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Many people often confuse dentists with orthodontists, assuming they serve the same function. While both professions share similarities and collaborate closely, orthodontics is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on specific dental concerns.

 

What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists, like Orthodontist Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection, are qualified dentists who have pursued an additional 2-3 years of specialized training in orthodontics. This advanced education includes extensive clinical practice through a residency program. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) governs this elite branch of dentistry.

Orthodontists are skilled in [...] Read More

Without a doubt, “How long do I have to wear my braces?” is the most common question we’re asked by patients. More so than cleaning tips and food restrictions, people want to know how long they’ll have to live with braces. It’s understandable. Braces are hard to brush and floss around, they come with food restrictions, and they can be a source of embarrassment for teens at school or professionals in the workplace.

While most patients are always eager to start treatment, they are even more eager to get those braces off.  Even though each patient is given an [...] Read More

It’s common for young children to put anything and everything into their mouths. This curiosity is normal, and unless it develops into bad habits that carry into later childhood, is beneficial to development. Habits like nail-biting, thumb sucking, using a pacifier excessively, and tongue thrusting as you swallow all have negative long-term effects on your oral health.

Thumb Sucking and Excessive Pacifier Use

Children are born with a natural sucking reflex, which is why they tend to gravitate towards thumb sucking or get attached to a pacifier as a self-soothing tool. This impulse disappears around the four-month mark, but [...] Read More

Often the first step of orthodontic treatment is an expander. Expanders, or palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances that increase the space between the halves of the upper jaw. While that sounds scary and painful, expanders are very common! Many young and growing orthodontic patients have expanders, and they can help make sure you don’t have to undergo surgery later!

In This Post, We’ll Cover What is an Expander? Why Do You Need an Expander? How to Tighten an Expander? Do Expanders Hurt?

 

What is an Expander?

Expanders are orthodontic appliances that work to separate the two halves of the maxilla or the upper [...] Read More

Getting braces is a big change, and on top of the wires, brackets, or Invisalign trays, there’s a whole new set of habits you must get used to. Luckily, we’re here to help and answer any questions you may have during treatment! One of our most common questions from patients is “What can I eat with my braces?” or “What foods do I have to give up?” and we have a few simple guidelines to share. If you keep these in mind, your smile and diet will be happy and healthy!

In This Post, We’ll Cover: Why Do We Recommend [...] Read More

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden. If the disease worsens, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by [...] Read More