Blog Archive

Why Should I See an Orthodontist for Botox? Mar 7th, 2024

It eventually happens to all of us — We look in the mirror before dashing out to meet our friends at a local restaurant and stop dead in our tracks when instead of seeing our image, it’s our mother staring back.  While it’s true that a good life has a...

Will I Need a Retainer After Invisalign? Feb 7th, 2024

Orthodontic treatment is one of those experiences where the result is just as important as the process of getting there. Whether you are eight years old or 80 years old, every patient is laser-focused on finally getting that straight, gorgeous smile they’ve always dreamed about. The day that those braces...

How (and Why) to Floss Better? Jan 19th, 2024

Did you know you’re twice as likely to get cardiovascular disease or suffer from a stroke if you suffer from gum disease? Brushing and flossing benefits go beyond having a bright smile. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, and gum disease is largely preventable with proper and...

Why You Shouldn't Brush Off Wearing Your Retainer Dec 14th, 2023

After achieving a beautiful new smile with Invisalign® or braces, you still have a bit of work to do to keep your teeth from shifting back to imperfection. You may not want to add another step to your routine, but you shouldn’t brush off wearing your retainer. At Duval Orthodontics...

Tips for Helping Your Little One Stop the Thumbsucking Habit Nov 7th, 2023

Thumbsucking is a comforting ritual that many infants and toddlers adopt. While it's a natural self-soothing behavior, especially during the early stages of life, prolonged thumbsucking can have implications for your child's oral development. At Duval Orthodontics, J. A. Duval, DDS is  committed to guiding parents through these early developmental...

Who Needs Lingual Braces? Oct 1st, 2023

These days, you have more choices than ever when you need to straighten your teeth, and we offer them all here at Duval Orthodontics. Today, Dr. J.A. Duval and our team are taking a closer look at a lesser-known treatment called lingual braces. Which orthodontic treatment is best? All the treatment options work...

Do Retainers Really Work? Sep 1st, 2023

You’ve imagined this day for so long — your braces come off, and you finally get to go free and natural. Your tongue can slide over your teeth with ease, there’s no hardware to interfere with your smile, you can eat whatever you want, and you feel a sense of...

Why It's Never Too Late to Fix Your Teeth With Braces Aug 2nd, 2023

Orthodontics might be a rite of passage for many teens, but data show plenty of adults wear braces, too. In fact, of all Americans wearing braces right now, roughly a quarter of them are adults. Duval Orthodontics is a leading provider of adult braces to patients in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia. In this post, J....

The Science Behind Orthodontics: How Teeth Move and Align Jul 3rd, 2023

As a seasoned orthodontist who treats patients of all ages at Duval Orthodontics in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, Dr. J. A. Duval and our skilled team know exactly what it takes to help you get straighter teeth, a realigned bite, and a flawless smile.  As you can imagine, we field a lot of questions about orthodontic...

How Young Is Too Young for Children's Braces? Jun 1st, 2023

Ongoing advances in dental technology and techniques mean you’re never too old to wear braces or aligners to straighten teeth. However, as a parent choosing orthodontic care for your child, how young is too young? Our team at Duval Orthodontics, led by J.A. Duval, DDS, offers outstanding orthodontic care to residents in and around Albany and...

Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Superior to DIY Products May 4th, 2023

After your eyes, your smile is your most visible and memorable facial feature. A bright, white smile can help you feel self-confident and impart a positive self-image to others, too. While you may be tempted to brighten your smile with do-it-yourself (DIY) kits that are sold at pharmacies and grocery...

3 Ways Botox® Can Enhance Your Smile Apr 2nd, 2023

While Botox® is best known as an anti-aging treatment, it can also enhance your smile. The popular cosmetic procedure is FDA-approved, and, according to a 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics report, Botox is the #1 minimally invasive procedure in the United States. It’s an in-office procedure that takes about 15 minutes. ...

Invisalign vs. Clear Braces: Which Is Right for Me? Mar 8th, 2023

Many people interested in teeth straightening reach for Invisalign® because of the system’s near invisibility, comfort, and success rate. However, clear braces may be your best option if your smile troubles are complex. And while they aren’t invisible, clear braces are less noticeable and more comfortable than those bulky systems...

