If you are considering straightening your smile with orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering what the first steps of the process are. Even once you begin the process of straightening your teeth, you may be unsure of what all to expect. Whether you, yourself, are about to start orthodontic treatment or your child is, the process can feel a bit intimidating. Because everyone has a unique smile and specific needs, there is no way of knowing how long it will take to straighten your teeth or the best method it will take to do so, until your orthodontist examines your smile. The first step to any treatment is discussing it with your orthodontist. (more…)
Fun In Fort Worth This Weekend
We are over halfway through the month of June, so summer is in full swing. The DFW metroplex and specifically the city of Fort Worth, are filled with fun activities for the whole family. Dr. Cabal and the team at Lake Country Orthodontics is so proud to serve the families smiles of the Fort Worth community! (more…)
Am I Too Old To Straighten My Smile?
The short answer to this question is that you are probably not too old to straighten your smile. Orthodontic treatment is beneficial for people of all ages. Because straightening your teeth has benefits that go beyond just updating your appearance, it is important to consider it for the health of your smile. Benefits to straightening your smile can include reducing your risk for problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and TMJ disorder. Orthodontic treatment for adults or even teens does not always have to include traditional metal braces. There are other options that treat your smile in discreet and effective ways. (more…)
Life After Orthodontic Treatment
Whether or not you have already taken the plunge into getting orthodontic treatment, you have probably thought about what it will be like afterward. Maybe you have imagined how your life will be different with a straighter smile? While no one has figured out time-travel yet and your doctor cannot see into the future, it is hard to say how exactly your experience will be. Based on commonalities of people who have finished their own treatment, there are some things that you might expect to go through yourself after orthodontic treatment and there are some things that will help make life a bit easier. (more…)
Advice For Healthy Summer Smiles
For many families, summertime equals no school for the kids and maybe some summer activities. The summer can also mean vacation time, which can add up to some stress depending on the size and age of your family. If your family’s summer is relaxed and stress-free, it can be an easy time to let the routines of daily life slip a little. Bedtimes may be less important with no school to wake up for, which could mean that bedtime routines feel a little less important, too. We have a few pieces of advice that may help keep your family’s smiles stay happy and healthy this summer season! (more…)
Am I Overworking My Jaw?
Your jaw has a joint on either side known as your temporomandibular joints, your TMJ. These joints are among the most used joints in your whole body because you use it for chewing, biting, and speaking. You use your jaw every single day. Yes, these joints are capable of taking the brunt of a lot of pressure and strain. However, TMJ disorder can arise if your joint takes on too much strain and pressure. Misalignment can cause this. Overworking the jaw by grinding your teeth can, too. As you age, your jaw may not be able to work as hard as it used to. We have outlined some things to be mindful of when taking care of your jaw joints.
Benefits Of A Straighter Smile
While the cosmetic benefits of straightening your smile cannot be denied, straightening your teeth can be very beneficial to your smile’s health. A misaligned crooked smile can collect more bacteria, which leaves it more susceptible to decay and gum disease. A misaligned smile is also susceptible to damage and can create problems for your jaw’s function. Straightening your smile with orthodontic treatment can help prevent some of these problems, while also making you feel more confident in your smile’s appearance. (more…)
Does My Smile Qualify For Invisalign®?
The need to straighten your smile is a need that can span across various ages. However, people well into adulthood can feel insecure about wearing braces to straighten their teeth. Invisalign® is a patented system of clear acrylic aligners customized for your smile to gently reposition misaligned teeth. The customized aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing/flossing, or at any other point you may want to take them out. Invisalign® can be a good option for people with a mild to moderate need for orthodontic treatment; more significant or severe issues may require more traditional forms of treatment, such as braces. How do you know if your smile qualifies for Invisalign® treatment? (more…)
The Problems With Chronic Dry Mouth
Dry mouth every once in awhile can be a result of your activities that day. Chronic and consistent dry mouth is medically known as xerostomia, which is a condition where a your mouth produces very little saliva. As saliva is your body’s natural defense to keep harmful bacteria out of your mouth, a decrease in production can cause an increase in bacteria. If you have frequently face dry mouth, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems. A dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons including certain medications, autoimmune diseases, advanced age, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, or excessive consumption of caffeine. (more…)
How iTero® Works With Invisalign®
With advanced technology in the form of the iTero® digital scanner, orthodontists can achieve an accurate impression of your smile, all while giving you a view of the images. The digital technology allows trained technicians to take precise 3D digital images of your mouth. The scanner excels in precision accuracy as well as patient comfort. The iTero® scanner is faster, more comfortable, and more detailed than traditional putty and mold impressions. When iTero® technology is integrated with Invisalign®, it gives you a chance to see what the potential outcome of your treatment will look like while it helps to create a customized plan for your smile. (more…)
