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While we aim to floss every day, braces can get in the way of a good clean. Even though flossing with braces can be a bit more challenging, it’s an important step in your dental hygiene routine that can’t be skipped. Without flossing, you’re susceptible to infections, tooth decay, and tooth loss — you could even damage your braces! In this blog, we’ll highlight the best practices for flossing with braces, including: Why you need to floss with braces Proper flo... Read More

Invisalign is becoming an increasingly popular form of corrective dentistry among orthodontists and their patients. In fact, roughly 10% of patients at Parris Orthodontics are choosing Invisalign as their preferred straightening method. In this blog, we’ll address these four frequently asked questions surrounding Invisalign so you can decide if it’s the right treatment option for you: How does Invisalign work? How long does treatment take? How much does Invisalign cost? Doe... Read More

No matter if you’re a freshman in high school or a 30-something with a corporate job, everyone deserves a beautiful, straight smile. One of the best orthodontic treatments that will provide you with real, lasting results is braces. While many patients get braces during their teenage years, there are plenty of adults today that are correcting their smiles. In this blog, we’ll discuss common questions about the best age to get braces and the differences in braces treatments for teen... Read More

Bite problems are a common occurrence in patients requiring orthodontic care. These dental anomalies occur when the top and bottom teeth don’t fit together properly, and can cause medical issues down the road if they go untreated. Due to genetics and common teeth-shifting habits, there are multiple types of bite problems that orthodontists regularly see. In this blog, we’ll explain and discuss treatment for the four most common bite problems: Overbite Underbite Crossbite... Read More

If you're wondering if a night guard can help straighten your smile, the short answer is, sadly, no. You may be thinking of removable mouth trays, known as aligners, that can help straighten teeth over time. However, night guards are not designed to work the same way that aligners do.  Although night guards cannot help straighten teeth, they can prevent issues such as:  Teeth grinding Jaw tension and pain Headaches Snoring Teeth Grinding Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism... Read More

While your braces are in the process of giving you a beautiful, straight smile, you may be wondering — can I still whiten my teeth while I have braces? You’ll be happy to know that yes, you can use different whitening treatments to keep the exposed areas of your pearly whites nice and bright. The most effective whitening treatments for people with braces are: Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash Electric toothbrushes Whitening gels Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash No matter ... Read More

Most craniofacial anomalies are fairly common and treatable occurrences, with the minority being more severe cases. Keep reading to find out the most common craniofacial anomalies, what causes them, and how they can be fixed. What are Craniofacial Anomalies? Craniofacial anomalies are deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones. These abnormalities are present at birth and there are many variations in location and severity. Some craniofacial anomalies can be associated with other a... Read More

A Guide on Cleft Palate Curious about cleft palate or looking for the best course of treatment? Read our guide on cleft palate and discover more about this common craniofacial anomaly.  What is a Cleft Palate? Cleft palate and cleft lip are openings or splits in the upper lip, roof of the mouth (palate), or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects, and usually occur as isolated incidents. However, they can be associated with other inherited genetic conditi... Read More

How to Reduce Gum Swelling with Braces Swelling and pain in your gums is not a pleasant thing to endure. While it is relatively common, it is also easy to fix. We will go through the causes, how to treat gum swelling with braces, and prevention options in this article. Causes of Gum Swelling with Braces There are a number of reasons why your gums could possibly swell with braces. Some are normal, and some may require treatment from your dentist or orthodontist. Movement of Teeth Swollen gums ... Read More

What To Do When Your Spacers Hurt Wearing braces is a common way to straighten your teeth. However, before you can get your braces, your teeth have to be prepped for them. You do this usually by getting spacers. Read on to learn more about spacers and what to do if they start to hurt. What Are Spacers? Braces consist of brackets that are cemented to the front of your teeth and hardware that fits around your back teeth like a band. In order for these metal bands to fit around your teeth, you n... Read More

If you recently had braces put on or tightened, you may have experienced some increased gum sensitivity.  Unfortunately, gum pain is relatively common for those who wear braces.  While uncomfortable, there’s no need to be alarmed or worried if you start to notice a little bit of swelling and discomfort while wearing your braces. Most patients say that pain comes as a result of wearing traditional metal braces, but clear aligners like Invisalign can also cause a little bit of ... Read More

Teeth grinding can be a painful and frustrating problem. Most people grind their teeth a little bit from time to time, but if you’re a chronic teeth grinder, then you’re familiar with the associated ache and discomfort. Once you’re able to determine whether or not you grind your teeth, you might be interested in using a retainer or a nightguard to soothe the problem. However, there are some key differences between the two appliances that you should consider b... Read More

If you have ever considered investing in braces, you’ve probably wondered if they are worth the price tag. Although braces may seem expensive, the results of wearing braces far outweigh the price. In fact, braces may soon become one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your oral health and self-confidence. So, are braces worth it? The answer is yes. We are here to tell you why. Who can wear braces? Are you too young or old to wear braces? The truth is, patients of almost ... Read More

Invisalign has been a revolution in the world of braces. For years, the only option to getting a straight smile was through metal braces, which are very noticeable. Now, you can get straight teeth in a much more discreet fashion. Contact us Why should I choose Invisalign? With many teeth-straightening remedies on the market, it can become overwhelming to understand which solution may be best for you. Fortunately, our team is here to provide you with all the information you may need to make t... Read More

