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The new year is often about setting goals—better health, new habits, and, for many, a brand new smile. If you've been dreaming of correcting your teeth or improving your confidence, there is no better time than right now to take the first step. Don't wait until January 1st; scheduling your free consultation today at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics in Longview, Texas, is the smartest move you can make to ensure you kick off the new year with your braces or Invisalign journey already in motion!

Beat the Rush and Maximize Your Benefits

Why the urgency? January is historically the busiest time for orthodontists. Everyone wants to start the year with a fresh plan, which means longer wait times for appointments. By scheduling your complimentary consultation now, you secure your spot on the calendar and complete the initial planning phase before the holiday rush subsides.

More importantly, this timing allows you to strategically use any remaining 2024 dental benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, or Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars toward your down payment or initial costs. Our team can review your financial options during your consult, helping you maximize your year-end contributions and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Your Path to a Straighter Smile: Braces and Invisalign

At Mack and Hansen Orthodontics, we specialize in creating stunning smiles using the most advanced treatments available. For those seeking a classic, reliable solution, modern braces are more comfortable and efficient than ever. For a discreet and flexible alternative, we are proud providers of Invisalign clear aligners, offering a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth without the restrictions of traditional wires and brackets.

We know our patients travel from across the region for our expert care. Whether you are considering Invisalign for yourself or braces for your teen, scheduling your free consult now means you’ll be ready to start treatment early in the new year. Imagine beginning your journey in January and seeing noticeable results by spring!

Conveniently Serving All of East Texas

We are dedicated to providing convenient and exceptional orthodontic care to our community and the surrounding areas. While our main office is located in Longview, Texas, we are proud to serve patients traveling from all across East Texas.

Residents of nearby towns like Kilgore, Marshall, Henderson, and Carthage find our location easy to access for appointments. We also welcome families from Gilmer, Jefferson, and Mount Pleasant, Texas, who are looking for a trusted, experienced orthodontic team to handle their smile transformation.

Don’t Delay—Your New Smile Starts Today!

The new year is almost here, and with it comes a fresh opportunity for confidence and health. Don't let procrastination stop you from achieving the smile you've always wanted. The best time to start your braces or Invisalign journey isn't January 1st; it's today.

Call us or visit our website to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let Mack and Hansen Orthodontics help you plan for a beautiful, confident 2025!

Schedule your Free Consult here: https://www.etxortho.com/

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and, of course, delicious food! But for those undergoing orthodontic treatment, navigating the festive spread can sometimes feel like a minefield. The good news is, you don't have to miss out on all the holiday cheer! With a little careful selection, you can enjoy plenty of treats that are both delicious and braces-friendly. Your orthodontist wants you to have a healthy and happy smile, and that includes during the holidays!

Here are some of our top picks for holiday treats that are gentle on your brackets and archwires, ensuring your treatment plan stays on track:

Soft & Sweet Delights

One of the easiest ways to ensure a happy holiday for your dentition is to opt for soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats. These minimize the risk of food getting stuck or damaging your orthodontic appliances.

• Pudding and Mousse: Think chocolate mousse, cranberry pudding, or even a festive eggnog custard. These creamy delights are perfectly safe for your braces and are often a holiday staple. They are gentle on your ligatures and won't put undue stress on your alignment.
• Soft-Baked Cookies (No Nuts!): While crunchy cookies are a no-go, soft-baked varieties are often acceptable. Look for recipes like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies that are chewy and easy to eat. Just be sure to avoid any with nuts, caramel, or hard candies that could cause problems for your fixed appliances.
• Smooth Chocolates: Good quality milk or dark chocolate that melts easily in your mouth is a fantastic option. Avoid anything with hard centers, nuts, or toffee. A nice chocolate truffle or a mug of rich hot chocolate can be incredibly satisfying.

Fruitful & Festive Options

Fruits are naturally soft and often a great choice for patients with braces. They also add a refreshing touch to the holiday feast.

• Mashed Potatoes (Sweet or Savory!): While not technically a dessert, sweet potato casserole (without marshmallows or crunchy toppings) can be a delightful and braces-safe addition to your holiday plate. And who doesn't love classic mashed potatoes? These soft foods are perfect for protecting your oral hygiene and your orthodontic devices.
• Baked Apples or Pears: Soft, baked fruit is a wonderful and healthy treat. Cinnamon-spiced baked apples or pears are not only delicious but also very kind to your enamel and brackets.
• Smoothies: A festive fruit smoothie with berries, bananas, and a touch of holiday spice can be a fantastic way to enjoy fruity flavors without any risk to your dental braces.

Treats to Avoid (The Naughty List for Braces!)

To ensure a smooth orthodontic journey, here are some common holiday culprits to steer clear of:

• Hard Candies and Candy Canes: These are a major risk for breaking brackets and bending archwires.
• Caramel and Toffee: Their sticky nature makes them notorious for getting stuck in braces and potentially pulling off bands.
• Nuts and Popcorn: Both can easily get lodged in your orthodontic appliances or even damage them.
• Chewy Breads (like hard rolls): While bread is generally okay, very hard or crusty breads can be tough on your teeth and braces.

Don't Forget Your Oral Hygiene!

