Blog

We’re all about patient education! Check back here for oral hygiene tips and important patient information to support you through your orthodontic transformation.

adult Eating out with braces

If you’re in orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign®, first of all, congratulations! We’re so excited for your life-changing journey. Now if you’re dining out at a new restaurant, you may be wondering what to look for and what to avoid on the menu. Your orthodontist Dr. Matsumoto and our team are here to help....

Braces for kids

Starting orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® for the first time is undeniably an adjustment!  If you recently scheduled your child’s free consultation and your child is feeling a bit nervous about what’s to come, or your child just started early intervention treatment and has some concerns about their new life with braces, we’re here...

adults take a bike ride on the beach after the Board-certified orthodontist in Wilmington (Porters Neck)

Choosing the right orthodontist is one of the most important parts of ensuring a successful smile transformation and achieving a smile that makes you proud to show off! After all, your orthodontist will be the architect turning your dream smile into a reality. Many people assume that all orthodontists have the same qualifications and all...

mother and daughter on the beach talk about Braces at age 7

Receiving an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7 may sound too young to some parents. After all, can a 7 year old get braces? Have all of their permanent teeth even erupted at this age? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic exam by the age of 7 to...

teen wearing lightforce braces after learning about Fake braces

If you stay current with pop culture and fashion trends, you’ve probably seen some form of “fake braces” lately. Artists like Coi Leray and Steve Lacy are sporting their fashion braces on stage, and Google searches for “fake braces” are spiking. Is it a good idea to get in on this trend? Are there risks...

bride on wedding day smiles after learning the fastest way to straighten teeth before wedding

It’s a dream come true! The love of your life has just proposed! You’re floating on cloud 9 as you look through the pictures and videos, your BFF captured of you and your future hubby’s special moment. But suddenly you find yourself wishing you had a smile as beautiful and radiant as your new engagement...

adult at the dentist for her teeth cleaning with braces

If you have BRIUS, braces or Invisalign, should you continue visiting your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings? Can your dentist even clean your teeth with braces on? Spoiler alert – YES it’s actually essential that you still visit your dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment! Here’s everything you need to know:   Before you...

son hugs dad after moving and switching orthodontists in the middle of treatment

So you’re in active orthodontic treatment at the halfway mark to your beautiful new smile. You’ve gotten to know your orthodontist and team, but suddenly, your family is moving. Maybe you’re in a military family (thank you for your service!) Or maybe mom or dad got a job opportunity in a new city. Whatever the...