Our Blog

Think braces are painful or just for kids? Discover the truth about common braces myths and why orthodontic treatment is easier than you think.

Considering Invisalign? Discover practical tips for getting the best results, from cleaning your aligners to staying on track with your treatment.

Trying to decide between Invisalign and braces? Compare costs, benefits, and more to find the best orthodontic treatment for your smile.

Did you know braces can improve your overall health? Learn how orthodontics prevents dental issues and enhances your quality of life.

Nervous about your first orthodontic consultation? Learn what to expect, from initial evaluations to personalized treatment recommendations.

It's a common misconception that braces are just for kids. In reality, orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults. If you've been putting off straightening your teeth, here's why it's never too late to start.

Finding the right orthodontist for your family can be challenging, but staying local can make all the difference. Here's why families in Beavercreek trust O'Brien Orthodontics for high-quality, personalized care…

In addition to improving function and reducing premature wear, orthodontic braces are one of the most effective ways to boost the wow factor in a smile, but the cost can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. That's why we've created this guide to break down the determinants for the cost of braces, average prices in 2025, and tips to make orthodontic care more affordable for your family.

At O'Brien Orthodontics, we understand that the journey to a beautiful smile doesn't end when your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete—it's just the beginning of a new phase in your orthodontic care. As a family orthodontist in Beavercreek, Englewood, and Dayton, I often guide my patients through the exciting transition from active treatment to enjoying the long-term benefits of a straighter, healthier smile. Here's what you can expect after completing braces or Invisalign treatment.

Thinking about straightening your teeth but the idea of braces makes you feel like covering your ears (or mouth)? Here's how Invisalign (clear aligners) can transform your smile journey…

So, you're rocking braces or Invisalign - that's awesome! But with all that excitement comes a natural question: are there certain foods I should avoid? The answer is yes, but it's not as sacrificial as it might sound. At O'Brien Orthodontics serving Beavercreek, Englewood, and surrounding Dayton areas, we want to set you up for success with a smile that's both healthy and happy. Let's talk about those dietary dos and don'ts for both braces and Invisalign wearers.

As a trusted orthodontist for adults & kids in Dayton & surrounding areas, we all know orthodontic treatment is an investment, and navigating insurance plans can be a daunting task. But delay no more! Below, we have outlined the main financial factors to know when considering orthodontic treatment. Here's the straight truth about braces and Invisalign cost (and how insurance works)!

So, are you thinking "What age should I take my child to see an orthodontist?"

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the importance of early orthodontic evaluations can help you make informed decisions.

Finding the best orthodontist near you for you or your family is an important decision that can significantly impact your smile and overall dental health. But with so many options available, we thought it'd be most useful not to simply show+tell what we do, but what variables you should keep in mind for yourself!

One of the most common questions we hear at O'Brien Orthodontics here in Beavercreek and Englewood is, "How long does Invisalign take?" The answer isn't always straightforward, as treatment times can vary depending on several factors. However, we're here to provide you with a general idea of what to expect…

If you're searching for an orthodontist in the Dayton area, you might wonder, "What exactly is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?" As a top orthodontist in Beavercreek and Englewood, I'm here to help clarify this for you!

So, you're ready to ditch the crooked teeth and embrace a straighter, healthier smile with braces or Invisalign - that's fantastic! Of course you might be wondering How exactly does this magic happen?

Here at O'Brien Orthodontics serving Dayton and surrounding areas, we believe informed patients are comfortable and empowered patients. Let's delve into the process of how braces and Invisalign work…

At O'Brien Orthodontics, serving Englewood and Beavercreek, we believe a confident smile is for everyone, at any age. So, are braces or Invisalign right for you as an adult? Let's break it down…

The question of "how long?" is a big one when it comes to braces or Invisalign treatment. You're excited about your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, but the idea of wearing braces or aligners for years on end might seem daunting. Here at O'Brien Orthodontics serving Dayton and surrounding areas, we understand! So, let's shed some light on this common concern.

Fear not! As one of the best braces & Invisalign providers here in the Beavercreek / Englewood / Dayton Ohio areas, we will compare the pros and cons of each system, so that you can make the best decision for YOU. [And yes, we'll help you break down Braces vs Invisalign esthetics, comfort, and insurance coverage too!]

Here at O'Brien Orthodontics as a top orthodontist in Beavercreek and Englewood, we want to prepare you for success. So let's talk about some common experiences you might have, especially when it comes to speech and eating, with both braces and Invisalign.

With all that new hardware in your mouth, a common question pops up: How do I keep everything clean?

Here at O'Brien Orthodontics, as a top provider of Invisalign and braces in the Dayton area, we want to make sure your journey to a perfect smile is smooth sailing, so let's dive into some easy cleaning routines for both braces and Invisalign.

With so many orthodontists out there, how do you find the perfect fit? Here at O'Brien Orthodontics in Beavercreek and Englewood, we understand choosing the right orthodontist is an important decision. Let's explore some key factors to consider in your search!

Braces or Invisalign: which one takes the crown for a discreet smile transformation? Here's the answer from Dr. O'Brien, our leading orthodontist and one of the best in the Dayton/Englewood/Beavercreek area!

Starting braces treatment is an exciting step, but it's natural to have questions. To help you prepare, we've compiled the top 10 things every patient should know before getting braces.

47% of American adults have some form of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). That's practically half the population!

And while you might know the importance of preventing and paying attention to gum disease from your dentist, I bet you didn't know about the tricky relationship between this disease and orthodontics.

Did you know that women typically only apply for job positions when they know they are 100% qualified, whereas men will apply for a job when they know they are only 64% qualified? Most job recruiters recommend that their clients go ahead and apply for positions they are 60% qualified for - because you don't know until you at least inquire.

