Blog

When most people think about braces, they picture straighter teeth and a more confident smile. But one question we frequently hear is: Can braces actually change the way your face looks? The answer is that orthodontic treatment can influence facial appearance, particularly the smile and how the lips are supported. However, the amount of change depends on your

Traveling with braces or aligners is easier when you plan for the essentials: your cleaning supplies, your treatment schedule, and a way to reach your orthodontic team. Whether you’re leaving for a weekend or an extended vacation, preparation can help you maintain your routine away from home. At Parker Wentz Orthodontics in Lubbock and Seminole, TX, we help

If you notice small bumps on your teeth after getting braces, you may wonder why they are there—and why your teeth suddenly do not fit together the way they did before. These bumps are often called bite turbos or bite blocks. They temporarily change where your teeth touch to protect your braces or create clearance for planned tooth

Yes—most musicians can continue playing their instruments with braces. Wind and brass players may need time to adjust, particularly when braces are first placed. Your instrument, orthodontic appliance, and performance schedule all deserve a place in the treatment conversation. For a student who has spent months preparing for an audition or earning a spot in the school band,

Brackets and wires move teeth, but they do not always provide every force needed to correct how the upper and lower teeth fit together. That is where orthodontic rubber bands—also called elastics—may become part of treatment. Elastics are small, removable bands that connect selected teeth or parts of an orthodontic appliance. They apply a carefully directed force that

When braces come off, most patients hope to see a straight, healthy smile. Some families worry about seeing pale or chalky areas where the brackets used to be. These areas are often called white-spot lesions, and many can be prevented with careful daily habits and regular professional care. Braces themselves do not bleach, stain, or permanently mark the