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How to Keep Your Retainers Safe

You did it! After months or even years of wearing braces, your teeth are finally straight and your smile is beautiful. But before you can fully enjoy your new smile, there is one more thing you need to do: wear your retainers. Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new position and maintaining your straight, healthy smile for years to come.

But wearing your retainers is only part of the equation. You also need to protect them when they’re out of your mouth. After all, the world is full of hazards that can damage or destroy your retainers, from curious pets to mischievous siblings. Here are some tips to help you keep your retainers safe from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics.

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Eating for a Healthier Smile: 5 Tips You Need to Know

At McNamara Orthodontics in Ann Arbor, MI, Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara embraces the age-old saying, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Applying this wisdom to our daily dietary choices can fortify and enhance the strength and brightness of our teeth, promoting a healthier smile.

 

While treatments such as veneers, crowns, and fillings play a role, the cornerstone of a healthy smile is built upon practicing excellent oral hygiene and making thoughtful dietary selections. In this blog post, we’ll share five dietary recommendations that can substantially enhance the well-being of your smile.

 

 

 

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Trick-or-Teeth: How to Safeguard Your Smile during Halloween

Halloween is certainly something to look forward to! Crafting an amazing costume, attending parties, maybe even braving a haunted house. But, with all the sugary treats making their way into your life, we’d be remiss if we didn’t warn you about the true Halloween horror – tooth decay. 

If you have braces, an appliance, or Invisalign aligners, pay special attention during the Halloween season. The effects of poor oral health combined with lots of candy are even spookier. But never fear! Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you don’t have to deal with decay this fall from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics.Read More

Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month

October is known for cooler weather, pumpkin patches, and Halloween, but did you know it’s also National Orthodontic Health Month? This month celebrates the important role that orthodontics plays in improving both oral and mental health. While straightening your teeth may seem like a minor concern, the benefits can have a significant impact on your future well-being.

 

Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics are highly trained experts in tooth alignment and general dentistry. To become an orthodontist, they must undergo additional residency programs that can take up to three years to specialize in orthodontia and occlusion. They also attend conferences and continuing education courses to keep up with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best possible care to patients.Read More

Do I Have to Get Invisalign from an Orthodontist?

The real answer to this question is yes. You might see advertisements online or in magazines for services that bypass the orthodontist to get you clear aligners. These services are typically referred to as mail-in orthodontics. Many adults who seek orthodontic care later in life view the orthodontist as a hassle and may be more likely to try these non-certified options, so keep reading to learn more about why you should get Invisalign from an orthodontist, from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics.

 

Why an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals. While aligner companies have technology that allows them to create sets of correctional aligners, they lack the training and expertise of a certified orthodontist to make diagnostic decisions regarding your bite and teeth. 

Orthodontists go through dental school and a specialized master’s program adding two to three years of specified bite-focused training to their dental education. They complete an orthodontic residency and often participate in research to further the field as a whole. 

Many orthodontists also invest in continuing education programs and are up to date on the best and most effective ways to straighten teeth. An orthodontic office has all the materials and staff to facilitate an easier and less harmful path to a beautiful smile.  

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Keeping Up with the Innovations in Orthodontics

Innovation is at the forefront of the orthodontic industry, constantly driving change and growth. New technologies and practices are emerging all the time, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in orthodontics to ensure you’re receiving the best possible care. If you’re interested in staying informed about the most recent advancements in orthodontics, you’ll find valuable insights from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics.

 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign have been a game-changer in orthodontics. They offer patients an alternative to traditional braces that is comfortable, discreet, and effective. Invisalign uses cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging software to create aligners that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, making treatment more accurate and efficient.

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