Call Us Patient Portal

Blog Articles

Crawford Orthodontic Care Blog View all posts

Taking Charge of Your Dental Health
Now that you’re a teenager, you have a lot more responsibility and independence. Choosing high school classes and electives. Getting a driver’s license. Landing your first job. And those new responsibilities extend to your dental health as well!...
Jan 22nd, 2020

What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
You may have noticed that we specialize in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. And while most people we talk to have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title. Today, Dr. Crawford and our team thought..
Jan 15th, 2020

What is a Palatal Expander? (2)
Orthodontists like Dr. Crawford recommend a first orthodontic visit and evaluation for your child around the age of seven. We will evaluate your child’s jaw and facial development and make sure that there is enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth
Jan 8th, 2020

Emergency Care for Orthodontics
It’s vital to understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and minor orthodontic issues. Minor issues can be handled the next day, or at your next scheduled appointment. When a real orthodontic emergency occurs, however, you will need to...
Jan 1st, 2020

Smile, the New Year is Almost Here!
We’ve been celebrating the new year for a really, really long time. It goes way back, but it started formally in 1582, when Pope George XIII made January 1st the official holiday for ushering in the new year. The idea was to yell, cheer, and blow horns...
Dec 25th, 2019

Is Orthodontic Treatment Just for Straightening Teeth?
A lot of patients ask us why Dr. Crawford and our team at Crawford Orthodontic Care work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can...
Dec 18th, 2019

Color Combinations of Elastics for the Holidays
There's something special about customizing the elastics on your braces to fit your unique personality. Once you embrace your braces (no pun intended) you'll realize how many color options and combinations there are to choose from...
Dec 14th, 2019

The Truth About TMJ
TMJ is the quick way of referring to your Temporomandibular Joint. Pardon the pun, but that’s quite a mouthful! What is this joint, what does it do, and, if your Dr. Crawford and our team have told you that you have a TMJ disorder, what can we do to help?
Dec 11th, 2019

Thanksgiving
At Crawford Orthodontic Care, we love to celebrate the holidays with vigor! Dr. Crawford would love to share some unique ways of celebrating Thanksgiving from beyond the Norcross, GA area to the national level!...
Nov 27th, 2019

Play Sports? Use Mouthguards.
Dr. Crawford and our team recommend always wearing a protective mouthguard to participate in most physical sports. We especially encourage this if you have braces that can potentially cut your mouth or cause damage to your teeth...
Nov 20th, 2019

Post-braces Care: Wear Your Retainer!
Many patients underestimate the importance of wearing their retainers after their braces come off, but it is one of the most critical post care practices to keep your teeth in alignment. Why spend all that time, energy, and money to straighten your...
Nov 13th, 2019

Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
The goal of orthodontic treatment at Crawford Orthodontic Care, which may include the use of braces, retainers, and aligners, is to straighten your teeth...
Nov 6th, 2019

Don’t Let Braces Ruin Your Halloween
Halloween is a time to enjoy delicious candies you might avoid the rest of the year. Youngsters who get to dress up and ask for sweet treats out trick-or-treating cherish this holiday...
Oct 30th, 2019

How Long Will I Wear My Braces?
How long? Well, a beautiful smile is both science and art—proper teeth and jaw alignment united with aesthetically pleasing results. Orthodontists achieve both these outcomes with a careful analysis of any dental and facial problems,...
Oct 23rd, 2019

Does My Child Need Two-phase Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment involves two separate and distinct periods that your child receives orthodontic treatment. It allows your son or daughter ...
Oct 16th, 2019

Year-end Insurance Reminder
Now that October is upon us, Dr. Crawford and our team at Crawford Orthodontic Care wanted to send you a friendly reminder ...
Oct 2nd, 2019

Help! My Gums Hurt When I Floss!
By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true ...
Sep 11th, 2019

Going Back To School With Braces
Going back to school is already an exciting (and sometimes nerve-racking) time so we don't want your braces adding to that. Our Norcross, GA team ...
Sep 4th, 2019

