Retainers

Retainers are an important part of maintaining your orthodontic result for life! Each orthodontic retainer is a custom made device.  Retainers  can be made of wires, plastic, and acrylic. There are three types of retainers used in our office.  Hawley, Essix, or Fixed...

Headgear: Not As Bad As You May Have Heard

Headgear is not the horrible, scary “punishment” that it has been made out to be in the 1980’s movies. So if Dr. Alison tells you that headgear is needed during your treatment, do not panic. You will not have to wear the appliance to school! Headgear...

Impacted Teeth

Impacted Teeth An impacted tooth is when a tooth is completely enclosed within soft tissue or bone; or can only partially break through the gum. Symtoms of impaction: 1. Pain or tenderness of the gums 2. Prolonged headache or jaw ache 3. Redness and swelling of the...

What you eat can affect your teeth!

Did you know that certain foods can have a positive effect on the health of your teeth?  Just as other aspects of our body can deteriorate over time, our teeth are susceptible to deterioration if not properly cared for.  Good news!  There are some simple steps that...

Tooth Whitening and bleaching

Many of our patients request or inquire about making their smile whiter and brighter especially after orthodontic treatment or in cases of discoloration of the anterior or front teeth.  Tooth whitening is defined by the FDA as “restoring natural tooth...