Simply Orthodontics Blog

Not all smiles are fully ready for braces. For some, a little nudge may be all it takes to create a better environment for teeth to move. This is why a palatal expander is often recommended for younger patients. Knowing your child needs a device to widen their upper jaw can sound intimidating, especially if you’re concerned it might hurt. Here is a more detailed explanation of what your child… (Read More)

If you think a palatal expander is only good for widening your child’s upper jaw, you may be surprised that it does much more. This unique appliance creates more room for better bite alignment, but it also subtly changes your child’s facial shape. Don’t worry, these changes aren’t bad, but it’s worth understanding how they happen so neither you nor your child is surprised. Keep reading to learn what kind… (Read More)

Palatal expanders can come with a lot of questions. One of the most common is “How long will my child need to wear this?” As a parent, all you know is that you have a key, and you need to use it to turn the expander and widen your child’s upper arch. Naturally, each time you do this, it won’t feel good, leading to the same question: when will it… (Read More)

Thumb-sucking is one of the most common habits in early childhood, and for many kids, it’s simply a comforting way to self-soothe. But when it continues past the toddler years, it can start to affect the way a child’s teeth and jaw develop. If your child can’t seem to kick the habit on their own, a thumb crib may be a simple and effective solution—but as a parent, you may not… (Read More)

Losing a baby tooth is usually a cause for celebration, but did you know that if it happens too early, it can potentially cause problems down the road? Without that tooth holding space in the mouth, sometimes the underlying permanent tooth doesn’t have the room it needs. But this is where space maintainers come into play. These small, simple appliances actually have a large role in keeping your child’s smile right… (Read More)

As an adult, it’s natural to feel a little self-conscious about heading back into the office with a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. You might worry about awkward questions from coworkers, discomfort or embarrassment during meetings, or simply figuring out what to eat for lunch. That said, the good news is that millions of adults successfully balance braces with busy careers every day, and with a little preparation,… (Read More)

Finally getting your braces removed or finishing your last set of clear aligners feels like crossing the finish line after a long, exhausting marathon. And after months or years of adjustments, diligence, and perhaps even the occasional orthodontic emergency, you might feel like the hard part is finally over. While it might be, you aren’t entirely out of the woods yet! Wearing your retainer following the end of your treatment… (Read More)

These days, it seems like more patients than ever before are turning toward metal braces to achieve straighter, healthier, and happier smiles. This tried-and-true orthodontic solution remains a staple, but believe it or not, it’s seen quite a lot of changes over the years and has become even more capable of improving future oral health. With that in mind, here are some of the most interesting and little-known facts about… (Read More)

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth and you’re not sure why, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find the cause of these symptoms, and given that they can affect your overall quality of life, it can be quite demoralizing. That said, did you know that in many cases, the issue is actually related to how your upper and lower teeth come together? Furthermore, it’s also… (Read More)

Dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and even veneers have never been more popular when it comes to giving patients a way to repair dental damage, cover imperfections, and restore confidence in their smile. Simultaneously, Invisalign clear aligners have surged in popularity recently due to all the advantages they have over braces when it comes to straightening teeth. But can dental restorations and Invisalign go together, or does having dental… (Read More)