ASK DR. K: When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

When should kids first visit an orthodontist?  While braces are a familiar sight on middle schoolers, it Is important to meet with an orthodontist well before then.  In this video, Dr. Kraus answers questions about why an early consultation is important and what situations benefit from early correction. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that…

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces

Brushing and flossing your teeth has always been crucial to oral health, as each task works to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. While these can be effective practices with the right technique, general oral care becomes a little more difficult with metal braces in the picture. As such, brushing and flossing become all…

Metal vs Clear Braces

A few different options exist when it comes to straightening your teeth. Two very prominent options that are available at Kraus Orthodontics are traditional metal braces and clear braces. Although the term clear braces is often mistaken with Invisalign, it is more closely related to metal braces and is often referred to as ceramic braces.…

Orthodontic FAQ

Orthodontics can be an intimidating procedure to go through and it often provokes a mountain of questions. Even the word “orthodontics” can seem difficult to define. Simply put, it’s the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws.  This includes the infamous metal braces, but may also utilize retainers, Invisalign, or other appliances.  Oftentimes, questions…

What To Do If You Lose Your Retainer

If you had braces and now have a retainer to help maintain the alignment of your teeth, losing your retainer can cause you a lot of trouble. For people who just got their braces off, retainers are incredibly important to maintain the months (or years) of work it took to achieve straight teeth. Having a…

How to Take Care of Your Braces While Traveling

When vacations come around, remember the importance of maintaining proper care of your braces. Travel can make it difficult to keep up with oral hygiene, but not impossible. You can still practice good dental hygiene while traveling to properly take care of your braces.  Because braces require special care, be sure to carry the essentials…

3 Braces Friendly Recipes to Sink Your Teeth Into

Braces can make it hard to eat many foods. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes that can make foods easier to eat that typically give you trouble when wearing braces. These braces friendly recipes were designed to improve your eating experience and give you alternatives to foods that can be hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy.…

Why It’s Never too Late for Orthodontic Treatment

More adults are pursuing orthodontic treatment than ever before. Many are realizing not just the cosmetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, but also the many oral health benefits it provides. For example, properly aligned teeth will reduce your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and even certain systemic health problems. So for those who might have…

Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Many in their lifetime will undergo removal of their wisdom teeth. These teeth tend to emerge in early adulthood, several years after the other adult teeth.  As such, they can create a lot of problems as they emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth are a fairly common complication, and when not treated promptly, they can cause serious…

Common Bite Issues

A variety of common bite issues exist that may affect both your oral health and the cosmetics of your smile. You’ve probably heard of overbites and underbites, but there are many more bite issues that can occur in children and adults. Fortunately, most bite issues are totally treatable with orthodontic treatment. In any case, we…