Welcome to the Vinson Orthodontics Blog!

Whether you’re starting your orthodontic journey or have been on the path for a while, it is entirely normal to have questions. At Vinson Orthodontics, we’re on a mission to help people revitalize their smiles. Check out our blog for information about orthodontic treatment and learn why so many people improve their smiles with Vinson Orthodontics. 

a teenage girl with a yellow sweater smiling to show off her metal braces

How Long Do Braces Take to Work?

Every day our patients ask us, “how long do you have to wear braces?” We enjoy answering this question because it allows us to talk about what makes Vinson Orthodontics such an incredible place to start your smile journey.  Our patients are shocked to learn that we can shorten treatment time by several months. The average braces treatment time at our practice ranges from a few weeks to 24 months. The bottom line is that we can provide a better smile in less time.  Get the answer to how long does it take for braces to work now!  Schedule Your Free Exam Begin Your Virtual Consultation Learn More About Braces What’s the Average Damon Braces Treatment Time? Braces technology has undergone significant changes. Breakthroughs like Damon Braces have significantly shrunk the average braces treatment time. While other options can take as much as 36 months to see results, the average Damon braces treatment time can vary between 5-23 months.  There is a wide range of treatment times because no two people have the exact same needs. During your free exam, we will examine the underlying factors affecting your teeth and design a more attractive and healthy smile.  Some factors that

Read More »
a man getting his braces inspected by a dental assistant

Should You See Your Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Many new orthodontic patients ask, “can you see your dentist during orthodontic treatment?” The short answer is yes. Whether you are an adult, a teen, or a child, it is essential that you continue to get regular cleanings and check-ups during treatment. Let’s look at why you should continue seeing your dentist and which treatments are available while you have braces. At Vinson Orthodontics, our top priority is helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Schedule a complimentary exam to discover what makes us the leading orthodontic provider in Clayton and Wake Forest! Schedule a Complimentary Exam Why You Need to See the Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment Dr. Vinson uses the most advanced orthodontic techniques, technology, and research to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. His primary focus is ensuring that your orthodontic treatment works effectively and efficiently.  While he will check your teeth at your appointments, you should also visit a dentist who will focus on the health of your teeth and gums. Visiting your dentist regularly will help prevent: Tooth decay Tooth pain Tooth discoloration Gum disease Bad breath Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can build up around your braces or

Read More »
Mom and daughter with braces embracing on a cream couch.

Can Dentists Provide Orthodontic Treatment?

At first, understanding the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist might be a little confusing. After all, they both work on teeth. Why can’t a dentist provide the same treatments as an orthodontist? The truth is that dentistry and orthodontics have many significant differences that separate their expertise. Let’s look a little more into why it’s best for orthodontists to focus on orthodontic care and why dentists should focus on dental care. Vinson Orthodontics has the experience to provide the treatment you need. With a number of orthodontic treatments available, Vinson Orthodontics can help you on your way to having a confident, natural smile.  Get a complimentary exam or call us at 919-359-1904 to learn more about what orthodontists do.  Schedule a Complimentary Exam Orthodontists Receive More Training It’s no secret that orthodontists and dentists receive several years of training and education before they start practicing. Both have to go through college and dental school, in addition to getting priceless on-the-job training. Orthodontists, however, have to receive even more education than general dentists. After finishing dental school, aspiring orthodontists will commit an additional 2-3 years to orthodontic residency. During their orthodontic residency, they typically acquire thousands of hours of

Read More »
Dentist with gloves cleaning a girl's teeth with a pick and dental mirror.

What Does An Orthodontist Do?

Have you ever wondered what an orthodontist does? Are you considering treatment?  If you’ve never visited an orthodontist, it can be difficult to understand what procedures they perform or how they’re different from dentists. Read on to learn more about orthodontic treatment and how you can understand what the dedicated professionals at Vinson Orthodontics orthodontist can do for you. Schedule a Complimentary Exam What is an Orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dental specialist that focuses on corrections to the bite and jaw. They can use braces, palate expanders, and other forms of treatment to help patients achieve a natural, beautiful smile. Orthodontist vs. Dentists While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists provide specialized treatment to your teeth and jaw, while dentists can provide generalized care.  Dentists are required to undergo undergraduate and graduate training to practice dentistry. Beyond that and any board certifications they choose to obtain, any additional training is optional. However, orthodontists typically need an additional 5,000 hours of study to enter into orthodontic specialization. That’s in addition to their undergraduate degrees and their dental school degrees. Said another way, all orthodontists are dentists, but all dentists do not choose to become orthodontists. Learn