The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist If you’re looking into getting Invisalign treatment for yourself or a loved one, you may be wondering whether your dentist or an orthodontist is more prepared to take on your individual case. It’s important for patients to be aware of their options when it comes to having oral treatment procedures. It’s also important to choose the right professional when it comes to dental procedures.  What are the similarities betwe... Read More

Guide to Braces & Sports Parents and children may worry about the safety of wearing braces while staying active. However, it’s quite common for children and teens to continue participating in sports and other activities even while wearing braces. Although questions and concerns exist, there are several tips and tricks to safely wearing braces while playing sports.    Mouthguards for Braces Wearing a mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to prevent injuries while wearing b... Read More

Smile. Love. Serve.- Cleft Awareness Event In honor of July being Cleft Awareness Month, Parris Orthodontics is sponsoring a free event called Smile. Love. Serve. on Saturday, July 20, 2019. Smile. Love. Serve. is for families with cleft children, bring them together to be a voice and to educate others. The event will be held at Menagerie Farms in Collierville from 9 am to 12 pm.  Bring the whole family for a morning of fun as we celebrate those with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other C... Read More

Choosing the Right Orthodontist Choosing an orthodontist can be a difficult decision, especially when multiple options are available. There are many things to put into consideration while picking the best orthodontist for you. Team Experience While choosing an office of individuals to examine your health, it is always important to be sure they have credible experience. You never want employees who are unqualified to be working and giving advice on your health. It is important to always know ... Read More

Why adults get braces For multiple reasons, many adults question whether or not they should get braces. Perhaps they fear that their age could be a determining factor. However, adult braces are very popular in the U.S. Adults may get braces for many reasons, and orthodontists are here to help them. Straight Teeth Although many people get braces to straighten their teeth in their earlier years of life, some adults might have missed the opportunity to get braces when they were younger. Luckil... Read More

What causes cleft palate? Craniofacial anomalies like cleft lip or cleft palate typically develop during pregnancy as a result of tissues which do not fully combine during developmental stages. Cleft lip and cleft palate are genetic, but they can also be the result of drug usage or exposure to viruses or illness during pregnancy, and other factors. Cleft palates develop when the tissues that are formed to create the roof of the mouth and lip do not properly combine, resulting in a split betwe... Read More

Who can wear Invisalign? Who is a candidate for Invisalign depends on many factors, but most people would benefit from the use of Invisalign treatment. Based on the number of individuals we see in our office on a daily basis, we would even suggest as many as ninety-five percent of individuals who would like to see a straighter, healthier smile could benefit from the use of Invisalign. Who is Invisalign suited for? Invisalign is suited for adults and teens who want a more radiant and beautif... Read More

We’re often asked, “Which braces are the best?” And the truth is, there is no right answer to this question. The type of braces your orthodontist will recommend and fit depend largely on your budget, style, and personal preferences. There are pros and cons to all types of braces, but one thing you can be sure of - if you are fitted for braces by an orthodontist, you can expect results and a beautiful smile. Types of Braces Clear and traditional braces are the most common typ... Read More

Can I eat Halloween candy with braces? No one wants to miss out on Halloween fun, and for many, costumes and candy are what make the holiday so enjoyable. At Parris Ortho, we recommend all children and adults limit their intake of sweet, crunchy, chewy, and gooey foods, since enjoying too much of these can lead to bacteria growth and infections as well as cavities and tooth decay. If you’re planning to enjoy a few treats at Halloween, but are curious to know which foods to avoid if you ... Read More

Should You Use DIY Braces Kits? Millions of Americans wear braces. From traditional metal braces to clear retainers like Invisalign, braces offer a safe solution to closing gaps, preventing crowding, and more. For some, DIY braces kits may be a tempting solution to spacing, gaps, and other issues, but are they really safe and effective? There are many reasons to avoid DIY braces kits as an alternative to braces applied by a licensed orthodontist. From health concerns to return on investment, ... Read More

While there is no ideal time for your child to get braces, there is a period of time when your child will be a good candidate. This varies, based on a number of factors, such as the severity of the case, the extent of treatment needed, the status of the teeth currently in the mouth, and more. When Should My Child Start Seeing an Orthodontist? It is usually recommended that your child get an orthodontic evaluation by the time they are around seven years old. During the orthodontic screening, ... Read More

It used to be that braces were mainly for teenagers and children. Now, braces are for everyone, even adults. With a wide selection of different types of braces available and ever-changing technology, it is easier than ever for adults to get that beautiful, straight smile they have always wanted. Contact us Types of Braces Conventional Braces Conventional braces are the traditional way to go when straightening your teeth. You can get traditional metal braces or opt for more discreet clear br... Read More

Flossing is an essential component of any dental hygiene routine, but for those with braces, flossing is absolutely necessary to prevent bacterial growth and infections that lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. While flossing with braces can be slightly more challenging than flossing without, it’s still possible to incorporate a dental hygiene plan that prevents plaque and tartar buildup into your busy morning routine. Contact us Guide to Flossing with Braces How often should I floss wit... Read More

Hacks and Tricks for Braces If you’ve always dreamed of having a beautiful smile, braces are the most effective way of achieving your very own. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign, there are a variety of options to fit your budget and your preferences. Today’s braces are both affordable and virtually painless, but there are a few things to keep in mind when undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, including the importance of brushing and flossing multiple times a day... Read More