Many people associate retainers with post-braces care, but can they actually help realign teeth on their own? While retainers play a crucial role in maintaining orthodontic results, they are sometimes used to make minor corrections to teeth alignment. If your teeth have shifted slightly over time or you’re wondering whether a retainer can straighten them without needing braces, this article will help you understand what retainers can and can’t do. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, Dr. Shawne Barron helps patients of all ages find the best orthodontic solutions for their smiles. Here’s everything you need to know about whether retainers can help realign your teeth. What Are Retainers and How Do They Work? A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance designed to keep teeth in place after orthodontic treatment or, in some cases, to make small adjustments to minor misalignments. Retainers are typically made from plastic or metal and fit snugly over the teeth. There are two main [...]

When it comes to your child’s dental health, you want to make the best decisions to ensure they grow up with a healthy, confident smile. If your child needs braces, you probably have a lot of questions about the process, costs, and what to expect. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, Dr. Shawne Barron and her team are here to help parents navigate the orthodontic journey with ease. Below are some of the most common questions parents ask about braces for their child. You try to protect your child from physical injuries like broken bones and skinned knees, but have you considered how to provide for their oral care to avoid dental and orthodontic issues as adults? Early visits to an orthodontist can save your child (and you!) money and time down the road, not to mention avoid some unwanted dental issues such as overbites, crossbites and crooked teeth. At What Age Should My Child Get Braces? The ideal [...]

In the quest for a perfectly aligned smile, braces are often the most effective and natural method for straightening teeth. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we specialize in transforming smiles through carefully planned orthodontic treatment. This blog explores why braces, administered under the expert care of an orthodontist, are considered the best and most natural option for achieving straight teeth and how they contribute to long-term oral health. The Role of Orthodontics in Natural Tooth Alignment Orthodontics is more than just the science of moving teeth; it's a comprehensive approach to aligning teeth and jaws to improve dental function and aesthetic appearance. Braces, whether traditional, ceramic, or lingual, apply gentle, continuous pressure over time to move teeth into the desired position without the need for invasive procedures. This natural movement helps to preserve the integrity of your mouth's structure. Why Choose Braces? Precision and Effectiveness: Braces are incredibly effective at correcting a wide range of alignment [...]

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s dental and facial development is on the right track. One common concern in growing children is whether their jaw is too small. A small or underdeveloped jaw can lead to crowded teeth, bite issues, and other complications that may require early intervention. Recognizing the signs of a small jaw and understanding when to seek help are key to supporting your child’s healthy growth. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, Dr. Andy and Shawne Barron specialize in identifying and treating jaw development concerns, helping children achieve healthy, balanced smiles. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting a small jaw in your child and how early orthodontic care can make a difference. Why Does Jaw Size Matter? The size and shape of a child’s jaw play a critical role in dental and facial development. A properly developed jaw provides enough space for all teeth to align naturally, supports [...]

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 [...]