2017 -

December 23, 2017January 22, 2024

Braces are Not Only for the Young, but for the Young of Heart

Braces are often associated with the image of children getting their teeth fixed in middle or high school, trying to achieve their ideal self-image and impress their peers with their stunning smiles. It is common to hear people later in life claim they’re too old for braces. But contrary to popular belief, braces are not specific to one age group.

There is never a wrong time to work on boosting your self-confidence by taking care of your appearance and correcting things you may have felt self-conscious about your whole life. This can contribute to improving your overall mental health.

Invisalign®

For any patient that would prefer a subtler change in their smile, Wright Orthodontics offers Invisalign®. These invisible aligners can do just as much as braces without drawing the same amount of attention. Individually designed to fit your mouth, this product can correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, tooth gaps, and crooked teeth. It can also be taken out for eating and drinking, allowing your teeth to remain cleaner.

Most insurance policies cover Invisalign® and do not require patients to be a specific age to take advantage of their full benefits. The treatment process is simple, painless, and our office works to ensure your comfort is met every step of the way.

Image/Self-esteem

Invisalign® is only one of the many options we offer to help improve your overall self-image. We also provide tooth extraction and whitening for patients that may need it. We utilize the best of teeth whitening products with the Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System. The hour-long process is relatively short in comparison to others and can brighten your smile by up to eight shades.

Our staff understands that taking care of yourself applies to every age group, and we enjoy helping our patients boost their self-confidence. If you’re interested in feeling younger at heart and improving your overall well-being, please contact either our Marietta or Atlanta, Georgia office to schedule your appointment today.

December 15, 2017January 22, 2024

New Year, New Smile

Most people think of a dental office as having to do with braces or fixing a dental problem, but here at Wright Orthodontics we take our passion to helping build patients’ self-confidence one step further. The Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System was developed to help patients achieve a stunning level of brightness with their smile.

Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System

This renowned teeth whitening system is a popular choice for patients looking for a quick and dramatic change to their smile. It is safe and pain free and is designed to provide the best possible results for our patients. We offer in-office treatments, or we can fit you for trays to take home.

Treatment process

This system was designed to remove stains and whiten tooth enamel with a bleaching gel that is activated by UV light. The whitening process takes up to an hour, after which your teeth can become up to eight shades lighter. Cheek retractors and cotton rolls will be used in the mouth to ensure the safest possible treatment process, so we suggest bringing Chapstick to help with dry lips. Don’t be afraid to request a cleaning beforehand as this will improve your overall results!

The treatment process is developed by analyzing the color of your teeth, the level of their sensitivity, and how quickly you want the process completed. This process is perfect for patients looking for a quick fix in time for an upcoming photo opportunity. For events such as birthday parties, graduations, job interviews, and weddings, teeth whitening can help you achieve that picture-perfect smile in no time.

If you’re looking to better your smile and improve your overall self-confidence, schedule an appointment by contacting our Marietta or Atlanta, Georgia office today. Our staff is ready to help you achieve your dream smile.

November 29, 2017January 22, 2024

Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

One of the most popular alternatives to braces, Invisalign®, gets its name from the fact that it is practically invisible on the teeth. Because Dr. Marc S. Wright is an Invisalign® provider, we put this article together to provide patients with a better understanding of how this product can work for them.

How Invisalign® works

Each aligner of Invisalign® is custom made to fit the teeth of the patient and is used to slowly push and pull the teeth back into a predesigned place. Each set of aligner trays is worn for two weeks before being switched out to another to continue the process of fixing the teeth. The aligners themselves are made from a smooth and clear material to make the product discrete and unnoticeable to others.

Treatment process

Invisalign® is used to treat a number of dental issues such as crooked or gapped teeth. It is used to straighten and correct teeth in a way that is subtler than braces and was designed to be removed. This makes it easier to keep your teeth clean while eating and drinking and is perfect for people who prefer an easier treatment process that doesn’t interfere as much with their day-to-day activities.

Difference between Invisalign® and braces

While both braces and Invisalign® can handle simple and complex cases, only Invisalign® does so while remaining virtually invisible. Invisalign® is designed with material that provides a more controllable path for teeth movements. It prevents injuries that can be sustained from wires and sharp brackets as well as general pain. Patients of Invisalign® have reported that it is easier to see results after each stage in comparison to braces.

For patients with issues ranging from overbites to crooked teeth, Invisalign® can be a more appealing alternative to braces that could crowd the mouth and call attention to dental problems. Dr. Marc S. Wright is exceptionally experienced with this treatment process, and our offices in Marietta and Atlanta, Georgia will help you remain comfortable and well taken care of. If you’re looking to improve your dental health or correct a problem to improve your self-confidence, our offices are happy to help. Please contact us to schedule your appointment today.

