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5 DIY Hacks For Adult Braces

Are you on the path to a straighter, healthier smile? Every patient has a different timeline, but typically it takes up to 12 months to refine. That’s 12 months of perfecting tricks, hacks, and all the tips in between. Here’s a list of our best hacks from both patients and professionals!

Water picks are lifesavers. Dentists recommend pics over dental floss for every patient, but especially when you have braces.
Download a mirror app. Food can get stuck in both your teeth and braces. But having a mirror always on hand — or on your phone — makes it easy for you to check for left-behind crumbs.
Fix wires with a tweezer. Wires can slip out of place very easily. Instead of heading to your orthodontist, slide the wire back into place with a tweezer.
Consume non-staining foods and drinks. Even healthy foods like berries can stain your teeth, and the seeds can get stuck in your brackets. Steer clear of stain-causing, acidic foods for more confidence while you’re at work or out with friends.
Have warm water and salt ready. If your mouth is every sore, rinse with 2 tablespoons of warm, salt water.

Up to 12 months with braces can seem like a lifetime for both teens and adults. However, keep in mind that this orthodontic treatment is often the best way to fine-tune your smile!

If you’re interest in braces, contact Speaks Orthodontics today! At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, [...]

3 Reasons Why NOW Is The Best Time To Start Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen treatment can be started at any time during the year. However, we think there’s never been a better time then right now! Here are three reasons why you should pick up the phone and schedule a consultation for your teen:
Appointment Flexibility
At Speaks Orthodontics, we’re always available for our patients (even if it’s an emergency on the weekend!). We know how crazy life can become, but we don’t want you to forget about your smile. This is why we work hard to schedule appointments that accommodate our patients hectic, daily lives!
Become Accustomed
Invisalign Teen isn’t as complicated as traditional braces, but the aligner system does take some getting used to. The aligners are custom-made so that your teeth move in specific stages. How many stages is based off the duration of your treatment, which will be discussed during your consultation. Now that we’ve said goodbye to summer vacations and the rest of the seasons mini trips, you and your teen have the time to sit down after school and go over anything and everything about this orthodontic treatment option.

Check out our website to learn more about Invisalign Teen.
Adjust Hygiene Habits
The summer is a busy time — with all those sleepovers and road trips, it’s easy to let your oral hygiene routine fall the the waist side. Now that school’s back in session, your teen can get back into the groove of things (i.e. brushing and flossing for two minutes, twice a day). This is also a great time to clean your aligner — kill two birds with one stone!

It’s time to start your journey towards a straighter smile with Invisalign Teen. And the experienced team at Speaks Orthodontics [...]

Labor Day Weekend Events in Denver

Even if Denver’s heat feels otherwise, this weekend is the unofficial end to our summer. If you’re looking for some ways to celebrate, we have four of the best happenings in the state!

First Friday Art Walk @ the Art District on Sante Fe
Kick your Labor Day weekend off at the Art District’s First Friday Art Walk.

A Taste Of Colorado @ the Civic Center Park
This foodie celebration is your chance to sample food and drinks from some of the best restaurants in town. It’s free to attend A Taste Of Colorado, but not to sample, so we suggest bringing some extra cash!

Colorado State Fair @ the Colorado State Fairgrounds
The last weekend of the Colorado State Fair also happens to land on the unofficial last weekend of summer (convenient, right?). This State Fair is one of the largest professional rodeos in the country, with live music, arts and crafts, and so much more. Check out their website to find out more about the schedule and prices.

Frozen: The Broadway-Bound Musical @ Buell Theatre
Disney’s hit movie Frozen is making its pre-broadway debut, featuring more music and incredible talent. But hurry, this Disney hit is only in our neck of the woods for a limited time! Admission starts at $30.

From everyone at Speaks Orthodontics, we hope you enjoy your long, Labor Day weekend!

At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.
For more tips on everything from braces to your oral health, connect with us on social [...]

Back To School Snacks For Our Patients

Time to figure out what to put in those lunch boxes! You want to add some snacks that your kids will think are yummy, but are also healthy, and tooth-friendly. From the crunchy, chewy, salty and sweet, here are some fresh solutions for a brand new school year.