Wax Facts
In the long run, wearing braces is so worth it. Whether you’re working toward straight teeth, an improved bite, or both, you’ll end up with a beautiful smile! But sometimes, in the short run, they can be really annoying...
Aug 15th, 2019

Orthodontic Emergency Care
Although major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, when they do happen it is important to seek immediate attention ...
Jul 31st, 2019

Tips to Keep Braces Clean
Orthodontic technology changes and improves all the time. Today’s braces are lighter, smaller, and more efficient than those of past years. Wires are thinner and more flexible. Even brackets come in different styles and colors...
Jul 17th, 2019

Early Orthodontics
Perhaps you are already planning for the years when your teenager will need orthodontic work. But hearing that your seven-year-old would benefit from orthodontic treatment? That might come as a complete surprise! ...
Jul 10th, 2019

Happy Fourth of July! 07.04.2019
Happy Independence Day from Dr. Crawford and team! The Fourth of July celebrations in America may have changed a lot over the years, but there is no doubt that we Americans love to celebrate the anniversary of our country's independence! ...
Jul 3rd, 2019

Find Out How Your Diet Can Cause Cavities
Sometimes food that’s good for your body isn’t necessarily the best for your teeth. Dr. Crawford and our team want you to know which healthy foods can harm your teeth and gums, and what steps you can take to continue enjoying these foods, ...
Jun 26th, 2019

Breakfast With Braces
Breakfast is called the most important meal of the day for many reasons. Children need to refuel after a long night’s sleep, and studies suggest that school kids who eat a good breakfast have more energy, better attendance and behavior, ...
Jun 19th, 2019

Does Smoking Affect Oral Health?
By now, everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. But the truth is its broad-reaching health effects are not all known by everyone. This is especially true of oral health. Smoking can have serious repercussions in this regard...
Jun 12th, 2019

Tips to Help You Beat the Heat This Summer
The dog days of summer are upon us, and with the temperatures soaring, our team at Crawford Orthodontic Care wants you to be extra careful about sun safety when you’re out and about...
Jun 5th, 2019

Can I Use Mouthwash Instead of Flossing?
While mouthwash goes a long way in improving your oral care, it is not a substitute for flossing. Mouthwashes and flossing provide different benefits that you should understand...
May 29th, 2019

Memorial Day and Getting Ready for Summer
Memorial Day didn't become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860s, right after the Civil War...
May 22nd, 2019

At What Age Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?
You may have noticed that kids seem to be getting braces and other orthodontic care a lot earlier these days. There was a time, only a decade or two ago, when braces were mainly seen on teenagers, but that is beginning to change...
May 15th, 2019

Earth Day
The idea for Earth Day was the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin. He envisioned an Earth Day that would be a kind of environmental teach-in...
Apr 17th, 2019

Questions, Questions…
When beginning orthodontic treatment, most patients ask Dr. Crawford and our team a lot of questions about what to expect, while others choose to just "go with the flow" and leave it to us to build for them a beautiful smile...
Apr 10th, 2019

Play It Safe This Spring
It's springtime and it's again time to remind our patients at Crawford Orthodontic Care to protect their faces and pearly whites while out on the field playing sports. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, ...
Apr 3rd, 2019

St. Patrick's Day
On March 17, everyone has a little Irish in them. St. Patrick’s Day is a joyous celebration of Irish heritage. The holiday originated as a commemoration of Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland...
Mar 13th, 2019

Foods Can Wreak Havoc on Your Enamel
It’s possible to develop tooth decay even when you take great care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing may not be enough to keep your teeth healthy, depending on your diet...
Feb 20th, 2019

The Start of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, has been said to originate with a Catholic priest named Valentine several thousand year ago...
Feb 13th, 2019

What Band Color is Right for Your Astrological Sign?
For centuries, many have believed in messages written in the stars and constellations. Some people look to their astrological sign to understand their personalities and preferences better, and even to foresee their destiny...
Jan 30th, 2019

