Blog Archive

Beautiful white teeth have a way of setting the tone for how you interact in the world. When your teeth are gorgeous, you’re just more confident. Feeling like no challenge is too great. But have you ever noticed that your teeth seem less bright as you age? It’s like someone...

Some aspects of raising children require more initiative than others do. For instance, bath time before bedtime is easy, as is teaching your children to brush their teeth before bed. But when should you bring your child in for a visit with the orthodontist? In this blog, the highly skilled...

Think back on your favorite Halloween as a kid. Chances are memories focus on the two Cs – costumes and candy. The weeks leading up to Halloween were about finding the perfect costume and changing your mind several times before the big day. Once Halloween arrives, you zero in on...

As adults, we have a lifetime of experience developing and breaking bad habits, but helping your child kick a bad habit can be challenging. When your child goes through orthodontic treatment, many challenges may develop that require a bit of finesse and coaching to get through it. In this blog,...

Being a parent is probably one of the most rewarding things you can do. Simultaneously, it can be incredibly challenging, confusing, and overwhelming, especially with oral care. While it makes sense to book your child’s initial dentist appointment after their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday,...

Orthodontic treatment is one of those things where the journey is a large part of the outcome. And while your teen may be all in when it comes to finally getting that perfect selfie smile, there will be a few bumps along the way. Forgetting to put Invisalign® trays back...

You are about to leave the house. You stop to check your look in the mirror. Your new outfit looks great and you’re thrilled with the cut and color you just got from your favorite stylist, but your enthusiasm wanes at your smile. Your gapped teeth do a number on...

Raising a family can be amazingly rewarding and at the same time, challenging and confusing. If only babies came with instructions. Most of the confusing times are all about knowing when to do what. Some things, like the timeline for well visits and recommended immunizations, are pretty straightforward.  But then...

You just had your teeth whitened. You’re leaving your dentist’s office, and your confidence is at an all-time high. You feel amazing - as if there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. As you stop at the traffic light, you wonder what the driver in the car next to you is thinking...

It eventually happens to all of us — We look in the mirror before dashing out to meet our friends at a local restaurant and stop dead in our tracks when instead of seeing our image, it’s our mother staring back.  While it’s true that a good life has a...

Orthodontic treatment is one of those experiences where the result is just as important as the process of getting there. Whether you are eight years old or 80 years old, every patient is laser-focused on finally getting that straight, gorgeous smile they’ve always dreamed about. The day that those braces...

Did you know you’re twice as likely to get cardiovascular disease or suffer from a stroke if you suffer from gum disease? Brushing and flossing benefits go beyond having a bright smile. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, and gum disease is largely preventable with proper and...

After achieving a beautiful new smile with Invisalign® or braces, you still have a bit of work to do to keep your teeth from shifting back to imperfection. You may not want to add another step to your routine, but you shouldn’t brush off wearing your retainer. At Duval Orthodontics...

Thumbsucking is a comforting ritual that many infants and toddlers adopt. While it's a natural self-soothing behavior, especially during the early stages of life, prolonged thumbsucking can have implications for your child's oral development. At Duval Orthodontics, J. A. Duval, DDS is  committed to guiding parents through these early developmental...

These days, you have more choices than ever when you need to straighten your teeth, and we offer them all here at Duval Orthodontics. Today, Dr. J.A. Duval and our team are taking a closer look at a lesser-known treatment called lingual braces. Which orthodontic treatment is best? All the treatment options work...

You’ve imagined this day for so long — your braces come off, and you finally get to go free and natural. Your tongue can slide over your teeth with ease, there’s no hardware to interfere with your smile, you can eat whatever you want, and you feel a sense of...

Orthodontics might be a rite of passage for many teens, but data show plenty of adults wear braces, too. In fact, of all Americans wearing braces right now, roughly a quarter of them are adults. Duval Orthodontics is a leading provider of adult braces to patients in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia. In this post, J....

As a seasoned orthodontist who treats patients of all ages at Duval Orthodontics in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, Dr. J. A. Duval and our skilled team know exactly what it takes to help you get straighter teeth, a realigned bite, and a flawless smile.  As you can imagine, we field a lot of questions about orthodontic...

Ongoing advances in dental technology and techniques mean you’re never too old to wear braces or aligners to straighten teeth. However, as a parent choosing orthodontic care for your child, how young is too young? Our team at Duval Orthodontics, led by J.A. Duval, DDS, offers outstanding orthodontic care to residents in and around Albany and...

After your eyes, your smile is your most visible and memorable facial feature. A bright, white smile can help you feel self-confident and impart a positive self-image to others, too. While you may be tempted to brighten your smile with do-it-yourself (DIY) kits that are sold at pharmacies and grocery...

While Botox® is best known as an anti-aging treatment, it can also enhance your smile. The popular cosmetic procedure is FDA-approved, and, according to a 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics report, Botox is the #1 minimally invasive procedure in the United States. It’s an in-office procedure that takes about 15 minutes. ...

