Our Blog

5 Reasons to Smile in the Year 2020

There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often โ€“ smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. As we close out the year, it is important to find reasons to smile and be grateful for all

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Announcing Our “Seasons Game” Contest Winner!

Congrats to our patient who emerged victorious in our annual “Seasons Game” online puzzle contest! Our winner reached the coveted “Autumn Leaves” tile and gained entry into the pool for the prize drawing, where her name was randomly selected to receive a $100 Amazon Gift card. Congrats again to our winner! Thank you to all our patients who

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6 Orthodontic Tips for a Sensitive Gag Reflex

Having a sensitive gag reflex is nothing to be embarrassed about. Additionally, it is not something that should deter you from seeking orthodontic treatment. Those with a sensitive gag reflex can get frustrated, but it is certainly something that can be worked with while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists, like Dr. Laurie McNamara and Dr. James A. McNamara at

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Surviving Date Night with Braces

Date night can be a nerve-wracking experience. From what to wear, where to go, what to talk about, the numerous variables of date night can wreak havoc on what should be a fun experience. You donโ€™t want your braces to be another source of worry on this evening, and they donโ€™t have to be! With a few simple

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Are Your Braces Triggering Your Canker Sores?

A few weeks into orthodontic treatment, you notice a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth. A few days later, canker sores appear. Fortunately, canker sores are not often a serious issue, but they sure can be annoying! These small ulcers can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to

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Announcing Our Pet Photo Contest Winner

Photogenic, four-legged family members came at us fast and furious during our “Pet Photo Contest,” which took place May 2nd through July 31st. Our winner is Sophie, who sent in a picture of her black lab playing in the snow! It’s a cool photo… literally! (Let’s hang on to summer weather for a few more weeks though!) Sophie’s

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How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Braces

Youโ€™re in between meals and craving something sweet, but you just started orthodontic treatment and know that many of your favorite foods should now be avoided. Is there anything sweet you can eat? The short answer is yes! ย Dr. Laurie McNamara, Dr. James A. McNamaraย and the staff at McNamara Orthodonticsย are here to explain the truth about sugar and

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How to Survive Summer BBQ Season with Braces

Summer is here! That means outdoor barbecues with family and friends will be abundant. Whether celebrating a national holiday, graduation or attending a simple gathering, summer barbecues are a common summertime activity meant for everyone to enjoy. So how do you survive a summer BBQ while wearing braces? Fear not, weโ€™ll break down the foods you should avoid

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Rubber Bands for Braces, Explained.

Whether youโ€™ve had orthodontic treatment or not, youโ€™ve seen people wearing elastics or rubber bands as part of the process. But do you know what theyโ€™re used for? To help give you a better idea of why rubber bands are used with metal or clear braces, weโ€™ll explain what they are, why theyโ€™re used, and how to take

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