BLOG POSTS
Initial Banding Step-by-Step
Getting braces put on your teeth can be intimidating to think about. But the actual application process is short and nearly painless. Between getting your teeth cleaned and picking out colored bands, initial bandings typically take less than 2 hours. Any kind of...
What to Do If You Have a Broken Permanent Retainer
If you have a broken bonded retainer, fixed retainer or permanent retainer, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent further complications. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we understand the frustration and inconvenience a broken retainer can cause. In this article,...
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, where a significant amount of gum tissue is visible above the teeth, is a common dental concern. Understanding what causes a gummy smile can help you identify the best treatment options to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile....
Can You Eat Sour Patch Candies with Braces?
If you're a fan of Sour Patch candies, you might be wondering if you can still enjoy them while wearing braces. Braces require extra care when it comes to food choices, as certain candies can cause damage or breakage. In this article, we'll explore whether you can eat...
What Snacks Can You Eat with Braces?
Are you curious about what snacks you can eat with braces without causing any damage? You’re in the right place! At Birmingham Orthodontics, we understand the importance of maintaining a braces-friendly diet to ensure optimal oral health. That’s why we’re here to...
Exploring What Orthodontic Treatment Looks Like at Different Ages
Orthodontic treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The needs and processes vary remarkably from one age group to another. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we focus on providing individualized treatment plans to meet our patients' unique needs at every stage of...
Initial Banding Step-by-Step
Getting braces put on your teeth can be intimidating to think about. But the actual application process is short and nearly painless. Between getting your teeth cleaned and picking out colored bands, initial bandings typically take less than 2 hours. Any kind of...
What to Do If You Have a Broken Permanent Retainer
If you have a broken bonded retainer, fixed retainer or permanent retainer, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent further complications. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we understand the frustration and inconvenience a broken retainer can cause. In this article,...
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, where a significant amount of gum tissue is visible above the teeth, is a common dental concern. Understanding what causes a gummy smile can help you identify the best treatment options to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile....
Can You Eat Sour Patch Candies with Braces?
If you're a fan of Sour Patch candies, you might be wondering if you can still enjoy them while wearing braces. Braces require extra care when it comes to food choices, as certain candies can cause damage or breakage. In this article, we'll explore whether you can eat...
What Snacks Can You Eat with Braces?
Are you curious about what snacks you can eat with braces without causing any damage? You’re in the right place! At Birmingham Orthodontics, we understand the importance of maintaining a braces-friendly diet to ensure optimal oral health. That’s why we’re here to...
Exploring What Orthodontic Treatment Looks Like at Different Ages
Orthodontic treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The needs and processes vary remarkably from one age group to another. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we focus on providing individualized treatment plans to meet our patients' unique needs at every stage of...
Palatal Expansion
Welcome to Birmingham Orthodontics! In this article, we will provide an overview of palatal expansion, a common orthodontic procedure used to widen the upper jaw. This technique creates more space for teeth and improves the bite, making it an effective solution for...
What Do Rubber Bands in Braces Do?
Rubber bands, often referred to as elastics, are an integral component of orthodontic treatment. These small, stretchy bands apply gentle pressure, assisting in the alignment of teeth and jaws. By exerting force, rubber bands help guide teeth into their desired...
Initial Banding Step-by-Step
Getting braces put on your teeth can be intimidating to think about. But the actual application process is short and nearly painless. Between getting your teeth cleaned and picking out colored bands, initial bandings typically take less than 2 hours. Any kind of...
What to Do If You Have a Broken Permanent Retainer
If you have a broken bonded retainer, fixed retainer or permanent retainer, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent further complications. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we understand the frustration and inconvenience a broken retainer can cause. In this article,...
How to Take Care of Those Pesky Canker Sores
Spring can be a busy time, whether you’re studying for final exams, planning out a summer vacation, or diving into a deep clean. Of course, it’s hard to stay focused on anything else when you develop a canker sore. Stress is thought to be one of the main causes of...
Must-Have Products for Braces Maintenance
So, you’ve joined the braces brigade. First of all, welcome. You may have heard some embarrassing tales of those who have sported orthodontia before you—“beware of Oreos and other snacks that can clog up your new hardware” horrors, etc. Truthfully, you have nothing to...
Ways to Conquer Fears – Dental Appointments
For some of us, going to the orthodontist or dentist is as terrifying as an episode of “American Horror Story” or the latest slasher/zombie apocalypse/haunted mansion movie. In fact, according to All About Counseling, an estimated 14% of Americans get the heebie...
Thumb Sucking: A Bad Habit with Even Worse Orthodontic Effects
Thumb sucking is a common, natural reflex infants and toddlers exhibit as a way to self-sooth. According to the American Dental Association, most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two and four. However, if you’ve noticed your child has made a...
The Skinny on Same-Day Braces
As human beings, we spend a lot of time waiting. Behind the lady with twenty bags of cat litter who isn’t quite sure how to operate self-checkout. In carpool lines that seem to span the entire afternoon. At restaurants on Friday nights because, against our better...
How to Take Care of Those Pesky Canker Sores
Spring can be a busy time, whether you’re studying for final exams, planning out a summer vacation, or diving into a deep clean. Of course, it’s hard to stay focused on anything else when you develop a canker sore. Stress is thought to be one of the main causes of...
Must-Have Products for Braces Maintenance
So, you’ve joined the braces brigade. First of all, welcome. You may have heard some embarrassing tales of those who have sported orthodontia before you—“beware of Oreos and other snacks that can clog up your new hardware” horrors, etc. Truthfully, you have nothing to...
Ways to Conquer Fears – Dental Appointments
For some of us, going to the orthodontist or dentist is as terrifying as an episode of “American Horror Story” or the latest slasher/zombie apocalypse/haunted mansion movie. In fact, according to All About Counseling, an estimated 14% of Americans get the heebie...
Thumb Sucking: A Bad Habit with Even Worse Orthodontic Effects
Thumb sucking is a common, natural reflex infants and toddlers exhibit as a way to self-sooth. According to the American Dental Association, most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two and four. However, if you’ve noticed your child has made a...
The Skinny on Same-Day Braces
As human beings, we spend a lot of time waiting. Behind the lady with twenty bags of cat litter who isn’t quite sure how to operate self-checkout. In carpool lines that seem to span the entire afternoon. At restaurants on Friday nights because, against our better...
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
Flashback Friday: Before and After Braces
The summer before your senior year in high school, you’re sent out to a portrait studio with a bunch of your classmates, asked to don a fancy drape, and smile. Senior portraits are supposed to be exciting, but for me they were a nightmare. I’d always hated my smile,...
How to Take Care of Those Pesky Canker Sores
Spring can be a busy time, whether you’re studying for final exams, planning out a summer vacation, or diving into a deep clean. Of course, it’s hard to stay focused on anything else when you develop a canker sore. Stress is thought to be one of the main causes of...
Must-Have Products for Braces Maintenance
So, you’ve joined the braces brigade. First of all, welcome. You may have heard some embarrassing tales of those who have sported orthodontia before you—“beware of Oreos and other snacks that can clog up your new hardware” horrors, etc. Truthfully, you have nothing to...
Cool, Weird Braces Facts You Never Knew
When you first get braces, it’s important to learn all the facts—what foods you need to avoid, how to properly brush between brackets, how to wear rubber bands, and more. This kind of knowledge will keep you on the fast track to a straight, sparkling smile! But it...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Charcoal Chewing and Vinegar Rinses: Four Gross Ways We Used to Clean Our Teeth
If you’re taking the opportunity this summer to binge watch some of the hottest shows you missed during the school year, you may have noticed a trend—we love stories set in ancient and historical times. It’s easy to fall in love with these worlds: kings and queens,...
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
How to Take Care of Those Pesky Canker Sores
Spring can be a busy time, whether you’re studying for final exams, planning out a summer vacation, or diving into a deep clean. Of course, it’s hard to stay focused on anything else when you develop a canker sore. Stress is thought to be one of the main causes of...
Thank Mom for Investing in Your Smile!
Take a moment to think about how much your mom has done for you. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to your smile—she’s taught you how to take great care of your teeth and encouraged you to do it (even when you really didn’t want to), she’s taken you to...
Cool, Weird Braces Facts You Never Knew
When you first get braces, it’s important to learn all the facts—what foods you need to avoid, how to properly brush between brackets, how to wear rubber bands, and more. This kind of knowledge will keep you on the fast track to a straight, sparkling smile! But it...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Charcoal Chewing and Vinegar Rinses: Four Gross Ways We Used to Clean Our Teeth
If you’re taking the opportunity this summer to binge watch some of the hottest shows you missed during the school year, you may have noticed a trend—we love stories set in ancient and historical times. It’s easy to fall in love with these worlds: kings and queens,...
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
How to Take Care of Those Pesky Canker Sores
Spring can be a busy time, whether you’re studying for final exams, planning out a summer vacation, or diving into a deep clean. Of course, it’s hard to stay focused on anything else when you develop a canker sore. Stress is thought to be one of the main causes of...
Thank Mom for Investing in Your Smile!
Take a moment to think about how much your mom has done for you. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to your smile—she’s taught you how to take great care of your teeth and encouraged you to do it (even when you really didn’t want to), she’s taken you to...
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your child grow, hitting milestones and learning new things every day. As your child’s teeth come in, however, you may be wondering if they will one day need braces—how will you know when and if that time comes? Kids...
Which Conditions Require Early Intervention
We understand the dilemma many parents may face when it comes to early orthodontic treatment for their young ones—you want to make sure your child gets the best treatment possible, but you also fear wasting time and money if your child’s teeth are just going to continue shifting and moving as they grow. That’s why we want to talk about which conditions you need to be concerned about early on. These issues will respond well to early treatment, which will save you and your child major headaches—literally and figuratively—later in life.
Cool, Weird Braces Facts You Never Knew
When you first get braces, it’s important to learn all the facts—what foods you need to avoid, how to properly brush between brackets, how to wear rubber bands, and more. This kind of knowledge will keep you on the fast track to a straight, sparkling smile! But it...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Will Insurance Pay for My Braces?
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, holiday music is beginning to swell all around us. It’s finally that special time of year, when we gather our loved ones close around the fire and… think about open enrollment in insurance plans? Yes, while...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Birmingham Orthodontics goes Miley Cyrus for your smile
Oh, Miley. She sings, she twerks, she acts, she gets to canoodle Liam Hemsworth, and now she’s the newest addition to Season 11 of NBC’s The Voice—but what does Hollywood wild child Miley Cyrus have to do with Birmingham Orthodontics? No, she wasn’t a patient (ahem,...
Will Insurance Pay for My Braces?
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, holiday music is beginning to swell all around us. It’s finally that special time of year, when we gather our loved ones close around the fire and… think about open enrollment in insurance plans? Yes, while...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Birmingham Orthodontics goes Miley Cyrus for your smile
Oh, Miley. She sings, she twerks, she acts, she gets to canoodle Liam Hemsworth, and now she’s the newest addition to Season 11 of NBC’s The Voice—but what does Hollywood wild child Miley Cyrus have to do with Birmingham Orthodontics? No, she wasn’t a patient (ahem,...
Let the Tax Man Pay for Braces
Tax season is upon us, and chances are, if you’re expecting a refund, you’ve already spent it. Vacations and electronics and outdoors equipment and so many fun things call out for that extra cash. But, this year, what if your tax return paid for something even...
Getting Braces as an Adult
Around this time of year, we do one of the most important things we can do for ourselves—make good New Year’s Resolutions. Self-reflection and motivation are our keys to success! Perhaps confidence has been on your list for a few years, and you know your smile is...
Will Insurance Pay for My Braces?
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, holiday music is beginning to swell all around us. It’s finally that special time of year, when we gather our loved ones close around the fire and… think about open enrollment in insurance plans? Yes, while...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
Summery snacks perfect for the 4th!
Now that you’ve added braces into your equation, you may be hesitant about busting brackets on your favorite summery snacks. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we don’t want you to miss a single moment of the year’s peak season for fresh fruits and veggies, and just because...
Chapsticks We Love for Braces
It may be hard to stay excited about the amazing new smile you’re working on when every time you try to smile now the dry skin on your lips pulls and cracks. Chapped lips are common with braces, especially when you first get them, but relief is on its way! There are...
Flashback Friday: Before and After Braces
The summer before your senior year in high school, you’re sent out to a portrait studio with a bunch of your classmates, asked to don a fancy drape, and smile. Senior portraits are supposed to be exciting, but for me they were a nightmare. I’d always hated my smile,...
Thank Mom for Investing in Your Smile!
Take a moment to think about how much your mom has done for you. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to your smile—she’s taught you how to take great care of your teeth and encouraged you to do it (even when you really didn’t want to), she’s taken you to...
Braces-Approved Foods for Cinco de Mayo!
On Cinco de Mayo, we all love to join in the celebration of Mexican culture! Parades, music, food, and dancing… and, of course, the amazing cuisine. If you’re sporting braces this Cinco de Mayo, you may be worried about missing out on your favorite foods—what will you...
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
Summery snacks perfect for the 4th!
Now that you’ve added braces into your equation, you may be hesitant about busting brackets on your favorite summery snacks. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we don’t want you to miss a single moment of the year’s peak season for fresh fruits and veggies, and just because...
Chapsticks We Love for Braces
It may be hard to stay excited about the amazing new smile you’re working on when every time you try to smile now the dry skin on your lips pulls and cracks. Chapped lips are common with braces, especially when you first get them, but relief is on its way! There are...
Flashback Friday: Before and After Braces
The summer before your senior year in high school, you’re sent out to a portrait studio with a bunch of your classmates, asked to don a fancy drape, and smile. Senior portraits are supposed to be exciting, but for me they were a nightmare. I’d always hated my smile,...
Thank Mom for Investing in Your Smile!
Take a moment to think about how much your mom has done for you. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to your smile—she’s taught you how to take great care of your teeth and encouraged you to do it (even when you really didn’t want to), she’s taken you to...
Braces-Approved Foods for Cinco de Mayo!
On Cinco de Mayo, we all love to join in the celebration of Mexican culture! Parades, music, food, and dancing… and, of course, the amazing cuisine. If you’re sporting braces this Cinco de Mayo, you may be worried about missing out on your favorite foods—what will you...
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your child grow, hitting milestones and learning new things every day. As your child’s teeth come in, however, you may be wondering if they will one day need braces—how will you know when and if that time comes? Kids...
Which Conditions Require Early Intervention
We understand the dilemma many parents may face when it comes to early orthodontic treatment for their young ones—you want to make sure your child gets the best treatment possible, but you also fear wasting time and money if your child’s teeth are just going to continue shifting and moving as they grow. That’s why we want to talk about which conditions you need to be concerned about early on. These issues will respond well to early treatment, which will save you and your child major headaches—literally and figuratively—later in life.
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites—Understanding the Difference
You’ve heard of overbites, underbites, and crossbites; you or your child may even be suffering from one of these conditions—but how exactly do you know which is which? It may seem difficult to keep these terms straight in your head, but fortunately they aren’t...
Summery snacks perfect for the 4th!
Now that you’ve added braces into your equation, you may be hesitant about busting brackets on your favorite summery snacks. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we don’t want you to miss a single moment of the year’s peak season for fresh fruits and veggies, and just because...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your child grow, hitting milestones and learning new things every day. As your child’s teeth come in, however, you may be wondering if they will one day need braces—how will you know when and if that time comes? Kids...
Which Conditions Require Early Intervention
We understand the dilemma many parents may face when it comes to early orthodontic treatment for their young ones—you want to make sure your child gets the best treatment possible, but you also fear wasting time and money if your child’s teeth are just going to continue shifting and moving as they grow. That’s why we want to talk about which conditions you need to be concerned about early on. These issues will respond well to early treatment, which will save you and your child major headaches—literally and figuratively—later in life.
Five Gifts to Give a Kid Who Just Got Braces
Let’s be honest—getting braces is kind of a big deal. When a kid in your life gets braces, it can be a monumental time for everyone! You get excited for their bright future full of confident, healthy smiles, but of course it may not be as easy for them to gear up for...
Back to School Braces Tips
A new school year opens you up to all kinds of new possibilities: new teachers, friends, activities, and memories. And if you’re starting this year with new braces, you’ll want to make sure those memories don’t include any embarrassing orthodontic faux-paus! Don’t...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your child grow, hitting milestones and learning new things every day. As your child’s teeth come in, however, you may be wondering if they will one day need braces—how will you know when and if that time comes? Kids...
Which Conditions Require Early Intervention
We understand the dilemma many parents may face when it comes to early orthodontic treatment for their young ones—you want to make sure your child gets the best treatment possible, but you also fear wasting time and money if your child’s teeth are just going to continue shifting and moving as they grow. That’s why we want to talk about which conditions you need to be concerned about early on. These issues will respond well to early treatment, which will save you and your child major headaches—literally and figuratively—later in life.
Five Gifts to Give a Kid Who Just Got Braces
Let’s be honest—getting braces is kind of a big deal. When a kid in your life gets braces, it can be a monumental time for everyone! You get excited for their bright future full of confident, healthy smiles, but of course it may not be as easy for them to gear up for...
Back to School Braces Tips
A new school year opens you up to all kinds of new possibilities: new teachers, friends, activities, and memories. And if you’re starting this year with new braces, you’ll want to make sure those memories don’t include any embarrassing orthodontic faux-paus! Don’t...
Can I Chew Gum with Braces?
Humans love—and have always loved—chewing gum. If you read our post about the weird ways we used to clean our teeth, you’ll remember some of the ways people have been getting their freshening fix for centuries: tree sap, sweet grass, and wax to name a few. It’s no...
Getting Braces as an Adult
Around this time of year, we do one of the most important things we can do for ourselves—make good New Year’s Resolutions. Self-reflection and motivation are our keys to success! Perhaps confidence has been on your list for a few years, and you know your smile is...
Will Insurance Pay for My Braces?
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, holiday music is beginning to swell all around us. It’s finally that special time of year, when we gather our loved ones close around the fire and… think about open enrollment in insurance plans? Yes, while...
How Long Does it Take to Get Braces?
Sometimes nerves get the best of us, even when we know something is for the best. If you’re considering braces but you’re feeling intimidated about the process, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what getting braces is really like. Though the...
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces?
There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your child grow, hitting milestones and learning new things every day. As your child’s teeth come in, however, you may be wondering if they will one day need braces—how will you know when and if that time comes? Kids...