Braces help over 4 million people in the U.S. at any one time straighten their teeth. If you or your child fall into that group, taking care of your braces becomes a priority. You don't want to spend the money on braces only to have them fail or cause more dental problems. Proper care keeps your teeth clean and healthy, and it keeps your braces in good shape so they can do their job. Keep reading to learn about taking care of your teeth with braces. Brush Regularly Good oral hygiene with braces starts with regular brushing. While brushing is always important, it becomes more challenging with braces attached to your teeth. If plaque and food remain against your teeth, you might end up with cavities, gum issues, or permanent discoloration on your teeth. The general recommendation is to brush at least twice daily with each session lasting at least 2 minutes. It might take a [...]

So your little one isn’t quite so little anymore, and you are wondering whether it’s worth your time and money to visit an orthodontist, or whether you should wait until they are closer to middle school. The simple answer is that not only is it okay to go now, but also that your orthodontist (and your kid) will thank you for being hands-on when it comes to your child’s smile. Like so many things, proactivity is key to a successful orthodontic outcome, with as little amount of intervention as possible. We have gotten so used to regular checkups with a pediatrician and testing at various points in grade school. Orthodontics shouldn’t be any different. If you make plans to visit an orthodontist by age seven, your child may have the best chance possible to ditch the braces all together! What Does Early Treatment Look Like? While each child’s mouth will be different, there are a [...]

Chances are you've heard a lot about Invisalign and how well the treatment can straighten teeth. However, since it's a fairly new method of teeth straightening, you might not know much about it. But don't worry, in this guide we’ll explain more about Invisalign braces and how they can help you get straight teeth. Continue reading to learn more. What Is Invisalign? As its name implies, Invisalign is an almost "invisible" aligner of teeth form of retainers. Aligners substitute for conventional metal braces. You get transparent, removable trays that comfortably fit over your teeth. The transparent portion of the trays is created with BPA-free plastic. And yes, the material is relatively translucent, so it's hard to see that you've got them on! This is one of the reasons why Invisalign is favored over standard braces by many adults and teenagers. Based on a 3-dimensional model of your whole mouth, the trays are also custom-made. This means that the [...]

The braces have come off and now you’re ready for the freedom and enjoyment your new smile brings! But have you considered the aftercare your smile requires? Retainers provide stability for the jaw and help your teeth to stay in place. One way to think through the purpose of a retainer is to think of them as a steady support, after your braces did the heavy lifting for the past year (or more)! Retainers can seem daunting if you dread having one more thing to add to your nightly routine, but rest assured, there are options and information available to help you decide what type of retainer will suit you best. Benefit of Retainers While you may not be overjoyed at the prospect of another object in your mouth after finally having your braces removed, rest assured that wearing your retainer will be the best post-braces care you can give your smile. If you forget [...]

A lost retainer can play a big role in whether your teeth remain straight or not. You probably wore your braces for at least a year and perhaps even longer. While the braces did the heavy lifting to get your teeth in their perfect positions, your retainer should be worn daily to keep your teeth in their intended positions. Retainers are responsible for keeping your teeth straight after your braces have been removed and if you go too long without yours, you might eventually notice that your teeth have shifted. So what are you to do if you find yourself without a trace of your retainer?Ways To Avoid Lost Retainers The best way to avoid losing your retainer is to keep the retainer and its case in the same spot every day and overnight so you never have to question where you stuck it. Most people choose to wear their retainer overnight, so keeping it by your [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics, our biggest goal is to provide exceptional orthodontic care in a loving and welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Barron is certified by Align Technology to provide Invisalign treatment. His experience and care for his patients make his service second to none. Ahava has been providing Invisalign treatment to patients in the Fort Worth area for years and we would love to have you as part of our Ahava family. What is Invisalign? Invisalign, or the “clear aligner”, is a system with the same goals of traditional braces, without the metallic appearance that braces are associated with. Invisalign is a clear retainer treatment option that is easy to clean and maintain during day to day activities. While you may have to keep a careful eye on the type of beverages you drink, your cleaning habits, and taking care of your Invisalign retainers, the Invisalign system is just as effective as traditional braces. Dr. Barron uses a top-notch scanner to [...]

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 [...]