Parents often wonder: “How do I know if my child needs braces?” The answer isn’t always obvious, and that’s okay. Orthodontic needs develop gradually, and many issues are easiest to identify early.

Below, Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Jolley answers some of the most common questions parents ask when deciding if their child needs braces.

How do I know if my child needs braces?

The most reliable way to know if your child needs braces is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation with our team. While parents may notice crowding or bite issues, some orthodontic problems are not visible without professional assessment.

During your child’s initia...

Wearing your retainer after braces or aligners is the key to keeping your smile straight and healthy. But what happens if you go to put it in… and it just won’t fit? Whether it feels too tight, won’t go on all the way, or is uncomfortable, here’s what to do when your retainer doesn’t fit:

1. Don’t Force It

If your retainer doesn’t slide on easily, don’t push it into place. Forcing a retainer that doesn’t fit can damage the appliance or put too much pressure on your teeth, causing discomfort or even injury.

2. Ask Yourself: How Long Has It Been?

If you’ve skipped wearing your retainer for even a few days, your teeth may have started to ...

If your child has had an initial consultation with Dr. Jolley and has been recommended for an observation visit, you might be wondering—what exactly does that mean? An orthodontic observation appointment is a crucial step in planning for future orthodontic treatment. It allows us to monitor your child's dental development and determine the perfect time to start treatment for the best possible results.

Why Are Observation Visits Important?

Some kids need orthodontic treatment, but not right away. An observation visit is scheduled when we know a child will need braces or other early orthodontic care but need to wait for the optimal time to begin. This could be due to baby teeth that stil...

When it comes to your smile, picking the right professional makes all the difference. You might be curious about the distinctions between a board-certified orthodontist, a non-certified orthodontist, and a dentist who offers braces. Let’s dive into what sets these professionals apart and why board certification is so important.

The Journey to Becoming an Orthodontist

First, let's break down the educational paths these experts take. Every orthodontist begins as a dentist, completing dental school to earn their DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree. After that, those who want to specialize in orthodontics spend an extra two to three years in a rig...

Why Candy and Braces Don’t Mix

Initial Assessment

We often get asked, "Why age 7?" when it comes to a child's first orthodontic visit. It's a great question and one that we're excited to address. As a leading orthodontist, Dr. Jolley agrees with the experts at the American Association of Orthodontics, and believes in the importance of early orthodontic intervention to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Learn why age 7 is the ideal time to schedule that first orthodontic appointment – and maybe for braces.

Early Detection Leads to Early Intervention

By the age of 7, your child's mouth has typically developed enough permanent teeth for our orthodontic team to evaluate their dental health comprehensively. This early asses...

Are you embarking on your orthodontic journey with braces? Congratulations! At Jolley Orthodontics, our Smile Team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Proper oral hygiene is essential when you have braces, as it ensures that your teeth remain healthy and your treatment progresses smoothly. In this blog, Dr. Jolley will provide you with valuable tips and techniques for brushing and flossing with braces so you can maintain your oral health with confidence.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools at hand. You'll need a soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and possibly an orthodontic floss threader. If you pref...

Welcome to the world of orthodontics with Dr. Cameron Jolley at Jolley Orthodontics! We've put together five fun facts about orthodontics that might just surprise you. So, get ready to dive into this fascinating realm and explore the exciting process of straightening teeth.

1. Crooked Teeth: An Age-Old Story

Did you know that people have had crooked teeth since the days of our ancient ancestors? Even Egyptian mummies have been found with metal bands around their teeth, while Greek philosopher Hippocrates mentioned "irregularities" in teeth around 400 BCE. Fast forward to 1728, French dentist Pierre Fauchard wrote about orthodontic appliances in his groundbreaking book on dentistry, The Surg...