Why You Should Wear Your Retainer Feb 3rd, 2023

Whether you’re a child or an adult straightening your teeth with clear braces or Invisalign®, the work doesn’t stop once your teeth are straight and properly aligned. Instead, you need to take steps to make those results last, and that’s where your brand new retainer comes in. Believe it or not, your teeth have a memory of sorts. More...

Start This New Year with a New Smile with Braces Jan 25th, 2023

When you think about reaching your goals, what comes to mind? You might have a health or a financial benchmark you’re trying to hit. But don’t forget about the goals that will help you feel confident in 2023 and beyond. Take a straight smile as an example. If you don’t...

Let Botox Give Your Face a Fresh Look for the New Year Dec 1st, 2022

The holidays are right around the corner, which means family gatherings and looking your best for photos. However, if you're not feeling confident because of wrinkles or fine lines, you don't have to worry — Botox® can help. At Duval Orthodontics, J.A. Duval, DDS, and his team understand the importance...

Holiday Parties and Other Great Reasons to Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened Nov 1st, 2022

The holiday season always seems to arrive much faster than you realize, often leading to last-minute shopping trips, travel arrangements, and impulse gift purchases. This holiday season, look your best for all the festivities with something you can do before the rush begins: professional teeth whitening.  At Duval Orthodontics in and around Warner Robins...

Understanding How Teledentistry Works Oct 1st, 2022

When you need an orthodontist, you may begin your search online, checking for locations, qualifications, services, and reviews. That’s a good start, but there are some things the internet can’t tell you.  You’re looking for a place where you instantly love the staff, feel great in the office environment, and...

Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces? Sep 1st, 2022

Invisalign® was first approved by the FDA in 1998, and became available to the public the next year. The appeal of the clear aligners was enormous, particularly among adults who needed braces.  At Duval Orthodontics, Dr. J.A. Duval provides Invisalign for his patients and is enthusiastic about the change aligners...

Is Your Child a Thumb Sucker? Try a Tongue Crib to Break the Habit Aug 1st, 2022

Babies naturally suck on fingers, pacifiers, thumbs, and other objects. In fact, research shows about 90% of newborns suck on some part of their hand soon after birth. This natural reflex helps tiny humans feel secure. It’s also a way to learn about their environment.  Most children naturally stop sucking their thumb...

Everything You Should Know About Caring for Your Braces Jul 6th, 2022

Braces are an investment, but they are worth the money and time as long as you take good care of them. In this post, we offer tips on how to keep your braces in optimal condition. Dr. J.A. Duval and his team at Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia,...

Tips for Taking Care of Your Retainer Jun 1st, 2022

Retainers ensure your newly straightened smile remains aligned after completing treatment with Invisalign® or braces. However, retainers require the right care to maintain their effectiveness. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to squeeze retainer care into even the busiest schedule. Dr. J.A. Duval and our team at Duval Orthodontics in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia, offer...

3 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time to Start Braces May 1st, 2022

If you’ve been thinking about getting braces for yourself or your kids, summer is a great time to begin orthodontics treatments. At Duval Orthodontics with offices in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia, J. A. Duval, DDS, and our skilled care team provides comprehensive braces services to improve the appearance of your smile and...

What Makes Gold Braces Unique? Apr 1st, 2022

About 6 million Americans are undergoing orthodontic treatment right now — about 4 million children and about 2 million adults. Not too long ago, having braces meant having a series of stainless steel brackets and wires attached to your teeth.  In recent years, though, that’s changed — a lot. Today,...

4 Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth Mar 4th, 2022

Most people say they want straighter teeth and a whiter, brighter smile to improve their appearance. But straighter teeth do more than improve your looks — they can give you a healthier mouth, too.  Crooked teeth can trigger negative dental health effects, and when oral health declines, your overall health...

How Long Do I Need to Wear My Adult Retainer? Feb 1st, 2022

Retainers may be cumbersome, but they’re the key to preserving the results you’ve achieved after wearing braces. Depending on your age and the type of orthodontic treatment you underwent, you may be recommended one of the following types of retainers:  Bonded retainer Hawley retainer  Clear plastic retainer Bonded retainers are...

