Category: Uncategorized

Charcoal toothpaste has become more popular lately, with well-known brands like Colgate, Crest, Hello and Burt’s Bees entering the charcoal toothpaste market. Is this trend worth the try? Is it a good idea to use charcoal toothpaste with braces?

Here’s everything you need to know:

What is charcoal toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste uses activated charcoal, which is a fine-grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent, acting like a sponge, to pull out toxins and lift stains from the enamel (the surface layer of the teeth). 

Is charcoal bad for your teeth?

Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal is a slippery slope. Charcoal is mildly abrasive, and over time, it can wear down your enamel. While charcoal toothpaste may remove surface stains in the short run, it can cause your teeth to yellow over time and become more sensitive as it damages your enamel.

Your enamel has the critical responsibility of protecting the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. It protects your teeth from damage due to chewing, biting and grinding teeth. Enamel does not grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Preserving your enamel by avoiding abrasive materials and minimizing contact with sugary acids is key. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) does not currently approve of any toothpastes with activated charcoal.

Due to charcoal’s abrasiveness, the importance of preserving enamel and the ADA not approving charcoal toothpaste, we are going to say that charcoal is not the best ingredient to use on your teeth.

Charcoal toothpaste and braces

Charcoal toothpaste isn’t known to damage braces. Your braces are very strong and durable. However, charcoal can get stuck within brackets and wires, leaving black specks behind. 

Brushing aggressively can loosen a bracket, wire or elastic. Adding abrasive charcoal toothpaste to the mix can add even more pressure to your braces and increase the risk of them breaking.

Is a charcoal toothbrush safe?

A charcoal toothbrush is a toothbrush that has bristles infused with activated charcoal. These bristles are typically attached to a wooden/bamboo handle. 

Charcoal bristles are believed to absorb bacteria and help prevent bad breath. However, like charcoal toothpaste, charcoal toothbrush bristles are abrasive and damaging to tooth enamel. Charcoal toothbrushes do not have the ADA’s seal of acceptance and therefore are not safe to use.

Is charcoal mouthwash safe?

Based on a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the therapeutic and cosmetic marketing claims of charcoal-based mouthwashes, including antimicrobial activity, anti-halitosis, tooth whitening, periodontal disease control, caries reduction and tooth remineralisation, among others.”

In other words, there is not enough evidence to prove that charcoal-based mouthwashes provide any benefits for neither cosmetics nor health. Charcoal mouthwash is therefore unnecessary and potentially damaging to enamel. 

Try a mouthwash that has been approved by the ADA instead!  

Is charcoal floss safe?

Like charcoal toothpaste and charcoal mouthwash, using charcoal floss is a gamble. Charcoal particles can wear down enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay (cavities) and sensitivity. Use one of these flosses with the ADA seal of acceptance instead!

Can you use whitening toothpaste with braces?

One reason people may choose to use charcoal toothpaste is for the whitening benefits. We now know that charcoal toothpaste is not a good choice due to its abrasive properties. Does that mean you should try a different type of whitening toothpaste with braces?

Not exactly. It’s best to wait until your braces are removed before you begin any type of whitening treatment, whether it’s a toothpaste, mouthwash, or at-home whitening. 

Braces brackets are bonded to your teeth, which means the surfaces under your brackets will not be accessible by your whitening treatment. When your braces are removed, you’ll have darker squares of discoloration where your brackets once were. 

So, is whitening toothpaste bad for braces? Whitening toothpaste shouldn’t damage your braces, but it will leave you with a discoloration issue at the end of treatment. 

Still have questions about charcoal or black powder toothpaste?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We’re more than happy to discuss oral hygiene with you and help you choose the right toothpaste to ensure the best results from orthodontic treatment. 

Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Request your complimentary consultation with us in Jupiter, FL. 

When you’re missing multiple teeth, your first thought may be to go the route of dental implants to gain back your smile. While dental implants are a quick way to replace missing teeth, they’re also a permanent solution. Meaning, once they’re in, they can’t be moved during orthodontic treatment like natural teeth. 

So if you’re interested in gaining back your healthy bite and chewing strength, orthodontics can be part of your smile solution! Jupiter Orthodontics is proud to provide both braces and Invisalign treatment for all ages and case complexities. Yes, even in the case of hypodontia (those born with missing teeth) and other cases of multiple missing teeth. Which means you can be a candidate for Invisalign with missing molars!

Here’s how our experienced orthodontists can help patients with multiple missing teeth achieve their smile goals.

Why would I need an orthodontist for missing teeth?

If you have multiple missing teeth, you may or may not need orthodontic treatment. It all depends on the positions of your teeth and the alignment of your jaw bones. 

But often with cases of multiple missing teeth, the surrounding teeth will start to drift to fill the spaces. As teeth move out of healthy alignment, this can create new orthodontic issues, including crowding and malocclusions (bite misalignment). 

In some cases such as missing back teeth, you can even experience the super eruption (or overeruption) of molars within a first year of tooth loss or even years later. This is where molars emerge too far from their place in the alveolar bone (the bone that holds your roots) and begin to expose the roots of the tooth. You may see this phenomenon when a tooth looks longer than the rest and feels particularly sensitive. With full orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can intrude (or move) overerupted teeth back into your jawbone.

Missing teeth can create orthodontic problems at any stage of life. Studies by the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics show that “craniofacial growth does not stop in young adulthood but is a continuous process even into later ages.”Orthodontic problems can affect your quality of life, including your confidence, self-esteem, chewing, and bite functionality.

Can braces fix hypodontia?

Whether you’ve lost multiple teeth to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or an accident; as long as you’re committed to caring for your dental health, our orthodontists are happy to be part of your smile restoration journey. 

You mentioned hypodontia? What is that? Hypodontia is a rare congenital disorder where 1 to 6 teeth never develop. Up to 8% of the population is born with this condition and it often requires a team of healthcare professionals to treat – an orthodontist included!

A few of the options available to patients with multiple missing teeth are advanced self-ligating braces (metal or ceramic options) or InBrace® hidden braces. So you can rock a sleek metallic treatment or go discreet with a tooth-colored bracket. 

But can you use aligners with missing teeth?

No matter the cause of your missing teeth, our orthodontist’s level of skill and experience enables us to treat you with your preferred treatment option. If you have multiple missing teeth and need orthodontics, we can develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. So yes, that means even Invisalign® clear aligners can be used to treat bite issues caused by missing front or back teeth. 

In some cases, you may require a space maintainer to preserve the space created by a missing tooth or teeth. Space maintainers prevent teeth from drifting over and creating a more severe misalignment. This is true for if the missing tooth needs to be replaced too, we can hold space for the restoration as well. 

At your first visit, our team will explain the purpose of any orthodontic appliance used in conjunction with your braces, InBrace, or Invisalign treatment.

It’s time to reveal your dream smile!

The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment is by visiting us for a free exam. One of our highly-experienced orthodontists, Dr. King or Dr. Welch will perform a full examination of your smile and present your treatment options to help you make the best decision for your smile. 

It takes $0 to find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontics! You deserve to live your most confident life. Request a free orthodontic exam with us in Jupiter, FL.

What’s on your summer to-do list? Traveling or vacationing? Swimming and playing sports? Maybe you’re more interested in ‘Netflix and do nothing at all’? Whichever way you prefer to do it is the right way to do it. That’s the beauty of summer.

For some kids and teens, there are no questions asked when it comes to doing what they want, when they want during summer. But what about kids or teens with braces? Do they have to sit on the sidelines until next season?

Nope! If you have braces, you don’t have to sit out on any games or cancel any hangouts. Your treatment won’t stop you from living your best life this summer.

As an orthodontist in Jupiter, we know all about the summer, the Florida heat, and the necessary lifestyle adjustments that come with it…

Check out these tips and tricks to help you stay cool, calm, collected, and on-track to a beautiful smile this summer.

1. Make a braces care kit…. And carry it everywhere you travel.

Okay, you don’t have to bring it everywhere—but you might want to. Gather some necessities, like braces-friendly floss, a small tube of toothpaste, a travel-sized toothbrush, interdental brush, and especially some orthodontic wax.

