Jessica Cohen Orthodontics Blog

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile. But once treatment begins, many patients are surprised when their orthodontist adds rubber bands—also called elastics—to the mix. If you’ve recently been told to start wearing them, you might be wondering why they’re necessary.

While they may seem like a small part of treatment, rubber bands play a big role in helping your teeth and jaw move into the correct position. Understanding why they’re used and how to wear them properly can help keep your treatment on track.

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When it comes to orthodontics, Invisalign is becoming a popular treatment among adults and teens alike. Unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners don’t use any metal wires or brackets. They sit over your smile and shift your teeth to correct their alignment. However, if you tend to grind your grin, then you may wonder if it will affect your eligibility, so here’s what you need to know about this habit and getting to a healthier bite.

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Yes, you can enjoy the feast without breaking a bracket.

Thanksgiving is basically the Super Bowl of eating — but if you’re rocking braces (Hi, welcome to the metal-mouthed club), the menu suddenly comes with… rules. The good news? You can still enjoy so much of the holiday table without worrying about popping a wire or calling your orthodontist mid-dessert.

This guide breaks down what you can eat, what to avoid, and even gives you a few delicious braces-friendly recipes so your holiday is comfortable, cozy, and full of flavor. 

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One of the most popular orthodontic treatments out there are clear aligners. They use plastic trays to shift your teeth into a healthier bite. However, since they pop over your smile, they may make you talk a bit differently at first. Before you get worried, it’s not a dramatic change, but you may notice a minor one. Here is what you can expect, whether it’s Invisalign or Angel Aligner.

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As you work toward getting the straighter smile you love with clear aligners, you are likely looking forward to the end results. You might’ve asked yourself, “Does Invisalign hurt?” before starting your treatment. Well, now that you are in some minor discomfort with your new trays, you may already know the answer! Thankfully, following these four easy tips can help you find some relief.

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When considering orthodontic treatment, some patients wonder if they can straighten just their top or bottom teeth instead of committing to full braces. While this might sound like a faster or more affordable option, it’s generally not recommended by orthodontists—and for good reasons. Here’s what you need to know about braces and why it’s normally better to commit to straightening your top and bottom teeth, given all the life-changing benefits.

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Throughout the Invisalign process, you’ll be able to take your clear aligners out of your mouth at any time. While this is certainly convenient when it comes to meals or oral hygiene, it’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours every day if you want your treatment to be a success. Below is a closer look at why meeting the required Invisalign wear time is important, as well as a few tips that can make it easier to do so.

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Dr. Jessica Cohen has earned a stellar reputation as a skilled and caring orthodontist, and as the namesake behind the “Dr. Jessica smile.” But have you ever wondered how the Dr. Jessica smile came about? After all, crafting a gorgeous grin isn’t just happenstance. Plenty of research went into determining exactly what makes a mouth attractive. In fact, one such study was co-authored by Dr. Cohen herself!

Here’s a closer look at this study, and some further insight into how orthodontists just like her determine how to improve the aesthetics of your smile!

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Choosing how to straighten your misaligned teeth may not be a difficult choice, especially if you prefer to stay as far away from bulky metal as possible. Although there was once no other alternative to traditional braces, more discreet and flexible solutions, like Angel Aligners, are becoming increasingly popular among self-conscious teens and adults. But what are these newly discovered orthodontics exactly, and can they achieve the same kind of results as regular braces? Keep reading to find out.

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Packing your child’s lunch can be challenging enough without adding braces to the mix. When your child got their braces, you likely received a list of no-go foods during orthodontic treatment. Avoiding these food items is necessary to lower your child’s risk of experiencing a broken bracket or wire and developing oral health issues, like cavities as tooth decay. However, when it comes to packing your child’s lunch, coming up with new ideas that don’t include these food items is challenging. Continue reading for some ideas that your child will love!

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