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Straight teeth are something that everyone would love to have. However, did you know that orthodontic treatment can do more than just straighten your teeth? Correcting your bite is just as important as straightening your teeth. Read below to fine out why!


What Does "Bite" Mean?


When we talk about bite, we don't mean like the kind you get from a dog - or even getting a bite to eat. In orthodontics, "bite" refers to the way that your teeth fit together. The way that your upper and lower teeth fit when your mouth is closed is called occlusion. An incorrect bite or the misalignment of teeth is called a malocclusion. In most cases, a malocclusion is hereditary, and they are very common.


Improper Bit...

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If you’re new to braces or scheduled to get traditional metal braces soon, chances are you’re thinking about what foods you’ll be able to eat. Good news! There are tons of brace-friendly foods that you can enjoy throughout your treatment. It’s true that there are some foods that you’ll need to avoid. However, the list of what you CAN eat is a lot, lot longer than what you can’t.



Foods to Avoid


Unfortunately, there are some foods that can cause your braces damage. Broken wires or brackets can delay treatment time, meaning you will have your braces on longer than planned. Damaging your braces may also physically hurt. That’s why we want to warn patien...

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Did you know that there is more behind a straight smile than just the appearance? It is common to think that patients want straight teeth just for the look of a beautiful smile. However, straight teeth can help your overall health as well! Although orthodontics is often considered cosmetic, there are many situations where it can be medically neccesary to avoid serious medical concerns.


Straight Teeth are Easier to Keep Clean


One of the biggest reasons to have orthodontic treatment is because straight teeth are usually healthier teeth. When teeth are crowded or crooked, there are more opportunities for bacteria to build up and places for plaque to hide or be missed when brushing and flossing. ...

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Many people think only of teenagers or even younger children when they think of braces. We get it. It is a pretty accurate assumption that a lot of our patients are kids, but there is a good chance you underestimate the number of adults in treatment. You may think that a person can be “too old” for braces, but that is not the case!

Reasons for Adult Braces


There are lots of good reasons that an adult may choose to seek out orthodontic treatment. The first is that they want a more aesthetically pleasing look for their smile. We see patients who never had braces, but have always been self-conscious about their smiles. We also see patients who had braces as kids, but their teeth have...
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Which came first, the chicken or the egg? No one can say for sure, but one thing we do know is that when it comes to brushing and flossing, there’s definitely one that should be done before the other. You may be surprised to know that according to studies, flossing should be your first step!

Floss First!


It has been proven that flossing before you brush is the best way to get your teeth thoroughly clean and remove the most plaque. Flossing before brushing also allows for better fluoride concentration from toothpaste, which helps make the enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.


Why is it Beneficial?



By flossing before brushing, you knock out food particles loose that are stuck in bet...
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What is a Crossbite?


Anytime you go to a healthcare specialist, you are going to hear lots of technical-sounding words. Some of which you might be familiar with, and some that you have no idea what they mean. Orthodontics is a field with an especially large amount of jargon that may be new to you, but we are here to help! Today, let’s take a look at crossbites.


What Does “Bite” Mean in Orthodontics?


While the word “bite” is one that you have obviously heard before, when it is used in orthodontics and dentistry it means something a little different. When Dr. Jolley talks about your bite, he is referring to the way that your teeth fit together. Just as your upper...
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Do you know how you take your children to well-check visits to their pediatrician and regular checkups with their general dentist? It’s just as important to start factoring in orthodontist visits by the time your child is 7-years old.





Why 7-Years Old?


By taking your child to the orthodontist at an early age, you will help to keep your child’s oral health in check. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist by the time they are 7-years old. At this age, the orthodontist is able to look at the way your child’s mouth is developing, including their jaw growth and the way that their permanent teeth are coming in, amongst other things. B...
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We all know that the most important part of dental hygiene is brushing your teeth. When you have braces, properly brushing your teeth is just as important to achieving a bright, beautiful smile. Brushing with braces isn’t difficult, but there are some important things to remember. Check out our Brushing with Braces 101.


Establish a Routine


When you wear braces, it’s easy to miss the buildup of food and bacteria on your teeth that causes cavities. Make sure that you don’t skip brushing in the morning and before bed – and after meals, when possible.


Have the Right Tools


Here is everything you’ll need:


  • A cup

  • Toothpaste

  • Toothbrush (manual or electric)

  • Floss or a floss t...
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We hope that you all had a holly JOLLEY holiday! We love getting to know our patients and their families. This time of year is always so special. Holiday cards start to fill the office and we hear all about your celebration plans. Every excited Christmas wish that is shared with us is a reminder of why we are so dedicated to our patients. Your smiles make us smile.


Heading Into 2022



Man, oh man these last couple of years sure have been weird, right? One of the things that can never change though is our dedication to our patients and our concern and well-wishes for their wellbeing. Our hope for you and your family in 2022 is for health and happiness – and, of course, lots of bright beaut...
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It’s common to hear words that you’re unfamiliar with when you visit your orthodontist or doctor. We try to phrase things in ways that our patients can understand. And we ALWAYS encourage you to ask questions or let us know if you need some more information. Let’s talk about a common word that patients ask us about – Malocclusion.


What is a Malocclusion


The word “occlusion” has several different definitions, but when it comes to dentistry and orthodontics, it refers to the alignment or position of your teeth. A MAL-occlusion is the word used to describe the misalignment of your teeth. Some people are born with naturally straight teeth that fit perfectly i...
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