Yogurt
Yogurt is a great substitution for pudding. This snack is packed with probiotics that can help heal mouth sores, get rid of bad bacteria, and promote healthy gums.

Whole Grain Pita Chips and Hummus
Instead of packing buttery popcorn, add whole grain pita or vegetables with hummus instead. Popcorn can damage your children’s teeth, with or without braces, and can even lead to tooth decay.

String Cheese
Cheese is great for your child’s teeth. It helps cut down on plaque growth, and boosts their enamel, which makes their mouth stronger.

Fresh Fruit
Put the fruit cups and dried fruit snacks down! They contain high amounts of sugar that can live on your little ones chompers and erode their tooth enamel. Fresh fruit like apples and pears on the other hand, have high water content, which counteracts the fruits sugar.

Flavored Water
We know water tastes bland and boring to kids, but keep the fruit juice out of their lunch box! Fruit juice may be their favorite, but it has more concentrated sugar than eating fresh fruit. Add a naturally-flavored, sugar-free water alternative — or a packet for them to DIY at the lunch table.

Do you have braces? If you need help finding the right food options, check out our blog, Food For Braces, or call Speaks Orthodontics at (303) 292-1780 — we’d be more than happy to help!

At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve [...]

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    It’s Not Just Braces! Different Types Of Orthodontic Treatment

It’s Not Just Braces! Different Types Of Orthodontic Treatment

When people think of braces, they think of a mouth filled with metal “train tracks.” However, the options today include improvements in appearance, comfort, and results. Besides stainless steel, consider these other types of orthodontic treatment.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a strong, budget-friendly option for patients who want to fix their teeth without the obvious look of braces. A durable, white ceramic material is used as the brackets — instead of metal.

Lingual Braces
This treatment is well-known as the “incognito treatment.” Lingual braces are placed on the tongue-side surface of the teeth. This option is great for people who play wind instruments, athletes, or any other child or adult patient who wants their treatment to go undetected.

Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)
TAD’s are a miniature implant placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. They’re used to aid in moving teeth in a difficult direction, as well as preventing unwanted side-effects of tooth movement.

Invisalign
Invisalign utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners that sequentially align your smile. He clear trays are hardly visible when worn and can be removed to eat and perform your daily oral hygiene routine.

If you’re interest in one of these orthodontic treatments, contact Speaks Orthodontics today! At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.

Should You Brush Or Floss First?

It’s one of the most common questions dental patients ask: “Which comes first, brushing or flossing?” And the answer is one of the biggest debates for professionals. In our opinion, it makes no difference, as long as you do a thorough job — after all, it only takes four minutes out of your day!

Tip #1:

Choose a toothbrush that has a grip on the handle, a head small enough to clean all the hard to reach places, and soft bristles so you don’t damage your gums.

Tip #2:

Only pull 18-24 inches of dental floss from the dispenser. However, If you have difficulty using classic floss, there are plenty of other options we well (i.e. special brushes, picks, or sticks).

Tip #3:

Use plaque disclosing tablets to determine if you’re brushing and flossing properly! Red dye will stain plaque that has not been removed, showing you areas that need additional cleaning.

For more information on how to properly brush and floss your teeth, visit www.ada.org. For more tips and tricks when it comes to your oral care, check out our blog!

Contact us today to find out how Dr. Speaks can help you gain a straighter, healthier smile. At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.

4 Tips to Simplify Your First 3 Days With Braces

“Will braces cause any pain or discomfort?” Since your body is not used to your braces, you may feel a mild amount of soreness for the first few days. This is to be expected! But there are ways to help the pain! Here are our four go-to tips to help patients during this time.

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Until your body gets used to having metal in its mouth, the salt-water will help soothe the sore spots in your mouth.

2. Cut food into small pieces. Most of your distress will come from trying to eat with braces. Cutting your food smaller limits the amount of time your checks rub up against your braces — it’ll also limit broken brackets as well!

3. Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water helps keep moisture and saliva in your mouth. This extra moisture keeps your braces from hurting your checks.

