Can Braces Fix an Underbite? What Seminole Families Should Know
If the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth closes, you or your child may have an underbite. Some underbites are primarily caused by tooth position, while others reflect a difference in how the upper and lower jaws have grown. That distinction matters because braces can correct many dental underbites, but
Broken Bracket or Poking Wire in Lubbock? What to Do
A broken bracket or poking wire can be uncomfortable—and it often seems to happen at the least convenient time. The good news is that most braces problems are not medical emergencies. They still deserve a prompt call to your orthodontist, however, because damaged appliances may irritate your mouth or interrupt the forces moving your teeth. If you are
Can Thumb Sucking Cause an Open Bite? What Lubbock Parents Should Know
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal ways for babies and young children to comfort themselves. For many children, the habit fades naturally and never creates a lasting orthodontic problem. When strong or frequent sucking continues as the teeth and jaws develop, however, it can begin to change the way the front teeth and bite fit together. One
Lost or Broken Retainer in Seminole, TX? What to Do Next
You finished active orthodontic treatment, received your retainer, and started enjoying your new smile—then the retainer disappeared, cracked, warped, or suddenly stopped fitting. It is frustrating, but it is also a common problem with a clear next step: contact your orthodontist promptly. Retainers help protect the tooth positions achieved through braces or clear aligners. Teeth can shift over
Ceramic Braces in Lubbock, TX: A More Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile
Many patients like the reliability of braces but would prefer a treatment option that does not stand out as much as traditional silver brackets. Ceramic braces—sometimes called clear braces—can provide that balance. They work much like metal braces while using brackets designed to blend more naturally with the teeth. At Parker Wentz Orthodontics, we offer several orthodontic options
Teen Braces in Seminole, TX: When Should Treatment Start?
If your child is entering the teen years, you may be wondering whether it is time for braces—or whether you have already waited too long. The reassuring answer is that there is no single perfect birthday for orthodontic treatment. The right time depends on which permanent teeth have erupted, how the teeth and jaws fit together, your teen’s