Many people interested in teeth straightening reach for Invisalign® because of the system’s near invisibility, comfort, and success rate. However, clear braces may be your best option if your smile troubles are complex. And while they aren’t invisible, clear braces are less noticeable and more comfortable than those bulky systems...

Whether you’re a child or an adult straightening your teeth with clear braces or Invisalign®, the work doesn’t stop once your teeth are straight and properly aligned. Instead, you need to take steps to make those results last, and that’s where your brand new retainer comes in. Believe it or not, your teeth have a memory of sorts. More...

When you think about reaching your goals, what comes to mind? You might have a health or a financial benchmark you’re trying to hit. But don’t forget about the goals that will help you feel confident in 2023 and beyond. Take a straight smile as an example. If you don’t...

The holidays are right around the corner, which means family gatherings and looking your best for photos. However, if you're not feeling confident because of wrinkles or fine lines, you don't have to worry — Botox® can help. At Duval Orthodontics, J.A. Duval, DDS, and his team understand the importance...

The holiday season always seems to arrive much faster than you realize, often leading to last-minute shopping trips, travel arrangements, and impulse gift purchases. This holiday season, look your best for all the festivities with something you can do before the rush begins: professional teeth whitening.  At Duval Orthodontics in and around Warner Robins...

When you need an orthodontist, you may begin your search online, checking for locations, qualifications, services, and reviews. That’s a good start, but there are some things the internet can’t tell you.  You’re looking for a place where you instantly love the staff, feel great in the office environment, and...

Invisalign® was first approved by the FDA in 1998, and became available to the public the next year. The appeal of the clear aligners was enormous, particularly among adults who needed braces.  At Duval Orthodontics, Dr. J.A. Duval provides Invisalign for his patients and is enthusiastic about the change aligners...

Babies naturally suck on fingers, pacifiers, thumbs, and other objects. In fact, research shows about 90% of newborns suck on some part of their hand soon after birth. This natural reflex helps tiny humans feel secure. It’s also a way to learn about their environment.  Most children naturally stop sucking their thumb...

Braces are an investment, but they are worth the money and time as long as you take good care of them. In this post, we offer tips on how to keep your braces in optimal condition. Dr. J.A. Duval and his team at Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia,...

Retainers ensure your newly straightened smile remains aligned after completing treatment with Invisalign® or braces. However, retainers require the right care to maintain their effectiveness. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to squeeze retainer care into even the busiest schedule. Dr. J.A. Duval and our team at Duval Orthodontics in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia, offer...

If you’ve been thinking about getting braces for yourself or your kids, summer is a great time to begin orthodontics treatments. At Duval Orthodontics with offices in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia, J. A. Duval, DDS, and our skilled care team provides comprehensive braces services to improve the appearance of your smile and...

About 6 million Americans are undergoing orthodontic treatment right now — about 4 million children and about 2 million adults. Not too long ago, having braces meant having a series of stainless steel brackets and wires attached to your teeth.  In recent years, though, that’s changed — a lot. Today,...

Most people say they want straighter teeth and a whiter, brighter smile to improve their appearance. But straighter teeth do more than improve your looks — they can give you a healthier mouth, too.  Crooked teeth can trigger negative dental health effects, and when oral health declines, your overall health...

Retainers may be cumbersome, but they’re the key to preserving the results you’ve achieved after wearing braces. Depending on your age and the type of orthodontic treatment you underwent, you may be recommended one of the following types of retainers:  Bonded retainer Hawley retainer  Clear plastic retainer Bonded retainers are...

Whether you realize it or not, the expression on your face is your message to the world. If, however, you’re hiding your smile because your teeth are yellow or discolored, you’re not just concealing the way you look, you’re holding yourself back in social situations. You’re also not alone —...

Whether your kid is protesting a mouthful of metal, or you’re an adult looking to improve your smile without drawing stares, you have options. One of the most popular is Invisalign®.  While this highly effective treatment has revolutionized the field of orthodontics, it doesn’t completely replace the need for traditional...

Your teeth are a vital part of your body’s ability to digest food, so when they’re not healthy, it can lead to more problems than you want. One of the reasons that your teeth may not work perfectly is because they’re misaligned. This is what’s known as malocclusion.  At Duval...

Tongue thrusting is a condition that affects babies. It is normal while breast and bottle feeding. However, if the condition doesn’t correct itself, it can continue into childhood and adulthood, causing orthodontic problems. But not to worry, there are appliances available to correct tongue thrusting. At Duval Orthodontics, located in...

We all wish that our skin would stay as tight and beautiful as when we were young. But wrinkles and age lines are an unfortunate part of getting older. There are lots of skin creams and cleansers that promise to work, but none can get rid of wrinkles like Botox...

Your smile is one of the things people notice first. But when your teeth aren’t perfect, you want to hide your pearly whites. Discoloration is one of the many reasons that you may be self-conscious about your teeth. With so many whitening options out there, how do you know which...

