Why do you chew gum? Perhaps because it’s a habit that comes with some healthy benefits. Chewing a stick or two reduces the urge to snack between meals. It’s a substitute for behaviors like nail biting that you’d like to change. It might even give you fresher breath after those tuna sandwiches in the cafeteria.…
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If this is your first winter with braces, you might be wondering how to make the best of the holiday season. Dr. Michael Willes and our team have some suggestions for happy and healthy holiday smiles. Treat Yourself Winter means tasty holiday treats, and just because you wear braces doesn’t mean you need to step…
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By now, you’re very familiar with the basic building blocks of your braces. Brackets, wires, and ligatures are no mystery to you. But suddenly, you’re hearing a brand new term—“power chains.” What exactly are these power chains, and why does your orthodontist think you need them? Let’s see how power chains are *linked* to your…
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One of the many benefits of your clear aligners is that you can remove them to eat. You should brush after every meal, just like you would with traditional braces, but cleaning your teeth is much easier without having to work around and between brackets and wires. But when you wear your aligners 22 hours…
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