It may be a good idea to add an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol, depending on how far along you are in your treatment or how recent your last adjustment appointment was to minimize any soreness.

You’ll never know when you may need any of these tools, and orthodontic wax can come in really handy if a bracket or wire irritates your cheeks while traveling.

2. Eat cautiously… but don’t be too hard on yourself.

Traveling can make it pretty difficult to stick to your normal diet. When you don’t have access to your fridge, you’re forced to eat at restaurants or pick up snacks at Publix on the way. Having to eat out isn’t the worst thing in the world. (It may be one of the best parts of vacationing actually.)

Trying new foods is always a good time! But if you have braces, you may be nervous about which foods are off limits and which ones are still on the table.

If you’re on vacation-mode, you may be in the mood for some guilty pleasure foods. You can still have pizza (no crunchy crust), brownies (no nuts), chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, soft tacos with all the fixings, ice cream, mac and cheese, slushies and french fries… the possibilities are endless.

Just be sure to stay cautious of your braces. Opt for softer foods, and avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods to prevent damaging your brackets or wires.

3. Don’t take risks! Wear a mouthguard.

If there is any chance that you can damage your mouth during a sport or activity you’re playing this summer, wear a mouthguard! Mouthguards are absolutely essential for protecting your teeth, cheeks and gums from impact.

Whether you play basketball, soccer, football or tennis, or you participate in cheerleading, gymnastics or swimming, there’s always a chance of something spiraling toward your face. Soccer balls, footballs, other players’ body parts, the ground, a wall—you can damage your mouth anywhere, with or without braces.

Don’t take chances with your mouth! Your smile is precious and relatively delicate compared to another player’s elbow… ouch. Even if you’re not undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s still essential that you protect your smile!

4. Smile confidently!

Last but not least—smile confidently throughout your treatment! Whether you chose Invisalign® clear aligners or braces, you should be proud that you’re putting in the work to transform your smile.

There’s a huge light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is a confident, radiant smile that lasts a lifetime (if you allow it).

Summer is about having fun, sweating, meeting up with friends and eating to your heart’s content. Your orthodontic treatment shouldn’t get in the way.

Can we survive summer 2021 with braces?… Absolutely.

Summer is arguably the best time to undergo orthodontic treatment. Children and teens have a much-needed break from school, which allows for the perfect transition period into life with braces.

If you have any questions about adjusting to summer with braces, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your beautiful new smile, request your complimentary consultation with a leading orthodontist in Florida today.

Recently, DIY teeth aligners have become increasingly popular. Tons of brands have flooded the market, offering ‘at-home’ or ‘do-it-yourself’ clear aligners that don’t require an orthodontist’s supervision.

While this may sound like a convenient alternative to professional orthodontic treatment, at-home treatment is incredibly risky and has the potential to do irreversible damage to your smile.

Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of DIY aligners:

Treatment with DIY Teeth Aligners is Not Doctor-Monitored

Undergoing treatment with a DIY braces kit is risky. From your initial orthodontic exam, your DIY treatment process isn’t monitored by a qualified orthodontist. Dr. King or Dr. Welch perform a thorough orthodontic exam to assess your teeth and jaw bones. They take x-rays and diagnostic photos of your condition to develop your treatment plan.

Creating a treatment plan without examining the teeth can worsen an existing condition or create another problematic condition.

When you visit Dr. King or Dr. Welch for your regular check-up appointments every 12 weeks or so, they’ll assess your progress to determine whether he needs to make adjustments to your treatment plan. Depending on your progress, he may alter your plan or extend your treatment length to ensure the best results.

With DIY teeth straightening, your treatment plan is typically inflexible and you’re in charge of monitoring your progress. Once you receive your plan, you won’t have an orthodontist to help you make informed decisions about your process.

DIY Teeth Aligners Can Cause Irreparable Damage

The “DIY braces gone wrong” stories are unfortunately very real. Most DIY aligner companies don’t require a professional orthodontic exam, which means conditions can go undetected and untreated.

Because many orthodontic conditions stem from below the gumline or in the position of the jaw bones, problematic conditions can go undetected with DIY teeth straightening. Treating the teeth without considering the underlying problems can worsen existing conditions or create new conditions.