Help! My Teeth Are Yellow Jan 1st, 2022

Whether you realize it or not, the expression on your face is your message to the world. If, however, you’re hiding your smile because your teeth are yellow or discolored, you’re not just concealing the way you look, you’re holding yourself back in social situations. You’re also not alone —...

Keep Smiling With Clear Braces Dec 1st, 2021

Whether your kid is protesting a mouthful of metal, or you’re an adult looking to improve your smile without drawing stares, you have options. One of the most popular is Invisalign®.  While this highly effective treatment has revolutionized the field of orthodontics, it doesn’t completely replace the need for traditional...

What is a Malocclusion? Nov 1st, 2021

Your teeth are a vital part of your body’s ability to digest food, so when they’re not healthy, it can lead to more problems than you want. One of the reasons that your teeth may not work perfectly is because they’re misaligned. This is what’s known as malocclusion.  At Duval...

Thrust Your Tongue? We Can Help Oct 7th, 2021

Tongue thrusting is a condition that affects babies. It is normal while breast and bottle feeding. However, if the condition doesn’t correct itself, it can continue into childhood and adulthood, causing orthodontic problems. But not to worry, there are appliances available to correct tongue thrusting. At Duval Orthodontics, located in...

How Botox Can Erase Your Wrinkles Sep 6th, 2021

We all wish that our skin would stay as tight and beautiful as when we were young. But wrinkles and age lines are an unfortunate part of getting older. There are lots of skin creams and cleansers that promise to work, but none can get rid of wrinkles like Botox...

Does Teeth Whitening Really Work? Aug 12th, 2021

Your smile is one of the things people notice first. But when your teeth aren’t perfect, you want to hide your pearly whites. Discoloration is one of the many reasons that you may be self-conscious about your teeth. With so many whitening options out there, how do you know which...

How a Herbst Can Lead to a Beautiful Smile Jul 14th, 2021

Your smile is one of the first things people notice, so making sure it’s beautiful should be a priority. Not only does a straight smile make you feel better, but it also helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. But if your teeth aren’t straight, are braces your...

Why Invisalign Might Be Right For You Jun 28th, 2021

Your teeth are one of the main focal points on your face — so when they aren’t as pretty as you’d like them to be, your confidence is affected.  As an adult, you don’t want to deal with traditional metal braces that bring even more attention to your crooked teeth....

Understanding the Different Types of Orthodontic Appliances May 13th, 2021

Your teeth are something everyone sees when you smile, so of course, you want them to look perfect. However, you might not have been blessed with perfectly straight teeth, which sometimes leads you to hide your smile. But don’t fret; orthodontic appliances can help you get the smile of your...

The Difference Between In-Office and At-Home Teeth Whitening Apr 1st, 2021

Your teeth are a focal point on your face, so when you’re not confident with your smile, your confidence may waver. Foods and other factors may discolor your teeth, but what can you do to get the glowing smile you’ve always wanted? Whitening kits are widely available for at-home treatment,...

The Importance of Wearing a Retainer Mar 4th, 2021

If your teeth aren't straight, you may have used braces or invisible aligners to improve your smile. Once you have the smile you've been dreaming of, you don't have to worry anymore, right? The truth is, to keep your smile beautiful, you need a retainer.  At Duval Orthodontics, our team...

When It's Time for Your Children to Get Braces Feb 8th, 2021

All you want is the best for your child. That is especially true when it comes to their health. And you’ll do whatever you need to do to help them acquire straighter, healthier teeth. Braces are a traditional treatment for children with crooked teeth, so knowing when they require them...

What’s the Difference Between Clear Braces and Invisalign? Jan 27th, 2021

Your smile is a big part of your appearance, so even the slightest blemish can be a confidence killer. Having a straight and healthy smile is probably on your wish list, but how do you get it? You could consider clear braces to straighten your teeth or clear aligners, such...

Can You Make My Teeth White? Dec 28th, 2020

Your smile is one of the first things people see. So naturally, the color of your teeth set the tone in social situations. If your teeth are dull or discolored, it can make you self-conscious.  Dr. J.A. Duval, of Duval Orthodontics, offers professional teeth whitening treatments in Warner Robins and...

