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 Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics about what causes canker sores.
Well, the unfortunate news is that braces can contribute to them. This mainly happens in patients that are already prone to canker sores. They may experience an increase in sores because your mouth is adjusting to a big change when beginning orthodontic treatment. Braces can irritate oral tissue, which leaves it vulnerable to little lesions such as these sores.
Luckily, avoiding possible triggers and practicing good oral hygiene can help you to avoid or lessen the instances of canker sores.
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. The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day. Keep reading for some advice from 
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 to help prioritize the health of your mouth and teeth with minimal effort. Here are some tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve from 
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. The best teeth to perform this kind of procedure on are typically the front teeth. For more advice about tooth contouring and reshaping from
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 fret though, there are several things that you can do to help if your mouth is feeling at all sore. Here is some advice from 
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 your schedule. Once you have your appointment, here is a list of things you should do before you go to your appointment from