Getting braces put on takes a single appointment. Your teeth are cleaned and dried, brackets are bonded with a special glue, and a wire is threaded through them. It does not hurt, though teeth often feel sore for a few days afterward. For many teens, the day braces go on is the first big step
What Happens the Day You Get Braces? A Step-by-Step Guide Read More »
A palatal expander is a custom orthodontic appliance that gently widens a child’s upper jaw while it is still growing. It makes room for crowded teeth and corrects crossbites, and most children adjust to it within a few days. Expanders are one of the most common early orthodontic appliances, and one of the most searched
Palatal Expanders for Kids: How They Work and What to Expect Read More »
Metal, gold-tone and clear braces all straighten teeth the same way: brackets on the front of the teeth joined by a wire. They differ in how they look and wear, so the right choice depends on your child’s age, habits and preferences. At NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry, the choice is not a
Metal, Gold or Clear Braces: Which Is Right for Your Child? Read More »
Most braces problems are not true emergencies. A loose bracket, poking wire or lost elastic can usually wait for a repair visit once your child is comfortable. Swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a blow to the face needs a call right away. Parents tend to find out something is wrong with braces at
Braces Emergencies: What to Do About Broken Brackets and Poking Wires Read More »
Here’s the short version: two-phase orthodontic treatment is a two-stage approach where a child receives an early round of care (usually ages 6-10) to guide jaw growth or correct bite issues, followed by a resting period, then a second phase with braces or Invisalign around ages 11-13 to align the permanent teeth. Not every child
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment and Does My Child Need It? Read More »
Choosing the right dental provider for your family can feel confusing, especially when three different specialists all work on teeth. At NC Tooth Docs, we help families understand the choices every day. Knowing the difference between a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, and a general dentist, and how their training differs, makes it easier to know
Pediatric Dentist vs. Orthodontist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Curious about the real cost of braces or Invisalign and whether insurance helps pay for it? Traditional braces typically run $3,000 to $7,000, while Invisalign generally ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 (industry averages). Your final price depends on case complexity, treatment length, and where you live. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic
How Much Do Braces or Invisalign Cost and Does Insurance Cover Them? Read More »
Getting braces or aligners is exciting. You’re finally working toward straighter teeth and the smile of your dreams. But here’s the thing: knowing which foods to avoid with braces or aligners matters more than you might think during treatment. Quick answer: With braces or aligners, avoid hard foods (nuts, ice, popcorn), sticky foods (caramel, taffy,
What Foods Should You Avoid with Braces or Aligners? Read More »
You may have a misaligned bite if your teeth feel crooked or crowded, your jaw aches in the morning, you have trouble chewing, you get frequent headaches near the temples, your jaw clicks or pops, or your teeth don’t meet evenly when closed. If several of these sound familiar, your bite likely needs a professional
How Do I Know If My Bite Is Misaligned? Signs of Malocclusion Read More »