Metal Braces vs Invisalign for Teens: Which is Best?

So your teen needs braces! The most common concern among teens is “brace face”. In fact, 41% think it’s embarrassing to wear metal braces. But aren’t metal braces highly-effective at straightening teeth and isn’t Invisalign expensive? We know you want to make the best decision for your teen’s health while also staying within your budget […]

Choose the Right Ortho Treatment for You (Clear Braces vs Metal Braces)

Adult decides between clear braces vs metal braces

Orthodontic treatment is a big and exciting step! One over 9 million people in the US take every year. The biggest decision you’ll make after finding the best orthodontist is the type of braces treatment that’s best for you or your child! In creating a healthier oral environment for your smile to shine bright, the […]

Get Your No Cost, 2nd Opinion Here!

adult smiles after her free second opinion in orthodontics

Getting two or more doctors’ opinions before beginning treatment is something many people do! Whether it’s your family practitioner, dentist or orthodontist – choosing a doctor for you or your family’s healthcare is not a decision to take lightly. So is it possible to “try out” an orthodontist before choosing one? Can you still visit […]

Are Children Good Candidates for Invisalign®?

smiling kid using invisalign

Teens and adults can use Invisalign, but can kids use Invisalign too? Yes kids are candidates for Invisalign at Blue Wave Orthodontics! Not every orthodontist offers Invisalign for kids, but due to our orthodontists’ level of skill and experience with Invisalign, we’re able to offer clear aligners in early orthodontic treatment for our youngest patients. […]

Can I Use Mouthwash While Wearing Braces?

teens with braces smile after using mouthwash

So you’ve recently started orthodontic treatment and you’re reaching for that bottle of mouthwash when a thought hits you—“Can I use mouthwash with braces?” We understand the caution! After all, it’s your smile-in-progress you’re protecting. You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to worry about damaging your braces with mouthwash! Your braces are […]

Is TikTok Trend of Using Magic Eraser on Teeth Safe?

teen learns the dangers of using magic eraser on teeth

TikTok continues to bring us many laughs, life hacks, and quirky dances! But the latest TikTok trend is an at-home-tooth-whitening technique that’s not so fun or safe. The video seems innocent and informative at first until you witness the final part of the woman’s oral health care routine— where she uses a magic eraser on […]

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before I Get Braces?

If you’re around the ages of 17 to 25 and you’re expecting your wisdom teeth soon, you may wonder, “can you get wisdom teeth pulled while wearing braces?” “How do wisdom teeth and braces affect each other?” Let’s dive into wisdom teeth and braces. First of all… can I even get braces before my wisdom […]

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Two young kids playing in the park and smiling.

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 in […]

We’re Grateful to Give Back

This past week, our team spent the morning volunteering for a local Food Pantry event, hosted twice a week at Village Presbyterian Church in Carrollwood. We provided food to over 120 families in just one day! They received everything—from meats, breads, and veggies, to cleaning supplies and other necessities. Most of the items donated come […]

Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Mouth Sore

boy with cranker sore

At some point during your orthodontic treatment you may experience a canker sore from braces. (Don’t worry, it sounds a lot worse than it is.) Although these sores aren’t a cause for concern and they’re a common occurrence, they can be a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to relieve […]