November 15, 2017January 22, 2024

What are the Most Common Orthodontic Problems Doctors See?

Dr. Marc S. Wright is a renowned orthodontist and experienced in a variety of dental issues that stem from the teeth and jaw. The most common issues treated at Wright Orthodontics are described below.

Abnormal eruption

Humans have both a temporary and permanent dentition that are more commonly known as baby and permanent teeth. Normal dentition would include having your baby teeth fall out and be replaced by, what we call, erupting permanent teeth within the span of a few months. An abnormal eruption is when the permanent tooth grows in the wrong place. This can be corrected through extraction, or by placing a type of orthodontic wire to move the tooth into the proper position.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a misalignment of the front or back teeth (or both) and if it is left uncorrected it can be detrimental to your health. Braces are a common tool to help fix this problem, but the type of which is dependent on the type of crossbite and how bad it is.

Crowding

Crowding is a common problem that occurs when there are too many teeth to fit in the mouth. This can cause failure of teeth to come through the gums and can cause severe pain to the patient. Depending on the cause of the crowding, treatment can either be extraction or braces.

Excessive spacing

Abnormally large spaces between teeth can be caused either by genetics or because the patient has missing teeth. Spacing should be corrected to prevent gum problems that stem from lack of protection and allow the teeth to function properly. For this particular problem, diastema braces are a common solution.

Overbite

An overbite is defined as when the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth. Depending on the severity of the condition, this can cause the teeth to cut into the roof of the mouth, which can lead to further health problems. Invisalign® is an increasingly popular selection for the treatment of this problem, but regular braces will work as well.

Underbite

This problem can be caused by genetics or childhood habits, and the results can include discomfort in the jaw and teeth as well as difficulty chewing. Treatment can be imperative to improving your self-confidence and overall mental health. Invisalign® is another popular treatment option for this problem.

If you’re interested in improving the quality of your dentition for health concerns that include your mental health, you should contact our highly trained staff of Wright Orthodontics to schedule your appointment today.

October 31, 2017January 22, 2024

Watch Out for The Sugar In Halloween Candy!

Braces in Atlanta and Marietta, GA During Halloween children eat more candy than they do all year. Candy is very hard on teeth and braces and should be avoided or reduced to guarantee the best orthodontic results.

How Candy Can Harm Your Orthodontic Work

The brackets, bands, and attachments that make up your braces are sensitive to force. There are different types of candy and many forms are hard and/or sticky. Hard candies can get stuck in parts of braces or cause damage to the teeth because of the force that is required to chew and break down the candy. At Wright Orthodontics it is quite common to repair braces that have chipped or popped off due to hard or sticky foods (most commonly candies).

What to Do to Maintain the Health of Your Teeth

Your braces are an investment, and you want to give them the best possible chance of improving your smile. Follow these tips to help maintain the health of your teeth:

Brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis
Avoid foods that could cause damage to your dental devices
Schedule regular dental appointments (even after orthodontic care)
Discuss with your orthodontist any concerns you have about treatment

It may be tough to avoid the foods you or your children love, but avoiding them will save you trouble in the long run and keep your teeth healthy and braces happy.

Wright Orthodontics encourages our patients in both Atlanta and Marietta, GA to avoid or limit candy consumption with braces to achieve the best results possible and maintain dental health. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a checkup.

October 23, 2017January 22, 2024

How Can Candy Damage Your Teeth and Braces?

If you have braces and regular sugar cravings you may find it hard to resist reaching for a candy bar from time to time. There are a number of recommended foods to avoid during braces treatment, and candy tops the list.

How Candy Can Damage Your Teeth

Candy is bad for your teeth, regardless of whether or not you have braces, but why? Candy is packed full of sugar, which is a carbohydrate. The bacteria that form on your teeth and cause tooth decay feed on carbohydrates. Tooth decay, enamel breakdown, and cavities can all result from eating too much candy. Braces make it hard to rid your teeth of the excess sugar in your mouth, which makes you more prone to dental issues.

You may also find your teeth stained after getting your braces removed if you eat candy. Candy yellows the teeth, and since the brackets for your braces protect a portion of each tooth; it is possible this section will be whiter when your braces are removed.

How Candy Can Damage Your Braces

The world is full of different types of candies, and many of them are hard and sticky. Biting through hard candy or sucking on sticky candy puts stress on your teeth and braces, making the braces, brackets, and bands on your teeth more prone to breakage.

It is very common for brackets and attachments to pop off under hard stress, requiring reattachment by your orthodontist. When your orthodontic devices break it also delays treatment, which can prolong the need to wear traditional braces.

