Braces are an excellent choice for many people because, in addition to a beautifully aligned smile, they provide a wide array of health benefits. What happens, though, when the braces come off and there are white spots on your teeth? Can you fix them? Better yet, can white spots be prevented? The answer is yes. White spots can be prevented and can be completely cleared for most people. It does take a bit of effort on your part, though. Here’s why. What are these white spots?

You may think that it is only necessary to see an orthodontist while you have braces, but there are many other situations that would lead to an orthodontic appointment. Early screenings, developmental checks, and follow up visits after orthodontic treatment are a few examples of important visits. In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons our orthodontic team sees a patient who isn’t wearing braces. Early Screening It’s important for children to have an orthodon

Orthodontic treatments improve the teeth of 4 million people a year. Chances are that you may be trying to decide if braces are right for you or your family. While it’s always best to be aware of the pros and cons of any matter, some areas seem to end up with more than their fair share of false claims and myths attached to them. One of these subjects is orthodontics, onto which the myths have attached far and wide. Some myths are hilarious, but others can be frightening – whi

If you can remember braces in the 1980s, you might recall visions of large, bulky, metal braces. For those of us lucky enough to wear braces in the 80s, you had to have a large single band placed on each tooth. And are you ready for this? The braces were placed with a “thumper”. The process to adhere the braces to teeth was not only long but quite uncomfortable. In addition, having braces was perceived as something only wealthy people could afford. It’s a bonus then, that ove

Many orthodontic conditions can be caused by something called tongue thrusting. This problem is far more common than you would imagine since all babies are born pushing their tongue forward when they swallow. As a child grows, they need to learn the correct position for their tongue. If they learn too late, it impacts a child in many more ways than orthodontic development. So, what exactly is it and why does it have such an impact on the way the mouth forms? Perhaps more impo

An overbite is completely normal and many people with beautiful smiles have a small overbite. However, when your upper teeth protrude over your bottom teeth more than normal, the overbite may create problems. How can you know when an overbite needs to be treated, and can it be prevented or treated at home? It is normal for your top teeth to overlap your bottom teeth a little bit. When the top teeth significantly overlap or protrude over the bottom teeth, the overbite becomes

If you’ve been told that your child has an ankylosed tooth you may be wondering why it matters. Is it something that really needs treatment? The tooth is fused to the bone, but so what? Aren’t all your teeth attached to the bone? How is this any different? In some cases, an ankylosed tooth will be just fine without treatment. Other cases, if left untreated, can result in some pretty major problems that will eventually require extensive treatment. What is an ankylosed tooth? I

Just like people, our teeth, gums and supporting bones are as unique as our DNA. Unlike DNA, teeth, gums, and supporting bones can change throughout a person’s life. Heredity, environment, and certain foods and conditions can affect the position, shape, color, and health of our teeth. That is why it is important to understand that your dental health is, in large part, something you can assume responsibility for and take charge of in order to make sure you are able to keep you

Many people are scared of going to the dentist. In fact, dental phobia is an actual diagnosis and is treated as an anxiety disorder. Some people will even avoid going to the dentist because of fear. This is unfortunate because dental health can have a major impact on your overall health and regular dental visits are a vital part of keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Since fear of the dentist is common, it makes sense that your kids will also experience it. Fortunately, the

Although many of us are just getting settled back into the routine after the holidays, Spring Break will be here sooner than you think. Our area offers many incredible options for local activities or week-long camps. We have created this list of local programs and activities so you and your children can enjoy a wonderful spring break. It is also a great time to schedule a visit to Jungle Roots Children Dentistry and Orthodontics where your child will experience a unique jungl

Xylitol was discovered over a century ago and was approved for human consumption by the FDA in 1963, but it has only recently become popular. It is used as a sugar substitute in some foods, gum, and mints, and in toothpaste and other dental products to work with or replace fluoride. There are many claims about the benefits for your body and dental health. Are any of them true, or is xylitol another passing fad? The truth about Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweeten

You may have seen ads for ordering invisible aligners online, or your dentist may offer invisible aligners or braces as a service. It seems easier and possibly cheaper to consider one of these options. Is there a reason that you need to go to an Orthodontist if you just want straight teeth? Believe it or not, there actually are a few excellent reasons for having an Orthodontist oversee your treatment when getting your teeth aligned. Education The first reason is that an Ortho

The first time you bring your child to the dentist, you fill out a form that provides information about their medical history. Some of the questions may seem strange. Why does the dentist need to know if they have allergies, anxiety, language problems, or bite their nails? Believe it or not, every single question on the medical history form directly impacts the way we care for your child. Some of the questions help us determine the best way to interact with your child, others

A new year is beginning, and if anyone in your family will need braces in the next year or two this is a good time to begin planning. With a bit of strategic preparation, you may be able to greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can also plan to gain the greatest tax benefits. Here are a few things to consider in order to maximize your resources so that orthodontic treatment has the lowest impact on your bank account. Insurance Every insurance plan is different so you w

The holidays are a time of giving, and many people buy toothbrushes to give as stocking stuffers or a present. Toothbrushes can be a fun gift because they are available with so many interesting and fun designs, especially for kids. While the way a toothbrush looks does not have an impact on oral health, the type of toothbrush you choose could make a difference. You may wonder if it is worth it to pay extra money to buy an electric toothbrush. It doesn’t matter if you use a ma

Braces and orthodontic appliances are a common sight these days. They used to be something only seen on teenagers, but now it is common to see children, teens, and even adults in their fifties and sixties wearing braces. Is orthodontic treatment something only found in modern times? Interestingly, no. History is full of strange and interesting Orthodontic facts. 1. Archeologists have discovered evidence that people in many cultures have used various methods of straightening t

If you are a parent, it may be difficult to know what to do if something happens to your child’s mouth. Do you go to the dentist or the ER? How quickly do you need to get it treated? What if it’s a Friday night? Should you wait until Monday? What qualifies as a dental emergency? How in the world are you supposed to find all this out with a child screaming in pain? It is helpful if you already know what to do when this situation arises, so we have created this guide to provide

Orthodontic problems are more common than you may think. People are becoming aware of the impact that orthodontic issues can have on their health, and this is reflected in the fact that dental braces are a common sight these days. They used to be something only seen on teenagers, but now it is normal to see children, teens, and even adults in their fifties and sixties wearing braces. With a growing number of people seeking orthodontic treatment, it is valuable to ask: what ca

It has become apparent that the food we eat has a significant impact on our health. Consuming the correct amounts of calories and nutrients is necessary, but it also important to get them from the right sources. A healthy diet leads to health, while an unhealthy diet leads to disease and feeling poorly. It may seem obvious, but this is also true for our mouths. What we eat plays an important role in keeping our teeth and gums healthy. Even if we have excellent oral hygiene an

As the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Our weather is lovely, and all the holiday festivities are beginning. Even better, Arizona loves to celebrate, and there are holiday activities and events all around us! We have compiled this list of 11 activities you can enjoy this holiday season, including a wide variety of amazing lights shows, phenomenal performances, and Arizona’s own unique Tumbleweed Tree. From all of us at Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry