Crowded teeth are one of the most common reasons people consider orthodontic treatment. Crowding happens when there is not enough room in the mouth for the teeth to line up properly. Teeth may overlap, rotate, sit too far forward or backward, or erupt in positions that make the smile look uneven. At Barlow Orthodontics, patients and parents often want to …

If your child’s orthodontist has recommended a palate expander, one of your first questions may be, “How much does a palate expander cost?” It is a reasonable question, especially when you are trying to understand whether expansion is a stand-alone treatment or one part of a larger orthodontic plan. Palate expander costs vary because orthodontic treatment is based on the …

Getting your braces removed is an exciting milestone. After months or years of appointments, adjustments, and careful brushing, you finally get to enjoy your finished smile. But orthodontic treatment does not end the moment your braces come off. Retention is the next phase, and it plays an important role in maintaining the position of your teeth. At Barlow Orthodontics, we …

If you have periodontal disease and want straighter teeth, you may wonder whether braces are still an option. The answer is often yes, but timing and periodontal health matter. Active gum disease generally needs to be brought under control before orthodontic tooth movement begins. Starting treatment without addressing inflammation and supporting bone health can place already vulnerable tissues under unnecessary …

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but the first few days can require some adjustment. Your teeth may feel tender, your cheeks and lips may need time to get used to the brackets, and foods that were easy to eat before treatment can suddenly feel uncomfortable. Knowing what to eat during the first week …

It is easy to confuse a crossbite with an underbite. Both describe problems with the way the upper and lower teeth come together, and both can affect more than the appearance of a smile. The difference comes down to which teeth are affected, how the bite is positioned, and what may be contributing to the problem. At Barlow Orthodontics, we …

You close your mouth, but your front teeth still do not touch. That visible space between the upper and lower teeth is known as an open bite, a bite problem that can affect eating, speech, and the way your smile looks. Open bites can develop because of childhood habits, tongue position, tooth eruption, or jaw growth. At Barlow Orthodontics, we …

One of the first questions patients ask about clear aligners is simple: can I eat with Invisalign? The short answer is that you should remove Invisalign aligners before eating. The good news is that because the trays are removable, most patients can continue enjoying their normal foods without the restrictions commonly associated with traditional braces. Invisalign recommends removing aligners for …

As a parent, you may wonder why your child would need to see an orthodontist when they still have baby teeth. It is a reasonable question. Many children do not need orthodontic treatment at a young age, but for some, addressing a developing problem early can help guide jaw growth, create room for incoming permanent teeth, or prevent an existing …

Finishing braces is an exciting milestone. After months or years of orthodontic treatment, your teeth are finally in their planned positions and your new smile is ready to enjoy. But removing braces does not mean orthodontic care is completely finished. Retainers play an important role in protecting the results you worked hard to achieve. At Barlow Orthodontics, we often remind …