According to the American Association of Orthodontics, roughly 4 million people have braces at this very moment. Plus, countless more have undergone orthodontic treatment in the past. At this point, it’s basically a rite of passage for teens and young adults! So, it’s not surprising that some of the most iconic characters have adorned the metal brackets and wires over the years. If you’re interested, here are four iconic braces moments in pop culture.

Once your child gets braces, popcorn, whole apples, potato chips, and other hard or crunchy foods are off the table. While this plays an essential role in preventing an orthodontic emergency, it may leave you wondering what you should pack in their lunchbox. Luckily, there are several braces-friendly school lunches that your child will love (and that are easy to put together). Here are a few!

Let’s face it; traditional braces aren’t exactly subtle, and you might not be too thrilled about the metal brackets and wires essentially blocking your smile’s true magnificence, even if the treatment ultimately ends with beautiful results. But did you know that the rubber bands you wear can actually accentuate the color of your teeth and give your smile a nice glow? Here’s more about how the color of your rubber bands can effectively make your teeth look whiter while you have braces, along with which colors you should consider and some you should steer clear of.

Thanks to advancements in technology and the world of dentistry, orthodontic treatment is more accessible, comfortable, and affordable than ever before. Of course, there is still a bit of an adjustment period, especially when you first get your metal brackets and wires. The good news is that you can make life with braces significantly easier with some helpful tools on hand. Here are a few to consider keeping close by!

Are you planning on sharing a kiss with a special someone underneath the mistletoe? Maybe you’re going to be locking lips while welcoming in 2023! Whatever the case may be, you don’t have to worry – your braces won’t get in the way. To ensure they don’t, keep the below tips in mind.

Toward the end of your orthodontic treatment, you might be a ball of emotions. Excited to see your new smile, happy you can eat whatever you’d like again, and probably a bit apprehensive if you don’t know what the final appointment will entail. With this in mind, keep reading to learn what to expect while getting your braces removed, as well as what life after braces entails!

From loose brackets to protruding wires, orthodontic emergencies can be both painful and stressful to handle. While you should schedule an appointment if your braces sustain any damage, there are some cases that are more urgent than others. To learn what constitutes an orthodontic emergency, keep reading!

Are you experiencing swollen gums with braces? Don’t worry – this is common for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Plus, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the puffiness at home. To learn some helpful tips, as well as some common causes, keep reading.

Whether you’re struggling with mild misalignment or severe overcrowding, braces can be relied on to create your dream smile. With the brackets and wires, your orthodontist can gradually guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, benefiting the health, look, and function of your smile in the process. Unfortunately, mouth sores with braces are common, especially if you aren’t aware of what to do to prevent them. Don’t worry – you can read on to learn all about how to manage and avoid them!

As a parent, you might think seven or eight is too early for braces. After all, isn’t orthodontic treatment for teens and young adults? Actually, there is a specific type of braces for children with a mix of baby and adult teeth called Phase 1 Orthodontics. The best way to find out if your child is a candidate is by scheduling an appointment with their orthodontist. Until then, you can read more about what this treatment entails, what to look out for, and more.