How Botox Can Help You Look Younger Nov 23rd, 2020

Are your wrinkles becoming more pronounced? Whether it’s from the natural aging process or from too much time in the sun, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make you feel self-conscious. At Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, we want everyone to look and feel their...

4 Reasons Why You Need a Retainer After Braces Oct 11th, 2020

Your braces are off, so orthodontic treatment is over! Right? Wrong. Realigning your bite with braces is just step one. Once your orthodontic treatment finishes, you need a way to keep your teeth in place. That’s why you need a retainer. At Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany,...

5 Tips to Keep Your Invisalign Trays Clean Sep 3rd, 2020

Invisalign® trays can correct bite problems and straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly. And unlike many orthodontic appliances, they’re removable. For these reasons, Invisalign tray aligners are one of the most popular alternatives to traditional orthodontics, like braces. Since Invisalign trays are clear and removable, they do require a little...

Myths and Facts About Botox Everyone Should Know Aug 13th, 2020

When it comes to limiting the signs of aging without surgery, Botox® reigns supreme. With more than seven million procedures performed each year, it’s become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today. But, the benefits of Botox don’t end with cosmetics. It’s effective at treating a wide range...

What Makes Adult Braces Different than Child Braces? Jul 17th, 2020

Braces are still one of the most common and proven methods for correcting bite problems and misaligned teeth for both children and adults. And with the types of braces available today, they’re growing increasingly popular among adults. Regardless of age, braces do the same job: shift and realign teeth and...

Tips and Tricks to Extend the Results of Your Teeth Whitening Jun 10th, 2020

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Some people choose to whiten their teeth at home but having it done professionally gives your teeth a noticeably brighter appearance. And it’s much safer. Here at Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, Dr. J.A. Duval and his team...

It's Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth: Learn About Adult Orthodontics May 6th, 2020

Orthodontics isn’t just for children. Adults have crooked teeth and misaligned bites, too. It can stem from crooked teeth that were never straightened during childhood or as a result of tooth loss or trauma. Regardless of the cause, Dr. J.A. Duval, of Duval Orthodontics, offers a variety of teeth straightening...

The Importance of Wearing Your Retainer Apr 23rd, 2020

Now that your orthodontic treatment is finished, you feel good about your smile and your straight teeth. But, to keep your smile healthy and aligned, you need to wear a retainer.  Retainers are essential to maintaining a perfectly aligned smile long after braces or other orthodontic treatments are finished. So...

Choosing an Orthodontist vs Dentist for Orthodontics Mar 11th, 2020

You want your smile to be healthy, beautiful, and to function properly. And you probably already know that orthodontics, such as braces, can help you achieve this goal. But should you opt for your braces or other oral appliances from an orthodontist or a dentist?   While both dental experts...

Put the Final Touch on Your New Smile With Professional Teeth Whitening Feb 25th, 2020

You’ve put in the work to straighten and realign your teeth. But, now that they’re straight, you want them to shine as well. If so, it’s time to put the final touch on your new smile with professional teeth whitening at Duval Orthodontics. Why choose professional teeth whitening over store-bought...

3 Orthodontic Systems You May Not Know About Jan 2nd, 2020

You have more choices than ever for aligning your teeth with orthodontic systems, and in fact, there may be some options you’ve never heard of before. Choosing the right orthodontist is a key part of finding the ideal alignment system for you, and Duval Orthodontics is a specialist in both...

5 Reasons to Love Invisalign® Dec 13th, 2019

It’s no secret that one of the main ingredients in a winning smile are straight teeth that exude great health and vitality. Unfortunately, only the lucky few naturally develop perfectly straight teeth, leaving the rest of us mere mortals to deal with any number of imperfections and misalignments. But thanks...

What's the Best Age to Get Braces? Nov 25th, 2019

Many of our adult patients want to know the best time for their children to get braces so their kids can enjoy straighter teeth and a healthier mouth. And, perhaps surprisingly, an equal number of adults in our Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, orthodontics practices also want to know if...