Your smile is one of the first things people notice, so making sure it’s beautiful should be a priority. Not only does a straight smile make you feel better, but it also helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. But if your teeth aren’t straight, are braces your...

Your teeth are one of the main focal points on your face — so when they aren’t as pretty as you’d like them to be, your confidence is affected.  As an adult, you don’t want to deal with traditional metal braces that bring even more attention to your crooked teeth....

Your teeth are something everyone sees when you smile, so of course, you want them to look perfect. However, you might not have been blessed with perfectly straight teeth, which sometimes leads you to hide your smile. But don’t fret; orthodontic appliances can help you get the smile of your...

Your teeth are a focal point on your face, so when you’re not confident with your smile, your confidence may waver. Foods and other factors may discolor your teeth, but what can you do to get the glowing smile you’ve always wanted? Whitening kits are widely available for at-home treatment,...

If your teeth aren't straight, you may have used braces or invisible aligners to improve your smile. Once you have the smile you've been dreaming of, you don't have to worry anymore, right? The truth is, to keep your smile beautiful, you need a retainer.  At Duval Orthodontics, our team...

All you want is the best for your child. That is especially true when it comes to their health. And you’ll do whatever you need to do to help them acquire straighter, healthier teeth. Braces are a traditional treatment for children with crooked teeth, so knowing when they require them...

Your smile is a big part of your appearance, so even the slightest blemish can be a confidence killer. Having a straight and healthy smile is probably on your wish list, but how do you get it? You could consider clear braces to straighten your teeth or clear aligners, such...

Your smile is one of the first things people see. So naturally, the color of your teeth set the tone in social situations. If your teeth are dull or discolored, it can make you self-conscious.  Dr. J.A. Duval, of Duval Orthodontics, offers professional teeth whitening treatments in Warner Robins and...

Are your wrinkles becoming more pronounced? Whether it’s from the natural aging process or from too much time in the sun, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make you feel self-conscious. At Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, we want everyone to look and feel their...

Your braces are off, so orthodontic treatment is over! Right? Wrong. Realigning your bite with braces is just step one. Once your orthodontic treatment finishes, you need a way to keep your teeth in place. That’s why you need a retainer. At Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany,...

Invisalign® trays can correct bite problems and straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly. And unlike many orthodontic appliances, they’re removable. For these reasons, Invisalign tray aligners are one of the most popular alternatives to traditional orthodontics, like braces. Since Invisalign trays are clear and removable, they do require a little...

When it comes to limiting the signs of aging without surgery, Botox® reigns supreme. With more than seven million procedures performed each year, it’s become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today. But, the benefits of Botox don’t end with cosmetics. It’s effective at treating a wide range...

Braces are still one of the most common and proven methods for correcting bite problems and misaligned teeth for both children and adults. And with the types of braces available today, they’re growing increasingly popular among adults. Regardless of age, braces do the same job: shift and realign teeth and...

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Some people choose to whiten their teeth at home but having it done professionally gives your teeth a noticeably brighter appearance. And it’s much safer. Here at Duval Orthodontics, located in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, Dr. J.A. Duval and his team...

Orthodontics isn’t just for children. Adults have crooked teeth and misaligned bites, too. It can stem from crooked teeth that were never straightened during childhood or as a result of tooth loss or trauma. Regardless of the cause, Dr. J.A. Duval, of Duval Orthodontics, offers a variety of teeth straightening...

Now that your orthodontic treatment is finished, you feel good about your smile and your straight teeth. But, to keep your smile healthy and aligned, you need to wear a retainer.  Retainers are essential to maintaining a perfectly aligned smile long after braces or other orthodontic treatments are finished. So...

You want your smile to be healthy, beautiful, and to function properly. And you probably already know that orthodontics, such as braces, can help you achieve this goal. But should you opt for your braces or other oral appliances from an orthodontist or a dentist?   While both dental experts...

You’ve put in the work to straighten and realign your teeth. But, now that they’re straight, you want them to shine as well. If so, it’s time to put the final touch on your new smile with professional teeth whitening at Duval Orthodontics. Why choose professional teeth whitening over store-bought...

You have more choices than ever for aligning your teeth with orthodontic systems, and in fact, there may be some options you’ve never heard of before. Choosing the right orthodontist is a key part of finding the ideal alignment system for you, and Duval Orthodontics is a specialist in both...

It’s no secret that one of the main ingredients in a winning smile are straight teeth that exude great health and vitality. Unfortunately, only the lucky few naturally develop perfectly straight teeth, leaving the rest of us mere mortals to deal with any number of imperfections and misalignments. But thanks...

Many of our adult patients want to know the best time for their children to get braces so their kids can enjoy straighter teeth and a healthier mouth. And, perhaps surprisingly, an equal number of adults in our Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia, orthodontics practices also want to know if...