# Blue Wave Orthodontics > 40 Years of Smiles East Bradenton Orthodontist 6020 State Road 70 EUnit 101Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa Orthodontist 3739 W Neptune StTampa, FL 33629 (813) 254-8005 North Tampa --- ## Pages - [Dr. Mansour](https://bluewaveortho.com/dr-ahmed-mansour/): Meet Dr. Ahmed Mansour “My goal is to deliver exceptional results through treatment that’s personal, comfortable, and rooted in trust.... - [Orthodontist Serving South Tampa Schools](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-south-tampa-schools/): Orthodontist Serving South Tampa Schools Orthodontist Serving South Tampa Schools At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we’re proud to support the students... - [Orthodontist Serving Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, and Lake Magdalene, FL](https://bluewaveortho.com/about-blue-wave-orthodontics/serving-carrollwood-northdale-lake-magdalene/): Orthodontist Serving Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale,and Lake Magdalene, FL Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we provide... - [Orthodontist Serving Williamsburg West](https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-williamsburg-west/): Orthodontist Williamsburg West Orthodontist Serving Williamsburg West At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good and feel... - [Orthodontist Serving Live Oak Preserve](https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-live-oak-preserve/): Orthodontist Live Oak Preserve Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good... - [Orthodontist Serving Northwood (Wesley Chapel)](https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-northwood/): Orthodontist Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do... - [Orthodontist Serving Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel)](https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-seven-oaks/): Orthodontist Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do... - [Virtual Consultation](https://bluewaveortho.com/virtual-consultation/): Request a Virtual Consultation Start smiling from home! You can get answers about your smile while you’re on-the-go, or while... - [Orthodontic Retreatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-retreatment/): Orthodontic Retreatment “Oh no, I stopped wearing my retainer and my teeth shifted! ” Does that sound familiar? If you... - [Transfer Orthodontist](https://bluewaveortho.com/transfer-orthodontist/): Transfer Orthodontist Are you moving to Florida? The Blue Wave Orthodontics team welcomes you to the Sunshine State! Life happens,... - [Dr. Heddaya](https://bluewaveortho.com/dr-heddaya/): Play Video Meet Belal Heddaya, DDS “I’m thrilled to welcome you to Blue Wave Orthodontics, right here in the beautiful... - [Bluewave Sleep Solution](https://bluewaveortho.com/sleep-solutions/): Rapid Snoring Relief with Blue Wave Sleep Solutions We’re proud to offer snoring treatment with laser therapy to help our... - [Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-palma-ceia/): Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL We help our patients look good, do good and feel... - [Orthodontist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-lakewood-ranch/): Orthodontist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL Orthodontist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL We help our patients look good, do good and feel... - [GAW-Fall-Wesley Chapel-Ortho-2022](https://bluewaveortho.com/campaigns/gaw-fall-wesley-chapel-ortho-2022/): Office Hours: Mon-Th 7:45 am – 4:30 pm (813) 254-8005 Hey Wesley Chapel, get the confident smile you’ve always wanted!... - [South Tampa Orthodontist Office](https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/south-tampa-orthodontist-office/): Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in South Tampa Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be South... - [Wesley Chapel Orthodontist Office](https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/wesley-chapel-orthodontist-office/): Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in Wesley Chapel Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be Wesley... - [The Palatal Expander Appliance](https://bluewaveortho.com/palatal-expander/): The Palatal Expander Appliance A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance commonly used in early orthodontic treatment to widen the... - [Common Orthodontic Issues](https://bluewaveortho.com/common-orthodontic-issues/): Common Orthodontic Issues There are common orthodontic problems that we see in new patients, but your experience, your preferences, and... - [Types of Orthodontic Appliances](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-appliances/): Types of Orthodontic Appliances To help you get the best possible smile results from braces or clear aligner treatment at... - [East Bradenton Orthodontist Office](https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/east-bradenton-orthodontist-office/): Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in East Bradenton Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be East... - [Serving East Bradenton, FL](https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-east-bradenton-fl/): Serving East Bradenton, FL Serving East Bradenton, FL If you’re looking for an orthodontist near East Bradenton, Florida, Blue Wave... - [North Tampa Orthodontist Office](https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/north-tampa-orthodontist-office/): Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in North Tampa Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be North... - [Fall Recipes: Braces-Approved & Foodie Approved](https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-approved-fall-recipes/): Fall Recipes: Braces-Approved & Foodie Approved Calling all foodies! It’s officially the fall season and even though the Florida weather... - [Patient Login](https://patient-portal-prd-cluster-2.sesamecommunications.com/bluewavent/index.html) - [Types of Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/types-of-braces/): Types of Braces No matter your age or preferences, we have a modern orthodontic treatment option to meet your needs... - [Blog](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/): Orthodontic Blog Welcome to the Blue Wave Blog! Here, we share what’s new with our practice, key care tips for... - [Meet Our Team](https://bluewaveortho.com/meet-the-blue-wave-orthodontics-team/): Meet the Team! Blue Wave Orthodontics is a team that works passionately and tirelessly to ensure our community can smile... - [Site Map](https://bluewaveortho.com/sitemap/): Site Map Feeling lost? Here are all the pages on our website. Let us know if we can help! - [Home](https://bluewaveortho.com/): 40 Years of Smiles East Bradenton Orthodontist 6020 State Road 70 EUnit 101Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa Orthodontist... - [Privacy Policy](https://bluewaveortho.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions Effective Date: GENERAL Blue Wave Orthodontics has created this privacy statement in order to... - [Clear Aligners for Kids](https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners-for-kids/): Clear Aligners for Kids We offer Angel Aligner™ KiD, clear aligners for kids! Our orthodontists’ experience enables us to offer... - [Leave a Review](https://bluewaveortho.com/review/): Leave a Review How did we do? Our number one priority is patient satisfaction and we hope we did everything... - [Request a Virtual Check-in](https://bluewaveortho.com/virtual-checkin/): Schedule Your Virtual Check-in You deserve to look good, do good, feel good—and stay informed! We are offering free virtual... - [Traditional Braces Care](https://bluewaveortho.com/traditional-braces-care/): Traditional Braces Care General Orthodontic Care They say that first impressions count, which is why we offer you, as a... - [Orthodontic Emergencies](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-emergencies/): Orthodontic Emergencies Advice On Orthodontic Emergencies Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they do occur we are available to you.... - [Our 30 Minute Guarantee](https://bluewaveortho.com/our-30-minute-or-less-guarantee/): Our 30 Minute Guarantee We understand that you have a busy schedule which is why we strive to be efficient... - [Braces for Teens](https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-teens/): Braces for Teens A confident life begins with a confident smile! We provide a variety of different types of braces... - [Braces for Kids](https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-kids/): Braces for Kids & Orthodontics for Kids We help you make the best decision for your child’s smile, health, and... - [Traditional Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-traditional-braces/): Traditional Braces Braces are not only effective for treating cosmetic concerns and straightening the teeth, but they’re incredibly beneficial for... - [Performance Mouth Guards](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-performance-mouth-guards/): Performance Mouth Guards Blue Wave Orthodontics is a certified provider of custom performance mouth wear! You can even personalize your... - [Dentofacial Orthopedics](https://bluewaveortho.com/dentofacial-orthopedics-treatment/): Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment You may have noticed that we specialize in “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. ” While most people have... - [Sleep Apnea](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-sleep-apnea/): Sleep Apnea Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in... - [Orthognathic Jaw Surgery](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-orthognathic-jaw-surgery/): Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Orthognathic jaw surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is an adjunct to orthodontic treatment that can... - [Craniofacial Orthopedics](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-craniofacial-orthopedics/): Craniofacial Orthopedics Our doctors bring the extensive training, and knowledge regarding craniofacial and dental development that is needed to deliver... - [Retainers](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-retainers/): Retainers Once your braces have been removed, or you complete your Angel Aligner™ treatment, your beautiful new smile is revealed!... - [Same Day Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-same-day-braces/): Same Day Starts At Blue Wave Orthodontics, it’s all about you. We want you to feel confident in your smile... - [Clear Aligners for Teens](https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners-for-teens/): Clear Aligners for Teens We want our teen patients to have orthodontic treatment options that empowers them to feel comfortable... - [Cost of Clear Aligners](https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligner-costs/): Cost of Clear Aligners We are constantly working to keep our costs and fees as low as possible, while still... - [iTero Digital Impressions](https://bluewaveortho.com/itero-digital-impressions/): iTero® – Digital Impressions One of the first thoughts that come to mind when seeking an orthodontic specialist for getting... - [Employment](https://bluewaveortho.com/employment-opportunities/): Employment Opportunities Click the titles below for more information. Inquiries may be directed to resumes@bluewavedentalgroup. com. Open Orthodontic Assistant Positions... - [Be Remarkable](https://bluewaveortho.com/be-remarkable/): Be Remarkable Getting to know our patients is one of our biggest joys. Find stories about Blue Wave Orthodontics patients... - [Making Waves in Community Services](https://bluewaveortho.com/making-waves-in-community-services/): Making Waves in Community Services Blue Wave Orthodontics is led by doctors who are profoundly dedicated to serving the Tampa... - [Dental Health Educator](https://bluewaveortho.com/dental-health-educator/): Dental Health Educator Blue Wave Orthodontics believes in teaching the importance of good dental hygiene and preventive dentistry. We believe... - [Payment & Insurance Options](https://bluewaveortho.com/payment-plans-and-insurance-options/): Financing Orthodontics & Insurance Information Look good, do good, and feel good—without breaking the bank. We bring you affordable orthodontics... - [Patient Forms](https://patient-portal-prd-cluster-2.sesamecommunications.com/bluewavent/ohhf): Patient Forms Download Our Patient Forms - [Before & Afters](https://bluewaveortho.com/blue-wave-orthodontics-patients-before-and-after-pictures/): Before & Afters Our Blue Wave Orthodontics team has been in the business of creating creating beautiful, healthy, happy smiles... - [Testimonials](https://bluewaveortho.com/testimonials-of-blue-wave-orthodontics-patients/): Testimonials See What They’re Saying About Us Here at Blue Wave Orthodontics our team loves being in the business of... - [Clear Aligners FAQs](https://bluewaveortho.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-clear-aligners/): Angel Aligner™ FAQ We’re here to help you transition into your new life with clear aligners! We’ll explain everything you... - [Braces for Adults](https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-adults/): Braces for Adults & Adult Orthodontics It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of—orthodontic treatment is... - [Clear Aligners for All Ages](https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners/): Clear Aligners for All Ages Angel Aligner™ Clear Aligners Take the clear path to a confident smile! We offer Angel... - [Our Partners](https://bluewaveortho.com/blue-wave-orthodontics-partners/): We’re Proudly Partnered with Pediatric Dentistry How our Partnership Serves You We want to ensure that your child’s oral treatment... - [Dr. Randy Feldman](https://bluewaveortho.com/meet-dr-randy-feldman/): Play Video Our Founder Randy Feldman, DDS, MS “I asked God to give me everything so that I could enjoy... - [Our Locations](https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/): Find Us Near You 4 Locations East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 Suite #101, Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South... - [Request An Appointment](https://bluewaveortho.com/request-your-complimentary-orthodontic-exam/): Complimentary Orthodontic Exam To request your no obligation, free exam, please fill out the form below. Someone from our office... - [Contact Us](https://bluewaveortho.com/contact-us/): Contact Us We can’t wait to hear from you! To contact us, please fill out the form below. Someone from... - [Your First Visit](https://bluewaveortho.com/your-first-visit-to-blue-wave-orthodontics/): Your First Visit! We’re excited to meet you! Your first visit to one of our orthodontists near you is complimentary,... - [Life with Braces FAQ](https://bluewaveortho.com/frequently-asked-questions/): Life with Braces (FAQ) We’re here to help you transition into your new life with braces! When you get braces... - [What's New](https://bluewaveortho.com/whats-new-at-blue-wave-orthodontics/): Whats New? Welcome to the Blue Wave Orthodontics blog. We pride ourselves on offering you the most state-of-the-art, up to... - [About our Practice](https://bluewaveortho.com/about-blue-wave-orthodontics/): Play Video We are We are About Blue Wave Orthodontics Welcome! At all of our beautiful Blue Wave locations you... --- ## Posts - [National Facial Protection Month: How to Protect Your Smile This Sports Season](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/mouthguards-matter-national-facial-protection-month/): National Facial Protection Month: How to Protect Your Smile This Sports Season April is National Facial Protection Month, which makes... - [Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed Before I Get Braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removed-before-getting-braces/): Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Braces? If you’re thinking about braces, one of the most common... - [Braces Rubber Bands 101: How Elastics Move Your Bite (and How to Wear Them Right)](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-braces-rubber-bands-elastics-work/): If you or your child has braces, you’ve probably heard about rubber bands (elastics). They’re an essential orthodontic appliance for... - [6 Surprising Signs Orthodontic Treatment is Working](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/surprising-signs-orthodontic-treatment-is-working/): Starting braces or Angel Aligner™ clear aligners is thrilling! You leave your first visit feeling proud of yourself and excited... - [Braces vs Clear Aligners: Take Our Quiz to Find Your Perfect Match](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-vs-clear-aligners-quiz/): Braces vs Clear Aligners: Take Our Quiz to Find Your Perfect Match Choosing between braces vs clear aligners can feel... - [How Long Should You Really Wear a Retainer? (The Honest Answer)](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-long-do-i-have-to-wear-a-retainer/): Congrats on your beautiful new smile! You’ve finished treatment, your smile looks amazing, and now the next phase begins. Whether... - [Orthodontic Health Month: Why Your Smile Matters at Every Age](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/orthodontic-health-month-benefits-facts/): It’s that time again! October isn’t just pumpkin spice season... It’s Orthodontic Health Month and National Bullying Prevention Month —... - [Can I use a payment plan for braces or clear aligners in 2025?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-payment-plan/): Orthodontic treatment is a priceless investment — but that doesn’t mean cost isn’t a factor. We understand this! We’re always... - [Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Our Patients Beyond the Smile](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/mental-health-awareness-month/): May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to reflect on how we support one another, both in and... - [Thumb Sucking, Pacifiers and Teeth - When do they start causing issues?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/stop-thumb-sucking/): Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely natural ways for babies and toddlers to self-soothe. It’s adorable when they’re little,... - [TikTok Invisalign Hacks – Uncovering The Best and Worst Ones](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tiktok-invisalign-hacks/): TikTok is full of life hacks, but not all of them are as helpful as they seem — especially when... - [March Madness is Coming! Tips to Protect Your Smile During Sports Season](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-and-mouthguards/): Game on! March Madness is almost here, and the competition is heating up. Who’s got your support this season —... - [What Happens After Invisalign or Braces Treatment?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/after-invisalign-or-braces/): It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. If your braces removal appointment is scheduled or your final Invisalign® appointment is... - [Top Tips for Keeping Teeth Clean with Invisalign®](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-tips-for-keeping-teeth-clean-with-invisalign/): One of the main benefits of Invisalign® (along with the obvious invisibility of aligners) is the ease of cleaning and... - [The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out with Braces or Invisalign® in Summer 2024](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/eating-out-with-braces-invisalign/): Summer is the season for sunshine, good vibes and delicious food – especially in Florida! If you’re in orthodontic treatment... - [Can you get fake braces just for looks/fashion?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/risks-fake-braces/): If you stay current with pop culture and fashion trends, you’ve probably seen some form of “fake braces” lately. Artists... - [What is the quickest way to straighten my teeth before my wedding?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/straighten-teeth-before-wedding/): It’s official. You’re getting married! You and the love of your life are taking the next step together. Congratulations! You... - [Invisalign was ranked #1 Best Overall Invisible Braces in 2024! Here’s why.](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-best-invisible-braces/): While metal braces are still a highly-effective treatment option, patients now have the option of invisible braces to better suit... - [3 Tips: How to Clean Your Retainer](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-clean-retainers/): You don’t go more than a day without cleaning your teeth... hopefully. So should you commit to the same hygiene... - [Can I switch orthodontists in the middle of treatment?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/switch-orthodontists-mid-treatment/): So you’re in active orthodontic treatment at the halfway mark to your beautiful new smile. You’ve gotten to know your... - [Do I still need to see my dentist when I have braces or Invisalign?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dental-cleanings-with-braces/): If you have braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, should you continue visiting your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings?... - [I stopped wearing my retainer. Now what?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/stopped-wearing-retainer/): So you went through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® in the past. Maybe you started off strong wearing your... - [10 Invisalign FAQs: Your guide to adult Invisalign treatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-10-invisalign-faqs-to-adult-treatment/): Hey there, adults! In your busy day-to-day, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to fix your crooked teeth... - [Should I get veneers or Invisalign/braces in 2024?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/should-i-get-invisalign-veneers/): Dental veneers have become a lot more popular lately. If you’re on Tiktok, Instagram or Facebook, you’ve probably seen some... - [SmileDirectClub is closing! Why it’s happening & What to do](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiledirectclub-lawsuit/): We heard the recent news about SmileDirectClub closing its doors, and (unfortunately) we’re not surprised! Mail-order clear aligners have been... - [Invisalign® buttons vs. attachments: What's the difference?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-buttons-attachments/): If you’re on the journey to a stunning smile with Invisalign and the experienced Blue Wave team, you may have... - [Where to get Invisalign in Tampa](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-in-tampa/): So you live in the beautiful Tampa, Florida, and you’re ready to experience a smile as bright and sunny as... - [How long does a palatal expander stay in?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-long-do-expanders-stay-in/): So you’ve just taken your child in for their first orthodontic exam and as one of our orthodontists is going... - [Can crowded teeth cause problems?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/can-crowded-teeth-cause-problems/): Whether your family dentist talked with you about braces or maybe you’re just considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering... - [Top 4 Invisalign® Tips for a Successful Journey](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/4-invisalign-tips-successful-journey/): If you’re on an Invisalign journey with Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy and our team at Blue Wave Orthodontics, you’re... - [Your Guide to Orthodontics When Sick](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/guide-to-orthodontics-sick/): You’re committed to your smile transformation – through the ups and downs, in sickness and in health, right? After all,... - [Bracing for Change: 5 Tips to Ease Your Child's Fears about Orthodontics](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tips-to-ease-fears-about-braces/): Starting orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® for the first time is undeniably an adjustment! If you recently scheduled your... - [How your life will change after Invisalign treatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/after-invisalign-how-your-life-will-change-after-treatment/): Imagine you just completed your Invisalign® treatment. You’re removing your last set of Invisalign clear aligners and are ready to... - [How to protect your orthodontic retainers](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-orthodontic-retainers/): At Blue Wave Orthodontics, your retainers are included in your treatment price. Orthodontic retainers, as the name implies, retain the... - [3 Tips: How to choose between braces & invisalign for your child](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/3-tips-choosing-invisalign-vs-braces/): So your child needs orthodontic treatment, but you’re both having trouble deciding between braces or Invisalign. We’re familiar with this... - [What’s the Invisalign Process Like: Your Step-by-Step Guide](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-process-step-by-step/): Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they hit the market in the 90’s and have stayed a... - [Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Tampa or East Bradenton?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/do-i-need-orthodontist-referral/): Before you see a health specialist, you typically need a doctor referral from your primary care provider or family doctor.... - [Top 5 Best and Worst Drinks for Your Teeth](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-5-best-and-worst-drink-for-teeth/): If you often find stains on your teeth, yellowing on your teeth, or even start to notice a cavity appearing,... - [Is charcoal toothpaste good for your teeth?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/is-charcoal-toothpaste-good-for-teeth/): Charcoal toothpaste has become more popular lately, with well-known brands like Colgate, Crest, Hello and Burt’s Bees entering the charcoal... - [What foods can you eat the first week of braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/foods-you-should-eat-the-first-week-wearing-braces/): It’s common for those in orthodontic treatment to experience some minor discomfort or tooth sensitivity when first getting braces or... - [Busting Braces Myths: “Braces cause TMJ disorder”](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/do-braces-cause-tmj-disorder/): There are quite a few braces myths out there, and we’re here to bust a few! If you’ve heard that... - [Can you use your HSA for braces or Invisalign®?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/use-hsa-for-orthodontics/): Spoiler alert: Yes you can! Using your HSA to pay for orthodontic treatment is not only possible, but it can... - [How do braces move your teeth?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smile-transformation-in-time-lapse/): So we know to get the straight teeth we want, you have to go through orthodontic treatment. That usually means... - [Your guide to toothbrush storage](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/5-tips-for-proper-toothbrush-storage/): Many people don’t pay enough attention to their toothbrush, but your toothbrush deserves your respect! After all, it keeps your... - [Should I eat gummy vitamins with braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-vitamins-braces-invisalign/): Taking daily vitamins and minerals is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, strengthen your immune system and... - [Bullying & Braces: 5 Tips for Talking to Your Child](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bullying-braces-how-to-help-to-your-child/): Braces are becoming more popular over recent years with an estimated four million people wearing braces at any given time!... - [4 Signs That You’d Benefit from Invisalign®](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/5-signs-that-you-need-invisalign/): So you’ve heard some of our past Invisalign patients raving in their reviews about how Invisalign has transformed their smiles!... - [How to Find the Right Orthodontist in East Bradenton](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-do-you-find-the-right-orthodontist/): Choosing the right orthodontist for you and your family isn’t an easy decision – especially if you’re not familiar with... - [Going back to school with braces? Check out these 5 tips!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/back-to-school-with-braces-5-tips-2022/): Summer break in Florida has come to an end! School is back in session, the weather is starting to cool... - [It’s Day One with Invisalign. Now what?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/day-one-with-invisalign-what-to-expect/): Starting Invisalign is exciting—but it’s also normal to feel unsure about what your first day will be like. The good... - [Orthodontist vs dentist: What’s the difference?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/orthodontist-vs-general-dentist/): So you’re at the dentist for your biannual teeth cleaning, and you notice some Invisalign posters around your dentist’s office.... - [Yes, you can get braces on your first visit!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/can-i-get-braces-on-my-first-visit/): If you’re considering braces, you might be wondering: “Can I get braces on my first orthodontist visit? ” The answer:... - [Can Invisalign Fix Your Bite? (And How It Works)](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/better-bites-with-invisalign/): If you’ve been told you have a bite issue—like an overbite or underbite—you might be wondering: “Can Invisalign actually fix... - [Teens with Braces—Supporting Them at Home](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/teens-with-braces-supporting-them-at-home/): So your teen came home from school and said, “Mom, Dad, I think I need braces! ” Or maybe he... - [Eating with Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/ortho-friendly-cooking/): Going through orthodontic treatment is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your meal prep for yourself or your child!... - [Caring for Braces and Invisalign: 3 Tips](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/advice-on-the-proper-care-of-teeth/): Caring for Braces and Invisalign You play an essential role in creating your beautiful new smile! Most of the hard... - [Metal Braces vs Invisalign for Teens: Which is Best?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-vs-braces-for-teens/): So your teen needs braces! The most common concern among teens is “brace face”. In fact, 41% think it’s embarrassing... - [Top 3 Signs Your Teen Needs Braces or Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/signs-your-teen-needs-braces-or-invisalign/): So your teen recently came home from school saying, “Mom, Dad, I have to get Invisalign! ” Now you’re wondering,... - [Choose the Right Ortho Treatment for You (Clear Braces vs Metal Braces)](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/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... - [What Happens if You Swallow a Bracket or Wire?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/swallowed-braces-bracket-or-archwire/): Have you ever wondered what happens if you swallow a braces bracket? After all, your braces are in your mouth...... - [What’s the Purpose of Early Orthodontic Treatment?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-early-orthodontic-treatment/): February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! To celebrate, our orthodontists want to help parents understand the purpose of early... - [Get Your No Cost, 2nd Opinion Here!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/no-cost-second-opinion/): Getting two or more doctors’ opinions before beginning treatment is something many people do! Whether it’s your family practitioner, dentist... - [Tips for cleaning your retainer](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-tips-for-cleaning-retainers/): If you have just had your braces removed or you took out your Invisalign® clear aligners for the last time,... - [Are Children Good Candidates for Invisalign®?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/are-children-good-candidates-for-invisalign/): Teens and adults can use Invisalign, but can kids use Invisalign too? Yes kids are candidates for Invisalign at Blue... - [Best Mouthwash for Braces: What to Use (and What to Avoid)](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/best-mouthwash-for-braces/): Braces make it harder to keep your teeth clean—and that’s where mouthwash can help. But not all mouthwash is safe... - [Is TikTok Trend of Using Magic Eraser on Teeth Safe?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/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... - [Can Braces Prevent Snoring?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/snoring-treatment/): Have you been told you snore? Or maybe you’ve spent a night or two next to your partner sawing logs... - [Fall Recipes: Braces-Approved & Foodie Approved](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-approved-fall-recipes/): Calling all foodies! It’s officially the fall season and even though the Florida weather isn’t showing it just yet, we’re... - [What are the Top 5 Halloween Candies & Can I Eat Them with Braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-friendly-candy-halloween/): If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment with a form of braces, does that mean he or she should avoid... - [Playing Football This Season? (Go Bucs!) Here’s How to Fit Your Mouthguard](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/playing-football-how-to-fit-a-mouthguard/): It’s that time of year again—football season. Go Bucs! ! ! Football season is a little different for football players... - [Did you know East Bradenton has a Diamond Plus Invisalign® Provider?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bradenton-invisalign-diamond-plus-provider/): Did you know that Blue Wave Orthodontics is the most experienced Invisalign provider in the area? We’re proud to be... - [No, Metal Braces are Not Magnetic: 5 Myths Debunked](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/myths-about-braces-debunked/): There are tons of common braces myths out there! If you’ve heard any of these, you may feel discouraged about... - [Our Wesley Chapel Ortho Office is Proud to Serve You!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wesley-chapel-office-is-proud-to-serve-you/): Our experienced orthodontists in Wesley Chapel have helped countless children, teens and adults to achieve a beautiful smile and retain... - [Top Braces Tips for the Dog Days of Summer](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2021-summer-survival-guide-for-braces/): People often travel during the summer to escape the heat (or chase the heat), and head to the nearest swimming... - [How to Prepare Your Child for Getting Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-help-your-child-adjust-to-braces/): When a kid gets braces, it’s kind of a big deal! Not only is your child beginning an incredibly exciting... - [Getting Your Braces Off?! Here’s What to Expect](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/getting-your-braces-off-heres-what-to-expect/): Your time with braces is nearing its end, and you’re super excited to get them removed and reveal your beautiful... - [Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/is-early-orthodontic-treatment-necessary/): Not every child will require early orthodontic treatment, but many children benefit from it! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, early or... - [Invisalign Cost Guide](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-cost-guide/): Let’s face it; not everyone wants to wear braces that show. That is why Invisalign® is becoming so popular among... - [It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/its-national-childrens-dental-health-month/): February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our team are using this month as... - [We’re Grateful to Give Back](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/were-grateful-to-give-back/): This past week, our team spent the morning volunteering for a local Food Pantry event, hosted twice a week at... - [Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Mouth Sore](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-deal-with-a-mouth-sore/): At some point during your orthodontic treatment you may experience a canker sore from braces. (Don’t worry, it sounds a... - [The St. Lawrence “Gathering Together” Gala](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/proud-to-support-the-st-lawrence-gathering-together-gala/): Supporting our community is incredibly important to us! We’re always looking for ways to give back. We have donated $2,000... - [Randy Feldman Named within 2020 Top Dentists List](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/randy-feldman-named-to-tampa-magazines-2020-top-dentists-list/): Contact: Erica Meichtry Phone: (813) 968-2483 Ext. 21 Randy Feldman DDS MS of Blue Wave Orthodontics Named to Tampa Magazines’... - [COVID-19 Protocols: Keeping You Healthy](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/our-covid-19-protocols-keeping-you-healthy-while-keeping-your-smile-healthy/): All of us at Blue Wave Orthodontics have been happy to see all your smiling faces again. Our utmost concern... - [Introducing Our New & Improved East Bradenton Office!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/introducing-our-new-improved-bradenton-office/): We’ve moved! We are so excited to announce the opening of our new office location within Health Park East in... - [How to Choose the Best Braces Colors](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-braces-colors/): Getting to choose the colors of your smile is an exciting perk for many people who have braces! Some people... - [Generic Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign aligners](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/generic-clear-aligners-vs-invisalign-aligners/): At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our doctors and staff have the collective experience of treating more than 7,000 patients with Invisalign... - [Why “Early” Underbite Surgery is a Bad Idea](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-early-underbite-surgery-is-a-bad-idea/): An underbite is a type of malocclusion (abnormal bite) where the lower jaw extends upward and further out than the... - [Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter with Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-regular-dental-cleanings-matter-with-braces/): It is important that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular dental check-ups and cleaning.... - [What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-is-dentofacial-orthopedics/): Although we are Blue Wave Orthodontics, we also treat patients who need dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontics can focus on dental displacement... - [How are Crossbites Corrected?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-are-crossbites-corrected/): One of the dental misalignments or malocclusions(improper bites) that can be corrected with traditional braces or Invisalign is a “crossbite.... - [Dr. Feldman Receives AAO Life Active Membership](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-feldman-receives-aao-life-active-membership/): Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics recently received a letter from the American Association of Orthodontists... - [Foods to Avoid with Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-with-braces/): Once traditional dental treatment begins in our Blue Wave Orthodontic offices, we explain how to take care of your teeth... - [What to Do When You Have an Orthodontic Emergency](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-have-an-orthodontic-emergency/): Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but they can occur when you least expect them. If you have traditional braces, you should... - [Patient Spotlight: Bob Schofner](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-update-bob-schofner-2018-acpa-scholarship-winner/): Photo Source: NLHBob Schofner, our patient and friend never ceases to impress us with his remarkable updates. We’re proud to... - [Facts About Invisible Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/facts-about-invisible-braces/): The Invisalign treatment system consists of a series of progressively changing transparent plastic aligners that are usually each worn for... - [Summertime and Your Teeth](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/summertime-and-your-teeth/): Remember carefree Summers? They can exist again, but you owe it to your smile to continue to treat your teeth... - [What Does Good Oral Health Mean?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-does-good-oral-health-mean/): Although Blue Wave is an orthodontics office, we know that good oral health is more than straight teeth. Let’s go... - [What To Do About a Broken Bracket](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-to-do-about-a-broken-bracket/): “Braces” is plural for bracket. So for traditional braces, a bracket is a little metal square which we glue onto... - [The Trouble With Cereal](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-trouble-with-cereal/): Dr. Randy Feldman recently noticed an article that really caught his attention. ” These Cereals Destroy Your Hormones, Zap Your... - [Win a cruise to ANY destination!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/refer-a-friend-be-entered-to-win-a-cruise-to-any-destination/): Congratulations to our winner Makenzy! ___ Now through August 14th, each time you refer a friend and they schedule a... - [The Emotional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiling-changes-your-mood-the-importance-of-orthodontics/): It was actually Darwin, who first proposed in the 19th century that facial expressions didn’t only reflect emotions, but also... - [Role of Orthodontics in Sleep Apnea Treatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/role-of-orthodontics-in-sleep-apnea-treatment/): Sleep apnea is a common condition that falls under the umbrella term, Sleep Disordered Breathing. With sleep apnea your breathing... - [Infographic: 8 Facts About Invisalign® Teen](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/infographic-8-things-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-teen/): Adults have been using Invisalign for discreet orthodontic treatment for years, but did you know that teens can also enjoy... - [Dr. Brockway Joins Forces with Girlfriends of Pinellas](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-brockway-joins-forces-with-girlfriends-of-pinellas/): Dr. Brockway recently became involved in an amazing cause called Girlfriends of Pinellas County! Girlfriends of Pinellas County is a... - [10 Facts about Invisalign® Teen Treatment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-teen-treatment/): Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used instead of brackets and wires to gradually shift the... - [Orthodontist or A Dentist for Braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-visit-an-orthodontist-instead-of-a-dentist-for-braces/): On occasion you will find a dentist that offers orthodontics at their practice. Sounds convenient right? In this blog, Dr.... - [Things I Wish I Knew Before Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-invisalign/): After speaking with patients, we’ve learned that there a few things that they wish they knew before embracing Invisalign. To... - [Help us help Puerto Rico!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/help-us-help-puerto-rico/): As Puerto Rico continues to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we’ve partnered up with Course of Action PR... - [The Pros and Cons of Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-3-pros-and-cons-of-invisalign/): Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions.... - [Dr. Randy Feldman Recognized for 30 Years of Membership in the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-randy-feldman-recognized-for-30-years-of-membership-in-the-american-cleft-palate-craniofacial-association/): The Blue Wave Orthodontics team congratulates Dr. Randy Feldman on 30 years as a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial... - [Does Invisalign Cost More than Braces?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-2-does-invisalign-cost-more-than-braces/): Four million people have chosen Invisalign treatment to transform their smiles. The clear aligners transform smiles with more comfort and... - [How does Invisalign Work?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-1-how-does-invisalign-work/): Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions.... - [Bottled Water—An Expensive Mistake?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bottled-water-an-expensive-mistake/): Bottled water. A much improved beverage choice to sodas, energy drinks, alcoholic drinks, and related, but is it all that... - [National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/national-cleft-craniofacial-awareness-prevention-month/): July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, an effort to raise awareness and improve understanding of birth... - [Traveling with Traditional Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/travelling-with-traditional-braces/): Last month we released a blog about traveling with Invisalign, but what about those with traditional braces? Wondering what tips... - [Inspired to Travel with Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/inspired-to-travel-with-invisalign/): One of our team members stumbled upon a website called North to South, because of its blog entry on traveling... - [Our New Website is Making Waves](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/our-new-website-is-making-waves/): Not only are we making waves as the top orthodontic provider in seven Tampa Bay locations, but we think our... - [Celebrate Oral Health Month And Give Kids A Smile](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/celebrate-oral-health-month-and-give-kids-a-smile/): June is Oral Health Month, and the American Dental Association (ADA) and Colgate have teamed up a second year to... - [Align Technology Brings Smiles to Teen Patients](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/one-million-invisalign-teen-patients-brings-big-donation/): Align Technology, the company that created Invisalign and Invisalign Teen announced in late May that 1 million teenage patients have... - [Merging 65 Years of Experience as Blue Wave Orthodontics](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-and-mcdowell-orthodontics-making-waves-as-blue-wave-orthodontics/): Dr. Randy Feldman of Feldman Orthodontics and Dr. Ernest McDowell of McDowell Orthodontics are pleased to announce a merger of... - [Meet the Remarkable Miss Tampa, Olivia Butler](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/meet-the-remarkable-miss-tampa-olivia-butler/): On February 4, Olivia Butler was crowned Miss Tampa, and now she has her sights on the title of Miss... - [Why Summer is a Great Time to Start Invisalign Teen](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/three-reasons-why-summer-is-a-great-time-to-start-invisalign-teen/): Invisalign Teen, orthodontic treatment can be started at any time, but as we approach summer, our Blue Wave Orthodontics team... - [Educating millennials via social media](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/doing-our-part-to-educate-millennials-via-social-media/): A recent article in Forbes magazine answers the question, “Does Social Media Influence Millennials’ Healthcare Decisions? ” and it turns... - [April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/): April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to note that oral cavity and oropharynx cancers account for 2.... - [32 Predictors of A Long Life](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/32-predictors-of-a-long-life/): 32 predictors of a long life. Can you guess what any of them are? If you said teeth, you’re 100%... - [20th Anniversary of Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/20th-anniversary-of-invisalign/): Our doctors at Blue Wave Orthodontics recently received an email from Chris Puco, Vice President and Managing Director, North America... - [Kids Smiles Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Frank Sierra](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/welcoming-dr-frank-sierra-to-kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry/): Our Blue Wave Dental Group family is growing! We welcome Tampa native, Dr. Frank Sierra and staff to our growing... - [The Pirates Are Coming!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-pirates-are-coming/): Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics was all smiles to see the latest cover of South... - [7 Reasons Teens love Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/7-reasons-teens-love-invisalign/): As we enter 2017, a time of new beginnings and new possibilities, we’re taking a moment to tell or remind... - [Ortho-Friendly Cooking for 2017](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/ortho-friendly-cooking-for-2017/): This is the time of year when many of us make new year’s resolutions and plans for self-improvement. Besides the... - [Save Your Smile with Plaque HD®](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/plaque-hd-identifies-the-problem-and-could-save-your-smile/): It’s not everyday in our blog where we recommend a specific product, but not a day goes by in our... - [Robert Schofner honored as Lightning Community Hero](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/robert-schofner-honored-as-lightning-community-hero/): We are so proud of our patient Robert Schofner! The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Robert as the 13th Lightning Community... - [Amazing Transformation - Rachel Fusco](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/amazing-transformation-rachel-fusco/): Rachel Fusco was just age 17 when she underwent 5 and a half hours of Craniofacial surgery by Ernesto Ruas,... - [Remarkable Patient – Alexander Correa](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-alexander-correa/): Alexander Correa is a male ballet dancer, model, actor, musical artist, poet and a remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics.... - [6 Oral Health Reasons to Quit Smoking Tobacco](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/6-oral-health-reasons-to-quit-smoking-and-tobacco/): November is a great month to begin your journey to quitting smoking and tobacco. Not only is it a month... - [Tips to Help Prevent Tooth Staining](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tips-to-help-prevent-tooth-staining/): A recent Reader’s Digest article had some nice tips on preventing your teeth from staining that go beyond the basic... - [TMJ Disorders](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tmj-disorders/): What is TMJ Terpomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, are a group of conditions that cause pain and affect the functionality of... - [Halloween Safety for Kids, and Candy for the Troops](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/halloween-fun-and-safety-for-kids-and-candy-for-the-troops/): Not only is October a month for trick-or-treating, but its National Orthodontic Health Month. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer... - [Give Back Smiles - Domestic Violence Awareness Month](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/drs-feldman-and-martini-give-back-to-a-victim-of-domestic-violence/): For National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ABC Action News aired a segment about The Invisibles: Teens Homeless Because of Domestic... - [Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry - Smile Partner](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-smile-partner/): Over the last few months, our patients have seen some emails and social media posts from us about our formation... - [September Self-Improvement Month](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/september-self-improvement-month/): Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, and Dr. Chelsea Brockway of Blue Wave Orthodontics and their team remind you that... - [Discovery prompts the importance of Dental Checkups](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/discovery-channel-video-motivates-all-to-get-annual-dental-checkups/): It’s just over three minutes in length, but this Discovery Channel video does an excellent job in explaining the 700... - [To Floss Or Not To Floss](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/to-floss-or-not-to-floss/): Earlier this month flossing became a controversial topic. I’m sure you caught this in the news, probably several times. CBS,... - [Chewing Gum May Prevent Cavities](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/chewing-gum-may-prevent-cavities/): Surprised by the title? Don’t be. We’re talking sugarless gum, one with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal. That seal... - [U.S. Teens Drinking More Water](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/u-s-teens-drinking-more-water/): An encouraging title based on an encouraging Centers for Disease Control study using data up to 2015, was brought to... - [Remarkable Patient – Heath Brickman](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-heath-brickman/): Heath is an energetic and passionate third grader at Ballast Point Elementary in Tampa. He loves reading, video games, playing... - [The Humane Society of Tampa Bay](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/highlighting-the-humane-society-of-tampa-bay-a-favorite-charity/): Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics has a place in his heart for animal homelessness and well-being... - [No Complaints With Invisalign Teen](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/no-complaints-with-invisalign-teen/): NO complaints among teens are rare, so a more accurate title would be LESS complaints WITH Invisalign Teen. However, NOW... - [2016 College Scholarship Winners](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2016-college-scholarship-winners/): Each year Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics, awards an outstanding graduating senior, or two in this... - [Presenting the Remarkable Lisa Ann Hensley](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/presenting-the-remarkable-lisa-ann-hensley/): We are so happy to share this truly remarkable patient and her wonderful news! Lisa Ann Hensley, 5th Grader, and... - [Clearly Confident With Invisalign Teen](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/clearly-confident-with-invisalign-teen/): The Invisalign Teen system, utilizing progressive sets of customized clear aligners is the “CLEAR” alternative to traditional braces for many... - [Carole Flagg, Our Talented Artist](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/carole-flagg-a-remarkable-lady-and-talented-artist/): We were thrilled when our patient, Carole Flagg sent us a copy of the Spring 2016 issue of Tampa Health... - [Peyton Manning, Cleft Palate Patient and Role Model](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/peyton-manning-cleft-palate-patient-and-role-model/): We came upon this great article about football star Peyton Manning, his origins as a cleft palate child, and the... - [Choose the Right Weapon Against Tooth Decay](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/electric-toothbrushes-choose-your-weapon-against-tooth-decay/): Your toothbrush is your major defensive weapon against tooth decay and decalcification. If you’ve thought about purchasing an electric toothbrush... - [Sitavig, The New Treatment for Cold Sores](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/sitavig-a-new-single-dose-prescription-cold-sore-treatment/): Cold sores – often referred to as “fever blisters” – are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).... - [Sklyer, Artistic young man and remarkable patient](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/sklyer-artistic-young-man-and-remarkable-patient/): Sklyer, age 10, is a talented and remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics. He is in the fifth grade and... - [Jasilyn Sitzmann - A Truly Remarkable Patient](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jasilyn-sitzmann-a-truly-remarkable-patient/): Jasilyn Sitzmann is truly a remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics. She is so full of energy and a joy... - [Invisalign VS Braces for Adults](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-vs-braces-for-adults/): If you came upon this blog, perhaps you are doing some research on the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.... - [Annual Scholarship Essay Competition Is Underway](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-26th-annual-scholarship-essay-competition-is-underway/): Feldman Orthodontics is pleased to announce our 26th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition-What a Smile Means to Me. This one time... - [Consumer Alert Regarding Self-Orthodontic Trend](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/consumer-alert-regarding-self-orthodontic-trend/): There is a dangerous trend that was brought to our attention ... consumers are attempting to straighten their own teeth.... - [L.J. Ruth - Actor/Voiceover/Model - Commercial](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/l-j-ruth-actor-voiceover-model-commercial/): L. J. Ruth is our youngest Invisalign patient and is a remarkable young man. L. J. is a young yet... - [L.J. Ruth - Actor/Voiceover/Model](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/l-j-ruth-actor-voiceover-model/): L. J. Ruth is our youngest Invisalign patient and is a remarkable young man. L. J. is a young yet... - [What Causes Crooked Teeth?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-causes-crooked-teeth/): A few years back, a study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists determined that more than one-third of adults... - [School Lunches That Are Easy on the Braces](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/school-lunches-that-are-easy-on-the-braces/): If your child wears braces, our guess is that you are still struggling with planning school lunches that are safe... - [Smile … September is Self-Improvement Month](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smile-september-is-self-improvement-month/): Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics and his team are celebrating September, as Self-Improvement Month. The goals... - [Back-To-School and Sports Mouthguards](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/back-to-school-and-sports-mouthguards/): For Back-To-School, Dr. Feldman is offering a FREE orthodontic consultation AND a free custom sports mouthguard for our student athletes.... - [Have Faster Orthodontic Results with AcceleDent® Aura](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/benefits-of-acceledent-aura-for-faster-orthodontic-results/): In this blog, I thought I should highlight one of the more recent orthodontic devices that can help you to... - [Kyle and Preston Tucker](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kyle-and-preston-tucker/): Kyle and Preston Tucker are patients of Feldman Orthodontics, are brothers, and are remarkable men of baseball. Both are now... - [Reasons to Rethink Sugary or Energy Drinks](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/reasons-to-rethink-sugary-or-energy-drinks/): More than a quarter of people drink multiple sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis, and a substantial percentage drink a... - [At What Age Should A Child See An Orthodontist ?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-is-the-right-age-for-a-pediatric-orthodontic-check-up/): Not to ruin the ending of this blog, but the answer is seven. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all... - [Kuu'Leina' Ala Turner](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kuuleina-ala-turner/): Kuu’Leina’ Ala Turner is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman. She lives #BeRemarkable and recently graduated... - [Nadia Uthayakumar](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/nadia-uthayakumar/): Nadia Uthayakumar is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman. She lives #BeRemarkable and we share with... - [Correcting Crossbite](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/correcting-crossbite/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics explains the various forms of... - [Jerry Franks](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jerry-franks/): Jerry Franks is a model for Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats, a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable man. He... - [Broken Brackets](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/broken-brackets/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics discusses broken brackets in orthodontic... - [Chivarsky Corbett](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/chivarsky-corbett/): Chivarsky Corbett is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young man. He plays basketball as a shooting guard... - [Invisalign](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics explains Invisalign orthodontic treatment in... - [Zara Hedaya](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/zara-hedaya/): Zara Hedaya is a 14-year-old freshman at Plant High School, a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman.... - [Zane Hedaya](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/zane-hedaya/): Zane Hedaya is a varsity pitcher at Plant High School, 87 mph fastball. He is a 16-year-old junior, a patient... - [The Winners of the Scholarship Essay Competition](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-25th-annual-scholarship-essay-competition-winners-announced-at-banquet-of-honor/): Feldman Orthodontics hosted our 25th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition-What a Smile Means to Me banquet on Thursday, May 14 at... - [Feldman Orthodontics Team Paints Their Hearts Out for West Tampa Resident](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-team-paints-their-hearts-out-for-west-tampa-resident/): Sixteen employees from Feldman Orthodontics participated in the 27th annual Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa (PYHOT) event on Saturday, April... - [Wax: Solution for Braces with Poking Wire](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wax-a-great-temporary-fix-for-braces-with-poking-wire/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman explains how to temporarily fix a... - [Welcome On Board](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-welcomes-two-additional-team-members/): Feldman Orthodontics, 2015 South Tampa Chamber, Large Business of the Year, are pleased to announce the recent hire of two... - [Brackets Explained](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/brackets-explained/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman explains the bracket, in orthodontic practice... - [At What Age Should Kids See An Orthodontist?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/at-what-age-should-kids-see-an-orthodontist/): Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman offers advice on the subject of... - [Bob Schofner Eagle Scout](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bob-schofner-eagle-scout/): Bob Schofner is one of our patients, and an amazing young man who is about to achieve the rank of... - [Dr. Randy Feldman - Lightning Community Hero](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-randy-feldman-honored-as-a-tampa-bay-lightning-community-hero/): The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Dr. Randy Feldman as the 152nd Lightning Community Hero during the first period of the... - [Feldman Orthodontics Honored](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-honored-as-south-tampa-chamber-of-commerce-large-business-of-the-year-2015/): Feldman Orthodontics is pleased to announce our recognition as South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Large Business of the Year—2015. The... - [Nathaniel: An Amazing Young Man](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/nathaniel-an-amazing-young-man/): Nathaniel is an amazing young man whose parents are both highly accomplished musicians. We began seeing Nathaniel when he was... - [Carlos: An Amazing Young Man](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/carlos-an-amazing-young-man/): Carlos came to us for his Orthodontics with some dentofacial and other issues. Dr. Feldman and staff got to know... - [The Children's Cancer Center](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-childrens-cancer-center/): The Children’s Cancer Center’s mission is to help children and their families by providing the educational, financial, and emotional relief... - [The Humane Society of Tampa Bay](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-humane-society-of-tampa-bay/): The Humane Society Tampa Bay is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in... - [Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc.](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/voices-for-children-of-tampa-bay-inc/): Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc. provides support and advocacy for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our... - [Dr. Feldman receives Silver Award for Board Service](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-feldman-touched-by-silver-award-for-board-service-and-education-for-children/): Dr. Randy Feldman was surprised and honored to receive the “Silver Award” during the 2nd Annual “Celebrating MORE HEALTH” fundraising... - [Smiles From 300 Feet Away](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiles-from-300-feet-away/): People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression. Being positive... - [Finding our Strengths During Adversity](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-beautiful-thing-about-setbacks-is-they-introduce-us-to-our-strengths/): “The beautiful thing about setbacks is they introduce us to our strengths. ” — Robin Sharma It may be difficult... - [Every time you smile…](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/every-time-you-smile/): “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.... - [The real man smiles in trouble…](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-real-man-smiles-in-trouble/): “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. ” – Thomas Paine These... - [Request Your Complimentary Consultation](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/request-a-complimentary-consultation-from-feldman-orthodontics/): At Feldman Orthodontics we work hard to treat you the same way we would like to be treated: with respect,... - [Happy—Music That Creates a Smile](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/happy-music-that-creates-a-smile/): “Happy” by Pharrell Williams will literally make you happy. Chances are that when you’re flipping that radio dial looking for... - [Positive Journaling Will Help You to Remember Your Smile](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/positive-journaling-will-help-you-to-remember-your-smile/): A friend of ours recently told us about a journal that he is keeping of his positive thoughts regarding his... - [Patient Appreciation Party!](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/patient-appreciation-party/): Please join us at Airheads on June 12th from 6-10:00p. m. as we celebrate the most important part of our... - [2014 College Scholarship Winners](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2014-college-scholarship-winners/): Each year Dr. Randy Feldman, of Feldman Orthodontics, awards an outstanding graduating senior, or two in this case, with a... - [Introducing Relief Blue for Cold Sores](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/introducing-relief-blue-for-cold-sores/): A medical student friend of mine was a part of the clinical trial research for a new, botanical-based over-the-counter topical... - [Rays Day at Feldman Orthodontics](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/rays-day-at-feldman-orthodontics/): We love our Tampa Bay Rays! Baseball season is back, and everyone at Feldman Orthodontics is all dressed up to... - [Earth Day at Feldman Orthodontics](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/earth-day-at-feldman-orthodontics/): If you know anything about all of us at Feldman Orthodontics, you know that besides being committed to providing excellent... - [A reason to smile at tax time](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/a-reason-to-smile-at-tax-time/): A year from now, tax season will be giving you a reason to smile ... If you take advantage of... - [20 Things that Happy People Don’t Do](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/20-things-that-happy-people-dont-do/): We often share our thoughts about smiling on our blog, but what about happiness. I recently came across this great... - [Appreciate what you have](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/be-happy-with-the-little-you-have-there-are-some-people-with-nothing-who-still-manage-to-smile/): Be happy with the little you have. There are some people with nothing who still manage to smile. Ever observe... - [Dental Health Education](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dental-health-education/): Blue Wave Orthodontics believes in teaching the importance of good dental hygiene, preventive dentistry, and encouraging orthodontic screening to school... - [Invisalign Tips](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-tips/): Caring for your Invisalign is part of the appeal – it’s so easy! Here are some basic tips to maintain... - [What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ-D)?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/temporomandibular-joint-disorder-are-you-a-candidate/): So what is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and how can you tell if you’re a candidate? Temporomadibular Joint Disorder Temporomandibular joint... - [Online Smile Assessment](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/online-smile-assessment/): Have you ever wondered if Invisalign would work for you? Find out more by taking the online Invisalign Smile Assessment.... - [Finding Difficulty Connecting With People ?](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/finding-difficulty-connecting-with-people/): Quote #22 “Smile have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their... - [Invisalign New Mom Testimonial](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-new-mom-testimonial/): Our patient blogger, Karyn, and her husband welcomed a baby boy late last month! She’s here to share her experience... - [Point Towards the Heavens](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/point-towards-the-heavens/): Quote #21 “I have a tickle in my brain and it keeps making the corners of my mouth point towards... - [Proud to be Part of Johns Hopkins Hospital](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/proud-to-be-part-of-johns-hopkins-hospital-1-ranking/): As an affiliate clinical staff member in the Department of Surgery, All Children’s Hospital/John Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg; I’m proud... - [Let's smile even when no one's around](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/lets-smile-even-when-no-ones-around/): Quote #20 “If you smile when no one else is around, you must really mean it! ” So many times... - [A smile is free to have](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/a-smile-is-free-to-have/): Quote #19 “What is worth a million dollars but doesn’t cost a dime? A smile! ” So many people in... - [Feldman Orthodontics App](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-app/): Hi friends! We are excited about a new way to share photos and stay in touch using social media at... - [Jacob Lee's Limo Birthday Party](https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jacob-lees-limo-birthday-party/): Feldman Orthodontics provided our patient, Jacob Lee and his friends a trip to Steak n Shake for dinner and to... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/dr-ahmed-mansour/ Meet Dr. Ahmed Mansour "My goal is to deliver exceptional results through treatment that’s personal, comfortable, and rooted in trust. Every patient deserves care that feels tailored to them. "Dr. Ahmed Mansour is a respected orthodontist known for his precision, innovation, and commitment to honest, patient-first care. Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, he has built his reputation on designing personalized treatment plans that balance exceptional results with comfort and trust. A leader in modern orthodontics, Dr. Mansour is one of the few Elite Invisalign Providers in his previous region and the creator of SPOCS Orthodontics Aligners, an advanced aligner system developed in his own in-house lab. Dr. Mansour joins Blue Wave Orthodontics with a passion for delivering high-quality, accessible care for families. As a dedicated family man, he understands how a confident smile can influence a child’s well-being, and he ensures every patient feels supported, understood, and celebrated throughout their smile journey. Meet Dr. Ahmed Mansour “Every smile is personal. My goal is to combine innovation with honesty, so every patient feels understood, supported, and confident in their care. ”Dr. Ahmed Mansour is a respected orthodontist known for his precision, innovation, and commitment to honest, patient-first care. Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, he has built his reputation on designing personalized treatment plans that balance exceptional results with comfort and trust. A leader in modern orthodontics, Dr. Mansour is one of the few Elite Invisalign Providers in his previous region and the creator of SPOCS Orthodontics Aligners, an advanced aligner system developed in his own in-house lab. Dr. Mansour joins Blue Wave Orthodontics with a passion for delivering high-quality, accessible care for families. As a dedicated family man, he understands how a confident smile can influence a child’s well-being, and he ensures every patient feels supported, understood, and celebrated throughout their smile journey. Join us in welcoming Dr. Mansour to Blue Wave Orthodontics! Professional Accomplishments Creator of SPOCS Orthodontics Aligners, developed in his own in-house lab Elite Invisalign Provider (one of the few in his former region) Known for innovative, cutting-edge orthodontic methods Recognized for designing personalized treatment plans focused on comfort, trust, and exceptional outcomes Outside of the Office Dr. Mansour is a dedicated family man who understands firsthand the impact that a healthy, confident smile has on children and adults alike. He remains committed to helping working families access high-quality orthodontic care. --- - Published: 2025-09-16 - Modified: 2025-12-01 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-south-tampa-schools/ Orthodontist Serving South Tampa Schools Orthodontist Serving South Tampa Schools At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we’re proud to support the students and families of our South Tampa schools with the highest quality of orthodontics. We believe that a confident smile can make a significant difference in a child’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Whether your child chooses braces or clear aligners, we make the journey to a healthier smile smooth, stress-free, and FUN for students in our community! Modern Orthodontic Treatments for all ages Early orthodontic treatment for kids Orthodontics for teens Orthodontics for adults Custom clear aligners (Invisalign® or Angel Aligner™) Modern braces in metal or clear Local Schools Near Our South Tampa Orthodontist Office Located close to Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, our South Tampa orthodontic office is surrounded by a number of exceptional schools that serve families in the community. We’re proud to create smiles as bright, as our talented students from these nearby schools: Kids Orthodontics for South Tampa Elementary Schools • Mabry Elementary School ~ 3 minutes from our office. • Grady Elementary School ~ 4 minutes from our office. Teen Orthodontics for South Tampa Middle Schools • Coleman Middle School ~ 4 minutes away. • Kenneth E. Adum K-8 Magnet School ~ 6 minutes away. Custom Orthodontics for South Tampa High Schools • H. B. Plant High School ~ 2 minutes from our office. • Jefferson High School ~ 11 minutes from our office. Come stop by Blue Wave Orthodontics! Whether you’re bringing your kiddo in for their initial consultation, or you’re stopping by our orthodontic office in South Tampa for your own consultation after school drop-off, our location at 3739 W Neptune St is convenient for families in our neighborhoods. We see local families from South Tampa and the communities of Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, Beach Park, Davis Islands, Sunset Park and Sunset Gardens, Virginia Park, Belmar Shores, and more! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we bring you and your child high-tech orthodontic treatment with advanced technologies and truly personalized care. Kids' Orthodontics for South Tampa Elementary Schools Most orthodontic conditions are preventable – but only if addressed at the right time. Through early intervention, we focus on working with children’s natural growth processes to intercept problematic conditions before they progress to a severe state. Kids orthodontics allows us to use the least invasive treatment approach with the least discomfort for your little one, and the shortest treatment time possible. Conditions that are left untreated into adulthood, or even into the teen years, can lead to further conditions and challenges, and require invasive methods (like jaw surgery) and extended treatment lengths to correct. Not every smile needs early intervention but those who do will benefit for a lifetime. The Importance of Orthodontics for Teens When it comes to your teen’s first orthodontic check-up, the sooner the better. Orthodontics is about more than just ‘straight teeth’. It can help prevent future dental problems, improve the bite, improve breathing and sleep quality in many cases,... --- - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/about-blue-wave-orthodontics/serving-carrollwood-northdale-lake-magdalene/ Orthodontist Serving Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale,and Lake Magdalene, FL Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of comprehensive orthodontic care. We’re proud to serve 33618 and the surrounding communities of Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, Lake Magdalene, Cherry Creek, Hamlet, Hunter Lake, Brentwood, Lake Ellen Woods, Monaco Gardens, and more. We bring you top orthodontists near 33618, with over 40 years of combined experience in orthodontics! Orthodontic TreatmentsClear aligners for all ages• Traditional metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Early orthodontic treatment for kids• Orthodontics for teens• Orthodontics for adults CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running "Must-See" Attractions Near Near 33618 The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium is a great destination for family fun! You can explore the different spectrums of marine life in each exhibit, from the Florida ecosystems, exotic fish, and more. This aquarium offers a variety of experiences to interest kids of all ages (even adults! ), with engaging kid-friendly presentations to behind-the-scenes tours for parents and older kiddos. (Don’t forget to bring the swimsuits too for a stop in their refreshing splash pad! ) Adventure Island Adventure Island is home to a plethora of water attractions for all ages! Kids will enjoy twisting slides and parents rave about the relaxing lazy river ride. The entire family can dive into this state-favorite water park and enjoy the sunshine Tampa has to offer. Lettuce Lake Park Calling all nature lovers! Lettuce Lake Park is THE ideal retreat from the bustle of Tampa city. Take a walk along winding boardwalks to snag views of lush greenery and wildlife. Climb one of their observation towers to get closer looks at native animals and plants, including the formidable and captivating cypress trees. Schools in the 33618 area Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to support local schools and provide personalized orthodontics for students in our communities! Our team offers custom 3D printed braces for children and teens which reduces their treatment time by 41% so they miss less school and extracurricular activities. • Carrollwood Elementary School• Gaither High School• Dorothy Thomas Center• Corbett Preparatory School of IDS• Carrollwood Day School• Steinbrenner High School• Schwarzkopf Elementary School• Lutz Preparatory School CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running Popular Restaurants in 33618 Foodys Restaurant Foody’s is a place the locals love! A charming little diner that boasts a relaxed atmosphere. You can meet friends or gather the family to enjoy breakfast dishes, burgers, or if you have a hankering for some flavorful Greek food. While their known for their award-winning brunch, you can dine with them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner Mom's Place Restaurant Welcome to homemade meal heaven! Just like the name implies, Mom’s Place is a cozy local diner that offers hearty portions of all the homemade classics for breakfast and lunch (even a few Greek options too). Saigon Bay In the mood for delicious pho? Visit Saigon Bay in Tampa, FL! This restaurant offers authentic,... --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-williamsburg-west/ Orthodontist Williamsburg West Orthodontist Serving Williamsburg West At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good and feel good! We’re proud to serve Williamsburg West and the surrounding communities of Wesley Chapel, The Lakes at Northwood, Northwood, Seven Oaks, Meadow Pointe, Live Oak Preserve, Pebble Creek Village and K-Bar Ranch. We are top orthodontists near Northwood (Wesley Chapel) offering the most modern, high-tech treatments, individualized care and affordable, flexible financing options. Orthodontic Treatments• Clear aligners for all ages• Traditional metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Early orthodontic treatment for kids• Orthodontics for teens• Orthodontics for adults CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running "Must-See" Attractions Near Williamsburg West New Tampa Nature Park The New Tampa Nature Park is a wooded park featuring paved and unpaved trails for hiking and cycling. It has a zip line, a ropes course too and a small rock climbing area too! Come here for a relaxing afternoon, a stroll or bike ride and get some fresh air. Lettuce Lake Park Lettuce Lake Park features a beautiful boardwalk and fishing dock with picnic tables and BBQ grills. If you enjoy birdwatching, canoeing, fishing, walking or simply relaxing with fresh air, Lettuce Lake is a great spot to get away from the city for a few hours. Busch Gardens Busch Gardens is a popular Tampa theme park with thrill rides and kiddie rides, safaris, live entertainment, animal encounters and holiday events. This theme park has earned a number of awards, including "Top 5 Best Theme Park,” "Best New Roller Coaster,” and "Top 10 Best Theme Park. ” Popular Restaurants in Williamsburg West Grillsmith Grillsmith in Wesley Chapel is a local chain serving globally-influenced New American fare and cocktails in a casual and stylish spot. Known for its friendly staff, convenient location, excellent food presentation and fresh fish dishes, Grillsmith has over 1,800 Google reviews! Pizza Mania Calling all pizza lovers! Pizza Mania is a counter-serve parlor serving up pizza, calzones, garlic knots and Italian eats in a simple setting. Pizza Mania features generous portions and a vast menu, and is loved by Tampa locals. Señor Tequila Mexican Grill Señor Tequila is a great spot serving up Mexican dishes for lunch and dinner. With a lively setting, a menu of delicious drinks and flavorful meals, and a friendly staff, Señor Tequila is a favorite destination for Mexican food in the area. No matter where you choose to eat in Williamsburg West, you really can’t go wrong (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Williamsburg West! We hope you love Williamsburg West and the Tampa community just as much as we do. We’re honored to provide the highest quality of personalized care in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you to... --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-live-oak-preserve/ Orthodontist Live Oak Preserve Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good and feel good! We’re proud to serve Live Oak Preserve and the surrounding communities of Wesley Chapel, Pebble Creek, Heritage Isles, West Meadows, Hunters Green, Belle Chase, K-Bar Ranch and Meadow Pointe. We are top orthodontists near Northwood (Wesley Chapel) offering the most modern, high-tech treatments, individualized care and affordable, flexible financing options. Orthodontic Treatments• Clear aligners for all ages• Traditional metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Early orthodontic treatment for kids• Orthodontics for teens• Orthodontics for adults CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running Schools Near Live Oak Preserve • Turner/Bartels K-8• Pride Elementary School• Wharton High School• Sand Pine Elementary• Clark Elementary School• Hunters Green Elementary School Popular Restaurants in Live Oak Preserve Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay is a popular Vietnamese restaurant serving up Pho, Poke, Boba, Banh Mi and more with the freshest ingredients. Known as an authentic spot for Vietnamese food lovers, Ha Long Bay has over 200 Google reviews with a 4. 4 star rating! It's a must try. ALSham Palace ALSham Palace is a Mediterranean Restaurant known for its authentic menu, budget-friendly prices, cozy and colorful atmosphere, and diverse menu. Conveniently located off Bruce B Downs Blvd, ALSham Palace is a great spot to satisfy your cravings. Burger 21 in New Tampa Burger 21 is a counter-serve chain dishing up creative burgers, fries and shakes in a modern space with a sauce bar. With veggie and seafood options, chicken, tenders and hot dogs, Burger 21 is a unique Tampa favorite. No matter where you choose to eat in Live Oak Preserve, you really can’t go wrong (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Live Oak Preserve! We hope you love Live Oak Preserve and the Tampa community just as much as we do. We’re honored to provide the highest quality of personalized care in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you to schedule your complimentary consultation today! --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-northwood/ Orthodontist Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good and feel good! We’re proud to serve Northwood and the surrounding communities of Wesley Chapel, The Lakes at Northwood, Williamsburg West, Northwood Village, Live Oak Preserve, Belle Chase, Alvarez Acres, Carpenters Run, Pebble Creek and more. We are top orthodontists near Northwood (Wesley Chapel) offering the most modern, high-tech treatments, individualized care and affordable, flexible financing options. Orthodontic Treatments• Clear aligners for all ages • Traditional metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Early orthodontic treatment for kids• Orthodontics for teens• Orthodontics for adults CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running "Must-See" Attractions Near Northwood (Wesley Chapel) Hillsborough River State Park Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's first state parks, created in 1938! With lengthy trails for hiking and biking, a suspension bridge, campgrounds, kayak and canoe rentals and more, this state park is the perfect getaway spot all year round. Land O' Lakes Heritage Park Land O' Lakes Heritage Park is a venue that features live music, food trucks, cool vendors and more. The Pasco Blues and Bourbon Festival, along with a number of other festivals, takes place here! Croc Encounters Looking for an exciting afternoon filled with unique wildlife? Croc Encounters is a popular wildlife park that features guided tours, education and close-up encounters with a range of reptiles. First established in January 2005, this place is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing unwanted reptiles. Popular Northwood Restaurants Bubba's 33 Bubba's 33 is an American restaurant serving up burgers, pizza and beer, with large TVs in a lively and entertaining atmosphere. They're known for hosting music night bingo and sports watch parties here! PDQ PDQ is a popular hand-dipped chicken restaurant that actually originated in Tampa! This restaurant is loved for its crispy chicken sandwiches, quality ingredients and delicious shakes. If you haven't tried this Tampa-native fast food spot yet, you have to add it to your list! Island Fin Poké Company Are you a fan of poké? Island Fin is a unique Hawaiian restaurant that has won a number of awards, including “The #1 Poké Restaurant in all of Wesley Chapel”, one of “The 12 Top Budget-Friendly Restaurants in America”, and more! No matter where you choose to eat in Northwood, you really can’t go wrong (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Northwood! We hope you love Northwood and the Tampa community just as much as we do. We’re honored to provide the highest quality of personalized care in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you to schedule your complimentary consultation today! --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-seven-oaks/ Orthodontist Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we help you look good, do good and feel good! We’re proud to serve Seven Oaks and the surrounding communities of Wesley Chapel, Northwood Village, Williamsburg West, Compark 75, Belle Chase, Meadow Pointe, New Tampa, Wiregrass Ranch, Lexington Oaks, Quail Hollow and Tampa Palms. We are a top orthodontist near Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) offering the most modern, high-tech treatments, individualized care and affordable, flexible financing options. Orthodontic Treatments• Clear aligners for all ages• Traditional metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Early orthodontic treatment for kids• Orthodontics for teens• Orthodontics for adults CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running "Must-See" Attractions Near Seven Oaks (Wesley Chapel) New Tampa Nature Park The New Tampa Nature Park is a wooded park featuring paved and unpaved trails for hiking and cycling. It has a zip line, a ropes course too and a small rock climbing area too! Come here for a relaxing afternoon, a stroll or bike ride and get some fresh air. Adventure Island Adventure Island features thrill rides in an outdoor water park with a wave pool and lazy river. With over 11,600 Google reviews, Adventure Island is a popular destination for family and friends. It’s only 20 minutes from our Wesley Chapel orthodontist office. Museum of Science & Industry The Museum of Science & Industry is a science museum with interactive exhibits on biology and earth science, as well as a ropes course and planetarium. Both visitors and locals love the museum for the many activities it has to offer people of all ages! Popular Seven Oaks Restaurants Capital Tacos Voted one of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Tampa, Capital Tacos serves up a vast chef-crafted menu of inventive flavors, made on an open grill. Their recipes are tried-and-true and made from scratch! Latin Twist Cafe Latin Twist Cafe is a famous Latin American restaurant that offers sandwiches, dishes and desserts in a cozy and compact atmosphere. Known for its generous serving sizes and inevitable leftovers, friendly staff and convenient location, Latin Twist is a must-try for Latin food lovers. Tijuana Flats Tijuana Flats is a Mexican restaurant known for its extensive hot sauce bar, colorful, mural walls and lively atmosphere. A Tampa favorite, Tijuana Flats is open for lunch and dinner and offers tasty specials throughout the week! No matter where you choose to eat in Seven Oaks, you really can’t go wrong (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Seven Oaks! We hope you love Seven Oaks and the Tampa community just as much as we do. We are honored to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care for the people in and around our communities. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you... --- - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/virtual-consultation/ Request a Virtual Consultation Start smiling from home! You can get answers about your smile while you’re on-the-go, or while you’re cozy on the couch. To request a complimentary virtual consultation, please fill out the form below. One of our team members will contact you as soon as possible to schedule your Zoom consultation. We look forward to seeing you! First name Last name Email Phone Comments Δ look good. do good. feel good. --- - Published: 2023-11-08 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-retreatment/ Orthodontic Retreatment “Oh no, I stopped wearing my retainer and my teeth shifted! ” Does that sound familiar? If you had braces or clear aligners in the past but stopped wearing your retainer, we can re-straighten your teeth without full treatment! As you know, wearing your retainer after braces or aligners is absolutely key to maintaining your beautiful smile for a lifetime. If you stopped wearing your retainer, or your teeth are moving after braces years later, you can get orthodontic retreatment with Blue Wave Orthodontics. How does orthodontic retreatment work? Free evaluation We’ll start with a complimentary consultation and comprehensive smile exam. Your Blue Wave orthodontist will assess your current smile and the extent of the misalignment. We’ll determine your treatment cost too! Your cost will be determined based on the length of treatment needed to perfect your smile. We offer flexible financing options, including in-house financing, to help you manage your cost. Personalized treatment plan Based on the evaluation, your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan. You’ll be able to choose from different types of braces and clear aligners. However, your orthodontist may recommend one treatment over the other in order to create the best results in the shortest amount of time. Periodic check-ins Throughout your retreatment, you'll visit us for periodic check-ups, where your orthodontist will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. Your orthodontist will ensure that your teeth are moving into a beautiful alignment! Retainer commitment Once your treatment is complete, it’s time to commit to wearing your retainer! It’s essential that you wear your retainer as instructed this time; you don’t want to go through another retreatment. We provide Clear Essix retainers (similar to clear aligners), Hawley retainers (with metal bars and an acrylic plate), and fixed/permanent retainers attached to the back surfaces of your teeth. We also offer a Retain Program for long-term protection! After paying the initial enrollment fee, you’ll receive up to 4 free replacement retainers per year (one arch per replacement). If you lost your previous retainer, we highly recommend opting into our Retainer Program. Retreatment is quicker and less costly! Orthodontic retreatment is available for moderate misalignments and touch-ups. Instead of undergoing full orthodontic treatment again, we can do a straightening treatment at a fraction of the cost. Since you've already invested in braces or clear aligners in the past, retreatment leverages your previous investment and focuses on fine-tuning and perfecting your smile. Retreatment is personalized to your specific needs. One of our highly-experienced orthodontists will evaluate the current state of your teeth and design a custom treatment plan to re-align them. You’ll get the exact treatment you need to achieve your desired results. Re-align Your Smile with a Personalized Touch-Up Treatment Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to help you explore your options and ensure that you make the best decisions for your smile. A beautiful smile is meant to last a lifetime, and we’re here... --- - Published: 2023-11-08 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/transfer-orthodontist/ Transfer Orthodontist Are you moving to Florida? The Blue Wave Orthodontics team welcomes you to the Sunshine State! Life happens, and moving to a new city or state is a part of that! If you currently have braces or you’re in the middle of clear aligner treatment and are planning a move, you will be able to switch to an orthodontist who accepts transfer patients. Switching Orthodontists During Braces or Aligners We’ve treated many patients who transferred to us from another orthodontist. We’re here to walk these patients through the process as they transfer to one of our convenient orthodontist offices in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel or East Bradenton. We’ve also treated patients who were not happy with their orthodontic treatment under another orthodontist. We create personalized treatment plans for these patients and deliver exceptional results! How to change orthodontists: 2 Easy Steps Inform your current orthodontist Let your orthodontist know as soon as you find out that you have to relocate. The sooner your orthodontist knows, the sooner he or she is able to prepare the necessary information for your new orthodontist Schedule a free consultation with us! If you’re moving to Tampa or East Bradenton, all you have to do is schedule your free consultation with us! Use that page to give us some of your information, and let us know in the comments that you’re in active orthodontic treatment. We’ll call you to schedule your consultation and discuss the details of what you’ll need in order to transfer orthodontic treatment. How much does it cost to change orthodontists? Every smile is different. Your total orthodontics cost will depend on your individual treatment needs. On your first visit, one of our experienced orthodontists will assess your progress to determine your cost. Again, if you paid in full for treatment at your current orthodontist, their financial coordinator may have to configure a plan to provide you with a refund. We’re proud to offer flexible financing options for our patients! We’ll work out a financial plan that makes your new smile achievable. You can choose from: In-house financing with 0% interest Financing through HFD Modern treatment options At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we have a treatment option to suit your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a discreet treatment option, a modern alternative to braces, or a more traditional option. You can choose from: Custom clear aligners Clear ceramic braces Traditional metal braces The Highest Quality Care If you’re transferring to us for braces or aligners, you’re in the best hands. We've been creating beautiful smiles for our communities for over 40 years! Our practice is known as one of the most experienced practices in the state. Proud to be an Orthodontist Who Accepts Transfer Patients We would love to meet you and your family, and we welcome you to Florida! Our team welcomes you with open arms and top-of-the-line, personalized care. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions in the meantime. Request your complimentary consultation... --- - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/dr-heddaya/ Play Video Meet Belal Heddaya, DDS "I'm thrilled to welcome you to Blue Wave Orthodontics, right here in the beautiful Tampa Bay area of Florida. "Our practice, founded by Dr. Randy Feldman, has a rich history in our community and I am committed to continuing Dr. Feldman's legacy of exceptional orthodontic care. Here at Blue Wave, each smile is treated with care and precision. Whether you're here for braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment, our goal is to make your journey comfortable, efficient and successful. Throughout your treatment, I'll ensure that you're actively involved in every step of the process. As a passionate dental photographer, I believe in the power of visualizing progress. Throughout your treatment, we'll capture moments that showcase the remarkable transformation of your smile. We'll use these images to keep you informed and engaged in your orthodontic journey. Orthodontics is a dynamic field and I'm dedicated to staying updated on the latest advancements. My commitment to continued education ensures that you'll receive the best and most innovative orthodontic care available. Meet Belal Heddaya, DDS "I take great pride in my integrity, ethics, and the lost art of great 'bedside manner'. "As an Orthodontist, I am privileged to have what I consider to be “the greatest job in the World! ” A new smile can have such a positive impact on an individual’s self-esteem. It is amazing to see the transformation in our patients’ self-confidence and often times their lives! My educational journey involved 12 years of intense education after high school which took me throughout our amazing country. In that time, I completed 8 years of advanced dental training. I am now proud to celebrate my 10th year in private practice. As an Orthodontic specialist, I am passionate about life-long learning. I am committed to staying on the cutting edge of orthodontic technology and techniques, and I regularly attend meetings on a state and national level. Most recently, after watching way too many episodes of Shark Tank, I invented and patented an orthodontic companion product to Invisalign that is now being used throughout the World! Join us in welcoming Dr. Heddaya to Blue Wave Orthodontics Play Video Professional Accomplishments Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics JCO Student of the year award finalist American Association of Orthodontists Award Comprehensive Dentistry Award American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry Award Class of 2020 Top 3 in Clinical Production Education Orthodontics Certificate & MS Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | UT Health San Antonio Continuing Education Invisalign Aligner Intensive Fellowship Texas Orthodontic Study Club Annual Meeting AAO Annual Sessions and Winter Conference Outside of the Office I grew up by the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, Egypt, fostering a love for watersports, especially scuba diving. I wouldn't hesitate for a chance to show off my underwater photography skills. My beautiful wife, Dina, and I are celebrating our sixth wonderful year of marriage. Dina is also a dentist; we were actually classmates back... --- - Published: 2023-02-23 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/sleep-solutions/ Rapid Snoring Relief with Blue Wave Sleep Solutions We’re proud to offer snoring treatment with laser therapy to help our adult patients experience relief from snoring in only five minutes! BlueWave Sleep Solutions is a laser treatment that reduces or eliminates snoring and enables you and your partner to enjoy better sleep. This technology is painless, nonsurgical and requires no recovery time. Book Your Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today How does Blue Wave Sleep Solutions treat snoring? Sleep Solutions treats snoring by tightening tissues in the soft palate and reducing vibrations that cause snoring. Unlike surgical procedures that require incisions, stitches, and long recoveries, Sleep Solutions is a nonsurgical laser treatment that takes only a few minutes with no recovery time, and produces immediate relief. The CO2 Laser’s specific wavelength allows the laser to gently and quickly tighten collagen fibers of the soft palate tissue in only one 5-minute session. The tightened soft palate tissue opens the airway and reduces vibrations that cause patients to snore and disrupt sleep. How long do the results of the Blue Wave Sleep Solutions Laser Treatment last? The results of the Bluewave Sleep Solutions Laser Treatment typically last anywhere from 12 to 18 months. However, the duration may vary depending on individual factors and the condition of the soft tissues. Yearly maintenance visits are recommended to keep the snoring at bay. Are maintenance visits necessary after the initial treatment? Yes, maintenance visits are recommended to sustain the results of the Bluewave Sleep Solutions Laser Treatment. Regular visits within 18 months of the last procedure help maintain the tightened muscles and minimize snoring. It is advisable to consult with Dr. Sierra for personalized recommendations. How much does the initial consultation cost? The initial consultation for the Bluewave Sleep Solutions Laser Treatment with Dr. Sierra is priced at $80. Is there a special offer for getting the procedure done on the same day as the consultation? Yes, if you decide to have the procedure done on the same day as the consultation, the cost of the consultation is waived. This allows you to avail yourself of the special offer of $980 for the procedure, which includes the initial laser treatment and a second follow-up treatment 3 to 4 weeks later. What does the $980 fee for the procedure include? The $980 fee for the Bluewave Sleep Solutions Laser Treatment includes the initial laser treatment as well as a second follow-up treatment that is scheduled 3 to 4 weeks after the initial procedure. This comprehensive package helps ensure long-lasting results. How do I prepare for my appointment? Before your appointment, we recommend downloading the SnoreLab App on your phone. It's a fun and simple way for you to monitor your progress before and after the treatment. You can find it on the app store under “SnoreLab”. How often should I schedule maintenance visits? It is recommended to... --- - Published: 2023-01-06 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-palma-ceia/ Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL Orthodontist Serving Palma Ceia, FL We help our patients look good, do good and feel good in Palma Ceia and the surrounding communities of Bayshore Gardens, Virginia Park, Culbreath Heights, Sunset Park, Belmar Shore, South Westshore, Golfview, Palma Ceia West, Stoney Point, Swann Estates, Interbay and Ballast Point. We are a top South Tampa orthodontist near Palma Ceia! We provide modern orthodontic treatments for all ages. Orthodontic Treatments• Metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Clear aligners for all ages• Emergency orthodontist services• Orthognathic surgery• Cleft palate treatment• Sleep apnea treatment "Must-See" Attractions Near Palma Ceia Tampa Bay History Center The Tampa Bay History Center offers interactive exhibits, maps, films and special events. Explore beautifully-designed exhibits, learn about the Seminoles and the history of cigar making in Tampa, and more! The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium is a favorite among locals and visitors alike! Featuring a massive 250,000-square-foot aquarium with sharks, penguins, stingray touch tanks, a wild dolphin cruise and a water playground, the Florida Aquarium is rated among the best aquariums in the US. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park Cotanchobee is a park located on the waterfront of Tampa, with a pier, jogging path, playground and area to launch canoes. This 4. 5-acre park is located along Garrison Channel and features stunning views, day and night! Popular Palma Ceia Restaurants Datz Datz is a local favorite, lively American gastropub that serves modern, gourmet comfort food and craft beers. Datz is known for its fun atmosphere, unique menu items, and generous portions. Flames Indian Cuisine Flames Indian Cuisine is an authentic Indian restaurant serving food from a variety of regions in a warm setting with charming decor. Perfect for your next date night or family outing, Flames is a must-try when you’re near Palma Ceia. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings Serving up charred-crust pies from coal-fired ovens, wings, subs and Italian plates in a modern and casual setting, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings is known for its meal presentation and flavorsome bites. No matter where you choose to eat in Palma Ceia, you really can’t go wrong (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Palma Ceia! We hope you love Palma Ceia and South Tampa just as much as we do. We are honored to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care for the people in and around our communities. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you to reach out to us or schedule your complimentary consultation with our experienced team today. --- - Published: 2023-01-05 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontist-serving-lakewood-ranch/ Orthodontist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL Orthodontist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL We help our patients look good, do good and feel good in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding communities of the Braden River, University Park, The Meadows, Kensington Park, Fruitville, Sapphire Point, Lennar and Del Webb. We are a top East Bradenton orthodontists near Lakewood Ranch! We provide modern orthodontic treatments for all ages. • Metal braces• Clear ceramic braces• Clear aligners for all ages• Emergency orthodontist services• Orthognathic surgery• Cleft palate treatment• Sleep apnea treatment "Must-See" Attractions Near Lakewood Ranch Conservatory Park Conservatory Park is a local hidden gem where locals love to walk around the lake, enjoy picnics, take their dogs on walks or kids to the playground, and enjoy animal life without having to travel too far from Lakewood Ranch. Jumpin Fun Inflata Park If you have kids, Jumpin Fun Inflata Park can make for an exciting and energetic afternoon! A spacious indoor inflatable theme park with games, activities and kids' sessions, this park is fun (and sure to wear your kids out. ) Heron's Nest Nature Park Heron's Nest is a natural, dog-friendly park with walking trails, wildlife and lake views. Next time you’re near Lakewood Ranch, stop by Heron's Nest for some fresh air and a calm afternoon stroll. Popular Lakewood Ranch Restaurants Apollonia Grill Apollonia Grill is a colorful, casual eatery that serves authentic, fine Mediterranean fare with a full bar, live music and an exciting atmosphere. Locals rave about the Gyro sandwiches and Meza plates here! Remy's on Main Remy's on Main is a family owned and operated restaurant and bar that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Voted a 2022 Neighborhood Favorite on Next Door and a winner of Bradenton's People's Choice Award, Remy's is known for its unique breakfast options and attentive service. Urban Taco Urban Taco is a delicious taco joint with quality meats, a variety of fresh toppings and generous portions. Build your own taco, burrito, salad or nachos at Urban Taco! No matter where you choose to eat in Lakewood Ranch, you really can’t go wrong! (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket, poking wire, or forget your clear aligners at the restaurant, the Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Experience the beautiful Lakewood Ranch! We hope you love Lakewood Ranch just as much as we do. We are honored to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care for the people in and around our communities. If you’re seeking a top orthodontist near you, we encourage you to reach out to us or schedule your complimentary consultation with our experienced team today. --- - Published: 2022-12-13 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/campaigns/gaw-fall-wesley-chapel-ortho-2022/ Office Hours: Mon-Th 7:45 am – 4:30 pm (813) 254-8005 Hey Wesley Chapel, get the confident smile you've always wanted! Request your complimentary exam (valued at $250) today. GAW-Fall-2022 "*" indicates required fields Name* FIRST NAME LAST NAME EMAIL* PHONE NUMBER*WHEN IS IT BEST TO REACH YOU BY PHONE? TELL US ABOUT YOUR SMILEConsent* I consent to Blue Wave Orthodontics contacting me by phone and/or text solely for the purposes of scheduling an appointment. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Statement. CAPTCHA Take the first step today and save $250 in exam fees! Request your complimentary exam now. GET STARTED TODAY! 4 Convenient Locations In Tampa Bay & Bradenton Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 Suite 101 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St. (813) 254-8005 North Tampa 1773 W. Fletcher Ave. (813) 968-2483 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln. (813) 929-6700 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 Suite 101 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St. (813) 254-8005 North Tampa 1773 W. Fletcher Ave. (813) 968-2483 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln. (813) 929-6700 © 2021 Blue Wave Orthodontics. All Right Reserved. an eNox Media Website --- - Published: 2022-08-08 - Modified: 2026-04-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/south-tampa-orthodontist-office/ Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in South Tampa Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be South Tampa’s family orthodontist! We help the people in our communities look good, do good, and feel good. Request Your Complimentary Exam Today Contact (813) 254-8005 (813) 254-8859 southtampa@bluewaveortho. com For orthodontist emergencies 813-695-3709 Location 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33629 Get Directions Hours Monday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Tuesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Wednesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Thursday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed We’re excited to meet you! Blue Wave Orthodontics has been providing Tampa Bay with high-quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults for more than 35 years! With locations in South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton, we have an orthodontist office near you. Our South Tampa orthodontist office is conveniently located off of W. Neptune Street and S. Dale Mabry Highway. Your Orthodontist in 33629 We see some amazing patients who live in South Tampa and the communities of Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, Beach Park, Davis Islands, Sunset Park and Sunset Gardens, Virginia Park, Belmar Shores and more! Our team is honored to support the students and families of our South Tampa schools by providing quality orthodontic care that transforms smiles and builds lifelong confidence. Orthodontist Services We provide a range of high-quality East Bradenton orthodontics! Whether you’re looking for clear braces in East Bradenton or clear aligners in East Bradenton, we have the perfect esthetic treatment option for you. South Tampa Braces Traditional metal braces Clear ceramic braces Learn More South Tampa Aligners Angel Aligner™ for kids Angel Aligner™ for teens Angel Aligner™ for adults Learn More Your First Visit We're proud to be a Same Day Orthodontist in South Tampa! Get braces on your very first visit, or take a smile scan for your custom aligners. Learn More Insurance & Financing We believe everyone deserves high-quality care, modern treatment options, and incredible results at an affordable price! At your first visit, you’ll sit down with our treatment coordinator to create a financial plan that works for you! We offer flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest, and financing through HFD. We accept insurance and will handle the paperwork for you, and we're happy to do a free insurance benefit check before your first visit! Explore Financing Options Looking for an orthodontist near you in South Tampa? Request a complimentary consultation today! Schedule Your Exam FAQ's About Our South Tampa Orthodontics Office What orthodontic services do you offer in South Tampa? We offer braces (metal & ceramic), clear aligners for kids, teens and adults, early treatment options and retainers. How much do braces cost in South Tampa? Costs depend on treatment type and complexity. We offer free consultations and flexible payment options — call (813) 254-8005 for a personalized estimate. How do I book a consultation at the South Tampa office? Call (813) 254-8005 or use our... --- - Published: 2022-08-08 - Modified: 2026-04-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/wesley-chapel-orthodontist-office/ Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in Wesley Chapel Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be Wesley Chapel’s family orthodontist! We help the people in our communities look good, do good, and feel good. Our Wesley Chapel orthodontist, Dr. Belal Heddaya, and our experienced team serve Wesley Chapel, as well as the surrounding communities of Seven Oaks, Northwood, Williamsburg West, and Live Oak Preserve. Much of our team is bilingual to better serve our Spanish-speaking community! Request Your Complimentary Exam Today Contact (813) 929-6700 (813) 254-8859 wesleychapel@bluewaveortho. com For orthodontist emergencies 813-695-3709 Location 2234 Native Woods Ln. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Get Directions Hours Monday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Tuesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Wednesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Thursday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed We’re excited to meet you! Blue Wave Orthodontics has been providing Tampa Bay with high-quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults for more than 35 years! With locations in South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton, we have an orthodontist office near you. Our Wesley Chapel orthodontist office is conveniently located off of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56. Your Orthodontist in 33544 We see some amazing patients who live in Wesley Chapel, and the communities of Epperson, Watergrass, Seven Oaks, Country Walk, Lexington Oaks, Estancia at Wiregrass, Avalon Park West, Chapel Pines, New River Township, Northwood and more! Orthodontic Treatments We provide a range of high-quality Wesley Chapel orthodontics! Whether you’re looking for clear braces in Wesley Chapel or clear aligners in Wesley Chapel, we have the perfect esthetic treatment option for you. Wesley Chapel Braces Traditional metal braces Ceramic clear braces Learn More Wesley Chapel Aligners Angel Aligner™ for kids Angel Aligner™ for teens Angel Aligner™ for adults Learn More Your First Visit We're proud to be a Same Day Orthodontist in Wesley Chapel! Get braces on your very first visit, or take a smile scan for your custom aligners. Learn More Insurance & Financing We believe everyone deserves high-quality care, modern treatment options, and incredible results at an affordable price! At your first visit, you’ll sit down with our treatment coordinator to create a financial plan that works for you. We offer flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest, and financing through HFD. We accept insurance and will handle the paperwork for you, and we're happy to do a free insurance benefit check before your first visit! Explore Financing Options Looking for an orthodontist near you in Wesley Chapel? Request a complimentary consultation today! Schedule Your Exam FAQ's About Our Wesley Chapel Orthodontics Office What services are available at the Wesley Chapel office? We provide braces (metal & ceramic), clear aligners, early interceptive care, retainers, and emergency orthodontic services. Are clear aligners available for teens at Wesley Chapel? Yes — we offer clear aligners for teens with monitoring and compliance tools for effective treatment. ow long does orthodontic treatment usually take? Most... --- - Published: 2022-08-02 - Modified: 2024-02-20 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/palatal-expander/ The Palatal Expander Appliance A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance commonly used in early orthodontic treatment to widen the upper jaw bone and create sufficient space for a healthy set of permanent teeth to grow without crowding or overlapping. It also helps correct crossbites when the posterior upper and lower teeth do not fit together the way they should. There are different types of palatal expanders used for different cases. When your experienced orthodontist completes your complimentary consultation, he or she will suggest the most effective treatment route for you or your child’s case! Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Who can benefit from a palatal expander? This appliance is most effective when the jaw bones are still developing and the permanent teeth are erupting through the gums. The optimal palatal expander age is generally between ages 5 and 12. There are exceptions to every rule and some adults can still benefit from a palatal expander, but they most often require an implant-supported expander or a surgically-assisted expander if their jaw bones have stopped developing. How does a palatal expander work? This appliance uses small metal bands, positioned around the upper molars, with a screw piece that sits in the center of the roof of the mouth. You’ll insert a special key into the center screw and rotate the key backwards, toward your throat. This is considered one full turn. Activating the expander will trigger it to exert gentle outward pressure on the upper teeth. Over time, these tiny turns will expand the upper jaw to the desired width. Once the jaw bone is properly expanded, you or your child will continue to wear the appliance for approximately 4-6 months to prevent the bones and teeth from reverting to their original position. Signs That You May Need a Palatal Expander Teeth crowding or overlapping each other Experiencing pain as permanent teeth are emerging Difficulty sleeping or mouth-breathing when sleeping Difficulty chewing or biting cheeks Impacted teeth (teeth are blocked and cannot erupt through the gums) Malocclusion (underbite, overbite, cross bite, open bite) Types of Palatal Expanders Rapid Palatal Expander The most common type of palatal expander is the RPE (rapid palatal expander). This one is bonded to the teeth and remains in place, through the day and night, for at least six months. The RPE is activated each day to gradually expand the jaw. Implant-Supported Palatal Expander An implant-supported expander is most often used for adults whose jaw bones are done developing. This one has four small implants that are embedded into the maxillary bone (upper jaw bone). Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander Also used for adults whose jaw bones are done developing, the SARPE (surgically-assisted rapid palatal expander) expands the jaw through a surgical orthodontic approach. Are there palatal expander side effects? The expansion process can sound a bit intimidating, but you can rest assured that plenty... --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/common-orthodontic-issues/ Common Orthodontic Issues There are common orthodontic problems that we see in new patients, but your experience, your preferences, and your ultimate smile goals make your case one-of-a-kind! Our board-certified orthodontists and friendly team has transformed thousands of smiles in our Tampa Bay and East Bradenton communities in the last 40 years - and we’re ready to help you! When you visit us for a free orthodontic exam, your orthodontist will examine your condition to determine the most efficient treatment method for your case. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Underbite (Malocclusion) With an underbite, the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw. This condition can cause facial imbalances, cause pain or difficulty chewing and speaking, and can cause the teeth to wear down prematurely as they don’t meet evenly. Underbites are often treated with clear aligners or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics. Overbite (Malocclusion) When the upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw, this characterizes an overbite condition. Depending on how severe the condition is, an overbite can make it challenging to eat and chew properly. In some cases, the lower teeth will meet the roof of the mouth—ouch! Like underbites, overbites are often treated with clear aligners or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics. Crossbite (Malocclusion) When the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth, this is called a crossbite. This may be a posterior crossbite (in the back of the mouth) or an anterior crossbite (toward the front of the mouth). Crossbites can affect individual teeth or multiple teeth in a row. This condition is often the result of irregular tooth eruption, late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking during childhood. It can also occur due to a mismatch in the size of the upper and lower jaws. Crossbites are often treated with braces, clear aligners, and/or various orthodontic appliances. Open Bite (Malocclusion) If some of the top teeth don’t meet the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. Either in the back of the mouth or the front, this is called an open bite. With a healthy alignment, the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth slightly. An open bite may be the result of skeletal development problems and/or childhood habits, like thumb sucking and tongue-thrusting. It can be extremely challenging to chew food properly and pronounce certain words with an open bite, and the facial structure is typically affected by this condition. Some open bite cases may be treated with braces or clear aligners, while others may require surgery. Early orthodontic treatment can be especially effective for treating this condition before it progresses and leads to further challenges. Protrusion (Malocclusion) A protrusion, also known as an overjet condition, occurs when the front teeth protrude outward. Commonly called “buck teeth”, an overjet generally results from underdeveloped jaw bones, or thumb... --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-appliances/ Types of Orthodontic Appliances To help you get the best possible smile results from braces or clear aligner treatment at our East Bradenton, North Tampa, South Tampa, or Wesley Chapel orthodontist offices, you may wear an orthodontic appliance before, during or after treatment! What do orthodontic appliances do? There are a number of orthodontic appliances with a number of uses. Orthodontic appliances are effective for facilitating more efficient tooth movement, holding space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow, and/or helping to support proper growth and development of the jaw bones. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Herbst® Appliance The Herbst device treats overbites by shifting the lower jaw forward and the upper jaw backward. The Herbst appliance is generally used for younger patients with growing mouths and can be used with or without braces (although most often it is used with braces). Made of stainless steel bands, the Herbst appliance wraps around the molars, applying pressure to the jaw bones to promote proper development and create a healthy jaw alignment. Palatal Expander Palatal expanders are a common appliance used in early orthodontic treatment for children whose jaw bones are still developing. These appliances serve to widen the upper jaw to create the necessary space for teeth to erupt in a healthy alignment. Palatal expanders can help prevent crowding and impaction by guiding proper development of the jaw bone. The rapid palatal expander (the most common type of palatal expander) is bonded to the upper molars on both sides of the top jaw, with a screw located in the center of the appliance. To activate the palatal expander, you’ll insert a special key to turn the center screw, which expands the device ever so slightly and widens the palate gradually over time. If your child requires a palatal expander, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cleaning it, activating it and caring for it! TADs Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are temporary dental implants embedded into the jawbone to create an “anchor” that assists with tooth movement. These appliances are generally used when certain teeth require shifting, and others don’t. TADs enable us to treat individual teeth with greater efficiency. These anchorage devices appear as tiny metal buttons, strategically implanted into an area of the jaw bone. A small wire or elastic may be attached to the TAD to connect it with the specific tooth (or teeth) in need of treatment. Teeth Separators or Spacers Spacers, also called separators, are small rubber bands that help to create the space necessary for braces to be placed. With braces, a metal band is placed around the back molars to anchor the arch wires in place. In cases where the molars are too close together to allow these metal bands to be placed, separators may be used. Separators are temporary appliances that are only worn for about one to... --- - Published: 2022-06-23 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/east-bradenton-orthodontist-office/ Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in East Bradenton Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be East Bradenton’s family orthodontist! We help the people in our communities look good, do good, and feel good. Our experienced East Bradenton orthodontists and team serve East Bradenton, as well as the surrounding communities of Lakewood Ranch, North Sarasota, South Bradenton and Bayshore Gardens. Request Your Complimentary Exam Today Contact (941) 751-1533 (941) 739-2412 bradenton@bluewaveortho. com For orthodontist emergencies 914-720-0554 Location 6020 State Road 70 Suite #101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Get Directions Hours Monday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PMTuesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PMWednesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PMThursday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PMFriday: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed We’re excited to meet you! Blue Wave Orthodontics has been providing Tampa Bay with high-quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults for more than 35 years! With locations in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa and East Bradenton, we have an orthodontist office near you. Our East Bradenton office is conveniently located off of E. State Road 70, near Braden River High School and the Braden River. Your Orthodontist in 34203 We see some amazing patients who live in East Bradenton and the communities of Creekwood, Garden Lakes, Braden River East and the Oneco Area, Heritage Harbour and River Strand, Lakewood Ranch and more! Orthodontist Services We provide a range of high-quality East Bradenton orthodontics! Whether you’re looking for clear braces in East Bradenton or clear aligners in East Bradenton, we have the perfect esthetic treatment option for you. East Bradenton Braces Traditional metal braces Clear ceramic braces Learn More East Bradenton Aligners Angel Aligner™ for kids Angel Aligner™ for teens Angel Aligner™ for adults Learn More Your First Visit We're proud to be a Same Day Orthodontist in East Bradenton! Get braces on your very first visit, or take a smile scan for your custom aligners. Learn More Insurance & Financing We believe everyone deserves high-quality care, modern treatment options, and incredible results at an affordable price! At your first visit, you’ll sit down with our treatment coordinator to create a financial plan that works for you. We offer flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest, and financing through HFD. We accept insurance and will handle the paperwork for you, and we're happy to do a free insurance benefit check before your first visit! Explore Financing Options Looking for an orthodontist near you in East Bradenton? Request a complimentary consultation today! Schedule Your Exam FAQ's About Our East Bradenton Orthodontics Office How much do braces cost in East Bradenton? Costs vary by treatment type and complexity. We offer free consultations to provide a personalized estimate and discuss flexible payment options — call (941) 751-1533 Do you offer clear aligners, like Invisalign, at the East Bradenton office? Yes — our East Bradenton office provides clear aligners for teens, adults and kids using digital scans for a comfortable, precise fit. What should I expect at my first visit? Expect a clinical... --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/serving-east-bradenton-fl/ Serving East Bradenton, FL Serving East Bradenton, FL If you’re looking for an orthodontist near East Bradenton, Florida, Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to serve you! Our East Bradenton orthodontists have the experience and the dedication to exceed you or your child’s smile needs! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, many of our patients come from East Bradenton and the surrounding communities of Palmetto, Sarasota, Whitfield, Parrish, Fort Hamer, and Duette. We provide the following advanced orthodontic treatments to the people of our communities: Traditional metal braces Clear Ceramic braces Invisalign® clear aligners Same Day Braces Emergency orthodontist services Orthodontic Appliances "Must-See" Attractions in East Bradenton De Soto National Memorial Park When you visit this historical park, you’ll experience the rich and vibrant history not just of Tampa Bay, but the United States as well! As the site where Spanish Conquistador De Soto’s army landed in their quest for gold and glory, De Soto National Memorial Park is the perfect place to connect with nature, history, and culture. Your family can enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities such as kayaking, fishing, or picnicking. Village of the Arts Experience the cultural hub of Bradenton! Known for its artistic flair, the Village of the Arts is home and work for over hundreds of local creatives. Discover award-winning restaurants, revitalizing healing studios, delicious bakeries, and unique specialty shops. Riverwalk (Manatee River) Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront of Downtown Bradenton with the family! This 1. 5-mile park offers all the usual recreational activities and more. Cool off in a shady retreat or let the kids run loose in the splash pad. Watch the sunset or enjoy live music at the amphitheater while your teen pops an ollie in their award-winning skate park. Popular East Bradenton Restaurants Pier 22 Indulge in fresh seafood fare while enjoying breathtaking views of the marina (you may even spot a dolphin! ) This upscale restaurant has been the ideal place for guests and their loved ones to gather since 1977. Enjoy charming ambience and world-class service. Oak & Stone - Downtown Bradenton Experience the cultural hub of Bradenton! Known for its artistic flair, the Village of the Arts is home and work for over hundreds of local creatives. Discover award-winning restaurants, revitalizing healing studios, delicious bakeries, and unique speciality shops. Ortygia Dine on authentic Italian meals while relaxing in this 1920's vintage bungalow. With local, organic ingredients at the heart of every dish, this chef-run restaurant caters to families and private parties in an intimate setting. No matter where you choose to eat in East Bradenton, you really can’t go wrong! (And if it does go wrong and you end up with a loose bracket or a poking wire, Blue Wave Orthodontics is here for your emergency orthodontist needs. ) Discover Culture and Adventure in East Bradenton, FL! We hope you love East Bradenton just as much as we do. We are honored to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care for the people in and around our communities. If... --- - Published: 2022-05-27 - Modified: 2026-04-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/north-tampa-orthodontist-office/ Leave a Review Leave a Review Your Orthodontic Office in North Tampa Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be North Tampa’s family orthodontist! We help the people in our communities look good, do good, and feel good. Our experienced North Tampa orthodontist and team serve North Tampa, as well as the surrounding communities of Lake Magdalene, Temple Terrace, Greater Carrollwood, and Egypt Lake-Leto, Florida. Request Your Complimentary Exam Today Contact (813) 968-2483 (813) 968-3957 northtampa@bluewaveortho. com For orthodontist emergencies 813-695-3709 Location 1773 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 Get Directions Hours Monday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Tuesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Wednesday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Thursday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed We’re excited to meet you! Blue Wave Orthodontics has been providing Tampa Bay with high-quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults for more than 35 years! With locations in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa and East Bradenton, we have an orthodontist office near you. Our North Tampa orthodontist office is conveniently located off of W. Fletcher Avenue, between Greentree Drive and N. Rome Avenue. Your Orthodontist in 33612 We see some amazing patients who live in North Tampa and the communities of Forest Hills, Harvey Heights, Seminole Heights, Carrollwood, Northdale, Lake Magdalene, Lutz, Avila, Pebble Creek, Keystone and more! Orthodontic Treatments We provide a range of high-quality North Tampa orthodontics! Whether you’re looking for clear braces in North Tampa or clear aligners in North Tampa, we have the perfect esthetic treatment option for you. North Tampa Braces Traditional metal braces Clear ceramic braces Learn More North Tampa Aligners Angel Aligner™ for kids Angel Aligner™ for teens Angel Aligner™ for adults Learn More Your First Visit We're proud to be a Same Day Orthodontist in North Tampa! Get braces on your very first visit, or take a smile scan for your custom aligners. Learn More Insurance & Financing We believe everyone deserves high-quality care, modern treatment options, and incredible results at an affordable price! At your first visit, you’ll sit down with our treatment coordinator to create a financial plan that works for you. We offer flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest, and financing through HFD. We accept insurance and will handle the paperwork for you, and we're happy to do a free insurance benefit check before your first visit! Explore Financing Options Looking for an orthodontist near you in North Tampa? Request a complimentary consultation today! Schedule Your Exam FAQ's About Our North Tampa Orthodontics Office What services does the North Tampa office offer? We provide braces (metal & ceramic), Invisalign (for teens & adults), early interceptive treatment, retainers, and orthodontic emergency care. How do I schedule a consultation at North Tampa? Call (813) 254-8005 or use our online booking form to schedule a free initial consultation. We’ll confirm insurance and answer any questions. Are there financing options available for treatment? Yes — we offer interest‑free monthly payment plans and work with third‑party... --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-approved-fall-recipes/ Fall Recipes: Braces-Approved & Foodie Approved Calling all foodies! It’s officially the fall season and even though the Florida weather isn’t showing it just yet, we’re celebrating with some undeniably-delicious, braces-friendly, fall-inspired recipes. If you’re going through orthodontic treatment, you know eating with braces requires some caution. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some seasonal goodness! Check out these recipes to satisfy your taste buds—without requiring a braces repair. Pumpkin Spice Cookies Cookie Ingredients:• 1/2 Cup Butter• 1 Cup Sugar• 2 Eggs• 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin• 2 Cups Flour• 4 tsp. Baking Powder• 1 tsp. Salt• 2 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon• 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg• 1/4 tsp. Ginger• (Optional) 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or PecansCinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:• 1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)• 8 oz. block of Cream Cheese• 3 tsp. Vanilla• 4 cups Powdered Sugar• 1 tsp. CinnamonBaking Instructions:1. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 2. Add eggs and pumpkin; mix thoroughly! 3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and spices together4. Add the two mixes together and mix until blended. 5. Once fully blended, drop a spoonful of the cookie batter onto a cookie sheet. 6. The cookies will expand in the oven! Create as many cookies as the batter allows. 7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. 8. Wait 15 minutes for them to cool. 9. Ice the cookies with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:• Mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. • Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to mix until sugar is blended. • Add cinnamon. Slow-Cooker Potato Soup (Recipe by Kellie Kelley) Ingredients:• 6 slices bacon, chopped• 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed• 3 celery stalks, sliced• 1 large leek, cleaned and chopped• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped• 4 c. chicken stock• 1 tsp. kosher salt• 6 sprigs of fresh thyme• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper• 3/4 c. sour cream, plus more for garnish• To serve: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sour cream, reserved baconDirections:1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. 2. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 pieces for garnish and crumble the remaining 4 pieces. 3. Place the crumbled bacon, potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, stock, salt, thyme sprigs, and pepper in the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 to 8 hours) until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. 4. Remove the thyme sprigs and discard. 5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a semi-smooth consistency, leaving small chunks of potato and vegetables for texture. 6. Stir in the sour cream. (Add 1/4 – 1/2 cup of water, to thin the soup out to your desired consistency). 7. Serve in bowls, garnished with cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and the reserved bacon slices crumbled over top.... --- - Published: 2021-03-11 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/types-of-braces/ Types of Braces No matter your age or preferences, we have a modern orthodontic treatment option to meet your needs and help you look good, do good, and feel good. We provide different types of braces, including clear braces and invisible clear aligners, at our orthodontic offices in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and East Bradenton! Clear Aligners Start smiling with confidence from day one with clear aligners treatment. We offer Angel Aligner™ clear aligners for kids, teens, and adults in Tampa Bay and East Bradenton. Clear aligners are designed to blend seamlessly with your everyday life — between work, school, sports, nights out with friends, and everything in between. If you're looking for a modern alternative to braces, clear aligners could be the perfect fit. We'll help you move forward with confidence. Get answers from home first with a virtual consultation, or book an in-office consultation in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or East Bradenton. Book My First Visit Traditional Metal Braces Metal braces are still in style. Traditional metal braces use high-grade, stainless steel brackets and wires to create beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. Metal braces are a popular choice for kids and teens who like to customize their smile with different braces colors! Choose different rubber band colors at every adjustment appointment. With tried-and-true metal braces, our experienced Blue Wave orthodontists can treat mild to severe misalignments, from crooked teeth to complex bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite). Explore Metal Braces Ceramic Clear Braces Clear braces bring clear confidence. Straighten your smile with discreet clear braces. Durable ceramic brackets are designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth, while working just as efficiently as metal braces. Flexible Financing for Braces We believe everyone deserves an incredible smile with flexible financing options that fit their budget. Every smile is different, and so is every treatment plan. Ultimately, the the total cost of braces or clear aligners will depend on your individual treatment needs. During your complimentary consultation, we'll examine your smile and calculate your braces cost. No matter the complexity of your case, we offer flexible financing options: CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running In-house financing with 0% interest Financing through HFD Insurance paperwork handled for you We accept HSA and FSA for braces We're happy to do a free insurance coverage/benefit check before your first visit! Just reach out to us to start the conversation. CloseDisable Wordeep on bluewaveortho. com? Disable until next visitDisable Permanentlykeep it running How to Get Braces Near You We make the process easy. 1. Schedule your complimentary consultation, at one of our orthodontic offices in North Tampa, South Tampa, East Bradenton, or Wesley Chapel — or start from home first with a virtual consult! 2. Visit us for a complimentary smile exam. We'll assess your smile, chat about your needs, and walk you through our braces and clear aligner treatment options. 3. Start smiling. We'll create your... --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2025-12-08 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/ Orthodontic Blog Welcome to the Blue Wave Blog! Here, we share what's new with our practice, key care tips for braces and clear aligners, community highlights, and so much more! Read our latest posts here, or choose a featured topic and get specific. Sort By Most Recent #Be Remarkable #Braces Care #Community Services #Contests #Do Good #Events #Feel Good #For Parents #Look Good #What's New December 5, 2025 How Long Should You Really Wear a Retainer? (The Honest Answer) Topics: #For Parents #Look Good Read More October 12, 2025 Orthodontic Health Month: Why Your Smile Matters at Every Age Read More June 26, 2025 Can I use a payment plan for braces or clear aligners in 2025? Read More May 15, 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Our Patients Beyond the Smile Read More May 10, 2025 Thumb Sucking, Pacifiers and Teeth - When do they start causing issues? Read More April 11, 2025 TikTok Invisalign Hacks – Uncovering The Best and Worst Ones Read More February 28, 2025 March Madness is Coming! Tips to Protect Your Smile During Sports Season Read More September 30, 2024 What Happens After Invisalign or Braces Treatment? Read More August 16, 2024 Top Tips for Keeping Teeth Clean with Invisalign® Read More June 30, 2024 The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out with Braces or Invisalign® in Summer 2024 Read More June 19, 2024 Can you get fake braces just for looks/fashion? Read More May 30, 2024 What is the quickest way to straighten my teeth before my wedding? Read More Load More --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2023-01-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/meet-the-blue-wave-orthodontics-team/ Meet the Team! Blue Wave Orthodontics is a team that works passionately and tirelessly to ensure our community can smile with confidence! At Blue Wave Orthodontics we like to say “We Are Blue Wave,” because despite coming from all different backgrounds and places we have joined together with the combined mission to help people achieve the smiles of their dreams and make positive waves of change in our community. As we like to say, “A fun environment is a caring environment,” and we certainly have a lot of fun! Check out some of the snapshots below of our day-to-day and team spotlights. Visit us on Instagram --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/sitemap/ Site Map Feeling lost? Here are all the pages on our website. Let us know if we can help! --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/ 40 Years of Smiles East Bradenton Orthodontist 6020 State Road 70 EUnit 101Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa Orthodontist 3739 W Neptune StTampa, FL 33629 (813) 254-8005 North Tampa Orthodontist 1773 W Fletcher AveTampa, FL 33612 (813) 968-2483 Wesley Chapel Orthodontist 2234 Native Woods LnWesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 929-6700 4 Convenient LocationsIn Tampa Bay & Bradenton Bradenton 6020 State Road 70Suite 101Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 254-8005 North Tampa 1773 W. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 968-2483 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 929-6700 Your Orthodontist in Tampa Bay and East Bradenton Blue Wave Orthodontics, a distinguished privately-owned practice, has proudly served the Tampa Bay community with a legacy of exceptional orthodontic care spanning over four decades. Our unwavering commitment to tailoring individualized treatment plans sets us apart from the orthodontic chains. With orthodontist offices in South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton, we have a highly-experienced orthodontist near you. Together, our orthodontists create custom treatment plans that fix orthodontic conditions, suit each patient’s lifestyle, and create exceptional new smiles. Smile Confidently with Care You Can Feel Confident About Our Story Orthodontic Treatments to Smile About Braces Braces are for every age! Beautiful smiles never go out of style. We treat a wide variety of orthodontic conditions with traditional braces. Discover Your Confidence Clear Aligners Smile with confidence from day one! We offer custom-designed Angel Aligner™ clear aligners for kids, teens, and adults. The Difference Is Clear Experienced Orthodontists Superior Care Meet Get to Know Your Orthodontist Meet Get to Know Your Orthodontist Smiling Out Loud We have over 1,000 five-star patient reviews! See All Our Reviews Ride the Smile Wave Ride the Smile Wave Get social with us on Instagram! Our Founder, Dr. Randy Feldman In March 2021, our beloved founder, friend, and mentor passed away. He was truly an amazing practitioner and individual that touched each of our lives. We are blessed to have been a part of his amazing contributions to this community and we continue to provide the same amazing treatment and services in his name. His legacy will continue to thrive through our orthodontic team, who were hand-picked by Dr. Feldman and trained the “Feldman way. ”We will continue to follow in Dr. Feldman’s footsteps to strive for excellence as we have for the last 38 years under his leadership, and dedicate ourselves to helping our patients Look Good. Do Good. Feel Good. in his honor Learn More About Dr. Feldman’s Story You Deserve The Greatest Results and the Most Experienced Orthodontists Our orthodontists’ years of experience, expertise, and commitment to continued learning enable us to provide treatments that many practices cannot. We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment, not just braces and clear aligners. Orthodontics is more than straightening teeth. It’s improving your quality of life. We want to make a positive impact on your confidence and your oral health. Our experienced orthodontists offer sleep apnea... --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/privacy-policy/ Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions Effective Date: GENERALBlue Wave Orthodontics has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices and outlines the rules and regulations for the use of this website: www. Bluewaveortho. com/By accessing this website, you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use www. Bluewaveortho. com/ if you do not agree to all of the terms and conditions stated on this page. The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person logging on to this website and compliant with the Company’s terms and conditions. “The Company”, “Ourselves”, “We”, “Our” and “Us” refers to Blue Wave Orthodontics. NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES – PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATIONBlue Wave Orthodontics is a Covered Entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”) and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. We are required to follow the duties and privacy practices described in this Notice and to notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information. How We Use and Disclose Your PHIWe may use and disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, and health care operations, including:• Sharing information with your general dentist or other providers involved in your care• Billing your insurance carrier• Operating and managing our practiceWe may also disclose your PHI when required by federal, state, or local law, or for public health, health oversight, judicial, law enforcement, or safety purposes as permitted by law. Uses and disclosures not described in this Notice will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing. SPECIAL PRIVACY PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN HEALTH INFORMATIONSome health information is subject to additional federal and state confidentiality protections, including certain records related to substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, treatment, or referral. If we receive or maintain this type of information, we will comply with all applicable federal confidentiality requirements, including 42 CFR Part 2. These records may not be used or disclosed without your written consent unless otherwise permitted by law. Any disclosure made with your consent may be subject to restrictions on redisclosure under federal law. Federal law generally prohibits the recipient of SUD information from redisclosing it unless expressly permitted by the patient’s written consent or as otherwise allowed by law. IP ADDRESSES AND COOKIESWe employ the use of cookies. By accessing Blue Wave Orthodontics, you agree to use cookies in accordance with this Privacy Policy. We use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server and to administer our website. Cookies may also be used by third-party analytics or advertising partners to improve website functionality, measure performance, and deliver relevant advertising. LICENSEUnless otherwise stated, Blue Wave... --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners-for-kids/ Clear Aligners for Kids We offer Angel Aligner™ KiD, clear aligners for kids! Our orthodontists' experience enables us to offer Angel Aligner KiD clear aligners for growing smiles! Children can enjoy the same high-quality orthodontic treatment as their siblings and parents. Clear aligners can be used during early orthodontic treatment to guide young patients through their developmental smile milestones, and create beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Why clear aligners? Growing mouths require gentle care! Customized to fit your child’s mixed detention of baby teeth and adult teeth, clear aligners are ideal for supporting little smiles and creating a healthy foundation for permanent teeth to develop in alignment. Clear aligners are comfortable, clear, hygienic, and removable. These aligners don’t use metal brackets or wires, so your child won’t have food particles stuck in their braces after eating. This increasingly hygienic quality helps to minimize the possibility of gum disease and cavities developing. Clear aligners can be removed when kids are eating, brushing their teeth, and flossing their teeth. Clear aligners are also less disruptive to children’s lifestyles than traditional treatments are. Young patients can still do their favorite things—play sports, play an instrument, or perform on stage. Whatever your child’s favorite hobby may be, clear aligners won’t limit their fun! Which conditions can kids' clear aligners treat? These specialized clear aligners are designed to develop a healthy dental arch for young patients, by creating the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt in alignment. Creating a healthy dental arch may require expansion of the upper jaw to treat teeth spacing or impending crowding. Growing Smiles Deserve Exceptional Care At what age can my child get clear aligners? The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. At this time, our orthodontists can assess your little one's smile growth and development to determine whether orthodontic issues are present. We don't recommend unnecessary treatment; we're here to give you an expert, complimentary assessment of your child's smile. If necessary, starting treatment early has a number of benefits. It can prevent daily challenges for your child, allows us to use the least invasive treatment path, and can minimize treatment time and cost. All you have to do is schedule their first visit with us, and we'll walk you through the rest! The Cost of Clear Aligners for Kids We offer Angel Aligner at an affordable price, with flexible financing options, and we accept insurance (which can reduce your cost significantly! ) You can choose from interest-free, in-house financing or financing with HFD, and we're happy to do a complimentary insurance benefit check before your first visit. Just reach out to us! During your complimentary consultation, we’ll work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget. Give your child the gift of a beautiful smile! If you have any questions, please reach out to us! Our team would love to hear from you. Our children's orthodontists are known for providing the highest quality... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/review/ Leave a Review How did we do? Our number one priority is patient satisfaction and we hope we did everything we could to put a smile on your face during your latest visit with us. We'd love to hear your feedback on what we did to make your day and what we can do to improve. Please select the location of your visit and leave a review! East Bradenton South Tampa North Tampa Wesley Chapel --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/virtual-checkin/ Schedule Your Virtual Check-in You deserve to look good, do good, feel good—and stay informed! We are offering free virtual check-ins for our patients to express concerns, and receive answers to any questions regarding treatment! Once you fill out a request form, one of our team members will reach out to you to schedule a video chat through Zoom. During this time of caution, we want to provide you with a safe, healthy, and convenient way to connect with our team. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we want to do what we can to ensure your health, while keeping you on-track to achieve the smile of your dreams. If there is anything we can do to make your treatment process smoother, please let us know at your virtual check-in. We miss you! We want to know how you’re doing. Schedule a video chat with one of our team members by filling out the request form below. Thank you for choosing us as your preferred orthodontic healthcare provider! --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2024-10-03 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/traditional-braces-care/ Traditional Braces Care General Orthodontic Care They say that first impressions count, which is why we offer you, as a new patient, your initial examination completely free of charge! During your complimentary consultation you can talk to us about your teeth and your orthodontic concerns and find out everything you need to know about our practice without any financial obligation. Information about Elastics Elastics are tiny rubber bands that apply extra force to a tooth or teeth in ways that braces alone can't, so that teeth move into their planned positions. Tiny hooks on selected upper and lower brackets as used as attachment points. The configuration of the elastics can be vertical or diagonal, depending on the individual’s need. Patients are responsible for placing and removing their elastics. Elastics should be worn as prescribed by the orthodontist. Do not wear more elastics than prescribed. Doing so places excessive force on the teeth and can be harmful. Your orthodontist will instruct you on use of your elastics. Wearing Your Retainer Retainers, as the name implies, retain the teeth in the corrected position. Initially, they are worn full-time for the first four days after the braces are removed, except for meals and brushing. Please continue to wear your retainers for 8-10 hours per night. Think of them as pajamas for your teeth. You should continue to wear the retainers as long as you want straight teeth! Caring for Your Retainer Every time you brush your teeth you should brush your retainer, especially before bed. We recommend using a separate tooth brush with antibacterial soap for cleaning or by soaking it in Retainer Brite solution which can be purchased at our offices. Beware soaking your retainer in denture cleaner, because over time it will cause the retainer to be stained a yellow color. Thoroughly rinse your retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth. When not in use you should always store your retainer in its case. Brushing and Flossing with Braces It is important to keep up with your dental hygiene while wearing your braces. Be sure to take the time to brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Brushing and flossing will help to prevent braces plaque build up and possible tooth decay. When flossing, be careful to floss between the tooth and braces wire, but be gentle to avoid damaging the braces. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=TghfyukoiKg Protecting Your Braces During Sports Children, Teens, and Adults with traditional braces should protect their braces and teeth during sports by wearing a mouth guard. Blue Wave Orthodontics can create a custom mouth guard for any patient. The benefits of a custom sports mouthguard are more comfort and the proper fit. Student-athlete will be more apt to wearing their guards, and more likely to protect their smiles. The added benefit of a custom sports mouthguard is better athletic performance. Braces And Food Safety All patients with braces should avoid caramel, bubblegum, taffy, popcorn, peanuts, hard candy and taco chips to name... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontic-emergencies/ Orthodontic Emergencies Advice On Orthodontic Emergencies Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, most problems and discomfort can be resolved at home. Typical issues and solutions are described below. If you do encounter a situation that you can not resolve, please call our office for advice or to schedule an appointment. Emergency Contact(941) 720-0554(Please use only in true painful orthodontic emergencies) Sore Teeth Are Sore After a Visit ... You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinses may reduce the soreness in your jaws. What if the Main Wire or Bracket Comes Loose? First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office on the next business day to schedule a repair appointment. If Your Braces Cause Irritation ... Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If a Separator Comes Out ... Try moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/our-30-minute-or-less-guarantee/ Our 30 Minute Guarantee We understand that you have a busy schedule which is why we strive to be efficient with your time. Blue Wave Orthodontics believes treatment sessions shouldn’t interfere with your life, so we always do our best to make sure your sessions fit your schedule! The time you’ll spend sitting in the waiting room and dental chair is minimal. Most adjustment appointments will last 30 minutes or less every 8 to 12 weeks. On average, there are only 14 sessions needed for orthodontic treatment, so you will have your brand new smile in what feels like no time at all. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-teens/ Braces for Teens A confident life begins with a confident smile! We provide a variety of different types of braces for teens who want a beautiful, radiant smile for years to come. Teens, no matter what your day holds, we have an orthodontic treatment to suit your style at any of our five conveniently-located North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton offices. Our orthodontists have decades of expertise detecting problematic orthodontic conditions in growing mouths and providing solutions that meet teens’ needs! Choose from Clear Aligners for Teens, traditional metal braces, and ceramic clear braces. What is the best age to get braces? The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) advises that children complete their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but it’s never too late to start treatment! It’s ideal to start treatment in the teen years, when the jaw bones are still developing. While the jaw bones are still growing in the early teen years, we can create a custom treatment plan that works with your child or teen’s natural development. Our orthodontists will examine your child or teen’s condition and listen to your concerns and goals to help you make the best decision for your child or teen’s smile. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today How do you know if you need orthodontic treatment? The best way to tell whether you need treatment is to visit us for your complimentary consultation. Our orthodontists will assess the position of your teeth and bite to determine whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment. We can detect problematic orthodontic conditions before they progress further and require longer or more intense treatment. There are a few ways to tell if you’re in need of orthodontic treatment before visiting us. These signs could indicate an unhealthy orthodontic condition due to poor skeletal development, underdeveloped jaw bones, or a misaligned bite. Facial deformities or asymmetries Chipped, cracked, worn or broken teeth Misaligned, crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth Losing baby teeth too late Difficulty when chewing or biting Shifting, cracking or popping when moving the jaw Mouth breathing Trouble sleeping or swallowing Top and bottom teeth do not come together properly One of the easiest ways to tell if you need orthodontic treatment—do you hide your smile? If you hide your smile, cover your teeth, or avoid situations that may bring attention to your smile, it’s time to start treatment. The teenage years are already challenging enough without a confident smile. Confidence will take you where you need to go in life! Orthodontic treatment is more than straight teeth. Why is teen orthodontic treatment important? Teen orthodontic treatment enables us to minimize or completely eliminate the need for treatment in the future. When misalignments of the teeth or bite are left untreated and the jaw bones begin to stabilize, problematic orthodontic conditions may require more intense treatments (like jaw surgery) to... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-kids/ Braces for Kids & Orthodontics for Kids We help you make the best decision for your child’s smile, health, and quality of life. Our orthodontists have years of experience caring for young children in early orthodontic treatment! According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children should receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. Around this age, the baby teeth are shedding and the adult teeth are starting to erupt. This is the ideal time for our highly-experienced orthodontists to complete an early screening at one of our four locations in South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton! Our orthodontists are trained to assess the position of the teeth and bite to detect orthodontic conditions before they pose a problem. We will only suggest treatment if we identify a condition that requires early intervention, or we determine that treatment will improve your child’s quality of life. What is the best age to get braces or clear aligners? It’s ideal to begin early orthodontic treatment (if necessary) around age 8 or 9. That’s why we advise you to bring your child in for their first orthodontic screening around this age. Beginning orthodontic treatment while the permanent teeth are emerging is optimal, because the teeth can be guided into alignment with minimal resistance. Your child deserves a confident smile that strengthens their self-esteem and enables a healthy bite function! If our orthodontists determine early orthodontic treatment is necessary during your child’s exam, we may suggest two-phase orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and guide development of the jaw bones. Not every child will require orthodontic treatment at age 7. Your child’s treatment plan will be personalized to his or her unique needs. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today What happens during an early orthodontic screening? An early orthodontic screening enables us to monitor the growth and development of the teeth, jaw bones, and facial structure. The sooner we’re able to detect skeletal growth deformities, asymmetries, or a problematic dental structure, the sooner we’re able to intervene with orthodontic treatment to stop these conditions from developing further. Our goal with early orthodontic treatment is to guide emerging teeth and support proper jaw bone growth to create a harmonious facial appearance and a beautiful smile that will lead to a lifetime of confidence! Signs that Your Child Could Benefit From Early Orthodontic Treatment Biting of the cheeks Crooked teeth Crowded teeth Gapped teeth Facial deformities or asymmetries Losing baby teeth too early or too late Trouble or discomfort when chewing or biting Difficulty sleeping Speech difficulties Difficulty breathing through the nose Popping, cracking or shifting of the jaw when opening the mouth Top and bottom teeth do not meet evenly Child being teased or bullied Habits, such as thumb or finger sucking and tongue thrusting Crossbites Severe overbites Underbites Front teeth overlapping (open... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-traditional-braces/ Traditional Braces Braces are not only effective for treating cosmetic concerns and straightening the teeth, but they’re incredibly beneficial for improving oral health too. Traditional metal braces are a popular choice for kids, teens, and adults! Metal braces consist of stainless steel brackets and wires with small elastic bands. Metal braces can treat a variety of simple to complex orthodontic conditions, including malocclusions (bite misalignments), crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth. Braces are not only effective for treating cosmetic concerns and straightening the teeth, but they’re incredibly beneficial for improving oral health too. When teeth are misaligned or overlapping, it can be difficult to clean in between each tooth. This can cause bacteria to build-up between the teeth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, gingivitis, tartar build-up and tooth loss. Your Personalized Treatment Plan with Metal Braces Throughout your braces treatment, every 6 to 8 weeks (depending on your personalized treatment plan), you’ll visit us to check in on your progress and adjust your braces. During these appointments, we’ll ensure that you’re on the right track to your new smile! At your braces adjustment appointments, you’ll have the option to choose from a variety of colored rubber bands to replace your old rubber bands. Get creative with your metal braces colors to express your style! Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Signs That You Need Braces Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing Teeth don’t meet evenly when closing the mouth Speech difficulties Biting the cheek frequently Persistently bad breath Self-conscious about your teeth or smile Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth Issues with your bite (an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite) A strong or recessed jawline Clicking or popping in your jaw joints (TMJ) Snoring or poor quality of sleep (sleep apnea) Metal Braces Cost Our orthodontists have decades of experience creating beautiful smiles with metal braces. That’s why the cost of braces at Blue Wave Orthodontics is affordable! We offer flexible payment plans with low monthly payments and free orthodontic exams valued at $300. Our orthodontic team will work with you to design a payment plan that meets your needs to make you or your child’s new smile accessible to you. Want to know more about metal braces? Our team wants to hear from you! We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have about metal braces or another type of braces. We are here for you in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or East Bradenton! Enhance your confidence. Enhance your life. Take the first step today by requesting your complimentary consultation. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-performance-mouth-guards/ Performance Mouth Guards Blue Wave Orthodontics is a certified provider of custom performance mouth wear! You can even personalize your mouthpiece by choosing from four different color options! Research shows that performance mouth wear increases sports efficiencies and performance. They are currently being used for most sports, including golf! Having orthodontic treatment no longer has to determine whether you are allowed to participate in the sports you love! The mouthpiece fits snugly – and stealthily – on your bottom teeth. In doing so, it unlocks the power of your jaw so you can be stronger, faster and better. Embrace your power with this mouthguard for tennis, swimming, track and field, or any other non-contact sport or activity. The performance boost from these high-quality ortho mouthguards is proven in independent scientific studies! The advantages are critical to athletic results. Increases strength Increases endurance Speeds up reaction time Reduces athletic stress Fees Includes: Accurate impressions with bite registration Shipping Custom Mouthpiece Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/dentofacial-orthopedics-treatment/ Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment You may have noticed that we specialize in "Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. " While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the "dentofacial orthopedics" part of the title. We can explain! Every orthodontist starts out in dental school. Upon completion of dental school, some graduates immediately go into practice as dentists. Others choose to pursue a dental specialty, which requires additional schooling during a three-year residency program. There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association. Those you are likely familiar with are Pediatric Dentistry (dentistry for children), Periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), Endodontics (root canal therapy), Oral Radiology, Prosthodontics (replacing missing teeth), and Oral Surgery. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. If your child gets braces and an expansion or an advancement appliance, he is undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics! Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today we are able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw, as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments One of the nine specialties is "Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. " You probably know that an orthodontist straightens teeth, and indeed: "ortho" comes from the Greek word for "straight" or "correct," and "dontic" from the Greek words for "pertaining to teeth. " What about "dentofacial orthopedics? " "Dentofacial" is "teeth" plus "face," while "ortho" again means "straight" and "pedic" is from the Greek word for "bones. " So, in short, it means changing (aligning) the shape of the facial bones and jaws. Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial bone growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, ancillary appliances are frequently used. The more familiar braces are used for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like the Herbst appliance (mandibular advancement), and maxillary and mandibular expanders (upper and lower jaw expansion) are utilized, depending on what facial bone discrepancies are present. Because Blue Wave Orthodontics is skilled in both areas, we are able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw, as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments at our Bradenton, Wesley Chapel and both our North and South Tampa locations. Still have questions about Dentofacial Orthopedics? If you have any questions about Dentofacial Orthopedics treatment or the cost of braces, please give us a call or submit a message! We love hearing from you, and we will walk you through the orthodontic process. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream smile, request your complimentary consultation at any of our offices in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or Bradenton today. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2023-03-08 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-sleep-apnea/ Sleep Apnea Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it, and many feel like they are getting a good night's sleep when, in fact, they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day. What are the signs of sleep apnea? The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact us! Insomnia or difficulty sleeping Loud snoring at night Waking up at night short of breath Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing) Headaches upon waking in the morning Falling asleep unintentionally during the day Extreme drowsiness throughout the day Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Are there different types of sleep apnea? There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved do not receive the proper signal from the brain. Some people suffer from "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central. What are risk factors for sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone - regardless of gender or age - can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males. What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea? Contact our practice, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. Dr. Frank Sierra who is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine may recommend a "sleep study" to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on the patient's situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you. Is sleep apnea dangerous? Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-orthognathic-jaw-surgery/ Orthognathic Jaw Surgery Orthognathic jaw surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is an adjunct to orthodontic treatment that can help reshape the jaw and jaw position to help improve their form and function. Some people are born with poorly aligned jaws. Others develop problems as the bones grow or as a result of an injury. Orthognathic surgery realigns facial bones, making the jaws work together better. Surgery is only one part of the treatment process. In most cases, treatment to move and straighten the teeth (orthodontics) is needed before and after surgery. This combination of treatment (surgical and braces) can relieve the problems caused by teeth and jaws that are out of alignment. At the initial exam, our doctors can determine each individual's needs. Please call our East Bradenton, Wesley Chapel and both our North and South Tampa locations today to schedule an appointment to discuss your individual concerns and interests! We promise you will learn a lot! Some people are born with poorly aligned jaws. Others develop problems as the bones grow or as a result of an injury. Orthognathic surgery realigns facial bones, making the jaws work together better. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-craniofacial-orthopedics/ Craniofacial Orthopedics Our doctors bring the extensive training, and knowledge regarding craniofacial and dental development that is needed to deliver successful treatment results. Craniofacial orthodontics is the sub-specialty of orthodontics that focuses on the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. These conditions often require coordinated surgical and medical interventions or extraordinary behavioral management to make orthodontic treatments practical and effective. Braces treatment for cleft lip and palate patients tends to be more complex, takes more time and clinical resources, and requires working with multiple dental, surgical, and medical providers to get the best results. Current practice standards call for a coordinated plan of care between the fellowship-trained craniofacial orthodontists and plastic-craniofacial surgeons - among other specialists - to achieve excellent and aesthetic facial results. Dr. Feldman is a clinical associate professor in pediatric medicine and plastic surgery at the University of South Florida. He has been on staff since 1984. We are experienced and confident when working with patients that require craniofacial and special care treatments. In addition to a long-standing interest in caring for more complex types of jaw and face abnormalities, Dr. Feldman provides formal craniofacial orthodontic fellowship training, combined with prior special care dentistry training, and clinical research. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Treating patients with cleft lip and palate is commonly done in a team setting, and usually spans the first two decades of life. Our doctors have the experience and education necessary to deliver cleft lip and palate treatments by virtue of specific post-residency craniofacial and surgical orthodontic fellowship training. We have clinical expertise in all aspects of orthodontic treatment for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with facial clefts, craniofacial diagnoses, and those with complex medical and special needs. Patients and parents may access additional resources related to these conditions by visiting the website for the American Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Association (ACPA) www. acpa-cpf. org. The ACPA reports that patients born with birth defects benefit the most when all providers work together in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary teams, ensuring not only the best outcome, but also the most effective utilization of health resources. Still have questions about craniofacial orthopedics? For questions regarding the orthodontic treatment options for infants, children, and adults with cleft lip / palate deformity, or other craniofacial anomalies, please contact our offices today. Additional resources are also available from the website of the Cleft Palate Foundation at http://www. cleftline. org. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-retainers/ Retainers Once your braces have been removed, or you complete your Angel Aligner™ treatment, your beautiful new smile is revealed! This is an exciting time, but your orthodontic treatment isn’t done yet. Now it’s time for the retention phase. The final part of your orthodontic treatment will continue for the rest of your life—and that means your beautiful new smile will last a lifetime too! What do retainers do? A retainer solidifies your new smile. It holds your teeth in their final position to prevent them from shifting out of place. Teeth gradually shift as a natural response to muscular forces throughout our lifetime—whether you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment or not. This happens more frequently when teeth have been moved with orthodontics, and there is a risk that the teeth will return to the position they were in prior to treatment. That’s because your teeth are especially susceptible to shifting once your braces or Invisalign treatment is no longer supporting your teeth and gums. The reason you wear a retainer after braces is (literally) to retain your new smile! Retainers hold the teeth in place and encourage them to settle in the intended post-treatment position. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Our Retainer Program To maintain the beautiful smile you worked so hard for throughout your treatment, you’ll have to commit to a long-term retention plan. Over time, retainers age. They may lose their effectiveness, break, or become lost or damaged due to neglect. To provide peace of mind and help you protect your investment, we offer our patients the Retainer Program for long term protection! Our Retainer Program helps to ensure that you always have properly fitting retainers, without having to worry about retainer cost. After paying the initial enrollment fee, you’ll receive up to 4 free replacement retainers per year (one arch per replacement). After 6 years, you’re eligible to re-enroll in the program! If you want to know more about our retainer program, please reach out to us! Types of Retainers We provide different types of retainers, including fixed retainers and removable retainers. Removable RetainersRemovable retainers serve the same purpose as fixed retainers, but these can be removed when eating and drinking. Eventually, after a year of the retention phase, you’ll be able to remove your retainer during the day and place it back in at night. We provide classic Hawley retainers or clear Essix retainers. Hawley RetainersTraditional Hawley retainers have a metal bar that wraps around the front teeth and are known for their durability. They have a (colored-added) acrylic plate that fits behind the teeth and covers the palate. Fixed RetainersFixed (also known as “permanent”) retainers use thin metal wires or bars hidden behind the teeth (depending on your condition). These retainers are custom-fit to the exact arch of the teeth, and can hold top teeth together to prevent gaps from reforming. Essix RetainersClear... