Normally, parents are the first people to recognize an issue with their child’s teeth and jaws. Perhaps their front teeth stick out a little too far, or maybe there are obvious gaps. Most parents assume their child’s dentist will tell them to visit an orthodontist if the problem calls for treatment, but this isn’t always the case. Fortunately, the answer... read more »

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, a question you may type into a search engine might be “What should I know before getting orthodontic treatment?” Thankfully, we have you covered in today’s blog! Below, you’ll find 7 of the most common questions orthodontists around the country receive every day along with their answers. After reading this, you should have... read more »

If you’re currently wearing braces or using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, then you probably can’t wait to see your fresh new smile. But, it’s important after the appliance comes off that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, namely, you’ll be asked to wear a retainer. Retainers are an essential part of almost every orthodontic treatment you can imagine, and they... read more »

In recent years, many companies have sprung up that promise they can help someone get Invisalign-quality results without them ever having to step foot in a dental office. You simply take an impression of your own teeth at home, mail it off, and you eventually receive a clear aligner treatment that will straighten your smile over the course of a... read more »

Did you know that 1.3 MILLION Americans are currently living or are in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma? September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time that’s intended to bring attention to the countless patients and families dealing with these diseases so that everyone can lend a helping hand. At Shirck Orthodontics, we’re big supporters of the Leukemia &... read more »

If your child has crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, then orthodontics can offer a ton of benefits beyond simply improving the appearance of their smile. Not only can straightening their teeth boost their confidence, but it can also improve their ability to eat, speak, and even breathe comfortably. There is just one stumbling block many people worry about: finances.... read more »

After feeling self-conscious about your crooked teeth for years, you’ve finally decided to do something about them. Thankfully, you’re no longer limited to just getting braces to straighten your teeth. These days, many adults choose Invisalign because it’s discreet, comfortable, and extremely effective. Many assume they’ll just be wearing clear plastic trays for the next few months, but then they’re... read more »

If your child has noticeably crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, you, like most parents, probably assume they just need to get braces. While this approach is used with many children, sometimes, an orthodontist will utilize a more sophisticated method involving what is called Phase 1 & Phase 2 Orthodontics. What is the difference between the phases? Will your child... read more »

Many parents are very surprised when their child’s orthodontist says that they need to have a tooth extracted before treatment can begin. The common question is simply, “Why?” Most people assume that braces are just placed onto the teeth as is, but this isn’t the case for many patients. If you have a child in need of braces, will an... read more »

Once a parent learns that their child is going to need braces, they usually want to start the process as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t simply go to an orthodontist’s office and say “Braces, please!” Often, you have to schedule a consultation first, then attend another appointment that could be weeks later to have the braces actually put on.... read more »