Read More »
Orthodontist with a mask examining a teenage girl's braces.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary

In a recent survey, The American Association of Orthodontists remarked that at least 3 out of 4 Americans could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Understanding whether you need orthodontic treatment is a challenge in and of itself. If you’ve ever wondered if you or your child would benefit from orthodontic care, you should consult an orthodontist to determine what course of action works best. Learn more about the reasons why orthodontic treatment is necessary and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vinson today!  Schedule a Complimentary Exam Benefits of Early Interceptive Treatment When your child reaches around 7 or 8 years old, you should consider taking them to a qualified orthodontist to understand whether or not they exhibit issues in their mouth and jaw that may need correction. This is the perfect age for a child to visit the orthodontist because they can better predict how their permanent teeth will grow and whether interceptive treatment is needed. Most children will not need to start treatment at this time. However, only an orthodontist can help determine whether or not they need interceptive treatment, which is designed to prevent oral problems from becoming bigger concerns.  Vinson Orthodontics has a wealth of experience in

Read More »
Orthodontist holds a mirror in front of a girl. They are both smiling.

What Happens at Your First Orthodontist Appointment?

Our top priority at Vinson Orthodontics is helping you or your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile! The best way to start this process is  to schedule a complimentary exam. During your first visit, you can meet our friendly staff, tour our offices, and discuss your orthodontic goals with Dr. Vinson. As the most trusted orthodontic provider in Clayton and Wake Forest, we have helped many people get stunning results that last a lifetime!    Keep reading to learn more about what happens at your first orthodontist appointment. Schedule a Complimentary Exam What to Expect at Your First Orthodontist Appointment Your first appointment is the perfect opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to you and get a better idea of how we can help revitalize your smile.  During your complimentary consultation, we will: Review your medical and dental history. Conduct a thorough exam of your teeth. Diagnose any orthodontic issues. Create a customized treatment plan, including treatment method and timeline. Discuss financial details, including insurance coverage and payment plan options. The goal of the visit is to provide you with all the information you need to decide what is right for you. We have supported many people through their orthodontic journey

Read More »
Close up of a child's teeth.

When to Start Orthodontic Treatment

An aligned smile can do wonders for your child’s health and confidence. However, we see many parents who are curious about when to start orthodontic treatment for their kids. They wonder, when should you first see an orthodontist?  While there’s no ideal age to get orthodontic care, there are some signals for when to start orthodontic treatment. Learn more about early treatment, the best age for braces, and more from the experts at Vinson Orthodontics. Learn More About Early Treatment Schedule a Free Exam When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist Did you know that according to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should take your child to see an orthodontist by age seven? By this point in their development, we can catch emerging bite issues early and fix them before they become larger problems. Phase 1 treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, and make future orthodontic treatment easier. While there is no hard and fast rule about the best age for braces, early adolescence is a good time to get them. Around ages 10-13, the teeth and jaw are a bit more malleable, making it easier to bring teeth

Read More »

Do I Really Need to Wear My Elastics?

One part of orthodontic treatment that doesn’t attract a lot of fans are elastics, also known as rubber bands. These are a very normal part of orthodontic treatment, but are known to cause some discomfort or be a nuisance for some people. However, elastics are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment, and it is imperative that you wear them so that your treatment can be completed timely and correctly. The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day. Keep reading for some advice from Dr. Britt Vinson at Vinson Orthodontics about why elastics are important. Elastics allow for the jaw and bite alignment to occur. But they are also the patient’s responsibility, and if the patient does not choose to wear them as directed, it may prolong treatment or affect the final result. Before leaving the office, the patient needs to make sure they understand where and when to wear their rubber bands.

Read More »

A Healthy Diet, Flossing, and More! 4 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help prioritize the health of your mouth and teeth with minimal effort. Here are some tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve from Dr. Britt Vinson at Vinson Orthodontics! Brush and floss  The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring and annoying, is pertinent to teeth health. Did you know not flossing is linked to heart disease? YIKES!

Read More »

Feeling a Little Sore After Braces Tightening? These Tips Can Help!

While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. What each person feels is a little different, however, with most only feeling a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Additionally, the longer you’re in braces, the quicker your discomfort will go away after each tightening. In the meantime, have no fear! Here is some advice from Dr. Britt Vinson at Vinson Orthodontics that can help ease your discomfort: Stick to Soft Foods Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great options when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day that you go in for a tightening, it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

Read More »