What is two-phase treatment and when is it necessary?

Great question. Usually patients in orthodontic treatment at Tidewater Ortho already have their permanent teeth, but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so do our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists). To learn more about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook. We look forward to working with you and your family and sharing in your exciting transformation.

Ask Tidewater Orthodontics: Which foods should I avoid while wearing braces?

Thanks for your question. For the first day or so in your new braces, we'd like you to stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you'll definitely want to avoid during your treatment at Tidewater Orthodontics include:

* Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
* Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
* Sticky foods: caramels, gum
* Hard foods: nuts, candy
* Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
* Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

For some great and braces-friendly recipes, check out the Braces Cookbook or ask one of our team members during your next visit.

More than just a day off from school, from Tidewater Orthodontics

Today, our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races in Virginia and across the United States spent their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Our entire team at Tidewater Orthodontics are proud of all our patients, families and colleagues who continue to make a difference in our community!

Ask Tidewater Orthodontics: Why are regular dental checkups so important?

Our staff at Tidewater Orthodontics want to know: Is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day during treatment? If the answer is yes, we think that’s fantastic!

But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting us at Tidewater Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During the visit, your dentist can:


• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will also check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment - just ask us - Drs. Ashby and Dailey know plenty of great dentists in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake!

Have a great weekend!

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Tidewater Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Tidewater Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Virginia Beach, Norfolk or Chesapeake offices if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Drs. Ashby or Dailey!

Happy New Year!