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Whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not, you’ve seen people wearing elastics or rubber bands as part of the process. But do you know what they’re used for? To help give you a better idea of why rubber bands are used with metal or clear braces, we’ll explain what they are, why they’re used, and how to take care of them during treatment.

What are Rubber Bands?

In short, rubber bands are used to help move your teeth along the archwire to aid in tooth movement for your particular treatment plan. There are many different ways to wear rubber bands and how long you wear them is determined by your orthodontist. Dr. Carlyn Phucas of Carlyn Phucas Orthodontics will instruct you on exactly how to wear your rubber bands and when and how often to change them based on your personalized treatment plan. Since your rubber bands lose their elasticity with use, patients are normally instructed to replaced them at least once a day, especially after eating and brushing. Read More

You’ve gotten your clear aligners and it’s time to begin your journey to a healthier, straight smile with Invisalign. Just as your oral hygiene routine would change with braces, you will need to adopt a new routine with Invisalign. This includes stocking up on a few more hygiene products and supplies to maintain your new lifestyle. To make things easier, we’ve listed all the things you’ll need to keep your Invisalign clear aligners clean.

Get Another Toothbrush

Dr. Carlyn Phucas at Carlyn Phucas Orthodontics recommends that you have two toothbrushes: one for your teeth and one for your Invisalign clear aligners. This is due to the fact that your Invisalign aligners do not need the same tough bristles used to scrub teeth clean. A softer bristled toothbrush is all you will need to clean the aligners as to not damage them. Having two different toothbrushes also reduces the risk of staining the aligners with leftover food particles from brushing your teeth. Read More

You’re getting your braces put on for the first time and you’re not sure what to expect. One thing is for sure; your oral hygiene practices will definitely change. To help prepare you for what’s in store and make the most of your orthodontic treatment, we at Carlyn Phucas Orthodontics explain what you can expect from your first week in braces.

Placement Day

On the day your braces are put on, the process should be relatively comfortable. In the hours following placement, you may notice that it will take you longer than usual to finish meals as you get used to wearing and chewing with braces. Stick to softer foods (like soups, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, shakes, etc.) for the first few days while your teeth and mouth adjust. You may also experience slight discomfort or soreness as the teeth begin to move.Read More

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe and life-threatening disease caused by a number of factors. The literal translation of the word apnea means “without breath,” which is exactly what happens repeatedly throughout a person’s sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea experience frequent breathing pauses lasting a few seconds due to an obstruction of the airway passage. Loud snoring, gasping, choking, and frequent awakenings can also occur as a result of sleep apnea.

Children are also at risk for sleep apnea as they can experience behavioral problems (ADHD), learning disabilities, and inattention. At night they may have loud breathing, unusual body positions, restlessness, and even bed wetting. Read More

Your orthodontic treatment has ended and your braces have finally come off. While your smile is much straighter than it once was, it isn’t as bright as you thought it would be. Straight teeth without a bright, white smile does not boost your confidence or make a good first impression in public.

DIY Teeth Whitening Trends

Within the last decade, more things have started to cater to the do-it-yourself market than ever before. From DIY face scrubs and other beauty hacks to home organization, more brands are using technology to find ways for us to do less outsourcing and get more hands on.

If you’ve been paying attention to social media, you may have come across a few DIY teeth whitening trends, like activated charcoal toothpaste, oil pulling, and even lemon juice. It is important to note that while some of these trends, like oil pulling, are ancient remedies that have not been scientifically proven to work. Read More

Orthodontic consultations are often times a complimentary introduction for orthodontists, like Dr. Carlyn Phucas, to get to know you and your oral health concerns. The best thing you can do to make the most of your consultation is to prepare a list of questions beforehand. To help you get started, we’ve come up with a list of common questions answered during our complimentary smile exams.

How Long Will My Treatment Take?

It is important to first note that orthodontic treatment is not a “one size fits all” approach to straightening teeth. At Carlyn Phucas Orthodontics, we develop orthodontic treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient to ensure they get the best results. Be sure to ask the orthodontist for an estimate of how long your treatment will take as the length may vary depending on how complex your situation is. Read More