When it comes to teeth-straightening treatments, traditional braces and clear aligners typically are the only services that get any attention. After all, the former is one of the most tried-and-true approaches and the latter is incredibly discreet. So, many patients are often surprised when their orthodontist recommends self-ligating braces. What are they? What do they look like? How do they differ from traditional orthodontics? You can learn the answers to all of these questions and more right here!

To achieve the smile of your dreams, there are some short-term (and minor) adjustments you need to make with braces, like avoiding hard, crunchy, and chewy foods that can increase your risk of experiencing an orthodontic emergency. Of course, no matter how much research you do before beginning treatment, it’s normal to run into some surprises, like swollen gums. Don’t worry – this is a very common symptom. To learn more about the causes and what you can do to keep your oral health in pristine condition, read on!