervention can often lead to more effective results. At Ahava Orthodontics, we'll help you identify key signs indicating that your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment. Difficulty Chewing and/or Biting Chewing and biting are fundamental functions of the mouth. If your child is having difficulty performing these tasks, it could be a sign that their teeth and jaws aren't aligned properly. Any noticeable struggle with chewing or biting should be addressed with your orthodontist. Mouth Breathing While it might seem harmless, chronic mouth breathing can indicate a variety of issues, including potential orthodontic problems. Mouth breathing could suggest that your child has a narrow palate or an issue with jaw growth, both of which could require early [...]

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, [...]

Are you planning to throw away the sour, sugary, and gummy snacks? What about nuts and corn on the cob? If you're planning to throw those out with the hard candies and other treats that are unhealthy prior to getting braces at your Fort Worth Orthodontist, then we're proud of you! These are foods that you should not only not eat with braces, but simply aren't healthy for you at all. However, there are plenty of great, healthy foods you can eat that provide quality nutrients for both your oral and overall health. If you're at the point of gtting braces to improve your smile, let's take it a step further and support that new, healthy smile. Let's take a look at foods that you can eat with braces, and expand your options for healthy eating. What to Eat When You First Get Braces Whenever you have dental work done, it's usually best to take it easy on the [...]

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 [...]

Have you recently noticed a loose bracket on your braces? It's a common issue that can happen for a variety of reasons. Before you panic, remember that it's usually not a serious problem but should be addressed promptly to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track. Causes of Loose Brackets Orthodontic brackets are attached to your teeth with a type of dental cement designed to keep them firmly in place during treatment. Despite the strength of this adhesive, brackets can sometimes become loose or dislodged. This could be due to direct trauma, like a blow to the face during sports, or indirect forces, like chewing hard or sticky foods. Sometimes, simple wear and tear or improper brushing techniques can lead to a loose bracket. What To Do When A Bracket Becomes Loose If you notice a loose bracket, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Contact Ahava Orthodontics as soon as possible and explain the [...]

In the heart of Fort Worth, nestled amidst our vibrant city with more than a century of history, is a place where smiles are not just fixed, but supported to their fullest extent so that they have all of the function and capabilities that they were meant to have. Ahava Orthodontics, a top-rated Fort Worth orthodontist practice, is home to both Dr. Andy Barron, D.D.S. and his wife Dr. Shawne Barron, D.D.S., M.S. who have made it their lifes work to help children have healthy happy smiles that builds their confidence. We combine the latest technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages, usually starting as young as 7 years old. As the leading Fort Worth orthodontist, our mission at Ahava Orthodontics is simple but profound: we want to transform lives, one smile at a time. We recognize that every patient is unique, with individual needs and expectations. This is why we dedicate [...]