Reese Orthodontics

November is here and there is so much to be grateful for. Comment something you're grateful for!

Got braces? Keep brushing! Braces can do wonders for your smile, but they also need extra care to keep everything healthy along the way. By brushing thoroughly at least twice a day and focusing on all those tricky spots, you’ll prevent cavities, gum irritation, and stains.

Comment a candy that starts with the first letter of your name! Bonus points if it's actually a candy you like!

Keep Smiling! 😁

📸 Team Reese Orthodontics at Mouthguard Fitting Day!

Happy Friday from Team Reese Orthodontics!

Our favorite team was ready for the call on Mouthguard Fitting Day!

Our annual event with the hockey community was amazing! We are proud to donate free mouthguards to the hockey community and their families!

The reason sugar is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists and orthodontists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.

These candies are especially dangerous for braces-wearers. All it takes is one crunch against a hard candy to pop off a bracket, and sticky candy can pull brackets loose (or, at best, the remnants can be very annoying to clean out).

Are there any candies the orthodontist approves of? How about chocolate? It contains compounds that slow tooth decay, limit oral bacteria, and fight bad breath. However, these polyphenols and flavonoids don't outweigh the effects of sugar, which is why dentists are bigger fans of dark chocolate than milk chocolate. With braces, though, it's a good idea to avoid chocolate that contains chunks of nuts, because those could still pop a bracket off.

Any candy sweetened by xylitol instead of sugar is definitely better for teeth. Xylitol actually hurts oral bacteria. These candies aren't super common in 2024, but hopefully that will change!

Think flossing is just for the back teeth? Think again! Every tooth in your mouth plays a vital role in your overall oral health. Plaque and bacteria don’t discriminate—they love to hide between all your teeth. Flossing all your teeth is the only way to clean those tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach.

Whether you’re 16 or 60, the smile you’ve always dreamed of is within reach. Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation today and let’s get started on creating your best smile!

Everyone has a favorite, but we want to know — when you’re digging through your trick-or-treat stash, which candy are you most excited to eat?

As the new school year kicks off, why not start with a smile that’s not only stylish but also a step toward better dental health? Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or improve your dental health, braces are a fantastic way to make a positive change this school year.

It’s true—your oral health and heart health are connected! Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. Keeping your teeth and gums clean with regular brushing and flossing isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s also an important step in maintaining your overall health.

Elderly people are not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression "long in the tooth" originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!):

#1: Overbrushing. Anyone brushing hard enough to leave their toothbrush bristles bent outward is probably overdoing it. When we're brushing our teeth, we're cleaning living tissue, not floor tiles! We need to be gentle. Use soft-bristled brushes and don't use excessive pressure. Likewise, don't snap the floss directly onto the gums! Gently work it down the side of one tooth instead.

#2: Gum disease. As it progresses, gum disease can wreak havoc on the supporting structures around the teeth, making it a major cause of gum recession. The best defenses are limiting sugar intake and keeping up with oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental appointments.

#3: Bruxism. A grinding habit puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums and can cause damage over time. Lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation can help break the habit.

Taking good care of your braces is crucial for achieving the best results and maintaining your orthodontic health. Let’s focus on the importance of proper oral hygiene, avoiding sticky or hard foods, and keeping up with your regular adjustments. By following your orthodontist’s advice and staying committed to your treatment plan, you’ll be on your way to a beautifully aligned smile.

Football season is in full swing, and it’s time to rally behind your favorite team! Share in the comments who you’re rooting for and let’s celebrate a fun football season full of action, camaraderie, and team spirit!

Happy World Teachers' Day! Let's take a moment to celebrate the amazing educators who inspire, guide, and shape our lives. Tag the world’s best teacher in the comments below to recognize them today!

Don't forget to share your smile today! A smile is one of the simplest yet most powerful gestures we can offer—it can brighten someone's day, boost your own mood, and create a ripple of positivity wherever you go.

Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Let's spread hope, support research, and honor the strength of survivors and fighters everywhere.

This fall, let’s celebrate the season of harvest by reaping the benefits of a bright, healthy smile. As you enjoy the beauty of the season, remember to invest in your smile and harvest the rewards of good oral hygiene. Here's to a season of bright smiles and well-being!

The earliest efforts to change the position of teeth go back as far as 400 BC. Aulus Cornelius Celsus of Rome theorized that teeth could be straightened with manual pressure. Not exactly right, but he got the ball rolling!

The most significant leap in orthodontics for nearly 2000 years was with Pierre Fauchard. In the 1700s, Fauchard invented the bandeau, a horseshoe-shaped metal appliance with holes in it to go over the teeth. It was held in place with silk threads. (Other ideas from that era included using wooden wedges between the teeth to move them. We're not huge fans of that one.)

The first headgear was developed in 1822, and just 58 years later, Edward Hartley Angle identified the different types of bad bites (overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc.) and developed ways to address them.

All of those early orthodontists were limited by the technology of their time periods. They didn't have bonding agents that could attach brackets to teeth (that came in 1949) or affordable stainless steel (not available until the 1970s). And they certainly couldn't make invisible aligners (an innovation of the 1990s)!

As modern orthodontists, we're proud to stand on the shoulders of so many giants in our field, and we're delighted to be able to offer our patients such comfortable and effective treatments.

There's nothing like warming up with a delicious fall beverage as the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change. We want to know: what’s your go-to warm drink for the season out of these choices?

Our team of orthodontic specialists is dedicated to helping you achieve the perfect smile with personalized and expert care.

Boost your dental health by incorporating cheese, yogurt, and milk into your diet! These delicious dairy products are packed with calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals that play a crucial role in maintaining strong teeth and enamel.

Time for a fun and quirky question! Would you rather brush your teeth with bacon or jalapeño flavored toothpaste? Comment your choice!

Which one will you choose to cut back on to achieve better oral health this month?

Amazing and exciting times are ahead! It's New Braces Day at Reese Orthodontics! 😁