Shirck Orthodontics Blog

Every treatment we provide here at Shirck Orthodontics is designed to create a beautifully straight smile that lasts for life. Whether someone is using braces or Invisalign, however, an essential part of the process is wearing retainers in Powell afterward. Not doing so can actually allow the teeth to start drifting back to where they started, undoing all the great work a patient has done! It’s normal for someone to forget to wear their retainer every once in a while, but what happens if they don’t wear it for a week, a month, or even a few years? Read on to find out.

This summer is bound to be unlike any other, and whether you’re planning on enjoying a relaxing “stay-cation” at home or a few socially distanced gatherings, everyone definitely needs to blow off a little steam. Despite the uniqueness of 2020, summer can still be a troublesome time for those with braces in Powell, leading to mishaps that can easily add months to someone’s treatment. Fortunately, by keeping the following 4 tips in mind, orthodontic patients can take full advantage of the season without having to worry about their teeth.

For decades, metal braces have helped countless people achieve beautifully straight and attractive smiles that allow their confidence to soar, and now it’s your turn! Braces work by placing a small amount of pressure on the teeth, and this guides them into their new, improved positions. It’s perfectly normal to experience a little oral soreness right after the brackets and wires have been put on, but thankfully, this is usually short-lived. To make the adjustment process as short as possible, your orthodontist in Powell recommends following these 5 proven tips…

Millions of adults and teens around the world choose to straighten their teeth with Invisalign instead of traditional braces because it offers several unique benefits, one of those being that the treatment is extremely comfortable. Between the custom fit and smooth plastic, many patients quickly forget they are even wearing their aligners! But, like all orthodontics, Invisalign in Powell can cause a little soreness right at the beginning, as the aligners are applying a small amount of force to move the teeth. Thankfully, this is usually minor and goes away after a few days. To help speed the process along, be sure to take advantage of these 4 simple tips.

It’s extremely important to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces, because nothing throws off the treatment faster than a surprise cavity! While brushing with orthodontics is relatively straightforward, flossing is a whole other matter. The way you usually do it probably won’t work with the brackets and wires, but this doesn’t mean you have to skip this essential part of your oral hygiene routine. According to your orthodontist in Powell, flossing with braces can be relatively simple—just make sure you follow these 4 tips!

There are literally millions of adults in the U.S. right now who would love to straighten their teeth. They’re tired of hiding their crooked teeth or worrying about others noticing gaps, plus many experience daily pain due to bite problems. So, what stops them from seeking treatment? Often, it’s one of the 4 myths below, which your orthodontist in Powell is going to bust right now! No matter your age or situation, a straighter, more beautiful smile is much closer than you might think!

After we put on a patient’s braces here at Shirck Orthodontics, we always send them home with a small container of dental wax. This often inspires people to ask, “Why?” Are we encouraging them to make little pieces of art while they wait for their treatment to conclude? While that’s a great idea, in truth, dental wax can help make adjusting to braces much more comfortable, ensuring someone’s journey towards a new smile starts as smoothly as possible. Your orthodontist in Powell explains below.

Just like metal brackets and wires, rubber bands are also an essential part of many people’s orthodontic treatment. They serve an important role in adding extra tension to the teeth to help them move into the right position, and they also ensure the braces stay in place. So, exactly how do rubber bands help someone achieve a straighter, healthier smile? Your orthodontist in Powell covers everything you need to know below!

The day one of our patients gets their braces removed is always special here at Shirck Orthodontics, and the last thing we want is for someone’s new smile to be less than perfect due to white spots, or areas of discoloration that can occur under the brackets. Fortunately, preventing this from happening is fairly simple, and your orthodontist in Powell reveals the 4 most effective methods below.

You’ll find no shortage of dentists online who are eager to provide Invisalign in Powell, but if you’re considering this treatment for yourself or your child, how should you choose one over another? One easy way is to look at their Invisalign Provider Level. While there are plenty of bronze, silver, and gold ones, only a few orthodontists qualify to be called Invisalign Platinum Providers. What does this mean, and how will this influence the quality of your care? (more…)