How to Take Care of Your Retainer Wrapping up your orthodontic treatment is an exciting time! Your hard work is rewarded with a beautiful smile. However, the work doesn’t end here. It is crucial that you continue to take great care of your teeth in order to maintain your new smile. This includes wearing your retainer, which allows your smile to last a lifetime. Keep reading for some advice on retainers from Dr. David Ross at David Ross Orthodontics. Retainers

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist? Many people don’t know the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. This confusion is common because both doctors work on teeth. However, it is important to understand the difference between them. When you have a problem with your teeth, jaws, or gums, it is important that you are seeing the right professional for your needs. Learn more from Dr. David Ross at David Ross Orthodontics. There are some similarities

Why You May Need Teeth Extracted Before Orthodontic Treatment Getting braces isn’t as simple as just putting them on your teeth as they are. In fact, there are several steps one must go through prior to getting the actual appliances on your teeth. First, you will need a thorough tooth cleaning to make sure there is a clean, healthy surface. In some cases, more extensive preparation is necessary – like a tooth extraction. While tooth extraction may not be necessary

The Perks of Going to An Orthodontist Early Did you know that early orthodontic care may help you avoid costly treatment in the future? Like most things in life, orthodontic health can be much more manageable if you get ahead of it. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that a child visits the orthodontist by age 7 in order to keep their oral health in check. Much like you wouldn’t skip a well visit with a pediatrician or a dentist

What Goes on Below the Surface of Your Mouth Two-thirds of what goes on in your mouth is below the surface. Most people are just concerned about having straight teeth and pearly whites, however, oral health goes far beyond that. That is why orthodontists use x-rays. Orthodontists use x-rays to check below the surface of the mouth to look for extra teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or teeth coming into the wrong positions. To learn more about the importance of

Feeling a Little Sore After Tightening? These Tips Can Help! While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. However, what everyone feels is a little different! Most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. The longer you’re in braces, the quicker your discomfort will go away after each tightening. In the meantime, have

Should I Floss or Brush First? Most likely you’ve heard that you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. However, should brushing come before flossing or vice versa? According to recent studies, researchers have found that flossing before brushing may be the most effective way to remove dental plaque. This sequence also makes your tooth enamel stronger by increasing the fluoride concentration delivered from toothpaste. Read on to learn more about brushing and flossing from Dr. David Ross at

Quality sleep is a must at any age. Unfortunately, your child may have sleep problems, such as sleep apnea. According to The American Sleep Apnea Association, roughly 3% of children will develop OSA. Thanks to help from sleep specialists, pediatricians, and orthodontists specializing in kids braces, you can get your child help for this condition. Here are some signs to look for. 1. Snoring The most obvious and common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. If your child is snoring

Many kids, teens, and adults love Invisalign for its ease of use and near-invisibility. In fact, according to Invisalign, 47% of surveyed teen patients had a boost of self-esteem in the process of treatment. But how exactly are Invisalign aligners made? Your Invisalign aligners not only have to fit your bite like a mouth guard but they also need to gently shift your teeth into the correct positioning for a straighter smile. Here, we’ll dive into just how Invisalign aligners