5 Ways to Eat Your Way To A Healthy Smile All of us here at Gardner and La Rochelle Orthodontics have heard the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Taking this to heart can make our teeth stronger and brighter if we eat the right foods to support that healthy smile. Even though Veneers,

What to Expect From Your First Week of Braces You’re getting your braces put on for the first time and you’re not sure what to expect. One thing is for sure; your oral hygiene practices will definitely change. To help prepare you for what’s in store and make the most of your orthodontic treatment, we at Gardner and

Protect Your Braces While Playing Sports Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up the sports you love! Luckily, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Play Safe, Play All Season In general, it

What To Ask At An Orthodontic Consultation Orthodontic consultations are oftentimes a complimentary introduction for orthodontists, like Dr. Graham Gardner, Dr. Natalie La Rochelle, and Dr. Dana Tang, to get to know you and your oral health concerns. The best thing you can do to make the most of your consultation is to prepare a list of questions

What is the Value of Orthodontic Treatment? Did you know that orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states, “The goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile and a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw and look great.” A straighter smile isn’t

The Top 3 Best Drinks For Your Teeth While it may seem like water is your only beverage option, fear not. There are a few drinks still available to quench your thirst without affecting your orthodontic treatment. Milk  Not only can it help build strong bones, but milk is a great source of calcium. Calcium helps to repair

Elastics for Braces, Explained. Whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not, you’ve seen people wearing elastics or rubber bands as part of the process. But do you know what they’re used for? To help give you a better idea of why rubber bands are used with metal or clear braces, we’ll explain what they are, why they’re used,

Should My Mouthguard Be Custom or Store Bought? Anyone participating in a sport should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. This is especially important for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and wires can damage the mouth if you receive a ball to the face. Many people ask whether it is necessary to invest in a custom-fit mouthguard

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.

We see plenty of folks who are simply looking to improve their smile. They may, perhaps, have a small gap between their incisors. Most people won’t even notice or care, but there it is, staring back at them every morning in the mirror. Maybe their canines are slightly forward, giving them a sort of “fanged” look. Again, it’s