Some of the “DIY braces gone wrong” stories include bleeding gums, loose teeth, difficulty chewing and swallowing, tooth loss and jaw pain. Why risk this damage to you or your child’s health?

“Cheap” Aligners Aren’t So Cheap

Though DIY teeth aligner companies advertise themselves as the more affordable option, the truth is, DIY aligners can end up costing you more than safe, professional orthodontic treatment!

If your at-home treatment damages your smile, you may end up requiring professional treatment on top of your at-home treatment. If you choose qualified treatment first, you won’t have to pay for the cost of treatment twice!

DIY companies are also infamous for tacking on hidden costs and fees that weren’t included in your initial quote.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we are completely transparent about the cost of treatment. We do everything we can to lower the cost of braces, Invisalign® and in-house aligners for our patients, because we believe everyone should have access to affordable, high-quality treatment.

We offer a number of different payment plans to meet our patients’ financial needs. And the cool thing is, the cost for our in-house aligner is similar to DIY aligners because Jupiter Orthodontics has a 3D printer. Lucky you!

Don’t take risks on your smile!

Dr. King and Dr. Welch have undergone years of specialized training and education in order to provide you with the greatest quality of care. He considers every detail when he creates your personalized treatment plan.

Don’t risk damage to your smile. Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of the leading orthodontists in Jupiter for exceptional results that last for years to come.

Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). This surgery is performed to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental irregularities, stemming from misalignment of the jaws and teeth. Orthognathic surgery is painless most of the time., and is often covered by medical insurance.

Orthognathic surgery treats jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to bite, talk, breathe and speak. This procedure also improves facial appearances and corrects deformities by properly aligning the facial bones. Moving the jaw bones also moves the teeth, so braces are used in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery. This helps to ensure the teeth and jaw bones are aligning after surgery.

If you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions, this may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headaches
• Excessive wear of the teeth
• Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
• Facial injury
• Birth defects
• Receding lower jaw and chin
• Protruding jaw
• Inability to make the lips meet without straining
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Your dentist, orthodontist and OMS will decide together if you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon is responsible for determining the specific type of jaw surgery necessary, and he or she performs the surgery. It’s important to understand that your treatment will likely incorporate an orthodontic treatment of braces or Invisalign, before and after surgery, and may take a few years to be completed.

Your OMS and Dr. King know this is a commitment for you and your family. We will do everything we can to support you throughout your treatment, provide you with all of the information and resources you need, and ensure that you have a realistic expectation of the process.

Orthognathic surgery and subsequent therapy can be a relatively complicated process. We help break it down in the following stages:

Stage 1: Diagnosis and Planning

The diagnosis and planning stage lasts about a month. Exams and tests are performed by your oral surgeon, and the oral surgeon will meet with other team members to create a comprehensive plan for you. Creating this comprehensive plan includes your oral surgery team, Dr. King, and sometimes speech or language therapists. Specialists will take photos of your jaw and use programming to forecast surgery results.

Stage 2: Surgery Preparation

The time period for this stage relies on your specific needs. Some patients may need dental work to address other dental medical problems, before they’re prepared for surgery. If you have wisdom teeth, they must be removed so that they do not get in the way of the surgical cuts. Dr. King is a proponent of surgery first, before braces, if the patient qualifies. Before surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to understand what you can expect during and after your surgery.

Stage 3: Surgery and Recovery

You’ll undergo surgery in a hospital or a qualified medical facility. You will start out with a liquid diet, and will be monitored by medical staff while you recover from anesthesia.

Stage 4: Home Recovery

Once you are home, it is highly recommended to rest as much as possible. Your surgeon will tell you the approximate recovery time that you should adhere to. While you are in recovery, the doctors will provide instructions on the pain medication and antibiotics you should take. Start with a delicate eating regimen and steadily work your way back to a normal diet. It’s imperative you attend all of your follow-up appointments as directed by your surgeon! You will need to commit to an effective oral hygiene routine to minimize the risk of infection and to propel the healing process.

Have questions about corrective jaw surgery?

