Get to know your BRACES

Should you need to call Dr. White in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

--Dr. White

Access to your account any day, any time!

Did you know that patients at our convenient Northfield and Hudson offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? It's true! You can look up your appointments with Dr. John C. White and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Have a great weekend!

Dr. White visits the SureSmile Users Conference

Dr. White is off to Orlando tomorrow for his first SureSmile Users Conference. He is really excited to spend time with old friends and new technology - Dr. White has about 30 cases using SureSmile technology so far as we gear up to use this for all patients by 2013. Really excited!

Learn more about SureSmile on our website or from our previous blog posts:

http://bit.ly/ezLN6N
http://bit.ly/e0xk3V
http://bit.ly/i4QXTn

Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]

Happy Monday! We recently came across this video, and realized that it’s just what folks considering Invisalign in the greater Cleveland area might be interested in watching. Invisalign sure gets a ton of promotion online (including here on Dr. White's blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At Braces by White, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign, and always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else!

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at our Hudson or Northfield Center office to set up a complimentary consultation, so Dr. White can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

We hope you had a wonderful Presidents’ Day weekend!

Complimentary Consultations at Braces by White

At Braces by White, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. We believe in building strong relationships with our patients in order to create a more personal and rewarding orthodontic experience.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. John White, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call. Serving Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville and Macedonia, OH, Dr. White is your orthodontic specialist.

See you soon!

February contest!

How about ANOTHER CONTEST !?!? 2 Lower Bowl Tickets (my seats) to see KOBE and the LA LAKERS play the Cavaliers Wed., February 16th @ 7:30.

To enter just post a picture on the BracesByWhite Facebook page by 6:00 PM Tuesday the 15th. Winner will be notified by 8 PM. Good Luck everyone - have a great weekend.

Dr. White & team, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

At the office of Dr. John White, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. White thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. White at our Hudson or Northfield office during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. Specializing in orthodontics for children, teens, and adults - our office is your state-of-the-art, family-friendly orthodontic practice serving Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville, and Macedonia, OH.

If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. White, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!