Wright Orthodontics encourages our patients in both Atlanta and Marietta, GA to avoid eating candy with braces to achieve the best results possible and maintain dental health. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a checkup.

September 30, 2017January 22, 2024

Top Foods that Contribute to Bad Breath and What to Do About It

Suffering from bad breath? You may want to take a look at what you eat. Even if you have good dental hygiene, brush twice a day and floss once a day, you can still suffer from bad breath, and it could be a result of your diet.

What Causes Bad Breath?

The most common cause of bad breath, also called halitosis, is bacteria. Bacteria form from the residual food and dead cells left in the mouth after eating a meal. Brushing and flossing are very important and removing residual food particles and dead cells. It is also important to clean the tongue, as it is often overlooked when brushing and can contain contribute to bad breath.

Some foods, like coffee and garlic, can make your breath smell for hours due to the ingredients and compounds in them.

Garlic and onions – Garlic and onions top the list of foods that cause bad breath. The smelly sulfur compounds in both onions and garlic are absorbed into the bloodstream and are expelled when you exhale, causing bad breath.
Coffee and alcohol – Coffee and alcoholic drinks encourage oral bacteria growth, which can lead to bad breath. They can also dry out your mouth, reducing saliva creation. Less saliva means the smell-causing bacteria can live longer in your mouth.

There are some foods you can try to improve the smell of your breath, like water and gum.

Water – Water helps flush the mouth to free lodged food and encourage the production of saliva. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth of bacteria.
Sugarless gum – Chewing gum can loosen the food stuck in teeth and gums, and promote the production of saliva. In addition, sugar-free gum has a sweetener called xylitol, which is effective for inhibiting bacteria.

Possible Medical Conditions Causing Bad Breath

If you have improved your dental hygiene and diet, and still suffer from halitosis, it may be time to consult a doctor or dentist. Common health issues that cause halitosis include periodontal disease, xerostomia, and ketoacidosis.

Periodontal disease is a serious inflammation of the gums that can cause tooth and bone damage and causes bad breath.
Xerostomia is a condition of dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a buildup of acids in your blood caused by high blood sugar levels. These high blood sugar levels can cause a fruity breath smell.

Wright Orthodontics encourages patients in the Atlanta and Marietta areas to contact us with any questions or concerns about dental hygiene.

September 21, 2017January 22, 2024

Caring For Your Smile After Invisalign® Treatment

An Invisalign® treatment is a lifelong investment and should be cared for and protected as such. Caring for your retainer, brushing and flossing, as well as scheduling regular appointments with your dentist or orthodontist can help prolong your results and keep your smile bright.

Proper Retainer Care

Unfortunately, tending to your smile doesn’t end when your Invisalign® treatment is over. Wearing a retainer is imperative to maintaining your new and improved smile. You retainer keeps your teeth in place, but only if they are worn as frequently as instructed. Failure to wear a retainer means there is nothing to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position. In fact, it is this mistake that leads many people to seek Invisalign® treatment in the first place.

Many of our Invisalign® patients have had braces in the past, usually during adolescence, and neglected to wear their retainers, which allowed their teeth to shift back to their original positions, disrupting their smile. Invisalign® retainers are very similar to the aligners you wore during treatment and are typically only to be worn at night.

Since your retainer is such an important part of maintaining your smile, it should be cared for properly:

Replace your retainer every year. Retainers do more than holding your teeth in place. They protect your teeth from damage due to common issues like nighttime teeth grinding. For this reason, they do wear and should be replaced by your dentist every nine months to a year.
Clean your retainer every night. We recommend that you avoid cleaning your retainer with toothpaste, as toothpaste contains abrasives that could dull its finish and lead to a buildup of bacteria. The easiest way to clean a retainer is to purchase drop-in They are several brands that are made just for cleaning dental devices.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing are essential to keeping your teeth healthy. After an Invisalign® treatment, your gums will be more sensitive for a week or two. At this point in the treatment process your teeth have been protected by Invisalign® aligner trays for quite some time and may be sensitive to certain foods, food temperatures, and brushing and flossing.

When brushing and flossing during this period be sure to take extra care and avoid damage to your teeth and gums.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular dental checkups are important for everyone, but especially for Invisalign® patients. During these checkups, your dentist will inspect your smile to see that your teeth are staying put. If needed your dentist or orthodontist can make adjustments to your retainers. You will also receive replacement retainers at these appointments if your retainers begin to wear.

Wright Orthodontics encourages our patients in both Atlanta and Marietta, GA to stay on top of their post Invisalign® regimen to maintain their healthy new smile. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a checkup.