Blog

How does wisdom tooth removal affect orthodontic care?

The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at Hablinski & Chen Orthodontics is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially known as

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Post-Braces Care: Wear your retainer!

Many patients underestimate the importance of wearing their retainers after their braces come off, but it is one of the most critical post care practices to keep your teeth in alignment. Why spend all that time, energy, and money to straighten your teeth when you don’t plan to keep them straightened after treatment? What is a retainer? As

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St. Patrick's Day: Celtic pride, green shamrocks, and lucky charms!

“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” Adrienne Cook Lucky green shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold – it must be St. Patrick’s Day! If you’re not Irish, how do you go about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? It’s easy: You just put on one of those tall

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Don't brush after EVERY meal!

This may come as a surprise, but brushing your teeth right after a meal can be one of the worst things you can do for your healthy teeth. A toothbrush can be considered an assault weapon against your smile if used immediately after eating certain foods. Enamel is like the tooth’s shield. It is a hard mineral exterior

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How to Properly Store Your Toothbrush

Have you ever thought about how you’re cleaning and storing your toothbrush when you’re not using it? Did you know that the way you store your toothbrush could have an affect on your oral health? In this post, we’ll look at some steps you can take to maximize toothbrush cleanliness and minimize bacteria. Below are some tips from

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Getting to the Bottom of Chewing Gum Myths

It’s a moment many of our patients have experienced. One second you’re chewing on a piece of gum, then suddenly you forget to keep chewing and swallow the entire rubbery gob whole! It’s at this point you remember your mother warning you as a child that if you swallow gum it will stake a claim and take up

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