Toggle navigation
Dentist Novi, MI
Novi, MI Dentist Briar Pointe Dentistry 47210 W 10 Mile Rd Novi, MI 48374 (248) 347-0030 Dentist in Novi, MI Call For Pricing Options
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match

  • Blog Home
  • Dental+Procedures
  • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match

Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match

By Briar Pointe Dentistry
April 08, 2015
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: braces   celebrity smiles  
DwightHowardABrightNBAStarWithaSmiletoMatch

Have you started orthodontic treatment recently? Are you having a little trouble getting used to your braces? If so, you are not alone: Everybody goes through an adjustment period during which they momentarily wonder if they’ll really ever get used to this. Don’t worry — you will! And we’ve never heard anyone say, on the day their braces come off and their new smile is revealed, that they aren’t glad they went the distance. Just ask Houston Rockets all-star center Dwight Howard, who discussed his own orthodontic treatment in a recent interview.

“I’m sure I was no different than anyone else who has ever had braces,” he told Mediaplanet. “At first I hated them so much… That changed once I got used to them and I actually grew to love them.” What’s Howard’s advice? “Do exactly what your orthodontist says and know that the outcome is well worth it in the end.” We couldn’t agree more! Here are some tips for wearing braces comfortably:

  • Hard & Chewy Foods: If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, that’s great; there’s no reason to give them up, just the really hard ones. You don’t want to bite into an apple or carrot or any other hard foods like bagels and pizza that have any “size” to them. Small pieces may be ok as long as they can’t bend your wires. Chewy, sticky candy should really be avoided completely. Same with soda, sports drinks and so-called energy drinks because they contain acids that promote tooth decay and can cause a lot of damage around the braces.
  • Effective Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever, but also more challenging than ever. It’s easy for food to get stuck under wires and around brackets, but failing to remove it can cause tooth decay, gum irritation and soreness. Therefore, the cleaner your teeth and your braces are, the healthier you will be. Use interdental cleaning brushes and/or a floss-threader to get behind your wires. A mouthrinse can also help strengthen teeth and keep bacteria in check. If you have any questions about how to clean between your teeth, please ask for a demonstration at your next visit.
  • Pain Relief: Some soreness at the beginning of orthodontic treatment is normal. To relieve it, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or a warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw. If brackets or wires are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips, try applying wax to these areas of your braces. If this does not offer enough relief, we may be able to trim the end of a poking wire. Call us if you need help with this.