If you would like to know more about jaw surgery or surgical orthodontics, please don’t hesitate to contact us at our Jupiter location. We would love to answer all of your questions!

If you recognize some of the symptoms or conditions that may indicate the need for surgical orthodontics, we encourage you to request your complimentary exam with us today. Dr. King has extensive experience detecting problematic orthodontic conditions and providing solutions that help you reach your goals. We want to help you live your greatest quality of life—and that has everything to do with your smile!

There’s a common stigma against adults wearing braces. The thought of wearing metal brackets and wires may cause some to believe that it’s just too late for braces—but it’s never too late for braces.

Although we believe no one should be ashamed about the process of transforming their smile and gaining new confidence, we understand our adult patients’ concerns and it’s our goal to accommodate your preferences!

That’s why Dr. King and Dr. Welch provide options in traditional or clear braces for adults.

Can adults get braces?

Yes… we promise adult orthodontic treatment is more common than most people think! That’s the beauty of advanced technologies. With Invisalign® clear aligners, you may not even realize someone you see everyday is undergoing orthodontic treatment.

In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports one in three adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is for anyone who wants to experience their greatest quality of life.

Invisible Braces for Adults

For adults who prefer an invisible treatment option, we offer Invisalign, Damon® Clear, INBRACE and ceramic braces! In other words, you’ve got plenty of options with Dr. King and Dr. Welch.

Invisalign
Invisalign is the most common form of invisible braces. This modern technology uses clear, flexible plastic aligners that cover the entire surface of the top and bottom teeth to shift the smile toward a perfect alignment.

Invisalign is virtually-invisible and undetectable! Clear aligners are a convenient treatment option that can be removed to eat, brush your teeth and floss your teeth.

Damon Clear Self-Ligating Braces
Damon Clear braces use advanced, self-ligating technology, meaning they don’t require rubber bands to hold the bracket to the archwire. These braces use a “slide” mechanism that clips the bracket to the archwire, which makes them more discreet than traditional braces.

Damon Clear braces are made of transparent ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of the teeth.

INBRACE Lingual Braces
INBRACE braces use unique, custom-designed “loop” brackets that are positioned behind the teeth. These lingual braces are bonded to the back surface of the teeth, so nobody will be able to see your braces!

These are 100% invisible braces for adults. Using Smartwire technology combined with GentleForce technology, INBRACE braces are designed to allow for optimal movement of each individual tooth, by applying light, persistent force to move the teeth.

Ceramic Braces
Similar to Damon braces, ceramic braces are made of a transparent, high-quality, durable ceramic material. These ones resemble traditional braces closer, because they use rubber bands to hold the archwire to the bracket.

Ceramic braces use ceramic brackets and transparent rubber bands for a less noticeable appearance than metal braces.

Cost of Braces for Adults

The cost of braces is affordable with us! We’re on a mission to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care in Jupiter—for an affordable price.

At your first visit to our office, we’ll work with you to create a payment plan that meets your needs, fits your budget, and enables you to experience a healthy, beautiful smile.

With any of our braces options for adults, we’ll do everything we can to help make the cost of treatment practical for your financial situation.

Still have questions about adults wearing braces?

If you’re still on the fence about adult braces, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to speak to you about your hesitations.

Ready to begin your journey toward your most confident smile? Get started by requesting your free exam with Dr. King or Dr. Welch, top orthodontists in Jupiter.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our Jupiter Orthodontics team are using this month as an opportunity to educate our patients, social media followers, parents and children on oral health. We want to promote good dental hygiene habits that support healthy smiles for a lifetime!

According to the CDC, 1 in every 5 children (20%) aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated cavity! That’s about 5 children in every classroom who have untreated tooth decay.

We’re joining in on pediatric dental health awareness, because now is the time to prevent cavities! Here’s why:

The Importance of Oral Health with Tiny Teeth

Baby teeth may be small, but they play a critical role in preparing the mouth for a beautiful set of permanent teeth. They also impact major functions, like chewing, speaking, and sleeping quality. Baby teeth are in our mouths for about 8 to 10 years—a significant amount of time!

