Orthodontic Spacers – Uses, Types, and How They Are Inserted

Orthodontic Spacers… the uses, types, and how they are inserted. Spacers are rubber bands or metal pieces used in orthodontic treatment in some cases. These accessories are inserted between molars at the following visit to your first. This is done before molar bands are applied. They stay between the teeth for one to two weeks. … Continue reading “Orthodontic Spacers – Uses, Types, and How They Are Inserted”

Palatal Expanders – Uses, Types, and What to Expect

Palate expanders… the uses, types, what to expect and more. Palate expanders fix and prevent common dental conditions. They are simple oral devices. They are often called palatal expanders, jaw expanders, and/or orthodontic expanders. These expanders make a proper amount of space in a child’s mouth. It works by slowly widening the upper jaw over … Continue reading “Palatal Expanders – Uses, Types, and What to Expect”

What Color Braces Make Your Teeth Look Whiter and What Colors to Avoid

What color braces make your teeth look whiter? What colors should you avoid? The color of your braces is important and you probably would like to make your teeth look whiter in the process. Your treatment could last many months and even years. That being said, you want to be happy with the color bands … Continue reading “What Color Braces Make Your Teeth Look Whiter and What Colors to Avoid”

Is Invisalign Better Than Braces? The Pros and Cons of Each

Is invisalign better than braces? What are the pros and cons of each? When it comes to straightening your teeth, the top two options that come to mind are likely Invisalign and braces. But, which one should you choose? There are main differences that set these two options apart. No matter the option you choose, … Continue reading “Is Invisalign Better Than Braces? The Pros and Cons of Each”

Things You Can Eat With Braces… and What You Shouldn’t

The things you can eat with braces and things you shouldn’t eat with braces. It’s no secret that braces have a tendency to cause irritation and/or pain around your teeth and gums. That being said, finding things to eat with braces can feel like quite the challenge. Some foods you would normally have may not … Continue reading “Things You Can Eat With Braces… and What You Shouldn’t”

AcceleDent Aura – What It Is, How It Works and Is It Right for You?

What is AcceleDent Aura, how does it work, and is it right for me? The process for braces and Invisalign® can be quite lengthy. Some even need them on for years. Luckily, the process of straightening your teeth can be professionally accelerated. That’s where Acceledent Aura comes in. What is Acceledent Aura? Our practice is … Continue reading “AcceleDent Aura – What It Is, How It Works and Is It Right for You?”

How to Keep Your Teeth White While Wearing Braces

Do braces make your teeth turn yellow? And if so, what can you do about it? We get these kinds of questions often from our patients. While yes, it is possible that braces can result in slight discoloration, there are ways you can help to prevent this from happening. It starts with consistent and effective … Continue reading “How to Keep Your Teeth White While Wearing Braces”

6 ways your smile affects your overall health

6 Ways Your Smile Affects Your Overall Health

  Your smile affects a whole lot more than you may know. Outside of expressing emotions, eating, and talking, there are a number of important ways your mouth affects your overall health!  From helping our memory stay in tip-top shape to reducing general inflammation, the way we treat our teeth keeps the rest of us … Continue reading “6 Ways Your Smile Affects Your Overall Health”

girl smiling with confetti

Brushing & Braces: Building Good Oral Hygiene Habits

We’ve all heard the joke: “You don’t have to brush your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” Dental humor aside, it points out the importance of good oral hygiene. You may even have it framed in a bathroom for your entire household to see or seen it posted at your dentist’s office. That’s … Continue reading “Brushing & Braces: Building Good Oral Hygiene Habits”

Group of young people smiling

Invisalign for All Ages

Braces just aren’t what they used to be—and that can be a really great thing! At Berkman + Shapiro Orthodontics, we’re really excited about introducing patients to Invisalign aligners. They are incredibly versatile and complement even the most active lifestyles. They are clear, removable, and can do amazing things. Even more than that, their benefits … Continue reading “Invisalign for All Ages”