Our goal is to make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible on the way to achieving your all-star smile. If you have questions about adjusting to braces, contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
      • January (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
        • Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
  • 2018
      • December (4)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • Which Orthodontics Option is Right for You?
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
      • November (3)
        • TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • October (3)
        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
        • New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
        • What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
      • September (3)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Gets Started with Daily Oral Hygiene
      • August (4)
        • Periodontal Surgery Allows us to Access Deep Surfaces for Plaque Removal
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Help 'De-Stress' Your Child's Dental Visits with these Tips
      • July (3)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Lip or Palate Clefts can be Effectively Repaired
      • June (3)
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
      • May (3)
        • Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
        • Replace Teeth for Better Speech
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
      • April (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Your Teen Could get a Straighter Smile with Clear Aligners Rather than Braces
      • March (2)
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
        • Keep an Eye on Your Teeth and Gum Health During Cancer Treatment
      • February (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Dentures Require Planning and Attention to Detail to Look Natural
        • Why it's Worth the Effort to Save a Problem Baby Tooth
      • January (2)
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
  • 2017
      • December (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
        • Signs of Periodontal Disease
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
      • November (2)
        • Severe Face Pain can be Managed to Reduce Discomfort
        • A Royal Fix
      • October (3)
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • Best Dietary Practices for Healthy Teeth and Gums
        • What is Cfast Cosmetic Orthodontics?
      • September (2)
        • Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Mercury in Your Silver Fillings
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Don't Delay Treatment of Gum Disease
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Dental Crowns Strengthen Damaged Teeth
      • July (3)
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Good Bone Health Essential for Obtaining 'Teeth in One Day' Implants
      • June (3)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Don’t Let Tooth Loss Haunt You
        • Take Care of Your Dental Appliance to Extend its Longevity
      • May (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
      • April (4)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Encourage Your College-Bound Child to Practice Good Oral Health Habits
        • What Is Dental Bonding?
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • March (2)
        • A Healthy Diet is Your Best Source for Vitamins and Minerals
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • February (2)
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
        • Renew Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers
      • January (3)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Disease Detection - Saliva's New Role
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
  • 2016
      • December (3)
        • Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
        • Discover the Benefits of Six Month Smiles
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • November (4)
        • What Are 6-Month Smiles?
        • Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
        • What Are Dental Crowns?
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
      • September (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
      • August (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
      • July (2)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
      • June (3)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
        • Why Consider Being Sedated?
      • May (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
      • April (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Would Porcelain Veneers be a Good Choice for Me?
      • March (3)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • February (3)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • How a Root Canal Eliminates Pain
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • January (2)
        • The Tale of the Toothworm
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
  • 2015
      • December (4)
        • How a Crown can Strengthen Damaged Teeth
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • The Dangers of DIY Braces
      • November (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Taking Care of Oral Health Crucial to Quality of Life for HIV Positive Patients
      • October (3)
        • How to Care for Invisible Braces
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
      • September (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
      • August (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Your Veneers Have 'Staying Power' - if Cared for Properly
        • I Have a Dental Emergency, Now What?
      • July (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
      • June (3)
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
        • Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • May (3)
        • Consider These Tips to Reduce Your Dental Visit Anxiety
        • What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
        • How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
      • April (3)
        • Five FAQs About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • What You Need to Know About Dental Implants
      • March (2)
        • White Spots on Your Teeth After Braces May Be An Early Sign of Enamel Loss
        • What Made American Idol Finalist Elliott Yamin Smile?
      • February (2)
        • Issues to Consider Before Dental Implants
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • January (2)
        • 3 Ways to Stop or Reduce Painful Tooth Sensitivity
        • What Florence Henderson Learned From Her Impacted Teeth
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • The Importance of Baby Teeth
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • What Athletes Have to Tell Us About Oral Health
      • November (2)
        • Giuliana and Bill Rancic Talk Tooth Decay
        • The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
      • October (2)
        • Changes: David Bowie's Dental Transformation
        • Setting the Record Straight on Root Canal Treatments
      • September (2)
        • Iron Chef Cat Cora Shares a Secret of Her Bright Smile: Tooth Whitening
        • Develop a Long-Term Strategy to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • August (3)
        • TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
        • A Fixed Bridge Remains an Effective Option for Tooth Replacement
        • TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
      • July (1)
        • Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment Can Save an Injured Immature Tooth
      • June (1)
        • Nancy O'Dell Helps Put New Moms At Ease About Infant Oral Health
      • May (3)
        • Keep an Eye on Your Child's Primary Tooth Loss
        • Christie Brinkley's All-American Smile
        • The Importance of Saving Impacted Canine Teeth
      • April (2)
        • How to Impress Supermodel Bar Refaeli
        • Oral Irrigation for Cleaning Between the Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Cheryl Cole's See-Through "Braces"
        • Top Five Ways to Preserve Your Teeth for Life
      • February (1)
        • Matthew Lewis Adult Orthodontics
      • January (3)
        • Relax with sedation dentistry from Dr. Neil Blavin
        • What's the Right Age for Dental Implants?
        • Dental Sealants: One of the Childhood Secrets TV Designer Nate Berkus Credits for His Beautiful Smile
  • 2013
      • December (3)
        • A Crowning Achievement: Natural-Looking Teeth
        • Cat Cora's 6 Ways to Keep Kids Off Junk Food
        • Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Veneers in Novi From Dr. Neil Blavin
      • November (2)
        • Replacing Missing Back Teeth Deserves a High Priority
        • Lea Michele's Wise Dental Decision
      • October (4)
        • Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
        • Vegetarian Awareness Month, Your Teeth and Tips from Novi Dentist
        • Bill Rancic's Smile Helps Close the Deal
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • cosmetic dentistry (10)
  • braces (7)
  • celebrity smiles (62)
  • Vegetarian Awareness Month (1)
  • Oral Health (19)
  • oral cancer (3)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • Dental Veneers (1)
  • Novi (1)
  • nutrition (4)
  • crown (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (11)
  • sealants (2)
  • dental implants (17)
  • Sedation Dentistry (3)
  • orthodontics (12)
  • oral hygiene (18)
  • clear aligners (3)
  • impacted teeth (2)
  • pediatric care (2)
  • pregnancy (2)
  • dental injury (4)
  • root canal (4)
  • fluoride (1)
  • bridgework (1)
  • dental hygiene (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • teeth whitening (3)
  • chipped teeth (2)
  • baby teeth (2)
  • impacted wisdom teeth (1)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • dental anxiety (2)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • gum disease (5)
  • Dental Emergencies (1)
  • veneers (4)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • porcelain veneers (2)
  • Invisible Braces (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (6)
  • Crowns (4)
  • bad breath (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • cracked mouth (1)
  • x-rays (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (1)
  • dental crowns (2)
  • restorative dentistry (1)
  • C-Fast Orthodontic Treatment (1)
  • Six Month Smiles (1)
  • missing tooth (1)
  • saliva (1)
  • root canal treatment (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • dental bonding (1)
  • periodontal disease (2)
  • oral appliance (1)
  • Dentures (4)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • fillings (1)
  • Cfast (1)
  • Cosmetic Orthodontics (1)
  • medication (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • facial pain (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • cancer treatment (1)
  • teeth grinding (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • periodontal surgery (1)
  • retainer (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • Cfast Braces (1)
  • Six-month Smiles (1)
  • Invisalign (1)
  • dental records (1)
  • gum recession (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Dental Procedures (83)
  • Oral Health (82)
  • Dental Care (2)
  • Orthodontics (1)

our blog Google Plus

Our Location

Novi, MI Dentist
Briar Pointe Dentistry
47210 W 10 Mile Rd
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 347-0030
Dentist in Novi, MI Call For Pricing Options

Map & Directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map