Blog

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it’s the perfect time to answer one of the most common (and very reasonable) parent questions we hear: When should my child see an orthodontist, and what actually happens at that first visit? If you’re imagining pressure to commit to braces, surprise treatment plans, or a rushed...

There’s something exciting about a brand-new year! New year, new goals, and that “fresh start” feeling we all love. A lot of us start the year with New Year’s resolutions that focus on fitness, routines, or organizing our spaces — all wonderful goals! But refreshing your smile routine can be just as impactful. At Matsumoto...

Choosing between braces and Invisalign® can already feel overwhelming — and for some patients, there may be more than two options to consider. The truth is, the best orthodontic treatment depends not only on your lifestyle preferences, but also on your bite, jaw structure, and long-term oral health. At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics in Wilmington,...

Hearing that you or your child may need jaw surgery can feel overwhelming — and trying to sort through the different types of expanders (RPE, MARPE, MSE) can be just as confusing.  At Matsumoto Orthodontics in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Matsumoto offers several types of palatal expanders designed for different ages and stages of development —...

Congrats on your beautiful new smile! You’ve finished treatment, your smile looks amazing, and now the next phase begins.  Whether you’ve been wearing your retainer for a week, or months now, you’ll probably wonder at some point: “How long do I actually have to wear my retainers?”  “Are retainers really necessary?” “What happens if I...

It’s that time again! October isn’t just pumpkin spice season… It’s Orthodontic Health Month and National Bullying Prevention Month — two very important reasons to raise awareness. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the power of a healthy smile: one that improves your health, boosts your confidence, and encourages you to spread kindness to those...

It’s hard to believe 2025 is almost over! As the holidays approach, so does another deadline you can’t afford to miss: your FSA funds. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), now’s the time to put those dollars to work — and what better investment than a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime? Most...

If you or your child has braces, you’ve probably heard about rubber bands (elastics). They’re an essential orthodontic appliance for many patients — and they’re not the same as the colorful ligatures that hold wires to brackets with traditional braces. Braces rubber bands help to move your teeth and correct problems with your bite. If...