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/orthodontics-same-day-braces/ Same Day Starts At Blue Wave Orthodontics, it’s all about you. We want you to feel confident in your smile and we understand that your time is just as precious as your teeth, that’s why we offer Same Day Starts. Life can be a lot like a juggling act between work, school and your child’s busy schedule, there really isn’t any extra time to squeeze out of your day. Our Same Day Braces option is so convenient you have the option to start treatment the very same day as the initial visit, unlike traditional treatments that take weeks to start. Can you get braces the same day as your consultation? Get braces near you. The same day. Why wait another minute to get the beautiful smile you or your child has always wanted? Start your treatment with speed! Braces shouldn't require multiple orthodontic appointments to begin. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. It’s never too soon to start the journey to a happier, more confident smile. Our offices in East Bradenton, Wesley Chapel and both our North and South Tampa locations are proud to serve patients in and around Tampa Bay including orthodontist services for Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch FL Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Still have questions about same day braces? If you have any questions about how long it takes to get braces after a consultation or where to get braces near you, please reach out to us or submit a message! We love hearing from you, and we will walk you through the orthodontic process. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream smile, request your complimentary consultation at any of our offices in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton today. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners-for-teens/ Clear Aligners for Teens We want our teen patients to have orthodontic treatment options that empowers them to feel comfortable throughout their smile transformation! That’s why we offer Angel Aligner™ for teens at our orthodontic offices in East Bradenton, Wesley Chapel, North Tampa and South Tampa. Which conditions can clear aligners treat? With Angel Aligner clear aligners for teens, our orthodontists can treat a number of conditions, from simple spacing to complex bite positions. Poor bite conditions (overbite, underbite, open bite, cross bite) Gaps or spacing Crowded or overlapping teeth Mild to severely crooked teeth Poor self-esteem and lack of confidence in your smile How long do clear aligners take? The average case with clear aligners can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. To experience the most effective and efficient treatment period, you must wear your aligners as instructed (for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. ) If you don’t wear your aligners as frequently as your orthodontist instructs, your treatment period will be longer! Why clear aligners for teens? Teens can live life with confidence, knowing their orthodontic treatment is secretly transforming their smile behind-the-scenes. Clear aligners suit every lifestyle. Whether your teen is the star of the football team, performs on stage, or plays an instrument, clear aligners can straighten their teeth and align their bite while they participate in their favorite hobbies! Clear aligners are made from clear, high-quality plastic, and are virtually undetectable. Teens can live life with confidence, knowing their orthodontic treatment is secretly transforming their smile behind-the-scenes. There are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners! Your teen can remove his or her aligners to eat, brush their teeth and floss their teeth. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teen’s unique smile! These aligners are BPA-free, BPS-free, latex-free and gluten-free and are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth, without irritating the gums or cheeks. There are no dietary restrictions! Your teen can remove his or her aligners to eat, brush their teeth and floss their teeth. They can enjoy their favorite foods throughout treatment. When brushing and flossing, they won’t have to work around brackets or wires either. Smile Confidently with Care You Can Feel Confident About Our Story The Cost of Clear Aligners for Teens We offer Angel Aligner at an affordable price, with flexible financing options, and we accept insurance (which can reduce your cost significantly! ) You can choose from interest-free, in-house financing or financing with HFD, and we're happy to do a complimentary insurance benefit check before your first visit. Just reach out to us! During your complimentary consultation, we’ll work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget. Smile confidently with clear aligners! If you have any questions, please reach out to us! Our team would love to hear from you. Our orthodontists are known for providing the highest quality care at our orthodontic offices in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or East Bradenton. We're here to guide you... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligner-costs/ Cost of Clear Aligners We are constantly working to keep our costs and fees as low as possible, while still maintaining the highest quality so you can get the best treatment without breaking the bank. Make an investment in you! The cost of Angel Aligner™ clear aligners is calculated based on how complex your condition is. On your first visit, one of our experienced orthodontists will thoroughly assess your smile to create your personalized treatment plan and determine the cost of treatment. From here, we'll create a customized payment plan that meets your needs! Your Payment Options Flexible in-house financing with no interest Financing with HFD Most major credit cards accepted Discounts for: treatment paid in full by cash or check, family members, armed services, fire and police Does insurance cover clear aligners? Yes, your insurance can cover a portion of your Angel Aligner cost! We accept insurance, and we're happy to complete a complimentary insurance benefit check prior to your first visit so you know exactly what to expect. We're here to help you understand your insurance coverage, and we'll file your claims for you to help you receive the maximum benefit from your place! Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Some of the Ways We Keep Costs Low: In House Laboratory Our state-of-the-art orthodontic laboratory provides quick turn around and eliminates third party costs, shipping expenses, and associated fees and taxes. Digital Impressions Optically scanned impressions eliminate expensive material costs and shipping expenses and save 12-15 days average time on Invisalign or outside labs! Additionally, optically scanned aligners fit 35% better than those formed by traditional impressions. Long Term Connections After over 30+ years of high-quality private practice and building close and wonderful relationships with orthodontic vendors and dental suppliers, our doctors are able to obtain great cost reductions, which we thereby turn into lower prices/fees for you. Organizational Efficiency We pride ourselves on being extraordinarily well organized and efficient, which means we save costs. Our regular staff meetings mean we are a well-oiled machine and that benefits you as our patient. In fact Dr. Feldman has all the minutes of every staff meeting dating back to our first ever staff meeting in January 1984 at the Cuban Sandwich Shop on North Florida Avenue! Commitment to Affordable Care Our doctors and amazing staff are always "on the lookout" for the most efficient, efficacious and cost-effective modalities of delivering great orthodontic results and smiles for you. Your new smile is more affordable here. If you have any questions about financing Invisalign or Angel Aligner, or what your insurance covers, please give us a call or submit a message! We love hearing from you, and we will guide you through the process. Take the first step toward your dream smile today. Book your complimentary consultation at any of our orthodontic offices in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa... --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/itero-digital-impressions/ iTero® - Digital Impressions One of the first thoughts that come to mind when seeking an orthodontic specialist for getting braces is... "does it hurt? " Most patients associate that thought with braces and Invisalign, while being unaware of a necessary procedure before actually getting them on. That procedure is called "impressions. " Maybe you have heard of it. It is the dreaded goo that is squished into your mouth, oozing out of every crevice between your teeth, leaving you with the feeling that you have just been slimed. Some can handle it, but many others are not so lucky. For patients with a sensitive gag reflex, this can be the most dreaded part of getting your teeth straightened. Now you can breathe a big sigh of relief because Blue Wave Orthodontics uses a digital dental impression scanner called the “Element” scanner by iTero Technology! This scanner is specifically designed for Angel Aligner™ patients, so say goodbye to the goo! This NEW HIGH TECH scanner identifies the tooth by voice and visual commands and performs parallel confocal scanning by capturing 100,000 laser points in perfect focus. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today iTero - Digital Impressions Simply put, the Element scanner digitally captures the form and structure of the tooth and gum line through a series of pictures. No need for goopy impression material. Digital impressions provide greater accuracy when creating the patient model and increased comfort for the patient. Let's be honest, no one likes to gag when giving a first impression... no pun intended. So, if the thought of seeking orthodontic treatment has you feeling anxious, no need to stress. Dr. Feldman and his experienced team of doctors and orthodontic staff are here to ease your worries by making sure the word "gag" is only applicable to practical jokes. However, you will have to smile really, really big! Digital impressions provide greater accuracy when creating the patient model and increased comfort for the patient. Let's be honest, no one likes to gag when giving a first impression... no pun intended. Aligners are: Great for teens and adults Invisalign is the perfect option for adults who want to transform their smile discretely, though the results will be anything but! Invisalign Teen is specifically designed to straighten teeth without affecting the growth of molars. One of a Kind! Our orthodontic team create individual treatment plans on a patient by patient basis. This means you know you’re getting quality care as unique as you are. Still have questions iTero Element Scanner? Contact us today at one of our East Bradenton, Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, and South Tampa orthodontic offices to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation with x-rays online! --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/employment-opportunities/ Employment Opportunities Click the titles below for more information. Inquiries may be directed to resumes@bluewavedentalgroup. com. Open Orthodontic Assistant Positions The Orthodontic Assistant will provide clinical support to facilitate the relationship between our patients and doctors, increase the efficiency of delivering quality orthodontic care and maintain communication between doctors, patient and administrative staff to ensure a positive patient experience. *Please note that our Orthodontic team travels between locations. Candidates must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to travel to assigned offices as necessary. Orthodontic Assistant: East BradentonOrthodontic Assistant: Tampa Other Open Positions OrthodontistOutstanding opportunity for Orthodontists looking for unlimited growth potential. We are a private group practice of Orthodontists and Pediatric dentists looking for outgoing, fun, and driven individuals to join our expanding group practice. We offer full time associate positions available with a pathway for partnership. We are located in the beautiful Tampa Bay area currently with ten locations throughout the Tampa Bay and Pinellas County areas. Our doctors must be committed to excellence in patient care and service, and working in an office culture of fun and positive enthusiasm. We are passionate about serving our community and creating the best place to work as a staff member and doctor. Pediatric DentistThe other side of Blue Wave Dental Group, Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, is looking for outgoing, fun, and driven individuals to join our expanding group practice. We offer full time associate positions with a pathway for partnership. Locations are in the beautiful Tampa Bay area, with ten locations throughout Tampa Bay and Pinellas County areas. Our doctors must be committed to excellence in patient care and service, in addition to working in an office culture of fun and positive enthusiasm. We are passionate about serving our community and creating the best place to work as a staff member and doctor. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/be-remarkable/ Be Remarkable Getting to know our patients is one of our biggest joys. Find stories about Blue Wave Orthodontics patients who are inspiring others to #BeRemarkable! February 2, 2021 We’re Grateful to Give Back Topics: #Be Remarkable #Community Services #Events #What's New Read More May 14, 2018 Remarkable Patient Update: Bob Schofner - 2018 ACPA Scholarship Winner Topics: #Be Remarkable #Do Good #What's New Read More May 21, 2017 Meet the Remarkable Miss Tampa, Olivia Butler Topics: #Be Remarkable #Do Good #For Parents Read More December 19, 2016 Robert Schofner honored as Lightning Community Hero Topics: #Be Remarkable #Do Good #For Parents Read More November 27, 2016 Remarkable Patient – Alexander Correa Topics: #Be Remarkable #For Parents Read More June 20, 2016 Remarkable Patient – Heath Brickman Topics: #Be Remarkable #For Parents Read More May 5, 2016 Presenting the Remarkable Lisa Ann Hensley Topics: #Be Remarkable #For Parents Read More March 29, 2016 Carole Flagg, A Remarkable Lady and Talented Artist Topics: #Be Remarkable Read More March 25, 2016 Peyton Manning, Cleft Palate Patient and Role Model Topics: #Be Remarkable #For Parents #Look Good Read More February 16, 2016 Sklyer, Artistic young man and remarkable patient Topics: #Be Remarkable #For Parents Read More Load More --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/making-waves-in-community-services/ Making Waves in Community Services Blue Wave Orthodontics is led by doctors who are profoundly dedicated to serving the Tampa Bay Community. Our scholarship program, Dental Health Education Program, and involvement in countless local charities are just a handful of the ways that we support others. We will always strive to do good by our patients and the community we share! February 2, 2021 We’re Grateful to Give Back Topics: #Be Remarkable #Community Services #Events #What's New Read More December 30, 2020 Proud To Support the St. Lawrence “Gathering Together” Gala Topics: #Community Services Read More January 4, 2018 Dr. Brockway Joins Forces with Girlfriends of Pinellas Topics: #Community Services #Do Good #For Parents Read More November 6, 2017 Help us help Puerto Rico! Topics: #Community Services #Do Good Read More June 6, 2017 One Million Invisalign Teen Patients Brings Big Donation Topics: #Community Services #Do Good #For Parents #What's New Read More January 24, 2017 The Pirates Are Coming! Topics: #Community Services #Do Good #Events #For Parents #What's New Read More October 24, 2016 Drs. Feldman and Martini Give Back to a Victim of Domestic Violence Topics: #Community Services #Do Good #Events #What's New Read More May 31, 2016 Highlighting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay – A Favorite Charity Topics: #Community Services #Do Good #Events Read More May 10, 2016 2016 College Scholarship Winners Topics: #Community Services #Events #For Parents Read More Load More --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/dental-health-educator/ Dental Health Educator Blue Wave Orthodontics believes in teaching the importance of good dental hygiene and preventive dentistry. We believe that by educating school age children and interested groups about orthodontic screenings, we show them why it's imperative to their health and future. We and our partner Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are excited to announce our involvement with MORE HEALTH! MORE HEALTH’s mission is to provide health and safety education to children, teens, & adults. We’ve committed to donating $10,000 every year to this fantastic organization that truly makes a difference in educating our community’s children about the importance of healthy habits. Sponsorships like ours helped MORE HEALTH make 297 visits to schools to teach students how to care for their teeth, and to partner in a nationwide group determining best practices for School Based Sealant programs in the 10 largest school districts. Since 1989 MORE HEALTH has reached over 3 million children, and we are extremely proud to be the sole sponsor for the Dental Health lessons provided to children throughout public schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas County. We look forward to seeing how our contributions help MORE HEALTH expand their mission and services to even more children in our area and beyond! Blue Waves Orthodontics and Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry partner to work tirelessly to provide the best service and orthodontic and dental care to all ages throughout the Tampa Bay Area. With an unprecedented level of combined experience, this group of healthcare professionals gives back to the community in more ways than one. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/payment-plans-and-insurance-options/ Financing Orthodontics & Insurance Information Look good, do good, and feel good—without breaking the bank. We bring you affordable orthodontics in North Tampa, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and East Bradenton! Orthodontic treatment is completely customized with us. Your smile is unique, and so is your treatment plan! We provide expert, affordable orthodontics with flexible financing to fit every budget. On your first visit, we'll create a custom payment plan with a down payment and monthly payments that work for you. What is the cost of orthodontics? The cost of braces or Angel Aligner™ depends on your personalized treatment plan, and the complexity of care needed. One of our experienced orthodontists will perform a detailed, complimentary smile exam, then we'll calculate the cost of treatment, deduct your insurance benefit (if you have insurance), then work with you to develop a payment plan. Paying for Orthodontics: Your Options We offer flexible in-house financing to help you manage your braces monthly payments or Angel Aligner monthly payments. We do everything we can to minimize your orthodontics cost, because you deserve to smile confidently without straining your finances! You'll be able to choose from: Flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest Outside financing with HFD Orthodontic Insurance We accept insurance, and we're happy to do a complimentary Insurance Benefit Check prior to your first visit! If you have dental insurance, we'll reach out to your provider and verify how much of your treatment would be covered by your insurance. We'll also file your claims for you, to help you receive the max benefit from your plan. Can you use your FSA or HSA for braces or Angel Aligner? Yes — you can use your Flexible Savings Account or Health Savings Account for orthodontics. If you have questions about using your HSA or FSA for orthodontics before you visit us, please feel free to reach out to us. We’ll walk you through each step of the process. All you have to do is reach out to us, and we'll tell you everything you need to know and will guide you through your transformation! Get Flexible Financing for Invisalign or Braces! We want to make your beautiful new smile possible! If you’re searching for affordable braces or clear aligners near you, we bring you the highest quality of care at an affordable price. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions before or after your first visit. We want you to know your options. When you visit us for your complimentary exam, we'll listen to your financial needs to develop a custom financial plan that makes you happy. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://patient-portal-prd-cluster-2.sesamecommunications.com/bluewavent/ohhf Patient Forms Download Our Patient Forms --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blue-wave-orthodontics-patients-before-and-after-pictures/ Before & Afters Our Blue Wave Orthodontics team has been in the business of creating creating beautiful, healthy, happy smiles for over 30 years. In that time we've been lucky to have been a part of the lives of thousands of patients, and we love sharing their stories! We Have the Best Patients in the World Synthia F. Tampa, FL Erik H. Palm Harbor, FL Nylah K. Largo, FL Mike S. Seminole, FL Griffin K. Tampa, FL Kha'Marya St. Pete, FL Brittani J. Tampa, FL Samantha E. Tampa, FL --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/testimonials-of-blue-wave-orthodontics-patients/ Testimonials See What They’re Saying About Us Here at Blue Wave Orthodontics our team loves being in the business of creating beautiful, healthy, and happy smiles in the Tampa Bay area. We’ve had the honor of treating thousands of amazing patients, and there’s no better feeling than seeing their new smiles. We thank all of our patients for their kind word, we truly have the best patients in the world. Our Video Testimonials The Eichenholz Family Tampa, FL Hugo Tampa, FL Morgan Tampa, FL Stacey Tampa, FL Brandon Tampa, FL Sarah Tampa, FL Erika Tampa, FL Joseph Tampa, FL Madison Tampa, FL Kathy Tampa, FL Eva Tampa, FL Tom Tampa, FL Jackson Tampa, FL Dana Tampa, FL Danielle Tampa, FL --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-clear-aligners/ Angel Aligner™ FAQ We’re here to help you transition into your new life with clear aligners! We’ll explain everything you need to know about Angel Aligner™ when you start treatment with us, of course. But for now, take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions to familiarize yourself ahead of time, or reference throughout your treatment period. We want to ensure that you have all of the information you need during your treatment. If you still have questions about your Angel Aligner treatment at any time, before, during, or after your treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Am I a good candidate for Angel Aligner? If you are a child, teen, or adult, and you have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, a misaligned bite (overbite, underbite open bite, cross bite), or you’re self-conscious about your smile, chances are good that you’re a candidate for Angel Aligner! Our orthodontists’ expertise enables us to treat a wide variety of complex orthodontic conditions with Angel Aligner technology. In fact, we are the most experienced clear aligner practice in North and South Tampa! When you visit us for your complimentary exam, our orthodontists will assess your teeth and bite, and discuss your smile goals and lifestyle preferences with you to help you determine whether Angel Aligner is right for you. We provide you with the information you need to help you make the best decision for your smile! What can I eat with Angel Aligner? The better question is “what can’t you eat withAngel Aligner? ” When you choose Angel Aligner clear aligners, your diet won’t be restricted or limited! Before you eat, you get to remove your aligners and place them in your carrying case. Eat and drink anything you want when your aligners aren’t in your mouth! Once you finish eating, you can rinse your aligners with lukewarm water, give your teeth a quick brushing, then place your aligners back in your mouth and continue your treatment. Because Angel Aligner doesn’t use brackets or wires, you won’t have any lingering food particles stuck in your smile after you eat. How often do I wear my clear aligners? To achieve the best possible results from Angel Aligner, you must wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. You’ll remove your aligners to eat, drink (beverages other than water), brush your teeth, and floss your teeth. If you don’t commit to wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, your treatment will likely take longer than we initially estimated. You can remove your aligners for special occasions, like dates, job interviews, or sports games, but it’s important that you keep them in for the remainder of the day and night. Many people keep their aligners in place during special occasions, because they are virtually undetectable. It’s your choice! Is it normal if my teeth are wiggling during Angel Aligner treatment? Teeth wiggling can be a strange sensation, but this is actually normal! The... --- - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/braces-for-adults/ Braces for Adults & Adult Orthodontics It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of—orthodontic treatment is for every age! At our Tampa Bay and East Bradenton offices, we offer a variety of metal braces and clear braces for adults, including Angel Aligner™clear aligners, traditional metal braces, and ceramic clear braces. Your preferences and needs shouldn’t limit your treatment options! We provide different types of braces to suit your professional life, your social life, and anything in between. We ensure exceptional results—every time. When is it too late to get braces? It's never too late to start living your best life. Adults actually comprise one-fourth of orthodontic patients! On average, orthodontic treatment only takes about 12 to 18 months. (The exact length of your treatment will depend on your treatment plan personalized to you and your specific case. ) When you consider how many more ‘12-to-18 months’ you have left, you realize undergoing orthodontic treatment now is incredibly valuable! You’re setting yourself up for many years of confidence ahead. Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today The Benefits of Orthodontics for Adults Your orthodontic condition may be hindering you from experiencing your greatest quality of life, and you may not even realize it! The position of your teeth and the alignment of your bite can impact everything—your sleep quality, breathing ability, bite functionality, oral health, and self-esteem. When you visit our highly-experienced orthodontists for your free orthodontic exam, we will assess your smile, the alignment of your bite, and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing to help you make the best decision for your smile and your health. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to a number of complications, including: Lack of self-confidence Chipped, cracked, worn or broken teeth How do I know if I need braces or clear aligners? If you experience any of the following signs, please book a complimentary consult with one of our highly-experienced orthodontists. Self-conscious about your teeth or smile Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth Issues with your bite (an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite) A strong or recessed jawline Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing Clicking or popping in your jaw joints (TMJ) Snoring or poor quality of sleep (sleep apnea) What is the cost of braces for adults? We don’t want the cost of braces or clear aligners to hold you back from your new smile! To minimize the cost of adult braces and adult orthodontic treatment, we offer a number of affordable payment plans, and are in-network with a variety of insurance providers. Insurance can cover 50% of your cost! Our orthodontists offer free exams (valued at $300) and flexible payment plans with low monthly payments. We will work with you to create a financial plan that makes your new smile affordable for any budget. Still have questions about adult orthodontics? If you have any questions about adult... --- - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2026-01-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/clear-aligners/ Clear Aligners for All Ages Angel Aligner™ Clear Aligners Take the clear path to a confident smile! We offer Angel Aligner™ clear aligners for our Tampa Bay and East Bradenton communities. Our orthodontists have treated thousands of complex cases with clear aligner technology. Whether you’re a parent who wants the best for your child, a busy adult, or a social teen looking for a way to smile confidently with minimal disruption to your lifestyle, clear aligners are the perfect fit. Angel Aligner™ KiD clear aligners for kids Angel Aligner™ clear aligners for teens Angel Aligner™ clear aligners for adults What to Expect with Clear Aligner Treatment Start The Same Day The day you come in for your complimentary exam is the same day you can begin the treatment process! When you choose a Same Day Start, you can complete your exam and your smile scan on your first visit. Other practices may require you to come back for a separate scanning appointment, but we want your treatment process to be as convenient for you as possible! Preview Your Smile on Day One The iTero® digital scanner shows you a simulation of your end results before you even get started! We use this highly advanced system to scan your smile and create a digital 3D model of your teeth in just a few minutes. Using these digital impressions (that replace messy putty impressions), your orthodontist will design your personalized treatment plan. Start Smiling Your transformation is underway! Your treatment will occur in stages. For each stage, two aligners will be custom-made for you: one to fit your top teeth and another to fit the bottom. You’ll wear your first set for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, for one week. After the first week, you’ll begin your second set of aligners. Every new set of aligners is custom-made to fit the new position of your teeth, with the exact amount of pressure needed to guide your teeth further into alignment. On your first visit to one of our orthodontic offices, we'll talk about what to expect, and answer all of your questions so you can get started with confidence! Find out if clear aligners are right for you, without leaving your home! Start Your Virtual Consultation How much do clear aligners cost? The cost of clear aligners will depend on your individual treatment needs. We offer flexible financing options, including in-house financing with 0% interest, and financing with HFD, and we accept insurance! We're happy to do a complimentary insurance benefit check prior to your first visit, so you know exactly what to expect. Just reach out to us! During your first visit, we’ll discuss the cost of treatment and work with you to customize a payment plan that fits your budget. Take the Clear Path to a Confident Smile Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions! It’s our goal to help you make the best decision for your smile. We offer modern, affordable orthodontic... --- - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blue-wave-orthodontics-partners/ We're Proudly Partnered with Pediatric Dentistry How our Partnership Serves You We want to ensure that your child’s oral treatment and care is easy and accessible, which is why we’ve partnered with Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Our partnership with Kids Smiles means an orthodontic assistant will be onsite during all of your child’s dental checkups to remove and replace wires before and after cleanings. This process would normally require multiple trips to your orthodontist and your dentist just to accomplish a routine cleaning. Learn more about Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Our family-friendly environment keeps patients and their parents top of mind throughout each session, fully involved in the child's oral health care plan. Plus, our open-door policy allows parents to be in the room during the visit to make children feel as comfortable as possible. Check Out Our Website --- - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/meet-dr-randy-feldman/ Play Video Our Founder Randy Feldman, DDS, MS “I asked God to give me everything so that I could enjoy life. But instead, God gave me life so that I could enjoy everything. ”Dr. Randy Mark Feldman – a helper, a doer, a distinguished and dedicated business and community leader, a philanthropist, a servant to his patients, and a loving husband, father, and friend – peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Feldman was born March 23, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio, but claimed Columbus, Ohio, as his childhood home. As an alumnus of “Thee” Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he received multiple advanced degrees and training certificates in dentistry and orthodontics. After completing his educational pursuits, he headed to the Tampa Bay area, where he began his nearly 40-year journey into orthodontics, entrepreneurship, and service to the community. Dr. Feldman dedicated his life to helping people find the smile they always dreamed of. Those who were fortunate enough to have met him and spent time in his chair can attest that revealing their perfect smile was always his top priority, and the laughs that came along with it were a welcome side effect. Our Founder Randy Feldman, DDS, MS “I asked God to give me everything so that I could enjoy life. But instead, God gave me life so that I could enjoy everything. ”Dr. Randy Mark Feldman – a helper, a doer, a distinguished and dedicated business and community leader, a philanthropist, a servant to his patients, and a loving husband, father, and friend – peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Feldman was born March 23, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio, but claimed Columbus, Ohio, as his childhood home. As an alumnus of “Thee” Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he received multiple advanced degrees and training certificates in dentistry and orthodontics. After completing his educational pursuits, he headed to the Tampa Bay area, where he began his nearly 40-year journey into orthodontics, entrepreneurship, and service to the community. Dr. Feldman dedicated his life to helping people find the smile they always dreamed of. Those who were fortunate enough to have met him and spent time in his chair can attest that revealing their perfect smile was always his top priority, and the laughs that came along with it were a welcome side effect. He was a man who made service an integral part of his lifestyle Dr. Feldman logged thousands of hours of volunteer service working pro bono to fight cranial-facial congenital disabilities on Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital's surgical staff and providing dental and orthodontic care to patients who otherwise would not have received treatment. He supported and held positions and leadership roles on the boards of numerous charities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 13 Ugly Men, Voices for Children, Guardian Ad Litem, and More Health, Inc. Dr. Feldman felt service to others was its own reward; however,... --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/locations/ Find Us Near You 4 Locations East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 Suite #101, Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 751-1533 South Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 254-8005 North Tampa 1773 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 968-2483 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813)-929-6700 4 Convenient LocationsIn Tampa Bay & Bradenton Bradenton6020 State Road 70Suite 101(941) 751-1533 South Tampa3739 W. Neptune St. (813) 254-8005 North Tampa6020 State Road 70Suite 101(941) 751-1533 Wesley Chapel6020 State Road 70Suite 101(941) 751-1533 South Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33612 Get Directions We are proud to serve the South Tampa community, as well as the surrounding areas of Palma Ceia, Swann Estates, Gray Gables and Virginia Park. Our South Tampa office is conveniently located off of W. Neptune Street and S. Dale Mabry Highway. Contact Phone: (813) 968-2483Fax: (813) 968-3957Email: northtampa@bluewaveortho. com Hours Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed Emergency Contact 813-695-3709(Emergencies Only. Please use only in true orthodontic emergencies) North Tampa 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33612 Get Directions We are proud to serve the South Tampa community, as well as the surrounding areas of Palma Ceia, Swann Estates, Gray Gables and Virginia Park. Our South Tampa office is conveniently located off of W. Neptune Street and S. Dale Mabry Highway. Contact Phone: (813) 968-2483Fax: (813) 968-3957Email: northtampa@bluewaveortho. com Hours Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed Emergency Contact 813-695-3709(Emergencies Only. Please use only in true orthodontic emergencies) East Bradenton 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33612 Get Directions We are proud to serve the South Tampa community, as well as the surrounding areas of Palma Ceia, Swann Estates, Gray Gables and Virginia Park. Our South Tampa office is conveniently located off of W. Neptune Street and S. Dale Mabry Highway. Contact Phone: (813) 968-2483Fax: (813) 968-3957Email: northtampa@bluewaveortho. com Hours Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed Emergency Contact 813-695-3709(Emergencies Only. Please use only in true orthodontic emergencies) Wesley Chapel 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL 33612 Get Directions We are proud to serve the South Tampa community, as well as the surrounding areas of Palma Ceia, Swann Estates, Gray Gables and Virginia Park. Our South Tampa office is conveniently located off of W. Neptune Street and S. Dale Mabry Highway. Contact Phone: (813) 968-2483Fax: (813) 968-3957Email: northtampa@bluewaveortho. com Hours Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed Emergency Contact 813-695-3709(Emergencies Only. Please use only in true orthodontic emergencies) Your Smile is Priceless But We're Affordable We want everyone to have access to affordable orthodontic treatment. We Offer Free Exams ($300 value) and flexible payment... --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2023-01-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/request-your-complimentary-orthodontic-exam/ Complimentary Orthodontic Exam To request your no obligation, free exam, please fill out the form below. Someone from our office will contact you within one business day to schedule. If, for any reason, this fails to occur, please be kind enough to call us directly and we will definitely handle your request. Thank you! Office Location: East BradentonNorth TampaSouth TampaWesley Chapel First name Last name Email Phone Comments How did you hear about us? ReferralGoogleFacebookOther Δ look good. do good. feel good. --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2021-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/contact-us/ Contact Us We can’t wait to hear from you! To contact us, please fill out the form below. Someone from our office will contact you within one business day to schedule. If, for any reason, this fails to occur, please be kind enough to call us directly and we will definitely handle your request. Thank you! First name Last name Email Phone Comments look good. do good. feel good. Download Our Patient Forms --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/your-first-visit-to-blue-wave-orthodontics/ Your First Visit! We're excited to meet you! Your first visit to one of our orthodontists near you is complimentary, with no risk and no obligation. We only want what’s best for your smile, your confidence, and your health. Our patients’ comfort in understanding their treatment options and knowing what they can expect during their treatment is incredibly important to us! During your first visit to our orthodontic office in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton, our goal is to familiarize you with your orthodontist and orthodontic team, discuss your ideal smile, and examine your current smile to determine the best treatment route for you! What to Expect at Your Consultation We believe first impressions matter... that’s why we offer our new patient exams completely free of charge! We want you to get to know our team, discuss your orthodontic concerns, and feel comfortable in our office without any financial obligation. When you arrive for your Angel Aligner™ or braces consultation, one of our Treatment Coordinators will greet you. He or she will give you a tour around our office and introduce you to our team. After your introduction, one of our Orthodontic Assistants will take digital images of your teeth and bite using a specialized camera or our iTero® digital scanner, along with a panoramic X-Ray to thoroughly assess your condition. We will then discuss your goals, concerns and lifestyle preferences to help you choose between a type of braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment (depending on your condition). Meet Your Orthodontist Once we have a good understanding of your needs, goals and current orthodontic condition, one of our experienced orthodontists will present their evaluation of your smile. Your orthodontist will educate you on each of our treatment options and what you can expect throughout your orthodontic treatment plan. We will also discuss pricing and present our affordable payment plans to decide on a financial option that meets your needs! Your Complimentary Consultation If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain! Don't Wait! Get Started today Orthodontic treatment is life-changing, and we are honored to be a part of your transformation. When you leave our office after your initial exam, we want you to feel comfortable, reassured, and excited to take the first step toward your new smile! For patients who want to start the treatment process at their first visit, we offer Same Day Braces! As soon as you decide to transform your smile, we’re more than happy to get you started. If you still have questions about what to expect at your initial visit, we encourage you to give us a call or send us a message. We are here for you and your family, and we are happy to answer all of your questions. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/frequently-asked-questions/ Life with Braces (FAQ) We’re here to help you transition into your new life with braces! When you get braces or clear aligners, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about your orthodontic treatment. In the meantime, take a look at some of our traditional braces FAQs to familiarize yourself with some common questions and answers. If you don’t see your question listed, you can reach out to us and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions! Do braces hurt? The initial placement of your braces on your teeth does not hurt! Your orthodontist is simply bonding brackets to your teeth and attaching your archwires. The first day you have your braces, you may feel some tenderness or soreness. This is normal! Your teeth and gums are going through a temporary adjustment period while they get used to your new braces. To relieve the soreness, you can gargle a mixture of salt (one teaspoon) and lukewarm water (8 ounces) several times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol® or Advil®, can also alleviate tender gums. How long will I wear braces? Your treatment plan is personalized to you! That means there is no fixed amount of time for your treatment period. The length of your treatment will depend on your specific condition, the severity of your condition and your progress throughout your treatment. The average treatment period with metal braces can range from 12 to 24 months, but yours may be longer or shorter. It all depends! When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, we will complete an examination that’ll give us some insight into your expected treatment length. (We may adjust your treatment length as time goes on, depending on your progress. Teeth can be unpredictable sometimes! ) Are there different types of braces? Yes! We offer metal braces, ceramic clear braces, and clear aligners! We know that our patients’ lifestyles and preferences are unique, so we provide different types of braces to suit different needs. If you prefer a less-noticeable treatment option than metal braces, you can choose ceramic braces or clear aligners. We are the #1 most experienced Invisalign practice in North Tampa and South Tampa, and we’re able to treat patients who were previously told they weren’t a good candidate for Invisalign! We even offer same day braces, so you can get braces the same day as your consultation. The day you decide you’re ready to live your best life, you can begin treatment! How much do braces cost? The cost of braces is affordable at Blue Wave Orthodontics! We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to payment, because everyone has a different financial situation. We are here to accommodate our patients’ different needs! Our flexible payment plans with low monthly payments and free orthodontic exams (valued at $300) make orthodontic treatment affordable for all budgets! Am I too old for braces? Nobody is too old for braces! That’s like saying, “am I too old to improve my quality... --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/whats-new-at-blue-wave-orthodontics/ Whats New? Welcome to the Blue Wave Orthodontics blog. We pride ourselves on offering you the most state-of-the-art, up to date techniques at a price you can afford. Our "What's New" section contains a series of milestones and updates for our practice and our customers. Be sure to also follow our social media pages for up-to-the-minute happenings! Sort By Most Recent #Be Remarkable #Braces Care #Community Services #Contests #Do Good #Events #Feel Good #For Parents #Look Good #Smile Quotes #What's New February 2, 2021 We’re Grateful to Give Back Topics: #Be Remarkable #Community Services #Events #What's New Read More October 6, 2020 Randy Feldman Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2020 Top Dentists List Topics: #What's New Read More December 20, 2019 Better Bites with Invisalign® Topics: #Feel Good #For Parents #Look Good #Smile Quotes #What's New Read More November 4, 2019 Introducing Our New & Improved Bradenton Office! Topics: #What's New Read More September 4, 2018 We have a NEW St. Pete Location! Topics: #What's New Read More September 4, 2018 We have a NEW St. Pete Location! Topics: #What's New Read More June 20, 2018 Dr. Feldman Receives AAO Life Active Membership Topics: #What's New Read More May 14, 2018 Remarkable Patient Update: Bob Schofner - 2018 ACPA Scholarship Winner Topics: #Be Remarkable #Do Good #What's New Read More February 20, 2018 The Trouble With Cereal Topics: #Feel Good #For Parents #What's New Read More February 14, 2018 Refer a friend & be entered to win a cruise to ANY destination! Topics: #Contests #What's New Read More October 15, 2017 Dr. Randy Feldman Recognized for 30 Years of Membership in the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Topics: #For Parents #What's New Read More August 5, 2017 Bottled Water—An Expensive Mistake? Topics: #Feel Good #For Parents #What's New Read More Load More --- - Published: 2021-01-20 - Modified: 2026-02-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/about-blue-wave-orthodontics/ Play Video We are We are About Blue Wave Orthodontics Welcome! At all of our beautiful Blue Wave locations you will find an inviting family friendly environment that respects the individual needs of each and every patient. Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be privately held, reflecting our commitment to maintaining our independence and delivering exceptional care. Blue Wave Orthodontics is the vision of the renowned orthodontist Dr. Randy Feldman.  In 2016, Feldman Orthodontics became Blue Wave Orthodontics as Dr. Feldman was joined by a talented team of doctors in his dedication to providing unparalleled experiences and beautiful smiles to the Tampa Bay, Wesley Chapel, & East Bradenton regions. With 40 years of experience, Blue Wave Orthodontics offers orthodontic services for children, teen, and adult patients including both traditional braces and state-of-the-art Invisalign aligners. We include our patients and their loved-ones in everything from the planning stage, to execution, to follow-up care. We believe that your best smile and level of success also involves you and your dental education. Our team looks forward to meeting you and is available for any questions, so contact us today! We believe that you deserve the best smile possible for your self-esteem and overall dental health. Our highly trained doctors tailor treatment plans unique to each patient for orthodontic correction of conditions including: overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, irregular spacing, and jaw malformations. look good. do good. feel good. look good. do good. feel good. Experienced Orthodontists Superior Care Meet Get to Know Your Orthodontist Meet Get to Know Your Orthodontist Ride the Smile Wave Stay social with us on Instagram Visit us on Instagram --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2026-05-02 - Modified: 2026-05-02 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/mouthguards-matter-national-facial-protection-month/ National Facial Protection Month: How to Protect Your Smile This Sports Season April is National Facial Protection Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about one of the easiest ways to help protect your smile during sports and active play: wearing a mouthguard. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we see lots of active kids, teens, and adults in East Bradenton, South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel and beyond, and if there’s one thing we always want patients to remember during sports season, it’s this: If you’re playing sports, your smile deserves protection too. Let’s talk about the purpose of a mouthguard in sports, the types of mouthguard for sports, whether you can wear one with braces or clear aligners, and what kind of protection makes the most sense for you or your child. What is National Facial Protection Month? National Facial Protection Month is observed every April to raise awareness about sports-related injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, jaw, mouth, and face. It’s a great reminder that while uniforms and gear matter, protective equipment for the face and mouth matters too. That can include forms of protection like mouthguards, helmets, face masks, face shields, sport goggles, or protective cages or visors. For sports like hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and football, full facial protection is especially important. But even in sports that seem less “high impact,” accidental collisions, elbows, falls, and balls to the face can happen fast. And when they do, your teeth are often right in the line of fire. Why Wear a Mouthguard? A mouthguard may seem like a small piece of gear, but it can make a very big difference. What do mouthguards do? What’s the purpose of mouthguard in sports? A sports mouthguard is a protective device worn over your teeth to help absorb and distribute the force of impact. It acts like a cushion between your teeth and the impact of a hit, fall, or collision. That means if you get hit in the face during a game or practice, a mouthguard can help reduce the risk of: Chipped teeth Broken teeth Knocked-out teeth Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue Damage to braces or wires Jaw injuries For athletes in contact or fast-moving sports, that protection matters. Did you know... According to studies by the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthguard users are between 82% and 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries. That’s a pretty significant reason to wear one! What is the Best Mouthguard for Sports? The best sports mouthguard is one that fits well, feels comfortable, and actually gets worn. That said, there are a few common types of mouthguard for sports, each with its own pros and cons: Types of Mouthguard for Sports 1. Stock mouthguards: These are the pre-made, one-size-fits-most mouthguards. They’re inexpensive and easy to find, but they’re often bulky, uncomfortable, and can make it harder to talk or breathe. 2. Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These mouthguards are softened in hot water, then molded to your teeth. They provide a... --- - Published: 2026-05-01 - Modified: 2026-05-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removed-before-getting-braces/ Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Before Getting Braces? If you’re thinking about braces, one of the most common questions is: “Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed first? ” The short answer: Not always. Many patients start braces before removing wisdom teeth—or don’t need them removed at all. Can You Get Braces Without Removing Wisdom Teeth? Yes—you can get braces without removing your wisdom teeth. Braces are often started while wisdom teeth are: - Still developing - Not causing problems - Being monitored by your orthodontist Orthodontists use X-rays to determine whether your wisdom teeth will impact your treatment. When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Before Braces? There are cases where removing wisdom teeth first is recommended. You may need removal before braces if: - There isn’t enough space in your jaw - Wisdom teeth are impacted - They’re growing at an angle toward other teeth - There’s risk of crowding or shifting - You have pain, swelling, or infection In these situations, removal helps prevent complications during orthodontic treatment. When You DON’T Need Wisdom Teeth Removed First You may not need removal before braces if: - Your wisdom teeth are developing normally - There is enough space in your mouth - They are not causing pain or crowding - They are healthy and properly positioned In these cases, your orthodontist will simply monitor them during treatment. Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed During Braces? Yes—this is very common. - Braces usually stay on during removal - Your orthodontist and oral surgeon coordinate care - Treatment may pause briefly for healing This means you usually don’t need to delay braces. Do Wisdom Teeth Ruin Your Braces Results? This is a common concern—but usually a myth. Wisdom teeth do not typically cause teeth to shift after braces. Most shifting happens when retainers aren’t worn properly. However, wisdom teeth can cause issues if: - They become impacted - They create pressure or crowding - They affect oral hygiene What Happens If You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth? Keeping wisdom teeth is fine in many cases. But potential risks include: - Hard-to-clean areas - Increased cavities or gum problems - Possible crowding in some patients - Future need for removal Regular checkups help catch problems early. How Orthodontists Decide What’s Best Your orthodontist will evaluate: - Jaw size and spacing - Position of wisdom teeth (via X-rays) - Age and development stage - Your treatment goals Every case is different—there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The Bottom Line - You don’t always need wisdom teeth removed before braces - Many patients begin treatment without removal - Some need removal before or during braces - Your orthodontist will guide the best timing Get Expert Guidance Before Starting Braces Every smile is different—and so is the timing of wisdom teeth removal. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, Dr. Heddaya and Dr. Mansour evaluate your teeth, jaw, and development to create the best treatment plan for you. Schedule your free consultation at one of our locations: -... --- - Published: 2026-04-02 - Modified: 2026-04-02 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-braces-rubber-bands-elastics-work/ If you or your child has braces, you’ve probably heard about rubber bands (elastics). They’re an essential orthodontic appliance for many patients — and they’re not the same as the colorful ligatures that hold wires to brackets with traditional braces. Braces rubber bands help to move your teeth and correct problems with your bite. If rubber bands are a part of your braces treatment plan, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about them when you get started. But for now — let’s talk about what they do, how they work, and how you can wear them for a successful smile transformation: TLDR: How Do Braces Rubber Bands Work? -Braces rubber bands (also called elastics) help correct bite alignment, teeth spacing, and other orthodontic issues. There are different types of elastics strengths, and different ways to wear them, to correct different bites. -Every patient’s treatment plan is unique — Our orthodontists will guide you! Wearing elastic rubber bands with braces as instructed is crucial to avoid treatment delays. Your treatment will be a success if you follow our tips and instructions! -Schedule a complimentary consultation with Blue Wave Orthodontics if you’re looking for or considering braces (or clear aligners) in East Bradenton, South Tampa, North Tampa and Wesley Chapel. We’re here to help you achieve your best smile! What Are Braces Rubber Bands? Braces rubber bands, also known as orthodontic rubber bands, are small elastic bands that are stretched over hooks attached to your braces brackets. But what do braces rubber bands do? They work alongside your wires and brackets to apply extra pressure where it’s needed most. This helps correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and guide teeth that are out of place when archwires alone aren’t enough. Different Types of Braces Elastics There are different braces elastics types with varying strengths, designs, and uses. The good news is, you don’t need to worry about which type you’ll need! Our team will guide you, explain how they work, and provide the elastics that fit your custom treatment plan. But if you’re curious about the different types, they include: -Class 1 Elastics: Used for small adjustments, like closing gaps between teeth. These rubber bands are used between teeth on the same arch, either upper or lower. -Class 2 Elastics: Used to correct an overbite. The elastics stretch from an upper front tooth (usually canine) to a lower back tooth (molar or premolar) to guide the top teeth back and the bottom teeth forward. -Class 3 Elastics: Used to correct an underbite. The rubber bands run from a lower front tooth to an upper back tooth to guide the bottom teeth back and the upper teeth forward. -Cross Elastics: Used to correct a crossbite. The elastics stretch diagonally from upper to lower teeth to adjust the bite. -Vertical Elastics: Used to correct an open bite. Elastics are placed vertically between the top and bottom teeth to help them meet properly. There are many different types of orthodontic elastics, each with a specific... --- - Published: 2026-03-09 - Modified: 2026-03-09 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/surprising-signs-orthodontic-treatment-is-working/ Starting braces or Angel Aligner™ clear aligners is thrilling! You leave your first visit feeling proud of yourself and excited about the changes ahead. Then a few weeks go by, the initial excitement settles, and you may find yourself wondering: -“Should I be seeing changes by now? ” -“Are my braces working if they don’t hurt? ” -“How do I know if my Angel Aligners are working? ” At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our team hears every question under the sun from our patients! We welcome questions, and we love giving you answers. Here’s the good news: progress doesn’t always look dramatic, and that’s often a sign that things are going exactly as planned. Let’s dive into some surprising (and reassuring) signs your orthodontic treatment is working, whether you’re transforming your smile with braces or clear aligners. TL;DR: Signs Your Braces or Angel Aligner is Working -Orthodontic progress doesn’t always look dramatic, especially early on. -Some of the best signs your braces or Angel Aligner treatment is working include: -Your bite feels different as teeth move into healthier alignment -Your braces don’t hurt as much anymore (that’s a good thing! ) -Small spaces or alignment shifts appear as teeth make room to move -Clear aligner trays feel more comfortable near the end of each set -Appointments feel easy and routine -You’re smiling more (and yes, taking more selfies! ) -Slow, steady changes are often signs your treatment is right on track. Top Signs Your Clear Aligners or Braces Are Working 1. Your Bite Feels a Little Different One of the earliest signs that orthodontic treatment is working may not be something you see. It’s often something you feel! Your bite (or the way your top and bottom teeth fit together when you close your mouth) may start to feel different as your teeth and jaws are moving into the proper alignment. You might notice certain teeth touching sooner than others, or that your bite feels “off” with braces or Angel Aligners in the early stages of treatment. This happens because your teeth are being moved intentionally to create a healthy bite. Even though it can feel “off” in the moment, it’s actually one of the clearest signs that treatment is doing exactly what it’s designed to do. 2. Your Braces Don’t “Hurt” Anymore (and That’s Okay! ) “Are my braces working if they don’t hurt? ” Yes, absolutely! It’s common to feel some soreness early on or after an adjustment, but that discomfort typically fades as your teeth and supporting bone adjust. If you’re wondering why your braces don’t hurt after ‘tightening’ or adjustment appointments, it’s often a sign that your teeth are moving efficiently and responding well to treatment. As long as your braces are in place, you’re wearing any appliances (like rubber bands/elastics) as instructed, and you’re taking care of your smile, you can rest assured that your braces are working. 3. You Notice Small Shifts or Spaces Developing Between Teeth Some patients are surprised to see a small... --- - Published: 2026-02-12 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-vs-clear-aligners-quiz/ Braces vs Clear Aligners: Take Our Quiz to Find Your Perfect Match Choosing between braces vs clear aligners can feel a little like choosing between two very good options: you’ll get a beautiful, healthy smile either way. The question is simply which treatment fits your life best? At Blue Wave Orthodontics in Tampa Bay, we help patients of all ages choose the option that aligns with their goals, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs. And today, you get to do the same... with a fun quiz twist! Let’s dive in: The Quick-Start Quiz: Should You Choose Braces or Clear Aligners? Answer these questions honestly, and have fun with it. Your perfect orthodontic match might surprise you. Keep track of your answers; your results are waiting below! 1. How confident are you in wearing something 22 hours a day? A) I’m consistent! If it’s part of my routine, I’m good. B) Mmm... I tend to forget things that aren’t glued to me. C) I could probably do it, but I’d need reminders. 2. What’s your preferred treatment vibe? A) I’m looking for something low-key, subtle, and barely noticeable. B) I’m fine if people see my treatment. I actually like the look of braces! C) I’m not concerned either way. I just want my dream smile ASAP. 3. What’s your lifestyle like? A) I want flexibility (especially for meals and photos). B) Give me something that works 24/7 without me thinking about it. C) I don’t mind structure, but I love convenience, too. 4. Which one sounds the most like you? A) I’m in school, or work full time. I’d like flexibility and being able to remove my treatment when needed. B) I’m someone who likes routine. I prefer something that stays put and works 24/7 without me thinking about it. C) My schedule is always stacked! I need something convenient but realistic for my day-to-day life. 5. How would you describe your smile goals? A) I had braces before, fell off the retainer wagon (oops), and now I just need a little fine-tuning. B) I’ve got some crowding or bite issues going on, and I want something strong and predictable to get everything lined up. C) I’m dealing with bigger stuff (overbite, underbite, jaw discomfort) and I’m ready for an expert to help me build a really healthy foundation. 6. What’s your food personality? A) I love crunchy, chewy, and sticky things too much to give them up. B) I’m fine avoiding certain foods for a while. C) I don’t want restrictions, but I could make them work if needed. 7. How do you feel about keeping track of trays? A) Easy. I’d put them right back in their case. B) Oh no. They’d be in the wild within 24 hours. C) I’d try... but accidents happen. 8. Do you want the fastest option? A) I’ve heard aligners can be fast. That sounds great. B) Braces feel more “set it and forget it”, which seems faster for me. C) I just want what’s... --- - Published: 2025-12-05 - Modified: 2025-12-08 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-long-do-i-have-to-wear-a-retainer/ Congrats on your beautiful new smile! You’ve finished treatment, your smile looks amazing, and now the next phase begins. Whether you’ve been wearing your retainer for a week, or months now, you’ll probably wonder at some point: “How long do I actually have to wear my retainers? ” “Are retainers really necessary? ” “What happens if I don’t wear them? ” You’re not alone in asking those questions, and we’ve got honest answers. Your Blue Wave Orthodontics team is breaking down exactly what retainers do, how long you should wear them, and what happens if you don’t. TL;DR (Key Takeaways) How long? As long as you want your smile to stay straight! Why wear one? Retainers keep your teeth from shifting after braces or aligners. How often? Wear it full-time for six months, then nightly for life to maintain results. At Blue Wave Orthodontics in North and South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and East Bradenton, we offer a Replacement Retainer Program to make retainer replacements easy and affordable! Why do you wear a retainer after braces or clear aligners? Once you've finished your braces treatment, active treatment is over - but retention begins! This is the key to holding your smile in its beautiful new formation. Braces move your teeth, according to a personalized, precise treatment plan created by your Tampa Bay or East Bradenton orthodontist. Because your teeth are making tiny, gradual movements throughout treatment, the bone and tissue need a period of consistent stabilization once the movement is complete. Without stabilization, through the support of your custom-designed retainers, teeth are prone to ‘orthodontic relapse’ (reverting back to their original, pre-treatment positions. ) Simply put: Braces move your teeth into place, but it’s your retainer's job is to keep them there. So how long do you have to wear a retainer? How long you’re instructed to wear your retainer after active treatment depends on your specific orthodontist’s instructions. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we advise that our patients wear retainers full-time, day and night, for the first six months after active treatment. After six months, you can reduce your wear to nights only. Do you actually have to wear a retainer forever? Okay, so let's get to the question you're really wondering. Do you have to wear a retainer forever? The honest answer is yes. If you want to keep your perfectly-aligned smile in its best condition for life, you’ll have to wear your retainer at night time for a lifetime. So the answer to “when can I stop wearing my retainer at night”, is - when you stop wearing your retainer, you’re risking your teeth shifting out of place. In most cases, patients who stop wearing their retainers need re-treatment or a touch-up treatment in the future if they want to re-align their smile. While skipping a night or two here or there (after you’ve been wearing your retainer for a few years) won't do much harm, the best thing you can do is make wearing your retainer part of... --- - Published: 2025-10-12 - Modified: 2025-11-12 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/orthodontic-health-month-benefits-facts/ It’s that time again! October isn’t just pumpkin spice season... It's Orthodontic Health Month and National Bullying Prevention Month — two very important reasons to raise awareness. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the power of a healthy smile: one that improves your health, boosts your confidence, and encourages you to spread kindness to those around you. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our orthodontists are proud to join in by sharing why orthodontics matters, how far treatment has come, and how powerful a confident smile can be (for yourself, and for others. ) We’ve got a lot to cover this month; let’s dive in! TL;DR: Orthodontic Health Month at a Glance • Orthodontic Health Month happens every October to celebrate smiles and raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic care. • Orthodontics isn’t just cosmetic — treatment can improve your bite, protect oral health, support a healthy airway, and boost confidence. • Smiling has powerful benefits, from lifting your mood to helping you feel more approachable and joyful. • October is also Bullying Prevention Month — and a confident smile, paired with everyday kindness, can help kids and teens feel more secure and supported. • Fall is the perfect time to start treatment: use end-of-year FSA benefits, get holiday-ready, and start fresh for the new year. • Orthodontics benefits smiles at every age — from early checkups for kids, to efficient treatment for teens, to discreet, modern options for adults. • Our doctors offer complimentary consultations in East Bradenton, South Tampa, North Tampa, and Wesley Chapel! A quick history of Orthodontic Health Month Orthodontic Health Month was created by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) — which our doctors are proud, active members! Each October, this month serves as a reminder of how valuable orthodontic care can be for patients of all ages — from a child’s very first checkup at age 6, to adults well into their 70s. And let’s be honest; we’ll take any excuse to celebrate smiles (and sneak in a few fun facts while we’re at it). Orthodontic Health Month is about raising awareness of the many ways treatment goes far beyond creating a beautiful smile. From improving oral health and bite function to boosting confidence and overall well-being, orthodontics can truly help your family live healthier, happier lives. Orthodontics isn’t Just for Kids — and It’s Not Just Cosmetic Spoiler alert: braces and clear aligners aren’t just for kids, and they aren’t just about straightening teeth. The truth is, common orthodontic issues impact so much more than your smile’s appearance. It plays a key role in your overall health and quality of life. Orthodontics can help with: • Correcting bite problems (like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite) • Improving chewing and speech • Reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw pain • Supporting long-term dental health and stability • Promoting a healthy airway and improving breathing And of course, orthodontic treatment gives you a beautiful smile — one that can significantly improve your... --- - Published: 2025-06-26 - Modified: 2025-06-26 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-payment-plan/ Orthodontic treatment is a priceless investment — but that doesn’t mean cost isn’t a factor. We understand this! We’re always looking for ways to make orthodontics more affordable and more convenient for you and your family. If you’re thinking about investing in yourself and transforming your smile, we have some great news for you. Can I use a payment plan for braces or clear aligners in 2025? Yes, you can! You don’t have to pay in full for orthodontics. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we offer flexible clear aligners payment plans and braces payment options. Here’s how: We create affordable, beautiful smiles! In 2025, you have a lot more options when it comes to financing clear aligners or braces. On your first visit, we’ll present all of our financing options and help you decide which financing option best meets your needs. In the meantime, here’s what you’ll be able to choose from: 1. Pay over time with flexible financing options. We offer flexible, in-house financing with 0% interest to help you manage your braces monthly payments or clear aligners monthly payments. With our flexible, in-house financing option, we help you pay for orthodontics through an easy, in-house plan that works for your budget. Or choose outside financing with HFD financing! When you visit Dr. Ricafort, Dr. Mansour, and Dr. Heddaya, one of our friendly team members will get to know you, chat about your needs, and work with you to create a custom financing plan with an affordable down payment and low monthly payments. 2. Insurance covers more than you may think! Dental insurance can cover a lot more of your orthodontics cost than you may think! We offer a complimentary Insurance Benefit Check prior to your first visit, and if you have dental insurance, we will reach out to your provider and verify how much of your treatment would be covered by your insurance. Our team will handle all of the paperwork for you. We’re here to help you receive the maximum benefit from your dental insurance plan! We’ll calculate your orthodontic insurance coverage, apply it to your treatment cost, then work out a custom clear aligners payment plan or braces monthly payment plan to cover the rest. 3. Use your FSA, HSA, or tax refund. Did you know that you can also apply your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to your orthodontics cost? Using your FSA or HSA for braces or clear aligners is one of the most impactful ways to use either savings account. You can combine your FSA or HSA funds and insurance coverage for even more savings, and then we can work out an in-house financing plan to help you manage your remaining balance. If you got a nice tax refund this year, consider putting it toward a smile transformation! A beautiful, healthy smile is the gift that keeps giving for the rest of your life. How much is clear aligners with insurance? The cost of clear aligners with insurance will depend... --- - Published: 2025-05-15 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/mental-health-awareness-month/ May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to reflect on how we support one another, both in and out of the office. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, orthodontics is more than treatment to us, it’s an opportunity to create positive change in our community. We believe feeling safe, seen, and supported matters just as much as achieving a beautiful smile. Whether you're here for braces or Invisalign®, or you’re tagging along with your kiddo, Dr. Cetta, Dr. Heddaya and our team want every visit to feel comfortable and uplifting. As we recognize both Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), we're proud to be part of a community that leads with kindness, compassion, and care. Why Mental Health Awareness Matters Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it deserves just as much attention and conversation. What exactly is mental health? The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. ” In other words, it’s not just about getting through the day; it’s about feeling confident, capable, and connected to friends, family, neighbors and the community. Creating space for honest conversations helps break down the stigma and reminds us that we’re not alone. By supporting one another and fostering a caring, judgment-free environment, we can all play a role in building a stronger, healthier community - one smile at a time. How We Create a Healthy Environment At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our mission is not only to create beautiful smiles for our community, but to do it through genuine connection with our patients. We know that orthodontic treatment can be a vulnerable experience, especially for teens whose self-esteem and self concept are still developing. That’s why we go the extra mile to make our space feel safe, welcoming, and free of pressure and judgment. By fostering a compassionate environment and treating every patient with respect, we hope to be a small but meaningful part of each person’s support system. From Day One, You’re Family From the moment you walk through our doors on your first visit, we want you to feel welcomed, included, and truly seen. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported — and that’s the standard we hold ourselves to every day. Our team is committed to providing inclusive care that respects all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We believe strong connections build strong communities, and everyone should feel like they belong. We’re Here to Listen Every patient and every parent deserves to feel heard — that’s why we make open, honest communication a priority. Whether you have questions about treatment or just want to share how you’re feeling, we’re always here to listen. Because your mental well-being matters just as much as your smile. We Aim to Make Your Smile Transformation Affordable We understand the... --- - Published: 2025-05-10 - Modified: 2025-05-10 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/stop-thumb-sucking/ Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely natural ways for babies and toddlers to self-soothe. It’s adorable when they’re little, and in the early years, it’s not a big deal. But at what point does it start affecting their teeth? As kids grow, prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can lead to orthodontic issues that impact their bite, jaw development, and even facial structure. The good news? With early awareness and the right approach, parents can help prevent long-term dental concerns. Here’s what you need to know about when and how to help them break the habit. Parents, we’re here for you! At Blue Wave Orthodontics in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa and East Bradenton, we’re to help parents navigate these milestones with expert guidance on healthy dental development. Our doctors, Dr. Chris Cetta and Dr. Belal Heddaya, provide early orthodontic evaluations to catch potential concerns before they progress to bigger issues that require more complex solutions. If your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier past the toddler stage, it’s time to start paying attention! We’re here to support you. Here’s everything you need to know about your kiddo’s thumb-sucking habit as it relates to their smile — and if you’re ready for some in-person answers, book a complimentary consultation with us. Why Do Babies Suck Their Thumbs or Use Pacifiers? Thumb sucking and pacifier use are completely normal in infancy—it's how babies naturally comfort themselves. From birth, infants have a built-in sucking reflex that helps them feel secure, self-soothe, and even fall asleep. These habits are actually beneficial in the early months, as they: -Provide a sense of security in new environments -Help babies self-soothe and sleep more soundly -Reduce stress or anxiety during unfamiliar situations -Support early jaw muscle development Many babies and toddlers rely on these habits to calm down when they’re tired, upset, or just settling in for the night. Thumb sucking, in particular, is often part of a child’s bedtime routine and can help them drift off to sleep. The good news? Most children naturally outgrow thumb sucking and pacifier use between ages 2 and 4 without any intervention. However, if the habit sticks around beyond this stage, it can start to interfere with how their teeth and jaws develop — potentially leading to orthodontic concerns. Orthodontic Issues Caused by Prolonged Thumb Sucking & Pacifier Use Thumb sucking and pacifier use are harmless in infancy, but when these habits continue past age 3 or 4, they can start to affect the way a child’s teeth and jaw develop. The pressure from sucking can gradually reshape the mouth, leading to misalignment, bite problems, and even changes in facial growth. If your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier beyond the toddler years, here’s what this could lead to: 1. Open Bite One of the most common issues caused by prolonged thumb sucking is an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is... --- - Published: 2025-04-11 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tiktok-invisalign-hacks/ TikTok is full of life hacks, but not all of them are as helpful as they seem — especially when it comes to Invisalign® treatment. While some tricks can make life with clear aligners easier, others can actually slow down your treatment or even damage your aligners. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok — who hasn’t? — chances are you’ve come across Invisalign hacks that claim to speed up results and make the treatment process a little easier. But are they safe? And do they actually work? At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s take a closer look at the best—and worst—TikTok Invisalign hacks, so you know which ones to try and which ones to avoid. The Best Invisalign Hacks (What to Try & Why) Not all TikTok hacks are bad! In fact, some can actually make your Invisalign experience more comfortable and convenient—as long as they’re safe and orthodontist-approved. While these tips won’t magically speed up your treatment, they can help reduce discomfort, improve oral hygiene, and make aligners easier to wear. Your experienced orthodontists and Diamond Plus Invisalign providers, Dr. Chris Cetta and Dr. Belal Heddaya, are here to help you achieve your stunning new smile with expert guidance! You’re in good hands. Now, let’s look at some of the best Invisalign hacks that actually work: GOOD Invisalign Hack #1: Switch to new aligners at night As you likely already know, switching to a new set of aligners from your current set can cause mild soreness as your teeth adjust. If you change aligners right before bed, you’ll sleep through the initial soreness and wake up with your teeth already adapting to the new trays. This trick can make the transition smoother and reduce discomfort during the day! GOOD Invisalign Hack #2: Use a water flosser instead of string floss Oral hygiene is extra important during orthodontic treatment, since food particles and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth – and your clear aligners add another layer to the mix. A water flosser (also called an oral irrigator) can be a game-changer — it blasts away food and plaque from between teeth more effectively than traditional floss, especially if you have tight spaces. This is backed by a number of studies that found water flossers to be “more effective in removing plaque from inaccessible interproximal areas of the tooth surfaces as compared to dental floss. ” Many Invisalign users find water flossers easier and faster to use than string floss. If you want to keep your teeth and aligners fresh, consider adding a water flosser to your routine! GOOD Invisalign Hack #3: Use a nail file to file down rough edges (gently! ) Occasionally, the edges of new aligners can rub against your gums a bit. If this happens, you can lightly smooth out the edges with a nail file or a clean, fine-grit emery board. Important: Only file the edges VERY gently — never reshape or thin out the aligners. Over-filing can... --- - Published: 2025-02-28 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-and-mouthguards/ Game on! March Madness is almost here, and the competition is heating up. Who’s got your support this season — Florida Gators, FSU Seminoles, USF Bulls or another favorite? Whether you're hitting the court for a school tournament, a pickup game with friends, or just perfecting your shot in the driveway, one thing’s for sure—basketball is intense, and so is the risk of dental injuries. A split-second impact could do more than just knock you out of the game; it could damage your teeth, gums, or braces. The good news? You can play hard and stay protected with the right mouthguard. Here’s everything you need to know about mouthguards, Invisalign and braces from your team at Blue Wave Orthodontics! Expert Orthodontic Care for Your Family We help athletes of all ages and sports to protect their smiles, while achieving a perfect bite. With four locations across Tampa Bay and East Bradenton, we have an orthodontic office near you in Wesley Chapel, FL, North Tampa, FL, South Tampa, FL and East Bradenton, FL! Our experienced team—Dr. Cetta and Dr. Heddaya—specializes in providing personalized orthodontics, and providing the guidance you need for a safe and efficient smile transformation. If you’re looking for affordable Invisalign or braces near you, or you have any questions about treatment, we offer easy virtual consultations, so you can get answers conveniently from home! Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about protecting your teeth during March Madness and beyond. Why Mouthguards Matter What do mouthguards do? A sports mouth guard is a protective device worn over your teeth to reduce the risk of dental injuries. In contact sports, it’s no secret that accidental collisions, falls, balls and stray elbows can cause serious damage to the person on the receiving end of that impact. Your mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, distributing the force of the impact to reduce the risk of chipped teeth, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injury. They also provide a protective barrier that can reduce the likelihood of concussions by stabilizing the jaw and minimizing the force of impact. For athletes, this small but significant investment can be the difference between playing a full season and sitting on the sidelines with an injury! What is a mouthguard used for? Mouthguards help prevent: Chipped or broken teeth – Direct impact can lead to painful fractures. Knocked-out teeth – A common injury in contact sports. Cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue – Braces and wires can increase the risk of soft tissue injuries. Jaw fractures – A severe impact can damage the jawbone. Concussions – While mouthguards don’t fully prevent concussions, they help absorb impact forces that could contribute to head injuries. Beyond these immediate injuries, long-term dental complications can also arise from failing to wear a mouthguard. Without protection, repeated trauma to the teeth and gums can lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss over time. A properly fitted mouthguard ensures that your teeth remain intact and healthy throughout... --- - Published: 2024-09-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/after-invisalign-or-braces/ It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. If your braces removal appointment is scheduled or your final Invisalign® appointment is on the calendar, we’re so excited for you! This is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for your smile and your confidence - for the rest of your life! As you transition from active treatment to maintenance, you may be wondering what happens next, and we’re here to help you prepare. Here’s your full guide to finishing orthodontic treatment, with tips for both Invisalign and braces wearers. We’ll discuss: • The role of retainers after Invisalign and braces • How to care for your teeth moving forward • Fun things you can do to celebrate getting your braces off! What to Expect after Braces or Invisalign Finishing your last set of Invisalign aligners or getting your braces removed is a BIG achievement, but it’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. Just like your dental health, maintaining your beautiful new dental alignment is a lifetime commitment! After active treatment, you’ll enter the maintenance phase - where your retainer is the star of the show. Retainers provide the support that your teeth need to stay put and stabilize in their new positions. This is how we prevent your teeth from shifting back to where they were the day you first met us! All-things-retainers (after braces or Invisalign) During your final appointment in active treatment, we’ll take one last digital impression of your braces-free smile to have your custom retainer designed and printed. We provide different types of retainers (including removable and fixed retainers): • Clear Essix retainers that are similar to clear aligners • Vivera retainers We’ll explain in detail how to wear and care for your retainer. Once you receive it, you’ll pop it in place and keep that smile in pristine condition. How long will I wear my retainer after Invisalign or braces? Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions for your case, but when you first enter the retention phase, it’s important that you wear your retainer full-time, day and night, for the first few months. Once your teeth have stabilized, you’ll be able to switch your wear to nights only. Consistency is key, and wearing your retainer as instructed is essential for maintaining your results and keeping your smile in its ideal condition. Braces Removal: Step-by-Step One of the most common questions people have when finishing braces treatment is, “does getting braces off hurt? ” We are pleased to report that no, having your braces removed does not hurt. We are simply popping off your brackets and removing your archwires to reveal your stunning new smile. Here’s what the braces removal process looks like: 1. First, your orthodontist (Dr. Cetta or Dr. Heddaya) will examine your smile to make sure your treatment is complete - of course! 2. Using a special tool, your orthodontist will gently pop off each bracket from each tooth, and remove your wires. With any type of braces, this... --- - Published: 2024-08-16 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-tips-for-keeping-teeth-clean-with-invisalign/ One of the main benefits of Invisalign® (along with the obvious invisibility of aligners) is the ease of cleaning and maintaining them. Because you can remove your clear aligners to brush, floss, and clean your aligners, and you’ll sport a fresh new set every two weeks or so, it doesn’t require too much effort to keep your smile clean throughout treatment. That said, maintaining proper oral hygiene and being consistent with your oral hygiene routine with any orthodontic treatment is crucial to achieving the best results. How to Keep Teeth Clean with Invisalign Whether you're new to wearing Invisalign or you’re half-way through treatment, here are some essential tips to keep your aligners clean and your smile sparkling: 1. Brush regularly and thoroughly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle manual toothbrush or soft-bristle electric toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums and enamel. Studies show that using an electric toothbrush can supercharge your oral hygiene routine. In an extensive 11-year study by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, using an electric toothbrush resulted in 22% less gum recession and 18% less tooth decay in subjects, as compared to using a manual toothbrush! If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, this could be a good investment for you. If you really want to keep that smile sparkling throughout treatment, we recommend brushing your teeth an additional time in the afternoon! Less food debris stuck in your teeth means less bacteria, less plaque, and better oral hygiene. 2. Don’t neglect floss! Flossing should be used alongside brushing to remove plaque and food particles from places where your toothbrush can't reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums clean, prevent cavities and gum disease, and prevent bad breath! Floss thoroughly, at least once each night. 