Stars Who Had Braces
Not everyone is born with a million-dollar smile, not even some celebrities. The following stars have all had their moments as a “brace face,” either as a child, teenager, or adult. You might be surprised to learn about stars who had braces...
Jan 23rd, 2019

Kristin Cavallari and Palatal Expanders
It’s no easy feat to have one of the best smiles in Hollywood. The reality TV starlet Kristin Cavallari attributes her gorgeous smile to routine oral hygiene, the removal of two impacted wisdom teeth, and having undergone orthodontic treatment...
Jan 16th, 2019

Tooth Protection and Winter Sports
Just because it’s cold out there doesn’t mean you’ll give up keeping fit and active! Winter is the season for some of our favorite team sporting activities, and when you’re donning your protective gear, don’t forget to protect your teeth as well...
Jan 2nd, 2019

It's a Wrap: Ending the Year With a Smile!
People have been ushering in the New Year for centuries but it became an official holiday in 1582 when Pope George XIII declared January 1st to be the day on which everyone would celebrate the New Year. At midnight people would yell, holler, and ...
Dec 26th, 2018

What is a Palatal Expander?
If Dr. Crawford and our team at Crawford Orthodontic Care have recommended a palatal expander, you might be wondering what it is and how it will help you...
Dec 12th, 2018

How Braces Can Work at Any Age (2)
The team at Crawford Orthodontic Care loves to help adults achieve straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. If you are considering getting braces, here are some things you’ll need to know. Can braces work for adults?...
Dec 5th, 2018

Do I Really Need to Wear My Rubber Bands With My Braces?
Most of our patients at Crawford Orthodontic Care will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit...
Nov 28th, 2018

Thanksgiving in North America
Thanksgiving marks the start to the holidays; a season filled with feasting, indulging, and spending time with family and friends are always special. Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for giving thanks, and while this may seem like such a natural celebration
Nov 21st, 2018

Whitening Teeth With Braces
Now that you are working hard to improve your dental health and appearance with your braces, it might seem like a logical time to whiten your teeth as well. But should you go ahead with home kits or a professional whitening? ...
Nov 14th, 2018

The Intriguing History of Halloween
Halloween is fast approaching, and Dr. Crawford wanted to be sure to wish our patients a happy day, no matter how you might celebrate this holiday...
Oct 25th, 2018

What Your Braces Rubber Band Color Says About You
However you may feel about having to wear braces, choosing the color of your rubber bands is sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you want to express your creativity, coordinate your braces with your outfits, ...
Oct 17th, 2018

What makes Teeth Crooked?
Dr. Crawford and our team hear this question a lot. Some of the common reasons for crooked teeth include...
Oct 10th, 2018

October is National Orthodontic Health Month
What does the month of October mean to you? For people in the northern hemisphere, October is when the weather starts to get a little chilly: heavy jackets might come out of storage and the summer clothing gets packed away...
Oct 3rd, 2018

Your First Orthodontist Visit
If you’ve never been to an orthodontist before, you might be wary of what to expect during your first visit...
Sep 27th, 2018

Braces-friendly Foods
Having braces can be frustrating when you have to be cautious about eating certain foods or having to avoid them altogether...
Sep 12th, 2018

Celebrate Labor Day By Getting Away
Labor Day honors the contributions that workers have made to this country, and for many Americans, the holiday is a great time to ...
Aug 28th, 2018

Orthodontic Treatments
It’s not unusual for a patient to be unaware of the range of services that orthodontists can provide for their patients...
Aug 22nd, 2018

When Clear Aligners Aren’t The Answer
Clear aligners like Invisalign® have become increasingly popular over the past several years and rightly so. They’re removable, easier to clean than ...
Aug 15th, 2018

It's Time to Go Back to School!
Now that many of the schools in Norcross, GA are back in session, Dr. Crawford would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance...
Aug 1st, 2018

