Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics Blog

Braces, Aligners & Overnight Camp: The Parent’s Guide to Orthodontic Emergencies

June 19, 2026

Your camper is making memories, building confidence, and gaining independence. The last thing anyone wants is a loose bracket or rough aligner edge stealing the spotlight.

The good news? Most orthodontic “emergencies” aren’t true emergencies. With a few simple tricks, your camper can stay comfortable and get right back to the fun.

(Read More)

4 Reasons to Have Your Overbite Corrected as Soon as Possible

May 5, 2026

Close-up of woman with an overbite

An overbite is when the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth. This is a very common bite problem, but far too many people assume that it is only an aesthetic issue. The fact of the matter is that if your misaligned bite isn’t fixed, it could lead to all sorts of complications. If you have a significant overbite, here are 4 reasons why it’s in your best interest to visit your orthodontist for non-surgical bite correction.

(Read More)

The “Why” Behind Rubber Bands on Braces

March 12, 2026

Close up of girl's braces

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.

(Read More)

Is Invisalign Still an Option if You Grind Your Teeth?

January 9, 2026

Woman holding up her clear aligners

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.

(Read More)

The Ultimate Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving Guide

November 21, 2025

middle-aged woman with metal braces

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. 

(Read More)

Tripped-Up Tongue: Will Aligners Change How You Talk?

November 6, 2025

Woman smiling while holding up her clear aligner

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.

(Read More)

Relieving New Invisalign Discomfort: 4 Easy Tips to Try

September 4, 2025

Man smiling while putting in his Invisalign tray

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.

(Read More)

Can I Wear Metal Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?

July 3, 2025

a patient speaking with their orthodontist about braces

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.

(Read More)

A Guide to Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners for 22 Hours Every Day

May 12, 2025

Close-up of woman putting Invisalign aligner on lower teeth

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.

(Read More)

How Orthodontists Define Smile Beauty

March 21, 2025

A group of beauty pageant winners

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!

(Read More)