3. Do a quick mouthwash rinse each day. Flossing and brushing are absolutely essential, whether you’re in Invisalign treatment or not, but using an antibacterial mouthwash can really boost your oral hygiene routine and safeguard you from bacteria buildup. Antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and freshens your breath. Since bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing is an easy way to further disinfect your smile with minimal effort. Can you use mouthwash with Invisalign in your mouth? No, it’s best to take your aligners out before you rinse with mouthwash. The coloring ingredients in mouthwash can stain your aligners, and the alcohol in mouthwash can cause them to warp. 4. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of dry mouth and bad breath. Plus, when your body is hydrated, it has a better chance of fighting off harmful bacteria and preventing gum disease. 5. Be consistent. Consistency is key! If you’re committed to achieving that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of, you have to commit to consistent cleaning. Don’t go to bed without cleaning your teeth, and... --- - Published: 2024-06-30 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/eating-out-with-braces-invisalign/ Summer is the season for sunshine, good vibes and delicious food - especially in Florida! If you’re in orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® this summer, first of all, congratulations! ! We’re so excited for your life-changing journey. Now if you’re heading to the beach or dining out at a new restaurant, you may be wondering what to look for and what to avoid on the menu. We’re here to help! Here’s your ultimate guide to braces-friendly foods at local restaurants in Tampa and East Bradenton, and Invisalign-approved dishes. What is considered a ‘braces-friendly food’? As you know, all types of braces are glued to your teeth and are not removed until the end of your transformation. This means you have to choose your meals wisely to avoid an ‘orthodontic emergency’ (bracket popping off or wire moving out of place. ) The food items that are least likely to damage your braces are considered braces-friendly foods! This may sound restrictive, but don’t worry. There are a lot more braces-friendly food options than you may think. Use this as a chance to branch out this summer and try some new delicious meals! Top Braces-Friendly Foods for Summer 2024 Eating out with braces in Tampa or East Bradenton doesn’t have to be a challenge! There are a ton of different restaurants with diverse menus, just waiting for you to dive in. Here are some of the best braces-friendly meal ideas and local restaurants to find them at! 1. Taco Bowls You can find tex mex almost anywhere! Skip the hard shells and opt for a soft taco bowl filled with rice, beans, grilled chicken, and avocado. Our South Tampa orthodontist office is located only five minutes away from Green Lemon, a modern Mexican restaurant with nearly 4,000 Google reviews. Give it a try! 2. Pasta Primavera This dish combines pasta with a variety of soft vegetables in a light sauce, making it a perfect choice for munching with braces. Live near our North Tampa orthodontist office? Try out Mandola’s Italian Kitchen! 3. Sushi Rolls Who doesn't love sushi? Choose sushi rolls with soft fillings like avocado, cucumber, and cooked fish. California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, nigiri and sashimi are all delicious and braces-friendly! It’s best to avoid crunchy toppings. Live in East Bradenton? Our East Bradenton orthodontist office is located less than five minutes from Rice Bowl Asian House, a local favorite for sushi lovers! 4. Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potatoes It’s no secret that Florida is an ideal destination for fresh fish. Salmon is delicious and nutritious, can be seasoned in so many different ways, and is gentle on your braces. Have you tried Water + Flour near our South Tampa orthodontist office yet? Get your salmon on! 5. Fruit Salad Sunny days and fresh fruit go together like pb&j! Opt for a summery fresh salad, stacked high with your favorite soft fruits. Playa Bowls is the perfect destination for fruit salads! It’s only a 15 minute drive from our Wesley Chapel... --- - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/risks-fake-braces/ If you stay current with pop culture and fashion trends, you’ve probably seen some form of “fake braces” lately. Artists like Coi Leray and Steve Lacy are sporting their fashion braces on stage, and Google searches for “fake braces” are spiking. Is it a good idea to get in on this trend? Are there risks involved? We’ll help you make the right decision for your health and future. (Find out which type of braces is the most aesthetic option. ) The surprising dangers of fake braces for fashion Fake braces may seem harmless, but the truth is, they can seriously damage your smile. Orthodontic treatment is not a DIY situation, and at-home braces or DIY orthodontics has proven to cause irreparable damage to people’s teeth and jaws. Even though fashion braces may be considered “fake”, they’re still attached to your teeth and placing pressure on your teeth, which causes teeth to move. If there is no treatment plan guiding the tooth movement process, teeth are likely to move into problematic positions. Fashion braces can create orthodontic problems that weren’t already present, or make present conditions more severe. In many cases, this movement is irreversible! Fake braces cost you more in the long run. One reason people may risk damage to their smile by wearing fake braces is the misconception that fake braces are cheaper than real braces. As many patients have unfortunately experienced, DIY orthodontics can cost you a lot more money, time and energy in the long run. If you damage your smile with fake braces and start experiencing the symptoms of an orthodontic problem (jaw pain, facial changes, speech impediment, etc. ), you will need to visit an orthodontist for real orthodontic treatment. If you do serious damage to your smile with fake braces, you could require invasive treatment methods, like corrective jaw surgery, or an extensive treatment plan with appliances. We want to avoid this at all costs! With Blue Wave Orthodontics in Tampa Bay, real braces are fashionable. Real braces are more fashionable than you may think. Braces can look cool while creating your new, beautifully-balanced smile. With fake braces, you get the aesthetic of braces, while damaging your smile. With real braces, you get the aesthetic of braces, while improving your smile behind-the-scenes. High-tech LightForce™ custom braces are popular among our stylish, fashion-forward patients. With custom-made translucent brackets, LightForce braces have an elevated, high-class look and can reduce your time in braces up to 41%! If you’re looking for fashionable braces, LightForce braces are an iconic solution. But if you’re into the traditional braces look, we offer braces with colored rubber bands too! Beautiful smiles never go out of style. Fake braces may be the current trend, but beautiful smiles are timeless. They never go out of style. With LightForce braces, you can ride the ‘fashion braces’ smile trend with the coolest, sleekest braces on the market, then enjoy your stunning new smile for the rest of your life - far after the fake braces... --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/straighten-teeth-before-wedding/ It’s official. You’re getting married! You and the love of your life are taking the next step together. Congratulations! You start to imagine your wedding dress or suit, wedding venue, wedding photos and – uh oh, you didn’t get braces or Invisalign® this year like you told yourself you would! Now you’re wondering whether you still have time to straighten your teeth and get that radiant smile you’ve always wanted. You’re in luck! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we have options to help you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Let’s dive in: Can I straighten my teeth without braces? When you think of “teeth straightening” or “orthodontic treatment”, you probably think of braces. While we do offer custom, 3D-printed LightForce™ braces and clear ceramic braces, we know that braces may not be the ideal choice for your tight wedding timeline. Not everyone wants to wear braces on their wedding day. We provide convenient Invisalign® clear aligners as a more discreet alternative to braces! Invisalign is virtually-invisible, conveniently removable, and just as effective as braces. Say “I do” to Invisalign! Invisalign treatment is an incredibly popular choice for brides and grooms! Using a series of clear, custom-made trays, Invisalign applies gentle, consistent pressure on your teeth, guiding them into a healthy alignment. Here’s why many bride and grooms choose Invisalign to get their picture-perfect smile: • No food restrictions. You can try all the catering and cake samples as you plan out your magical day with your soon-to-be-life-partner! Simply remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water and brush your teeth before popping them back in. • Practically invisible. Invisalign aligners are clear, allowing your budding new smile to shine through without the distraction of brackets and wires. • Easy to care for. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable and allow you to brush and floss as normal. This also means that you’ll be able to focus more of your budget on your wedding than purchasing specialty oral care products to keep your teeth and braces clean. • Fewer check-in appointments. With Invisalign, our orthodontists check in on your smile progress every 12 weeks or so as opposed to adjustments every 6-8 weeks with braces. This is great for your busy wedding planning schedule! • You’ll see noticeable results by wedding season! With each custom-made tray, you’ll start seeing your smile transform little by little. Many Invisalign patients even start seeing results within the first 6 weeks! Can I take Invisalign out for a wedding? Invisalign aligners are practically-invisible so it’s difficult to tell if you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance. If you’re worried about your aligners showing in photos, it’s ok to take them out for your wedding close-ups! Just log that time in your Invisalign app so you can keep track of your Invisalign wear for that day. Can you see Invisalign attachments in pictures? Invisalign attachments may be visible if you take close-ups of your wedding makeup or hairstyle. But this is an easy... --- - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-best-invisible-braces/ While metal braces are still a highly-effective treatment option, patients now have the option of invisible braces to better suit their lifestyles. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment but need a more modern, flexible alternative to braces, this one’s for you! Top-Rated Invisible Braces Over the years, several brands of ‘invisible braces’ have saturated the market. Invisalign® was the first brand to enter the scene in 1998 and has maintained its position as the industry-leading clear aligner. In fact, Invisalign was found to be the #1 best invisible braces in 2024, according to U. S. News! Let’s find out why Invisalign is an ideal treatment option, from your highly-experienced family orthodontists in South Tampa. Is Invisalign worth it? When looking into treatment options, you may find yourself wondering, “is invisalign worth it? ” After all, if you grew up in a time when braces were the only treatment option, you may not know enough about the effectiveness of Invisalign. The short answer is: Yes, Invisalign is worth it if you’re ready to live your most confident life! Invisalign was rated “Best Overall Invisible Braces” by U. S. News, due to the comfort of Invisalign aligners, the predictability and personalization of treatment, and its ability to correct more complex cases. Let’s dive into the exclusive advantages of choosing Invisalign in South Tampa. 1. Removability Invisalign offers flexibility in your lifestyle. While Invisalign needs to be worn around 20-22 hours of the day to ensure the most effective and efficient treatment, you can take your clear aligners out to eat, brush your teeth, floss, and attend important events! If you have an upcoming event that you’d rather not wear orthodontic treatment during, you can temporarily store your aligners in your Invisalign case and track that time in the MyInvisalign App to ensure that you still get your full day of wear in. 2. Fewer visits With Invisalign, you’ll have orthodontist visits every 8 to 12 weeks, as opposed to 4 to 6 weeks with traditional braces. After two weeks (or as long as instructed by your orthodontist), you’ll switch out your current clear aligners for your next, new set. Each set is custom-designed to guide your teeth one step closer to the beautiful end result. Because we don’t have to tighten/adjust any pieces with Invisalign, your appointments will be more spread out than they would with traditional braces. 3. Can handle more complex cases Invisalign has been around for quite a while, which means this technology has had decades of refining and redesigning to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. With Invisalign technology, our orthodontists can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor to complex. As reported by U. S. News, Invisalign is more equipped to handle complex cases than other brands of aligners! With Invisalign at Blue Wave Orthodontics, you’re in the best hands. Take the first step today. If you are searching for the right orthodontist in South Tampa, we would love to meet you. Our team is dedicated... --- - Published: 2024-04-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-clean-retainers/ You don’t go more than a day without cleaning your teeth... hopefully. So should you commit to the same hygiene routine for your retainer? Absolutely! You’re wearing your retainer every day/night, so it only makes sense that you clean it every day. Oral hygiene issues that damage your smile (like plaque and bacteria buildup) can also damage your retainer. Committing to proper retainer care will keep your smile and retainer in their best conditions. Here’s what to do: How To Remove a Clear Retainer to Clean When you remove a clear retainer, don’t pull it to one side or twist it with your tongue. Your retainer can be damaged, warped or misshapen by aggressive handling. To remove your clear retainer before cleaning it, gently loosen the retainer by using a clean pointer finger to hook the edge of the retainer toward the back inner surface of your teeth. Gently pull the retainer downward (or upward on your bottom retainer) and loosen both sides to ease it off carefully. How to clean plastic retainers Tip 1: Soak your retainers in RetainerBrite Soaking your retainer in a cleaning solution is an easy way to keep it clean. We recommend RetainerBrite (similar to denture cleaner) that is designed specifically for your retainer. 1. Drop a RetainerBrite cleaning tablet in lukewarm water. 2. Rinse your retainers off before dropping them in. 3. Let your retainers soak in the cleaning solution for 15 minutes. 4. Rinse your retainer again. You can also use cleaning crystals to soak your retainers. Ideally, you’ll soak your retainer two to three times a week. Tip 2: Use an Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner Another way to deep clean your retainer is with ultrasonic technology! The portable Ultrasonic retainer cleaner uses frequency to clean the items inside of it. You simply plug the machine in, place your retainers in it, and it emits 42,000Hz sound waves that clean all crevices of your retainers in just 5 minutes. Pretty cool, huh? ! Tip 3: Rinse/clean your retainers every time you take them out of your mouth Once plaque hardens on your retainers, it’s more challenging to clean. It’s easiest to remove plaque while it’s still soft, which is why it’s essential that you clean your retainer everyday. How to clean your retainer daily Every time you take your retainers out, rinse them off. This will help prevent saliva from hardening on them. How to get rid of plaque on your retainer The simplest method to remove plaque is using a soft toothbrush as well as mild, non-abrasive, antibacterial soap as a retainer cleaning agent. 1. Start by rinsing off any debris with cold running water. 2. Use a small amount of soap and a soft toothbrush (not your regular toothbrush) to gently scrub the inside and outside of your retainers. 3. Rinse them with lukewarm water to remove the residue. If the plaque has started to harden, you can soak your retainers in the RetainerBrite solution. After soaking them, use a soft toothbrush... --- - Published: 2024-04-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/switch-orthodontists-mid-treatment/ So you’re in active orthodontic treatment at the halfway mark to your beautiful new smile. You’ve gotten to know your orthodontist and team, but suddenly, your family is moving. Maybe you’re in a military family (thank you for your service! ) Or maybe mom or dad got a job opportunity in a new city. Whatever the reason may be for relocating, now you have to find a new orthodontist to continue your treatment. Is it possible to switch orthodontists before your braces or Invisalign® treatment is complete? Here’s everything you need to know! Can I change orthodontists? The answer is yes, you can switch your orthodontist during treatment. Life happens! Families relocate. Orthodontic transfers happen all the time. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we’ve had the opportunity to treat many patients who transferred from another orthodontist. Some patients have called us asking, “what if I’m moving and I already have braces? ” We help these patients transfer to one of our conveniently-located orthodontist offices in South Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel or East Bradenton (near Lakewood Ranch. ) How to Change Orthodontists: Step by Step Switching orthodontists mid-treatment can be done in a few steps. We’ll help you cover all of your bases, from informing your old orthodontist to preparing your new orthodontist, to ensure a smooth transfer process during treatment. 1. Inform your orthodontist. Let your orthodontist know as soon as you find out that you have to relocate to a new orthodontist. The sooner your orthodontist knows, the sooner he or she is able to prepare necessary information for your new orthodontist. If you paid-in-full for treatment, the financial coordinator may have to configure a plan to provide you with a refund. It’s important to allow your orthodontist enough time to prepare for your transfer. 2. Search for orthodontists in your new area. Grab your phone, laptop or computer and search for an “orthodontist near me. ” If you live in North Tampa, South Tampa, East Bradenton, Wesley Chapel or any surrounding areas, we encourage you to request your complimentary consultation with our highly-experienced doctors (Dr. Cetta and Dr. Heddaya), of course! While you’re searching for practices near you, check out their Google reviews to learn more about their patient experience. Are the majority of the reviews positive? Blue Wave Orthodontics has over 800 five-star Google reviews! 3. Pick the right orthodontist for you. Assess each practice’s website. Is it up-to-date? Does it have the resources you’re looking for? Check out the doctors’ pages; do they have the experience you’re looking for? The practice’s online presence should be indicative of their patient experience. Do they provide the same type of treatment that you’re currently in - braces or Invisalign® - or offer a new treatment (like 3D-printed, custom LightForce™ braces) that you want to try? And most importantly, does your new orthodontist accept transfer patients? Give them a call to find out! How much does it cost to change orthodontists? There shouldn’t be a cost to change orthodontists. However,... --- - Published: 2024-03-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dental-cleanings-with-braces/ If you have braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, should you continue visiting your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings? Can your dentist still clean your teeth if you’re wearing braces? Spoiler alert - YES, it’s actually essential that you still visit your dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment! Here’s everything you need to know: Before you begin treatment Before you begin treatment, it’s important that you aren’t past due with a cleaning and have had one within the last 6 months prior to your initial orthodontic exam. We want to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and ready to support your new smile! Throughout your orthodontic treatment with any type of braces or Invisalign, it’s important that you visit your dentist every six months (or as frequently as your dentist requests) for professional cleanings. Your regular orthodontic check-ins and your regular dental cleanings are both essential for creating a beautiful, healthy smile. Can you get your teeth cleaned with braces on? Yes! Your orthodontic treatment shouldn’t impact your dental health. Your regular cleanings are as important as ever. Even with braces, plaque and tartar are still building up. In fact, brackets and wires provide even more places for plaque and tartar to accumulate. Your dentist and hygienist has performed numerous dental cleanings with braces and has taken care of plenty of other patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dentists are prepared for this! They have special dental tools that work around brackets to remove hardened plaque on your brackets and around your brackets. Your dentist knows how to floss between your teeth and archwires effectively, without damaging your appliances. In some cases, we may temporarily remove your archwires if your dentist needs to reach a certain area. Teeth cleaning with braces may take a little longer than when you didn’t have braces, but it’s important that your dentist has time to clean your teeth thoroughly. Can you get x-rays with braces? Yes you can! You should have x-rays taken regularly, as advised by your dentist. Although your braces are made of metal brackets and wires, they’re safe to undergo x-rays. Routine x-rays are important for detecting tooth decay (cavities) that may not be apparent at first glance. How often should I clean my teeth with braces? Ideally, you’ll brush your teeth after each meal or snack to keep your braces debris-free. This is the best (and easiest) way to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure beautiful results at the end of your treatment. It’s a good idea to carry a braces care kit when you’re at school or work, with a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, or disposable Colgate® Wisp™ mini brushes for a quick and convenient brushing. Teeth cleaning with Invisalign Dental cleanings are a bit easier with Invisalign. You simply remove your aligners for your regular dental cleanings. You may have attachments or buttons with your Invisalign, but they are easy to clean around. When cleaning your teeth during Invisalign treatment at home, you’ll remove your aligners to brush your... --- - Published: 2024-02-28 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/stopped-wearing-retainer/ So you went through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® in the past. Maybe you started off strong wearing your retainer every night after treatment. Then, one night, you left your retainer in its case... and that turned into multiple nights... and months... and maybe even years! Now you're left wondering, “what do I do? Do I try to fit my retainer back in? Have my teeth moved out of place? ” Your Blue Wave Orthodontics team is here to answer your questions! Here’s everything you need to know: The unfortunate tale of orthodontic relapse Neglecting your retainer for an extended period of time can lead to orthodontic relapse. When your teeth “relapse”, they move out of their beautifully-aligned post-treatment positions and start to revert back to their original pre-treatment positions. Worst case scenario! But if you’re reading this blog because you stopped wearing your retainer, you already know about orthodontic relapse. So here’s what you can do moving forward: Should I wear my retainer if it doesn’t fit? If your retainer doesn’t snap into place without forcing it in, please do NOT try to make it fit. This can break your retainer - or worse, damage your smile. It’s important that you reach out to us, let us know that your retainer no longer fits, and we can discuss next steps! Why do teeth move after braces or Invisalign? Whether your teeth moved after braces years later or just months later, the reason behind it is the same: The bone and tissues that support your teeth have minds of their own. Our bodies are constantly moving, growing and readjusting throughout life. Without the guidance of your retainer holding your teeth in the new positions we created, your teeth will continue moving and readjusting. Retainers help stabilize your teeth in their new positions, allowing the surrounding bone and tissues to adapt and retain the changes. Now what? So, what are your options? If you start wearing your retainer again, will your teeth move back? It depends on how long it’s been since you wore your retainer consistently. If your retainer fits back in your mouth and snaps into place without forcing it, then yes, your retainer can guide your teeth back in line with consistent wear. It may feel tight if you haven’t worn it for days or weeks; that just means there’s some realigning to do. If you haven’t worn your retainer for months or years, and it doesn’t fit your smile anymore, do not force your retainer in place. Orthodontic retreatment will be necessary to re-correct the alignment. Orthodontic Relapse Treatment (or Orthodontic Retreatment) Let’s be honest. You didn’t plan on going through more than one orthodontic treatment, and it’s not the most exciting news to hear. However, the good news is that cases of retreatment are a lot shorter and less costly than first-time orthodontic treatment. Your second case will likely be a minor case, compared to the complexity of your initial treatment. Retreatment leverages your previous... --- - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-10-invisalign-faqs-to-adult-treatment/ Hey there, adults! In your busy day-to-day, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to fix your crooked teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Well the team at Insoft and Hurst Orthodontics is here to tell you “yes”! And even better... you’ll be able to embark on your smile journey using a discreet and comfortable treatment, Invisalign clear aligners. Now you may have more questions about this popular orthodontic treatment so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Invisalign FAQs, just for you: 1. What is Invisalign and how does it work? Invisalign® is one of the most popular clear aligner systems on the market today - and with good reason! This teeth-straightening system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to apply consistent, gentle force to move your teeth and jaws into healthy alignment. The best part? They’re custom made just for your smile! So each tray will give you a comfortable and discreet fit. 2. How long does Invisalign take to fix an overbite? While how long you wear your Invisalign aligners, varies from patient to patient, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Heddaya will assess and diagnose the severity of your overbite (and any other orthodontic conditions you may have) at your complimentary orthodontic consultation. During this time, we’ll go over your personalized treatment plan, including your treatment timeline. 3. What are the Invisalign instructions I need to follow? Sticking to your treatment plan is an important part of your Invisalign journey. The standard for Invisalign instructions is as follows: • Only drink water with your aligners in, other beverages like coffee or juice require aligner removal. • Only remove your aligners for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing, and flossing. • Always rinse off or clean your aligners before putting them back in. • Clean your aligners daily using safe and approved methods. 4. How long per day should I wear Invisalign clear aligners? On average, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will include your unique timeframe in your treatment plan. Complying with your wear time is going to give you the best possible smile results - and when your aligners aren’t in, they’re not applying the forces needed for healthy tooth movement. 5. What is the average treatment time for Invisalign? Just like how long you’ll wear your aligners on a day-to-day basis, the length of Invisalign treatment varies by case. While the average Invisalign treatment time length is 12 to 24 months for adults, your orthodontist will include your treatment estimate in your personalized treatment plan. 6. I had braces before and didn't wear my retainers. Can Invisalign help me? Yes! Invisalign can be a simple and discreet way to correct any shifting due to orthodontic relapse. Just be sure to wear your aligners as prescribed to reveal that beautiful, healthy smile again! 7. Why should I choose an orthodontist over DIY/mail-order companies? Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating... --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/should-i-get-invisalign-veneers/ Dental veneers have become a lot more popular lately. If you’re on Tiktok, Instagram or Facebook, you’ve probably seen some of your favorite ‘influencers’ sporting new veneer smiles. Are you considering veneers for yourself? Are porcelain veneers a good alternative to Invisalign® or braces treatment? We’re here to help you understand the realities of dental veneers, so you can make an educated decision on the best treatment route to help you achieve a stunning smile in 2024. Let’s dive into Invisalign vs. braces vs. veneers. What are dental veneers? Dental veneers are the most common treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are typically made out of a tooth-colored porcelain or resin material, and they’re designed to look identical to a healthy natural tooth. Now more than ever, people are using dental veneers to conceal cosmetic imperfections, like discoloration, chips and cracks in teeth. Invisalign Vs. Braces Vs. Veneers: What’s the difference? The main difference between Invisalign/braces and veneers (in terms of how these treatments improve the smile) is that dental veneers are cosmetic-focused, whereas Invisalign/braces are orthodontic treatments that alter the foundation or structure of your smile. • Dental veneers will improve blemishes and textural issues, covering your natural teeth, to improve the appearance of the smile. • Invisalign and braces change the structure of your natural smile - from the jaw bones to the crowns of the teeth - which, in turn, improves the appearance of the smile. For this reason, veneers and Invisalign/braces have two very different jobs. Conditions that are purely cosmetic and don’t require any changes in the positions of the teeth or jaw bones can be covered with a dental veneer. Conditions that originate in the jaw position or dental alignment should be taken care of by one of our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Heddaya. Should I get veneers, Invisalign or braces? The best treatment option for you will depend on your specific concerns about your current smile and your goals with treatment. There are pros and cons to all treatment options (like most things in life), so it’s important that you know the facts before you make a decision. Dental veneers, braces and Invisalign are all highly effective treatment options to help people regain confidence in their smile. However, there are situations or conditions that are best treated with veneers - and conditions that would benefit more from a personalized orthodontic treatment plan from Blue Wave Orthodontics. Situations where a dental veneer may be the best solution: • You have a chipped or cracked tooth or teeth • Your teeth are discolored • You have irregularly shaped teeth: some teeth are smaller or have an abnormal shape Situations where Invisalign or braces may be the best solution: • You have crooked or crowded teeth • You have a bite misalignment: overbite, underbite, open bite, cross bite • You have gapped teeth or spacing between teeth • Your top and bottom teeth don’t meet in the front or back properly • You have functional... --- - Published: 2023-12-19 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiledirectclub-lawsuit/ We heard the recent news about SmileDirectClub closing its doors, and (unfortunately) we’re not surprised! Mail-order clear aligners have been known to cause irreparable damage to their patients’ precious smiles. We genuinely hope that you haven’t been negatively impacted by SmileDirectClub mail-order care. As experienced orthodontists, it’s reassuring to know that there is less risk of people experiencing smile-related issues in the future! We want you to know that we’re here for you and your family, and we’re not going anywhere! We’re proud to be Tampa and East Bradenton’s first choice for families seeking the highest quality orthodontic care for kids, teens and adults. What happened to SmileDirectClub? Here’s what we know about the SmileDirectClub bankruptcy, as reported by AP News: • SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy at the end of September, 2023, due to a near $900 million debt. • SmileDirectClub has been sued for "unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators. " • SmileDirectClub has also run into a number of legal battles stemming from the health risks their patients have been susceptible to, particularly patients developing advanced gum disease and their "doctors" misdiagnosing cases. In the last 3 years, the Better Business Bureau has reported that SmileDirectClub racked up a whopping 1,762 complaints from consumers! What to do if you’re currently in treatment with SmileDirectClub All you have to do is request a complimentary consultation with us, and we’ll help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve - with safe, personalized, high-quality orthodontic care. You and your family’s smiles deserve the absolute best. That includes highly-personalized care, expert treatment monitoring from a 5-star orthodontist, convenient locations, and flexible financing options with NO hidden fees. Your health, safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. No two patients are the same - not their smiles, lifestyles, preferences or needs. • Dr. Cetta, and Dr. Heddaya create custom treatment plans on an individual basis. • At every visit, you’ll see your highly-qualified, personal orthodontist who knows you, understands your needs, and remembers the little details about you! • We offer flexible financing options and create custom payment plans to suit your budget. We offer flexible in-house financing. We bring you expert orthodontics for all ages. Our orthodontists have decades of experience creating beautiful smiles for children, teens and adults. You can choose from a range of modern orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign® clear aligners, LightForce™ 3-D printed braces, clear braces and metal braces. We’ll start with a complimentary consultation and free orthodontic exam to assess your current smile, then create a custom treatment plan that ends in your perfect smile. Why should you NOT consider mail-order/DIY clear aligners? Misdiagnoses With online orthodontics or Invisalign online (like SmileDirectClub), you are your own doctor. These companies will send you a DIY impression kit with a putty material that you bite into, then send back to the company through the mail. There is a LOT of room for error this way. If you don’t bite... --- - Published: 2023-10-30 - Modified: 2025-11-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-buttons-attachments/ If you're on the journey to a stunning smile with Invisalign and the experienced Blue Wave team, you may have heard of Invisalign buttons and Invisalign attachments. Or maybe you haven’t heard of them yet! Either way, we’ll dive into what these are, how they work, and how they differ. (Spoiler alert: Our very own orthodontist, Dr. Chris Cetta, invented Precision Aligner Buttons®! Keep reading to learn more about these. ) The Basics Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, it's important to understand that both Invisalign buttons and attachments serve the same fundamental purpose: they enhance the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment. These small additions provide the aligners with leverage, allowing them to exert precise forces on your teeth, ultimately guiding them into their beautiful new positions. Not everyone requires Invisalign attachments or buttons. You may go your entire treatment experience without using these, or you may get them right away! It all depends on your personalized treatment plan. What are Invisalign attachments? Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps attached directly to specific teeth. Attachments are made of a tooth-colored composite material that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Their purpose is to create anchor points for the aligners to promote more complex tooth movements. How do they work? Attachments reduce the amount of space between your teeth and the aligner, to create a more snug fit and increase pressure where the attachment is. In response to the pressure, your tooth will move away from the area of pressure in order to try to lessen the pressure. This gradually guides the tooth in a specific direction, based on the precise location of the attachment. Invisalign attachments come in various shapes and sizes; some are rectangular, while others are circular or triangular. The shape of the attachment is designed to correspond to the movement needed for each individual tooth, and if you need them, yours will be chosen based on your personalized treatment plan! Now, what are Invisalign buttons? What are Invisalign buttons? Invisalign buttons are essentially a type of Invisalign attachment. While attachments are bonded directly to the tooth, Invisalign buttons are attached to the aligner. They function similarly to attachments by providing additional leverage to create precise tooth movements. How do they work? Invisalign buttons, also called Invisalign hooks, are used as anchors to attach rubber bands that apply persistent pressure to the jaws to guide the upper and lower jaw into proper alignment. Rubber bands are often used with braces, but they work the same way with Invisalign! For example, if you have an underbite (meaning the lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw), you may wear rubber bands attached to a button on the top teeth, toward the back of your mouth, and a button on the bottom teeth, toward the canines. This would apply pressure that pulls the lower jaw backward and the upper jaw forward. If you require Invisalign buttons, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy will explain how they work and how... --- - Published: 2023-10-02 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-in-tampa/ So you live in the beautiful Tampa, Florida, and you're ready to experience a smile as bright and sunny as the weather? We've got you! If you’re looking for a high-quality, family orthodontist in Tampa, we’d love to introduce ourselves. Expert Invisalign Treatment for Your Family We invite you to Blue Wave Orthodontics for a free consultation and smile exam! Our South Tampa orthodontist office is conveniently located at 3739 W. Neptune St. Tampa, FL, 33629. We also have a North Tampa orthodontist office located at 1773 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, FL 33612! If you’re interested in Invisalign for you or your child, come meet our team and let’s discuss your needs. We want you to be able to explore your options and gain a genuine understanding of your current smile condition without financial obligation. We are proud to have earned the highest distinction of Invisalign expertise achievable. As Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign Providers, we are the most experienced Invisalign provider in the area! Only the top providers, of over 50,000 Invisalign-certified dentists and orthodontists in North America, have achieved this exclusive status. If you choose Invisalign with Blue Wave Orthodontics, you’re in the best hands. Here’s what you can expect: How does Invisalign work? Invisalign works in a series of custom-designed, high-quality clear plastic trays that fit snugly around your teeth. They apply the perfect amount of pressure to guide your teeth into alignment. With each new set of clear aligner trays that you wear, your teeth move one step closer to their ideal positions! Let’s break down the steps of the Invisalign process: Step 1: Come meet us! If you live in Tampa, you’ll get started at one of our Tampa orthodontist offices! (But we also have other locations in Wesley Chapel and East Bradenton in case you live closer to those areas. ) In North Tampa, you'll get to meet with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Robertzon Guloy, and in South Tampa, you'll get to meet with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Chris Cetta! Your orthodontist will perform a thorough smile exam at no cost. Your first visit is on us! We’ll take a digital, 3D scan of your teeth with the advanced iTero® device, and we’ll get to show you a simulated preview of your beautiful end results before you even begin treatment. We’ll take some diagnostic photos of your smile, discuss your needs, preferences and goals from treatment, and use all of this info to design your 100% personalized Invisalign treatment plan. Step 2: Get your custom aligners! Once we create your personalized treatment plan, we can get started! Your clear aligners will be custom-designed just for you. You’ll wear your first set of aligners for one to two weeks, depending on your personalized treatment plan. It’s important that you keep your clear aligners in place for 20 to 22 hours, so they can work their magic! Step 3: Change your aligners and smile! Approximately every two weeks, you'll switch your current set of aligners out... --- - Published: 2023-09-21 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-long-do-expanders-stay-in/ So you’ve just taken your child in for their first orthodontic exam and as one of our orthodontists is going over their recommended treatment plan for your kiddo, you hear the word “palatal expander”. If you immediately thought of some kind of alien vs predator device, we promise you it’s not that sinister! While Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy will explain your child’s braces or Invisalign treatment in detail (including any supplemental orthodontic appliances), you may find yourself with more questions after leaving our offices. That’s ok! Our team is here to answer your questions and provide you with expert resources to read on your own if you’d like... . like this blog! Are you considering orthodontic treatment and wondering how long you'll have to wear those expanders? So let’s address a few common questions about palatal expanders - from acronyms to how long they have to wear them. What is an RPE in orthodontics? RPE stands for Rapid Palatal Expander. These work great with patients who are still growing (like kids and teens). Just like their name suggests, an RPE will expand your child’s narrow palate to help make room for their overcrowded teeth or unhealthy bite (or crossbite). The rapid part comes into play because your child will be turning their expander every day. Our team also uses implant-supported palatal expanders for our adult patients too! What’s turning a palate expander like? Does it hurt? This is one of THE most common questions parents and kids have. And where the most hesitation about starting orthodontic treatment can happen. While it might seem intimidating at first, it’s a simple process. As for what it feels like, your child may experience some discomfort the first few days or shortly after a turn. This is normal as the pressure exerted causes healthy movement. So “how many turns for a palatal expander? ” is usually the next question that follows this one. The answer is not simple! Because every child is different, the number of turns varies. Your child will have regular check-ins with our orthodontists to see how their progress is going and recommend a number of daily turns with a minimum and maximum. Once your child’s expander is placed, their orthodontist will give you a special key that fits into the expander and demonstrate how to use it. You or your child will insert the key and gently turn it. Doing so, gradually widen the expander and in turn your child’s palate. How long do expanders stay in? Now, for the question of the hour! While most in early orthodontic treatment wear an expander for 3 to 6 months, your child’s unique timeframe depends on a few different factors, such as: • Age. A 6 year old typically wears an expander for less time than a 15 year old as their palate is still in the earlier stages of fusing, which means easier movement (NIH). • Severity of orthodontic condition(s). Depending on how complex your child’s orthodontic condition is or... --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/can-crowded-teeth-cause-problems/ Whether your family dentist talked with you about braces or maybe you’re just considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if it’s worth it! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we believe that a beautiful, healthy smile is worth the journey. And it doesn’t hurt to know a little more about how your teeth can affect your quality of life. One common orthodontic problem that many new patients come to us concerned about is crowded teeth. So let’s explore how crowded teeth affect your smile health and how this condition is treated! What causes crowded teeth? Your smile starts to become overcrowded when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit in their healthy spaces. A few different factors can cause crowding, such as: Genetics. Yes, orthodontic conditions are often hereditary! Because genes are responsible for creating everything from your eye color to your nose shape, they also play a part in how your smile grows and develops. So if you needed braces as a child, your children may need them too. Tooth shape. Every tooth in your mouth isn’t the same shape as they all serve different purposes - from incisors to molars and canines. But having more peg-shaped teeth than normal can cause overcrowding. Early tooth loss. Your baby teeth play a vital role in the health of your adult teeth! Not only do they allow you as an infant and beyond to chew solid foods, but they also preserve the space for adult teeth to emerge. So whether your child lost baby teeth earlier than most due to decay or an accident, it’s important to schedule an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 so crowding doesn’t become an issue for them. Poor habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or using a pacifier beyond age 4 can greatly affect how your child’s teeth grow and develop. Because the repetitive force can negatively affect the healthy development of their palate, causing crowded teeth (especially in their front teeth). Congenital disorder or rare conditions. These abnormalities found at birth (or in pregnancy) can cause orthodontic issues like crowded teeth such as those with cleft palate or hyperdontia. How does teeth crowding affect your smile? There’a few different ways to refer to this orthodontic condition: overlapping, overcrowding, or crowded teeth. It’s easily noticeable as your teeth look bunched together, often crooked or twisted and overlapping. Because of the way crowded teeth are spaced together, they can cause problems with your overall oral health and more: Low self-esteem. Because crowded teeth are easier to spot than most orthodontic conditions, it’s unfortunately often the target of bullies. If you’re experiencing crowded teeth as an adult, it can also impact your self-confidence as those with teeth in healthy alignment are seen as more attractive and intelligent. Speech difficulties. In some cases, crowded teeth can affect your speech. So if you or your child has trouble pronouncing “s” and “sh” sounds, teeth crowding may be to blame. Hard to clean teeth. Crowded teeth tend to overlap... --- - Published: 2023-08-17 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/4-invisalign-tips-successful-journey/ If you're on an Invisalign journey with Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy and our team at Blue Wave Orthodontics, you're in for an amazing, life-changing transformation! We're here to guide you through the process and ensure that your treatment experience is as smooth and successful as possible, so you can experience beautiful results. We’ve got the top 4 Invisalign tips to help you sail smoothly to the finish line. 1. Use the Invisalign app! Have you been using the super cool ‘My Invisalign’ smile app? It's like having your own personal smile assistant in your pocket! Download the Invisalign app to track your progress, get cleaning tips and learn more about how Invisalign works, snap a selfie to see a simulated preview of how your new smile can look at the end of treatment, connect with us, set handy reminders and receive notifications to help you stay on track with wearing your aligners and attending your appointments, and so much more! Using the My Invisalign app is like having an easy, direct line to smile perfection. Stay connected, stay motivated, and let the app join you on your journey. 2. Keep your past aligners! It may be tempting to bid farewell to your old aligners as you progress through your treatment. But it’s actually important that you keep your most recent ones! (We’ll discuss this during your complimentary consultation, of course. ) Your past aligners aren’t just souvenirs; they're your backup plan! In case you accidentally misplace or damage your current aligners, having your previous ones can keep you on the right track and prevent your teeth from ‘relapsing’ or reverting back to their previous positions. We suggest you keep at least the aligner prior to the one you’re currently wearing. Then when you come to your appointment, we can recycle your far past trays for you! 3. Check the fit of your aligners regularly. It’s important to check the fit of your aligners to make sure that they're hugging your teeth properly. A snug fit means they're doing their job and moving your teeth efficiently. Your aligners shouldn’t feel loose, and they should be able to ‘snap’ into place as confirmation of a good fit. You can use an Invisalign chewie or aligner chewie to help your clear aligners fit properly too! Invisalign chewies are small, cylindrical pieces of soft plastic that you bite down on (with your aligners in place) to properly ‘seat’ your aligners. To use a chewie, bite down on it, move it around different areas of your mouth, and bite down with gentle pressure to help optimize the fit of your aligners. You can purchase a pack of Invisalign chewies on Amazon and we’ll provide you with some during treatment if you need them. 4. Keep your teeth sparkly clean! Keeping your teeth, gums and clear aligners clean is one of the easiest Invisalign tips and tricks to ensure a successful journey. Clean teeth are healthy teeth; healthy teeth are strong teeth; and strong teeth... --- - Published: 2023-08-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/guide-to-orthodontics-sick/ You’re committed to your smile transformation - through the ups and downs, in sickness and in health, right? After all, your beautiful end results will be worth the wait! So what happens if you catch a bug or wake up feeling under the weather during treatment? We’re here to answer FAQs about being sick with braces or Invisalign®, and give tips on how to handle your orthodontic commitments when you’re not feeling so great. Good hygiene = Healthy recovery When you're sick, maintaining good oral hygiene is even more crucial. Your mouth is a direct route to the rest of your body, so a clean mouth is the key to a healthy body. You’re already keeping your braces or Invisalign aligners pretty clean (right? ! ) - but on your sick days, it’s important to go the extra mile. Maintaining clean braces or aligners can help you kick the sickness much sooner than if you continue putting the same sickness-causing bacteria back in your mouth. Tips: If you have braces, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around your brackets and wires thoroughly after each meal. While you may typically brush your teeth twice a day when you’re feeling well, brushing your teeth three to four times a day when sick can make the difference! If you have Invisalign, be sure to disinfect your aligners once daily in a cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite or a homemade mix of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water). When should I change my toothbrush after being sick? It’s important that you replace your current toothbrush with a fresh, clean toothbrush after you’re sick! The bacteria that caused your sickness can continue growing within toothbrush bristles and reintroduce the illness back into your body while your body is trying to heal. Experts advise that you replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better, in order to “make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members” (Cleveland Clinic). Should i cancel my orthodontist appointment if i have a cold? Yes. As a general rule of thumb, if you're not feeling well, please give us a call to reschedule your appointment. We would rather you rest up and visit us when you’re feeling better! If you have cold or flu symptoms, we want to help prevent you from feeling worse and prevent the spread of germs. Rescheduling your appointment is better for you and for our team. Stay hydrated! Fluids are your friends! It’s crucial that you stay hydrated when sick. Hydration helps the body fight off infections and prevents dehydration, which, consequently, helps prevent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Staying hydrated is essential for healing from your illness, but also for maintaining clean teeth with braces or Invisalign. Proper hydration promotes saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking water also helps rid your teeth of food particles and debris that can otherwise contribute to bacteria buildup, plaque... --- - Published: 2023-07-05 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tips-to-ease-fears-about-braces/ Starting orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® for the first time is undeniably an adjustment! If you recently scheduled your child’s free consultation and your child is feeling a bit nervous about what’s to come, or your child just started orthodontic treatment and has some concerns about their new life with braces, we’re here for you. Here are 5 tips to help your child brace for change, and ease their fears about braces for kids, Invisalign for kids, or orthodontics: How to prepare for braces • Start with an open and honest conversation! Communication is key. When you and your child visit us, we’ll do our part to help resolve any preconceptions about braces or orthodontic treatment, but it’s helpful for you to start the conversation at home too! Explain why your child needs orthodontics and how it’ll benefit them - in terms of their health and self-esteem. Tell them that orthodontic treatment is common, and many of the people they know will undergo orthodontics in the future or have already gone through it. From our experience, children who feel in-the-know and in-the-loop about the decision to start treatment tend to feel more comfortable with the process! • Explain the process of getting braces or Invisalign. If your child is anxious about what to expect when you visit us, use our website as a resource to prepare them for the experience. Head over to our “Your First Visit” page to find out what you and your child can expect during your complimentary consultation and orthodontic exam. You can learn about the process in detail on that page, but here’s a quick summary to familiarize you: 1. First, we’ll welcome you and your child with smiling faces! We’ll acquaint you with our team and office to ensure that you’re both comfortable. 2. Once we’re ready to begin the orthodontic exam, your friendly, experienced orthodontist (Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy) will assess your child’s smile by taking some quick digital x-rays and digital impressions. 3. After gathering all of the necessary smile data, your orthodontist will design a personalized treatment plan for your child. 4. Then, we can place your child’s braces - or send their Invisalign impressions off to have their custom clear aligners made! We’re proud to be a Same Day Orthodontist for your convenience. That means your child can start treatment on your very first visit, instead of having to schedule a separate time to come back to our office. After that, you’ll be on your way back home with a beautiful new smile just over the horizon! • Talk about the coolness factor in orthodontic treatment! Many of your child’s favorite celebrities, actors, actresses and influencers have worn braces or Invisalign to achieve their movie-star smiles. It may be helpful to research a few celebrities who proudly and publicly went through orthodontic treatment. Think Justin Bieber, Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus, Khloe Kardashian, Zendaya and Billie Eilish! For your child, knowing that someone he or she looks up to... --- - Published: 2023-06-25 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/after-invisalign-how-your-life-will-change-after-treatment/ Imagine you just completed your Invisalign® treatment. You’re removing your last set of Invisalign clear aligners and are ready to show off your beautiful, healthy smile. (You worked so hard for it, should be so proud! ) you revel in the beautiful results that you, your Invisalign aligners, and our orthodontists created! You look in the mirror and see sparkly straight teeth. (Is that Brad Pitt looking back at you in the mirror? ) You feel like a superstar! You undoubtedly feel like a new person, and you can’t wait to share your new smile with the world! But what happens now? And how can you keep your new smile? Here’s what you can expect in your life with Invisalign changes! Invisalign changes your appearance Wondering if your face shape changes after Invisalign? Let's talk about it. So it may seem obvious that your Invisalign treatment will improve the appearance of your teeth—this is absolutely true—but the effect Invisalign has on your appearance runs much deeper! Orthodontic treatments shift the teeth and in turn your jaw bones into healthy alignment, creating a more balanced facial appearance. This is called “dentofacial orthopedics”, the branch of medicine focuses on the structure of the teeth as associated with the appearance of the face. Many people who have poor bite conditions prior to their Invisalign treatment notice an apparent difference in their facial structure once their treatment is complete! Invisalign changes functionality As Invisalign works to move your teeth into healthy alignment, daily activites like eating, chewing, and breathing become easier! Sometimes we have obstructions in our airways, hindering us from easy breathing. In mild cases, these airway obstructions may not be obvious until the airways are opened through orthodontic treatment. When the airways are obstructed, people often begin ‘mouth-breathing’, which is commonly treated with orthodontic treatments that expand the mouth. Once you’re breathing easily through your nose again, you’ll realize how much air you’ve been missing out on. If you're a snorer, chat with your orthodontist about our Sleep Solutions treatment too - so you can breathe easy during the day and at night! Chewing and eating food might have been uncomfortable or painful for you before your treatment. If your teeth jaw bones aren’t aligned, this causes your teeth to be misaligned, which means your top and bottom teeth aren’t meeting each other evenly when you chew or bite. You may have frequently bit your tongue or lip when chewing because of this, Invisalign changes your bite for the better. Once the teeth are realigned and the bite is in a healthy position, you’ll be able to chew and eat food (painlessly) to your heart’s content! Invisalign changes your smile and retainers help you keep it! The days of Invisalign aligners may be over, but it’s imperative that you wear your new retainers diligently to keep your teeth from shifting out of place. Your removable retainers will be worn for an extended period of time following your treatment. Immediately after your treatment,... --- - Published: 2023-06-17 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-orthodontic-retainers/ At Blue Wave Orthodontics, your retainers are included in your treatment price. Orthodontic retainers, as the name implies, retain the teeth in their new healthy position after both braces and Invisalign treatment. Immediately after treatment, patients may be advised to wear their retainers full-time for the first six months (except for meals and brushing). After this, they should be worn for nights only! Proper retainer care and use are imperative for keeping your brand-new smile as nice as the day the braces or Invisalign came off. Caring for your retainer after braces or Invisalign Whenever you brush your teeth, you should brush your retainer, especially before bed! We recommend using a separate toothbrush for your retainer. Essix retainers and the metal Hawley style retainers are to be cleaned often with antibacterial soap and NOT with toothpaste. Toothpaste is for your teeth, not plastic retainers. Beware of soaking your retainers in denture cleaner, because cleaning so over time will cause the retainer to be stained yellow. Thoroughly rinse your retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth. For more tips on cleaning your retainer, check out our blog here! Lost or damaged retainers How do I store my retainers when I'm not wearing them? A great question! Our team will always provide you with a retainer case with your retainers. Although, it's a good idea to keep your old Invisalign case as a backup. And remember, when not being worn, you should store your retainers in your case and keep your case in a safe and secure place. Wrapping it in a napkin could lead to throwing it out or leaving it behind, and leaving it in the reach of small children or your pet is also a recipe for disaster. Heat and dryness are also damaging to retainers. Be careful to not put your retainers in hot water, the dishwasher, a washing machine, direct sunlight, or near a heat source – it can easily warp. DO NOT ever microwave your retainer! The plastic can crack if it gets too dry. To keep it from cracking, soak your retainer when it isn’t in your mouth. Another tip: If you wear Hawley retainers don’t bend the wires or your retainer will not fit properly. Flipping the retainer around in your mouth will cause the wires to bend. Still have questions about proper retainer wear and care? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! If you or your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, and you’re wondering how to find a great orthodontist in East Bradenton or Tampa Bay, we encourage you to contact us. We can treat the most complex cases! Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Request your complimentary exam with us and we’ll take care of the rest. --- - Published: 2023-05-31 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/3-tips-choosing-invisalign-vs-braces/ So your child needs orthodontic treatment, but you’re both having trouble deciding between braces or Invisalign. We’re familiar with this dilemma! So let’s talk more about each option and your child’s preferences. A common concern we hear from kids is having a “brace face” throughout treatment. In fact, 41% of teens think it’s embarrassing to wear braces! But aren’t braces highly-effective at straightening teeth and isn’t Invisalign expensive? We know you want to make the best decision for your child’s health while also staying within your budget so we’re here to support you with the facts. Here’s a few tips for deciding between braces vs Invisalign treatment for your child. Are braces “better” than Invisalign? First of all, no one treatment option is “better” than the other! Both braces and Invisalign are effective treatment options for correcting orthodontic conditions and giving your child a beautiful, healthy smile. At the end of the day, it all comes down to which one your family decides on. That being said, we’ve got a few tips for choosing the best orthodontic treatment option for your child. Tip #1: Understand your child’s orthodontic condition(s) At your child’s first orthodontic exam, one of our Board-Certified Orthodontists will examine your child’s teeth and bite to determine which conditions are affecting their smile. Your child may have one, two, or more orthodontic issues responsible for their malocclusion (bad bite), this is common! While many orthodontic problems require a trained orthodontist’s eyes to detect, others are pretty obvious to parents and kids alike. Common orthodontic problems such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, spacing or gaps, and some bite conditions, like overbite and underbite, can be noticeable. And these conditions happen when unhealthy teeth or jaw development occurs like losing a tooth too early or just genetics! Dr. Guloy and Dr. Cetta love to talk about everything orthodontics so be sure to ask them any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s orthodontic conditions or the treatments offered to your child. We make time for every exam to make sure you and your child leave your first visit feeling comfortable and informed. Tip #2: Evaluate your child’s lifestyle and personality As parents, you know your child best! We encourage families to talk over each treatment option together and listen to your child’s concerns or hesitations. A few questions to consider during your chat are: • Is your child in sports? Parents of kids or teens who play contact sports like football or basketball will often choose Invisalign over braces because they feel more comfortable about their child’s safety during practice and games. • Do they have concerns about their appearance? If your child is already a little self-conscious about their looks, consider the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign vs braces for teenagers, as Invisalign is a more discreet option. • Is your child more enthusiastic about one treatment above all others? It's important to consider your child’s preferences. You want them to feel comfortable and motivated during treatment so... --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-process-step-by-step/ Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they hit the market in the 90’s and have stayed a favorite since! In fact, there’s been an increase in their popularity among teens and adults since 2020. With these clear aligners offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder there’s 1. 6 million smiles being transformed by Invisalign - and the number keeps growing! If you're considering Invisalign for your smile, here's what you can expect during your treatment - step by step. Step 1: Schedule an Invisalign consultation with an Top 1% Invisalign doctor The first step in the Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign doctor. While general dentists may offer Invisalign treatment too, an orthodontist has the specialized training to diagnose and treat your orthodontic condition(s) starting at the root! In Tampa Bay and East Bradenton, Blue Wave Orthodontics is the leading Top 1% Invisalign Provider! Dr. Cetta and Dr. Guloy are both certified Invisalign doctors and Board-Certified Orthodontists. Our practice transforms over 400 smiles a year with Invisalign so your smile is in expert hands! When you schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation with Blue Wave Orthodontics, one of our highly-experienced orthodontists will evaluate your teeth and jaws, and help determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. Included in your initial exam, are diagnostic photos and x-rays which will show our team the complete picture of your orthodontic and dental health. Step 2: Creating a custom treatment plan Using the images, x-rays, and notes from your orthodontic exam, our orthodontic team will then present to you your custom smile transformation plan! This comprehensive plan will break down your treatment details - including the length of treatment, cost, and expected results. If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, our team will get started on your treatment process right away. The first part is taking some digital scans of your teeth using a 3D intraoral scanner called iTero®. You’ll be able to see a cool 3D image of your teeth and gums being built as we take pictures using a handheld wand. This process takes about 5 minutes to complete and while your orthodontist reviews and solidifies your personalized treatment plan, we’ll be able to show you a simulated image of your expected smile results! Step 3: Receiving your Invisalign aligners Once your Invisalign treatment plan is finalized, your scan will be sent straight to the Invisalign labs from the iTero! Invisalign will then create a series of custom aligners that are designed just for your smile. Once your series of aligners come in, we’ll give you a call to come pick them up and walk you through instructions for wearing your Invisalign for the best possible smile results. Treatment with Invisalign takes an average of 12 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. While everyone's experience is unique, most people find that Invisalign is a comfortable and convenient way to straighten their teeth and achieve... --- - Published: 2023-04-14 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/do-i-need-orthodontist-referral/ Before you see a health specialist, you typically need a doctor referral from your primary care provider or family doctor. So does that apply to orthodontists too? Spoiler alert: No, you do not need a dentist referral to begin your orthodontic journey. Nothing has to stand in the way of your beautiful new smile! You get to take control of your future and decide when you want to see an orthodontist. How to visit an orthodontist without a referral The process is simple. All you have to do is request a complimentary exam with Blue Wave Orthodontics! We’ll take care of the rest. Your first visit to us is 100% free, and it includes: • Comprehensive exam, including a physical exam, digital x-rays, digital impressions and diagnostic photos • Personal, one-on-one consultation with a 5-star orthodontist • Finance and insurance review to create a custom payment plan • Review of your treatment options, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners Once your consultation and exam are complete, we can begin your treatment journey! Your dentist’s role in your orthodontic treatment While it’s not necessary for you to get an orthodontist referral from your dentist, your dentist still plays a critical role in your orthodontic treatment and your dental health. Before you begin orthodontic treatment, it’s important that your dentist assesses your teeth and gums to ensure that they’ve healthy and ready to support your braces. You will still need to visit your dentist every six months, or as often as instructed by your dentist, in order to keep your smile clean and to help us achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment. How do you decide which orthodontist to visit? Since you don’t need a referral from a dentist, how do you decide which orthodontist to entrust with your smile? Here are a few factors to help guide your search: 1. Location You’ll want to visit an orthodontist located near you. You’ll be seeing your orthodontist regularly, every 6 to 8 weeks or so, and you won’t want to travel an hour there and back every time. If you live near Tampa or East Bradenton, come visit us at Blue Wave Orthodontics! We have 4 convenient locations near you in South Tampa, North Tampa, East Bradenton and Wesley Chapel. 2. Experience Choosing an orthodontist for you or your child is a big decision! It’s not one to take lightly. When deciding which orthodontist to get started with, consider the orthodontist’s skill and experience. How many years has the orthodontist been practicing? Are they a member of professional associations? Our orthodontists, Dr. Chris Cetta and Dr. Robertzon Guloy, are both board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Not every orthodontist is board-certified, and this isn't a requirement for orthodontists, so we're proud to have orthodontists who go above and beyond to provide expert care. Dr. Cetta is a published author in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and an inventor of a companion product for Invisalign (the Precision... --- - Published: 2023-03-24 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-5-best-and-worst-drink-for-teeth/ If you often find stains on your teeth, yellowing on your teeth, or even start to notice a cavity appearing, you may be wondering why and how this keeps happening. Sometimes the beverages you drink can be to blame! But what drinks are bad for your teeth? And what can be done to stop discoloration and cavities from occurring? Here’s everything you need to know about the effects of beverages on your oral health. So what drinks are bad for your teeth? The first step in getting a brighter smile is making sure you have a strong oral hygiene routine in place, especially if you’re in braces or Invisalign® treatment (as sticky beverages have more surface area to cling to). Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing once a day, and following it up with one of the best mouthwashes for ortho smiles is the best at home prevention! Once that’s in place, it’s time to evaluate your beverage choices. Here’s the top 5 worst drinks for your teeth. 1. Soda Soda is probably one of the worst drinks for your teeth - both regular and diet types! Regular sodas such as lemon-lime or cola are high in sugar and acidic additives that create the perfect environment for tooth decay-causing bacteria to flourish. Diet soda has the same effect on your teeth due to the highly-acidic additives used in place of sugar to make a sweet tasting beverage. 2. Wine This one is for our adult ortho patients! It may be common knowledge that red wine causes tooth stains but did you know that white wine can be just as harmful to your teeth? Yes! We’re talking red, white, and bubbly; all types of wine are acidic. In fact, wine falls between 2. 9 to a 4. 2 on the pH scale. With the average glass of red or white being a 3. 5 in acidity. To give you an idea of how acidic that is, the scale is 0-14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being alkaline (basic). This highly acidic drink begins to mix with your saliva and within 30 minutes, the pH level in your mouth lowers, causing acid erosion on your teeth (we’ll talk about what exactly this is a little later! ) 3. Black tea or coffee With 67% of Americans drinking coffee every day, we’re all too familiar with the stains or discoloration coffee can cause on our teeth. But did you know that black tea has the same staining capabilities? That’s because black coffee and black tea fall within the same range on the pH scale, making them an acidic beverage, aka a catalyst for acid erosion on your teeth. While we’re not saying you should stop drinking coffee or tea, knowing where your beverages fall on the pH scale can give you crucial insight on protecting your teeth and keeping pesky stains from blemishing the brilliance of your smile. Limiting the amount of... --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/is-charcoal-toothpaste-good-for-teeth/ Charcoal toothpaste has become more popular lately, with well-known brands like Colgate, Crest, Hello and Burt's Bees entering the charcoal toothpaste market. Is this trend worth the try? Is it a good idea to use charcoal toothpaste during braces treatment with your Blue Wave orthodontist? Here’s everything you need to know: What is charcoal toothpaste? Charcoal toothpaste uses activated charcoal, which is a fine-grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent, acting like a sponge, to pull out toxins and lift stains from the enamel (the surface layer of the teeth). Is charcoal bad for your teeth? Charcoal is mildly abrasive, and over time, it can wear down your enamel. Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal is a slippery slope. While charcoal toothpaste may remove surface stains in the short run, it can cause your teeth to yellow over time and become more sensitive as it damages your enamel. Your enamel has the critical responsibility of protecting the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. It protects your teeth from damage due to chewing, biting and grinding teeth. Enamel does not grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Preserving your enamel by avoiding abrasive materials and minimizing contact with sugary acids is key. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not currently approve of any toothpastes with activated charcoal. Due to charcoal's abrasiveness, the importance of preserving enamel, and the ADA not approving charcoal toothpaste, charcoal is not the best ingredient to use on your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste and braces Charcoal toothpaste isn’t known to damage braces. Your braces are very strong and durable. However, charcoal can get stuck within brackets and wires, leaving black specks behind. Brushing aggressively can loosen a bracket, wire or elastic. Adding abrasive charcoal toothpaste to the mix can add even more pressure to your braces and increase the risk of them breaking. Is a charcoal toothbrush safe? A charcoal toothbrush is a toothbrush that has bristles infused with activated charcoal. These bristles are typically attached to a wooden/bamboo handle. Charcoal bristles are believed to absorb bacteria and help prevent bad breath. However, like charcoal toothpaste, charcoal toothbrush bristles are abrasive and damaging to tooth enamel. Charcoal toothbrushes do not have the ADA’s seal of acceptance and therefore are not safe to use. Is charcoal mouthwash safe? Based on a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the therapeutic and cosmetic marketing claims of charcoal-based mouthwashes, including antimicrobial activity, anti-halitosis, tooth whitening, periodontal disease control, caries reduction and tooth remineralisation, among others. ” In other words, there is not enough evidence to prove that charcoal-based mouthwashes provide any benefits for neither cosmetics nor health. Charcoal mouthwash is therefore unnecessary and potentially damaging to enamel. Try a mouthwash that has been approved by the ADA instead! Is charcoal floss safe? Like charcoal toothpaste and charcoal mouthwash, using charcoal floss is a gamble. Charcoal particles can wear down enamel and make you more susceptible... --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/foods-you-should-eat-the-first-week-wearing-braces/ It’s common for those in orthodontic treatment to experience some minor discomfort or tooth sensitivity when first getting braces or Invisalign. Your gums may be a little tender for a few weeks, which means you may have to alter your diet a bit. We understand this challenge! The initial tenderness is part of the process of getting a perfect smile. The good news? The sensation doesn’t last too long, we promise! We receive many questions from our patients, so we put this together with the following information letting you know what to expect the first week of wearing braces, and which foods we recommend eating. Why do braces cause soreness at first? Over time, braces gradually align your teeth and jaw bones by exerting pressure. Although this pressure is gentle, it’s consistent. This can leave the gums feeling sore and the teeth a little more sensitive. Many patients experience this soreness when they first get braces and sometimes after adjustment appointments. It’s normal for patients to experience the following: The sensation of pressure in your gums and teeth Minor abrasions inside your cheeks caused by the newly placed braces in your mouth — (see these top 5 ways to deal with mouth sores! ) Cuts on your tongue How long will braces discomfort last? The good news is that the initial tenderness only lasts about a week to two weeks after first getting braces. However, during this introductory period, you may have to switch up your diet. Best foods to eat during the first week of braces Wondering what to eat with braces the first week? We recommend eating soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Here’s a list for first week of braces foods that we recommend our patients stock up on. Eggs Oatmeal Smoothies Cold drinks Yogurt Noodles and pasta Soup Mashed potatoes Soft fruits Jello For younger patients, we also recommend parents pack a lunch with these soft foods to eat with braces for school-aged children. What foods are you not allowed to eat with braces? In general, the following foods should be avoided. It may be easy to avoid these your first week, when your teeth are still sore, but try to avoid these foods as much as possible throughout your treatment as well. Eating these foods can lead to damage your brackets or wires, prompting an emergency orthodontist appointment. Nuts Hard candy Chewy foods such as gum and taffy Popcorn Bagels Hard pizza crust More frequently asked braces questions Q. How long after getting braces can you eat normal or solid foods? A. The time it takes to adjust to the pressure caused by braces varies among patients. Some may become used to the sensation in a couple of days, while others may take a week. Returning to a normal diet – that’s also “braces-friendly” - can take a week on average. Q. Besides eating soft foods, is there anything else I can do about the soreness? A. For patients who experience moderate... --- - Published: 2023-01-09 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/do-braces-cause-tmj-disorder/ There are quite a few braces myths out there, and we’re here to bust a few! If you’ve heard that braces can cause TMJ, you may be hesitant to schedule your first orthodontic exam. We don’t want myths to stop you from experiencing your best smile yet. Here’s everything you need to know about your TMJ and braces causing TMJ disorder: What is TMJ disorder? TMJ is short for 'temporomandibular joint'. This joint is located in the jaw, connecting the jaw bone to the skull. Your TMJ is essentially a hinge that allows your jaw to open, close, slide forward, backward and side to side. With TMJ disorder, this joint is not functioning properly and movement of the jaw is weakened or hindered. Symptoms of TMJ disorder Problems with the TMJ can cause: Jaw pain Nerve pain in the jaw, neck and head Facial muscle pain and soreness Jaw clicking or popping Jaw locking Difficulty chewing or biting Can braces cause TMJ disorder? Consider this myth busted! Studies published by the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry have shown there to be no evidence that braces cause TMJ disorder. However, this condition can become more apparent as the teeth are moved into alignment with braces, which may lead a patient to associate TMJ disorder with braces. During the first few weeks of orthodontic treatment, as your teeth and gums are adjusting to the pressure of your braces, this pressure may cause clenching and grinding habits, which can contribute to TMJ disorder. What causes TMJ disorder? There are a number of factors and potential causes that play into TMJ dysfunction, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause. Overall, TMJ disorder results from a strain in the TMJ, which can occur when a disk in the jaw moves out of alignment or erodes due to wear and tear, or an impact damages the joint. Any of the following causes can lead to a compromised TMJ: Bruxism: clenching and grinding your teeth habitually Trauma that causes damage to the jaw or neck Stress Arthritis Jaw or teeth misalignments that cause tension in the jaw Can braces fix TMJ disorder? Yes! Braces can be one of the most effective treatment solutions for TMJ disorder. If your case of TMJ dysfunction is caused by misalignments in the teeth or jaw bones, braces can help relieve symptoms and prevent the disorder from progressing. For cases that are treatable with braces or Invisalign®, one of our experienced orthodontists (Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy) can create a personalized treatment plan that aligns your jaw bones and repositions your teeth to establish an even, healthy alignment and a healthy overlap between the top and bottom teeth. Our orthodontists also offer a dynamic splint, which is an acrylic orthodontic appliance that can help keep the upper and lower teeth apart to provide TMJ pain relief and help ease tension on the jaws. We won’t know whether your case is treatable with orthodontics or which treatment route is best for... --- - Published: 2022-11-25 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/use-hsa-for-orthodontics/ Spoiler alert: Yes you can! Using your HSA to pay for orthodontic treatment is not only possible, but it can also lower your costs and give you greater value for your money. Here’s everything you need to know about HSAs for orthodontics - so you can make the best decision for your smile (and your wallet). What is HSA or FSA? HSA stands for Health Savings Account, which is a type of savings account that allows you to set money aside (pre-taxed) to be used for qualifying medical expenses. This money can then be withdrawn tax-free and dedicated toward healthcare deductibles, copays or out-of-pocket costs. HSA funds are tax-deductible, tax-deferred and tax-free! Since HSA money goes into your account untaxed and comes out of it untaxed, this allows you to get even greater value from your HSA funds than you would from your typical checking or savings account. An FSA, which stands for Flexible Spending Account, is essentially a less-flexible version of an HSA. For example, FSA funds may not be able to roll over to the next year if benefits aren't used by the end of the year. FSAs are also owned by your employer, whereas HSAs are personal savings accounts. Can you use HSA for braces? You sure can! In fact, any orthodontic treatment deemed necessary after your free initial orthodontic exam can be considered a qualified medical expense for your HSA. Orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® clear aligners is not just for cosmetic benefits. While orthodontic treatment can and will improve your appearance and confidence drastically, it can also improve your quality of life and a number of major functions related to your teeth and jaw bones. For example, orthodontic treatment can help widen the jaw bones and free blockages from the airways to improve breathing and sleeping quality. Some cases of sleep apnea can be treated with orthodontics alone. For many people, orthodontic treatment is medically necessary to improve their quality of life and can therefore be covered by HSAs. Can HSAs apply to all types of braces? Your personal HSA can apply to any type of orthodontic treatment deemed medically necessary. So, yes - your HSA funds can be put toward any type of braces, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, LightForce™ 3-D printed braces or Invisalign clear aligners for you or your child! We’re proud to offer a wide range of advanced orthodontic treatment options to suit our patients' lifestyles! With any type of braces, the portion of your orthodontics cost that isn’t covered by your insurance company may be covered by your HSA account. Do HSA funds roll over to the next year? Yes, unlike FSA accounts, all money in an HSA account rolls over to the next year. If you have a healthcare FSA from your employer that does roll over, you’ll only be able to carry over about $570 from your 2022 contributions to 2023. If you have an FSA, it’s a good idea to use those funds before... --- - Published: 2022-11-23 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smile-transformation-in-time-lapse/ So we know to get the straight teeth we want, you have to go through orthodontic treatment. That usually means getting braces or Invisalign, possibly even an appliance or two, depending on your orthodontic conditions. But how exactly do braces work to move your teeth into healthy alignment? Let’s break down the art of orthodontics! First of all... let’s talk orthodontics Before we get into the mechanics of braces, it may be helpful to chat about “orthodontia” or orthodontics in general. Most people think orthodontics is just about straight teeth. But it’s also about aligned jawbones, good oral health, and getting your best bite! In fact, the ADA defines orthodontics as “the dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, interception, guidance and correction of bad bites”. And there’s an incredible amount of benefits that come from orthodontic treatment besides a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. Just to name a few... • Increased self-confidence • Improved digestion • Easy to brush and floss So let’s get down to the root of orthodontic tooth movement! How do braces actually work to straighten your teeth? Over the course of your braces treatment, you'll attend a braces adjustment appointment about every 6 to 12 weeks! At each appointment, our orthodontic assistants will take out your braces wires and remove old elastics for our orthodontists to put in new ones! Your braces wire will be thicker every time and you’ll often notice steel ties or power chains in different places as your treatment continues. Each of these appliances are uniquely designed to bring you one step closer to a beautiful, healthy smile. You’ll go about your day and care for your braces while they’re hard at work making on your smile-in-progress. Your braces system will apply gentle forces to the roots of your teeth, guiding them into the ideal position your orthodontist has calculated. It may take about 6 weeks for you to start seeing the results of the movement, but rest assured your braces are hard at work 24/7, making slight adjustments to the position of your teeth. Under your orthodontist’s direction, your braces will not only control the amount of force that is used to move your teeth, but also the timing of that force. In fact, your braces will only move a few teeth at any one time. This is to ensure you're comfortable and protect your teeth from excessive force! Our board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Guloy or Dr. Cetta, can walk you through how your smile journey will look during your complimentary orthodontic exam too. Using the advanced intraoral scanner, iTero®, you can watch your dream smile come to life on screen! Still have questions about how braces move teeth? