Blog

The mouth is a complex and intricate part of the human body. If you’re considering braces or Invisalign, it’s important to know all about the structure of your mouth, so that you can make an informed decision about what type of treatment will work best for you! Being well-informed about the intricacies of orthodontic treatment is highly advantageous for both patients and parents. Recognizing what occurs behind the scenes can empower you to approach consultations with confidence. At Southern Maine Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher Murphy is dedicated to sharing crucial information to ensure you have the knowledge you need.

In This Post We’ll Cover:

• The Jaw
• The Tooth
• Orthodontic Movement

Read More

When it comes to braces treatment, one concern that often arises is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. Many patients wonder if this is a normal occurrence. Similarly, tooth whitening is a topic that dental professionals frequently address. If you’re seeking effective ways to whiten your teeth and maintain their shine, Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics have got you covered.

In this post, we will explore:

1. Understanding White Spot Lesions (WSLs) with Braces
2. Professional Teeth Whitening Options
3. At-Home Whitening Solutions

Read More

Invisalign is awesome; it gives you an amazing smile without anyone ever noticing it doing its hard work. Mild soreness after switching your Invisalign trays is completely normal but uncomfortable. To help you manage any Invisalign pain, here are a few tips from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

• Switch Your Aligners Before Bed: Switching to your next set of Invisalign aligners is what typically triggers any pain or soreness. Putting your new set of trays in right before you go to sleep means the tightness and pain associated with the tooth movement can be avoided for at least the night. And, by the time you wake up the worst of it will be over!

• Stick to Soft Foods: As always with a new orthodontic appliance or a change in your mouth, soreness can be helped with a soft-food-only diet, at least for a couple of days! We recommend stocking up on some soft braces-friendly food before you know any pain will set in. Here are some ideas: 

Read More

You might be considering getting braces to help straighten your teeth. Congrats! Before you make a decision about which treatment path is best for you, it’s important that you ask your orthodontist some key questions. In this post, we’ll cover what you should ask about the treatment process, the cost of braces, and what to expect after your braces or Invisalign treatment starts, with insights from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

What Does My Treatment Timeline Look Like?

You should always ask your orthodontist for a description of the treatment plan, as a patient it is crucial to at least have a basic understanding of what will be going on in your mouth over the next few months. This will help you to understand what is going to happen during treatment and what you can expect in terms of results. And, understanding your treatment helps you to make more informed lifestyle choices, motivates you to maintain oral health, and helps you plan for costs down the road. our orthodontist will be happy to share where your treatment is headed with you!

Read More

You may take vitamins daily for energy or a better immune system. But, vitamins are good for more than keeping your energy up or gut health, they are integral to good oral health as well. Vitamins are a great and super easy preventative measure for common oral health issues. Improving your mouth’s health every day with vitamins is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free healthy dental experience. Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics recommends these vitamins for tooth health to strengthen your enamel and promote jaw health. 

5 Daily Vitamins for Your Teeth: 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

Read More

Diet is an important aspect of good oral health. Beyond brushing and flossing every night, it’s also good to understand which foods are doing the most damage to your teeth, and how to lessen or avoid that damage altogether. As you shop, it always pays off to check labels for high sugar content, high levels of acid, or ingredients you’ve never heard of, but here are some tips from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics about foods to watch out for. It is always best to be mindful of what goes into your body! 

Read More