Author: Southern Maine Team

Flossing can sometimes get forgotten or skipped in a nightly oral hygiene routine. But, flossing is actually essential to maintaining oral health, especially throughout orthodontic treatment. Before we get into how to become an expert braces flosser, here’s some more information about why flossing is so critical in the first place.    Flossing is just Read More

Often the first step of orthodontic treatment is an expander. Expanders, or palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances that increase the space between the halves of the upper jaw. While that sounds scary and painful, expanders are very common! Many young and growing orthodontic patients have expanders, and they can help make sure you don’t have Read More

One of our most common questions from patients is “What can I eat with my braces?” or “What foods do I have to give up?” and we have a few simple guidelines to share. Getting braces is a big change, and on top of the wires, brackets, or Invisalign trays, there’s a whole new set Read More

Having to live, eat, and brush around braces is certainly a big task. Many teens and adults who have braces worry about braving the dating scene. Braces can make dating seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or Read More

Canker sores are flat white sores that appear in your mouth and can last for a week or more. What causes these small mouth ulcers is unknown. Canker sores aren’t a serious issue, but they aren’t the most comfortable.  However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them.   In Read More

Oftentimes, older teens and adults who are referred to an orthodontist aren’t very excited to begin treatment. Rightfully so! Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting. The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people Read More

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off a beautiful smile. There are many treatment options available to reduce treatment time.  With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care Read More

Most people love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! For those of you who love catching some rays, you’re in luck! A little sunshine actually helps your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A little sunshine has been found to have several benefits, such as improving mood, our immune functions, and catalyzing vitamin D production in Read More

Exercise is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle. Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular endurance, and is a cost effective form of exercise as it can be done outside almost anywhere. However, you probably don’t think about how running can affect your oral health, as the two may seem unrelated. In Read More

Fortunately, getting braces doesn’t hold you back from doing things you enjoy, like playing sports! Braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. Nonetheless, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while in treatment. To be sure you’re doing everything you can Read More

It’s no fun having bad breath. It’s even less fun when you don’t know what is causing it. While bad breath is genetic for some people, the culprit is often the foods we eat. There are certain foods that are notorious for causing bad breath, but there are also some lesser known ones you may Read More

Our teeth do a lot to help us on a daily basis (think of how much gum, food, etc. you chew on a daily basis!). All of that hard work means even our teeth deserve a little pampering every once in awhile. Fortunately, the dental aisle at your local store has plenty of affordable products Read More

Pregnancy is such a unique and exciting time in a woman’s life. It is vitally important during this time that a woman takes good care of her body for the sake of her health and the baby’s. This includes your oral health. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to plaque (the Read More

Many people fear going to the dentist. However, it is important that you find ways to cope with this fear as seeing a dentist is an essential part of maintaining your oral health.It is estimated that nearly seventy five percent of adults in the United States experience some amount of fear with regards to visiting Read More

These sores are small ulcers that can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. While they are not serious, they can be pesky and annoying. If you can find out what causes them, they can be easier to prevent! Keep reading for some advice from Read More

A very normal and common part of orthodontic treatment is the use of elastics, which are also known as rubber bands. These devices are crucial to helping teeth to move into the proper position. Wearing them as instructed is a crucial part of making sure your treatment is completed correctly and in a timely manner. Read More

The health of your body is very crucial to your well being and quality of life. Your teeth and mouth are a part of that too! It is important that your teeth and mouth are well nourished and taken care of to keep your smile healthy and shining bright. Luckily, there are many easy ways Read More

What is tooth contouring and reshaping? Teeth reshaping is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for fixing chipped, uneven, or poorly aligned teeth to create a more attractive smile. Dentists may combine shaping or contouring teeth with a treatment called bonding. Bonding involves applying resin to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Read More

Experiencing a little soreness after your braces have been tightened is not uncommon. While each person’s mouth is different, fortunately, most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Moreover, as you are in braces longer, the quicker your discomfort will resolve itself after each tightening. No need to Read More

Twice yearly dental visits are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. Just like you wouldn’t skip your yearly physical, dentist appointments shouldn’t be skipped either. With busy schedules it is tough to find the time for appointments, however, many dentists offer a variety of appointment times so you can find one that compliments Read More