Gardner & La Rochelle Orthodontics Blog Richmond VA

Some Pointers for Poking Wires

Some Pointers for Poking Wires We know that having metal in your mouth doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing. Fortunately, after you get your braces on and have your initial adjustment, most people don’t even notice their braces are there. However, sometimes a pesky wire will escape and remind you that your braces are there. Have

5 Reasons to Smile

5 Reasons to Smile There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. It is important to find reasons to smile and be grateful for all the lessons

Are Your Braces Triggering Your Canker Sores?

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

Surviving Date Night with Braces

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 don’t want your braces to be another source of worry, and they don’t have to be! With a

4 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy

4 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well-nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Orthodontist Dr. Graham Gardner, Dr. Natalie La Rochelle, and Dr. Dana Tang at Gardner and La Rochelle Orthodontics has four tips for keeping the beautiful and

How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Braces

How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Braces You’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! Dr. Graham Gardner, Dr. Natalie La Rochelle, and Dr. Dana Tang and the

Wisdom Teeth After Braces, Explained

Wisdom Teeth After Braces, Explained You’ve been patiently waiting for your orthodontic treatment to come to an end and your braces to come off. You followed all the oral hygiene instructions during and after treatment, but now your wisdom teeth are starting to come in. Will they ruin your new smile? At Gardner and La Rochelle Orthodontics, we

Do Your Gums Bleed When Flossing?

Do Your Gums Bleed When Flossing? It’s the start of a new day and you’re going through the motions of your morning routine. As you begin flossing, you notice your gums start to bleed in some areas. Is this normal? While bleeding gums from flossing does not mean your mouth isn’t clean, it can be a sign that

Orthodontic Treatment: One Phase Or Two?

Orthodontic Treatment: One Phase Or Two? Did you know that orthodontic treatment is not just for teens and adults? In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that by the age of 7, children should have an initial orthodontic consultation. These comprehensive consultations determine whether or not a child’s teeth are developing properly or if early orthodontic