Whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not, you’ve seen people wearing elastics or rubber bands as part of the process. But do you know what they’re used for? To help give you a better idea of why rubber bands are used with metal or clear braces, we’ll explain what they are, why they’re used, and how to take care of them during treatment.  What are Rubber Bands?  In short, rubber bands are used to help move your teeth along the

You’re getting your braces put on for the first time and you’re not sure what to expect. One thing is for sure; your oral hygiene practices will definitely change. To help prepare you for what’s in store and make the most of your orthodontic treatment, we at Brace Connection explain what you can expect from your first week in braces: Placement Day On the day your braces are put on, the process should be relatively painless. In the hours following placement,

You’re in between meals and craving something sweet, but you just started orthodontic treatment and know that many of your favorite foods should now be avoided. Is there anything sweet you can eat? The short answer is yes! Dr. Vahid Babaeian and the staff at Brace Connection are here to explain the truth about sugar and how to satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your braces. The Truth About Sugar Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay

Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up the sports you love! Luckily, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Play Safe, Play All Season In general, it is not uncommon for an athlete to experience injuries to the mouth and jaw area. Ever taken a soccer ball to the face? A fixed orthodontic appliance, such

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well-nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Orthodontist Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection has four tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve! Brush and Floss The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. It also recommends flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring

Date night can be a nerve-wracking experience. From what to wear, where to go, what to talk about, the numerous variables of date night can wreak havoc on what should be a fun experience. You don’t want your braces to be another source of worry on this evening, and they don’t have to be! With a few simple tips from Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection, you can flash your beautiful smile at your date as many times as you

A few weeks into orthodontic treatment, you notice a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth. A few days later, canker sores appear. Fortunately, canker sores are not often a serious issue, but they sure can be annoying! These small ulcers can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them!  Braces and Canker Sores The unfortunate news

Having a sensitive gag reflex is nothing to be embarrassed about. Additionally, it is not something that should deter you from seeking orthodontic treatment. Those with a sensitive gag reflex can get frustrated, but it is certainly something that can be worked with while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists, like Dr. Vahid Babaeian of Brace Connection, are trained professionals that can help care for and achieve a beautiful smile. Below are some tips to help patients with a sensitive gag reflex.

Anyone participating in a sport should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. This is especially important for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and wires can damage the mouth if you receive a ball to the face. Many people ask whether it is necessary to invest in a custom-fit mouthguard or will an over-the-counter one work just as well. To help you make the best decision for your situation, Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection has information about each mouthguard.

There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. As we close out the year, it is important to find reasons to smile and be grateful for all the lessons we’ve learned and achievements accomplished. For those who can’t find a reason to smile, Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection