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Cartwright Orthodontics Blog

Tools for Triumph: Creating Your Braces Survival Kit

December 23, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 10:25 pm

A woman with braces taking a selfieOrthodontic treatment with braces can be both exciting and challenging. Exciting because at the end of it all, you’ll have a straighter, healthier smile; challenging because of the commitment. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, you’ll need to have the right tools at your disposal.

If you need a guide for the creation of a braces survival kit, continue reading. You’ll find a collection of must-have tools that will make your braces treatment more comfortable and successful.

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When It’s Time to Move On: Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Retainer

October 13, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 10:35 pm
Woman has curious expression

People put a great deal of effort into following their orthodontist’s instructions when wearing braces or clear aligners, and wearing a retainer is a necessary part of preserving the hard-won results of these treatments. While these appliances are durable, they do not last forever. Here are four signs that can tell you that it might be time to talk to your orthodontist about replacing your retainer.

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6 Helpful Tips for Easing Clear Aligner Discomfort

August 17, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 2:46 pm
Closeup of man experiencing clear aligner discomfort at home

Compared to traditional metal braces, clear aligners are a walk in the park. With that said, it is normal to experience some soreness as your teeth move, which is typically most noticeable in the hours following your transition to a new set of trays. The good news is that there are several ways you can ease clear aligner discomfort – here are six!

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Seven Little Things You Never Knew About Braces

July 13, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 6:10 pm
A young boy with braces on his cell phone

Braces may not be the subject of much conversation at your dinner table (unless someone in your family happens to have them). But the history and science behind these complex little devices can make for far more interesting conversation than you know!

Just look at these seven little-known facts about braces, and you’ll see that it’s more than delicate metal and rubber.

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Questions You Should Ask During Your First Orthodontic Appointment

June 2, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 9:34 pm
a patient during their initial orthodontic consultation

Whether you’ve just recently decided to pursue orthodontic treatment or you’ve been contemplating it for a while, there’s likely quite a lot on your mind—after all, straightening your smile is a pretty big commitment! That said, knowledge is power; the more you know about orthodontic treatment, the better you’ll feel about committing to it and ensuring that things go as planned. Here are a few must-ask questions for you to keep in mind going into your initial orthodontic consultation that your provider will be happy to answer!

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Think You’re Too Old for Clear Aligners? Here’s Why You’re Not!

April 20, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 3:17 pm
Mature woman smiling while holding clear aligner

If you looked into straightening your teeth decades ago, you might have been told that metal brackets and wires were the only solution. Today, that’s far from the case. Clear aligners are custom-made for each patient, and they are as effective as they are discreet. There’s another perk: they are suitable for patients of all ages! With this in mind, keep reading to learn why you’re not too old for clear aligners.

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Why Your Child Should Wear a Mouthguard

February 21, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 4:19 am
kids playing soccer in field

When it comes to keeping your child’s smile healthy, teaching them about the importance of brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet is key. Even with this knowledge, accidents can still happen. If they play contact sports or get a little too rowdy on the playground, they may end up getting popped in the mouth. Keep reading to learn about the importance of dental mouthguards and how they can protect your little one from trauma to their teeth and other oral structures.

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How to Prevent & Manage Mouth Sores with Braces

January 18, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 5:09 am
a woman happily smiling with braces and no mouth sores

Traditional braces have been the most common—and successful– orthodontic treatment for many years to achieve a straighter, aligned smile! From minor gapping to severely rotated teeth, they can fix a range of dental issues. Although braces can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, it’s no secret that they also can cause mouth sores. Read on to learn tips on how to prevent and manage mouth sores caused by braces.

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3 Tips for Eating Holiday Meals with Braces 

December 18, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 11:10 pm
https://tntdental.leankit.com/card/1841428411

There are a lot of things to keep up with during the holidays. From travel arrangements to preparing the guest bedrooms for loved ones, things can get hectic quickly. On top of that, there’s also the food. Cooking special holiday meals takes a lot of preparation, but the end result is worth it. Even so, eating during the holidays looks a little different if you have braces. Continue reading to learn three helpful tips that will make eating holiday meals with braces a breeze.

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Stocking Stuffers for Kids with Braces

November 22, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drcartwright @ 8:40 pm
Christmas stockings hung by the fire.

Stockings are iconic to the holiday season, but along with them come some treats that aren’t great for your child’s metal braces. The sweets that normally become stocking stuffers can potentially snap a wire or pop a bracket. If you want to protect your child’s teeth and engage in this tradition, here are some things that could take the place of sticky sweets this year.

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