4. Use orthodontic wax. This special wax softens the places that hurt the most in your mouth. Bonus: you can even sleep overnight with the wax in place — there’s no need to not get a good night’s rest!

We hope these tips help! But if you’re in pain at any point during your treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a call! At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.

Rubber Band Horoscopes: What Your Color Says About You

Are you able to decorate your mouth with colorful rubber bands? Whether you selected a color at random, or you strategically planned it around a special event in your life, there’s way more meaning behind your decision than you may think. Here’s what each color says about you.

Which Color Represents You?

Red. You’re very emotionally intense. You’re aggressive which leads you to be forward-thinking in every aspect of your life and you’re not afraid to be aggressive.
Blue. Blue means you’re very cool, calm, and collected. Your laid back nature helps you deal with situations better than most people.
Green. Green represents growth and balance. You’re level-headed and look for opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Purple. This color attracts creative energies. You like to have fun and use your imagination in every aspect of your life.
Orange. Orange means you’re a very optimistic person. You thrive in social settings, your communication skills prompts you to get along with just about anyone.
White. White is associated with light, good, and purity. You tend to be a perfectionist, and appreciate the simplicity in life.

Can’t decide on just one color? You can alternate colors! Use your favorite sports team or holiday as inspiration. If you have any additional questions about your oral health, or if you’re ready to start down the path to a straighter, healthier smile, please contact Speaks Orthodontics. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.

Why Should You Choose A Board Certified Orthodontist?

Finding the right person to take care of your smile is important. Board certified orthodontists offer the highest level of dental care. Only 5% of dentists are orthodontists and only 1% have completed their board certification exams, making them Board Certified Orthodontists (like Dr. Speaks, at Speaks Orthodontics!). Who’s taking care of your smile?
How Do You Choose A Board Certified Orthodontist?
1. Obtain a list of local orthodontists in your area.

You can attain this from your dentist, family, friends, and even online. Once you have your list, narrow it down further by searching for local board certified orthodontists on the Board Certified Orthodontist Locator — they have extra training, and are recognized and accredited by the ADA.

2.Research your options.

Triple check that your top choices are in the Board Certified Orthodontist Locator, and that they’re orthodontic specialists and not dentists. Don’t forget to view the doctor’s website and read all of their reviews.

3. Meet for a consult.

Ask questions. Discuss recommendations and treatment options. Review costs, insurance coverage, and available payment plans. You want to make sure you’re receiving the best care at an affordable price!

If you have any additional questions about Speaks Orthodontics or how Dr. Speaks can help you gain a straighter, healthier smile, please contact us today! At Speaks Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, friendly, modern environment. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at 303-292-1780. We’re conveniently located just minutes from downtown Denver, LoDo, LoHi, Wheatridge, Edgewater, Lakewood, and Arvada.

5 Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign

Looking to improve your smile? Invisalign is one of the top treatments in the orthodontic industry. Here are five of the top questions our patients ask during their Invisalign consultation.

1.What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign are virtually invisible aligners custom-made for you. Your treatment plan determined by your orthodontist will determine how many aligner trays are needed throughout the course of your treatment.

2.What is the treatment process?

The length of the treatment process depends on the patient, but typically it takes around 12 months. Find an experienced doctor for a consultation to ensure you’re getting the best treatment available. You will have to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day — only remove them when you’re eating, brushing, or flossing!

3.How do I take care of my aligners?

Make sure you have your aligner case on you every day, so no germs or bacteria can get on it while you take it off. You can either by the Invisalign Cleaning system or clean your aligners by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

4.What if I’ve already had orthodontic treatment before?

You won’t be the first Invisalign patient to have previously had braces. Many people experience shifting after their braces are removed and don’t want to put metal back in their mouth! Consult your dentist to determine if Invisalign is best for you.

5.What happens after treatment?

No matter what orthodontic treatment you receive, we will always recommend wearing a retainer after treatment. This will decrease the chance of your teeth gradually shifting back towards their initial position.

If you have any additional questions about your oral health, or if you’re ready to start down the path to a straighter, healthier smile, please contact Speaks Orthodontics. [...]