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Getting braces isn’t as simple as just putting them on your teeth as they are. In fact, there are several steps one must go through prior to getting the actual appliances on your teeth. First, you will need a thorough tooth cleaning to make sure there is a clean, healthy surface. In some cases, more extensive preparation is necessary – like a tooth extraction. While tooth extraction may not be necessary for every patient, some patients will require this. Read on to learn more about tooth extractions from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

There are a number of instances in which an orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction prior to braces treatment. Some of the most common reasons for extraction include when a tooth is so damaged or unhealthy it cannot be rescued with root canal therapy, when teeth are too crowded, or when a severe overbite surgery is not an option.

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Invisalign is on a constant rise as a preferred choice of orthodontic treatment by teenagers and adults. This cost-effective treatment gives you a healthy and beautiful appearance in a shorter time than traditional braces! Invisalign comes with numerous benefits, however, there are a few things you should take care of in order to ensure a comfortable treatment experience. Read on for some tips to relieve your Invisalign pain from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Kirkwood Orthodontics.

1.       Choose Soft Foods in Your Diet

Your eating habits are often the culprits of discomfort while being treated with Invisalign. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your meals without being uncomfortable! Choose soft foods when your teeth are sore due to movement when possible and cut up chewier foods into small pieces.

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With cold and flu season well underway, cough drops, tissues, and hot tea have probably become daily staples. Chances are your teeth and braces are probably the last things you’re thinking about! However, there are some things related to the cold or flu that can affect your oral health. Keep reading to learn some tips from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

1. Make Sure to Keep Bad Stuff Off Your Teeth

Did you know most cough drops are loaded with sugar? Go for sugar for sugar-free cough drops and be sure not to bite down too hard! Cough syrup is loaded with sugar too – be sure to rinse your mouth out afterward to keep that sugar off of your teeth! Also, stomach acid is hard on teeth, so if you’re throwing up, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.

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How we communicate through speech is a crucial part of our daily lives. Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you’re struggling with certain elements of speech, it could be attributed to your teeth. Keep reading to learn more about different speech problems and how braces can help from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

1. Mispronunciation

Certain sounds are practically impossible to pronounce when teeth aren’t where they’re supposed to be. Fricative consonant sounds like “t” “s” or “ch” which require tongue-to-tooth contact and are not possible without it. Orthodontic treatment places teeth where they need to be for better pronunciation.

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As fall begins in many parts of the country, temperatures begin to drop, and leaves begin to change. However, can the cooler weather also cause your teeth to hurt? Keep reading to learn more about how your teeth can react to cooler weather from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

Do your teeth ever hurt when you eat something hot or cold? When your tooth enamel wears down or your gums recede, it exposes a layer of your teeth that is especially sensitive to temperature changes. The weather can also cause your teeth to experience discomfort. During the winter, your teeth contract in response to intense cold weather. This can lead to cracks in your teeth and cause the same type of pain that you may feel when you eat something cold, like ice cream.

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Getting older isn’t a favorite topic of conversation, but it is important to understand how the body changes as it ages so you can continue to live a happy and healthy life as you grow older. One thing that changes as you age that people don’t often think about is your smile. Read on to learn more about how your smile ages and how you can take care of your teeth from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

A smile is one of a person’s most defining features and there are several things you can do to slow the decline and changes that happen as you age.

1. Wear and Tear

Teeth are very strong, but not indestructible. All of those years of chewing, grinding, and shredding are sure to take their toll sooner or later. These actions wear down the protective enamel coating on your teeth, which makes them more susceptible to cracking and breaking. Additionally, tooth sensitivity declines as you age, meaning you might not notice pain until things become serious.

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