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through orthodontic treatment and ensure that you achieve beautiful, lifelong results. If you’re looking for advice - or just want to chat about your child’s treatment - we’re here for you. Still considering orthodontic treatment?... --- - Published: 2022-11-16 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/5-tips-for-proper-toothbrush-storage/ Many people don’t pay enough attention to their toothbrush, but your toothbrush deserves your respect! After all, it keeps your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your smile radiant. Storing your toothbrush correctly plays a critical role in your dental hygiene and a successful smile journey. Let’s dive into proper toothbrush storage to keep your toothbrush in its best state! Why do you need to store your toothbrush properly? Most of us don’t obsess over the millions of germs floating on the dust and water particles in the air around us. We know that they exist in abundance, but that’s what our immune system is for, right? Yes, germs are all around us, but have you ever thought about how much bacteria your exposed toothbrush might be harboring? Prepare for this very unpleasant fact... If you have a toilet in your bathroom (as most of us do), there is an explosion of airborne germs every time you flush! These can easily find their way onto the bristles of your toothbrush if it’s sitting out in the open. About 100 million bacteria can lurk on an uncovered toothbrush! Transferring bacteria to your mouth can lead to a buildup of bacteria in and around your gums, which can progress into a number of health complications (such as gum disease) and extend your time in braces! Many people store their toothbrush safely in their medicine cabinet or a drawer for this very reason. What is the best toothbrush storage system? The truth is, if your toothbrush is not sitting on top of your toilet, on your countertop or any other high traffic area, it’s probably in a relatively safe place. The world is full of germs, so no matter where your toothbrush lives, it’s not going to be completely sterilized. Even the inside of your medicine cabinet has germs living in it, so you don’t have to obsess over the cleanliness of every space. There’s a phenomenon called ‘toilet plume’, which is a cloud of microscopic particles that plume into the air every time you flush your toilet. We do highly recommend that you keep some distance between your toilet bowl and your toothbrush - and after learning these facts, why would you not want to keep your toothbrush hidden? ! The closer your toothbrush is to your toilet, the closer it will be to the cloud of germs when flushing. Fortunately, according to the American Dental Association, even toilet plumes aren't something you should lose sleep over and these probably won’t affect your health too much. It’s just a gross fact to think about! Toothbrush storage ideas The best toothbrush storage location is a space where you can keep your toothbrush upright so it can dry out fairly quickly. A cup or toothbrush holder with a toothbrush lid will give each toothbrush enough air space to dry without contaminating each other. How long does it take for a toothbrush to dry? Knowing how long it takes your toothbrush to dry will help... --- - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-vitamins-braces-invisalign/ Taking daily vitamins and minerals is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, strengthen your immune system and shine from the inside out! But are gummy vitamins okay to eat with braces? After all, gummies and chewy candies are on the no-go list during braces treatment. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your smile: The Role of Vitamins in the Body First, let’s dive into the world of vitamins for some background information. You can take certain vitamins to grow your hair, help clear your skin complexion, and improve your brain function, so as you can imagine - there are vitamins that can help support your teeth throughout orthodontic treatment too! Benefits of vitamins and minerals Taking vitamins has a range of benefits, from improved eyesight and greater heart health, to reduced stress and anxiety, brighter skin complexion and stronger teeth. Our bodies are filled with natural vitamins that facilitate proper function and growth of our cells - and our cells are responsible for everything that goes on in the body. In fact, our bodies are just a big, beautiful clump of cells. Vitamins are a one-stop solution for living a healthier and happier life. Certain vitamins hold certain benefits. For example, Vitamins C, D and E are three of the best vitamins to support healthy skin cell function. To strengthen your teeth and gums, you can focus on adding more calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and potassium to your diet or through supplements. Vitamins and Orthodontic Treatment So how does this all apply to you during your treatment with braces or Invisalign®? Vitamins that support your teeth, gums and jaw bones can promote healthy tooth movement, speed up the orthodontic process, and help you reveal a bright smile when your orthodontic treatment is complete! Gummy vitamins with braces Gummy vitamins are more desirable for children than traditional, solid vitamins of course (yay sugar! ) But is taking gummy vitamins a good idea? Here are a few things to consider: Gummy vitamins hold fewer minerals and vitamins than traditional, solid vitamins. Flavored gummies can make a considerable dent in your recommended daily sugar intake of fewer than 25 grams. Some gummies have upwards of 8 grams of sugar in them! Some gummy vitamins also have harmful additives, like Red #40 and Yellow #6 in them. These chemicals are known to cause hyperactivity in children, difficulty focusing, and may even increase the risk of certain cancers. Gummy vitamins can become lodged within your braces, due to their stickiness. Eating them could potentially loosen a bracket or wire and require an emergency orthodontist appointment. Which vitamins can you take with braces? We’ve determined that solid vitamins are probably the best way to go when supplementing your diet, but with so many vitamins out there, which ones should you choose? Here are the top 3 vitamins and minerals for stronger teeth and beautiful treatment results: 1. Calcium Calcium is a no-brainer when it comes to your... --- - Published: 2022-09-26 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bullying-braces-how-to-help-to-your-child/ Braces are becoming more popular over recent years with an estimated four million people wearing braces at any given time! With new technological advancements that make braces more customizable and less noticeable than ever before (like clear ceramic braces), braces don’t hold the stigma they once did. However, children in school can be critical of peers who have unique qualities - and that can unfortunately include a unique smile. The facts about braces and bullying According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, 66% of adolescents were teased about their physical characteristics; malocclusions (dental misalignments) were found to have a significant correlation to bullying. Another study revealed that of the children who were bullied for their teeth, 78% reported that they were no longer being bullied once they began orthodontic treatment! While this is a hopeful statistic, we would like to see that 100% of children are not bullied for their teeth, their braces, or any reason whatsoever. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, so we’re kicking it off early by spreading awareness! Parents, here are 5 tips to handle childhood bullying. Tips to handle bullying with your child Tip #1: Listen to your child. First things first, hear your child out. Bullying is a serious matter, and it’s important that your child knows he or she has your support through it all. Children shouldn’t have to feel alone as they navigate challenging situations in life! Listen to your child’s concerns and know when to raise the issue to school administration if necessary. Tip #2. Model self love and self acceptance. Modeling self love and confidence for your child goes a long way. Parents’ habits dictate their children’s habits. If you look in the mirror, smile and call yourself beautiful, your child is likely to do the same! Lead by example and show your child that they have plenty of qualities to love. Self love is the best defense against bullying. Compliment your child’s positive attributes and emphasize the ones that lie below the surface. Qualities like kindness, intelligence and creativity should be celebrated above physical appearance. Tip #3: Show your child that their favorite celebrities had braces too! Braces are a normal part of growing up and many of our favorite celebrities and influencers had braces too. It may help to show your child pictures of popular stars in orthodontic treatment. Emma Watson, Gabrielle Union, Gwen Stefani, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Ariel Winter, Kendall Jenner, Venus and Serena Williams, Niall Horan, Emma Stone, Beyonce and Dwight Howard all went through orthodontic treatment to experience a confident, movie-star smile! Tip #4: Remind them that wearing braces is something to be proud of. Your child can be proud of the self discipline and patience it takes to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile! This is something to be proud of, not made fun of. In a few months time, your child will get to reveal an incredible smile that improves their health and boosts their self-esteem. Let them... --- - Published: 2022-08-31 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/5-signs-that-you-need-invisalign/ So you’ve heard some of our past Invisalign patients raving in their reviews about how Invisalign has transformed their smiles! Now you’re wondering if Invisalign can do the same for you. As one of the most popular clear aligner treatments out there, it’s worth considering if Invisalign is right for you! And you’ve come to the right place. Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to have treated over 4,500 smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. (Our advanced process has even earned us a prestigious designation straight from the makers of Invisalign! ) Here’s 4 signs that you’d benefit from Invisalign treatment with one of our experienced Invisalign doctors! 1. You lack confidence in your smile. Do you hide your smile behind your hand? Do you avoid situations where you may be in the spotlight? If you’re unhappy with your smile, it may be time to consider Invisalign treatment. Everyone deserves the smile of their dreams - no matter their age! Our Invisalign doctors, Dr. Cetta and Dr. Guloy can treat most smiles with Invisalign, even little smiles. Once your first set of custom Invisalign aligners are inserted, they’ll go straight to work on moving your teeth into healthy alignment. 2. You want invisible braces. So you want to straighten your teeth, but the idea of dealing with metal brackets and wires just doesn’t sound appealing. Or maybe it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle. Our experienced orthodontists understand this! Not everyone’s journey to a beautiful, healthy smile is the same. That’s why we offer a few different modern braces options. Invisalign clear aligners are made of transparent, high-quality plastic that’s custom-made for your smile. When you choose Invisalign, you’re getting one of the most clear orthodontic treatments out there (they’re practically-invisible)! You’ll be able to go about your day and smile big without anyone knowing you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, unless you tell them. 3. You have one or more common orthodontic conditions. Invisalign aligners do more than just straighten crooked teeth. These clear aligners can be used to fix other common orthodontic issues as well. Due to our experience and expertise, our orthodontists can also use Invisalign to correct complex bite conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Depending on the severity of your condition, our orthodontists may recommend Invisalign attachments or Precision Aligner Buttons™ for an efficient and faster treatment. 4. You’re ready to learn how to care for your dream smile. Yes, Invisalign can get you to your dream smile, but it’s not magic! Just like any other transformation, you’ve got to put in the work to make the magic happen. But don’t worry, the patented Invisalign design and our orthodontists make it easy for you to care for your budding smile. Your Invisalign aligners are hard at work, applying a gentle, consistent force to the roots of your teeth to move them into healthy alignment - one tray at a time. But they need your help for a successful journey. Just simply rinse your aligners every time they’re... --- - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-do-you-find-the-right-orthodontist/ Choosing the right orthodontist for you and your family isn't an easy decision - especially if you’re not familiar with orthodontic treatment. How do you know which orthodontist is best for you and your family? What type of credentials or qualifications should you look for in an orthodontist? We’re here to help! Here are 5 factors to consider when evaluating an orthodontist’s credibility: How to Find a Good Orthodontist 1. Research local orthodontists near you. The first step to finding an orthodontist is conducting a quick Google search. Type “orthodontist near me” into the search bar and see who turns up. (Of course if you’re located in Bradenton in the 34203 area, we encourage you to visit us at Blue Wave Orthodontics! Our team of local orthodontists provides luxury, personalized orthodontics at an affordable price. If you’re not in the East Bradenton area, we also have three other conveniently located orthodontist offices in North Tampa, South Tampa, and Wesley Chapel. You can also ask trusted friends and family members if they have any orthodontist recommendations near you! Once you have a list of local orthodontists, the next step is to assess their credentials and experience. 2. Assess the orthodontist’s memberships, certifications and/or awards. How long has the orthodontist been practicing? Have they won any awards or written any publications? Which professional memberships or affiliations are they a part of? An orthodontist who participates in professional organizations, has had work published in dentistry and/or orthodontics, and who has years of experience to back their technique is a good, qualified orthodontist. Dr. Cetta is a board-certified orthodontist and the co-inventor of an Invisalign attachment that is used worldwide! He is also an active member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Assoication of Orthodontists, and American Dental Association. Dr. Guloy is also board certified by the American Board of Orthodontists! He is also an active member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Dental Assoication, and American Dental Association. We provide the expert quality of care you deserve! 3. Does the orthodontist provide the treatment option you’re looking for? You’ll want to ensure that the orthodontist you choose offers the type of treatment you prefer! You deserve a modern treatment option that helps you feel confident throughout your treatment experience. We offer a number of modern treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. We also have LightForce 3D printed custom braces! You decide which treatment suits your style best. 4. Do they offer a complimentary consultation? Visiting the orthodontist for a complimentary consultation can tell you everything you need to know about their quality of care. It’s a good idea to choose an orthodontist who offers free exams; this means the orthodontist is confident in his or her skills and in the patient experience they provide. Offering complimentary exams also shows that the orthodontist wants you to make the best decision for your... --- - Published: 2022-08-24 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/back-to-school-with-braces-5-tips-2022/ Summer break in Florida has come to an end! School is back in session, the weather is starting to cool down (kind of), and we’re ready to kick off this 2022 school year. If you’re starting off this school year with a fresh metal grill, you may have mixed feelings about going back to school. It’s only natural! Your friends at Blue Wave Orthodontics are here to help. We have 5 pro tips to help you look good, do good and feel good as you go back to school for your best year yet. (You may be surprised how quickly you adapt to braces treatment! ) 1. Be selfie-ready with a braces care kit. Don’t let your breakfast linger into lunch with you! Carrying a braces care kit is ideal for keeping your smile clean and avoiding the embarrassing realization that you had a piece of lettuce stuck in your teeth the whole time. Consider any of these items for your handy kit: Mini toothbrush Mini toothpaste Floss Interproximal brush Pocket mirror Orthodontic wax You don’t have to carry many items or spend more than $5! As long as you have a travel-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, you’re good to go. Keeping your teeth clean will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and create a beautiful end result. After breakfast, lunch and snacks, bring your braces care kit to the bathroom for a quick cleansing. Clean teeth = healthy gums + exceptional treatment results! 2. Keep it cool with a refillable water bottle. Bring your coolest water bottle to school and refill it a few times each day. You’ll see the benefits pretty quickly! Water plays an important role in your orthodontic treatment journey, from your dental health to your mental health. Drinking water strengthens your teeth and helps keep your braces clean! If you want a beautiful set of pearly whites (and good breath), it’s a good idea to keep water on hand. Drinking water is great for your mental health. Studies show that it reduces the risk of anxiety and depression! Water is your skin’s best friend; it’s proven to have a positive effect on skin appearance and can even prevent acne! Plus, drinking more water means more bathroom breaks - which means more chances to use your braces care kit. 3. Don’t take risks with your precious smile! Life is all about taking risks - safe risks, that is. Ask that girl or guy out. Learn how to play the drums. Try out for the main role in the next play! Why not? Live a little! However, one risk you don’t want to take this school year (or ever) is stepping onto the field or court without your mouthguard. Leaving your teeth exposed to a ball spiraling toward your face or another player’s elbow is a dangerous, painful, and expensive risk. According to studies published by the American Dental Association, “individuals who do not use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of orofacial injury. ” Wearing... --- - Published: 2022-07-26 - Modified: 2026-05-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/day-one-with-invisalign-what-to-expect/ Starting Invisalign is exciting—but it’s also normal to feel unsure about what your first day will be like. The good news: Most patients adjust quickly, and day one is easier than expected. Here’s exactly what to expect—and how to make the transition smooth. What Does Invisalign Feel Like on the First Day? When you first put in your aligners, you’ll notice: - A feeling of tightness or pressure - A slightly different sensation when biting - Awareness of the trays in your mouth This pressure is completely normal—it means your aligners are working to move your teeth. Does Invisalign Hurt the First Day? Most patients experience: - Mild soreness or tenderness - Slight gum sensitivity - Discomfort for the first 1–3 days Research shows many patients report little to mild pain that fades quickly. Tip: Start your aligners at night so you sleep through the initial adjustment. Will Invisalign Affect How You Talk? You might notice: - A slight lisp - Difficulty with certain sounds (“s” or “sh”) This is temporary. Most people adjust within a few days to a week, and speech returns to normal quickly. How to Put Invisalign In (and Make Them Fit Properly) Your aligners may not “snap” into place immediately—and that’s normal. To seat them properly: - Bite down gently to secure them - Use chewies if provided - Make sure they fit snugly against your teeth Proper fit helps your treatment stay on track. Eating on Your First Day With Invisalign One of the biggest adjustments: You must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. On day one: - Stick to soft foods if your teeth feel sore - Brush before putting aligners back in - Avoid snacking too often (removing trays repeatedly can be frustrating at first) How Many Hours Should You Wear Invisalign? For best results: 20–22 hours per day Only remove aligners for: - Eating - Drinking (anything besides water) - Brushing and flossing Consistency is key to keeping your treatment on schedule. Common First-Day Challenges (and How to Fix Them) Tightness or Pressure Normal—this means your teeth are moving Difficulty Removing Aligners Start from the back teeth and work forward Dry Mouth or Extra Saliva Your mouth is adjusting—this improves quickly Forgetting to Put Them Back In Set reminders on your phone Most of these issues resolve within the first few days. How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Invisalign? Most patients adapt: Within 3–7 days After the first week: - Speaking feels normal - Removing aligners becomes easy - Wearing them becomes part of your routine By then, Invisalign starts to feel like second nature. The Bottom Line - Day one comes with minor adjustments - Mild discomfort is normal and temporary - Most patients adapt within a few days - Staying consistent leads to the best results Your first day is just the beginning—and having the right orthodontist makes all the difference. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, Dr. Heddaya and Dr. Mansour guide you... --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/orthodontist-vs-general-dentist/ So you’re at the dentist for your biannual teeth cleaning, and you notice some Invisalign posters around your dentist’s office. You’ve been thinking about getting your teeth straightened lately, so should you take the leap and start Invisalign treatment with your dentist? Here’s what you should know first: Both dentists and orthodontists provide services that help to create beautiful, healthy smiles - but one shouldn’t replace the other. When it comes to your orthodontist versus your general dentist, each is a specialist in his or her own field. Dentists and orthodontists undergo different training, receive a different education, and practice different skills. Your orthodontist shouldn’t perform your regular dental cleanings and your dentist shouldn’t necessarily be your go-to doctor for orthodontic treatment. Choose Blue Wave Orthodontics for your braces or Invisalign treatment! Here’s why: Orthodontist Vs. Dentist: Education & Training Many dentists offer orthodontic treatment, but dentists actually don’t receive the same training that orthodontists do. There are particular distinctions between an orthodontist’s training and a dentist’s training. Both an orthodontist and a dentist complete dental school, but to become an orthodontist, one has to devote an additional 2 to 3 years to orthodontic training. After receiving a certification, orthodontist schooling for the most experienced orthodontists continues. Our orthodontists, Dr. Cetta and Dr. Guloy, are each members of numerous ongoing education organizations! They’re dedicated to staying on the cutting-edge of orthodontic technologies and techniques to create the perfect smile and an exceptional experience for each patient. To be a qualified dentist, a person has to complete 4 years of undergraduate school and 4 years of dental school. After these 8 years of education, dentists must take a written exam and a clinical licensing exam, which earns them the distinction of DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry). To be a qualified orthodontist, a person has to complete the same 8 years of undergraduate school and dental school that dentists do, but they also have to complete an additional 2 to 3 year residency that equates to more than 4,800 hours of orthodontic training. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Is an Orthodontist a Doctor? Whenever you visit a dentist, you are under the care of a Doctor of Oral Health. Every dentist has earned either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). These are very similar degrees. An orthodontist must complete a DMD or DDS before moving on to specialize in orthodontics, so yes, your orthodontist is also a doctor! Orthodontist Vs. Dentists: Treatments Performed Dental Treatments Dentists provide regular teeth cleanings, evaluation and treatment of cavities, gum disease, and similar oral hygiene problems, and tooth extraction. They also restore broken and misshapen teeth through bonding treatment, veneers and crowns. Your dentist serves to assess your oral hygiene and help you to prevent oral diseases. They can also refer you to other specialists and physicians, if necessary. Dentists often perform cosmetic treatment with... --- - Published: 2022-07-18 - Modified: 2026-05-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/can-i-get-braces-on-my-first-visit/ If you’re considering braces, you might be wondering: “Can I get braces on my first orthodontist visit? ” The answer: Yes—sometimes. Many orthodontic offices now offer same-day braces, allowing you to start treatment immediately after your consultation. Can You Get Braces the Same Day as Your Consultation? Yes—same-day braces are possible in many cases. At some orthodontic practices, you can: - Have your consultation - Get X-rays and scans - Start treatment on the same day This process can take about 1–2 hours total. This saves time and allows you to begin your smile transformation right away. Why Don’t Most People Get Braces on Their First Visit? Even though same-day braces are possible, many patients don’t start treatment right away. That’s because your first visit usually includes: - A full exam of your teeth and bite - X-rays or digital scans - A personalized treatment plan - Discussion of options (braces vs Invisalign) Orthodontists need this information to ensure your treatment is safe and effective. Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Braces? You may be able to get braces on your first visit if: - Your teeth and gums are healthy - You don’t need fillings or other dental work first - Your case is straightforward - You’re ready to start treatment that day Some orthodontists also require a recent dental cleaning before starting. What Happens at Your First Orthodontist Appointment? Your first visit is all about planning your treatment. Here’s what to expect: - Digital X-rays or 3D scans - Photos of your teeth and bite - A full orthodontic exam - Discussion of treatment options - Review of cost and payment plans In some cases, braces can be placed immediately after this step. What Happens If You Get Braces the Same Day? If you qualify for same-day braces, the process is simple: - Your teeth are cleaned and prepared - Brackets are bonded to each tooth - A wire is placed to begin movement The placement itself usually takes under 30 minutes. Does Getting Braces on the First Visit Hurt? No—the placement process does not hurt. However, you may feel: - Mild soreness - Pressure on your teeth - Sensitivity for a few days This is normal and part of the adjustment process. Benefits of Getting Braces on Your First Visit Same-day braces offer several advantages: - Fewer appointments - Faster start to treatment - Less time away from school or work - Immediate progress toward your smile Many patients prefer this convenience when possible. When You May Need to Wait Before Getting Braces You may need a second appointment if: - You need dental work (fillings, cleaning, etc. ) - Your case is more complex - -Additional planning is required - You need time to decide on treatment In these cases, your orthodontist will schedule your braces placement for a later visit. The Bottom Line - You can get braces on your first visit in some cases - Same-day braces are becoming more common - -Not... --- - Published: 2022-05-19 - Modified: 2026-05-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/better-bites-with-invisalign/ If you’ve been told you have a bite issue—like an overbite or underbite—you might be wondering: “Can Invisalign actually fix my bite? ” The answer: Yes, in many cases it can. Invisalign isn’t just for straightening teeth—it’s also designed to improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together. What Does “Fixing Your Bite” Mean? Your “bite” refers to how your top and bottom teeth align when you close your mouth. Common bite issues include: - Overbite (top teeth overlap too much) - Underbite (bottom teeth sit in front) - Crossbite (teeth don’t align properly side-to-side) - Open bite (front teeth don’t touch) These issues can affect: - Chewing - Speaking - Jaw comfort - Long-term tooth wear Can Invisalign Fix Bite Problems? Yes—Invisalign can treat many bite issues, especially mild to moderate cases. Clear aligners work by applying gradual, controlled pressure to move teeth into better alignment over time. Invisalign is commonly used to fix: - Overbites - Underbites - Crossbites - Spacing and crowding issues However, severe bite problems may still require braces or additional treatment. How Invisalign Fixes Your Bite Invisalign treatment is more advanced than just clear trays. Your orthodontist may use: - Attachments (small tooth-colored bumps) to guide movement - Elastics (rubber bands) to adjust jaw alignment - Precision features to control how teeth shift These tools help align not just your teeth—but your entire bite relationship. Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite? Yes—this is one of the most common uses. Invisalign can: - Reduce excessive overlap - Improve how teeth meet - Relieve pressure on front teeth Studies show Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate overbites, though severe cases may require braces. How Long Does It Take to Fix Your Bite With Invisalign? Treatment time varies, but most cases take: 6 to 24 months Some improvements can be seen in just a few weeks, depending on the complexity. Your timeline depends on: - Severity of your bite issue - Consistency wearing aligners (20–22 hours/day) - Your individual treatment plan Is Invisalign Better Than Braces for Bite Issues? It depends on your case. Invisalign is great for: - Mild to moderate bite issues - Patients who want a discreet option - Easier cleaning and fewer food restrictions Braces may be better for: - Severe bite problems - Complex jaw alignment issues Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your needs. Benefits of Fixing Your Bite With Invisalign Correcting your bite isn’t just cosmetic—it improves your overall oral health. Benefits include: - Better chewing and function - Reduced wear on teeth - Improved jaw comfort - Easier cleaning and hygiene - A more balanced, confident smile The Bottom Line - Invisalign can fix many bite problems - It works best for mild to moderate cases - Advanced tools help guide precise movement - A consultation is the best way to determine your options Improve Your Bite With Invisalign If you’re dealing with bite issues, the right treatment can make a big difference in your... --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/teens-with-braces-supporting-them-at-home/ So your teen came home from school and said, “Mom, Dad, I think I need braces! ” Or maybe he or she just had a professional dental cleaning and the dentist told you it may be time for your teen to visit an orthodontist. Teens already have a lot on their plates and plenty of things to worry about. Think pimples... awkward dates... and bad hair days. They’re basically a rite of passage. Teens facing braces treatment may have conflicting emotions about braces and may feel a bit overwhelmed with the changes they’re about to experience. Hey, we get it! Our orthodontists have treated thousands of cases with braces in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa and East Bradenton; we understand the anxieties teens have. Dr. Cetta, Dr. Guloy and our experienced team have the skills, experience, and tips your teen needs to achieve a beautiful smile without the awkward experience. Parents, this one’s for you! Here’s how you can support your teen with braces to make for a comfortable transition. 1. Schedule a professional cleaning at your dentist. Before we can start placing braces on your teen, they will need to have a professional dental cleaning. This is an important precautionary measure that ensures your teen’s teeth are clean, healthy, and strong. We want to make sure there are no underlying dental issues or concerns when we begin treatment. It’s important that your teen has a strong foundation to support a beautiful set of healthy, happy teeth! If your teen has had a dental cleaning at least six months before their braces appointment, we can start the process. 2. Have some empathy! Put yourself in your teen’s shoes to develop more empathy, patience, and understanding for them as they’re going through this transition. Talk to your teen about their concerns. Being a teen with braces can sound tough, but reassure them that there’s a major light at the end of the tunnel—and the light is a brilliant smile that lasts a lifetime. If they’re concerned about the appearance of braces, show them pictures of their favorite celebrities or YouTube personalities wearing braces. (Justin Beiber used Invisalign; Emma Watson and Kendall Jenner had braces, and so did Zac Efron! ) If your teen is still concerned about the appearance of braces, remember we offer Invisalign® for teens who prefer a more discreet treatment for the same cost as braces! 3. Adjust the family menu! When your teen first begins treatment, they may experience some minor tenderness or soreness during the first 2 weeks or so. As their teeth and gums are adjusting to the pressure of their braces, it’s best to opt for softer foods. Eating softer foods can help minimize this discomfort. Stock up on foods like mashed potatoes, chopped or sliced fruits, mac ‘n’ cheese, applesauce, oatmeal, etc. Foods and candies that are especially sticky, hard or chewy will take a temporary hiatus from the menu. You can use this as a chance to try something new for... --- - Published: 2022-04-20 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/ortho-friendly-cooking/ Going through orthodontic treatment is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your meal prep for yourself or your child! When you visit one of our offices your complimentary consultation, our team will help you prepare for your new life with braces. We'll tell you everything you need to know about caring for braces, eating with braces, and ensuring the best possible results. While you will need to dedicate some extra attention to your oral hygiene, as well as your diet with braces, you aren't as limited as you may think. Is there any braces-friendly candy? You'll be pleased to know that yes, you can still enjoy candy with braces! As long as you opt for braces-friendly candy and commit to cleaning your teeth after chowing down, you're free to give in to your candy cravings (within reason). Here are some braces-friendly candies to try: - KitKat - 3 Muskateers - Cotton candy - Wafers: strawberry, chocolate and vanilla - Soft cookies Chocolate lovers are in luck with braces! Most chocolate treats and candies (without nuts) are still on the table. You can have any candy that doesn't have nuts, isn't excessively chewy (like Laffy Taffy or caramel), and isn't hard (like Jolly Ranchers). You can suck on hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, mints, lollipops, and Ring Pops, but don't bite into them! Biting into hard candies can result broken brackets or wires. Next thing you know, you're visiting us for an emergency orthodontist appointment to repair damaged braces! Emergency Appointments Emergency appointments to repair damaged braces or appliances can be easily avoided - by avoiding certain foods. by carefully following our instructions. Check out these lists of foods foods to eat and avoid with braces! It's save you the 'oh-no-caramel-is-stuck-in-my-braces' fiasco. Braces-Friendly Cookbooks One of our favorite books for braces-friendly recipes is now also in Kindle format. The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (and Your Orthodontist Will Love) by Pamela Waterman is a good resource. It has 50 comfort food recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and new recipe additions that kids can make, including five new snack ideas. Waterman also wrote a follow-up book, The Braces Cookbook 2: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch, that includes appetizers, breakfast, lunch, dinners and desserts. With traditional braces, you may feel like your food options are limited, but all it takes is some creativity and a little bit of research to find some braces-friendly recipes! Don't forget to use your resources - a quick Pinterest search can reveal hundreds of delicious braces-friendly recipes in seconds. You have options in orthodontics! If you're not ready to give up your favorite nut-based, braces-unfriendly food, it may be a good idea to consider Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is removable, so you won't have any dietary restrictions throughout your treatment. Here's how to eat your favorite snacks with Invisalign: 1. Simply remove your clear aligners. 2. Rinse you clear aligners with water. 3. Place them in your Invisalign carrying case. 4. Chow down with no restrictions!... --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/advice-on-the-proper-care-of-teeth/ Caring for Braces and Invisalign You play an essential role in creating your beautiful new smile! Most of the hard work is done at home, where your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss lie. Proper care of your teeth, as well as your braces or Invisalign appliance is how you experience the best possible results from treatment. Here are 3 tips for keeping your braces or Invisalign clean! 1. Brush all surfaces of your teeth. Your toothbrush is your major defensive weapon against tooth decay and decalcification throughout your treatment! When you brush your teeth with braces, be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth. - Brush the area above the wire, at a downward angle. - Brush all the way around on the top arch, and be sure to get each tooth. - Brush your bottom teeth at an upward angle. - Try to wiggle between the tooth and the wire. Once you've brushed the front surfaces, it's time to get the inside surfaces. - Brush the inside surfaces of your upper teeth, then the inside of your lower teeth. - Be sure to brush the entire surface of each tooth, from crown to root. Now, be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, both top and bottom. Finish it off by brushing your tongue! Once you've done a real thorough job of brushing, check the mirror. Look at your braces or teeth. Are they shiny? Are there any food particles left? Once you ensure that your teeth are clean, your brushing routine is complete! 2. Floss like your results depend on it! Flossing during orthodontic treatment is essential for keeping your teeth clean, preventing bacteria buildup between your teeth, and preventing gum disease. Your toothbrush can't reach the spaces between your teeth, so floss is key to an effective oral hygiene routine. To floss with braces, you can use a specialized floss threader to get the floss under your wires. Flossing with Invisalign doesn't require any adjustments from your pre-treatment routine! Simply take out your clear aligners, rinse them out and place them in your Invisalign carrying case, then grab your floss string and floss between each tooth. - Be sure to floss both sides of each tooth. - Start on the bottom teeth and wedge the floss between two teeth. (If you have braces, use a floss threader to pull the floss under your wires. ) - Gently rub the side of each tooth with floss in an up and down motion to scrape off any debris. - Floss between the back teeth, and work your way around the entire mouth. - Repeat the process on the upper teeth. 3. Carry a 'braces care kit' or 'Invisalign care kit'. During orthodontic treatment, you'll need a little more discipline in the dental hygiene department, so it’s a good idea to create a care kit that you can carry whenever you’re away from home! Here are some essential items for your care kit: - Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste... --- - Published: 2022-04-11 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-vs-braces-for-teens/ 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 so we’re here to support you with the facts. Let’s compare Invisalign vs metal braces. What’s the pros and cons for metal braces for teens? Traditional metal braces are high-quality metal alloy brackets cemented to your teeth with dental glue. These brackets are threaded together by an archwire and secured using elastics (tiny rubber bands for braces). Pros of metal braces Highly-effective at treating simple and complex orthodontic problems. Metal braces can help fix your teen’s bite and can eliminate crowding, spacing, cross bites, overbite, and underbite! Your teen can personalize their braces with rubber bands. Teens can choose from our wide variety of elastics colors—go for a bold, fashion statement or a subtle monochrome look! Cons of metal braces Higher risk of orthodontic emergencies. Metal brackets and wires can be prone to bend or break, especially if your teen plays contact sports! While we can create a custom performance mouthguard to protect your teen-athlete’s smile, accidents can still happen off the field. Restrictive diet. Hard, crunchy, sticky foods are off the table for your teen with metal braces. Your teens' metal brackets can crack and break under the pressure exerted by these types of foods! Sticky foods are also difficult to clean from brackets and causes the dental cement to loosen or detach from braces brackets. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign for teens? Invisalign for teens is the clear alternative to traditional metal braces! Teens can now straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious. No need to worry about looking good for yearbook photos, prom dates, or the big game on Friday night. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable. Check out all the pros of Invisalign for teens! Invisalign is virtually invisible. Teens can live their social lives and smile confidently without hiding their smile; Invisalign is practically undetectable when in place. Invisalign is removable. Remove your clear aligners to eat, brush your teeth, floss your teeth, clean your aligners, whiten your teeth or temporarily replace them with a mouthguard. Store them in your Invisalign carrying case, then rinse them out and pop them back in when you’re done! Invisalign is comfortable. Invisalign trays are custom-designed for each smile! Your aligners are literally made for you—your perfect match. Invisalign won’t hold you back. Your teen’s favorite foods are still on the table! Invisalign doesn't require any dietary restrictions; simply remove your aligners to eat and place them back in after. Invisalign empowers teens to live life the way they want. With Invisalign, your teen gets less office visits. Office visits for teens with Invisalign are every 10-12 weeks with us versus monthly visits for traditional braces. Which... --- - Published: 2022-04-11 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/signs-your-teen-needs-braces-or-invisalign/ So your teen recently came home from school saying, “Mom, Dad, I have to get Invisalign! ” Now you’re wondering, “do they even make Invisalign for teens? Is orthodontics for teens really all that necessary? ” After all, this isn’t the first time that your teen came home insisting that you buy something... How do you tell the difference between another trend - and something that could actually change your teen’s life? We’ve got the answers for you. (And yes, Invisalign for teens is real! We’re proud to be the most experienced Invisalign practice in Tampa Bay, too. ) The best way to tell whether your teen needs treatment is by visiting us at one of our offices in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton. One of our highly-experienced orthodontists, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy will examine your teen’s smile and determine whether orthodontic treatment would be beneficial or necessary - at no cost to you. If you’re looking for more answers from home first, we have 3 telltale signs that indicate your teen might be right about needing Invisalign after all! Sign #1: Your teen hides his or her smile. Does your teen have a habit of hiding his or her smile? Do they avoid taking pictures, or avoid going to social events with friends? Do they avoid making eye contact with people? These are signs that your teen doesn’t have the self confidence they deserve to experience. The teenage years are fundamental for building strong self esteem and developing self-loving habits - not sitting on the sidelines and letting life pass you by. Smiling and being proud of your smile play a huge role in building self esteem, connecting with people, and enjoying life to the fullest. Orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign can help teens love their smile and become their most confident self. Sign #2: Your teen has apparent dental issues. While many orthodontic problems require a trained orthodontist’s eyes to detect, others are pretty obvious. Dental conditions, such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, spaced teeth, and some bite conditions, like overbite and underbite, can be noticeable. Noticeable dental conditions are a telltale sign that orthodontic treatment is necessary or would be beneficial. Orthodontic treatment can correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws, and create a beautiful, healthy smile! Sign #3: Your teen has difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking. If your teen has functionality challenges, like trouble biting down evenly, difficulty chewing food thoroughly, or a speech impediment caused by a dental misalignment, this is a sign that orthodontic treatment can improve their life significantly. When teeth aren’t aligned, or the upper and lower jaw bones are misaligned, teeth may not meet evenly in the front or back of the mouth when biting down. This can make it difficult to chew food properly, make it painful or uncomfortable to eat, and can lead to digestive problems. Some speech impediments are caused by the alignment of the teeth, tongue, and lips. When they don’t... --- - Published: 2022-04-10 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/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 decision is usually between metal braces vs clear braces! Here’s a few facts to consider when comparing metal braces vs clear braces! Traditional Metal Braces Vs Invisalign Traditional braces consist of metal brackets glued to your teeth and connected together by wires and rubber bands. The orthodontic wire or archwire threaded through each bracket works through the use of its size, strength, and metal properties to shift your teeth into healthy alignment—at the experienced hands of your orthodontist of course! If you’re comfortable rocking the bold beauty of traditional metal braces, we won’t stop you! Our orthodontists want you to feel comfortable and confident during your life-changing transformation, that’s why we offer a few different types of braces. What are some of the best parts of choosing metal braces over Invisalign? Let’s go over them! Pros for metal braces No aligners to keep track of. You won’t ever have to worry about losing your orthodontic device because metal braces can only be removed by your orthodontist! There are no aligners to take in and out. With Invisalign, you’d have to remove your trays anytime you eat or drink (unless it’s water). And rinse your aligners before you can pop them back in. With metal braces, you just simply avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, hardy, or particularly sugary. You can change your rubber band colors at every visit! Our orthodontic team keeps a rainbow variety of colors in our Tampa Bay and East Bradenton offices for all our braces patients! We make sure to stock up during the holiday season so you can enjoy “dressing up” for your favorite day or just to showcase your unique personality! You’re less responsible for the results. Invisalign requires you to be compliant with your clear braces wear. The average amount of time you’d have to wear your aligners is 20 to 22 hours. Clear Ceramic Braces Vs Metal Braces Although not as popular as metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces are a clear braces option too! The difference between ceramic braces and metal braces comes down to preference! If you prefer a less noticeable form of braces than traditional braces, ceramic braces may be right for you. If you want to add some fun to your smile with colored rubber bands, traditional braces may be better suited for you. Pros for ceramic braces Less noticeable compared to metal braces. Ceramic brackets blend in with your natural tooth color to create a discreet look for your orthodontic treatment! Durable. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our ceramic braces are crafted from high-quality ceramic materials to ensure a comfortable, safe, and efficient treatment for you! Stain-resistant. No need to worry... --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/swallowed-braces-bracket-or-archwire/ Have you ever wondered what happens if you swallow a braces bracket? After all, your braces are in your mouth... which is pretty close to your stomach. Swallowing a braces bracket is rare, but it does happen. More often than not, you won’t experience any serious repercussions from a swallowed braces bracket. Our bodies are strong and resilient! Regardless, it’s important to be prepared in case it happens. Here’s everything you need to know about what happens if you swallow a bracket or swallow a retainer wire. How/why would you swallow a braces bracket? Nobody swallows their braces bracket on purpose, of course. This situation may occur when someone is trying to adjust their bracket on their own, and they pop the bracket loose by mistake. Then before you know it, the bracket goes down the hatch! It’s also possible that you bite into a piece of food or candy that resides on the “do not eat with braces” list (like nuts), and the bite pressure forces the bracket to detach from the tooth. At that moment, you may swallow your saliva (which we do 400 to 500 times a day! ) and this coincidental timing leaves you with a bracket in your stomach. This is why swallowing your bracket is rare. Once you feel that piece of metal on your tongue or in your cheeks, you typically spit the piece out or remove it from your mouth. The risk for swallowing foreign pieces isn’t exclusive to braces. People who question, “what happens if you swallow a small piece of metal” may have swallowed a temporary dental crown, a metal filling, or a retainer wire. Anything bite-sized that hangs around in your mouth can be swallowed by mistake. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what to do: What to do if you swallow a bracket So, what happens if you swallow a bracket? Probably nothing. More often than not, this situation is harmless! Step 1: Keep calm, cool and collected. Don’t panic if you swallow your bracket. Most of the time, your bracket will pass naturally. Your stomach acids will dissolve as much of the bracket as they can, and the rest will end up in the toilet. Step 2: Be cautious of any symptoms you experience. Stay cognizant of any symptoms that appear in your body. Although most of the time, brackets pass through the esophagus, down to the stomach, through the intestines and out through the rectum, it is possible (but rare) that the bracket becomes lodged somewhere in the body. If the bracket becomes lodged, a person may experience symptoms, such as pain when swallowing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, and abdomen pain. In the event that you experience any of these symptoms, have someone take you to the emergency room or call an ambulance immediately. Step 3: Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist! Assuming the bracket passed naturally and no health complications occurred, you can schedule an appointment with our team... --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-early-orthodontic-treatment/ February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! To celebrate, our orthodontists want to help parents understand the purpose of early orthodontic treatment. The sole purpose of early orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy environment for permanent teeth to erupt (AAO). Your child’s baby teeth are temporary placeholders for their permanent teeth so it’s important they’re in healthy alignment and easy for you and your child to care for! Now let’s talk all about early orthodontic treatment! When to Start Orthodontic Treatment Many parents think orthodontic treatment is just for teens. But you don’t have to wait until your child reaches their teen years to receive an orthodontic evaluation. In fact, the right time to see an orthodontist is at age 7! Getting an early orthodontic evaluation at this age can save your child from more complex orthodontic treatment in future; and save you money! How? Here’s just a few benefits of early orthodontic treatment or phase 1 treatment: • Reduces the risk of tooth decay. Teeth in healthy alignment are easy to brush and floss! They also don’t provide extra hiding places for food particles to hide and fester. • Improves digestion. Teeth and jawbones in alignment allow your child to easily chew their food into smaller pieces—the ideal size for proper digestion! • Reduces teeth grinding. Jaw misalignments can be the reason for your child’s nightly teeth grinding. • Corrects bad mouth habits. Tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking past age 4 can lead to complex orthodontic conditions such as open bite or a narrow palate. Early orthodontic treatment with an orthodontic appliance, braces, or Invisalign can quickly correct the damage from these mouth habits and help stop them! If you need tips on helping your child break their thumb-sucking habits, our pediatric dental partner can help too. • Improves speech. Many parents think their child’s lisp or trouble pronouncing ‘S’ and ‘T’s stem from their age. But sometimes a jaw misalignment is the culprit! • Reduces the risk of trauma (from protruding teeth). Around 6 or 7, many children are ready physically and mentally for sports. But if your child has an overbite, their risk of dental injury increases by 30%! • Shorter treatment length. The average orthodontic treatment time for kids is about 10 to 15 months. Whether our experienced orthodontists recommend braces or Invisalign for your child, their soft bones and short roots make aligning their teeth and jaw fast and efficient. What is Limited Orthodontic Treatment? Sometimes full early orthodontic treatment isn’t needed! Through limited orthodontic treatment, it’s possible to address an orthodontic issue on just one tooth! Or even just a set of teeth. Dr. Guloy and Dr. Cetta are highly-trained to spot developing problematic orthodontic conditions. With limited orthodontic treatment, they can focus on the problematic tooth or teeth to quickly correct the issue before it begins to affect your child’s surrounding teeth. If they recommend limited orthodontic treatment for your child, it can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. Early Orthodontic Treatment Ensures... --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/no-cost-second-opinion/ 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 another orthodontist if you’ve already received an exam from an orthodontist? Yes, you can - and we encourage you to do so! We offer complimentary consultations for this exact reason. You can receive a thorough orthodontic exam and a one-on-one consultation from one of our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy, at no cost, with no risk and no obligation, so you can get a feel for the Blue Wave patient experience before you make your decision. Why would I need a second opinion in orthodontics? Getting a second opinion in your orthodontic treatment can help assure you that you’re making the best decision for you or your child! If you visit a practice and aren’t quite sure if the environment is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to try out another practice. You want to feel 100% confident and comfortable in your decision to sign a contract with your orthodontist and begin a life-changing journey. You’ll be spending time with your orthodontist and team regularly, so it’s important that they’re friendly, professional, personable, and knowledgeable. Take note of how you feel in the office too! Is it a comfortable place to be? Is it clean and modern? Do they offer the type of treatment you're looking for? You and your smile deserve the absolute best care possible, so don’t be afraid to set your standard! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we provide complimentary first visits, with no cost, no risk and no obligation, because we’re confident that you’ll have an exceptional experience. If you visited another orthodontist, and you’re interested in getting a second opinion and trying out another practice before making your decision, we encourage you to request your complimentary consultation with us. The Doctor You Choose Matters Your orthodontist is the one who creates your smile, not your treatment alone. The orthodontist behind your treatment plan matters. When choosing your orthodontist, it’s important that you assess his or her qualifications. If the orthodontist is a member of the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), this is a great indication that he or she has the experience, education and training you deserve. Try using the AAO orthodontist locator to find an AAO certified orthodontist near you! Consider the orthodontist’s experience, certifications, and any previous training they’ve had too. How long has the orthodontist been practicing? Have they earned an orthodontic certification? Which professional memberships or affiliations are they a part of? Dr. Cetta is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a published author in The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, the inventor of companion product for Invisalign® (Precision Aligner Buttons®) and is a member of the AAO, as well as the Southern... --- - Published: 2022-01-25 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-tips-for-cleaning-retainers/ If you have just had your braces removed or you took out your Invisalign® clear aligners for the last time, you’ve made it to the retention phase! Now to maintain your smile, it’s time to give your retainer the same respect you gave your treatment. By storing and cleaning your retainer properly, you’ll keep your retainer in its best condition and your smile in its most beautiful state—for a lifetime. How often should I clean my retainer? Be sure to clean your retainer every time you clean your teeth... which is hopefully twice a day. You can also soak your retainer once or twice a week to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. When you first begin your retention phase, you’ll be advised to wear your retainer 24/7, day and night, to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original, pre-treatment position. When you’re wearing your retainer everyday, it’s important that you clean it everyday. Your mouth is home to over 6 billion bacteria at any given time... yikes! The bacteria that grows in your mouth will also accumulate on your retainer, which means the bacteria will transfer from teeth to gums to retainer to retainer case. This is why it’s important that you clean all of these things regularly. Keeping clear plastic retainers clean The Essix retainer is the most popular choice when it comes to retainers. This retainer looks similar to Invisalign clear aligners and is virtually undetectable when in place. To clean your Essix retainer, rinse it out with lukewarm water as soon as you remove it from your mouth. It’s a lot easier to remove debris and plaque before they’ve hardened on your retainer. Gently brush your retainer with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste or mild soap and lukewarm water after every meal. You want to keep your retainer as fresh as possible throughout the day and night! You can soak your retainer in RetainerBrite or Polident solution once or twice a week too. These disinfecting solutions are specially formulated for retainers. Cleaning your essix retainer with caution Your retainer should last about 5 years if you care for it properly! (With our retainer program, you’ll receive up to 4 free replacement retainers per year, one arch per replacement. And after 6 years, you’re eligible to re-enroll in the program! Give us a call to learn more about our program. ) In the meantime, here are a few things you should keep away from your plastic retainer to prolong its life: Hot or boiling water Microwaves Washers and dryers Dishwashers Abrasive chemicals (e. g. whitening toothpaste, mouthwash with alcohol, harsh soaps) Heat and harsh chemicals can melt your retainer, warp it, discolor it, or cause it to lose its shape. Using any of these harmful machines or chemicals will likely require you to buy a replacement retainer. How to clean retainers with vinegar Vinegar is one of the best retainer cleaners because it’s safe, non-abrasive, and you likely already have some in your kitchen cupboard. Grab... --- - Published: 2022-01-25 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/are-children-good-candidates-for-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. Invisalign First clear aligners for kids are specially designed for small, growing mouths. Invisalign treatment works with your child’s natural smile growth to support proper jaw bone development and create a healthy alignment of beautiful, straight teeth. How to Tell if Your Child is a Good Candidate for Invisalign The best way to tell whether your child is a good candidate for Invisalign is by visiting us for a complimentary consultation. Our experienced orthodontists will perform a smile exam to determine if Invisalign is best for your child’s case! In the meantime, there are a few signs that may indicate a need for Invisalign treatment, including: Early or late loss of baby teeth Teeth growing crowded or crooked Biting cheeks Facial asymmetries Speech difficulties Mouth-breathing Habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting Overbite, underbite, cross bite or open bite condition Teeth don’t meet evenly when the mouth is closed To be a candidate for Invisalign treatment, kids must reach a few milestones: Must already have permanent first molars erupting Two or more incisors (permanent or primary) must be two-thirds of the way erupted or more At least two primary (C or D or E) or unerupted permanent teeth per quadrant in at least three quadrants Many children reach these milestones by age 8 or 9, which is the ideal time to begin interceptive early orthodontic treatment. Invisalign First clear aligners are designed to develop a healthy dental arch for young patients, by creating the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt in alignment. Creating a healthy dental arch may require expansion of the upper jaw to treat teeth spacing or impending crowding. Invisalign may be used as either phase I or phase II of treatment, depending on your child’s unique case. Some children require a space maintainer or palatal expander appliance to widen the jaw bones and hold/create the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt, before beginning Invisalign treatment. When you and your child visit us for their consultation, one of our orthodontists will perform a detailed exam to gain an understanding of your child’s current smile, and determine the best treatment route moving forward. Why Early Orthodontic Treatment is Ideal The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) advises that children receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. At this age, orthodontic treatment can intervene with any problematic conditions while the permanent teeth are emerging and the jaw bones are still developing. Braces or Invisalign for kids can efficiently guide the teeth and jaw bones into a healthy alignment as they grow. Early treatment can eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment or reduce the severity of treatment required. With Invisalign for kids,... --- - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2026-05-18 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/best-mouthwash-for-braces/ Braces make it harder to keep your teeth clean—and that’s where mouthwash can help. But not all mouthwash is safe for braces. The best mouthwash for braces is: Alcohol-free, fluoride-based, and antibacterial These ingredients help protect your teeth, reduce plaque, and prevent white spots during treatment. Can You Use Mouthwash With Braces? Yes—you should. Braces create small spaces where food and bacteria get trapped, making brushing alone less effective. Mouthwash helps reach those areas and reduce plaque buildup. Adding mouthwash to your routine helps: - Reduce plaque around brackets - Prevent cavities and white spots - Improve gum health - Freshen breath What Is the Best Mouthwash for Braces? The best mouthwash for braces should include: 1. Fluoride (Most Important) Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay—especially around brackets where brushing is harder. 2. Alcohol-Free Formula Alcohol can dry out your mouth and irritate gums, which are already sensitive during orthodontic treatment. 3. Antibacterial Ingredients These help reduce plaque and bacteria that cause gum inflammation and bad breath. What Mouthwash Should You Avoid With Braces? Avoid mouthwash that is: Alcohol-based (can cause irritation and dryness) Highly acidic (can weaken enamel) Heavily dyed (may stain clear braces) Choosing the wrong mouthwash can actually make oral health worse during treatment. How Often Should You Use Mouthwash With Braces? Most orthodontists recommend: 1–2 times per day, usually after brushing Consistency matters more than frequency. A daily routine helps protect enamel and gums throughout treatment. Does Mouthwash Prevent White Spots on Teeth? Yes—especially fluoride mouthwash. White spots (decalcification) are one of the most common issues with braces. Fluoride helps remineralize enamel and reduce this risk. Best Mouthwash for Braces and Bad Breath Braces can trap bacteria that cause odor. The best options: - Antibacterial mouthwash - Alcohol-free formulas - pH-balanced rinses - These help eliminate odor without irritating your gums. Mouthwash vs Brushing and Flossing (What Matters Most? ) Mouthwash helps—but it’s not enough on its own. You still need: - Brushing twice daily - Flossing or water flossing - Regular orthodontic visits - Mouthwash is a support tool, not a replacement. The Bottom Line - The best mouthwash for braces is fluoride + alcohol-free - It helps prevent cavities, plaque, and white spots - -It should be used daily alongside brushing and flossing Get Expert Advice on Braces Care Choosing the right mouthwash is just one part of keeping your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, Dr. Heddaya and Dr. Mansour help patients build the right care routine for the best results. Schedule your free consultation at an orthodontic office near you: - East Bradenton - South Tampa - North Tampa - Wesley Chapel Frequently Asked Questions Can I use mouthwash every day with braces? Yes—daily use is recommended to help control bacteria and protect enamel. Is alcohol-free mouthwash better for braces? Yes. Alcohol can irritate gums and cause dryness, making it less ideal during treatment. What type of mouthwash do orthodontists recommend? Most recommend fluoride, alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash. Can... --- - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/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 her teeth! Parents, if you’re wondering “are magic erasers toxic”? And what happens if your teen takes a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge to their teeth? We’re here to give you the facts so you can talk to your children about the damage caused by this dangerous trend! Our experienced orthodontists and our friendly team want you and your child to have beautiful, healthy teeth that last you a lifetime. Can you use a Magic Eraser on your teeth? Please do not ever use a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge on your teeth or skin. This is a dangerous trend that can cause irreparable damage! Although people report whiter teeth after using a Magic Eraser, there’s a reason for this—and it’s one that could lead to lifelong dental problems. Let’s dive into the mystery of the Magic Eraser and why a melamine sponge should never be used on the teeth. Magic Eraser Ingredients Melamine foam is the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser, and it contains a chemical called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Although this chemical isn’t known to cause any serious health complications on its own, once wet, it turns into an abrasive substance. Melamine foam also contains formaldehyde— which is labeled as a human carcinogen by 3 different agencies: Internal Agency for Research Cancer (IARC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health & Human Services. So definitely not something you want to ingest or place near your gums. The health and safety warning on a Magic Eraser box reads, “DO NOT USE ON SKIN OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. USING ON SKIN WILL LIKELY CAUSE ABRASIONS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF TODDLERS AND PETS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INGESTION. ” If the company itself advises you not to ingest this product, it’s a good idea to heed that warning! It’s never a good idea to place unknown ingredients and chemicals in your mouth. Melamine Sponge and Teeth Enamel The layer of enamel on your teeth serves the very important function of protecting the teeth from damage. Tooth enamel is actually considered the hardest mineral substance in the body, even stronger than bone. The enamel is an excellent protector against damage caused by our regular daily functions, like eating, chewing, biting, grinding and crunching. This outer layer also helps to prevent cavities; as the enamel decays (when we do things like use a Magic Eraser on our teeth), the teeth become far more susceptible to developing cavities. When the main ingredient in Magic Erasers, melamine foam, is mixed with water, it becomes a highly abrasive material similar to sandpaper. Using melamine sponge and Magic Erasers on your... --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/snoring-treatment/ Have you been told you snore? Or maybe you’ve spent a night or two next to your partner sawing logs and googled “how to stop someone from snoring” or “how to stop snoring immediately”. You’ll find that 40% of women and 57% of men snore! But did you know snoring can affect your overall health? What causes you to snore? Snoring occurs when air isn’t able to flow freely through your airway as you breathe in and out during sleep. This causes your upper airway tissues to vibrate, creating the dreaded sound of snoring! Although everyone snores occasionally, whether it’s because of congestion, being super tired, taking sedative medication, or your sleeping position, sometimes there’s more to the cause of snoring. If your jaw bones aren’t in proper alignment due to a common orthodontic condition, this can cause undue stress on your jaw and neck. This misalignment may be the cause of your waking up during the night! When your airway is restricted enough that you aren’t receiving enough oxygen, your brain sends out an SOS signal and wakes you up. If you’re waking up multiple times in a night, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea snoring causes random lapses in breathing while you sleep, and when left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure and stroke. One effective snoring treatment method is orthodontic treatment! Yes, braces and Invisalign treatment are some of the best snoring solutions! Snoring Treatment with Braces or Invisalign Orthodontics is synonymous with straight teeth. But braces don’t just straighten your teeth and give you confidence in your smile, they also help align your jaw as well! When your jaw has a healthy alignment, airflow isn’t restricted and flows freely, allowing you to breathe easier during the day and at night. With healthy jaws, you can get your precious sleep and wake up refreshed and energized! With nearly 40 years experience in creating beautiful smiles in Tampa Bay and East Bradenton, our orthodontists partner with sleep apnea specialists to create a custom treatment plan for you. This allows us to discover the exact cause of your snoring so we can efficiently treat it! If braces treatment is recommended as your snore stopper, Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy will review dental x-rays with you, perform a thorough exam of your teeth and jaw, and discuss your braces options—we can even place your braces the same day as your complimentary exam! Traditional metal braces are still a popular braces option among adults, teens, and kids! These braces aren’t the same awkward hunks of metal that sit on your teeth anymore. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we use high-quality metal alloy braces brackets that are smaller, gentle on sensitive mouths, and easy to care for. Plus, they’re highly effective for jaw alignment as a snoring prevention! But if you prefer a more discreet treatment, Invisalign clear aligners are effective as a snoring treatment as well! As a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, our orthodontists have the knowledge and experience needed... --- - Published: 2021-10-27 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-approved-fall-recipes/ Calling all foodies! It’s officially the fall season and even though the Florida weather isn’t showing it just yet, we’re celebrating with some undeniably-delicious, braces-friendly, fall-inspired recipes. If you’re going through orthodontic treatment, you know eating with braces requires some caution. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some seasonal goodness! Check out these recipes to satisfy your taste buds—without requiring a braces repair. Pumpkin Spice Cookies Cookie Ingredients: • 1/2 Cup Butter • 1 Cup Sugar • 2 Eggs • 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin • 2 Cups Flour • 4 tsp. Baking Powder • 1 tsp. Salt • 2 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg • 1/4 tsp. Ginger • (Optional) 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: • 1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted) • 8 oz. block of Cream Cheese • 3 tsp. Vanilla • 4 cups Powdered Sugar • 1 tsp. Cinnamon Baking Instructions: 1. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 2. Add eggs and pumpkin; mix thoroughly! 3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and spices together 4. Add the two mixes together and mix until blended. 5. Once fully blended, drop a spoonful of the cookie batter onto a cookie sheet. 6. The cookies will expand in the oven! Create as many cookies as the batter allows. 7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. 8. Wait 15 minutes for them to cool. 9. Ice the cookies with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: • Mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. • Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to mix until sugar is blended. • Add cinnamon. Slow-Cooker Potato Soup (Recipe by Kellie Kelley) Ingredients: • 6 slices bacon, chopped • 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed • 3 celery stalks, sliced • 1 large leek, cleaned and chopped • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 4 c. chicken stock • 1 tsp. kosher salt • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper • 3/4 c. sour cream, plus more for garnish • To serve: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sour cream, reserved bacon Directions: 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. 2. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 pieces for garnish and crumble the remaining 4 pieces. 3. Place the crumbled bacon, potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, stock, salt, thyme sprigs, and pepper in the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 to 8 hours) until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. 4. Remove the thyme sprigs and discard. 5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a semi-smooth consistency, leaving small chunks of potato and vegetables for texture. 6. Stir in the sour cream. (Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup of water,... --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/braces-friendly-candy-halloween/ If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment with a form of braces, does that mean he or she should avoid Halloween altogether, buy some braces-friendly snacks, and have your own party? (Actually... that’s not a bad idea. ) Good news: braces won’t stop your child from trick-or-treating. Parents, you won’t have a sad child on Halloween night. On the other hand, it’s true that not all of the Halloween candy is still on the table if your child has braces. Kids may have to make some trade deals with friends in order to maximize their braces-friendly snack arsenal. Let’s dive into the Top 5 Halloween Candies that are certified braces-friendly—and the ones that aren’t so braces-friendly. Best Candy for Braces As an orthodontic practice, it wouldn’t be fair for our Top 5 Halloween Candies to not be braces-friendly. In no particular order, here’s our lineup: 1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 2. Sugar cookies 3. Kit Kat bars 4. Jelly beans 5. Three Musketeers You can’t go wrong with the festive, Halloween-themed Reese’s! All of these candies are soft enough for you to bite into with braces, without risking a broken bracket, and they aren’t sticky enough to leave you with a gooey mess. Here are some other braces-friendly ideas: •Hershey’s chocolate bars •Hershey’s kisses •Ice cream sandwiches •Soft cookies without nuts: chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies •Cupcakes •Milky Way Worst Candy for Braces These are the candies you should try your best to avoid with braces: 1. Hard candies: Biting into a jawbreaker, Jolly Rancher, Runt or Life Saver could land you right in our exam chair with a broken bracket or loose wire. Not only can some hard candies damage your braces, but they can also damage your teeth! Be extra careful with hard Halloween candy and avoid it as much as possible. 2. Sticky candies: Those sticky candies that require some serious chewing - you know the ones - should be donated to your friends’ bags this Halloween. A Laffy Taffy, Starburst, Now & Later or caramel-filled candy can stick to your brackets and wires, get lodged between your teeth and braces, or pull a wire loose while you’re chewing. 3. Nuts: Snickers, peanut M&M’s, PayDay, Peanut Brittle, and chocolate-covered almonds unfortunately come with some risks when you have braces. Nuts are infamous for getting stuck in wires and stuck between teeth. Similar to hard candy, biting down on a nut can disrupt your treatment and require a replacement bracket. There are tons of different candies out there. Don’t limit yourself to old habits and favorites; try something new! If you aren’t sure whether your favorite candy is a braces-friendly snack, we encourage you to reach out to us or ask us at your next check-in appointment. The Spooky Truth about Oral Hygiene & Halloween A broken bracket or loose wire isn’t the only thing to worry about with Halloween candy. As we all know, candy has a lot of sugar—and sugar often means cavities. It’s not... --- - Published: 2021-10-06 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/playing-football-how-to-fit-a-mouthguard/ It’s that time of year again—football season. Go Bucs! ! ! Football season is a little different for football players than it is for football fans. If you’re relaxing on the couch watching your team on tv, you’re unlikely to experience a football hurtling toward your face... unless you’re using a virtual reality headset and things get too real. If you’re a football player on the other hand, there is a significant chance that a high-speed football spirals toward your face, or maybe another player’s elbow collides with your mouth. No matter if you’re playing on a middle school team, college team, or you’re Tom Brady, anything can happen in football. This is where a mouthguard comes into play. Even if you’re not undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s essential that you wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth and other players! According to the American Dental Association, sports players who wear mouthguards are about 82% to 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial (facial bone and jaw) injuries than sports players who don’t wear a mouthguard. Did you know that Blue Wave Orthodontics is a certified provider of custom Under Armour mouthguards: ArmourBite® Mouthpiece (featuring patented Power Wedges™). Check it out! So we know why it’s essential to wear an orthodontic mouthguard and we know of the awesome mouthguards offered at Blue Wave, but how do you wear one properly? Let’s cover the basics: Can you wear a mouthguard with braces or Invisalign®? How do you mold a mouthguard? When should you wear a mouthguard? Can you wear a mouthguard with braces? Yes you can! Colliding with a football or another player or falling on the ground can leave you clutching your mouth, hoping all of your teeth are still intact. Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during football practices and games can prevent some serious damage. It also ensures that you keep your smile in its best shape, so you can experience beautiful, life-long results from your treatment. With all the hard work you’re dedicating to your smile, you’ll want to protect it. When should you wear a mouthguard? The best time to wear a mouthguard is any time you’re playing football, or any other sport. Whether it’s a practice or a game, or you’re just throwing around a football with some friends, it’s best to wear your mouthguard just in case. You won’t regret wearing your mouthguard, but you can certainly regret not wearing your mouthguard. How do you mold a mouthguard? There are different types of mouthguards, including stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fitted mouthguards. Stock Mouthguards Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all mouthguards that are relatively easy to put in place and take out, but these are relatively bulkier and are the least protective type of mouthguard. To wear a stock mouthguard, you simply pop it in place. No molding necessary! Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards A boil-and-bite mouthguard can be molded to fit your teeth. These mouthguards are made of thermoplastic material that softens when it’s warmed in boiling water. Soak your mouthguard in... --- - Published: 2021-09-08 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bradenton-invisalign-diamond-plus-provider/ Did you know that Blue Wave Orthodontics is the most experienced Invisalign provider in the area? We’re proud to be a top East Bradenton orthodontist that has reached Invisalign’s highest level of achievement! Only the top providers of over 50,000 Invisalign doctors (including dentists and orthodontists) in North America have earned Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider. Our team has the collective experience of treating more than 4,500 patients successfully with Invisalign. What are the Invisalign provider levels? The different Invisalign provider levels are determined by a point system. As a provider earns more points, they reach the next level of Invisalign provider status. Here’s how points are calculated: For each full Invisalign treatment: 1,000 points For each teen Invisalign treatment: 1,000 points For each assisted Invisalign treatment: 1,000 points The number of points a provider earns then determines their Invisalign provider level: Bronze: 0 points Silver: 5,000 points Gold: 24,000 points Gold Plus: 30,000 points Platinum: 60,000 points Platinum Plus: 100,000 points Diamond: 140,000 points Diamond Plus: 200,000 points We’re proud of our Invisalign doctors for achieving the highest Invisalign status possible! Invisalign Treatment at Blue Wave Orthodontics Due to the amount of experience we have transforming smiles with Invisalign, we’re able to offer Invisalign for kids, teens and adults. Not every orthodontist is able to offer Invisalign First for kids, because treating a mixed dentition (baby teeth and adult teeth) requires an especially skillful and careful approach. Our Invisalign experience extends beyond our practice. One of our very own orthodontists, Dr. Cetta, has co-invented a custom Invisalign appliance! This innovative appliance is known as the Precision Aligner Button® now used by orthodontists around the world. Dr. Cetta saw a need to improve his patients’ comfort and improve the accuracy of Invisalign treatment, which led to the creation of Precision Aligner Buttons. These buttons replace the Invisalign rubber band hooks that are traditionally made for metal braces, with specialized buttons made for Invisalign that fit within the aligner cutout windows, like a puzzle piece. His dedication to going above and beyond for our patients’ satisfaction echoes throughout our entire practice. Orthodontic treatment is more than ‘straightening teeth’, and Invisalign treatment is more than a provider status to us. We are committed to refining our skills and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements so we can continue to provide an exceptional experience for each patient. Schedule an Appointment with a Top-Rated Invisalign® Doctor in East Bradenton Today We want to help you love your smile! We believe that a beautiful smile can change your life and the lives around you. Loving your smile goes a long way. We want to help you look good, do good and feel good. By looking good, we feel good. By feeling good, we’re empowered to do good. And by doing good, we inspire our friends and family to do the same. If you’re ready to start loving your smile, we encourage you to schedule your complimentary consultation with the most experienced Invisalign orthodontists in... --- - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/myths-about-braces-debunked/ There are tons of common braces myths out there! If you’ve heard any of these, you may feel discouraged about orthodontic treatment. We want you to be excited to begin your journey, so we’re here to set the record straight on these myths about braces. Myth #1 Braces are magnetic. We think you’ll be excited to know that braces aren’t magnetic and they won’t increase your chances of getting struck by lightning in the slightest. What are braces made of? Braces are made of high-grade metal alloys, which includes metals and nonmetals. Your chances of getting struck by lightning are 1 in 700,000, with or without your orthodontic treatment. This also means you don’t have to fear your braces getting stuck when kissing your partner who also has braces! The chances of your braces converging with your date’s braces are pretty low. You won’t magnetize to your partner’s smile and end up in an awkward mess of intertwined wires and brackets. Myth #2 You have to have metal braces to get straight teeth. Metal braces are a popular treatment for straightening teeth, but they are by no means the only option for those wanting to experience their best smile! We provide options for our patients because everyone is unique and we don’t expect one treatment option to suit every patient. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our experienced providers offer Invisalign treatment for kids, teens and adults. We are proud to be Invisalign Diamond Plus Providers, as well as the most experienced Invisalign orthodontists in the area. Myth #3 Braces can pick up radio signals. The idea that braces can pick up radio signals has been around for a long time; people have been reporting on dental work picking up radio signals for more than 100 years! There are cases where people have stated they hear talk radio or soft music in their head after getting braces or fillings, with one person reporting they could shut it off by placing their tongue over the offending dental cap. Mythbusters was intrigued with the famous story of Lucille Ball reportedly picking up radio waves in her mouth during World War II. They created and performed some tests and amazingly concluded that it is possible! The stories refer to fillings though, not braces. This is one of the more harmless myths about braces, because who wouldn't want a radio built into their smile? ! Having all of your favorite songs at the touch of a bracket? Sounds pretty convenient. But fortunately (or unfortunately, however you look at it) braces cannot pick up radio signals. Although your rubber band hooks may resemble antennas slightly, the only way you’ll blare music from your mouth is if you belt it out yourself. Myth #4 Braces are only for kids. Nope! Braces are for anyone who wants to experience a beautiful, life-changing smile. It’s true that orthodontic treatment can be more efficient on younger patients, because their teeth and jaw bones are still developing. With early orthodontic treatment, braces... --- - Published: 2021-08-11 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wesley-chapel-office-is-proud-to-serve-you/ Our experienced orthodontists in Wesley Chapel have helped countless children, teens and adults to achieve a beautiful smile and retain it for a lifetime! Orthodontic treatment is life-changing. It transforms your health, your confidence and your mindset, so you can look good, do good, and feel good—like you deserve. As a leading orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, we’re honored to be able to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care to improve the lives of our patients. Look good. Do good. Feel good. We’ll help you do it! Orthodontics is more than ‘straight teeth’. A beautiful smile can change your life and the lives around you; Making a positive impact on the world begins with your smile. We believe that helping others is the source of true happiness and genuine smiles. Community service is deeply ingrained in the core of Blue Wave Orthodontics. We serve our community and support our neighbors, because we’re all in this together! By looking good, we feel good. By feeling good, we’re empowered to do good. And by doing good, we inspire our friends and family to do the same. Orthodontics is More Than Braces It’s true! Orthodontic treatment (in Wesley Chapel) can mean braces or Invisalign® clear aligners. It can make the difference between restful sleep and groggy sleep, easy breathing and strained breathing—and hiding your smile and loving your smile. Although we believe traditional metal braces are still a cool option, they aren’t your only option. Kids, teens and adults can chose from Invisalign clear aligners, metal braces or clear ceramic braces! However bold or discreet you want your treatment to be, we have the perfect option for you. We also create treatment plans for sleep apnea, cleft palate treatment, orthognathic jaw surgery and craniofacial orthopedics! Where You Can Find Us You can connect with us in a few different ways! ·Find us on Facebook, where we post patient education tips and office announcements, as well as feature our patients’ before-and-after transformations and team member celebrations. We encourage you to like, comment and share our posts to stay in the loop! ·Find us on Instagram, where we post fun graphics, and celebrate our patients and team members in their everyday lives! We love showing our quirky personalities and getting to know our patients on a casual level. ·Visit us in Wesley Chapel at 2234 Native Woods Lane, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544! We’re a top orthodontist near Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Pebble Creek, and Cheval. Have questions about orthodontic treatment? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment. If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa, or East Bradenton, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today. --- - Published: 2021-07-07 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2021-summer-survival-guide-for-braces/ People often travel during the summer to escape the heat (or chase the heat), and head to the nearest swimming pools or springs to cool off. But what does this mean for patients with braces? Do they have to sit on the sidelines until next season? No way! If you have braces, you don’t have to sit out on any sports games or hangouts. Your treatment won’t stop you from living your best life this summer. As an orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa and Bradenton, we know all about the summer, the Florida heat and the necessary lifestyle adjustments that come with it... Check out these tips and tricks to help you stay cool, calm, collected, and on-track to a beautiful smile this summer. 1. Make a braces care kit... . And carry it everywhere you travel. Okay, you don’t have to bring it everywhere—but you might want to. Gather some necessities, like braces-friendly floss, a small tube of toothpaste, a travel-sized toothbrush, interdental brush, and especially some orthodontic wax. It may be a good idea to add an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol, depending on how far along you are in your treatment or how recent your last adjustment appointment was to minimize any soreness. You’ll never know when you may need any of these tools, and orthodontic wax can come in really handy if a bracket or wire irritates your cheeks while traveling. 