Did you know that 0% of orthopedic patients who have fractures or broken bones treat themselves at home by ordering plaster online to make their own cast?

Yet, in a survey of 1,573 adults, 32.2% selected Direct to Consumer orthodontics over seeking orthodontic treatment from a credentialed specialist (orthodontist) who not only completed 4 years of dental school to earn a dental degree, but then completed a 3-year residency to train exclusively in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics to earn a specialty certificate and master's degree.

Did you know that a recent survey found that 46% of Americans are expecting a sizable (>$1,000) tax refund this year? If you are one of those people, or you've been waiting for the right time to re-invest in yourself, then you probably have a good idea of how you want to use that cash.

Did you know that 36-50% of American adults are embarrassed or insecure about their smile?

As we begin a new year, we will see a rise in gym memberships, the start of new diet fads, plastic and skin cosmetic procedures, as well as adult orthodontic treatment, specifically Invisalign therapy. Of these procedures, only 1 can truly last a lifetime - orthodontic treatment.

Did you know that December is the most popular month for couples to become engaged? At a proposal rate of 19% in December, new brides AND grooms are seeking orthodontic treatment, particularly Invisalign therapy, soon after reserving that reception venue. So what does this Invisalign process entail and how much does Invisalign treatment cost?

And there we were, my 4 kids and I, at our family dentist's office with glowing reports for the kids' brushing and flossing.  And then it happened - a little referral card was handed to me for my oldest who is 8 years old.

The dentist smiled and explained that there may not be enough space for the larger, adult teeth to erupt into her mouth, which could also affect her bite now and long-term.

Did you know that the smile outranks eyes, hair, and body when it comes to the most attractive physical feature?

In a survey of American people, 76% said that a smile is the best physical trait for making a first impression, and 68% felt that people who smile are more trustworthy, confident, and approachable.

Spoiler alert: CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans produce clearer, more precise images than digital X-rays, which can make a huge difference in your treatment plan! While this is a valuable advantage, it isn't the only reason we choose to use this variation of CAT scan imaging as a top orthodontist in Englewood & Beavercreek, Ohio!

As a top orthodontist in Dayton and surrounding areas (Beavercreek, Englewood) including for pediatrics, it's not uncommon for us to get questions from parents about their youngest children while their older children are in for a check-up…

"Is my child's thumb-sucking habit something to be concerned about?"

Don't worry - we have an answer and additional information for you!

The emergence of the first adult tooth for your child can be an exciting milestone. However, if it is erupting behind it's baby tooth predecessor, that can be alarming, especially if the baby tooth is still in place! A consultation at O'Brien Ortho - Dayton (and surrounding Ohio areas) will help you understand why this may have happened and the next steps that you should take to address this dental situation.

"It's time!" your dentist might say- Time for you or your child (perhaps around 8 years old) to begin orthodontic treatment.

Hopefully, that family dentist has a trusted orthodontic referral for you, like our partnering dentists do with us here at O'Brien Orthodontics in Englewood and Beavercreek.

At O'Brien Orthodontics, one of the best orthodontists in Beavercreek, we know how important it is to feel confident with your smile.

And oftentimes what we see with the families that visit us is delight when kids finally finish their orthodontic treatment… and then parents realizing they'd be more confident with their own smile if only their teeth were whiter or straighter.

So here's everything you need to know about professional teeth whitening + Invisalign from a top orthodontist in Beavercreek…

Just got braces and worried about what you can and can't eat, best practices for hygiene, and more?

Don't worry - Dr. O'Brien and her team in both Beavercreek and Englewood never just send you on your way without guidance and help!

Wait - what about my teen's wisdom teeth?

Finally, after 16 months of orthodontic treatment for my 14 year old, we achieved that beautiful smile. And now, 4 years later, it's still picture perfect with her faithful nightly retainer wear. I'm feeling pretty confident that she will continue with her retainer routine even as she goes away to college in the fall - but WAIT! What about her wisdom teeth?

That glorious day! You've had your braces on for 21 months - that's almost two years of your life without Starbursts, popcorn, and corn on the cob!

Today, Dr. O'Brien (a top orthodontist in Ohio, let alone the Dayton areas!) removed your braces and gave you retainers (two sets) with the instructions to wear them 23/7 (all the time except when eating and brushing) for the next four months, and then only at night time after that. BAH!

My teeth are too messed up for Invisalign to treat, right?

Wrong! Here's why:

Clear aligner treatment, first developed and introduced by Invisalign in 1999, has gone through tremendous advancements in technology and technique since the early days. The minor crowding and malalignment that was able to be corrected with Invisalign initially has now progressed into the proficient treatment of moderate to complex bite problems.

As you beam with pride at your family dental office when all 3 of your kids receive glowing reports that they have no cavities, your smile begins to fade when the dentist hands you a small referral slip to the orthodontist for your oldest child, who is only 8. What?! He only has 6 adult teeth in, the rest are still baby teeth and they aren't that crooked!

Thinking about straightening your teeth but worried about discomfort? Both braces and Invisalign can achieve amazing results, but when it comes to comfort, the question arises: which one will be more comfortable? Let's break down the truth behind the potential “ouch” factor for each option.

Starting orthodontic treatment? Make the most of your consultation by asking these essential questions about braces, Invisalign, and other solutions!

Hey Dayton area! Navigating orthodontic treatment during the school year can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little prep, students in Beavercreek, Englewood, and the Dayton area can handle braces like pros from Day 1. 

You've probably seen ads for at-home aligner kits that promise straight teeth without office visits. While the idea sounds convenient, there are big differences between mail-order aligners and treatment from a licensed doctor, like our Englewood and Beavercreek Orthodontist, Dr. Brenda O’Brien!