If you’ve had a dental crown placed and you’re now looking at braces, the question makes total sense: crowns and natural teeth aren’t the same material, so why would they respond to orthodontic forces the same way? The short answer is that they usually do just fine together. But “usually” is doing some work in that sentence, and it’s worth understanding why.
Crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and bite problems affect more than the way your smile looks. They can make certain areas harder to clean, cause uneven tooth wear, and contribute to jaw discomfort. Still, starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big decision, and the first question most patients ask is the same: braces or Invisalign?
The honest answer is that both work extremely well for the right patient. The better choice depends on your bite, the tooth movements you need, your daily habits, and your budget. That’s exactly what a consultation is for, and at our Old Town Alexandria office, your first consultation is free.
Here’s what to know before your visit.
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Traditional braces were once a luxury item. The wires were originally made from gold, which meant only wealthy patients could afford treatment. That changed when NASA developed a nickel-titanium alloy, a material that transformed dentistry and made braces accessible to people across all income levels.
If you’re weighing veneers vs. braces, this article breaks down the key differences and the factors worth considering before you commit. Both options can change your smile and your confidence, but each comes with trade-offs. Talk through your specific needs and circumstances with a dental professional before making a final decision.
Ever wondered how to enhance your Invisalign treatment experience? Look no further, because we’ve got you covered with Invisalign chewies! In this article, we’ll explore:
| Invisalign Chewies | Alternative Accessories | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Helps seat aligners properly | Varies depending on accessory |
| Material | Made of soft, spongy foam | Materials may differ depending on accessory |
| Usage | Used during Invisalign treatment | Usage may differ depending on accessory |
| Availability | Can be purchased from orthodontist or online | Availability varies depending on accessory |
After finally getting your braces removed, you expected to see a bright, beautiful smile looking back at you. Instead, you notice white spots on your teeth. After months or even years of treatment, that can feel incredibly discouraging. What should be an exciting moment may suddenly turn into disappointment.
The good news is that white spots after braces are common, and there are effective ways to treat them. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common causes, explore professional treatment options, and share a few home remedies you may want to try. The healthy, confident smile you’ve been waiting for is still well within reach.
Thanks to Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry, braces have been in existence now for the best part of 300 years.
There’s often a great deal of confusion when it comes to taxes and deductions. One question that frequently comes up is: “Are braces tax-deductible?”
The short answer is yes. Invisalign® and traditional braces are generally considered deductible medical expenses when they are prescribed by a licensed orthodontist to treat a legitimate dental or functional condition rather than for purely cosmetic reasons. Related orthodontic treatments such as retainers, space maintainers, and follow-up adjustments may also qualify as deductible medical expenses.
Let’s break this down in an easy-to-understand table below.
| Expense Type | Is it Tax Deductible? |
|---|---|
| Medical and Dental Expenses | Yes, if you itemize deductions and total expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) |
| Braces as a Medical Expense | Potentially, if they are medically necessary and not reimbursed by insurance |
| Braces for Cosmetic Reasons | No, cosmetic procedures are not deductible |
In simple terms, if braces are deemed a necessary medical expense, they may be tax deductible. Orthodontic treatment is generally considered a qualified medical expense under IRS rules, even when it improves appearance, as long as it treats alignment, bite, or other functional dental issues. Dental procedures performed solely to improve appearance, such as cosmetic veneers without a functional purpose, are not considered deductible medical expenses. Eligibility also depends on whether you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, so it’s always best to consult with a tax professional.
Bite problems—clinically referred to as malocclusion—can influence much more than just the appearance of a smile. They affect oral health, jaw function, and overall well-being at every stage of life. Whether in children, teenagers, or adults, untreated bite issues may lead to premature tooth wear, jaw discomfort, speech challenges, and long-term dental complications. Fortunately, modern orthodontic advancements now make it possible to correct these irregularities effectively and discreetly, regardless of age.
Let’s dive in.
If you wish to get a perfectly shaped smile but don’t want to go through the pain of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is the solution for you. Invisalign helps align your misshaped, crooked teeth while being aesthetically pleasing.
However, Invisalign may be hard to fit if you have crowded teeth. In this case, your orthodontist may decide to shave your teeth. Teeth shaving is usually a safe procedure and doesn’t present any risks. If your teeth need contouring and realigning, teeth shaving for Invisalign is the correct treatment.
If you should go for shaving teeth for Invisalign, then you are in the right place. This blog will take you through everything you need to know about teeth shaving:
Let’s dive in.
Just finished with braces or clear aligners? Congratulations! that’s a huge milestone! But there’s one last (and very important) phase of treatment: retention.
Your retainer is what keeps your smile in place, and like any appliance, it needs attention. Many people, after committing years to orthodontics, end up neglecting their retainers. And research by Angle Orthodontist shows this can be a problem. Especially with bonded or fixed retainers, which are prone to cracks and failures over time.
Now, here’s the tricky part: even a tiny crack might not seem like a big deal, but it can collect plaque, irritate your gums, and slowly allow your teeth to shift. If left alone, the crack can become harder to clean, the retainer may stop doing its job, and you could face discomfort or even relapse.
In this blog, you will learn such nuances of cracked retainers and find out how to fix a cracked retainer. We will also cover the signs, options, and what to do if it breaks permanently. Let’s dive in.
What is the one-stop effective solution to get a perfectly aligned dazzling smile? Braces. Whether you have:
– Oddly-shaped teeth
– Overcrowding
– Spacing issues, or
– Bite issues
Braces will help you solve all these periodontal problems in one go. In fact, research says they also help fix severe dental trauma and remove splints.
However, many people prefer alternatives to braces because of the gray metal wires and brackets visible when talking. They are definitely not aesthetically pleasing and can make you self-conscious about your appearance. But gone are those days! Now you get a palate full of colors for your braces.
So, this blog will cover how you can choose the best braces colors. What braces colors to avoid? What are the best colors for braces? What drivers should you consider when choosing? You will dive into all these answers and make an informed decision for yourself. Time to dig in.
