Blog
Do you need a referral from your dentist to see an orthodontist?
You do not need a referral from your dentist to see an orthodontist.
Frenectomy before braces or Invisalign?
What is a frenum? Frenectomy before braces or Invisalign? Let us first explain what a frenectomy is for. The frenum is the thick band of tissue that lies between the top front teeth and attaches from the gums to the upper lip. For most people, this attachment occurs...
Braces versus Invisalign- which is better?
Are you debating between braces versus Invisalign and wondering which is better? Here are some pros and cons to both orthodontic options: Braces Pros: Can work slightly fasterLess to keep up with (you don’t have to remember to wear them), better for non-compliant...
Why do I need top AND bottom braces or Invisalign?
Why do I need top AND bottom braces or Invisalign? That is a frequent question we receive during our free consultations because patients want to know if they have to have orthodontic appliances on both arches. Sometimes a patient will only want to fix a crooked top...
Why should you wear your rubber bands?
Why should you wear your rubber bands? Elastics, or rubber bands, are a critical part of almost every person’s orthodontic treatment. While we can make the top teeth straight and the bottom teeth straight largely without your help, we can’t get the teeth to fit...
What are “seps,” separators, or spacers?
We often get asked what "seps," "separators," or "spacers" are because people have heard horror stories from their friends. Separators are little rubber bands that we place between your back molars, usually 1-2 weeks before you start orthodontic treatment with some...
Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
We frequently get asked whether adults can be treated with braces or Invisalign. The answer… ABSOLUTELY! Believe it or not, over 30% of our patients are adults (non-growing patients). We have a variety of reasons adults want to see us for an evaluation: They have one...
Se Habla Español
Español Me llamo Dr. Best, ¡y hablo español! No soy hispánica, pero empecé a tomar clases del idioma cuando tenía 6 años, y entonces me especialicé en español en Princeton University. Pasé un semestre en Madrid durante la universidad, por eso tuve la oportunidad de...
What does it mean to get my braces “tightened”?
People with braces always seem to talk about how they have an appointment to get their braces “tightened.” So what does that mean? Initial appointments- Wire changes In order to align your teeth, first we place brackets on your teeth (the little metal squares),...
Can I use my retainer for my teeth whitening?
You’ve finished your braces or Invisalign treatment, you have a beautiful new smile. How can you whiten your teeth?