Make Your Braces Bands Work for You!
Well, of course, they already are working for you—as an essential part of the alignment process. Rubber bands, also known as elastic ligatures, are used to secure the wires inside your brackets. But bands can be more than functional...
Jul 25th, 2018

Treatment Options for TMD
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to a diverse range of disorders that relate to muscular function in the jaw and face — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). ...
Jul 18th, 2018

Happy Fourth of July
Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of the country and its independence on the Fourth of July. There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, ...
Jun 27th, 2018

Avoid Brushing After Every Single Meal!
Here is some surprising yet worthwhile advice you might be hearing for the first time: Brushing after a meal can be incredibly bad for your teeth if you do it after eating certain foods...
Jun 20th, 2018

Adults and Braces 06.14.2018
Nowadays, many adults are taking advantage of getting straighter teeth with braces. Dr. Crawford and our team love to help patients create the dazzling, confident smile they’ve always wanted...
Jun 13th, 2018

Don't Forget Your Retainer This Summer!
As we start our summer, our team at Crawford Orthodontic Care wants to remind our patients who have completed treatment that it is very important to wear your retainer as prescribed even while away for vacations and summer camps...
Jun 6th, 2018

Common Braces Problems
It’s useful to know some of the common problems that can arise when you get braces. Even if you take great care of your braces and teeth, you might not be able to avoid certain issues or side effects that accompany braces...
May 30th, 2018

Memorial Day
Memorial Day is not only a federal holiday in the United States, but it is a day of observance and remembrance of those who died in service. Originally known as Decoration Day,...
May 23rd, 2018

Best Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
Nobody likes bad breath, and although it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have it, it is always better to practice good oral health than risk having a smelly mouth...
May 16th, 2018

Wishing All Our Moms a Happy Mother’s Day!
"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." - Robert Browning We would like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child’s visits to Crawford Orthodontic Care. Whether it’s driving their kids to...
May 9th, 2018

Summer is Almost Here: Tips for a Bright, White Smile!
Summer is almost here, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is just around the corner for our patients at Crawford Orthodontic Care. Everyone wants a glowing and radiant white smile when the sun comes around and we have...
May 2nd, 2018

Every Day is Earth Day
During the early days of the environmental awareness movement, those who demonstrated against pollution, toxic chemicals, and the general public health were known as hippies. The early 1970s were a time of change, and assertions that we needed to pay...
Apr 18th, 2018

Too Old for Braces? You Might Be Surprised
Although adolescence is a common time to get braces, there’s no reason for adults of any age to have to deal with crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, or other dental issues. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists notes that demand...
Apr 11th, 2018

April is National Facial Protection Month
The Importance of Facial Protection Americans from all walks of life should mark April as National Facial Protection Month on their calendars. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric...
Apr 4th, 2018

What is Malocclusion?
The term malocclusion refers to misalignment of teeth. You may have been born with malocclusion, so your teeth simply grew in crooked, or the misalignment and crowding of your teeth occurred over a period of time. Either way, not only can malocclusion pose
Mar 28th, 2018

Helpful Hints for Dealing With Braces Pain
Your first few days with braces will feel rather odd, awkward, and even painful. The day you get your braces you will probably just feel weird, like you have something in your mouth – because you do. You are most likely to feel pain and soreness during...
Mar 21st, 2018

Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Millions of people, around Norcross, GA and beyond, wear green on St. Patrick’s Day so they can show their spirit for the holiday and avoid getting pinched. While it may be easy for you to throw on a green shirt, sport a St. Patrick’s Day button...
Mar 14th, 2018

Periodontics and Braces Treatment
Most people think braces are all about their teeth. While it is true orthodontics is meant to move your teeth into proper position, there's more to it than that. To safely move your teeth with braces, you're going to need healthy and stable gums...
Mar 7th, 2018

Going Beyond Braces
At Crawford Orthodontic Care, we aren’t just concerned with straightening your teeth and giving you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted...
Mar 1st, 2018

When is the Best Age to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during their child’s toddler years. And many assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Crawford for an initial orthodontic consultation...
Feb 15th, 2018