Category: General Information

Your Aging Smile
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Your Aging Smile

It’s no secret, you can see the changes over time.  As you age, so does your smile. Your teeth wear down as you chew through a lifetime of meals.  But did you know that your teeth continue to shift and move well into adulthood? 4 common changes orthodontists see in patients as they age:  Bottom...

Tips for loving your braces this Valentine’s Day
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Tips for loving your braces this Valentine’s Day

No matter your age, undergoing orthodontic treatment can be a big adjustment. The new hardware in your mouth may not be your favorite Valentine’s Day look, but you are taking proactive steps towards improving your smile and oral health. The perfect smile not only boosts confidence and projects friendliness, it is also healthy! Straight teeth...

Going on vacation? Here are some simple tips to remember.
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Going on vacation? Here are some simple tips to remember.

Going on vacation can be tough while wearing braces. There are so many temptations on a daily basis, but vacation seems to make it harder to stay away from items on the no-no list. W have put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you...

All about that toothpaste
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All about that toothpaste

Toothpaste: it’s something most people use every day, but rarely give much thought to—except, perhaps, when choosing from the brands that line the drugstore shelf. When facing that daunting shelf and presented with the dozens of products boasting different benefits, don’t get overwhelmed. Here’s some things to think about when choosing your next tube of...

Benefits of Summer Orthodontics
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Benefits of Summer Orthodontics

For many families, summer time is the best season of the year!  Spending time outdoors and on family vacations are some of the most popular activities for this time of year. With school out for a couple months, summer is the perfect time to get started with orthodontic treatment, whether it’s for you or your...

Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
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Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting

Did you know that babies are born with the need to suck?  Thumb, finger, and pacifier sucking are perfectly natural ways for babies and toddlers to soothe themselves. However, as the child grows, there comes a point when this comforting activity becomes and habit, causing more harm than good. While it is completely natural for...

7 Facts About Orthodontics
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7 Facts About Orthodontics

No matter what you call the process, “braces”, “orthodontics” “getting your teeth straightened”, some of these facts about orthodontics might surprise you The word “orthodontics” is of Greek origin. Ortho means straight, or correct. Dont (don’t confuse with don’t) means tooth. Put it all together and you get straight teeth. People have had crooked teeth...

A dog ate my retainer….
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A dog ate my retainer….

“So, uh, my dog ate my retainers.” This happens with surprising frequency, but why is the question!  The working theory is that dogs think retainers are food.  Think about it. Your retainer goes in your mouth, and no matter how well the retainer gets brushed after wearing, while  mouths are closed and the retainer is...

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!
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It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February is one of our favorite months here at Hough Orthodontics – and not just because of Valentine’s Day! February is Pediatric Dentistry Month, and this is a noble cause that’s near and dear to our hearts. Creating a beautiful, healthy smile means starting early, and that makes childhood dental care crucial for a lifelong...

What if my dentist has not referred my child to an orthodontist yet?
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What if my dentist has not referred my child to an orthodontist yet?

Dentists and orthodontists usually have different perspectives. General dentists look at the overall health of your child’s teeth and mouth. He or she examine how well your child is brushing/flossing and if there are any cavities.  And while the dentist looks at both the upper and lower teeth, they may not be focused on evaluating...