Smiles by Palmer Orthodontics Blog

What Should I Do if I Break My Braces?

November 21, 2024

A young girl with a broken braces bracket.

Wearing traditional braces is a time-honored way to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. But in order for your treatment to work properly, your wires and brackets should be in good working order. If you notice a bracket has come loose or fallen off your tooth, here’s what you should do, and why when it comes to repairing your braces time is of the essence!

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My Teeth Feel Loose – Are My Braces Making Them Fall Out?

September 1, 2024

Woman with braces panicking because her teeth feel loose

You might have heard from your peers that metal braces can come with some “interesting” sensations. But after your latest dental appointment, your teeth really feel like they’re going to fall right out! Are your orthodontics wiggling them loose?

Take a deep breath – there’s no cause for alarm in this scenario. Keep reading to learn more about what’s going on with your pearly whites and why you shouldn’t worry.

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Occupational Orthodontics: 3 Tips for Wearing Braces to Work

August 2, 2024

Woman in blue suit with red hair smiling with braces at work

Although we tend to think of orthodontics as being for teenagers, plenty of adults benefit from having braces. Over time, even the straightest smiles can shift out of alignment due to the constant pressure from chewing. This impacts more than just your appearance because crooked or overcrowded teeth are also harder to clean, which can cause dental dilemmas.

There’s no shame in undergoing treatment to improve your oral health, but you might worry about how to take care of the metal brackets while you’re working. Continue reading to learn 3 tips to help you maintain your orthodontics on the job!

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4 Tips to Addressing Common Problems Brought On By Braces

July 10, 2024

female patient with braces seeing an orthodontist

Wearing metal braces has its advantages. Their ability to produce straighter teeth and healthier smiles makes them a time-tested solution that orthodontists continue to rely on when treating patients with crooked, crowded, misaligned, and gapped teeth. However, their design can cause problems for some individuals. If you are struggling with discomfort, sensitivity, or another similar issue, read on to discover 4 things you can do to ensure a more enjoyable orthodontic experience.

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Why Have My Clear Aligners Changed Colors?

June 12, 2024

Someone with clear aligners

Clear aligners distinguishes itself from traditional braces in all kinds of ways, one of which is the freedom that it gives you. The fact that clear aligners are removable means that you can eat and drink whatever you want, so long as you take your trays off beforehand.

However, that freedom also comes with a level with responsibility when it comes to cleaning. For example, you might find that your aligners have become discolored after a while of wearing them. Here’s why that could be, and what you can do about it.

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The Real Deal on Metal Braces: Busting Common Myths

April 24, 2024

Patient smiling with their metal braces

Metal braces have been a reliable and trusted method for straightening teeth for decades. However, despite their proven effectiveness, several harmful myths about them persist, confusing patients and causing unnecessary fear. So, it’s time to set the record (and your teeth) straight! Read on to see several common myths about traditional braces debunked.

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Urgent Orthodontics: How to Prevent Emergencies

February 15, 2024

Illustration of a tooth with braces inside a lifesaverTry though you might, it’s impossible to anticipate when an urgent situation will crop up, and orthodontic emergencies are no different! Whether you’ve developed a chronic toothache or noticed that a bracket has come loose, it’s important to contact your provider right away. You wouldn’t want the dilemma to impact your treatment timeline, after all.

If you’ve found yourself dealing with an unexpected issue, keep reading to learn more about some common problems and how you can address them!

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Tools for Triumph: Creating Your Braces Survival Kit

December 23, 2023

A woman with braces taking a selfieOrthodontic treatment with braces can be both exciting and challenging. Exciting because at the end of it all, you’ll have a straighter, healthier smile; challenging because of the commitment. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, you’ll need to have the right tools at your disposal.

If you need a guide for the creation of a braces survival kit, continue reading. You’ll find a collection of must-have tools that will make your braces treatment more comfortable and successful.

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When It’s Time to Move On: Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Retainer

October 13, 2023

Woman has curious expression

People put a great deal of effort into following their orthodontist’s instructions when wearing braces or clear aligners, and wearing a retainer is a necessary part of preserving the hard-won results of these treatments. While these appliances are durable, they do not last forever. Here are four signs that can tell you that it might be time to talk to your orthodontist about replacing your retainer.

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6 Helpful Tips for Easing Clear Aligner Discomfort

August 17, 2023

Closeup of man experiencing clear aligner discomfort at home

Compared to traditional metal braces, clear aligners are a walk in the park. With that said, it is normal to experience some soreness as your teeth move, which is typically most noticeable in the hours following your transition to a new set of trays. The good news is that there are several ways you can ease clear aligner discomfort – here are six!

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