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Virtual orthodontic appointments are nothing new, yet have become more common practice since the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to meeting in-person, virtual orthodontic consultations are a great way to stay healthy while social distancing. If you or someone you know is considering braces or clear aligners, Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics shares 4 benefits of virtual orthodontic appointments to keep in mind:

1. No Need for Waiting Rooms

Virtual appointments remove the need to sit and wait while being exposed to others who may carry the virus. In many cases, your appointment will start with you entering a virtual waiting room until your appointment begins. Once ready, you will be taken out of the “waiting room” and into the main call to start the appointment. Read More

With many of us transitioning to the “new normal” of homeschooling our children, the change can be tough. Balancing work and home life can be challenging for any parent. But how can you make learning fun and engaging while social distancing? Don’t fret! Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics has 5 activities you can do at home that are educational and fun.

Science Experiments

From Bill Nye to YouTube, DIY science experiments are a fun way for kids to learn while using resources from around the house. Check out this video for 10 fun DIY experiments you can do at home. Read More

We all know that sugary carbonated drinks do more harm than good to the teeth, but what about sparkling water? In most carbonated beverages, the acidity levels are very high – which can weaken tooth enamel.

If you’re not familiar with tooth enamel, it is the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form. When left on the teeth for too long, the acid and sugar from carbonated beverages can cause significant tooth decay, stained teeth or, in some cases, gum disease. This is often discussed in association with sodas, but what about sparkling water? Read More

Every patient has their own reasons for deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment. For adolescents and teens, image has always been a key factor in social integration, and in today’s beauty-conscious society, a beautiful smile is high on their list of priorities.

The ever-popular selfie gives teens a confidence boost and social media is the ideal platform to broadcast themselves to the world. So much so, that:

• 65% of teenage girls reported that seeing their selfies on social media actually boosts their confidence.
• 40% of all teens say social media helps them present their best face to the world.
• At least 81 percent of teens, ages 12-17, use social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, according to recent findings from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, with Instagram especially popular among selfie-loving teenage girls.

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Part of maintaining good oral hygiene is making sure to brush your teeth multiple times throughout the day. While most of us know to brush after eating, how soon is too soon? In order to answer that question, Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics will first explain the science behind tooth structure. Understanding this will help better explain why brushing right after eating is bad for your teeth. Read More

It’s no secret that the spread of COVID-19 has drastically changed how we all live today. Now that many businesses are finally allowed to re-open, it’s time to attend your first orthodontic appointment. To help you prepare for the “new normal,” Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics will explain a few changes you can expect at your next visit.

No More Waiting Room

Instead of waiting for your appointment in the waiting area, you may be asked to simply wait in your car and call the office once you arrive. You will be notified once it is time to enter the office. Friends and family will no longer be allowed to attend appointments with patients and must also wait in the car during the duration of the appointment unless absolutely necessary. Read More