Good oral hygiene is as important as ever when the baby teeth are still present. Baby teeth can still develop cavities (tooth decay) and the gums can still develop gum disease! Developing strong oral hygiene habits early on can protect the gums and baby teeth, and support the permanent teeth for a lifetime.

How Jupiter Orthodontics is Celebrating

It’s an important month! We want all of our patients (children, teens and adults) to understand the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Throughout February, our team is giving away prizes to our pediatric patients who exhibit excellent dental hygiene!

When you bring your child in for his or her next appointment in February, we’ll gladly reward their commitment to oral hygiene.

How You Can Celebrate

The best way to bring awareness to pediatric dental health month is to help your child develop a strong oral hygiene routine.

• Help your child understand why it’s important to brush and floss their teeth every night.
• Explain the potential consequences of neglecting their dental hygiene.
• Lead by example. Brush and floss your teeth with your child.
• Encourage your child to love their smile and to do everything they can to protect their smile.

Still have questions about pediatric dental hygiene?

We’re here for you! Dr. King has decades of experience working with young patients and their parents to develop strong, healthy smiles. If you have any questions, or you’d like some more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Don’t forget to bring your child into our Jupiter Orthodontics office during the month of February for an oral hygiene reward. If your child isn’t a patient yet, that’s okay! We encourage you to request his or her complimentary orthodontic exam today.

(Though many other orthodontists will suggest it is necessary to begin treatment immediately, Dr. King takes a conservative approach toward children’s orthodontics. Once the young patient visits us for the first time, Dr. King will monitor the patient every six months until they are ready to begin treatment, at no charge with no deposit necessary!)

When you first get braces, you may wonder, “what can I eat with braces?” Fortunately, the answer is tons of delicious food—in moderation, of course. But it’s really important that you don’t overload on sweets with braces! Here’s why:

Not only are children at an increased risk of developing cavities, but they’re also the largest demographic wearing braces! That’s why it’s especially important that children develop strong oral hygiene habits.

How diligent your child is in brushing and flossing their teeth regularly with braces will help to ensure a beautiful, healthy smile during treatment and when their braces are removed.

Sugar and Braces

Although sugar intake isn’t the primary cause of cavities, yellow teeth or similarly unhealthy dental conditions, it can certainly add to the problem! Do you know why it’s so important that people brush and floss their teeth after sugary food and drinks? Well, when sugar is left in our mouths, between our teeth and along our gum line, it wreaks havoc. Kimberly A. Damages, the previous President of Minnesota Dental Association, clarifies that acid is really the main source of cavities and sugar actually triggers an overproduction of acid.

The more sugar we devour, the more acid the mouth produces. The way to keep cavities away is to regulate the amount of acid in your mouth—which means remaining cautious of the amount of sugar you intake.

Consequences of Eating (too much) Sugar With Braces

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry discusses the significance of exposure time to sugar. In other words, the longer our teeth are coated in sugar and the longer we leave them unbrushed or unflossed, the worse the damage.

Every time we eat something with high sugar content, our mouths go through a 20-minute acid assault. For example, a sip of soda puts your teeth under a 20-minute acid attack if you don’t cleanse your mouth after! The more sugar you intake, the longer the acid attack.

Eating a bunch of sugar while you have braces on can also cause discoloration! The last thing you want when your braces are removed is to be left with white spots. This happens, because sugar converts to acid and a buildup of this acid under your brackets can discolor your teeth. Acid also disintegrates the protective enamel on your teeth, which can increase your chances of tooth decay.

Don’t be scared—be conscious!

We don’t want you to be scared of sugar, we just want you to consume it consciously. After you drink soda or gorge on some desserts, wash your mouth out with water—or, even better—antibacterial mouthwash. Give your teeth a good brushing and floss if you have time! Your teeth will support your smile as long as you support them.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we believe patient education is incredibly important! When you understand the potential consequences of eating certain foods or neglecting your oral health, you’re more likely to take the proper actions to avoid those consequences.

We’re always here to give you advice and help you work toward the best possible results. If you have any questions, please reach out to us! If you’re ready to begin your journey to an incredible smile, we encourage you to request your free orthodontic exam with Dr. King today! Visit our Jupiter office, or schedule a virtual smile assessment without leaving your home.