Richardson Orthodontics Blog

Do you have a stiff or sore jaw or wake up feeling more drained in the morning than the night before? If so, then you might be suffering from a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These joints anchor your jawbone to your skull just below your ears and are responsible for the range of motion of your mouth. If the muscles and ligaments surrounding your TMJ become inflamed, you could experience throbbing in addition to oral issues like malocclusion (bite misalignment.)

While there are several potential causes, you might be surprised to learn that your posture might be the culprit. Slouching can put extra stress on your shoulders and neck, which can cause your jaw joints to pop, lock, cramp, spasm, or shift out of alignment. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can help reduce tension from poor posture to alleviate your aching jaw!

Many of us didn’t naturally develop a perfectly straight smile. Fortunately, with modern dental technology, you don’t need to settle for misalignment. By seeing an orthodontist, you can achieve the straighter smile you’ve dreamed of. When your treatment is done, you will need to continue wearing a retainer to keep your teeth in their ideal locations. Continue reading to learn more about retainers and how long they last.

So, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment—congratulations! However, your journey to a perfectly straight smile isn’t over just yet. After Invisalign, wearing a retainer is vital to keep your results. But how does a retainer help, and how long will you need to wear it? Here’s what to expect when it comes to the final step of your Invisalign treatment.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought about getting braces? You’re not the only one! More and more patients are choosing to improve their smiles with orthodontic treatment in recent years. Even so, despite how common metal braces have become, plenty of myths and misinformation still hold patients back. If you’re currently on the fence about your orthodontic treatment, continue reading. By clearing the air of some of these myths, you can approach traditional braces with confidence.

Back-to-school season is both an exciting and hectic time. In addition to preparing your teen for the upcoming semester by arranging carpools, buying school supplies, and charging all of their devices, it’s helpful to also consider what they need to stay on-track with their clear aligner treatment. With this in mind, read on to learn five back-to-school tips for your teen with Invisalign!

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and overall oral health. However, the cost of such treatment can vary significantly from one patient to another. Understanding the factors that influence these costs can help you plan better and make informed decisions about your orthodontic care. Here, we’ll explore three key factors that can affect the cost of orthodontic treatment: the type of treatment, the severity of the case, and the geographical location.

Summer is the season for BBQs, picnics, and delicious outdoor meals. However, if you have braces, figuring out summer foods can be tricky. Some eats can damage your braces or get stuck, making them difficult to clean. Others are a great fit and can even help soothe any discomfort in your teeth. But which foods are which? Continue reading to find a guide to what you can savor or skip to keep your braces and teeth in top shape.

Invisalign aligners are a fantastic way to straighten your teeth discreetly, but achieving the best results requires commitment. To ensure your treatment progresses as planned, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day. While it’s not impossible, it’s difficult to pull off without some careful thought and planning. Read on to find some practical tips to help you stay on track and make the most of your Invisalign.

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true way to straighten out misaligned teeth even in severe cases. While this orthodontic treatment can deliver remarkable results that last for a lifetime with proper care, many prospective patients may be nervous about what kind of discomfort they may experience during the placement and process and the adjustment period afterward. Here’s a brief guide to what getting braces feels like so you can know what to expect.

Orthodontics can truly transform your smile, but unexpected emergencies can derail your progress and cause discomfort. However, you can get your treatment back on track by implementing just a few proactive measures. If you want to minimize the risk of orthodontic emergencies and stay consistent for straighter teeth, continue reading. You’ll learn some essential strategies to help you support a smoother experience for your treatment!