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.

Signs you need braces

Parents, we know you want the best for your child! Whether your child still has a smile full of baby teeth, or their permanent teeth have made an appearance, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I know if my child needs braces?” It can be tricky to identify orthodontic problems on your own, before you get...

teen girl holds invisalign tray while learning the Invisalign process step by step

Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they hit the market in the 90’s and have stayed a favorite since! In fact, there’s been an increase in their popularity among teens and adults since 2020. With these clear aligners offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder there’s 1.6 million...

Pictured (l to r): Chloe, Fabiola, Karen Matsumoto, and Dr. Ken Matsumoto, DMD, MS, ABO   WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, April 20, 2023 – Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, a leading orthodontics practice, is proud to announce its opening in Wilmington, NC. To celebrate this occasion, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March...

A girl having some organic refreshments with a friend: what drinks are bad for your teeth?

If you often find stains on your teeth, yellowing on your teeth, or even start to notice a cavity appearing, you may be wondering why and how this keeps happening.  Sometimes the beverages you drink can be to blame! But what drinks are bad for your teeth? And what can be done to stop discoloration...

Boy happy with his orthodontist consult

Before you see a health specialist, you typically need a doctor referral from your primary care provider or family doctor. So does that apply to orthodontists too? Spoiler alert: No, you do not need a dentist referral to begin your orthodontic journey. Nothing has to stand in the way of your beautiful new smile! You...

Teenage boy with missing molars

When you’re missing multiple teeth, your first thought may be to go the route of dental implants to gain back your smile. While dental implants are a quick way to replace missing teeth, they’re also a permanent solution. Meaning, once they’re in, they can’t be moved during orthodontic treatment like natural teeth.  So if you’re...

Funny girl celebrating pediatric dental health month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our team are using this month as an opportunity to educate our patients, social media followers, parents and children on oral health. We want to promote good dental hygiene habits that support healthy smiles for a lifetime!  According to the CDC, 1...

Girl pointing at her extra teeth growing in her gums

If you have extra teeth growing in your gums, or you notice your child has extra teeth growing behind their baby teeth, you probably have a few questions! “Hyperdontia” (excessive teeth) can be alarming and concerning if you aren’t familiar with this condition. For people who have extra teeth growing in their gums, what are...