Answering big orthodontic questions: Do retainers work?

Here’s a scene I see every day.My lovely patient has just completed braces treatment and they’re smiling into the mirror, realising they’re finally free. Yay!Then I remind them: they need a retainer to keep those gorgeous teeth they’ve worked so hard for straight and in place.A question I’m commonly asked at this point is: Do … Continued

Help my child is 8! Is it too early for their first visit to the orthodontist?

Recently I overheard one mum say to a friend I’ve booked Tayla* in for her first visit to an orthodontist.Now just to be clear, I wasn’t eavesdropping, but my ears did prick up, especially when her friend responded with, Isn’t that a little early? I mean she’s only eight!It’s a question I’m asked by a … Continued

SO Smile: Dr Sarah Dan launches the only orthodontic treatment book a parent needs to survive braces

I’m excited to announce that I’ve finally launched my book SO Smile: A guide to straightening the confusion, concern and catastrophes around orthodontic treatment. Order your copy of SO Smile now! And while this is good news (high five moment), I’m even more excited for the parents, teens and kids who’ll benefit from SO Smile.Why? … Continued

Manual v. electric toothbrush. Which is the best toothbrush to use during during orthodontic treatment?

Patients often ask me Which is the best manual or electric toothbrush to use during orthodontic treatment?I can relate to this question completely. Whenever I walk down the toothbrush aisle of any supermarket today, I can see why people find it confusing. There is such a wide variety of manual and electric toothbrushes to choose … Continued

The ultimate orthodontic holiday checklist: what to pack in your Christmas travel sack

The ultimate orthodontic holiday checklist is a big call, isn’t it? But the truth is, we think we’ve got a handle on this one. Having treated thousands of patients – and worked through holiday orthodontic ‘emergencies’ – we’ve learned a thing or two about being prepared.With Christmas approaching (let me count the days!) and travel … Continued

The parents’ playbook for surviving kids orthodontic treatment every family should read

It’s easy to think kids orthodontic treatment affects just one person. The child (or teenager) who’s been prescribed the treatment.The reality of kids orthodontic treatment, however, is vastly different.As a specialist orthodontist, and author of my soon to be released book So Smile, I’ve learnt a few things about orthodontics, including early interceptive treatment. One … Continued

Orthodontic treatment costs: expense or investment? Understanding the return on investment from orthodontic treatment

Wondering if orthodontic treatment is expensive? It’s a great question. If you or your child is about to embark on a journey to straighter teeth, or even undertake more complex orthodontic treatment, it’s worthwhile understanding orthodontic treatment costs. Why? Because every patient deserves to see the cost of orthodontic treatment as an investment, rather than … Continued

Do I really need to floss during orthodontic treatment? (Yes, and here are the reasons why)

Flossing during orthodontic treatment. It’s not exactly the subject people bring up to make conversation, right?I get it.When I check in with patients about why they should floss during orthodontic treatment – regardless of whether they’re kids, teens or adults – I always get the same look.Boring!Now while it may not be information you like, … Continued

Thumb sucking: a worrying sign your child might need an early orthodontic assessment

Thumb sucking is a common behaviour among babies and little kids.While we understand babies instinctively put just about anything in their mouth until around four months, thumb sucking isn’t instinctive. Actually, thumb sucking is thought to be reflexive, and more a technique used by a child to self-soothe. Many children simply grow out of the … Continued

Braces treatment: The insider’s guide to how things have changed

About to launch your braces treatment journey? Feeling dazed and confused? It’s completely understandable. Knowing all the braces treatment options can be a real challenge. This is especially true if you’ve heard of – or can only recall – the ‘bad old days’ when there weren’t many braces treatment options.  Everybody has heard a braces … Continued

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