2. Eat cautiously... but don’t be too hard on yourself. Traveling can make it pretty difficult to stick to your normal diet. When you don’t have access to your fridge, you’re forced to eat at restaurants or pick up snacks at Publix on the way. Having to eat out isn’t the worst thing in the world. (It may be one of the best parts of vacationing actually. ) Trying new foods is always a good time! But if you have braces, you may be nervous about which foods are off limits and which ones are still on the table. If you’re on vacation-mode, you may be in the mood for some guilty pleasure foods. You can still have pizza (no crunchy crust), brownies (no nuts), chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, soft tacos with all the fixings, ice cream, mac and cheese, slushies and french fries... the possibilities are endless. Just be sure to stay cautious of your braces. Opt for softer foods, and avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods to prevent damaging your brackets or wires. 3. Don’t take risks! Wear a mouthguard. If there is any chance that you can damage your mouth during a sport or activity you’re playing this summer, wear a mouthguard! Mouthguards are absolutely essential for protecting your teeth, cheeks and gums from impact. Whether you play basketball, soccer, football or tennis, or you participate in cheerleading, gymnastics or swimming, there’s always a chance of something spiraling toward your face. Soccer balls, footballs, other players’ body parts, the ground, a wall—you can damage your mouth anywhere, with or... --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-help-your-child-adjust-to-braces/ When a kid gets braces, it’s kind of a big deal! Not only is your child beginning an incredibly exciting journey, but he or she is undergoing a life-changing experience. This experience comes with some lifestyle changes that your child may be a bit nervous about. We’ve found that the best way to prepare children for getting braces is by being upfront and truthful about what they can expect throughout the process. We’re here to help you prepare your child for the day they get their braces on and the exciting months to follow! Talk Your Child Through the Process We’ll help you do this. In fact, we’ll explain everything you and your child need to know about the treatment process. Our highly-experienced orthodontists, Dr. Navarro and Dr. Cetta, are dedicated to making your child feel comfortable, at-ease and informed! They’ll explain the process in an easy-to-understand, relaxed manner—every step of the way. Discuss the process with your child beforehand as well and let them know that no part in this process is painful! When getting braces placed, the first step is to glue the brackets to the teeth. Your orthodontist will then thread archwires through the brackets. Once these are in place, your orthodontist will place rubber bands around the brackets to hold the archwire in place. Your child gets to choose their braces colors (colors of the rubber bands holding the wires) every time you visit us for a check-in/adjustment appointment! Prepare Them for Mild Soreness During the first few weeks, your child may feel some discomfort from the new sensations and pressure on their teeth. It may be a good idea to have over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax (to place over certain brackets or wires) on hand for your child. While their teeth and gums are adjusting to braces, they may experience some mild tenderness and soreness around the teeth and gums. During this adjustment period, your child may want to choose softer foods, like mashed potatoes, apple sauce, soft meat, bananas, rice, etc. It’s a good idea to add soft items to your grocery list to prepare for your child getting braces. Once the soreness is gone after a week or so, they can resume (most of) their normal diet! It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy foods, like caramel, hard candy and nuts throughout their treatment to prevent damaging their braces. Support clean, healthy teeth. Teaching your child how to prepare for braces will involve showing them how to clean their teeth when wearing braces. It’s essential that your child commits to excellent oral hygiene to prevent tooth discoloration and bacteria buildup. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about keeping your teeth clean with braces when you visit us for your complimentary consultation! It’s important to encourage your child to keep up with their dental hygiene throughout their treatment. Your child should still be visiting the dentist every 6 months or so as well for professional cleanings during their treatment. Your dentist... --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/getting-your-braces-off-heres-what-to-expect/ Your time with braces is nearing its end, and you’re super excited to get them removed and reveal your beautiful new smile! The good news is, removing braces takes less time than it does to undergo your initial exam and have braces placed on your teeth. Like anything in life, knowing what to expect will make for a smoother process! Here's what you can do to prepare yourself for the day your braces are removed. How Long Does it Take to Get Your Braces Removed? The process of removing your braces takes about an hour. Here’s how it works: The dental cement that was holding your braces in place will be gently removed. A special tool is used to scrape off the cement and polish your teeth. Once the glue is removed, it’s time to fit your custom retainer! After removing braces, your teeth are more susceptible to reverting back to their original position, so wearing a retainer is critical for preventing this. If you don't want your beautiful new smile to be temporary, be sure to carefully follow your orthodontist's instructions on proper retainer wear. Fitting the retainer is the last step! Once your retainer is properly in place, your orthodontist will explain how to wear your retainer properly and how to care for it. Now, it’s up to you to maintain your new smile and prioritize your oral hygiene! Will Removing Braces Hurt? You may feel some minor discomfort while the last traces of dental cement are being removed, but it should not hurt to have your braces removed! First, the archwire is removed, and special orthodontic tools are used to gently crack the adhesive and free the braces. Metal rings are then removed from the back molars. The final process is to remove all traces of glue, polish the teeth, and fit your retainer. Getting Used to Life After Braces You’ve probably been wearing your braces for a while! Life without them will feel a little different at first, but the first thing you’ll notice is your beautifully straight teeth. (And they may feel a bit slimy at first. ) When you eat your first meal without braces, your teeth will feel so much lighter! It’s a wild, exciting sensation. You’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth without archwires in the way, and you can finally brush the entire surface of your teeth. How Will My Teeth Look After Removing Braces? How your teeth will look once the braces are removed will depend on how good your dental hygiene was while wearing them, and whether you used whitening toothpaste or solutions while your braces were in place. (We advise that you wait until your braces are removed to whiten your teeth! ) Some patients may notice discolorations on their teeth after their braces are removed. Plaque buildup on teeth will change the color of the enamel, which can appear as white spots. Don’t worry, though! You can have your teeth whitened once your braces are... --- - Published: 2021-04-03 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/is-early-orthodontic-treatment-necessary/ Not every child will require early orthodontic treatment, but many children benefit from it! At Blue Wave Orthodontics, early or phase 1 treatment will only be recommended when it will prevent further complications from arising later or if early treatment can significantly improve a child's quality of life. Phase 1 treatment provides an opportunity to reduce the risk of crowded teeth, gaps, and crooked teeth arising later in life. However, it is important to weigh the early orthodontic treatment pros and cons to ensure the best outcome for your child. What is Early Orthodontic Treatment? Early orthodontic treatment or phase 1 orthodontic treatment occurs during the mixed dentition phase, or when there are still baby teeth present but adult teeth have started to come through. Most children in the mixed dentition phase are between ages 6 and 9. Phase 1 treatment is designed to help children who still possess many of their primary teeth but are at risk of developing orthodontic challenges, like misalignment or improper growth of their permanent teeth. It's a lot more efficient to address bite-related problems or to realign the jaw when the child's skeletal structure is still pliable. Therefore, orthodontists can ensure that there is enough room in the jaw for the permanent teeth to develop in a healthy alignment. Children receiving early orthodontic treatment may undergo treatment with an orthodontic appliance (especially palatal expanders) along with braces or Invisalign®. The primary purpose of early treatment is to ensure that skeletal issues with the jaw and alignment of teeth are corrected before the rest of the permanent teeth grow. Why a Child Might Need Phase 1 Treatment If a child is at significant risk of developing severe complications later on, early phase 1 treatment may be necessary. Early treatment is designed to prevent early problems from developing into more serious ones in the near future or to ensure maximum effectiveness of phase 2 treatment (straightening the teeth). Phase 1 treatments can also be used to guide the growth of the jaw and facial bones, so permanent teeth have room to grow and the facial appearance is harmonious and proportionate. An orthodontist may recommend treatment for a child who is experiencing any of the following issues: • Spaced teeth • Crowded teeth • Crossbites • Underbites • Overbites • Missing or extra teeth • Teeth that don't meet normally, or at all • When thumb sucking has influenced the normal growth of teeth or jaw The fact is, quite a few conditions that are found early on can be treated effectively and efficiently with early orthodontic treatment. In some cases, waiting to correct a problem after the permanent teeth develop may require longer treatment periods or more intensive treatment methods. Early Orthodontic Treatment Pros and Cons It's natural for parents to have some concerns about early orthodontic treatment pros and cons. After all, baby teeth are destined to fall out, so early treatment may seem like an unnecessary expense to a concerned parent. Contrary to popular... --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-cost-guide/ Let’s face it; not everyone wants to wear braces that show. That is why Invisalign® is becoming so popular among kids, teens, and adults. Invisalign is a method that comprises a series of progressively changing clear aligners that are worn weekly! These 'invisible braces' offer more than just invisibility. Thanks to their advanced technology, patients can experience comfortable, time-efficient, and affordable treatment. Now you might ask how much will this cost me? Well, there has never been a better time to invest in yourself! We offer a variety of Invisalign cost options that you will receive upon your first free appointment. The Cost of Invisalign As with any orthodontic treatment, your Invisalign cost depends on the condition of your teeth and length of treatment. When you schedule your complimentary consultation, our doctors will do an examination free of charge! Besides the doctor telling you about these invisible aligners, a few digital images of your bite will be taken to best present a customized treatment plan just for you in our laboratory. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we are always looking for new cost-effective ways of delivering life-changing smiles. As a result, we offer several payment plans to suit your needs. Here are some unique cost benefits we offer: -Special discount when paying in full by cash, check, or CC -Family discounts for multiple members of the family -Flexible in-house financing options with no interest or tax -Small monthly payments to fit your budget through Care Credit -Discounts for armed services serving our country. -Fire & Police discounts for those serving the Tampa Bay Community If you have dental insurance, you may be entitled to additional coverage towards your Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments. Our in-house coordinator will answer all your questions regarding the cost of invisalign before beginning your treatment. We want you to have access to this treatment and so much more. Thanks to our 38 years of expertise, we found several ways to keep your treatment costs low. Some of the perks you can take advantage of are: -In-House Laboratory - eliminates third party costs, shipping expenses, and associated fees and taxes -Long-term connections - excellent relationships with orthodontic vendors and dental suppliers allow us to offer lower prices and fees -Digital impression - eliminate expensive material costs and shipping expenses -Organizational efficiency - we are organized and efficient, so we can offer you the best affordable treatments. In addition, we are proud to be a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign provider. The Invisalign Diamond designation is awarded to 1% of orthodontists worldwide who have effectively treated a vast number of patients. Invisalign is very affordable, similar to the cost of traditional braces, at least in our practice! So what is holding you back? Schedule your free consultation with X-rays today to learn more about how Dr. Feldman and his team bring bigger, brighter smiles to Tampa Bay with Invisalign. To know if you or your child is a suitable candidate for braces or Invisalign ® complete our online smile... --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/its-national-childrens-dental-health-month/ 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 every 5 children (20%) aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated cavity! That’s about 5 children in every classroom who have untreated tooth decay. We’re joining in on pediatric dental health awareness, because now is the time to prevent cavities! Here’s why: The Importance of Oral Health with Tiny Teeth Baby teeth may be small, but they play a critical role in preparing the mouth for a beautiful set of permanent teeth. They also impact major functions, like chewing, speaking, and sleeping quality. Baby teeth are in our mouths for about 8 to 10 years—a significant amount of time! Good oral hygiene is as important as ever when the baby teeth are still present. Baby teeth can still develop cavities (tooth decay) and the gums can still develop gum disease! Developing strong oral hygiene habits early on can protect the gums and baby teeth, and support the permanent teeth for a lifetime. How You Can Celebrate The best way to bring awareness to pediatric dental health month is to help your child develop a strong oral hygiene routine. Help your child understand why it’s important to brush and floss their teeth every night. Explain the potential consequences of neglecting their dental hygiene. Lead by example. Brush and floss your teeth with your child. Encourage your child to love their smile and to do everything they can to protect their smile. When should children receive their first orthodontic exam? Dental health goes hand-in-hand with orthodontics! When the teeth are aligned and the jaw bones develop properly, it’s much easier to maintain dental hygiene. Misalignments can create hard-to-reach spaces where bacteria grow, leading to yellow teeth, bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) advises that children receive their first orthodontic exam around the age of 7. During this time, the baby teeth are shedding and the permanent teeth are beginning to erupt! Our orthodontists are trained to detect malocclusions that may create problematic conditions in the near future. Beginning orthodontic treatment around the age of 7 (if necessary) can help your child experience a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come! Still have questions about children’s dental hygiene? We’re here for you! Our orthodontists, Dr. Feldman, Dr. Cetta and Dr. Navarro, have years of experience working with young patients and their parents to develop strong, healthy smiles. If you have any questions, or you’d like some more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If your child hasn’t received his or her first orthodontic exam yet we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation today. Though many other orthodontists will suggest it is necessary... --- - Published: 2021-02-02 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/were-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 from local grocery stores and would otherwise be thrown away due to expiration dates. We’re proud to be a part of this sustainable initiative, organized through ‘Feeding Tampa Bay’ and ‘Publix Supermarket Charities’. This organization aims to distribute nutritious foods to those who need it most. (Every family, child and senior is welcome to receive food from this event—no ID or verification required. Everyone is welcome! ) Giving back to our community is a major part of our mission to look good, do good and feel good. We were all smiles during this event, doing good for our neighbors, and feeling good in return! Our team has participated in a number of these volunteer events, and each of us feels humbled and grateful to help local families. It was an incredibly rewarding day. Feeding Tampa Bay partners with more than 400 local charities and food pantries to distribute groceries and supplies across 10 counties in West Central Florida. Find the next food distribution event in your area with this interactive calendar. We may see you there! See our team in action: --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-deal-with-a-mouth-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 your discomfort, treat these sores and prevent them from worsening. We’ve got the tips and tricks to help you deal with braces cutting the side of your mouth or small canker sores developing on the inside of your cheeks. What causes a canker sore? Canker sores from braces are generally caused by irritation. They’re more common during the first few days or weeks after getting your braces on, because your mouth is still adjusting to the metal brackets and wires. They typically develop on the inside of your cheeks or lips, as your braces rub against these areas when you eat and speak. Canker sores can also develop as a result of eating certain foods, specifically citrus fruits and other acidic foods. If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, this can cause canker sores too. These small mouth sores have been linked to higher stress levels and nutritional deficits. Canker sores may form for a number of reasons during your orthodontic treatment—and they may not even be related to your braces! Either way, there are steps you can take to treat these if they appear. Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Mouth Sore 1. Orthodontic Wax We recommend keeping some on-hand throughout the day, while you’re at school or work, in case your braces start to bug you. To use ortho wax (also called dental wax), pull a small piece of wax off—with CLEAN hands of course—and roll it into a ball. Place it over the irritating piece on your bracket or wire and press it to secure the wax. Ortho wax will provide a smooth barrier between your braces and your cheeks or lips to protect them from irritation! Anytime you feel your braces start to rub against your cheeks or lips, place some ortho wax over the metal piece to prevent the sore from forming. 2. Silicone Covers for Braces Dental silicone covers function similarly to orthodontic wax. They come in thin strips and are placed on your braces to protect your mouth from irritation. With ortho wax, you’ll have to replace the wax every so often as the material starts to disintegrate. Dental silicone lasts longer than ortho wax, but it can be more difficult to apply. For these silicone covers to work, your braces have to be completely dry. You can place these strips over dry brackets, then pinch them into place. Once they’re secured, you use a wet finger to smooth the edges. Silicone strips cover multiple brackets at once and can provide relief if your braces are cutting the side of your mouth or you feel a canker sore forming. 3. Salt Water Rinse Salt water is an... --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/proud-to-support-the-st-lawrence-gathering-together-gala/ Supporting our community is incredibly important to us! We’re always looking for ways to give back. We have donated $2,000 to support the “Gathering Together” gala, organized by St. Lawrence Catholic School. “Gathering Together” is St. Lawrence’s largest fundraising event. This year, the school is raising money to pay for the new installation of a communication system that enables fast, reliable communication to ensure safety under everyday conditions and emergency situations for the entire campus We’re honored to help make a difference in children’s lives and the future of the school. Learn more about the St. Lawrence “Gathering Together” Gala. We have also donated $500 to Brooke’s 3rd Annual Butterfly Bash, benefiting the Lupus Foundation of America. We want to help bring awareness to Lupus, an often fatal autoimmune disease. Brooke Brown was diagnosed with Lupus, which inspired her to become a nurse and help other children living with this disease. We are honoring Brooke for her strength and her determination to make an impact on other children’s lives. Lupus is globally misunderstood, due to a lack of research funding. We are making a contribution to support further research in identifying causes and cures of Lupus, in honor of Brooke Brown. Blue Wave Orthodontics is dedicated to doing good to make people feel good in our community. Join us by learning more about Brooke’s 3rd Annual Butterfly Bash and the Lupus Foundation of America. --- - Published: 2020-10-06 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/randy-feldman-named-to-tampa-magazines-2020-top-dentists-list/ Contact: Erica Meichtry Phone: (813) 968-2483 Ext. 21 Randy Feldman DDS MS of Blue Wave Orthodontics Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2020 Top Dentists List September 25, 2020 — Blue Wave Orthodontics is incredibly excited to announce Dr. Randy Feldman has been voted by his peers to Tampa Magazines’ 2020 Top Dentists list in the specialty of Orthodontics! In March, Tampa Magazines sent surveys to hundreds of licensed dentists practicing in the Tampa Bay area asking them to nominate the peers they believe stand out from the rest. Dr. Feldman was chosen, along with 39 of his peers from eight practice areas, as one of this year’s Top Dentists. Among many other accomplishments, Dr. Feldman is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at USF College of Medicine, and holds a patent for ceramic brackets. Dr. Feldman is known for the exceptional patient care he provides, the personal attention he dedicates to each patient, and his commitment to integrating the most advanced technologies in his practice. “The world is filled with many reasons to smile—unfortunately, not all smiles are created equally. An Orthodontist’s experience and expertise can make all the difference in your smile... . and in your world! ” - Dr. Randy Feldman. Blue Wave Orthodontics has been providing Tampa Bay with highest-quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults for more than 50 years! With locations in Bradenton, Tampa Bay and Wesley Chapel, Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to be the preferred orthodontic provider in the area. This year, Tampa Magazine expanded their Top Dentists list to all four of publications —TAMPA Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine for a total circulation of 80,000. “Everyone needs a general dentist to help maintain good oral health, but you never know when you’ll need a specialist. This list is a valuable resource that readers consult all year long when they find themselves in need of dental care,” says Shawna Wiggs, group publisher of Tampa Magazines. The 2020 Top Dentist list is now available in the October/November 2020 edition of TAMPA Magazine and will be available in the November/December 2020 edition of South Tampa Magazine, Tampa Downtown Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine. ## About Blue Wave Orthodontics Blue Wave Orthodontics provides affordable, high-quality orthodontic care to children, teens, and adults in Tampa Bay and Bradenton. Between Dr. Feldman, Dr. Cetta, and Dr. Navarro, they have 55+ years of experience creating beautiful smiles for people in their communities. Blue Wave Ortho is the #1 most experienced Invisalign practice in Tampa Bay, and #11 in the world for most successful cases with Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen. Whether you’re seeking Invisalign®, clear braces, or traditional braces, Blue Wave Orthodontics has a highly-effective, cost-efficient treatment to suit your lifestyle and transform your life. Visit www. BlueWaveOrtho. com. About Tampa Magazines Tampa Magazines is the parent company of TAMPA Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine, South Tampa Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine. The Tampa Magazines team has been telling the city’s... --- - Published: 2020-05-27 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/our-covid-19-protocols-keeping-you-healthy-while-keeping-your-smile-healthy/ All of us at Blue Wave Orthodontics have been happy to see all your smiling faces again. Our utmost concern is to continue to provide excellent orthodontic care in the safest environment both for our patients and our teams. During the pandemic recovery period we have continued to educate ourselves on the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Association of Orthodontics (AOA). We will continue to take extreme caution during each procedure to ensure our patients receive safe treatment. Here are some new protocols to note: Please wear masks before you enter the office. Please use hand sanitizer when you enter the office. Leave your cell phone number and wait in your car instead of the waiting room. We will ask you some screening questions related to the COVID-19. There are no longer magazines, children’s toys, or coffees in the waiting room. We will take your temperature and ask you to gargle with 1% hydrogen peroxide. Please allow enough time for enhanced disinfection between patients. Only patients with appointments and one guardian are permitted into the office. Social distancing is in effect, please maintain 6 feet distances at all times. Please reschedule your appointment if anyone in your household has been sick in the last 2 weeks. --- - Published: 2019-11-04 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/introducing-our-new-improved-bradenton-office/ We’ve moved! We are so excited to announce the opening of our new office location within Health Park East in Bradenton, Florida! Our office is conveniently located on State Road 70 across from Manatee Technical College and Braden River High School. We are only 5 minutes off I-75, and we serve the surrounding communities of Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Ellentown, Palmetto, Venice, North Port and Englewood. Our East Bradenton office is home to board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Chris Cetta and his exceptional Blue Wave orthodontic team! You and your loved ones will experience the highest degree of personal attention as Dr. Cetta and his team are known for going above and beyond to accommodate their patients’ needs. We provide a variety of orthodontic services: First Phase Orthodontics including palate expanders and early braces Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen with iTero Digital dental scanner Braces for teens (clear or vibrant colors) Adult Invisalign with iTero digital dental scanner Braces for adults (clear or Rhodium-coated for a discrete matte finish) Replacement retainers (clear Essix or classic Hawley retainers) Affordable orthodontic “touch-ups” and smile enhancement for patients experiencing teeth shifting Teeth whitening for patients currently undergoing treatment We offer flexible, no-interest financing and participate with most major dental insurances including Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, United Concordia and Cigna. Request your free orthodontic exam in East Bradenton today, or reach out to us. We would love to chat with you! --- - Published: 2019-09-12 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-braces-colors/ Getting to choose the colors of your smile is an exciting perk for many people who have braces! Some people choose to stand out from the crowd with a colorful smile, while others prefer a more subtle, natural look for their smile. Colors in Your Braces? Braces work by the use of long metal archwires, brackets, metal bands and rubber bands. One bracket is typically bonded, or cemented, to each tooth. Long arch-shaped metal archwires run through your brackets with one archwire connecting your top teeth brackets, and one connecting your lower brackets. A small rubber band or elastic ligature is fastened around each bracket to hold the archwires in place. These rubber bands are where your smile gets its pop! (Bands come in a rainbow of colors with additional neutral colors for you to choose from. ) Every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your treatment plan, you’ll visit our office to have your braces tightened. This is to assess your progress, plan further movement and ensure that your teeth are shifting properly. Every time you visit our office to have your braces “tightened” is an opportunity to switch up your colors! Get Creative! Maybe your birthday or your favorite holiday is coming up. Get a little festive with your braces colors, because why not? Choose outstanding colors or patterns for your birthday or holidays. Exciting colors in your smile can leave you with colorful picture memories! Create exciting patterns by alternating colors every other bracket. Try a rainbow or go for a unique mismatch look! Wear your favorite color, or a combination of your favorite colors. Or some patients even go “Camou” or their favorite Team colors! In Tampa Bay, we get lots of variations of Blue for the Lightning and the Rays, or variations of Red for the Buccaneers! The possibilities are endless... for both the colors you choose and your Team winning a Championship! Either way, we KNOW, you will end up with a “Championship Smile”! Beware! You have complete creative freedom in the colors of your braces, but we’re still going to suggest a few band colors for you to avoid... Cream colors often show a contrast between the rubber band and the natural tooth color, which can make teeth appear stained. Yellow colors can make your teeth appear yellowish. Brown and black colors can look like food stuck in your teeth. White is notorious for turning yellow or off-white as food and liquids leave stains. Though every color is an option (and you can make any color look great regardless) those colors are often avoided to prevent a discolored, food-particle smile. After all, you’ll wear the same rubber band colors for 6 to 8 weeks at a time! Any food or liquids you consume in that time can cause staining to your bands. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, we’re here to help you transition into life with braces as smoothly and comfortably as possible. With the option of clear braces, metal braces, clear aligners and... --- - Published: 2019-01-23 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/generic-clear-aligners-vs-invisalign-aligners/ At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our doctors and staff have the collective experience of treating more than 7,000 patients with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. We are in the Top 1% of Invisalign Providers in the world, and easily have over 100 years of experience in creating Tampa Bay’s most amazing smiles! We have seen a lot of progress in the world of orthodontic technology. However, the vast number of mail-order, generic clear aligner companies that are popping up use technology that is at least one step behind and is NOT closely monitored by University trained and certified Orthodontists! Yikes! In the late 1990s, the Invisalign “clear braces” technology was an innovative treatment option that created a new way for consumers to look at orthodontics. This technology had years of excellent results in trials, was managed in person and directly by orthodontists, and had the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) helping to lead that charge! The generic mail-order aligner companies generally offer a mail-order kit where the patient can make their own dental impressions to be mailed back for a set of progressive aligners. For the most part, no photographs, x-rays or digital scans are used. Dr. Randy Feldman states, “The biggest problem is that there is no relationship or examinations by an orthodontist”, he continues, “that training and experience can make all the difference in your smile and the health of your mouth. In a quick search on Google, we found countless articles that also warned of the dangers of generic online aligners. Most included examples of patients who were ultimately unhappy with the results, including those who had cases that had not been properly evaluated prior to treatment. Moving teeth when there are problems with bone, gum disease, decay or lack of space is not something that an Invisalign orthodontist would jump into without treating prior issues first. You must build “your dental house” on a sound foundation. Some of these mail order companies also offer dangerous policies where patients sign away their ability to pursue legal recourse when dissatisfied. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our patients seek and trust our over 100 years of combined experience and are not swayed by the promises of the flashy ads of discount online companies. Sadly, some of our patients are re-do work for those who bought into a mail-order impulse. You can trust our staff to help you achieve a healthy smile. Dr. Randy Feldman explains, "Blue Wave Orthodontics is here for your questions on Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. We want to make it a fast, easy and fun experience, so contact us today or make an appointment for your free orthodontic exam. " --- - Published: 2018-11-20 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-early-underbite-surgery-is-a-bad-idea/ An underbite is a type of malocclusion (abnormal bite) where the lower jaw extends upward and further out than the upper teeth. This also protrudes the chin, when the mouth is closed. It is a common occurrence (5 to 10 percent of people) and is often seen in children, but how soon should any action be taken? Dr. Randy Feldman adds, “This blog title mentions surgery, but that is only one of the methods that orthodontists use to correct an underbite. Surgery is not recommended in children, because their jaws are still growing. ” The problem may be corrected in whole or in part by other means. Surgery is an option after the growth spurt of puberty. The optimum age for surgery differs in each case, but generally for girls it is age 15 or 16 and for boys, a little later, at age 18. Results of Underbites Besides the aesthetic and self-esteem issues for children and adults with an underbite, there are other problems that create difficulties and physical pain. Speech Issues - Sometimes a lisp or other speech problems occur for those with underbites. TMJ Pain - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which connects the jawbone to the skull has extra pressure and causes aches and pains. Sufferers also can develop headaches. Problems with Chewing - A misaligned jaw will create problems in biting, chewing, and ultimately in digestion. The teeth also wear unevenly causing damage which can lead to tooth decay. Sleep Apnea - Severe underbites can cause snoring, sleep apnea, and breathing problems during sleep. Correcting an Underbite in Children As we mentioned, surgery is not recommended to correcting a child’s underbite. These other methods alone or in combination are what we would offer in our offices. Braces - At age seven, your child may be a candidate for braces. Upper Jaw Expanders - This mechanical device is fitted to the upper jaw, but helps to move the lower jaw into the proper alignment. Chin Caps - A chin cap can be fitted to the chin and connected with straps around the back of the head. These can be worn during sleep and physically limit the growth of the lower jaw. Reverse Face Masks - A reverse face mask is also worn externally, and connects to the top row of teeth. The method pulls the upper teeth forward and corrects their position while using opposing pressure on the lower jaw and face structure. Jaw surgery is used at the proper age only if the non-surgical methods are not effective. Sometimes braces are also required after surgery. Each patient is different and will require a unique plan. Blue Wave is here for you and your family and to correct bites and smiles. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have on our website or social media accounts. --- - Published: 2018-09-26 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-regular-dental-cleanings-matter-with-braces/ It is important that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Your dentist is your primary oral health care provider, and they are an important partner to Blue Wave Orthodontics in the success of your orthodontic treatment. When you have braces or even Invisalign, we recommend increasing your number of dental visits annually to every four months. Why are Regular Dental Cleanings Important with Braces? Your risk of cavities increases when you have traditional braces. This is because it is more difficult for you to clean your own teeth, and to reach the areas between teeth and around the brackets and wires. When there is accumulation of food that remains, you will find a build-up of plaque, tartar, and an increased risk of decay. Remember, there is microscopic bacteria that live in your mouth and they will take any leftover food debris and form acids which “eat away at your enamel”! AND remember, enamel does NOT “grow back”! Our role is to correct your smile and improve your bite! However, your dentist and their oral hygiene team are critical to checking the health of your teeth and gums, and to provide a service, fillings for example, if a cavity develops. It is really important for you to have a good relationship with a dentist, especially to prevent AND if a problem should arise during your orthodontic treatment. In fact, we suggest visiting a dentist prior to the application of your traditional braces; however, note that you do not need a referral from a dentist to see us for your free orthodontic consultation. We are always happy to see you, any of your family or friends without a direct referral! Those days are long one! Resources for Living With Braces Your overall dental health also involves you too, so we explain the proper method of cleaning and caring for your teeth at home as well, and provide details on what foods are safe to eat with traditional braces. Examples of some of the concerns can be found on our website and its blogs, such as “Foods to Avoid with Braces. ” --- - Published: 2018-08-15 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-is-dentofacial-orthopedics/ Although we are Blue Wave Orthodontics, we also treat patients who need dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontics can focus on dental displacement (misaligned teeth), but can also require the control and modification of facial, and upper/lower jaw developmental growth (dentofacial orthopedics). This often occurs during childhood, before the adult teeth have erupted and when the jaw(s) are still growing. Dentofacial orthopedics can treat severe malocclusions (imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are not aligned) with specialized appliances like the Herbst appliance (mandibular advancement), and maxillary (Hyrax or Quad Helix) and mandibular (BiHelix) expanders (upper and lower jaw expansion). In some severe cases, usually in adult patients when jaws are no longer growing, jaw surgery may be required. Dr. Randy Feldman adds, “because Blue Wave Orthodontics is skilled in both areas (orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics) we are able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaws, as well as the overall facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments. ” To learn more about dentofacial orthopedics, and to find out if this type of treatment is right for you, please contact our office by requesting a free consultation. --- - Published: 2018-06-29 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/how-are-crossbites-corrected/ One of the dental misalignments or malocclusions(improper bites) that can be corrected with traditional braces or Invisalign is a “crossbite. ” This one type of malocclusion; a misalignment of the teeth and/or jaws is extremely amenable to early correction. A crossbite can take several forms, and an orthodontist, such as the team at Blue Wave Orthodontics, can correct all. The “posterior crossbite”, occurs in up-to 16 percent of children, and is a bite where the top back teeth fit inside of the bottom back teeth. This causes trouble with chewing food properly. Oftentimes, this is caused by thumb sucking , and or airway/allergy issues and mouth breathing habits. An anterior crossbite, is less common, but means the upper front teeth sit inside the lower bottom teeth. These are usually caused by over-retained primary or “baby” teeth. That makes the lower teeth more prominent in your smile, and is often referred to as an “underbite. ” Dr. Randy Feldman’s advice is to “fix any crossbites as soon as possible, because the jaw continues to shift and grows asymmetrically. If the jaw continues to grow asymmetrically, which means crooked, then you have to have surgery later on... 16 years of age or older to correct it. So, by correcting a crossbite early on... at 7, 8, 9,10 years of age... you definitely can avoid pulling teeth and you definitely can avoid jaw surgery later on. ” Correcting Crossbite We mentioned that braces or Invisalign can assist in correcting the problems of a crossbite. Other treatments include palatal or maxillary expanders. These are devices placed on the upper posterior(back) teeth and rest near the palate to widen the upper palate and the dental crossbite with light pressure, thus obviating the crossbite and allowing the lower jaw to seek the best position. These are used most often with children who are still growing. The good news is that this treatment if done in a timely manner is almost always 100% effective, and as an additional benefit usually rules out the need for adult tooth extractions. This early treatment is often called Phase I, and can take about one year, sometimes even avoiding a second phase later! Dr. Feldman and one of his staff wrote the original treatise on 2 Phase treatment and all Blue Wave Ortho and Kids Smiles offices have this 2 Phase brochure and it is readily available for perusal. In some cases, surgery is necessary. An Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon must break the jawbone in several tactical places, and post-surgery the patient wears a custom-made splint along with braces. This is only done if the growth spurt is missed, not corrected at an early age or more expansion than the palatal or maxillary expanders can handle is required. We always advise that parents give your child the best opportunity for a healthy and beautiful smile! The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children meet with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. An early evaluation is free! --- - Published: 2018-06-20 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-feldman-receives-aao-life-active-membership/ Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics recently received a letter from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). His AAO membership changed to Life Active after 30+ years of cumulative membership. Share your congratulations with Dr. Feldman on our social media, or the next time you see him. According to Dr. Feldman, "Time flies when you do what you love. It is the occasional milestone membership or transition to Blue Wave Orthodontics where I take a moment to pause and smile myself. Many on the staff have been with me for a great deal of the milestone years, and I can't thank them enough for being a part of our journey in Tampa Bay smile-making. " Dr. Feldman is also a member of The American Academy of Functional Orthodontics, American Cleft Palate Association, American Orthodontic Society, American Dental Association, and many more prestigious groups and organizations. For more details on his career and community leadership, visit his page on our website. "Thanks for all you do Dr. Feldman, here's to many more years of correcting smiles and changing lives. " - The Blue Wave Orthodontics team. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics recently received a letter from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). His AAO membership changed to Life Active after 30+ years of cumulative membership. Share your congratulations with Dr. Feldman on our social media, or the next time you see him. According to Dr. Feldman, "Time flies when you do what you love. It is the occasional milestone membership or transition to Blue Wave Orthodontics where I take a moment to pause and smile myself. Many on the staff have been with me for a great deal of the milestone years, and I can't thank them enough for being a part of our journey in Tampa Bay smile-making. " Dr. Feldman is also a member of The American Academy of Functional Orthodontics, American Cleft Palate Association, American Orthodontic Society, American Dental Association, and many more prestigious groups and organizations. For more details on his career and community leadership, visit his page on our website. --- - Published: 2018-06-18 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-with-braces/ Once traditional dental treatment begins in our Blue Wave Orthodontic offices, we explain how to take care of your teeth and braces and provide a comprehensive list regarding foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, popcorn, and all sticky foods (ie: gum, taffy,and caramel). Many emergency appointments can be avoided to repair damaged braces or appliances by carefully following our instructions. Foods to Avoid with Braces Popcorn Hard CAndy Soda Sweet Iced Tea Sticky or Chewy Candies and Snacks including chocolate Beef Jerky Corn on the Cob Cakes and Cookies Pretzels Gum Hard Taco Shells Corn Chips Nuts Ice Ribs or any meat that is off the bone (take it off the bone and eat it in small pieces). Recommended Foods to Eat When Wearing Braces Yogurt Cheese Mashed Potatoes Peanut Butter and Jelly Pasta Bananas, Grapes, Oranges, Strawberries, and fruit without pits Rice Eggs Steamed Vegetables Soft Meats Tortillas Biscuits and Muffins Pancakes We do want to share two related blogs that are about cooking and eating with braces. School Lunches That Are Easy on the Braces was a blog we created to help parents to have variety in their children’s school lunches. We also shared a blog about Ortho-Friendly Cooking which has details on two cookbooks that were available at the time. Amazon and the internet in general are great places to find more cookbooks or recipes on the subject. If an unrestricted diet is something you would miss, Invisalign may be the perfect solution for you. Invisalign wearers can eat any foods, but remove their trays prior to eating. They should brush and floss before putting their aligner trays back in their mouths. Blue Wave Orthodontics can assist you with either solution, so reserve your free appointment today. --- - Published: 2018-05-27 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-have-an-orthodontic-emergency/ Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but they can occur when you least expect them. If you have traditional braces, you should read on - especially if you plan to travel this summer and want to have the confidence to correct some things yourself. We share some of the most common emergencies and how to solve them in this latest blog. If you do encounter a situation that you can not resolve, please call our office for advice or to schedule an appointment. Blue Wave Orthodontics Emergency Contact (813) 695-3709 or (727) 415-7718 (Please use only in true painful orthodontic emergencies) Sore Teeth If your teeth are sore after an orthodontic visit, Dr. Randy Feldman suggests taking acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm washcloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinses may reduce the soreness in your jaws. Irritation Due to Braces To fix irritations of the mouth and gums due to braces, Dr. Ernest McDowell suggests moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire doesn’t move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Loose Wire or Broken Bracket Here’s some more specific advice on loose wires and broken brackets. If the wire is still attached to the bracket, leave it in place. If it's attached but sticking out, press it gently back into position. Use orthodontic wax to hold the broken bracket in place in your mouth until you can arrange to see us at Blue Wave. First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If a Separator Comes Out If one of your separators comes off, first, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Some patients may lose a separator during treatment, which is common, and may not need to be replaced. Traumatic Accidents If a traumatic accident occurs to your mouth, use ice immediately to reduce swelling. If any teeth are displaced and don't fit together properly, arch wires are bent, or soft tissue is stuck in the braces, call our office to schedule an appointment immediately. Loose Teeth Loosening is common, as teeth must loosen before they can move. They will tighten following removal of braces or dental appliances. Lost Retainers Please call our office as soon as you lose your retainers. They are an important part of your treatment and ongoing success. Our goal is for your orthodontic experiences to be pleasant, effective, and free from worry. Our doctors teach the basics of orthodontic emergency repair, so that you have the confidence to resolve any pain or discomfort quickly and after hours. Keep smiling. --- - Published: 2018-05-14 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-update-bob-schofner-2018-acpa-scholarship-winner/ Photo Source: NLHBob Schofner, our patient and friend never ceases to impress us with his remarkable updates. We're proud to announce that Bob was recently recognized by the American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA) as their 2018 College Scholarship Winner! Bob was featured in two of our Blue Wave Orthodontics blogs in recent years. In 2015 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement in Boy Scouting. The following year, the Tampa Bay Lightning honored him as the 13th Lightning Community Hero of the 2016-17 season (photo above). Bob will be using his Scholarship this fall at Princeton University, where he is going to study Molecular Biology. Dr. Randy Feldman holds Bob in the highest regard and shared, "For those of you that don't know our history with Bob Schofner, Dr. Ernesto Ruas and I have seen him as a patient since birth and recently completed his orthognathic surgery, soft tissue revision surgery, and definitive restorative care. Bob always finds opportunities to volunteer and give back to his community, to support others, and to share his smile. When he was recognized as Lightning Community Hero of Tomorrow, I loaned him my Lightning tie; but the achievement and reasons for recognition were 100% Bob! He's our hero too and we can't wait to see what he does next. Where will his university degree take him? To the top, and most-likely to more opportunities to serve others. " Way to go Bob! Keep sharing your updates, we are happy to include them as inspirations of your positivity, energy, and willingness to always go the extra mile! Bob Schofner, our patient and friend never ceases to impress us with his remarkable updates. We're proud to announce that Bob was recently recognized by the American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA) as their 2018 College Scholarship Winner! Bob was featured in two of our Blue Wave Orthodontics blogs in recent years. In 2015 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement in Boy Scouting. The following year, the Tampa Bay Lightning honored him as the 13th Lightning Community Hero of the 2016-17 season (photo above). Bob will be using his Scholarship this fall at Princeton University, where he is going to study Molecular Biology. Dr. Randy Feldman holds Bob in the highest regard and shared, "For those of you that don't know our history with Bob Schofner, Dr. Ernesto Ruas and I have seen him as a patient since birth and recently completed his orthognathic surgery, soft tissue revision surgery, and definitive restorative care. Bob always finds opportunities to volunteer and give back to his community, to support others, and to share his smile. When he was recognized as Lightning Community Hero of Tomorrow, I loaned him my Lightning tie; but the achievement and reasons for recognition were 100% Bob! He's our hero too and we can't wait to see what he does next. Where will his university degree take him? To the top, and most-likely to more opportunities to serve others. "... --- - Published: 2018-05-12 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/facts-about-invisible-braces/ The Invisalign treatment system consists of a series of progressively changing transparent plastic aligners that are usually each worn for two weeks. These individually manufactured aligners are precisely engineered and fabricated with exact calculations to shift your teeth into their ideal position, giving you a straighter, more functional, healthier and beautiful smile. You simply have to wear them 24/7, except when you eat and brush your teeth and you will get a fantastic result. In our state of the moment high tech Orthodontic practice, here at Blue Wave Orthodontics, we have been original shareholders, investors and advisors for this amazing corporation, Align since inception. As such, we have modified and changed some procedures secondary to our combined experience of ALREADY treating over 5,000 patients with clear aligner therapy (Invisalign/ALGN). For example, 100% of our patients ONLY wear each aligner ONLY one week (not 2) thereby speeding up treatment times AND decreasing force values which makes movement much more efficient, WAY less discomfort and FASTER! Average 12-14 months total! We will go over some of the facts, and give you opportunity to review additional blogs and pages on our website for more detail. However, the REAL opportunity, is to make a “NEW PATIENT EXAM” appointment today and get in and see one of our insightful experts on the use of Invisalign Orthodontic FOR YOU and see how “quick and easy” you TOO can have that “HOLLYWOOD SMILE”! (:)) Invisalign Facts You should get your Invisalign from an orthodontist, not a dentist, or online. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist continues with their education and completes at least two more years of both academic and clinical study in orthodontics and growth & development of children and young adults. During treatment, you need to continue to see your regular dentist for check ups, cleanings, and any necessary restorative dental work, but leave the smile making to your orthodontist. Read more about our orthodontic specialty. Invisible Braces work with Teens and Adults Invisalign Teen treatment is appropriate for patients who have shed all their baby teeth and have second molars at least partially erupted - includes most teens from 12-15 years of age. Orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more popular with adults too. Four of the main reasons why both seek treatment are confidence, dental health, overall health, and Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Adults and teens often choose Invisalign as it is nearly invisible and can be seen as a mature solution to metal braces, which are oftentimes the only option for children. Check out our infographic with Invisalign Teen facts and blog about the pros of Invisalign for adults. Invisible Braces are Easy to Travel With Last summer we added a blog about traveling with Invisalign. The rules of wearing them, changing them, and tooth care don’t change, but you have to plan ahead. As there are less office visits required, there are less restrictions to staying in-town with Invisalign. Bon voyage! The Pricing... --- - Published: 2018-04-25 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/summertime-and-your-teeth/ Remember carefree Summers? They can exist again, but you owe it to your smile to continue to treat your teeth well! In today’s blog, the Blue Wave Orthodontics Team has some “sunshine”(advice) on ways to protect your smile over the lazy days of Summer! Swimming Pools Did you know that the chlorine used in swimming pools to kill bacteria can weaken your teeth by damaging their enamel? It is the “acidity” that can create the environment for enamel damage! If you own your own pool, try to keep the pH(acid/base levels) of the pool water between 7. 2 and 7. 8 on the pH scale. However, even with the right levels, It's a good idea to brush your teeth after swimming, if you get a chance. Summertime Drinks Water is the best, most hydrating drink you can choose for Summer, but we find a lot of options offered to us. Iced coffee, iced tea, and sangria (for the adults) can cause teeth staining, and adding sugar also can lead to tooth decay. Lemonade may seem like the perfect drink on a hot day, but the citric acid from the lemons can wear down tooth enamel in addition to the high amount of sugar that is often added. Try to stick to water as much as possible, but when you do treat yourself to a sugary drink just make sure to brush soon afterward. And remember, all those “energy” drinks, aka “Monster”, “Red Bull” and “Rockstar” are really just combinations of sugar, caffeine, and salt! Another really great BWO tip, if you really do not like the taste of water, there are now several water/liquid enhancers: “Stur,” “MIO” and/or Dasani Drops that have little if any negative ingredients! Staying Hydrated It’s important to stay hydrated during the heat of Summer, and we all know how hot our Florida Summer can be! Staying hydrated helps your teeth by helping you to produce saliva which acts as a defense against bacteria, decay and bad breath. Saliva also helps neutralize acids in the mouth during and after eating. There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking every day. The health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember,but also remember the Florida Summer easily “DE-hydrates” you, so MORE “H2O” is needed then! Guarding Your Mouth Wearing the right gear for the sports you play, can make all the difference in protecting your noggin’ and your “grill”! . So think helmets, face cages, and mouth guards, especially for all contact sports! Keep Brushing Beaches, baseball, boating, brushing ... yes brushing! There are so many ways to spend your Summer days, but you have to remember to keep up your oral health routines. Brushing and flossing, wearing your retainer and your Invisalign trays - whatever your smile calls for - keep it up! Just nothing like a beautiful smile on a Cool... --- - Published: 2018-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-does-good-oral-health-mean/ Although Blue Wave is an orthodontics office, we know that good oral health is more than straight teeth. Let's go over the definition of oral health, and what good oral health means in today's blog. Hundreds of national dental organizations including the American Dental Association have accepted the 2016 definition of oral health. “Oral health is multifaceted and includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort, and disease of the craniofacial complex,” reads the definition. This definition is much more than the absence of disease. The functionality, comfort, and self-esteem of a healthy mouth and smile is also a part of this. Dr. Randy Feldman says, "Managing good oral health is a blend of what you can do, and what professionals do. Your dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, periodontists, and other dental providers help to keep the teeth and mouth healthy and functional. " So, what can you do on your own? Brushing and flossing twice a day, using the right brush and changing it every few months, eating right, avoiding tobacco products, and making and keeping your dental appointments are just some of the things you should do. Having your dental office inspect your teeth and mouth twice a year, or as prescribed is also very important. Once plaque sets in, it has to be professionally removed. If referrals are made for periodontal care, those appointments are also critical to maintaining healthy soft tissue and jaw structures. Dr. Ernest McDowell adds, "As orthodontists, we can inspect your child's bite by age 7 to determine if there are any potential bite problems that can be corrected early. That helps to avoid costly and extensive care at later ages. " He goes on to state, "Not only can a corrected smile help with self esteem, but it can help you to speak properly, and to properly floss and brush. " Yes, it “takes a village” of dental professional to make sure nothing is neglected and all teeth, bite, jaw, smile etc are evaluated and treated per their needs! Good oral health begins before the first baby tooth emerges, and is necessary for your entire life. Through modern medicine, many people are living longer these days. We advise you to protect your teeth, gums, and soft tissue of the mouth. It's always less expensive to maintain good oral health than to try to fix it later. Not to dwell on the negative, but not everything can be fixed. Oral Health is important to overall health and setting a good example for your children is also a great idea. If an orthodontic visit in Tampa Bay is something you are looking to do, please schedule your free consultation today. --- - Published: 2018-03-05 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-to-do-about-a-broken-bracket/ “Braces” is plural for bracket. So for traditional braces, a bracket is a little metal square which we glue onto the tooth with an adhesive. A broken bracket is the most common inconvenience for braces wearers, but we'll advise you on how to handle the situation in this blog. At Blue Wave Orthodontics, our brackets are single-wing brackets. We use the smallest single-wing brackets made anywhere in the world; because, there's a greater distance between the brackets on the teeth. Dr. Randy Fedman adds, "The reasons brackets break off are usually due to something you're doing mechanically to break the bracket away from the tooth. The adhesive that holds the bracket onto the tooth is strong but there are certain forces, especially shear forces that can break the bracket off. " Dr. Ernest McDowell lists some of the reasons why a bracket may break. Eating the wrong food Sports-injury or other trauma to the mouth Brushing or flossing too vigorously Using a toothpick or chewing on a pencil Biting your nails So you have a broken bracket. If the wire is still attached to the bracket, leave it in place. If it's attached but sticking out, press it gently back into position. Use orthodontic wax to hold the broken bracket in place in your mouth until you can arrange to see us at Blue Wave. If the bracket has come loose, remove it if possible. Dr. Chelsea Brockway guides, "Use a mirror to guide your hands in the project, unless you want to have someone else do it. Open a safety pin, but remember it’s very sharp. You don't want to poke yourself or poke your gum tissue. But you go ahead and identify the bracket. The bracket will have a little rubber donut on it. You take the sharp end of the safety pin and you very carefully use that to pry away the donut away from the bracket. Then the bracket will fall away from the arch wire, you go ahead and throw the bracket away. " Call the office after that to schedule a repair appointment. --- - Published: 2018-02-20 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-trouble-with-cereal/ Dr. Randy Feldman recently noticed an article that really caught his attention. " These Cereals Destroy Your Hormones, Zap Your Energy & Cause Weight Gain. " The content by Mike Geary, Certified Nutrition Specialist is just as shocking as the title. As part of a team that cares about health and the well being of our patients, we had to share this with you today. The article starts with the obvious. Sugary cereals are bad. But it quickly goes on to explain that most cereals on the shelf marked as heart healthy, rich in fiber, a good source of vitamins and minerals, are basically hiding some dangers of these products. The author goes on to talk about the dangers of cereal from the cellular level to the joints and organs. So let's take a look at his central points. Most cereals (even "whole grain" or "high fiber") cause extreme harm to your hormones and create runaway blood sugar in your body Diabetes and belly fat every morning? Gut Inflammation and even gut damage? Cereal causes CRAVINGS for more carbs later in the day, leading to excess calories Cereal makes your body a carb-burner instead of a fat-burner For each point above, he presents the facts and makes a convincing and alarming argument. Seems like a waste of time to eat food labeled as healthy that only makes you crave more carbs, causes spikes in blood sugar, burns carbs vs fat, and inflames your gut. The Alternatives Geary speaks about the benefits of eggs, avocado, nuts, organic berries, and plain Greek full-fat organic yogurt. Those are all tasty breakfast components in our eyes too. The article is easy to find, as it has been shared on many health and fitness sites. Here's a link for your further investigation. Do you think he's on the money with this? The team at Blue Wave Orthodontics wishes you good luck with your ongoing new year's goals and any health and fitness plans you are working on for yourself. --- - Published: 2018-02-14 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/refer-a-friend-be-entered-to-win-a-cruise-to-any-destination/ Congratulations to our winner Makenzy! ___ Now through August 14th, each time you refer a friend and they schedule a complimentary new patient exam you're entered to win a cruise to any destination of a $2,000 value! Plus, you'll also be entered to win a $100 gift card. On August 15th you can watch us on Facebook live as we pick the name of the lucky winner. So, call your friends and tell them to schedule their complimentary exam today at BlueWaveOrtho. com and enter your name in the "Who referred you? " box. ___ Now through August 14th, each time you refer a friend and they schedule a complimentary new patient exam you're entered to win a cruise to any destination of a $2,000 value! Plus, you'll also be entered to win a $100 gift card. On August 15th you can watch us on Facebook live as we pick the name of the lucky winner. So, call your friends and tell them to schedule their complimentary exam today at BlueWaveOrtho. com and enter your name in the "Who referred you? " box. --- - Published: 2018-02-06 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiling-changes-your-mood-the-importance-of-orthodontics/ It was actually Darwin, who first proposed in the 19th century that facial expressions didn't only reflect emotions, but also caused them. Your smile brings others towards you, can show your mood, but more amazingly can alter your mood. Smiling can make you feel happy. Smiling also makes you look younger as it lifts the face without even undergoing a surgery! That alone should change your mood. Studies show that when you smile, there is a considerable reduction in your blood pressure as you are more relaxed and calm. If you are in in physical pain, studies also reveal that smiling releases endorphins and serotonin which are natural pain killers. In the 1980s studies on the physiology of smiling found that when test subjects were asked to contort their faces in fear, their body temperature increased and their pulses sped up. Taking into consideration the benefits of smiling above, there is really no question why you should invest in smiling. It all get very technical, but the study showed that a warmer brain produced negative emotions. The brain temperature is reduced during the act of a smile, and the brain then produces more positive and happy feelings. That gives you a lot of control over your mood. Laughter and smiling can really be the best medicine. So Where Does Orthodontics Come Into Play? Think about it. If you smile more, you will have an increased happy mood. If you lack the confidence to smile because of what you may consider to be a flawed jawline, teeth, or smile - that is where orthodontics can help. Our growing team at Blue Wave Orthodontics is ready to meet you and to give you the confident smile you need. Learn more about our practice by viewing our site pages and visiting our social profiles. Send over any questions you have about braces or Invisalign and reserve your free consultation today. --- - Published: 2018-01-26 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/role-of-orthodontics-in-sleep-apnea-treatment/ Sleep apnea is a common condition that falls under the umbrella term, Sleep Disordered Breathing. With sleep apnea your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. The lack of oxygen to the brain basically wakes you up, just to breathe properly. You may not even know it is happening, and that is why you should ask yourself a few questions. What are the signs of sleep apnea? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation (daytime narcolepsy)? Do you actually fall asleep unintentionally during the day, even when driving? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea. So what is causing this? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. OSA occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Orthodontists are the only specialty that can change the structure of the mouth and face. How can we help? Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, glaucoma, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive and behavioral disorders. Contact our practice, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Once a Sleep Physican does a sleep study a diagnosis can be rendered and usually a CPAP is recommended and tittered for the individual! Oftentimes, many find CPAP’s are too cumbersome secondary to the mask and air hose and thus as an adjunct and/or an alternative an OAT is prescribed. Oral Appliance Therapy is a jaw advancing/opening device that is tooth borne and fabricated by trained dental specialists! Dr. Randy Feldman is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. As Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics he has been treating 100’s of local patients with custom created “sleep enhancing appliances” since the 1980’s with unmatched success. “It is a wonderful alternative to the dreaded CPAP machine, and less cumbersome says one well rested patient, and not so scary chimes in his wife! ” --- - Published: 2018-01-11 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/infographic-8-things-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-teen/ Adults have been using Invisalign for discreet orthodontic treatment for years, but did you know that teens can also enjoy the benefits of Invisalign? Here are 8 things you might know about Invisalign Teen. Adults have been using Invisalign for discreet orthodontic treatment for years, but did you know that teens can also enjoy the benefits of Invisalign? Here are 8 things you might know about Invisalign Teen. --- - Published: 2018-01-04 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-brockway-joins-forces-with-girlfriends-of-pinellas/ Dr. Brockway recently became involved in an amazing cause called Girlfriends of Pinellas County! Girlfriends of Pinellas County is a program designed to empower young ladies in Pinellas County through academic support and mentorship. Mentors, community leaders, teachers and school administrators work closely with students to foster a supportive relationship through reinforcement in behavior, academic achievement and social growth. An important aspect of Girlfriends Club is learning about different careers and educational backgrounds, which is where Dr. Brockway comes in. She gave a presentation to 5th graders at Ponce de Leon elementary in Clearwater about her life, how she became an orthodontist, and what obstacles she faced to reaching her goals. She encouraged the students to stay positive, build good habits and stick to them, and to not compare themselves to others- but instead focus on their own journey. Dr. Brockway explained to the girls that it's hard work which will lead to success, and that it's okay not to be perfect as long as they try their best and stay focused. Click here to learn more about Girlfriends of Pinellas County and how you can get involved. "Stay on your own track, and don't worry about what other people are doing. Trust yourself and surround yourself with positive people with good morals who are going to lift you up. " Dr. Brockway recently became involved in an amazing cause called Girlfriends of Pinellas County! Girlfriends of Pinellas County is a program designed to empower young ladies in Pinellas County through academic support and mentorship. Mentors, community leaders, teachers and school administrators work closely with students to foster a supportive relationship through reinforcement in behavior, academic achievement and social growth. She encouraged the students to stay positive, build good habits and stick to them, and to not compare themselves to others- but instead focus on their own journey. Dr. Brockway explained to the girls that it's hard work which will lead to success, and that it's okay not to be perfect as long as they try their best and stay focused. Click here to learn more about Girlfriends of Pinellas County and how you can get involved. --- - Published: 2017-12-19 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-teen-treatment/ Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used instead of brackets and wires to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner or tray is worn for one week and we recommend wearing them 24/7 day and night. The aligners are only removed in order to eat, brush, and floss the teeth. The least amount of time that aligners should be worn is 22 hours a day. In our latest blog, our Blue Wave Orthodontics team will tell you 10 things you need to know about Invisalign Teen treatment. Chances are you already knew a few, especially if you are a current or past patient. 10 Things You Need to Know About Invisalign® Teen Treatment Invisalign® treatment is the modern way to straighten teeth. From 3D scanning to an individualized treatment program with amazing results, 95% of orthodontists are providing Invisalign treatment to adults and teens. Invisalign treatment is effective for a wide range of teeth-straightening cases from simple to complex. Invisalign Teen straightens teeth with 75% more predictability than traditional braces due to SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features. Invisalign treatment can now shape your teen’s smile up to 50% faster. Invisalign clear, removable aligners move teeth up to 50% faster than traditional braces. As they are removable, the progress is visible each step of the way. Invisalign treatment is a less painful way to straighten teeth. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable in the mouth. There are no brackets or wires to rub or poke against the cheek or gums. Teens do wear their Invisalign aligners. Compliance is critical when straightening the teeth. Studies show that teens wear their aligners as directed for 20 to 22 hours a day. Teens who wear Invisalign clear aligners have more confidence. Invisalign Teen aligners are clear and are 2x more likely to boost self-esteem. Traditional braces can make teens more self-conscious. You can have fewer, shorter office visits and fewer emergency visits. There are no emergency orthodontic visits as there are no broken wires or brackets. Less office visits are required as well as there no manual adjustments needed. Your teen will feel that their life is uninterrupted during Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can be removed for school pictures, social events, eating, brushing, and flossing. No brackets or wires get in the way of playing sports either. Many orthodontic insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment up to 50%. Invisalign Teen is generally covered by dental insurance. Flexible spending accounts and payment plans are also options at most providers. The Invisalign® Teen Guarantee provides the confidence to choose Invisalign clear aligners for your teen. There is an option to switch to traditional wires and brackets at no additional cost if not satisfied within the first six months of Invisalign Teen. Our doctors are, both VIP: Top 1% of the World Invisalign certified providers. They are highly skilled and qualified to work with product and its application, collectively treating more the 4,000 patients with Invisalign. In fact, Drs. Feldman and McDowell... --- - Published: 2017-11-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/why-visit-an-orthodontist-instead-of-a-dentist-for-braces/ On occasion you will find a dentist that offers orthodontics at their practice. Sounds convenient right? In this blog, Dr. Randy Feldman and his colleagues will explain why seeing an orthodontist vs a dentist is the best choice when you need braces or Invisalign treatment. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Although there are some general dentists that offer orthodontic treatment like braces and Invisalign, an orthodontist would be the best choice to do braces or Invisalign. Dr. Ernest McDowell shares that, "both general dentists and orthodontists have to graduate from dental school. In dental school, they both learn things like cleaning teeth, extracting teeth, removing cavities and placing fillings. Once a dentist graduates from dental school they go on to practice general dentistry. " What supports our point, is that an orthodontist continues with their education and completes at least two more years of both clinical and academic study in orthodontics and growth & development of children and young adults. Dr. Chelsea Brockway adds that "orthodontists are specialists in aligning jaws and straightening teeth. They can choose the best orthodontic treatment from all available options, and they have expert knowledge of new and emerging treatment technologies. " Dr. Feldman states that "Blue Wave Orthodontics has the Invisalign Top 1% designation, which is awarded only to orthodontists who have expert knowledge of Invisalign and have effectively treated a vast number of patients. In fact, Blue Wave orthodontists have the collective experience of treating more than 4,500 patients with Invisalign! We are within the Top 1% of Invisalign Providers in the world. " During treatment, you will continue to see your regular dentist for check ups, cleanings, and any necessary restorative dental work, but leave the smile making to your orthodontist. --- - Published: 2017-11-24 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-invisalign/ After speaking with patients, we've learned that there a few things that they wish they knew before embracing Invisalign. To help you prepare, we offer some tips to make the treatment better. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used instead of brackets and wires to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner or tray is worn for one week and we recommend wearing them 24/7 day and night. The aligners are only removed in order to eat, brush, and floss the teeth. The least amount of time that aligners should be worn is 22 hours a day. The Blue Wave team will go over all of that, and more, but if we write this blog from the perspective of an Invisalign patient, there are a number of things they may say they wish they knew beforehand. There May Be Adjustments In Speaking Every patient is different, but generally, any lisp due to Invisalign will go away after a day or two. Some people even adjust within a few hours! If a lisp occurs, it will fade and eventually disappear as the tongue get accustomed to the aligners and adjusts accordingly. There Will Be Discomfort And Some Pressure Invisalign trays move the teeth by applying pressure on the areas that need to shift. Sometimes the aligners will be more uncomfortable or even painful. Our next tip can help with that, so read on. Changing To New Trays Is Better Before Bed As the trays are changed daily, and are also worn at night, we recommend changing them before bedtime, so that most of the adjustment time is during sleep. In this way, the most pressure during tooth shift occurs while you are peacefully asleep. By morning, the intensity will be decreased and you will not notice it as much. Dr. Feldman mentions, "adding a little water to each tray makes the aligners easier to place. " You Can Get Faster Results You can NOW get the smile of your dreams in half the time! Blue Wave can suggest adding AcceleDent Aura to your treatment. The AcceleDent Aura device is worn by patients for twenty minutes a day during their traditional braces or Invisalign, and gently vibrates teeth into alignment over time. The subtle micro-pulsations stimulate blood flow to the gums and speeds up the bone remodeling process. Changes In Eating and Drinking Although you can eat anything, as you remove your aligners when eating, you will find that you snack less. This may be a change to your lifestyle. You may also notice that, as you must brush before replacing your aligners, you will not dine until you can comply. You can drink water with Invisalign, but also have to remove your aligners when drinking other things. It is also advised to drink coffee, tea, wine, or anything that will stain the teeth, more quickly, not allowing it to linger on the enamel. You May Need Temporary "Bumps" Bonded To Your Teeth In some... --- - Published: 2017-11-06 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/help-us-help-puerto-rico/ As Puerto Rico continues to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we’ve partnered up with Course of Action PR for the Blue Wave Big Give – and we need your help! We’re collecting items for affected children in shelters. Drop off simple toys, stuffed animals, and books at our Seminole, Clearwater, North Tampa, and South Tampa locations and our partner Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry’s Town & Country location. --- - Published: 2017-10-24 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-3-pros-and-cons-of-invisalign/ Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner or tray is worn for one week and we recommend wearing them 24/7 day and night. The aligners are only removed in order to eat, brush, and floss the teeth. The least amount of time that aligners should be worn is 22 hours a day. Our team at Blue Wave Orthodontics feels that there are more pros than cons to getting Invisalign and we'll share our take on each in this blog. As you will see, the cons deal more with the patient's own dedication to the process and willingness to play by the rules. Let's start with the some of the pros for Invisalign. These are true for Invisalign Teen as well. Invisible / Removable One of the most obvious positives are that the Invisalign trays are virtually invisible – they won’t show up in most photographs. The trays are also removable, so they can be taken out for important events. Fewer Doctor Visits Office visits for Invisalign are usually every 10-12 weeks vs 4-7 weeks for traditional braces. The results often come more quickly for Invisalign wearers as they are custom made after digital scanning of your bite and both upper and lower arches are simultaneously corrected. Often, with traditional braces you have to correct one arch first. No Wires The Invisalign trays are thin, smooth, and relatively comfortable as they move the teeth with slight pressure. There’s no tightening or adjustments as with traditional braces, and no uncomfortable metal brackets or wires to cause irritation. Eat Anything Because the Invisalign trays can be removed to eat, you can maintain your normal diet with no food restrictions. No need to avoid nuts, popcorn, gum, corn chips, pretzels, cookies, sticky foods, hard rolls, hard fruit, corn on the cob, and much more. This is huge, especially if you love food. Just be sure to brush and floss. Easy Dental Care The Invisalign trays can be removed to brush and floss you teeth, as well as for professional dental cleanings. That is a real benefit, making the clear aligners more hygienic than traditional braces as there are no brackets or wires to get in the way. Be Active You can continue to be active and play sports without extra worry as there are no sharp brackets that can cut your mouth during sports or physical activity. Dr. Ernest McDowell states, "as we mentioned, the cons are pretty much lifestyle issues. A person might not be a candidate for Invisalign based on their own willingness to comply with the process. Some of the benefits such as easy dental care, having to remove them to eat, and ability to remove them at all, can allow patients to become lazy. " Invisalign requires cooperation between the patient and the Blue Wave Orthodontics team. We do suggest wearing the aligners most of the day, just taking them out to eat and to... --- - Published: 2017-10-15 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-randy-feldman-recognized-for-30-years-of-membership-in-the-american-cleft-palate-craniofacial-association/ The Blue Wave Orthodontics team congratulates Dr. Randy Feldman on 30 years as a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association! He was reminded of the anniversary with a certificate and letter that arrived by mail. The certificate thanked him for his support and encouragement of ACPA and the cleft and craniofacial community. Craniofacial (relating to the bones of the skull and face) abnormalities–such as cleft palate–can occur at birth and is present in 1 in 750 births. If these conditions are left untreated, they can cause problems with nursing, feeding, speech, and hearing as the child develops and grows. They can also cause many problems for adults who are unable to have the abnormalities treated at a young age. Dr. Feldman has treated over 3,500 craniofacial patients over his career! All the children were seen at All Children’s Hospital/John’s Hopkins Medicine where he has been on staff for more than 30 years. We're proud of Dr. Brockway too as she volunteers on the All Children's Cleft Lip and Palate team every month and provides orthodontic and dental advice to make sure these patients are well treated. In July we wrote a blog in honor of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. The article features a photo of an amazing patient transformation, so its very inspirational. Rachel Fusco was just age 17 when she underwent 5 and a half hours of Craniofacial surgery by Ernesto Ruas, M. D. , FACS and 12 months of orthodontics with Randy Feldman, D. D. S, M. S. Dr. Feldman shares, "you can learn more about and get involved with this important cause through awesome organizations like Smile Train, so take a look at their website and social profiles to learn more. " The Blue Wave Orthodontics team wishes our beloved Dr. Feldman many more years of making smiles and working with patients in need, including those with severe cases such as Rachel's. The Blue Wave Orthodontics team congratulates Dr. Randy Feldman on 30 years as a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association! He was reminded of the anniversary with a certificate and letter that arrived by mail. The certificate thanked him for his support and encouragement of ACPA and the cleft and craniofacial community. Craniofacial (relating to the bones of the skull and face) abnormalities–such as cleft palate–can occur at birth and is present in 1 in 750 births. If these conditions are left untreated, they can cause problems with nursing, feeding, speech, and hearing as the child develops and grows. They can also cause many problems for adults who are unable to have the abnormalities treated at a young age. In July we wrote a blog in honor of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. The article features a photo of an amazing patient transformation, so its very inspirational. Rachel Fusco was just age 17 when she underwent 5 and a half hours of Craniofacial surgery by Ernesto Ruas, M. D. , FACS and 12 months of orthodontics... --- - Published: 2017-09-13 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-2-does-invisalign-cost-more-than-braces/ Four million people have chosen Invisalign treatment to transform their smiles. The clear aligners transform smiles with more comfort and less intrusion than traditional braces, but do they cost more? Invisalign costs are one of the primary concerns that our patients and their families have during their free consultation. A number of factors determine the cost of orthodontic/Invisalign treatment: the complexity of the issues to correct; how long the treatment plan will take, and the specific treatment details required. In many cases, Invisalign takes less time than traditional braces and has an average treatment time of about 12-14 months. Invisalign is very affordable, with a cost similar to that of traditional braces... at least in our practice! Blue Wave Orthodontics is positioned to offer you Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment with lower costs and fees. Our state-of-the-art orthodontic laboratory provides rapid turn around time and eliminates third party costs, shipping expenses, and associated fees and taxes. We are in the Top 1% of Invisalign providers worldwide and receive much lower lab costs from Align Technology which is a savings we pass on to our patients in our lower treatment fees. At Blue Wave Orthodontics a “state-of -the -moment” digital iTero scanner is used to image your teeth for Invisalign orthodontic treatment! ! SO, there are no “yucky” “gagging” dental impressions that are required. The digital scan only takes 5-7 minutes, no gagging, no radiation and you are in and out FAST! If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, you may also qualify for coverage for Invisalign treatment. Review your plan and talk to your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage for your treatment. Our in-house insurance coordinator can also answer many of your insurance questions, and is happy to help! Our award winning orthodontic practice also accepts most credit cards and offers in-house financing payment option with small monthly payments to fit your budget. Why put off getting that NEW smile and all the opportunities it provides? Hope to see you soon! --- - Published: 2017-09-03 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-part-1-how-does-invisalign-work/ Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system where transparent aligners are used to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner or tray is worn for one week and we recommend wearing them 24/7 day and night. The aligners are only removed in order to eat, brush, and floss the teeth. The least amount of time that aligners should be worn is 22 hours a day. Teens and adults choose Invisalign over traditional braces if they want to have somewhat invisible orthodontics and to avoid dealing with potentially uncomfortable wires and brackets. There are also less trips to the orthodontist than with traditional braces as the alignment plan is set, with no need for wire adjustments in the office. In many cases, Invisalign takes less time than traditional braces with an average treatment time of about 12-14 months. The Invisalign trays are unique as your mouth and teeth are unique. Our office uses iTero digital impressions to capture the form and structure of the tooth and gum line into a computer. Our doctors can then use specialized software to plan your unique treatment adjustments. Individually manufactured aligners are precisely made with exact calculations to shift your teeth into their ideal position, giving you a straighter, more beautiful healthier smile. What you receive is all sets of aligners and a planned end date for your treatment. Results are obvious with each tray and each week that passes. You can even remove your trays for that perfect photo or special moment like your wedding or prom. We'll tell you more about Invisalign in this multi-part series, so thanks for reading and stay tuned. --- - Published: 2017-08-05 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bottled-water-an-expensive-mistake/ Bottled water. A much improved beverage choice to sodas, energy drinks, alcoholic drinks, and related, but is it all that good for your health? Tap water water fluoridation and fluoridated toothpaste are the primary methods for getting fluoride in contact with the teeth. The fact is, that bottled water may not provide the same levels of fluoride protection that most tap water does. The ADA suggests that consumers check labels on their bottled water for fluoride content. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration's current regulations don't require bottled water companies to include the fluoride content on labels unless it is an addition to the water. You can contact the company if you have additional questions about fluoride levels in their beverages. To help prevent tooth decay, the ADA identifies 0. 7 to 1. 2 as optimum levels of fluoride. One ppm is equal to 1 mg/L. In addition to possibility of reduced fluoride, here are some more reasons to choose the tap over the bottle. Plastic bottles are not sustainable, even with recycling. Some bottled water is actually only expensive tap water. Re-usable water bottles (BPA-free or stainless steel) are even more chic, and you can add ice. Many plastic water bottles seep toxic chemicals into the water they contain. This is especially true when bottles are left in the heat such as a in a hot car. Advising our Florida friends to keep those water bottles away from excess heat. Dr. Ernest McDowell also warns, "The flavored and carbonated waters that we see on store shelves contain more acid—citric and other fruit acids. These only cause tooth erosion and damage to tooth enamel. You don't have to worry about brushing your teeth after drinking tap water, but with flavored or carbonated water, you do. " Dr. Randy Feldman adds, "It may also be true that home water treatment systems are removing important fluoride from your diet. Check the manuals and websites for these devices to determine their effect on fluoride. We're supposed to drink eight to ten cups of water a day. Make sure they count. Stay hydrated my friends. " --- - Published: 2017-07-21 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/national-cleft-craniofacial-awareness-prevention-month/ July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, an effort to raise awareness and improve understanding of birth defects of the head and face, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's also a cause very near and dear to the doctors of Blue Wave Orthodontics. Craniofacial (relating to the bones of the skull and face) abnormalities–such as cleft palate–can occur at birth and are considered to be among the most common of all birth defects (1 in 750 births). If these conditions are left untreated, they can cause problems with nursing, feeding, speech, and hearing as the child develops and grows. They can also cause many problems for adults who are unable to have the abnormalities treated at a young age. We want to share with our patients just how important this cause is so you can get involved and help those in need! Many of the doctors and team members at our practice have experience helping treat these conditions and champion those affected by it. Here is an example of the work Blue Wave Orthodontic doctors volunteer and give their time to help those in need: Before & After Dr. Feldman is a member of the American Cleft Palate Association and has been the team orthodontist for the USF craniofacial/cleft palate team since 1984. He's helped a total of 3,500 craniofacial patients over his career! Dr. Brockway also volunteers on the All Children's Cleft Lip and Palate team every month and provides orthodontic and dental advice to make sure these patients are well treated. You can learn more about and get involved with this cause through awesome organizations like The Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association ! You can learn more about and get involved with this cause through awesome organizations like The Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association ! --- - Published: 2017-07-05 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/travelling-with-traditional-braces/ Last month we released a blog about traveling with Invisalign, but what about those with traditional braces? Wondering what tips we have for you? Read on. Before you leave for your Summer trip, let's talk. We can help you to set an appointment for a quick checkup right before your travels. Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, or Dr. Chelsea Brockway will check that your brackets are secure, there are no loose wires, and that nothing is currently uncomfortable. Be sure to pack all the things you may need while not at home, including extra wax or rubber bands. It’s not uncommon with braces, to have a broken or loose wire that pokes and irritate your cheek. The best way to remedy that until you can get in to the office and have it clipped is ball up a small piece of wax, and put it right over the offending area. Push it down and it will give you a lot of comfort until you are able to get to the office and we can clip the wire there. Additionally, our doctors can give you the name of an orthodontist in the area of your travel in case you need to be seen for an emergency appointment before you return. Blue Wave Orthodontics wishes you safe and memorable travels with family and friends this Summer! --- - Published: 2017-06-28 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/inspired-to-travel-with-invisalign/ One of our team members stumbled upon a website called North to South, because of its blog entry on traveling with Invisalign. The post totally nails it and is a fun read, so we encourage you to check it out. As Summer is a perfect time to travel, we'll share some of the key points with you, along with a few extras. North to South is the adventure lifestyle blog of nomadic entrepreneurs Diana Southern and Ian Norman. According to their website, In 2014 they called it quits on what they called their normal American lives, started online businesses, and set out to explore the world. Seems like they are succeeding and finding ways to encourage others to also become more mobile and global. It just so happens that Diana, although travelling for extended periods of time to Europe, New Zealand, and other points of destination was also an Invisalign patient in the United States. She includes that she did have to go 10 weeks vs 6 without a check-in with her orthodontist, but she shared that with her doctor and did a great job with living and traveling with her Invisalign trays. Diana carried a folding travel toothbrush and toothpaste in her purse for long travel days but says she used mostly rinsed and then brushed as soon as she got back to her hotel. She mentioned the minor embarrassment she felt with all of the public removal of her trays to eat street food while traveling in Europe, but said she quickly got over that. The author stressed her care in not losing any of the 10 trays she carried, as she would have to stick with the last successful tray for the remainder of her trip. She mentioned putting her aligner in her case and zipping it away in her purse before eating or drinking. We like that planning. Dr. Randy Feldman shares, "when traveling with Invisalign, the same rules apply as when home. Invisalign ONLY works while you are wearing the aligners. The exceptions are to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. 22 hours is the least amount of time to wear your aligners to be effective! " Dr. Ernest McDowell adds, "So this means, that you have to plan your meals carefully, and that includes drinking coffee, wine, and non-water beverages. Those all take away from that two allotted hours. You have to be very careful to brush after any beverages that stain, and that isn't always easy when away from home, but Diana Southern is a great example of someone who knows what she wants and takes the steps to achieve it. " The Blue Wave Orthodontics Team inspires you to visit Florida, the United States, and beyond while in Invisalign treatment. Just be sure to keep your Blue Wave appointments and to make sure we answer any questions you may have before you hit the road. --- - Published: 2017-06-22 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/our-new-website-is-making-waves/ Not only are we making waves as the top orthodontic provider in seven Tampa Bay locations, but we think our new website is the crest of a monster wave! Thank you for checking out this latest blog, on that very website. Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, and Dr. Chelsea Brockway all had a hand in the amazing content and features of the site, and they each highlight just some of their favorite features in this post. Dr. Feldman absolutely loves the new site, but when asked to pick a favorite section he had this to say, "Our Team is the part of the website that I'm most proud of; because I'm also proud of our team! Dr. McDowell and I bring our 65 years of combined leadership to this group, but have also brought our amazing staff together. Each role is critical and we have the right people in place, to bring the best service to our clients! Love the Blue Wave polos and all of their smiling faces. I encourage you to meet our wonderful and talented staff. " Dr. McDowell feels that our Invisalign section is worthy of our top 1% provider status, and offers these thoughts. "Our website has all the right information on both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, and is a great resource for current and potential patients 24/7. We have details on costs, benefits, expectations, our expertise, and so much more. It's great that our patients can read about our 3D digital impressions, the Invisalign process, and can even book their free consultation. " Dr. Brockway is a fan of our orthodontic blog. She says, "I'm impressed with the blogs that moved from Dr. Feldman's website to Blue Wave, and the ones we have added since. I hope that our patients find these posts as informative and timely as I do. What a great forum to highlight our remarkable patients, local and national charitable causes, dental health topics, updates in our practice, and so much more. We are all contributing to the blog, have some great ones in the works, and hope you keep reading. " Dr. Feldman adds, "We worked to create our Blue Wave Orthodontics web presence with Malcolm Bowen and his team at eNox Media. They continue to amaze me and have been a huge part of the marketing and branding of Feldman Orthodontics going back fifteen years. I'm thrilled to be working with the growing eNox and Blue Wave teams as we continue to add even more features to the site. " --- - Published: 2017-06-17 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/celebrate-oral-health-month-and-give-kids-a-smile/ June is Oral Health Month, and the American Dental Association (ADA) and Colgate have teamed up a second year to celebrate, promote oral health, and to give kids a smile. So this month is dedicated to Share More Time, Share More Smiles, a public awareness campaign that encourages Hispanic families to establish healthy oral health habits. This month, Colgate will donate $1 to the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids a Smile program (with a minimum donation of $10,000 and a maximum donation of $40,000) every time you share or like a photo of yourself or someone you know practicing good dental hygiene habits on social media. Use the hashtag #TimetoSmile in your post to make it count. A great number of dental teams and people participated last year, and those photos made a difference. The Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program was launched in 2003 by the ADA, and has provided more than 5. 5 million underserved children with free oral health services. These services are provided by volunteers, including approximately 30,000 dentists annually, and 30,000 other dental team members. Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, and Dr. Chelsea Brockway invite you to check out some of the great resources that the Colgate put together for Oral Health month including their oral care tips and activities. They are in English and Spanish. --- - Published: 2017-06-06 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/one-million-invisalign-teen-patients-brings-big-donation/ Align Technology, the company that created Invisalign and Invisalign Teen announced in late May that 1 million teenage patients have started treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable. Because these aligners can be removed, they allow teens to continue their normal brushing and flossing regimen. The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic, and have no wires to break or create discomfort. Align stated in their press release, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also reaffirming our commitment to helping provide treatment to children around the world born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Align Technology will donate $1 to Operation Smile for every public shared or posted photo of a person’s smile on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #1millionteensmiles or #4millionsmiles — for a total donation of up to $1 million*. ” Blue Wave Orthodontics contributed to the success of Invisalign by creating over 4,500 smiles (Adult and Teen) to become part of the top 1% of the providers in the world. Dr. Randy Feldman and Dr. Ernest McDowell as you to join our team in celebrating 1 million Invisalign teen patients and in bringing needed treatment to kids around the world by sharing a picture on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #1millionteensmiles or #4millionsmiles. * Align Technology donation pledge through March 3, 2018. To date, Align has donated US$350 thousand to Operation Smile as part of the #3millionsmiles campaign launched on March 3, 2015 and the #4millionsmiles campaign launched on September 7, 2016. The #4millionsmiles and #1millionteensmiles campaigns continue this pledge to Operation Smile. Facebook shares must be made public in order to trigger the donation. Restrictions apply. See the full terms and conditions at Invisalign. com. --- - Published: 2017-05-25 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-and-mcdowell-orthodontics-making-waves-as-blue-wave-orthodontics/ Dr. Randy Feldman of Feldman Orthodontics and Dr. Ernest McDowell of McDowell Orthodontics are pleased to announce a merger of their 65 years of orthodontic experience in Tampa Bay as a combined business partnership, called Blue Wave Orthodontics. Dr. Chelsea Brockway, a St Petersburg native, also brings her talents and expertise to the team. Blue Wave Orthodontists have the collective Invisalign experience of over 4,500 cases and among the Top 1% of Providers Worldwide! Dr. Feldman started his Orthodontic practice in 1982 on Florida Avenue in North Tampa. Feldman Orthodontics was the first orthodontic practice to open South of Kennedy in over 25 years and was very happy to open in South Tampa in October 1989. Dr. Feldman added, “I had been established in North Tampa on Florida Avenue since 1982, however, we had lots of patient requests to open in South Tampa. ” Dr. McDowell has been in practice since 1987; providing 30 years of experience, with over 15,000 happy patients. Having three convenient locations in Pinellas County, they are well connected within the communities of Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, and all beach communities. Regarding the partnership and current campaign, Dr. Feldman says, "We're Making Waves, because this merger is the beginning of many great things to come for our patients, team members, and community. ” Dr. McDowell adds, “This new venture will allow us to provide care to more patients with better scheduling, provide better opportunities for our team members, and give us more resources to more positively impact our community. All of these things will Make Waves in the lives of those connected with the practice and beyond. ” Our team at Blue Wave Orthodontics has been communicating with our current patients that the merger means better care and easier scheduling now with 7 locations throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and south of the Skyway. Another big part of the message is that Dr. Feldman and Dr. McDowell are not retiring and remain the primary orthodontist for current patients. This new venture will allow Blue Wave Orthodontics to provide care to more patients, create better opportunities for our team members, and give us more resources to positively impact our community. All of these things will Make Waves in the lives of those connected with the practice and beyond. --- - Published: 2017-05-21 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/meet-the-remarkable-miss-tampa-olivia-butler/ On February 4, Olivia Butler was crowned Miss Tampa, and now she has her sights on the title of Miss Florida (June 27 to July 1 of this year). Olivia also has the distinction of being one of our remarkable Blue Wave Orthodontics patients! Olivia graduated from Wake Forest University in 2015 and earned a degree in Health Communication. She is a vocalist and had a wonderful performance during the Miss Tampa pageant, which counted as 30% of her score. As the Miss Tampa winner, she earned $5,000 in scholarships! She plans to apply that funding to medical school in the coming years. We learned that the Miss Tampa competition is the oldest preliminary competition still existing in the state of Florida, having crowned its first winner in 1946. This is all a part of the Miss America system which each year awards $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance at events across the country. During a visit to Blue Wave Orthodontics, Olivia shared her thoughts about having a nice smile and sharing it with others. “When you have a warm and jovial expression on your face, it’s kind of an opening to say ‘I want to go talk to that girl. ’” And that conversation can lead to an opportunity to maybe make an impact on that person or an opportunity for me to better represent my city. ” Another great piece of advice that Olivia had when asked about social media and teens. “You can’t equate your self-worth with the number of likes on a picture. We have now tied too much of our self-esteem to hearts on a picture. ” We think that is very important too. Wise beyond her years. Wishing her much success in the Miss Florida pageant and beyond. A truly remarkable young woman, who is doing a great deal of charity work as a part of Miss Tampa and in general. We’re extremely proud to see a patient that we first met as a child, as a lovely, smart, and articulate representative of Tampa! --- - Published: 2017-04-28 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/three-reasons-why-summer-is-a-great-time-to-start-invisalign-teen/ Invisalign Teen, orthodontic treatment can be started at any time, but as we approach summer, our Blue Wave Orthodontics team shares three reasons why it’s a great time to start your teen’s treatment. As you may know, Invisalign uses a series of progressively changing transparent aligners that are each worn for two weeks. These aligners are precisely made with exact calculations to shift your teeth into their ideal position, giving your teen a straighter, more beautiful smile. So, here’s three reasons why Summer is the perfect time to make your initial appointment with Blue Wave Orthodontics about Invisalign Teen. 1) Time for appointments: Without the obligations of school, teens have more time for orthodontic appointments. You might have more time yourself, especially at the end of vacations or staycations. 2) Time to get used to life with Invisalign: There are some adjustments to make, but not as many as with traditional braces. Your teen can brush, floss, and eat without restrictions. The Invisalign tray is removed during that time. They will have to get used to wearing the trays for most of the day, keeping them clean, and changing to the next tray as prescribed. 3) Results starting to show for back-to-school: If your teen starts treatment in April or May, there will be dental adjustments that begin to show, even while wearing Invisalign. The treatment won’t be complete for the first day of school, but confidence will have risen and a new and improving smile will be ready to share. All of our Blue Wave orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers AND Teen providers! Additionally, our Blue Wave Ortho practice is the ONLY Invisalign Premier Provider SUPER ELITE designate in the Tampa Bay Area. In fact, we are also very PROUD have a “Top 1% in the world” designation as well. Dr. Feldman started with Invisalign in 1999 and has treated almost 3,000 patients, while Dr. McDowell is close behind with over 2,000 patients! ! Your teen’s first appointment is a free consultation, so schedule time for a quick and painless visit with us. The results could be life-changing for your teen’s oral health and self-esteem. --- - Published: 2017-04-24 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/doing-our-part-to-educate-millennials-via-social-media/ A recent article in Forbes magazine answers the question, “Does Social Media Influence Millennials' Healthcare Decisions? ” and it turns out, we at Blue Wave Orthodontics were “spot on” with our assumptions on this topic. According to the piece, “over 75% of Americans use social media to research their symptoms. Also, 90% of people aged 18 to 24 stated they trust medical info shared on their social feeds. ” Millennials see social media as a trustworthy source for medical information, and we do our best to share timely and accurate information on dental health and orthodontic issues via our blogs and posts. Please check this out on our new website coming soon (May 14)! Another fact that we found interesting, was that as many as 42% of people check social media reviews before choosing a provider or making other healthcare decisions. Good thing our happy patients are always saying great things about us! We feel more fortunate and blessed to have provided amazing care and outstanding results over the last 65 years! Dr. Feldman; 35 years this June 2017. Dr. McDowell 30 years this past January 2017! We’re also happy to say we are doing two things that the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) are recommending of healthcare providers. 1) Offering useful content where consumers are. 2) Facilitating real time conversation. We love getting questions and discussion on our Facebook and other social channels about dental health and our specialty, orthodontics. Social media is a great tool for gaining insights, but be cautious about the source of all facts, and always seek the advice of a professional vs self-diagnosing any medical issues. We’re available basically 24/7 to discuss your orthodontic and dental questions, so ask away. Blue Wave is “here for you! ” --- - Published: 2017-04-16 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/ April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to note that oral cavity and oropharynx cancers account for 2. 9 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States and 1. 6 percent of cancer deaths. This month, Blue Wave Orthodontics shares the American Dental Association’s concerns and recognition that early detection has huge potential to improve treatment outcomes. Your dentist is looking for cavities during regular check-ups, but has also been trained to screen for cancer at the same time. “It’s estimated that approximately 49,750 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue in 2017. ” You may feel like skipping dental appointments is acceptable, especially if you are taking great care of your teeth, but regular visits to your dentist can help you detect such cancers early. What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer? It’s important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and to see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks. Red or white patches Pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips A sore or irritation that doesn't go away A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth Changing a few potentially harmful habits may help reduce your chances of developing cancer. Here are the risk factors. Tobacco Use: We can’t stress this one enough. Smoking can cause oral cancer, among the other cancer risks. Chewing tobacco ... puts the cheek, gums, and lips at risk. Pipe smokers are also at risk for cancer in their lips. Drinking: According to the American Cancer Society, 7 out of 10 oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking is defined as two drinks or more a day for men and one drink a day for women. Paired with smoking, your chances of developing oral cancer rise dramatically. Sun Exposure: People who have exterior jobs or who have prolonged sun exposure are at risk to developing lip cancer. UV protection is advised. Poor Nutrition: Diets that are low in fruits and vegetables may increase your chances of developing oral cancer. Improve your diet for even another good reason. We add that men are twice more likely to get oral cancer and most are age 55 or older. The ADA attributes this high-risk to higher rates of alcohol and drug use, and to the growing number of younger men being exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV), so be safe. --- - Published: 2017-02-28 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/32-predictors-of-a-long-life/ 32 predictors of a long life. Can you guess what any of them are? If you said teeth, you're 100% right. There is some new research published in Periodontology 2000 that supports the theory that tooth loss can be used to determine quality of life and to predict a person's life expectancy. Makes sense right? Those who have a full set of teeth when they are 74-years-old are more likely to reach 100, scientists say. Tooth loss is related to diet, habits (smoking, eg. ), the amount of care and attention given to teeth, and to life stresses. The study states that stress includes social, emotional, economic and educational experiences as well as chronic diseases, genetic conditions and lifestyle choices. The research also showed that people who had lost five or more teeth by the age of 65 were also more likely to suffer from other serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. All of these also could severely limit a person’s life expectancy. The study also mentions tooth loss as a cause for issues with eating and thus nutrition. Definitely a vicious cycle of problems. In years of clinical studies in relation to periodontal (gum disease) and endocarditis (heart disease) the straighter the teeth the less risk. Dr. Feldman explains, "with straight, properly aligned teeth bacteria and plaque have much less opportunity to stick in the little nooks and crannies and accumulate. Thus, the basic mechanics of good oral hygiene are SO MUCH more effective and even lessens chances of gum and heart disease! ! So, ... if you want to live longer get straight teeth and brush them well! It will add at least 10 years to your life! ! " We're orthodontists, but we were dentists first. Perfecting smiles only works with a good foundation and attention to care. You've all probably seen that meme "You don't have to brush all your teeth. Just the ones you want to keep. " Of course that's true. Brushing, flossing, cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, and visiting the dentist will help you keep your teeth, and will help you live a long and healthy life. Here's to a healthy, happy you. --- - Published: 2017-02-22 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/20th-anniversary-of-invisalign/ Our doctors at Blue Wave Orthodontics recently received an email from Chris Puco, Vice President and Managing Director, North America of Align Technology that really got us excited and made us reflect on a substantial part of our time making smiles. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Align Technology. The Invisalign® system has evolved substantially over the last two decades, and today it is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world. The letter reminded us of the anniversary, and how dedicated Align is to the success of the Invisalign® system and iTero® technology. One billion invested in development alone. They are working on a new Invisalign Concierge Service, which will make it easier for providers like Blue Wave Ortho to become your smile provider. (Assistance for patients with locating providers and with scheduling). But the most exciting news was a NEW product! At the end of this month they launch Invisalign® Lite, a new 14-stage Invisalign clear aligner product, which is designed specifically for mild to moderate cases. An even more wonderful smile awaits so many new patients. The best is yet to come! --- - Published: 2017-01-31 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/welcoming-dr-frank-sierra-to-kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry/ Our Blue Wave Dental Group family is growing! We welcome Tampa native, Dr. Frank Sierra and staff to our growing team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Sierra Pediatric Dentistry and Laser Center has been treating pediatric patients at 6323 Memorial Hwy, Tampa, FL 33615 since 1994. They are now our pediatric dental partner, and are becoming our newest Kids Smiles location. Dr. Sierra graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelors degree in Natural Sciences and Master of Science in Public Health. He earned Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Florida College of Dentistry with awards in pediatrics. He completed his residency training in pediatric dentistry at University of Florida-Shands Hospital. He is board certified in pediatric dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sierra is a member of the Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. He has served as President of Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Dr. Sierra is on the clinical faculty at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. He is an author and has made national presentations in the dental care of the child with facial differences. He has been involved in family-centered care and oral health care for children with special needs for over 20 years. Like the entire Blue Wave Dental Group family, Dr. Sierra and his wife Theresa are very involved in the community. They stay busy with the activities of their five children. Dr. Sierra is pleased to be working with Dr. Brandon Larkin, who has been a Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentist since October 2016. Dr. Larkin graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2014 with a D. D. S. degree. He then trained in Pediatric Dentistry at Miami Children’s Hospital. To request a complimentary consultation, please fill out the form at the Kids Smiles website. Someone from the Kids Smiles office will contact you within one business day to schedule. If, for any reason, this fails to occur, please be kind enough to call them directly at your nearest location and we will definitely handle your request. --- - Published: 2017-01-24 - Modified: 2026-03-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-pirates-are-coming/ Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics was all smiles to see the latest cover of South Tampa Magazine. He has been a participant in Gasparilla since 1997 as a part of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) and is featured on the January 2017 cover in full pirate garb. More photos and fun facts about his gear and that of his fellow crew members is also on the South Tampa Magazine website in their A Gasparilla Life For You feature. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest returns on Saturday, January 28 and will once again take Tampa Bay by storm. Learn more about the history of the event, and how to attend at the official website. Dr. Feldman and the Blue Wave Orthodontics team participated in the Children's Parade on Saturday, January 21. The history of Feldman Orthodontics and this parade dates back to 2004. Photos of the team at the parade are posted in a Facebook album. If you've never taken the kids to the Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza, do make plans to come out next year. It's not just a parade. There is usually a preschoolers stroll, a bicycle and pedestrian rodeo, air invasion demonstrations by the US Special Operations Jump Team, and last but not least an amazing fireworks show over Tampa Bay. Fantastic! Inspired by the Legend of Pirate Jose Gaspar, YMKG was founded in 1904 as an organization dedicated to enriching the vitality and imagination of Tampa and the surrounding community. Learn more about YMKG, the Children's Parade, and the Invasion and Parade of Pirates at the official YMKG site and the Gasparilla site. Hope to see you there! --- - Published: 2016-12-31 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/7-reasons-teens-love-invisalign/ As we enter 2017, a time of new beginnings and new possibilities, we're taking a moment to tell or remind you just some of the reasons why teens love or prefer Invisalign Teen. Invisalign Teen is the clear alternative to traditional braces! Unlike traditional wired braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable. Clear Appearance Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually undetectable. This allows teens to straighten their teeth without anyone ever noticing that they are going through treatment. Removable You must remove your aligners to eat, drink, and brush and can remove them for that special occasion, meaning that, unlike some other orthodontic treatments, there are no foods you have to avoid and you can maintain your current dental hygiene regimen. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Eat Anything Teen trays must be removed prior to eating, and for your lucky teen (and you possibly as meal maker) this means no dining restrictions. Those with traditional braces must refrain from eating sticky foods, hard rolls, hard fruit, corn on the cob, popcorn and so much more, but with Invisalign those restrictions are not an issue. Active Lifestyle Teens who are already engaging in sports or physical activity don't need to change their lifestyle or worry about brackets and wires doing damage. The Invisalign Teen trays are a smooth fit, and let them play their best. Dental Hygiene The Invisalign trays are removed in order to brush and floss, and that makes good oral hygiene easier and quicker to achieve. Your teen will also need to clean the trays, but that also makes them feel more comfortable and fresh. Comfort Invisalign is made of a smooth, comfortable material. There are no wires to poke or brackets to break with Invisalign so it is much more comfortable for you to wear and live with. Fewer Orthodontic Visits With Invisalign Teen there is generally less time in our office than with other treatments. Appointments are needed about every 10-12 weeks with the average treatment time with Invisalign being about 10-14 months. There's so much more to say such as Invisalign is more precise than traditional braces, there's no impressions or dental goo necessary, your teen's plan is custom, efficient, and they know exactly when the results will be complete. We'll be happy to go over the details with you when you are ready to know more. All of our Blue Wave orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers AND Teen providers! Additionally, our Blue Wave Ortho practice is the ONLY Invisalign Premier Provider SUPER ELITE designate in the Tampa Bay Area. In fact, we are also very PROUD have a “Top 1% in the world” designation as well. Dr. Feldman started with Invisalign in 1999 and has treated almost 3,000 patients, while Dr. McDowell is close behind with over 2,000 patients! ! Share this blog with your teen, to see if this gets them to feel more comfortable about correcting... --- - Published: 2016-12-27 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/ortho-friendly-cooking-for-2017/ This is the time of year when many of us make new year's resolutions and plans for self-improvement. Besides the usual ones of better diet and fitness, focusing on better dental care can't be overlooked as a great goal. Setting a better example for your children and taking better care of your own teeth can make all the difference in your dental and overall health. We thought of a resolution that you might want to challenge yourself with as well. How about more variety in food preparation for yourself or any family members that have traditional braces? Once traditional dental treatment begins, we explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list regarding foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, popcorn, and all sticky foods (ie: gum, taffy,and caramel). Many emergency appointments can be avoided to repair damaged braces or appliances by carefully following our instructions. But, after looking at what you shouldn't eat, many would benefit from more ideas on what you can safely eat. Google and the internet can be a great help to finding braces-friendly recipes, but there are also books available at Amazon. com or from your local bookstore that can be a great gift for yourself or someone that you know is struggling with meal preparation. Two of these books are listed below with a brief synopsis and links. The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (and Your Orthodontist) Will Love (Amazon) "Presenting 50 comfort food recipes developed by and for braces wearers, this indispensable collection offers real food choices that the whole family will enjoy. This updated edition provides sensitive substitutions for classic favorites and new recipe additions that even kids can make, including five new snack ideas. Sections for packing lunches, comfort care, and cooking tips have been greatly expanded to give patients and their families everything they need to support positive orthodontic experiences. Also included are updated web resources, fun dental and orthodontic trivia, an orthodontic terms glossary, and reminders about foods to avoid. " The Braces Cookbook 2: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch (Amazon) "Created specifically for adults with braces, this cookbook features a full range of flavor-filled dishes through easy, stay-soft recipes and comfort food tips for any kind of braces—metal, ceramic, behind-the-teeth, or aligner-type. The recipes range from basic ideas made from around-the-house ingredients to meals with true gourmet touches, including breakfasts, appetizers, desserts, entrees, and vegetarian dishes. This book is ideal for eating well at home, on the road, and at the office. Savvy tips for being confident in braces at work are also included. " Happy cooking and Happy New Year! --- - Published: 2016-12-23 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/plaque-hd-identifies-the-problem-and-could-save-your-smile/ It's not everyday in our blog where we recommend a specific product, but not a day goes by in our practice where we don't recommend a plaque identifying toothpaste called Plaque HD® for our patients. A recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine showed that significant reductions in dental plaque and inflammation throughout the body occurred in individuals who brushed with Plaque HD® vs those who had not. The observed reduction in inflammation supports the hypothesis of a reduction in risks of cardiovascular disease by reducing plaque. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics outlines three benefits of the product below, and found this illustrative YouTube video from the manufacturer. Dr. Feldman adds, "the video is great because it features statements from both dental professionals and patients, and most importantly shows you how it identifies plaque while brushing. " Plaque HD® technology Quickly identifies plaque by turning it green during brushing. Shows you exactly where to concentrate your brushing. Makes the benefits of good oral hygiene more fun and interesting. Dr. Feldman summarizes his recommendation with a few closing thoughts. "You might think you are doing all you can to fight plaque, and that you are brushing properly, but the green reaction tends to show otherwise. What a great opportunity to identify your problem brushing areas and to practice better dental habits. Add Plaque HD® to your new year's resolutions, and smile at the results. " If you've tried the product, send us your comments on Facebook. We'd love to hear your opinion too. Did it make you a better brusher? --- - Published: 2016-12-19 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/robert-schofner-honored-as-lightning-community-hero/ We are so proud of our patient Robert Schofner! The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Robert as the 13th Lightning Community Hero of the 2016-17 season during the first period of their December 10, 2016 game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2015 we featured Robert as one of Blue Wave Orthodontics' remarkable patients. At the time, we highlighted that Robert (we're used to calling him Bob) had achieved the level of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. The article at NHL. com highlighting Robert's ongoing achievements and his latest honor mentions, "Schofner has spent time volunteering with Metropolitan Ministries, Tampa General Hospital, and the Judeo Christian Health Clinic. The biggest change Schofner hopes to see in the community is a rise in high school graduation rates amongst male students. " Do take a moment to read this fantastic post about Robert Schofner. He's a remarkable patient and community hero! Robert received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, and will donate $25,000 to the Hillsborough Education Foundation and was given a scholarship grant of $25,000 to assist in his educational pursuits. Way to go Robert! Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics wrote in an email to Robert, "This is a wonderful expose of you, Robert. However, I feel you are even more special because you have a very engaging personality along with all your accomplishments. Your volunteering is exemplary! You are truly... . a leader today and tomorrow! "Dr. Feldman was a Lightning Community Hero in 2015 and was able to donate the $50,000 award to five local non-profits: More Health, Inc; Voices for Children; Humane Society of Tampa Bay; The Vincent House; and Friedrich's Ataxia Research Alliance. We so appreciate Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, his wife, Penny, and the Vinik Family Foundation which launched the Lightning Community Hero program. The good that continues to come to the Tampa Bay community and its non-profits is far-reaching and unprecedented. --- - Published: 2016-11-30 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/amazing-transformation-rachel-fusco/ Rachel Fusco was just age 17 when she underwent 5 and a half hours of Craniofacial surgery by Ernesto Ruas, M. D. , FACS and 12 months of orthodontics with Randy Feldman, D. D. S, M. S. She had an extraordinary transformation and we're so proud of her part in the process. Active participation and a positive outlook is essential on the part of the patient and their loved ones during both the surgery and recovery and in the orthodontic visits and compliance efforts. Dr. Ruas did such a fantastic job in giving Rachel the proper bone and jaw structure for her orthodontic adjustments. We highly recommend all of his surgical and non-surgical treatments if you are in need. Rachel's before photos are those on top. We have an additional set of photos on our Facebook page. As you can see, she has much reason to smile. Her surgery and orthodontic work has improved her bite, health, and self-esteem. Rachel and our entire team are thrilled to post her success story! --- - Published: 2016-11-27 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-alexander-correa/ Alexander Correa is a male ballet dancer, model, actor, musical artist, poet and a remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics. Alex began his dance training at nine years old with the Patel Conservatory’s Next Generation Ballet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa where he studied ballet along with other styles of dance for seven years. Alex then moved to Portugal where he spent seven months training under the license of the National Ballet of Cuba under a merit scholarship. Alex has performed in more than 100 ballet and theater productions. He has appeared in national TV commercials and his dance photos appear on greeting cards Now back home in Tampa, Alex continues to dance while attending the creative writing program at Blake High School of the Arts to further pursue his love for writing music lyrics and poetry. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer remarked, "Alexander is truly a unique and talented young man. He's very dedicated to his craft and everything he approaches. We wish him continued success and smiles! " Are you, or do you know any remarkable patients? Let us know, and maybe you will be the next to be featured on our website and social media. --- - Published: 2016-11-23 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/6-oral-health-reasons-to-quit-smoking-and-tobacco/ November is a great month to begin your journey to quitting smoking and tobacco. Not only is it a month that includes the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event, third Thursday of November, but why wait till the new year to set some resolutions. By the way, even if you missed the event, you can still visit their website at anytime for some great resources. This set of facts from the Great American Smokeout site really needs to be seen. "About 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. While cigarette smoking rates have dropped (from 42% in 1965 to 17% in 2014), cigar, pipe, and hookah – other dangerous and addictive ways to smoke tobacco – are very much on the rise. Smoking kills people – there’s no “safe” way to smoke tobacco. " Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer reminds us that "it shouldn't be a surprise that cigarettes and tobacco products are also harmful to oral health. " Tobacco products can cause bad breath, but that’s only the beginning. Oral health impacts of smoking and tobacco products include: stained teeth and tongue dulled sense of taste and smell slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems gum disease oral cancer Quitting is the only way to decrease your risk of the issues above, two of which can be fatal. The addictive effects of nicotine don't make quitting an easy venture, that’s why it’s important to have a plan and a support network, people to help you stick to your plan. Talk to your dentist or doctor to see if the medications available would help you to stop using tobacco. In writing this blog, we also came across something very timely on the American Lung Association website, 5 Tips to Get Through the Holidays without Smoking. This easily relates to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and all of your end-of-year fun. We encourage you to read it further, but in short: 1) Have a plan, 2) Expect and resist your urges, 3) Change up your routine, 4) Remember, this too shall pass, and 5) Don't go it alone. --- - Published: 2016-11-19 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tips-to-help-prevent-tooth-staining/ A recent Reader's Digest article had some nice tips on preventing your teeth from staining that go beyond the basic common sense ones. The article uses coffee as an example of one of the things that can stain teeth. It mentions that your enamel (the hard outer coating) of your teeth has microscopic gaps. Those gaps get food and drink particles embedded and the longer they stay there, the more discoloring can occur to the other layers of your teeth. We like 7 out of their 8 tips to preventing staining. Here they are. 1) Brushing No surprises here, right? Brushing removes plaque, and use of a whitening toothpaste even goes further to keeping those pearly whites ... well white. 2) Flossing Goes hand in hand with brushing. Flossing just takes a few minutes daily, morning and night and helps to remove the plaque between teeth. Even that plaque causes staining, and worse (tooth decay). 3) Use a Straw The less liquid that touches the teeth, the better. Drinking with a straw, say in the case of ice coffee can limit the possibility of staining, by keeping the coffee off your smile. 4) Make a Whitening Paste At Home Mixing small amount of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, creates a pretty effective home whitening paste. Done right, it shouldn't be runny OR too gritty. It should be just in between those textures. 5) Milk Milk added to your tea or coffee latches onto the tannins in tea and coffee, according to the article, and eases the staining chances. Sorry dieters, but high-fat milk is best for this purpose. 6) Sip Water Between Cups of Coffee Here's a good one. Drinking water between sips of coffee or tea can help to wash the staining chances away, and as you know ... you're supposed to be drinking more water anyway. 7) Drink It Quickly The longer your teeth are exposed to coffee and tea, the more chance you have of creating stains. We think these tips are pretty good. You might have to add a quick tooth brushing at work, if you drink your coffee on the way to work or at the office. MouthHealthy. org provides additional information on teeth whitening and chewing gum to prevent dental caries. In addition, several whitening toothpastes and a whitening product have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA also provides a list of sugar-free gum brands with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. --- - Published: 2016-11-16 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/tmj-disorders/ What is TMJ Terpomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, are a group of conditions that cause pain and affect the functionality of jaw movement in over 10 million Americans. It occurs more frequently in women, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Symptoms The most common symptoms are pain in the chewing muscles and jaw joint. Some sufferers will also notice limited jaw movement; locking of the jaw; clicking, popping, and noises when opening and/or closing the mouth; and pain in the face and/or neck. Causes The causes are not always clear, but sometimes trauma to the jaw or termporomandibular joint will initiate TMJ. Sometimes it occurs when the upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly. These disorders can also result from teeth grinding or arthritis which can damage the joint. Diagnosing TMJ If you have the symptoms we mentioned earlier, your doctor or dentist will listen for clicking or grinding noises, look for signs of irritation or inflammation in your jaw, and test the flexibility of your jaw movements. In order to properly diagnose it you might also need X-rays or other imaging scans so that your clinician can observe the joint. Initial Treatment In many cases, jaw problems resolve themselves in a few weeks or months. Relief from pain and dysfunction can be found with a combination of some or all of these therapies or suggestions. Moist heat Ice packs Soft diet Over-the-counter analgesics (pain medicine, muscle relaxants, anti-inflamatory medications) Jaw exercises Relaxation techniques Side sleeping Avoid gum chewing and nail biting Follow-up Treatment In some cases an uneven bite may need to be corrected with orthodontics or surgery. Your dentist or orthodontist can suggest the most appropriate therapy or treatment based on the suspected cause of your disorder. --- - Published: 2016-10-28 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/halloween-fun-and-safety-for-kids-and-candy-for-the-troops/ Not only is October a month for trick-or-treating, but its National Orthodontic Health Month. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer wishes you a safe and happy Halloween and has some resources for you, AND is once again collecting candy for the troops! Bring in your Halloween Candy to our offices between November 2 and 12, and we will make sure that it goes to someone in the armed forces who can use a smile from home. For those of you in our rewards program, earn 5 reward points for every pound of candy (up to 5 pounds of candy). You can also earn 5 reward points for writing a letter to the troops – how great is that? Dr. Feldman states, “one of the best dental tips for Halloween is to not keep candy around for too long after the holiday. Of course our candy for the troops program serves dual purpose. ” Here are some other tips and links for your dental health. Those with traditional braces should avoid sticky or hard treats. Better choices are soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, gelatin treats, ice cream, apple cider, pieces of fruit, pumpkin seeds, and related. Our Invisalign patients can enjoy any treats, but like all of us should brush soon afterward. The American Dental Association has some links to more healthy Halloween dental tips, and also some fun games, activity sheets, pumpkin carving stencils, coloring sheets and more. A FREE great resource before and after the holiday. We think these Halloween safety tips for parents and motorists from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is a pretty good read. More safety = more fun for the kids and a happy night for parents. Be sure to share some costume pics on our Facebook. We’d like to see one of those carved jack-o-lanterns too, so get creative and keep smiling. --- - Published: 2016-10-24 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/drs-feldman-and-martini-give-back-to-a-victim-of-domestic-violence/ For National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ABC Action News aired a segment about The Invisibles: Teens Homeless Because of Domestic Violence. If you happened to catch it, you would have seen our own Chief Smile Officer, Dr. Randy Feldman and his friend and colleague Dr. Caitilin Martini of Muscaro & Martini Dentistry teaming up to do good. Displayed prominently on the Blue Wave Orthodontics wall in the video is our “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good” statement. In the video we meet Kelsey Mitchell, who like many victims of domestic violence homes had gone years without seeing a dentist. The story begins almost two years ago when Kelsey was a homeless senior at Robinson High School and her complicated dental needs got the attention of Dr. Feldman and Dr. Martini after being introduced by a very caring person, Vicki Sokolik. Dr. Feldman and Dr. Martini created a treatment plan for Kelsey’s improper bite and inability to chew properly. Both paired up and in time, provided $10,000 in pro-bono dental work for Kelsey. The video and article on the ABC Action News website do an amazing job illustrating the problem and profiling Kelsey as one of many individuals who suffer because of domestic violence situations. Share this link on Taking Action Against Domestic Violence with your family and friends. There are toll-free hotlines, great stories of everyday heroes, and local resources. Dr. Feldman shared, “Kelsey is now a student at FSU and is studying marketing. She’s getting A grades and is an amazing person. We’re all so proud of her, and are very happy to help! She now has a great, healthy smile and is making the most of her educational opportunities. ” Fun Fact: Dr. Caitilin Martini had braces by Dr. Feldman when she was a kid! --- - Published: 2016-10-13 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-smile-partner/ Over the last few months, our patients have seen some emails and social media posts from us about our formation of Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in our Tampa Bay based practices. The response has been great, and we really appreciate it. As Kids Smiles is offering a really great deal this month at their offices in Tampa, Seminole, and Clearwater, we thought we would officially introduce them and the offer via our blog. The Kids Smiles treatment areas were designed specifically for children, adolescents, and early teens. They include open bays, private treatment areas, accessible games, toys, and family movies. We are confident that you and your family will be impressed with Dr. Frank Sierra's care involving you in your child’s treatment every step of the way. Dr. Larkin graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2014 with a D. D. S. degree. He then trained in Pediatric Dentistry at Miami Children’s Hospital. Brooke McGuire, the Kids Smiles Team Leader, has 15 years of experience in the dental field including 5 years working with Feldman Orthodontics. She is ready to give your family a tour and to explain our happy, fun approach to children's dental health. Kids Smiles has a special offer through October 31, 2016 for new patients - a FREE dental exam with X-Rays valued at $195. Visit the Kids Smiles website at kidssmilesdental. com to learn more about Dr. Larkin, the practice, and their services. Sincerely, Dr. Randy Feldman & Dr. Ernest McDowell --- - Published: 2016-09-06 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/september-self-improvement-month/ Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, and Dr. Chelsea Brockway of Blue Wave Orthodontics and their team remind you that September, is Self-Improvement Month. This is an opportunity to contact us for your free orthodontic evaluation. Perhaps your smile has troubled only recently, or possibly for years. One benefit of orthodontic treatment can be a boost in self-esteem and confidence. Be prepared to walk down the aisle feeling beautiful or to take command in the boardroom. These and similar confidence situations come from within, but are affected by how we perceive ourselves and our appearance. Changing your smile ... well it takes time and work between you and your orthodontic team, but the start ... that also comes from within you. This is also an opportunity to seek an orthodontic evaluation for your child or teen. Orthodontic treatment can increase dental and overall health. The benefits of early orthodontic care include: correction of bad dental habits, improved self-esteem, improved speech, positive jaw growth, and planning for incoming teeth. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including: tooth decay, gum disease, bone damage, joint problems, speech problems, chewing difficulty, chipped teeth, and loss of teeth. At the initial exam or doctors can determine each individual's needs. Please call our office today or fill out or online form to schedule a complimentary examination. Blue Wave Orthodontics wishes you the best of luck with all of your self-improvement goals. --- - Published: 2016-08-30 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/discovery-channel-video-motivates-all-to-get-annual-dental-checkups/ It’s just over three minutes in length, but this Discovery Channel video does an excellent job in explaining the 700 types of bacteria which can be present in the mouth, both good and bad, and in encouraging regular dental checkups. The only part they got wrong is in the intro. “No one likes going to the dentist, but you should all go every year. ” Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer adds, “Some people LIKE going to the dentist, and some should go MORE than once a year. ” The video goes on to stress avoidance of infection in “the biggest hole in your head. ” Most people only host between 34 and 72 varieties of bacteria. Some of the bacteria are harmless. Others as the video mentions are probiotics and help you digest food. On to the bad bacteria. Streptococcus mutans feeds on the sugars and starches that you eat and produces enamel-eroding acid as a byproduct. And how about Porphyromonas gingivalis? This bacterium is most clearly associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis, may affect more than 90 percent of people over 13 to some degree, is an inflammation of the tissue that joins the teeth and gums; it’s marked by pain and irreversible loss of attachment of teeth to supporting structures. For most of us, regular check-ups and cleanings can help to eliminate plaque the soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and gum disease if they are not removed regularly through brushing and flossing. The video narrator explains that if not removed, plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which can go below your gumline causing inflammation and infection. That can open a pathway to bacteria into your bloodstream, heart, and other organs. The video cites a number of studies that show the link between oral health and overall health, and oral health and specific health issues. Three minutes and twenty seconds is all it takes to watch the video in its entirety. We guarantee that after you do, you will at least want to brush and floss at your next opportunity, and will consider looking at your calendar to schedule your next visit with a good dentist. Share this video and blog with your friends and family. Keep smiling. --- - Published: 2016-08-10 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/to-floss-or-not-to-floss/ Earlier this month flossing became a controversial topic. I’m sure you caught this in the news, probably several times. CBS, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and your local news were/are all sharing a recent discovery by an Associated Press (AP) journalist. Basically The AP officially asked the departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture for evidence that flossing works to prevent gum disease and cavities. The result was for the guidelines on flossing to quietly disappear from the latest government issued dietary guidelines. So why the change? Well the government reviewed available studies and found them to be “inconsistent/weak” and “very unreliable. ” Since then, the American Dental Association and many prominent dental professionals have come forward in support of flossing for oral health. Care to guess what Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics has to say about flossing? “From my years of dental and orthodontic experience, I have seen the benefits of flossing to prevent decay between teeth. You should floss daily. ” Floss removes the food that brushing cannot reach. It also removes the film of bacteria that forms before turning into plaque. Plaque causes inflamed gums, cavities, and eventually – tooth loss. Many individuals don't know how to floss correctly or simply don't have the dexterity, thus there exists many very viable alternatives to assist in the mechanical removal of plaque and calculus between the teeth that don't require Gold medal gymnastic flexibilty. Just check Just check on-line or at any drugs store or stores like Target, Walmart of Publix in their dental section- often called periodontal aids-these toothpick like devices are usually VERY inexpensive and offer a multitude of colors, textures. angles and shapes to achieve the same goal of correct juxtaposition to remove left over food debris which regular brushing leaves behind! We imagine that many studies will soon be conducted that will eventually prove what we think you already know. Flossing is a good thing, and it’s important for maintaining smiles. --- - Published: 2016-07-28 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/chewing-gum-may-prevent-cavities/ Surprised by the title? Don’t be. We’re talking sugarless gum, one with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal. That seal is your assurance that the gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. So how is this possible? The ADA includes a video and article on its Mouth Healthy website that shares the results of its clinical studies on chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals. The best time for all this chewing is after meals, especially if you don’t have a chance to brush or floss. The chewing increases saliva flow which washes away food and other debris. The saliva also neutralizes the acids that can damage tooth enamel. In fact saliva carries with it more calcium and phosphate to actually strengthen enamel. The short video also lists the following suggestions for better oral health. Eat Healthy Meals Drink Plenty of Water Brush Twice a Day Floss Once a Day Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics reminds you that chewing sugarless gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. He adds, “I enjoy sharing these studies and dental facts with you. Dental education is important to building healthy oral habits and maintaining your smile. ” --- - Published: 2016-07-24 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/u-s-teens-drinking-more-water/ An encouraging title based on an encouraging Centers for Disease Control study using data up to 2015, was brought to my attention by a recent American Dental Association email. The study results, presented in HealthDay News, say that American teens are drinking a third less soda. With all the choices available to them, bottled water has become the drink of choice for many. This is truly a step in the right direction for dental and overall health. Last summer I wrote about the dangers of sugary or energy drinks. It’s worth a read I think as it contains the surprising sugar levels in some of the drinks your teens may be consuming. It also presents the problem of acidity and its role in enamel erosion, tooth decay and more. But back to the good news. The government survey revealed that in 2015: “20 percent of students reported drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage one or more times per day during the previous week, down from 27 percent in 2013 and 34 percent in 2007. 26 percent of teens said they had not consumed any sugary soda at all in the previous seven days, up from 22 percent in 2013 and about 19 percent in 2007. ” The drop in soda consumption is attributed to some of the changes in school cafeterias and vending machines, with reduced or eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages. The study mentions some concerns about teens becoming more interested in energy drinks or other sweetened alternatives; but presents water of all things as the popular alternative. The survey found that “nearly 74 percent of students drank one or more glasses of water per day during the previous week, and 64 percent said they drank two or more glasses of water. ” Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Blue Wave Orthodontics adds, we encourage parents to discuss the importance of drinking water with their children and teens, set a good example, and involve them in reading labels and in healthy grocery shopping. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, can improve your smile in many ways. ” --- - Published: 2016-06-20 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/remarkable-patient-heath-brickman/ Heath is an energetic and passionate third grader at Ballast Point Elementary in Tampa. He loves reading, video games, playing flag football, and wrestling with his brother Seth. When the assignment for his memoir was given by his teacher, the subject was something challenging that the students had to “overcome. ” The third graders wrote a list... and pondered it. Heath chose to write about the challenge of “getting braces on. ” He wanted to show everyone that braces were scary at first, but in the end, not so scary or painful. In his essay, he mentioned that he felt comfortable with the friendly atmosphere of the office, the staff, and Dr. Feldman’s sense of humor. He also loved the hot chocolate in the office, as well. As soon as his memoir was published, he insisted on presenting the book to Dr. Feldman. Dr. Feldman adds, “Heath is a delightful young man, and we enjoy seeing him in the office. Thank you Heath for being remarkable in all that you do, and for choosing to write about your braces experience. Thanks mom, Minna, for the background on Heath and his assignment for this story. Glad we were part of a happy essay. Keep smiling Heath! ” --- - Published: 2016-05-31 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/highlighting-the-humane-society-of-tampa-bay-a-favorite-charity/ Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics has a place in his heart for animal homelessness and well-being and is a big fan and ongoing supporter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. We wanted to take the time to talk about what they do for local pets and to encourage you to adopt, volunteer, and/or give as well. We recently received a nice letter of thanks for our donation to attend Island Paws Party. The letter shared a story that we’ll share with you. The Humane Society Tampa Bay is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. They are a limited admission shelter which only accepts animals that they feel they can find homes for. They are a “No Kill for Space” shelter. This means that the shelter will not euthanize an animal to make space for another animal. They do euthanize animals that are too sick to be treated or too aggressive or behaviorally unsound to be suitable for adoption. Dr. Feldman chose them as one of five local charities, in 2015, when he was honored as the 152nd Lightning Community Hero, and was able to make a $10,000 donation on behalf of the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation. A great opportunity for Tampa Bay’s pets. Another $5,000 was donated by Feldman Orthodontics for this year’s Tuxes and Tails, coming up in the fall. Do take some time to learn about the Humane Society of Tampa Bay by visiting their website and social media profiles: Facebook and Twitter. You can support them by sharing their posts and building awareness for the cause. You can view adoptable dogs and cats on their website, and can also make a donation. Giving of your time is also appreciated greatly by the charity, so here’s some information about becoming a volunteer. We can’t say enough, about how much we love HSTB! --- - Published: 2016-05-17 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/no-complaints-with-invisalign-teen/ NO complaints among teens are rare, so a more accurate title would be LESS complaints WITH Invisalign Teen. However, NOW that we have your attention, what parent wouldn’t appreciate less complaints, right? You’ll be happier too, if your teen is happy. So what prompts us to make these exciting claims and what is Invisalign? Read on. The Invisalign teen system is a type of "CLEAR braces" that straighten the teeth, but as the name implies, are nearly invislble. Your child’s Invisalign Teen system includes clear aligners that are custom-made for them, with an individual treatment plan personally devised by Dr. Feldman who is in the top 1% of all Invisalign and Invisalign Teen providers in the world! The aligners must be worn for most of the day and all night during treatment, but are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing. So let’s go over some common teen complaints, including those about traditional braces. Mom, I’m going to look ugly in my school photo with these metal braces! Invisalign Teen is nearly invisible anyway; but, they are also self-removable. No more braces in those important school, prom, or family photos. Dad, my braces have so much gross food in them! No braces or wires are a part of Invisalign Teen, so your teen can (and should) brush and floss normally. Mom, I want candy, bubble gum, and taffy! Well, we’re not huge fans of the stuff and with traditional braces our clients MUST avoid many varieties of food, especially the sticky gooey candy stuff. But hey, this is Invisalign Teen and guess what ... your teen can and will eat anything. The aligners must be removed while eating, and that’s why anything goes. We still advise against such an atrocious diet, however for the occasional moment of sweet weakness it can be satisfied! Dad, my braces are poking me! It’s true. Sometimes traditional braces will create an uncomfortable situation because of a stray wire or missing bracket. Invisalign Teen is a smooth operator though. The aligners do a great job in straightening the teeth, and ALSO feel smooth and are very form-fitting. In other words, no emergencies or traumatic issues with Invisalign Teen. Mom, my teeth hurt after my braces adjustment! This is another common complaint about traditional braces, but is extremely UN-common with Invisalign Teen. There are no painful adjustments or procedures with Invisalign. The clear aligners move the teeth in micro-adjustments (weekly at Feldman Orthodontics) and this results in less discomfort, less complaints. Dad, I lost my Invisalign tray! Let’s face it. Teens loose stuff. If your teen loses an aligner, they can skip to the next week’s tray. Most Invisalign Teen treatment uses two-week aligners, however, Dr. Feldman creates enough so that trays are CHANGED WEEKLY! We will also replace any lost trays at no charge. Mom, OMG these appointments take forever! With Invisalign Teen, you will generally spend less time in our office than you would with other treatments. Invisalign Teen appointments are usually only 10-15 minutes... --- - Published: 2016-05-10 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2016-college-scholarship-winners/ Each year Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics, awards an outstanding graduating senior, or two in this case, with a $1,500 scholarship to the college of their choice. An essay competition is held for graduating seniors and a winner selected for their response to the question, "What a smile means to me! " This year there were 65 entries, and many great essays to read. Among the requirements for this unique annual scholarship are an outstanding essay, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3. 0, a minimum SAT score of 1100 or minimum ACT score of 24, letter of recommendation from their school, and letter of acceptance to college or vocational-technical institution. Scholarship winners were chosen from applications of graduating seniors from Hillsborough or Pasco County public high schools. Dr. Randy Feldman has awarded scholarships to 52 graduating seniors from local public high schools during the past twenty six years. This scholarship is given to outstanding graduating seniors in recognition of their potential to both excel in their future endeavors and to become a contributing member of their community. This year’s winning essays of the $1500 scholarship were awarded to two outstanding seniors: Shalini Jose, a graduating senior from Strawberry Crest High School, and Carlee Leathem, a graduating senior from Plant High School. To celebrate their achievements, Dr. Feldman and his staff treated the winners to an awards dinner at the Feldman Orthodontics South Tampa Office; which was held on Thursday, April 21, 2016. In order to keep the ambition alive and to prepare for college and beyond, he also presented each winner with a copy of the book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go! ” by Dr. Seuss. Shalini was accepted into the University of South Florida and plans to study Medicine. She hopes to become and emergency room physician in the future. Carlee was accepted to University of North Florida and plans to study Business/Entrepreneurship. Her dream is to become a horsetrainer and own her own riding stable. Dr. Feldman strongly believes in giving back to the Tampa Bay community and is committed to recognizing those individuals with the potential to continue with that legacy of service. Dr. Feldman adds, “We are thrilled to present these scholarships to Shalini and Carlee and wish them the best of success in their future endeavors. We enjoyed meeting them and know they will continue to do great things. ” All of the past winners’ essays are proudly displayed on our website. Give a read anytime you need a smile. --- - Published: 2016-05-05 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/presenting-the-remarkable-lisa-ann-hensley/ We are so happy to share this truly remarkable patient and her wonderful news! Lisa Ann Hensley, 5th Grader, and accomplished horseman shared some photos and her latest accomplishment at the Citrus Cup, riding her Morgan horse Aerie Meadow Yuriel (Yuri). But first, an amazing love for Yuri and a happy ending. Yuri was rescued from a slaughter auction in PA. He was fostered and rehabilitated at Whispering Oaks Equestrian Center. Lisa and her family adopted Yuri just last year when he came available for adoption. According to Lisa’s mom, Mrs. Lisa L. Hensley, “We recognized Lisa and Yuri had a special love for each-other. Citrus cup was only the 3rd time Lisa had competed with Yuri and The Citrus Cup is a huge 5 day Regional completion for the Southeast. ” So, how did Lisa Ann and Yuri do? They did remarkably ... 5th-Grader Lisa Ann Hensley Wins Youth of the Year and Walk-Trot Pleasure Open Grand Championship at Citrus Cup Regional Horse Show Lisa Ann’s mom sent us all the details. “Winning Youth of the Year is no easy task. This competition has 4 sections. Each section is awarded individually and an overall winner. Written testing on the Morgan horse history, standard and horse anatomy- First Place. Oral presentation on an assigned topic (3-5 minutes) -First Place Judging- First Place Ride your horse in a memorized pattern around the ring-Third Place. Overall- First Place! She just couldn't believe it! She cried happy tears for quite a while. ” Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, had a special message for Lisa Ann. ‘We are quite proud of her and are honored to share all her amazing accomplishments... especially for someone as young! Wishing much continued success! ” --- - Published: 2016-04-09 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/clearly-confident-with-invisalign-teen/ The Invisalign Teen system, utilizing progressive sets of customized clear aligners is the "CLEAR" alternative to traditional braces for many teens and their families. The result of treatment, like traditional braces, is a perfected bite and a beautiful smile! However, the process is one that not only maintains teen confidence, but may also increase it. Dr. Randy Feldman, Dr. Ernest McDowell, and Dr. Chelsea Brockway, and their team at Blue Wave Orthodontics designs each set of clear aligners from digital scans of the teeth and the bite with state-of-the art 3D scanning technology. This creates a comfortable fit with the nearly invisible process. The aligners must be worn for most of the day and night during treatment, but are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing. They are also removable for school photos or other important moments. After time they become not only nearly invisible to others, but also unnoticeable to the wearer. Playing confidence-building sports or participating in cheerleading is a non-issue with Invisalign Teen. There is no danger of being injured from the sharp wires or brackets of traditional braces. Teens love being able to continue with their teams and physical activities without hindrance. Invisalign Teen treatment averages from 12-16 months and typically requires fewer orthodontic appointments. There’s no waiting for the big day when braces are removed to reveal your smile. Your smile is always present. Improvements with each aligner tray reveal a more perfect smile, thus building confidence and encouraging the teen to keep going. All of our Blue Wave orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers AND Teen providers! Additionally, our Blue Wave Ortho practice is the ONLY Invisalign Premier Provider SUPER ELITE designate in the Tampa Bay Area. In fact, we are also very PROUD have a “Top 1% in the world” designation as well. Dr. Feldman started with Invisalign in 1999 and has treated almost 3,000 patients, while Dr. McDowell is close behind with over 2,000 patients! ! Give your teen the gift of self-confidence and good oral health! It's a gift that lasts a lifetime! --- - Published: 2016-03-29 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/carole-flagg-a-remarkable-lady-and-talented-artist/ We were thrilled when our patient, Carole Flagg sent us a copy of the Spring 2016 issue of Tampa Health Care News. Why? Because she’s featured in a great article called “Living the Life You Love,” which is about her as a resident of St. Joseph’s John Knox in Tampa Bay. Carole has a great Blue Wave Orthodontics smile and it’s well featured in the article’s photo. Carole is a professionally trained artist who has exhibited her work in art galleries and community centers for years. The article mentioned that she decided when she moved into this residence 14 years ago that she would never give up her passion for creating art. Her own residence is filled with many of her beautiful paintings. The author also mentions an upcoming art exhibit featuring more than two dozen of her paintings at a local library. We always appreciate when our patients share their passion and updates with us. We first met Carole ten years ago. She is taking such great care of that smile while creating masterful artwork. Cheers Carole, a truly remarkable patient. --- - Published: 2016-03-25 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/peyton-manning-cleft-palate-patient-and-role-model/ We came upon this great article about football star Peyton Manning, his origins as a cleft palate child, and the amazing ways that he gives back to so many. He was not one of our patients, but we just had to share it with you, especially after our recent feature of remarkable patient, Jasilyn Sitzmann. It’s a great read, even for any non-football fans. Like Peyton Manning, Jasilyn Sitzmann was born with a cleft palate, but also a cleft lip. Both were very heroic, as they went through numerous surgeries to correct their cleft challenges. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer adds, “If you have not already read Jasilyn’s story, we encourage you to do so. She’s a terrific kid with some big plans herself. ” Dr. Feldman and Blue Wave Orthodontics sees cleft and craniofacial kids (facial birth defects) and has been doing so voluntarily since 1982 in the Department of Pediatrics and Division of Plastic Surgery at USF College of Medicine and Department of Surgery at All Children’s Hospital/John Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg. The article below is reprinted from Carolina Pediatric Therapy - Even if you are not a huge football fan, you are probably familiar with the name Peyton Manning. Today, he is a Super Bowl winning quarterback in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, however, his start in life, was by far, more challenging. Born with a cleft palate, Manning struggled with feeding and bullying, and had to endure several surgeries throughout his childhood. Payton Manning: The Struggle On March 24,1976, Peyton Manning was born with a cleft palate. A cleft palate is a physical deformity of the mouth, when the two plates of the skull that form the hard palate, also called the roof of the mouth, are not full joined, causing a gap. As is the case with most children suffering from a cleft palate, Manning faced several challenges. As a baby, Manning had to use special bottles, because the hole in his palate caused the milk he was being fed to come out his nose. As a child, Manning had two surgeries to close the gap in his palate and to make sure it stayed securely closed as he grew. He also had a bone graft to fill his upper gum line, which helped stabilize his upper jaw and allowed his mouth to support permanent teeth. Dental visits were a constant, as were braces, which he wore for over ten years to help straighten his teeth. Peyton Manning’s struggles were not only physical but mental as well. Due to his many health issues and physical appearance, he was often bullied by other kids and called names. Through it all, he followed his dream to play football, which led him all the way to the NFL. Payton Manning: Giving Back Even after becoming a well-known football star, Manning has always been open about his struggles as a child. In 1998 he teamed up with Saint Vincent’s Children’s Hospital in Indiana by helping promote their... --- - Published: 2016-02-29 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/electric-toothbrushes-choose-your-weapon-against-tooth-decay/ Your toothbrush is your major defensive weapon against tooth decay and decalcification. If you’ve thought about purchasing an electric toothbrush but are overwhelmed by all the choices, read on. First let’s answer a good orthodontic question. Can you even use an electric toothbrush on braces? Answer: Yes you can! Electric toothbrushes are fine for traditional braces and of course Invisalign (clear and removable braces). The spaces between teeth, braces and wires are areas that must be maintained to avoid gum disease, periodontitis, and decalcification. As you may have heard, it is recommended that you brush two to three times a day, and for at least two minutes each time. For more advice on the proper care of teeth, visit our Bicuspid Blog. A 2014 study by Cochrane offers the conclusion that powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushing in the short and long term. So back to those many choices. Reviews. com has a great article on the best electric toothbrush. The author spent several weeks evaluating 70 electric toothbrushes and narrowed it down to a top 7. Six essential features that the author considered were. 1) Two-minute timer, 2) Comfortable grip, 3) Long-lasting battery life, 4) Small toothbrush head, 5) Compatible with multiple toothbrush heads, and 6) Warranty. The article also includes discussion of 8 bonus features and extra considerations for children. Do your homework, but most importantly don’t wait for the perfect toothbrush before you work on that perfect smile. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, reminds you “it’s the act of brushing and not the toothbrush that truly protects your smile. ” Don’t let that toothbrush, electric or otherwise sit unused. It’s easier to maintain a smile than to rebuild one. Feel free to ask Dr. Feldman about the proper care of your teeth during your next visit or give us a call today. Your toothbrush is your major defensive weapon against tooth decay and decalcification. If you’ve thought about purchasing an electric toothbrush but are overwhelmed by all the choices, read on. The spaces between teeth, braces and wires are areas that must be maintained to avoid gum disease, periodontitis, and decalcification. As you may have heard, it is recommended that you brush two to three times a day, and for at least two minutes each time. For more advice on the proper care of teeth, visit our Bicuspid Blog. A 2014 study by Cochrane offers the conclusion that powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushing in the short and long term. So back to those many choices. Reviews. com has a great article on the best electric toothbrush. The author spent several weeks evaluating 70 electric toothbrushes and narrowed it down to a top 7. Six essential features that the author considered were. 1) Two-minute timer, 2) Comfortable grip, 3) Long-lasting battery life, 4) Small toothbrush head, 5) Compatible with multiple toothbrush heads, and 6) Warranty. The article also includes discussion of 8 bonus features and extra considerations for... --- - Published: 2016-02-23 - Modified: 2026-05-13 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/sitavig-a-new-single-dose-prescription-cold-sore-treatment/ Cold sores – often referred to as “fever blisters” – are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). The blisters are contagious, including during a process called “viral shedding,” which can occur even when no blister is present. The virus is most commonly spread through kissing or sharing food or drinks with an infected person. If you find that over-the-counter cold sore remedies don’t do enough to alleviate the pain and discomfort you experience during a cold sore outbreak, you may want to ask your physician if a prescription cold sore treatment is right for you. Your physician may recommend Sitavig® (acyclovir), 50mg Muco-Adhesive Buccal Tablet. Sitavig is a single-dose prescription cold sore treatment that can ease cold sore. Single dose ... that is significant! Benefits of Sitavig Stops some cold sores before they develop Helps delay the next blister episode Eases symptoms of cold sores Helps cold sores heal faster (average of 5 ½ days) Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, adds that, you should “visit the sitavig. com website for more details including statistics from clinical studies. The medical journals have been very supportive of the drug’s benefits. ” Feel free to ask our doctors about Sitavig or the latest advances in cold sore treatment during your next visit or give us a call today. --- - Published: 2016-02-16 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/sklyer-artistic-young-man-and-remarkable-patient/ Sklyer, age 10, is a talented and remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics. He is in the fifth grade and is homeschooled and active in his homeschool coop. He sent us this wonderful collection of drawings. One is a self-portrait, but most show his love of animals and nature. His mom tells us that he has been drawing with passion since age 3. It certainly shows ... Remarkable. Skyler is also an athlete and sports fan. He loves to play basketball, flag football, and is a student of Karate. Skyler also appreciates his friends and loves to spend time with them. The remarkable Skyler has been a patient for about a year. We look forward to seeing him. Although we are helping him with his perfect smile, he creates smiles in us. Thanks for sharing your story and artwork with us Skyler. Keep up the great work. We can’t wait to see your next creative piece. You may have found your calling or one of them. We know that you have many talents and much reason to smile! --- - Published: 2016-01-31 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jasilyn-sitzmann-a-truly-remarkable-patient/ Jasilyn Sitzmann is truly a remarkable patient of Blue Wave Orthodontics. She is so full of energy and a joy to see at each of her visits. Thank you Jasilyn for sharing your story with us, which follows and is in her own words. Jasilyn as you will see is also a compelling and talented writer. HI! My name is Jasilyn Sitzmann. I am a 6th grader at Tinker K-8. Some of my hobbies are cheerleading, basketball, and reading. My favorite book series is the Divergent series. I love working with children and I get to work in the Puggles room during AWANA every week. I was born with a severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. I believe that God made me the way I am and I love to share my story with anyone who asks. I have had 13 surgeries and I still have a while to go before all my surgeries are completed. I just had my story published on Cleftline. org recently which is a website that supports families of children born with clefts. Ever since I was 5 I have wanted to be a NICU nurse. In my room I have one of my dolls hooked up to needles and breathing tubes and any medical/NICU thing you can think of. (It scares my mom a little). I think if someone asked me what my biggest fear was I would say having a surgery that will change the way I look on the outside. I love the way I look; in my own way I think I am beautiful. I have had to deal with teasing in the past, being called fat nose, and other names but I have always said that it has made me stronger. It has given me a reason to share my story. When I am old enough my goal is to be a missionary and help people around the world. One of the groups I want to go with is SMILE TRAIN. They are a group of doctors and nurses that fly around the world operating on cleft children that otherwise would not receive the surgeries they need. For now, I'm able to help kids with clefts overseas get the surgeries they need by donating to Cleft Palate Foundation (Cleftline. org). I was recently able to help a little boy from Afghanistan to get his cleft surgery. My cleft is beautiful and I love to share my story with anyone who will listen. This is the web page with my story on Cleftline. Dr. Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, has clinical expertise in all aspects of orthodontic treatment for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with facial clefts, craniofacial diagnoses, and those with complex medical and special needs. Visit or website to learn more about cleft palates. Dr. Feldman encourages you to read more of the stories at Cleftline. org and consider a donation to Cleft Palate Foundation in honor of our remarkable patient Jasilyn. I think if someone asked me what my... --- - Published: 2015-12-23 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-vs-braces-for-adults/ If you came upon this blog, perhaps you are doing some research on the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. It's a topic that hits home with many of our patients (if they are candidates for either). Invisalign ‘invisible braces’ have become a global phenomenon. The Invisalign treatment system consists of a series of progressively changing transparent aligners that are each worn for two weeks. These individually manufactured aligners are precisely made with exact calculations to shift your teeth into their ideal position, giving you a straighter, more beautiful smile. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets being glued to your teeth, and tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. There are options to have brackets that more closely match the color of your teeth OR in a color that can create a fashion statement. Two similarities between Invisalign and braces are that both straighten your teeth and both can help to fix teeth crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite and underbite. Pros for Invisalign Any literature on Invisalign lists the many pros, but there are still some reasons why an adult might choose to go the traditional route. We'll get to those later. Let's compare. Because you must remove the Invisalign system prior to eating, you can eat whatever foods you enjoy. You can slosh, brush, and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health. In contrast, those with traditional braces must avoid foods that might get stuck and will have difficulty cleaning and flossing teeth during treatment. Here's a few more Invisalign pros. They are virtually invisible. They consist of smooth comfortable plastic instead of the sometimes sharp or irritating metal of traditional braces. Office visits for Invisalign are usually every 10-12 weeks vs 4-7 weeks for traditional braces. The results often come more quickly for Invisalign wearers as they are custom made after digital scanning of your bite and both upper and lower arches are simultaneously corrected. Oftentimes, with traditional braces you have to correct one arch first. Pros for Traditional Braces After your initial consultation we will provide pricing for both Invisalign and Traditional Braces. Usually costs are the same, although sometimes there may be a small difference. The other major "inconvenience" difference is that with Invisalign there are virtually no emergency appointments as there are no brackets to break or wires to be too long. The real pros are often based on the individual. It takes a disciplined person to be an Invisalign patient. You have to remove the device prior to eating or drinking anything but water. You also have to brush after each meal to avoid staining. Patients also have to brush and rinse their Invisalign trays, which may seem less obvious than the need to brush the brackets and wires of braces. Although Invisalign is removable, patients also have to be disciplined enough to wear their trays for at least 22 hours daily. Have Confidence in your Choice Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, is Tampa Bay' FIRST Invisalign Elite Preferred Provider, having completed... --- - Published: 2015-12-21 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-26th-annual-scholarship-essay-competition-is-underway/ Feldman Orthodontics is pleased to announce our 26th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition-What a Smile Means to Me. This one time scholarship of $1,500 was established to recognize individuals with potential to excel and become a contributing member of our community with the potential to continue with that legacy of service. Two scholarships will be awarded over all. The scholarship application can be downloaded from the Feldman Orthodontics website, and entries are being accepted until March 28, 2016 at 11 a. m. Scholarship winners will be chosen from applications of graduating seniors from Hillsborough or Pasco County public high schools. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, has awarded scholarships to over fifty graduating seniors from local public high schools during the past twenty-five years. Looking back on the past 25 years, Dr. Feldman commented "the 50 recipients of our scholarships have provided us a moment to reflect, smile, and celebrate the youth in Tampa Bay. "Among the requirements for this unique annual scholarship are an outstanding essay, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3. 0, a minimum SAT score of 1100 or minimum ACT score of 24, letter of recommendation from their school, and letter of acceptance to college or vocational-technical institution. Our website is proud to host the essays from all 50 previous winners. Dr. Feldman added, "We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating a bright future with many reasons to smile. " --- - Published: 2015-10-25 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/consumer-alert-regarding-self-orthodontic-trend/ There is a dangerous trend that was brought to our attention ... consumers are attempting to straighten their own teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists is urging you to be aware of internet videos and websites which encourage straightening teeth with rubber bands, dental floss, or other objects which can be ordered online. Moving teeth without an orthodontist could result in infection, permanent loss of teeth, and expensive and painful lifelong dental problems. As orthodontists, we receive two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school, and are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning the bite. Dr. Feldman mentioned, “There is no retention, so teeth just move back (almost immediately) and you just divide the space between teeth in two, which does not correct anything. ” Dr. Feldman discusses this self-orthodontic trend in this WFLA News Channel 8 television interview. I encourage you to watch the official public service announcement video as well as to be observant with your teens and their friends in relation to this topic, which is quite alarming. We’re assuming that this trend grew out of economic frustration paired with the do-it-yourself DIY videos we all know and love. Feldman Orthodontics understands that our patients have different financial needs, therefore we offer a variety of payment plans, including LOW DOWN PAYMENT and LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS, to ensure that treatment is affordable for your budget. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will be happy to file all of the necessary paperwork for you. --- - Published: 2015-10-21 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/l-j-ruth-actor-voiceover-model-commercial/ L. J. Ruth is our youngest Invisalign patient and is a remarkable young man. L. J. is a young yet seasoned actor and has many credits under his belt for his young 11 years. He was featured as one of our Be Remarkable stories, but we wanted to share this great commercial that he starred in for Hillsborough Education Foundation's School Supply Drive. To learn more about the cause featured in this commercial, visit www. educationfoundation. com. There are many ways to give, volunteer, or support their efforts for students right here in Hillsborough County. When Dr. Feldman says he can quickly create a Hollywood smile, in this case he means it! ! ! --- - Published: 2015-10-20 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/l-j-ruth-actor-voiceover-model/ L. J. Ruth is our youngest Invisalign patient and is a remarkable young man. L. J. is a young yet seasoned actor and has many credits under his belt for his young 11 years. He recently shot a feature film in Alabama "Nigel & Oscar vs. The Sasquatch" starring Saturday Night Live's Tim Meadows and Neil Flynn from The Middle playing the young version of actor Adam Herschman's character, Young Oscar. He has over 14 feature and short films to his credit. L. J. has been in over 26 commercials locally, regionally and nationally. He's been in multiple videos for companies like Holiday Inn, Canon USA and Publix. Stay tuned as we will be posting one of his commercials for you soon. L. J. has done over 30 print jobs for companies such as Tupperware Brands, the New York Yankees, Ron Jon Surf Shop and The Hard Rock Hotel. He has appeared on billboards, product packaging and websites for companies like Disney and Universal. He has been on the cover of a national magazine and been featured in editorial spreads for numerous publications including Parenting Magazine. L. J. also does voiceover work and just recently finished an animated film as the voice of the lead character. L. J. is passionate about acting but when he's not working he is busy earning his badges for Boy Scouts, working towards a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and doing boy things like shooting archery, grilling and playing video games. When Dr. Feldman says he can quickly create a Hollywood smile, in this case he means it! ! ! --- - Published: 2015-09-30 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-causes-crooked-teeth/ A few years back, a study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists determined that more than one-third of adults were unhappy with their smile. And not surprisingly, it went on to say that bad teeth were also the biggest dating turn-off for both men AND women. So, what’s causing these crooked teeth anyway? If you guessed genetics, well you would be right – at least in some cases. In other cases, crooked teeth are the result of bad habits such as poor oral hygiene. Loss of one or more teeth can cause the others to shift – spaces to be created – and thus crooked teeth. For others the problem even started as children by overuse of a pacifier or via thumb sucking. Also, airway issues play a great role in dentofacial growth and development. Allergies, deviated septum, and polyps are both structural and functional causes of changes in facial and dental growth patterns and do lead to various malocclusions! So genetics, airway and habits are the 3 main factors in the causing of misshaped faces and crooked teeth. If you’re among the one-third of adults who are unhappy with your pearly whites, don’t lose hope. Although treatment on adults may take a bit longer, great results can be achieved. With the development of less visible, more effective braces, and the introduction of Invisalign, orthodontic treatment is appealing to many more adults. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your problem, but can be shortened by new advances such as AcceleDent® Aura. More information on adult orthodontic treatment can be found on our website. We see many adult patients at both of our Tampa locations. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-09-28 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/school-lunches-that-are-easy-on-the-braces/ If your child wears braces, our guess is that you are still struggling with planning school lunches that are safe for their treatment process and enjoyable. If you have a good lunch strategy, maybe a little variation would make you a cooking hero again to your child. We provide complete instructions and a comprehensive list of foods to avoid, once treatment begins in our office. Basically, we suggest that those wearing braces avoid ice, hard candy, popcorn, and all sticky foods. Anything that can stick in the braces or break the brackets should be avoided. But what are some braces-friendly lunches? We always offer suggestions on what to eat, when wearing braces, but a video is worth a few thousand words. Dr. Jackie Millier, an Orthodontist representing the American Association of Orthodontists in a short video segment from News Channel 5, KSDK in Saint Louis, MO does a great job in sharing information on safe lunches for braces-friendly eating. I encourage you to watch and take some notes based on your child’s taste and what works for you. The Braces Cookbook, by Pamela Waterman, or similar books may also be a great asset to you in the kitchen for even the non-braces-wearers in your family. Just because someone is wearing braces, doesn’t mean they have to stop enjoying food. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics adds, “Learning requires higher nitrogen, thus protein for better brain function and memory, so we encourage (for example) a turkey roll-up with cheese versus PB&J as it is not only brace-friendly, it is also very healthy, low in sugar and high in protein! Just keep protein in the back of your mind when making little Suzie's (or Johnny's) lunch. Also there is less of the post-lunch sleepiness with protein than a lunch high in sugar and also less ‘sugar high’ as well! ”We hope this blog helps your creativity with school lunches, snacks, and other meals. Feel free to contact us with any questions about braces-friendly foods, including on our Facebook or Twitter accounts. We’re always happy to help. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit our website or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-09-22 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smile-september-is-self-improvement-month/ Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics and his team are celebrating September, as Self-Improvement Month. The goals of self-improvement are unique to everyone that you’ll meet. For some it may be one or more things. Better diet, more physical activity, attention to physical and mental health are popular goals. Some goals such as brushing your teeth more often and for longer duration are somewhat easy to initiate. Changing your smile ... well it takes time and work between you and your orthodontic team, but the start ... that comes from within you. If your smile has bothered you for years or only recently, just reach out to us and we’ll get you in for a free orthodontic evaluation. What better month than Self-Improvement Month. Orthodontic treatment can enhance your dental and overall health. The benefits of early orthodontic care include: correction of bad dental habits, improved self-esteem, improved speech, positive jaw growth, and planning for incoming teeth. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including: tooth decay, gum disease, bone damage, joint problems, speech problems, chewing difficulty, chipped teeth, and loss of teeth. We treat cleft palate, TMJ-TMD, sleep apnea, and dentofacial or craniofacial orthopedics. We offer a complimentary consultation, and if needed offer digital impressions. Dr. Feldman is Tampa Bay's ONLY Invisalign Elite Preferred Provider, placing him in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers in the world! At the initial exam, Dr. Feldman can determine each individual's needs. Please call our office today to schedule a complimentary examination. We promise you will learn a lot, have fun, and ignite a new passion to learn how to obtain great smiles for yourself and your family. It’s not always easy to make a major life change in one month, but it’s about taking those first steps and building up good habits. Feldman Orthodontics wishes you the best of luck with all of your self-improvement goals. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit our website or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-08-31 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/back-to-school-and-sports-mouthguards/ For Back-To-School, Dr. Feldman is offering a FREE orthodontic consultation AND a free custom sports mouthguard for our student athletes. The benefits of a custom sports mouthguard are more comfort and the proper fit. the student-athlete will be more apt to wearing their guard. As you would guess, guard that is comfortable and worn prevents more than an unworn guard. The added benefit of a custom sports mouthguard is better athletic performance, as critical to athletic results. • Increases strength• Increases endurance• Speeds up reaction time• Reduces athletic stressDr. Feldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Dentistry and has fabricated custom mouth guards for the TB Buccaneers, TB Lightning, TB Rays and has been the Team Orthodontist for the University of South Florida Athletic program for over 25 years- at one time fabricating custom mouth guards for every active USF athlete that wanted one! That is a lot of Green & Gold! Go Bulls! Be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Feldman for back-to-school, and best of luck this year. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit our website or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-08-29 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/benefits-of-acceledent-aura-for-faster-orthodontic-results/ In this blog, I thought I should highlight one of the more recent orthodontic devices that can help you to get the smile of your dreams in half the time! Conventional braces alone can take anywhere from a year and a half to four years to properly align and straighten your teeth. Now with the new technology of the AcceleDent Aura, a take home orthodontic device that resembles a mouth guard, the orthodontic community is “shaking things up”! The AcceleDent Aura device is worn by patients for twenty minutes a day during their traditional braces or Invisalign, and gently vibrates teeth into alignment over time. The subtle micro-pulsations stimulate blood flow to the gums and speeds up the bone remodeling process. To learn more about the benefits, watch the following video and visit our AcceleDent® Aura pageBe sure to inquire during your next visit with our Blue Wave orthodontists or give us a call today. Blue Wave Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about our orthodontists, Blue Orthodontics, and the orthodontic treatments available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit our website or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-08-20 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kyle-and-preston-tucker/ Kyle and Preston Tucker are patients of Feldman Orthodontics, are brothers, and are remarkable men of baseball. Both are now in the Astros organization. In June, the Astros signed Kyle out of Plant High School. Preston is the Astros leftfielder and was drafted out of University of Florida in 2012. Kyle is currently playing for the Greeneville Astros in the Minor Leagues. Preston also started in the minors, but now is in the Major League team, Houston Astros. Both Kyle Tucker and Preston Tucker are great examples of remarkable people. No matter what you do in life ... #BeRemarkable. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-08-12 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/reasons-to-rethink-sugary-or-energy-drinks/ More than a quarter of people drink multiple sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis, and a substantial percentage drink a single beverage about once a day. The excess sugar is a major contributor to obesity and other health problems, but some drinks are also high in acidity, and combined with this sugar make these drinks particularly bad for teeth. Dental enamel is the coating that protects the inner structures (dentin) of the tooth. Although it is the hardest tissue in the human body, it can become worn and eroded. The body remineralizes the enamel daily thanks to the calcium and other minerals in the saliva, but high levels of acidity can prevent the saliva from doing its jobs. Energy drinks, sodas, and some fruit juices are high in acids, and the sugars they contain feed oral bacteria, which then produce even more acids. Some of the biggest offenders include regular and diet soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, and juices. Fans of soda and energy drinks are at higher risk of enamel erosion, sensitivity, tooth decay, decalcification (white spots/brown spots), and infection. How much sugar are in the drinks your kids are consuming? Water – 0 grams of sugar Soda – 49 grams of sugar Sports Drink – 21 grams of sugar Energy drink 27 grams of sugar Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics, recommends healthier beverage choices instead. These can include: Tap water, which contains enamel-strengthening fluoride (especially in Hillsborough County). Bottled water Milk, which has calcium and vitamin D to help your body better absorb the calcium Unsweetened teas, which can also contain fluorid ‘Zero’ calorie sports drinks Note, if you like to drink sugary or energy drinks you can cut the sugar in half by adding water. Dr. Feldman always offers some advice to his patients during each visit, if there’s room for improvement. The cutting of sugar and energy drinks has multiple benefits. Start by thinking twice about it, then by cutting down ... possibly leading to those healthier choices. Let us know how it’s going along your journey. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-08-05 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/what-is-the-right-age-for-a-pediatric-orthodontic-check-up/ Not to ruin the ending of this blog, but the answer is seven. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Now, let me tell you why. First, early detection of orthodontic problems does not necessarily mean treatment. When deemed appropriate however, early intervention can minimize the need for more costly and extensive care later. Children often exhibit signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. A jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. Not to be used as a substitute for diagnosis by an orthodontist, but we do have a downloadable bite ruler that can be a first step to identifying your child’s dental situation. Visit our special page on 7Up – Early Treatment to download. Know also that Feldman Orthodontics is happy to assess your child without charge to determine if they exhibit any sign of malocclusion or other orthodontic issues. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, has over 30 years of experience in offering the very best in excellent patient care in Tampa Bay. Our office is special too. We have a fun-loving and supportive staff and environment that makes children comfortable. You can be assured that when you visit Feldman Orthodontics your child is getting the best treatment and level of care available. You and your child will see Dr. Feldman at every visit, ensuring the most efficient treatment time and wonderful results you can BOTH smile about! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-07-31 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/kuuleina-ala-turner/ Kuu'Leina' Ala Turner is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman. She lives #BeRemarkable and recently graduated from Robinson High School in Tampa. We wish her much success in everything that her future holds. Such a beautiful smile and spirit. Thanks for sending in your pictures Kuu'Leina'. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-07-01 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/nadia-uthayakumar/ Nadia Uthayakumar is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman. She lives #BeRemarkable and we share with you an excerpt from her story. “My name is Nadia Uthayakumar, and I started my journey through a classical, Indian dance (called Bharatanatyam) when I was eight years old. Now, I am sixteen and in five months time, I will be completing my dance graduation. The eight years that I have spent learning Bharatanayam has been a truly enriching experience, and I could not be happier to have taken part in such a wonderful form of art that has permeated Indian culture for centuries. ”Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-06-22 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/correcting-crossbite/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics explains the various forms of crossbite and the importance of early correction in this video and blog. You may have heard the term “crossbite. ” This can take several forms and an orthodontist can correct all. Here’s the first form—an anterior cross bite. That means the anterior front of the mouth, where the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth. So, this is called an “anterior crossbite”. In the video Dr. Feldman demonstrates, “here's your upper teeth, here's your lower teeth, and the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth. ” Next up, the “posterior crossbite”, Dr. Feldman visually explains, “if these are the side teeth, and now your teeth on the side, where with the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth. That is also a cross bite just posterior on the side in back versus in the front. ” You could have a crossbite that's even farther out of whack, but those are different kinds of cross bites. Dr. Feldman’s advice is; basically you need to fix the crossbites because the jaw tends to shift and grows asymmetrically. If the jaw continues to grow asymmetrically, which means crooked, then you have to have surgery later on... 16 years of age or older to correct it. So, by correcting a crossbite early on... at 7, 8, 9,10 years of age... you definitely can avoid pulling teeth and you definitely can avoid jaw surgery later on. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit our website or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-06-17 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jerry-franks/ Jerry Franks is a model for Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats, a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable man. He is one of our adult patients who we assisted with jaw surgery and braces. He’s a big-time boater and a great model for the Skeeter line as the photo illustrates. He knows how to #BeRemarkable and it shows. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-06-08 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/broken-brackets/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics discusses broken brackets in orthodontic treatment in this video and blog. “Braces” is plural for bracket. A bracket is a little metal square which we glue onto the tooth with an adhesive. When you have braces, each tooth has a bracket on it. There are different kinds of brackets. There are single-wing brackets and double-wing brackets. Our brackets are single-wing brackets. We buy and we use in my practice, the smallest single-wing brackets made anywhere in the world. We like those because there's a greater distance between the brackets on the teeth. Reasons brackets break off are usually due to something you're doing mechanically to break the bracket away from the tooth. The adhesive that holds the bracket onto the tooth is strong but there are certain forces, especially sheer forces that can break the bracket off. Things that you eat, specifically things that end in an “O” in a cellophane bag: Doritos; Nachos; Tacos; Fritos; Combos. Those things very quickly, very easily, can break off brackets. Other things, if you bite on pens, pencils, if you bite your nails, all sorts of things can break brackets. So you have a broken bracket. How do you remove that broken bracket from the arch wire? What you need to do is go to the mirror, unless you want to have someone else do it, either one can do it. You take a safety pin. You open up the safety pin. Remember it’s very sharp. You don't want to poke yourself or poke your gum tissue. But you go ahead and identify the bracket. The bracket will have a little rubber donut on it. You take the sharp end of the safety pin and you very carefully use that to pry away the donut away from the bracket. Then the bracket will fall away from the arch wire, you go ahead and throw the bracket away. Call the office after that to schedule a repair appointment. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-06-03 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/chivarsky-corbett/ Chivarsky Corbett is a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young man. He plays basketball as a shooting guard at the University of Delaware and he has made the Dean's List with a 3. 8 GPA. Check out the stats for this year (Freshman Year). Chivarsky is a great example of a person that lives #BeRemarkableFeldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-05-19 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics explains Invisalign orthodontic treatment in this video and blog. Our orthodontic practice has been designated as one of the top 1 percent providers of Invisalign in North America. It's really quite an honor but what it simply means is we have done more Invisalign than 99% of all the other providers in North America. That means we have the technology, we have the knowledge, we have the skills, and we have the experience to get you a fantastic smile with Invisalign. Invisalign is a state of moment, progressive, clear, sleeve aligner system that can align your teeth without braces. You simply have to wear them 24/7 except when you eat and brush your teeth and you will get a fantastic result. Also because we have the experience, because we have treated almost 2000 patients we have an Itero scanner. What that means? We can optically scan your teeth. Because of the high quality of the HD definition of the optical scanner your Invisalign aligners will fit 35 % better than all other folks who take impressions. So, if you're going to get Invisalign, you’re going to get it done right. I highly recommend you see an orthodontist that has an Itero scanner to optically scan your teeth, versus impressions. By optically scanning your teeth, you get a much better fitting aligner. It’s better because if you take impressions, impressions, they are often distorted. They have to be sent in the mail. If you get an optically-scanned Invisalign aligner, it’s sent electronically, so there's no chance of distortion and it goes instantly. So, you will get your aligners back faster, they will fit much better, and you will not look funny, talk funny, or spit on your friends. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-05-18 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/zara-hedaya/ Zara Hedaya is a 14-year-old freshman at Plant High School, a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young woman. She is a flyer on Brandon All Stars Senior Black, Level 5 All- Star Competitive Cheer Team. This season, the team is breaking international records by scoring as high as 99. 80 out of 100 and has beat thousands of teams at national competitions. In the past, this team has won two World Championships and they are favored to win the 2015 title. Zara was one of the youngest team members ever chosen, joining the team at only 12 years old. She has a 4. 16 GPA. She is part of our first #BeRemarkable sibling pair, as her brother Zane Hedaya is also a remarkable young man. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-05-18 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/zane-hedaya/ Zane Hedaya is a varsity pitcher at Plant High School, 87 mph fastball. He is a 16-year-old junior, a patient of Feldman Orthodontics, and a remarkable young man. He has a 5. 20 GPA and he is currently being recruited by Cornell, Duke, Dartmouth, Stanford and Princeton, but has not made his decision yet! He volunteers as a math tutor at Plant High School. He is part of our first #BeRemarkable sibling pair, as his sister Zara Hedaya is also a remarkable young woman. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: (813) 968-2483 or 3739 W Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: (813) 254-8005. To learn more about Randy M. Feldman, DDS, MS and Feldman Orthodontics and the orthodontic treatment available for children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, please visit: http://YourBite. com or call (813) 968-2483. --- - Published: 2015-05-17 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-25th-annual-scholarship-essay-competition-winners-announced-at-banquet-of-honor/ Feldman Orthodontics hosted our 25th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition-What a Smile Means to Me banquet on Thursday, May 14 at Carrollwood Country Club, in Tampa in honor of two local high school seniors. Cheyenne Moore from Gulf High School in New Port Richey and Abby Kathleen Rinaldi from Tampa's Chamberlain High School were both in attendance with their parents. Chamberlain's college and career counselor, Lisa Krupp, also came to celebrate with Abby and our Feldman Orthodontics team. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, has awarded one-time scholarships to fifty graduating seniors from local public high schools during the past twenty-five years. This year, he awarded $1,500 scholarships to both Cheyenne and Abby, whose essays were chosen from the record number of 97 applications. Looking back on the past 25 years, Dr. Feldman commented "the 50 recipients of our scholarships have provided us a moment to reflect, smile, and celebrate the youth in Tampa Bay. "Cheyenne has the honor of being the first Pasco County recipient, and her essay centered on the smiles created by the annual Easter egg hunts by Lighthouse For The Blind, during which she volunteers. Cheyenne will attend Mount Ida College in Massachusetts this fall, and will pursue a degree in funeral home management. Cheyenne enjoyed the evening and said this of Dr. Feldman and the scholarship, "It's amazing to have someone in the community so dedicated to helping college-bound students. This was a fun opportunity to express myself and to further my education. "Writing is second nature to University of South Florida bound, Abby, who will major in mass communications with a concentration in news-editorial. Her winning essay focused on the essence of a smile and is both philosophical and poetic. Abby was very appreciative of the honor and award. That evening she commented that, "What universities provide in terms of scholarships is the bare minimum. The opportunity to also add a minor to my studies is something that interests me. Dr. Feldman's generosity will allow me to further explore myself as a multidimensional person and an artist. That is the greatest gift. " Among the requirements for this unique annual scholarship are an outstanding essay, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3. 0, a minimum SAT score of 1000 or minimum ACT score of 22, letter of recommendation from their school, and letter of acceptance to college or vocational-technical institution. Scholarship winners were chosen from applications of graduating seniors from Hillsborough or Pasco County public high schools. Cheyenne and Abby's essays are proudly displayed on our website with all 48 previous winners. Dr. Feldman added, "We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating a bright future with many reasons to smile. "To learn more about Dr. Feldman and Feldman Orthodontics. --- - Published: 2015-04-26 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-team-paints-their-hearts-out-for-west-tampa-resident/ Sixteen employees from Feldman Orthodontics participated in the 27th annual Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa (PYHOT) event on Saturday, April 18. The event is part of a city-wide program that enables citizens, businesses, clubs, and organizations to lend a helping hand to low-income, elderly citizens in the Tampa community. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics, his wife Kelly, staff, and eighteen other friends gathered to paint and beautify a home in West Tampa. Margaret, the homeowner who has lived in that West Palmetto house for 47 years, and the neighborhood since she was six, was very grateful to all involved. True to form, the community-minded team from Feldman Orthodontics not only painted the home, but did some fixing, planting, and sprucing up. The house was topped off with some new lights, wind chimes, and a welcome mat. Dr. Feldman stated that he is “Very proud of his team, for their continued enthusiasm, volunteerism, and amazing customer service both in and out of the office. ” He added that, “We enjoyed meeting Margaret and seeing her smile both during and after the project. ”Dr. Randy Feldman and the team at Feldman Orthodontics has been giving back to Tampa Bay for its over thirty-two year history. When asked, staff was unanimously supportive of participating in next year’s Paint Your Heart Out Tampa. To learn more about Dr. Feldman and Feldman Orthodontics, please visit our website or call (813) 968-BITE (2483). --- - Published: 2015-04-13 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/wax-a-great-temporary-fix-for-braces-with-poking-wire/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman explains how to temporarily fix a poking wire from your braces in this video and blog. It’s not uncommon with braces, you’ll have a broken wire, a loose wire, or a wire that pokes out the end. These can poke and irritate your cheek. The best way to remedy that until you can get in to the office and have it clipped is go ahead and use a little ball of wax. You ball up a small ball of wax, just like in this video, and put it right over the offending area. Push it down, and then once it’s down, go ahead and lick your finger and pat it on. That will give you a lot of comfort until you are able to get to the office and we can clip the wire there. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005. --- - Published: 2015-04-05 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-welcomes-two-additional-team-members/ Feldman Orthodontics, 2015 South Tampa Chamber, Large Business of the Year, are pleased to announce the recent hire of two new team members to our orthodontic family. Jill and Brittnee join the award winning staff of eighteen, which together has over 200 years of orthodontic experience. Brittnee, hired, as a business assistant is a Tampa native. Jill comes to the practice from Bowling Green, Kentucky and is a treatment coordinator. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer, explained, “Each new staff member brings not only ‘new blood’, but also great experiences and insights from other fantastic Orthodontic practices across the nation, thereby allowing Feldman Orthodontics to continue to lead the Tampa Bay Orthodontic community! "Dr. Feldman, also shared, “The addition of these two amazing young ladies to Feldman Orthodontics’ award winning staff (Tampa Chamber Biz of Year ’97 and South Tampa Chamber ’15) only means even better and more efficient patient care. As the needs of our practice grow so do our dual goals of an always-improved patient experience and more personal touch! “The staff shared excitement about the growing team. Jessica R. , business assistant expressed that she looks forward to many years working together to "Create Tampa's Most Beautiful Smiles! "Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics and his team will do everything possible to ensure you get the smile of your dreams. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005. --- - Published: 2015-03-16 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/brackets-explained/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman explains the bracket, in orthodontic practice in this video and blog. “Braces” is plural for bracket. A bracket is a little metal square which we glue onto the tooth with an adhesive. When you have braces, each tooth has a bracket on it. There are different kinds of brackets. There are single-wing brackets and double-wing brackets. Our brackets are single-wing brackets. We buy and we use in my practice, the smallest single-wing brackets made anywhere in the world. We like those because there's a greater distance between the brackets on the teeth. The greater the distance, the easier it is to put the wire in, the less friction there is, the faster the teeth move, and another big thing is you don't trap food in there. If you don't trap food in there, you won't have issues with cavities, you won't have issues with hygiene, you won't have issues with gum disease. But the other “big benefit” is you can use a very light wire, apply a light continuous force which will move your teeth most rapidly. So with the single-wing brackets, which is what we use, our patients finish up much faster, much easier, and with less pain than the twin bracket or the Siamese bracket, or double-wide, because the space between the brackets is very small. With such a small space, it’s very, very difficult to clean in there, and they trap food, and they are much more likely to get cavities and white spots, and there's more friction, and it takes a lot longer to treat. So, in our practice we use a single-wing bracket, because we think it's best for our patients. They get a faster result, a better result, a cleaner result, less pain, and they're done sooner with their fabulous new smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005. --- - Published: 2015-03-06 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/at-what-age-should-kids-see-an-orthodontist/ Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman offers advice on the subject of at what age kids should see an orthodontist in this video and blog. Most children should see the dentist or the pediatric dentist at 2 years of age and most children should see the orthodontist at 7 years of age. In fact my practice has what we call a 7-up program, we want to see kids anywhere from 7 on up, but 7 is the first age. But that's the chronological answer. The real answer is the development milestone of when the first molars come in. So either, 7 years of age or when the first molars are all in, that’s the perfect time to see the orthodontist. When I see a 7 to 8 year old girl or boy we call this early observation or we call it checking for any interceptive problems. And what we’re specifically looking for, are things that are going to be growth problems later on or problems with what’s called arch-length deficiency, which means sever crowding that we can avoid extracting teeth on later on. So we might go ahead and fix a cross bite. We might expand the jaw, we might take out a deciduous tooth. Many times that problem could be much more amenably resolved while the children are growing. We call this a developmental window of opportunity. Meaning, by doing something with the children when they're 7, 8, or 9, not only you can avoid surgery or extracting teeth, but their bone turnover is quicker, faster, they’re growing, there are a lot of physiologic changes that occur. There's many things that trained orthodontist’s can pick up at 7 years of age and make the appropriate recommendations to either avoid surgery later on, avoid taking teeth out later on, or at least minimizing treatment time. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005. --- - Published: 2015-03-01 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/bob-schofner-eagle-scout/ Bob Schofner is one of our patients, and an amazing young man who is about to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Bob's hard work and dedication is appreciated by Boy Scout Troop 4 and his community. Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. From 1912 to 2013, 2. 3 million Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank. In 2013, 56,841 Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank. Around 7 percent of all Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2013. For this achievement, Bob is featured on our website in the #BeRemarkable section. Congratulations Bob! If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813-968-2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813-254-8005 --- - Published: 2015-02-07 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-randy-feldman-honored-as-a-tampa-bay-lightning-community-hero/ The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Dr. Randy Feldman as the 152nd Lightning Community Hero during the first period of the February 7, 2015 home ice game against the Los Angeles Kings. Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics, who received a $50,000 donation from the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Heroes program, will donate the money to five local non-profits: More Health, Inc; Voices for Children; Humane Society of Tampa Bay; The Vincent House; and Friedrich's Ataxia Research Alliance. Dr. Randy Feldman, has been in Orthodontic practice for over 32 years in Tampa and was nominated for the honor because of his consistent dedication and support to local charities and community causes. The five non-profits selected by Feldman include Voices for Children, of which he is a Guardian ad Litem and past Vice President. Their mission is to provide support and advocacy for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our community. More Health, of which Dr. Feldman is Board Chair, will also be supported by this donation. This nonprofit trains part time school teachers to deliver interactive, exciting health education and safety lessons to students, at no charge to school districts, through funding from local businesses, foundations, and state and federal grants. Vincent House, Pinellas Park, is a third beneficiary. Their purpose is to assist, promote and celebrate individuals recovering from mental illnesses in their effort to improve social and vocational skills and become employed in the community. Dr. Feldman also chose to support FARA, Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. Friedreich’s ataxia is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder that strikes about one in 50,000 people in the United States. FARA is supporting research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia and will lead to treatments that eliminate its symptoms. Local animals will also benefit from the donation, as Humane Society of Tampa Bay is the fifth charity. This organization is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Dr. Feldman stated that he is “Extremely honored and humbled! This is an amazing opportunity afforded to me by Mr. Jeff Vinik, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the 13 Ugly Men foundation to continue to provide support and do good things for our Tampa Bay Community. There is nothing in the world quite like calling up a charity organization and telling them they are going to receive $10,000. Simply amazing. It gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes at the same time! I know... what a wimp. (:)) If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief... --- - Published: 2015-01-22 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-honored-as-south-tampa-chamber-of-commerce-large-business-of-the-year-2015/ Feldman Orthodontics is pleased to announce our recognition as South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Large Business of the Year—2015. The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Business of the Year Awards Gala, Thursday January 22. The Business of the Year Awards recognize and honor members that have demonstrated leadership, positive growth, development, and integrity in operation as a business, as well as a commitment to the community. Large Business of the Year designation is for South Tampa businesses with 11 or more employees. Dr. Randy Feldman, Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics said, “Having been in practice in Orthodontics for over 32 years in Tampa was been nothing short of wonderful... I truly love what I do... ” Dr. Feldman started his Orthodontic practice in 1989 on Neptune Street in South Tampa, and the first day to open for business was Halloween day. He and the 3 staff had worn costumes, and have continued in that tradition. Feldman Orthodontics were the first practice to open South of Kennedy in over 25 years and were very happy to open in South Tampa. Dr. Feldman added, “I had been established in North Tampa on Florida Avenue since 1982, however, we had lots of patient requests to open in South Tampa. ” “We have been blessed as well, as our practice has continued to grow. Of course, straightening teeth has its challenges, however, we have kept up with all the nuances of the advancements in our industry and still offer cutting edge treatment. We are currently #1 in Invisalign in Florida and #11 worldwide and have an early treatment program that has been copied around the country! We love changing the world... one Smile at a Time! “ Dr. Feldman thanks the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce for the wonderful opportunity and honor, and credits his staff for their professionalism and excellence. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813-968-2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813-254-8005 --- - Published: 2015-01-19 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/nathaniel-an-amazing-young-man/ Nathaniel is an amazing young man whose parents are both highly accomplished musicians. We began seeing Nathaniel when he was quite young. Nathaniel traveled from Sarasota throughout his Orthodontics and garnered some fantastic results. During that same time period Nathaniel became a most excellent Violinist. On one of his retainer appointments he surprised us with a wonderful display of his awesome musical ability! We are most proud of Nathaniel and know that he will continue to be a shining star not only with his music but also with his shining personality! He is featured on our website in the #BeRemarkable section. Bravo Nathaniel Bravo! (:)) If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813-968-2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813-254-8005 --- - Published: 2014-12-14 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/carlos-an-amazing-young-man/ Carlos came to us for his Orthodontics with some dentofacial and other issues. Dr. Feldman and staff got to know Carlos quite well during his Orthodontics to correct his rather complex bite issues. Carlos is an amazing young man overcoming many challenging obstacles and in this video shows his obvious musical talent while playing with his toes! Well done Carlos! Well done! If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-10-26 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-childrens-cancer-center/ The Children's Cancer Center's mission is to help children and their families by providing the educational, financial, and emotional relief necessary to cope with the illnesses which threaten to tear their lives apart. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Tampa Bay area families of children with cancer or chronic blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Anemia. Children's Cancer Center was founded in 1974. Mac and Cecile Burnett, who lost their daughter Helen to leukemia, and Dr. Janifer M. Judisch envisioned an organization that would help alleviate the stress of coping with a child's life-threatening disease. The philosophy of the original founders was that when a child is diagnosed, the entire family is really diagnosed. Therefore, their programs and services address the needs of all family members affected. The Children’s Cancer Center is one of three charities in the Tampa Bay area in Feldman Orthodontics' Big Give program. Dr. Feldman asks patients to choose one of these charities to which we will donate a portion of treatment costs on their behalf. At the end of each year, Dr. Feldman will personally provide a matching donation to the organization that has the highest level of patient support. These charities provide important resources and services for our neighbors in need, and we are proud to partner with them in achieving their goals. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-10-26 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-humane-society-of-tampa-bay/ The Humane Society Tampa Bay is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. They are a limited admission shelter which only accept animals that they feel they can find homes for. They do not take in stray animals; however, refer these to the county facility where their owners can look for them. They are a “No Kill for Space” shelter. This means that the shelter will not euthanize an animal to make space for another animal. They do euthanize animals that are too sick to be treated or too aggressive or behaviorally unsound to be suitable for adoption. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay does its best to find homes for as many animals as possible. They are committed to a community approach to help lower the euthanasia in our county. They also have an aggressive transfer program which takes in animals from other shelters. The Humane Society Tampa Bay is one of three charities in the Tampa Bay area in Feldman Orthodontics' Big Give program. Dr. Feldman asks patients to choose one of these charities to which we will donate a portion of treatment costs on their behalf. At the end of each year, Dr. Feldman will personally provide a matching donation to the organization that has the highest level of patient support. These charities provide important resources and services for our neighbors in need, and we are proud to partner with them in achieving their goals. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-10-26 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/voices-for-children-of-tampa-bay-inc/ Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc. provides support and advocacy for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our community. It is the goal of Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc. to augment the support provided by the state by providing personal, educational, medical, and legal support that the state is incapable of providing to the children in its care. This includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, training, and supporting court appointed Guardians ad Litem so that they may, in turn, provide the dependency courts with the full picture of each child's individual interests. Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc. believes that the ultimate goal of providing this dedicated advocacy to 100% of the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in our community will allow the dependency system to effectively determine the best interest of each child. Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc. is one of three charities in the Tampa Bay area in Feldman Orthodontics' Big Give program. Dr. Feldman asks patients to choose one of these charities to which we will donate a portion of treatment costs on their behalf. At the end of each year, Dr. Feldman will personally provide a matching donation to the organization that has the highest level of patient support. These charities provide important resources and services for our neighbors in need, and we are proud to partner with them in achieving their goals. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-10-01 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dr-feldman-touched-by-silver-award-for-board-service-and-education-for-children/ Dr. Randy Feldman was surprised and honored to receive the “Silver Award” during the 2nd Annual “Celebrating MORE HEALTH” fundraising breakfast on October 1, 2014. Dr. Feldman has been on the board of this non-profit organization for 18 years, and board chair for 12. He is also a founding sponsor of MORE HEALTH, who is now celebrating 25 years. Since 1989, MORE HEALTH, Inc. has been working to improve the health of children, teens, and adults through interactive health and safety lessons. We all know that healthy kids learn better! The skills learned through the MORE HEALTH lessons provide the tools needed to live a healthy lifestyle. By offering 25 different health lessons, MORE HEALTH continues to be on the forefront of ensuring the future of a healthy Tampa Bay by creating health literate and health practicing students, parents, and staff. Our highly trained instructors have taught over 3 million students in schools throughout the Tampa Bay area, one classroom at a time. MORE HEALTH continues to make a significant impact within our community. Reaching 213,000 children and teens during the 2013-14 school year in three counties was a significant accomplishment! Lesson topics such as nutrition, dental, heart, brain, firearm safety, poison prevention, distracted driving, teen pregnancy prevention, and skin cancer prevention empower kids and parents with the knowledge to make healthy and safe decisions. We need your support to help us reach MORE children, teens, and adults this coming year, so visit https://www. morehealthinc. org for more information. ="https:> If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-09-30 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/smiles-from-300-feet-away/ People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression. Being positive and using your smile at parties, business networking events, and in your daily life will have profound benefits to how well you are received. Smiling will let others know that you are sociable, in good spirits, and worth meeting. If someone takes the time to cross the room because of your smile, make sure to appreciate their time and courage in making contact. Listen, be attentive, and generally focus on the present conversation. Share your time and your smile with your new friend. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-09-29 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-beautiful-thing-about-setbacks-is-they-introduce-us-to-our-strengths/ “The beautiful thing about setbacks is they introduce us to our strengths. ” — Robin Sharma It may be difficult to find your smile when life presents you with a series of setbacks. It's important to take a quick time out to create a new strategy, and then set forth on your new path to success. Starting over? What are your resources? What are your strengths and what do they add to your game plan? If a friend were in your same situation, what advice would you give? In most cases, you should consider taking your own advice. The results might just make you smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-07-30 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/every-time-you-smile/ “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ” – Mother Teresa Chances are that you are familiar with this quote. Maybe you have seen it in passing in Twitter or on Facebook. But, have you reflected on how powerful this message is in it's simplicity? Your smile is a gift. An action of love... Not just once, but every time it is offered. Smiling is a beautiful expression of compassion towards another person. In searching for a concise description of her love and tenacity, I found this, “Despite years of strenuous physical, emotional and spiritual work, Mother Teresa seemed unstoppable. Though frail and bent, with numerous ailments, she always returned to her work, to those who received her compassionate care for more than 50 years. ” - book excerpt from A Retreat With Mother Teresa and Damien of Molokai: Caring for Those Who Suffer, by Joan Guntzelman You fill find countless photos of this woman’s genuine smile. She also once said, “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. ” Be sure to greet the next stranger that you meet with a sincere smile, and you might just make a friend. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-07-30 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/the-real-man-smiles-in-trouble/ “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. ” – Thomas Paine These words by one of the fathers of the American Revolution still ring true in our daily lives. We all are faced with distressing situations and troubles. These issues take place in our personal economics, relationships, health, employment, and in just about every facet of our lives. It does take bravery to carry on, and especially to do so with a smile. Thomas Paine’s famous quote doesn’t refer to smiling in victory, but in smiling at the challenge. Being positive in spite of fear, gives you great advantage of strength and spirit. In refreshing my memory of the history surrounding Thomas Paine both before AND after the American Revolution, I found many struggles that would destroy a lesser man. Those situations included death, divorce, bankruptcy, job-loss, imprisonment, war, and more. From the will to face each issue head on, this man became a legend of American freedom and in this country's strong history of rebellion from oppression. Remember to face your fears and troubles. Gather your confidence and do so with a smile. Let it give you strength. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 ="http:> --- - Published: 2014-06-26 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/request-a-complimentary-consultation-from-feldman-orthodontics/ At Feldman Orthodontics we work hard to treat you the same way we would like to be treated: with respect, professionalism and sensitivity towards your needs. We appreciate your expectations and will do everything we can to make sure that you have an exceptional experience when you walk through our door. To request a complimentary consultation to achieve that perfect smile, please fill out our simple online form. Someone from our office will contact you within one business day to schedule. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-05-31 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/happy-music-that-creates-a-smile/ “Happy” by Pharrell Williams will literally make you happy. Chances are that when you’re flipping that radio dial looking for some good vibrations, you tune into “Happy. ” I’d never seen the video before, but it’s well done. It’s 4:07 of happiness. “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. ” ― Bob Marley When you need a break from a stressful situation, listening to some powerful music can completely change your mood or mindset. If you can sing along to the song—even better! Put together a happy song playlist so you always have something to count on to bring you a smile. What are some of your go-to happy songs, artists, or albums? Share them here or with us on our social networking sites. Don’t worry, be happy. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-05-31 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/positive-journaling-will-help-you-to-remember-your-smile/ A friend of ours recently told us about a journal that he is keeping of his positive thoughts regarding his successes and goals for his business. He’s only writing about the positive so far, and reviews the journal when he’s feeling down on himself. Not surprising to us, it’s working. Sometimes to get to that smile, you have to have confidence. Celebrating your past success and knowing that your work has been appreciated may help to set that smile in motion. If you find yourself dwelling on the negative, try these tips. 1) List two or three things that happened in your day that were positive. 2) Write two or three things that you are looking forward to the next day. Be consistent and look at your writing when you need to be re-inspired or need a smile. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , Chief Smile Officer of Feldman Orthodontics will do everything possible to help ensure you are HAPPY and your Smile reflects that happiness. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-05-29 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/patient-appreciation-party/ Please join us at Airheads on June 12th from 6-10:00p. m. as we celebrate the most important part of our practice... you! Please RSVP to by Monday, June 9th. We hope to see you there! --- - Published: 2014-05-16 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/2014-college-scholarship-winners/ Each year Dr. Randy Feldman, of Feldman Orthodontics, awards an outstanding graduating senior, or two in this case, with a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice. An essay competition is held for graduating seniors and a winner selected for their response to the question, "What a smile means to me! " Additional scholarship criteria are the winners must have maintained a cumulative start grade point average of 3. 0 or better, have achieved a minimum SAT score of 1000 or minimum ACT score of 22, must have submitted a letter of recommendation from their school, and have a letter of acceptance from a college of their choice. This year’s winning essays of the $1000 scholarship was awarded to two outstanding seniors: Ka'Oni Toussaint, a graduating senior from Hillsborough High School, and Lisa Ryzhikov, a graduating senior from Sickles High School. To celebrate their achievements, Dr. Feldman and his staff treated the winners and their parents to an awards dinner at the Feldman Orthodontics North Tampa Office; which was held on Thursday, May 15, 2015. In order to keep the ambition alive, he also presented each winner with a copy of the book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go! ” by Dr. Seuss. Dr. Randy Feldman has awarded scholarships to over 40 graduating seniors from local public high schools during the past twenty three years. This scholarship is given to outstanding graduating seniors in recognition of their potential to both excel in their future endeavors and to become a contributing member of their community. Dr. Feldman strongly believes in giving back to the Tampa Bay community and is committed to recognizing those individuals with the potential to continue with that legacy of service. Congratulations Ka'Oni Toussaint and Lisa Ryzhikov! You deserve this scholarship along with your successes along the way. “The Feldman Orthodontics Scholarship provides financial support to graduating seniors from local high schools who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to their community,” said Dr. Feldman. “We are thrilled to present these scholarships to Ka'Oni and Lisa and wish them the best of success in their future endeavors. ” Next year, Feldman Orthodontics will be hosting a 25 year anniversary event, “What a Smile Means to the High School Seniors of Tampa Bay 1990-2015, and will invite all 50 winners to attend. A small anthology will also be published. --- - Published: 2014-04-22 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/introducing-relief-blue-for-cold-sores/ A medical student friend of mine was a part of the clinical trial research for a new, botanical-based over-the-counter topical gel product for relief and treatment of cold sores and fever blisters. In reading her summary and viewing the website www. reliefblue. com — it seems like very sound option for those suffering from this painful and contageous problem. I have no affiliation or gain from this post. I'm just sharing. From their website: "Relief Blue is for people who suffer from cold sores and fever blisters. It is not for people who suffer from canker sores. Canker sores are a different problem than cold sores. Canker sores are caused either by a bacteria, or by a minor trauma as from biting the inside of your mouth accidentally. Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus which comes to the surface of the skin in painful eruptions in order to multiply, replicate, and continue living on inside of the host year after year. Unless something is done to change this. " Let's face it, even with a perfect smile, you won't be smiling much if your mouth is painfully blistered. Check out Relief Blue, watch the videos, and perhaps give the product a try. At the time of our writing, they have a 35 day full refund option. Feel free to add a comment here, and/or on our social media accounts, especially if you have tried Relief Blue. --- - Published: 2014-04-19 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/rays-day-at-feldman-orthodontics/ We love our Tampa Bay Rays! Baseball season is back, and everyone at Feldman Orthodontics is all dressed up to root for the home team. The crack of the bat, a hot dog and a cold beer... . sounds like a good way to spend the weekend to us. This week the Rays take on the Minnesota Twins at home. Check out their schedule here. And speaking of home runs, don't forget, Dr. Feldman is an Elite Invisalign provider here of braces for adults and teens in Tampa. Give us a call today! --- - Published: 2014-04-12 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/earth-day-at-feldman-orthodontics/ If you know anything about all of us at Feldman Orthodontics, you know that besides being committed to providing excellent orthodontic care, we love an excuse to go green! Earth Day is just around the corner and we're passing along the global goodness by sharing a little something 'green' with our patients. Come by for your appointment on April 22nd, and you'll leave with a fresh potted herb! Herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary are a great way to add flavor to everything from pasta dishes to flavored fruit water. Feel free to share your favorite recipe with us at the office and we'll post it! --- - Published: 2014-04-08 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/a-reason-to-smile-at-tax-time/ A year from now, tax season will be giving you a reason to smile ... If you take advantage of our $300 off Invisalign offer, this time next year you could be finished with your Invisalign treatment, or close to it. From now until April 15th, Feldman Orthodontics is offering a special tax season discount, just for you new patients. Visit our page to take advantage of our offer to save $300 on your Invisalign treatment. If a dazzling smile and perfect bite are your goals, you should know that Dr. Randy Feldman is the only Super Elite Invisalign Provider in the entire state of Florida. No other orthodontist in the area is in the top 1% of orthodontists in North America. If you are concerned that Invisalign and a straight smile are out of your reach financially, give us a call today to find out more about our flexible finance plans. It's time to reward yourself with a beautiful smile! Treatment must begin or be purchased by April 15, 2014 to qualify. --- - Published: 2014-03-29 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/20-things-that-happy-people-dont-do/ We often share our thoughts about smiling on our blog, but what about happiness. I recently came across this great list of 20 things that happy people DON’T do. We’d love to see what you think. The article goes on to say that, “Truly happy people don't try to get happy; they just are happy because they recognize that the magic of happiness is in the moment. ” If you want to stay happy, cut out these 20 habits in your life that happy people don’t do: They don't ignore strangers. They don't give anything in order to get something in return. They don't distrust themselves. They don't think with their heads, but rather with their hearts. They don't take anything personally. They don't believe their fear is real. They don't refuse to forgive. They don't body bash themselves or others. They don't try to change anyone; they accept everyone for who they are. They don't feel obligated to do things they don't want to. They don't ignore their inner guidance. They don't resist change. They don't stay in a situation that no longer serves them... ever. They don't look outside of themselves to be happy. They don't ignore their dreams and inner desires. They don't think they are broken or that they need to be fixed. They don't judge others. They don't complain. They don't avoid risk They don't blame others and they take full responsibility for their lives. Source: http://www. mindbodygreen. com/0-10547/20-things-happy-people-never-do. html You will have more opportunity to smile if you can learn to be truly happy, and appreciative of the gifts in your life. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , the founder of Feldman Orthodontics and his team will do everything possible to ensure you get the smile of your dreams. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2014-01-30 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/be-happy-with-the-little-you-have-there-are-some-people-with-nothing-who-still-manage-to-smile/ Be happy with the little you have. There are some people with nothing who still manage to smile. Ever observe joy in an individual or family with virtually nothing of tangible wealth? This is extremely common, and beautiful to behold. Strive to be happy in the company of others and in the basic miracles of life. A very famous quote from Confucius reads, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. " Our needs in life are very simple. At some point or another, we learn that wealth and luxury are not what generates true happiness. Your smile comes from within and can be triggered by a memory, a kind gesture, a song, a hug, and so many similar intangibles. Smile because life is beautiful and so are you. If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , the founder of Feldman Orthodontics and his team will do everything possible to ensure you get the smile of your dreams. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Feldman Orthodontics today! Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2013-12-29 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/dental-health-education/ Blue Wave Orthodontics believes in teaching the importance of good dental hygiene, preventive dentistry, and encouraging orthodontic screening to school age children and interested groups. We accomplish this using a special 30-45 minute interactive presentation filled with knowledge and laughter presented by Tenna McGlone, our Orthodontic Health Care Educator. We strive to help the children learn while being entertained. Tenna has been an orthodontic assistant for approximately 16 years and has taken an active position in the education of patients and other assistants. She is a registered speaker with the S. E. R. V. E. program for the Hillsborough County School System as well as a registered leader with the Boy Scouts. (Get more information on our dental health education program. ) If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for highly skilled, expert orthodontics, there is only one practice you need to contact: Feldman Orthodontics. Using the latest and greatest in high-tech equipment, Feldman Orthodontics can optically scan your teeth and provide you Invisalign aligners within weeks, thereby providing you with the latest tools to quickly create that Hollywood smile. Randy M. Feldman D. D. S, M. S. , the founder of Blue Wave Orthodontics and his team will do everything possible to ensure you get the smile of your dreams. For a free consultation to achieve that perfect smile contact Blue Wave Orthodontics today! Blue Wave Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 3739 Neptune St. Tampa 33629 Florida Tel: 813 254 8005 --- - Published: 2013-08-18 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-tips/ Caring for your Invisalign is part of the appeal - it's so easy! Here are some basic tips to maintain your trays until it's time to switch to the next set: * Clean Invisalign trays by brushing gently with toothpaste and rinsing in lukewarm water. Denture cleaning tablets work well every few days to keep the trays nice and bright and free of any calcium buildup or stains. * Brush and floss your teeth as your normally would after meals before putting your Invisalign trays back in. * When you're finished with one set of trays, clean them and store them in the numbered bag. That way if you lose or break a tray, you will be able to wear the previous trays if needed. * Always switch to a new tray at nighttime. That gives your teeth time to get used to the new position without having to remove the trays for several hours. It also helps cut down on any soreness! --- - Published: 2013-08-07 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/temporomandibular-joint-disorder-are-you-a-candidate/ So what is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and how can you tell if you’re a candidate? Temporomadibular Joint Disorder Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJD, TMD, or TMJ) is characterized by an acute pain due to inflammation of the temporomandibular joint and/or muscles of mastication. The joint connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull (temporal bone) which is located in front of the ears. TMD is associated with problems with the jaw, jaw joint and facial muscles which control speaking and chewing. The temporomandibular joints are flexible allowing the jaws to move smoothly while eating, yawning, speaking, and the like. TMJD causes include grinding the teeth or clenching the teeth which place great pressure on the joint. Aside from that, it can also be caused by jaw injuries, dislocation of the soft disc that connects the mandible to the skull, presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and stress. Symptoms So how do you know if you have TMD? In order to know if you’re a candidate for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, you need to know the symptoms. TMJ is characterized by tenderness and pain in the face, neck, joint area, ears, and/or shoulders upon speaking, yawning, and chewing. Patients who have TMD have limited ability to open the mouth wide and clicking or popping sound can be heard when the jaw moves. Furthermore, patients also experience difficulty in chewing, swelling on the side of the face, and jaws might get locked when opening or closing the mouth. If you have experienced at least one of the symptoms above, make sure you visit your orthodontist to avoid further discomforts and pain which later on can affect your performance especially at work. You can contact Dr Feldman on Tel: 813 968 2483. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 So what is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and how can you tell if you’re a candidate? Temporomadibular Joint Disorder Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJD, TMD, or TMJ) is characterized by an acute pain due to inflammation of the temporomandibular joint and/or muscles of mastication. The joint connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull (temporal bone) which is located in front of the ears. TMD is associated with problems with the jaw, jaw joint and facial muscles which control speaking and chewing. The temporomandibular joints are flexible allowing the jaws to move smoothly while eating, yawning, speaking, and the like. TMJD causes include grinding the teeth or clenching the teeth which place great pressure on the joint. Aside from that, it can also be caused by jaw injuries, dislocation of the soft disc that connects the mandible to the skull, presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and stress. Symptoms So how do you know if you have TMD? In order to know if you’re a candidate for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, you need to know the symptoms. TMJ is characterized by tenderness and pain in the face, neck, joint area, ears, and/or shoulders upon speaking, yawning, and chewing. Patients who have... --- - Published: 2013-08-03 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/online-smile-assessment/ Have you ever wondered if Invisalign would work for you? Find out more by taking the online Invisalign Smile Assessment. The Smile Assessment allows you to find examples of your teeth and bite online. Find out whether your treatment goals can be met through Invisalign. By answering a few questions you can discover more about it whether Invisalign is right for you or your child... or both. Besides simply straightening teeth without brackets and wires, Invisalign can help treat the following issues: *Crowding *Overbite *Underbite *Open bite *Crossbite *Overjet Invisalign has provided many patients with a healthy, beautiful smile without the irritation of traditional braces. Find out if your goal for a gorgeous grin is possible through Invisalign. Give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Randy Feldman today. --- - Published: 2013-08-02 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/finding-difficulty-connecting-with-people/ Quote #22 "Smile have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over" People simply seem to find new puppies absolutely irresistible. Puppies don’t need to prove anything to anyone they are simply cute all on their own. Something as simple as a puppy wagging its tail and falling down is enough to make somebody absolutely swoon over it. If you are finding difficulty connecting with people yourself and you sort of envy the power that new puppies might have over people when it comes to making connections, consider putting on a smile. A smile is just like dog wagging tail, it implies instant acceptance and shows just how happy you are. Just as a dog might wag its tail to greet its master or to show its approval of a new stranger, you can put on a smile and do the exact same thing. By meeting people in passing with a big smile on your face is just like you are greeting them as a dog wagging its tail. You can become far more approachable and much more accepted. When you walk around with a frown this is just the same as a dog baring its teeth at a new stranger or slinking its tail between its legs. This dog might not seem approachable or might seem very sad. By getting rid of this type of appearance or your frown and replacing it with a smile you instantly become approachable and easy to connect with. A smile can be an excellent tool in connecting with people and you never know if you start to wear your smile more out in public you can become just as irresistible as one of those new puppies. Dr Feldman has been creating wonderful smiles across Tampa, call us for a free consultation today. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 People simply seem to find new puppies absolutely irresistible. Puppies don’t need to prove anything to anyone they are simply cute all on their own. Something as simple as a puppy wagging its tail and falling down is enough to make somebody absolutely swoon over it. If you are finding difficulty connecting with people yourself and you sort of envy the power that new puppies might have over people when it comes to making connections, consider putting on a smile. A smile is just like dog wagging tail, it implies instant acceptance and shows just how happy you are. Just as a dog might wag its tail to greet its master or to show its approval of a new stranger, you can put on a smile and do the exact same thing. By meeting people in passing with a big smile on your face is just like you are greeting them as a dog wagging its tail. You can become far more approachable and much more accepted. When you walk around with a frown this is... --- - Published: 2013-07-26 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/invisalign-new-mom-testimonial/ Our patient blogger, Karyn, and her husband welcomed a baby boy late last month! She's here to share her experience of being a brand new mom while continuing her orthodontic Invisalign treatment with us at Feldman Orthodontics. Hi everyone! It's been a wonderful month of sleep deprivation, diaper changes and oh yeah, a beautiful baby boy! Now that we're getting back into a routine and are feeling more normal (sometimes I even know what day it is! ), I wanted to share how my treatment has been going. One of my favorite things about Invisalign is how low maintenance it is compared to traditional braces. With all that's been going on recently, the last thing I had time to worry about was going to the orthodontist. When your calendar is full of baby showers, registry trips to stock up on baby supplies and then several days in the hospital, you don't have time for new wires or broken brackets. Invisalign allows me to get my trays in advance, usually a few months at a time. That way, all I need to do is remember to change them myself every two weeks, and watch as my teeth keep getting straighter and straighter! Based on my experience so far, here are a few tips for new moms (or anyone going through a transitional time): *Buy a couple of toothbrushes and smaller tubes of toothpaste. Keep one in your purse, your hospital bag, your diaper bag and in a spare bathroom at your home. There will be times when you have to eat and aren't at home, so having that toothbrush right next to you will be a lifesaver! Having more than one at home is helpful for me too. Sometimes I'm upstairs doing laundry and listening for little man to wake up from his nap. Heading down to our bathroom can be a hassle. *Try and stick to a schedule. Our son is on a feeding schedule of every three hours right now. For instance, I know he's going to eat at 1pm, so I make sure I have my lunch around noon. That way I can hurry up and brush my teeth and put the trays back in as soon as I'm done eating. Being organized seems like a big challenge, but it helps me keep up with my treatment. *Don't nap without your Invisalign. Again, seems like an obvious piece of advice. But sleep deprivation will take over at some point and you'll find yourself waking up from the chair in the nursery without meaning to fall asleep. *Don't get lazy! I confess there were a few times when I was so busy attending to the baby's needs that I thought, "I'll go put my trays back in just as soon as I'm done with this diaper change... load of laundry... pile of dishes. " But then a half hour would go by and I'd realize I never did. Don't do that. Invisalign only works when you're wearing them! My... --- - Published: 2013-07-25 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/point-towards-the-heavens/ Quote #21 "I have a tickle in my brain and it keeps making the corners of my mouth point towards the heavens" Sometimes when we feel very happy we can’t help but express a big toothy grin, it feels as though our entire body is filled with butterflies. These butterflies can even make their way up into our brain and feel just like a tickle of happiness. As we feel happy thoughts or even look back on happy memories we can sort of tickle or trick our brains into making us smile and remain positive throughout the day. If you are having a tough day for a particularly stressful moment, sometimes it can help to daydream just a little bit to give yourself that fun and happy tickle in your brain that will allow you to uncontrollably smile. Sharing fun memories and moments with others is another great way to share that tickle dissipating any feelings of stress, unhappiness or even boredom. It's excellent to try and swap stories and to feel as many happy memories as you can each and every day. This could be partially why many people turn to meditation or introspection. Spending some time to recall fond memories once in a while is important to keeping those corners of your mouth constantly pointed towards the heavens and feeling that great tickle in your head that helps to keep any bad thoughts away. For more smile quotes, read on. --- - Published: 2013-07-22 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/proud-to-be-part-of-johns-hopkins-hospital-1-ranking/ As an affiliate clinical staff member in the Department of Surgery, All Children's Hospital/John Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg; I'm proud to share with you some excellent news. Our colleagues in Baltimore are celebrating the announcement that The Johns Hopkins Hospital has achieved #1 ranking in the nation by U. S. News & World Report. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has again ranked #1 in the nation in the annual U. S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Given the competitive, rapidly changing health care environment and the realization that U. S. News evaluated almost 5,000 hospitals, Johns Hopkins is incredibly proud of achieving this top-tier ranking among the best hospitals in the United States. It is a privilege to be in the company of the excellent medical centers recognized in the magazine. In our role with All Children's Hospital/John Hopkin's Medicine in St. Petersburg, FL; we work with kids with cleft lip and palate disorders, craniofacial anomolies, dentofacial deformities, and their very challenging Orthodontic needs. It has been an honor to volunteer our time for these precious children for more than 27 of the past amazing years. All Children's Hospital provides expert pediatric care for children and families from all across the state of Florida and beyond. As a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, they provide access to the most innovative treatments and therapies. Taking part in pediatric medical education and clinical research helps them to provide world-class care in more than 43 pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties. Read more about Johns Hopkins recognition at www. hopkinsmedicine. org/usnews - Randy Feldman DDS, MS & Staff --- - Published: 2013-07-10 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/lets-smile-even-when-no-ones-around/ Quote #20 "If you smile when no one else is around, you must really mean it! " So many times we smile simply to appease others and to connect with others, but smiling alone is important as well. Spending time with yourself and really enjoying time with yourself is something that people need to do in order to relax and de-stress. While it is nice to share a great smile with other people, feeling happy smiling all by yourself is highly recommended. Think on some of your favorite memories, watch your favorite TV show or movie or even just do a hobby that you love that really makes you smile. Spending time smiling helps us to feel great all day and a smile that you start in your alone time can very well carry through into time that you are with others. When you have had a great day, you can’t help but smile and feel happy all day long. When you are smiling not for other people but just for yourself, that is when you really feel true happiness. For more smile quotes, click here Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 Let's smile even when no one's around --- - Published: 2013-07-02 - Modified: 2026-04-07 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/a-smile-is-free-to-have/ Quote #19 “What is worth a million dollars but doesn't cost a dime? A smile! ” So many people in today’s society value material possessions and material wealth. What is very funny is that all of this material wealth and possession can never actually bring us the same amount of joy as we might feel receiving a smile from another person or sharing a smile among people. Just as $1 million may bring a good number of smiles to a person’s face the smile itself is something that you can give away for free simply by experiencing a fun moment or by thinking back on a happy memory. Very important not to place so much emphasis in material possessions and to spend time doing what you love and what makes you smile. A confident and resounding smile is a great thing to share with other people and you can be emotionally wealthy by sharing your happiness with the world. Remember to smile and share happiness with people that you might see in passing and you can share the amazing gift of your smile with others whose days need brightening. As much as $1 million could do a lot of good in creating social change, sharing this much money is simply out of reach for most people. If you cannot afford to be charitable financially consider being charitable with your emotions by regularly sharing a smile and sharing happiness with other people that you see every day. Whether it is your friends, family members or coworkers sharing a smile is a great way to give somebody a charitable gift that costs you absolutely nothing at all. A great smile really is a long term investment in so many facets of life, yet can often be neglected. Contact us today for a free orthodontic consultation. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 So many people in today’s society value material possessions and material wealth. What is very funny is that all of this material wealth and possession can never actually bring us the same amount of joy as we might feel receiving a smile from another person or sharing a smile among people. Just as $1 million may bring a good number of smiles to a person’s face the smile itself is something that you can give away for free simply by experiencing a fun moment or by thinking back on a happy memory. A great smile really is a long term investment in so many facets of life, yet can often be neglected. Contact us today for a free orthodontic consultation. Feldman Orthodontics 1773 W Fletcher Ave. Tampa 33612 Florida Tel: 813 968 2483 --- - Published: 2013-03-02 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/feldman-orthodontics-app/ Hi friends! We are excited about a new way to share photos and stay in touch using social media at Feldman Orthodontics. We now have our very own app for your cell phone! It works on both Android and iPhones and it's free. To check it out, go to your app store and search for Feldman Orthodontics. Once you have downloaded the app, have fun exploring the features. Select "Offices" from the main screen to use our helpful map feature. Now you'll be able to find the quickest way to either of our offices from your current location. Click on "More" to find coupons, learn more about our practice and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also use the app to request an appointment or refer a friend. Besides finding out more about us, the app lets us get to know you better as well! You can upload and share photos of your progress using the "Submit Photos" option. Check out other photos from us and patients using the photo gallery as well. Fill out the feedback form to let us know how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you! --- - Published: 2009-05-03 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://bluewaveortho.com/blog/jacob-lees-limo-birthday-party/ Feldman Orthodontics provided our patient, Jacob Lee and his friends a trip to Steak n Shake for dinner and to the movies for his birthday! --- ---