No matter what you indulge in, remember to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush thoroughly after every meal and snack, especially during the holidays when you might be eating more frequently. Using an interdental brush or floss threader can help remove any food particles stuck around your brackets and wires.

By making smart choices and sticking to your orthodontic care routine, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of the holiday season without any worries. Happy holidays from our team to your beautiful, soon-to-be-perfect smile.

When you’re looking to achieve your perfect smile, the first hurdle is often finding an orthodontist that fits both your treatment needs and your budget. For residents across East Texas, the search for an "affordable orthodontist near me" leads directly to the trusted team at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics.

Serving communities throughout the region, including Longview, Marshall, Kilgore, Gilmer, Carthage, Henderson, and Mt. Pleasant, Mack and Hansen Orthodontics is committed to making high-quality orthodontic care accessible for everyone.

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Comprehensive Braces Options for Every Smile

Mack and Hansen Orthodontics offers a variety of modern options designed to meet different aesthetic needs and lifestyles. The days of only having one type of metal braces are long gone; today, you can choose from:

• Modern Metal Braces: These high-grade stainless steel braces are the most common and comfortable type used today. You can personalize them by adding colored elastics for a unique and colorful smile.
• Clear (Ceramic) Braces: Made of clear materials, these braces are significantly less visible than metal ones, making them a popular choice for adults and older teenagers who want a more discreet look.
• Iconix Gold Braces: A unique blend of sophistication and durability, these champagne-colored brackets offer the strength of stainless steel with a subtle "white" gold aesthetic, providing a balance of functionality and style.
• Invisalign (Clear Aligners): As a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable trays, Invisalign straightens your teeth without metal. Because they are removable, you can eat, drink, brush, and floss normally, making them extremely convenient. Mack and Hansen Orthodontics is the #1 Invisalign Provider in East Texas.

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Why Mack and Hansen Orthodontics is the Smart Choice

Affordability and a patient-first approach are the foundations of Mack and Hansen Orthodontics. Their practice is intentionally structured to address the primary concerns patients have about orthodontic costs and experience (as emphasized on https://www.etxortho.com/what-sets-us-apart):

1. True Financial Accessibility

Dr. Mack and Dr. Hansen believe treatment should not be a financial strain. This is why they offer some of the most flexible payment options in East Texas:

• Lowest Down Payments
• No-Interest Financing
• Monthly Payment Plans for everyone (with or without insurance).
• YOU Set Your Payment: You can set your monthly payment as low as $125/month.
• They are an in-network provider with almost all insurance plans.

2. Specialized Care for Adults

Nearly a third of the patients at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics are adults, and the practice understands their distinct needs. They offer private treatment rooms and a separate lobby for adults who desire a more intimate treatment experience.

Many adults seek treatment for issues like a bad bite, crowding, spacing, or to complete treatment started earlier in life. While jawbones are no longer growing, adult orthodontics can successfully address these concerns, often having a shorter duration and lower cost than expected, especially for those who previously had braces. They excel at staging treatment to keep in-office visits to a minimum, a key benefit for busy schedules in cities like Longview, Kilgore, Henderson, Marshall, and Gilmer.

3. Advanced Technology and Convenience

The office is an entirely digital practice, utilizing 3D digital scanners and 3D printing. This means you will never have to take a traditional, gooey mold of your mouth. For those traveling from Carthage, Henderson, or Mt. Pleasant, the team works to make treatment as convenient as possible, offering appointments before and after school, and even staying open on Fridays.

If you are searching for an orthodontist in Longview, Marshall, Kilgore, Gilmer, Carthage, Henderson, or Mt. Pleasant, Mack and Hansen Orthodontics is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and a variety of options at a price that fits your budget.

Ready to start your smile journey? Contact Mack and Hansen Orthodontics today to reserve your FREE Smile Consultation.

Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky fun, and, of course, candy! But if you're an orthodontic patient in Longview, Marshall, Kilgore, Henderson, Pittsburg, Gilmer, or Mt. Pleasant, you might be wondering how to enjoy the festivities without jeopardizing your braces. The good news is, with a little planning and smart choices, you can still have a fantastic Halloween while keeping your affordable orthodontist at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics happy and your treatment on track.

Choosing the right treats is crucial for maintaining your oral hygiene and preventing damage to your braces. Avoiding certain candies can help you prevent emergency visits to the best orthodontist in East Texas at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics and keep your smile journey progressing smoothly.

The "Frightening" Foods to Avoid with Braces:

When you have braces, some candies can be a real nightmare for your brackets and wires. Steer clear of these common culprits:

• Hard Candies: Think lollipops, jawbreakers, and hard peppermints. Biting down on these can easily bend wires, loosen bands, or even break a bracket. Sucking on them for too long also exposes your teeth to prolonged sugar, increasing cavity risk.
• Sticky and Chewy Candies: Caramels, taffy, Gummy Bears, Tootsie Rolls, and Starburst are notorious for getting stuck in braces, making them difficult to clean. They can also pull on wires and brackets, causing discomfort and potential damage.
• Nuts and Popcorn: While not always candy, these are common Halloween snacks. Nuts can get lodged in braces, and unpopped kernels in popcorn are a major hazard for breaking brackets.
• Chewing Gum: Although not candy, gum is a definite no-go with braces. It can stick to wires and brackets, creating a messy and difficult-to-clean situation.

Braces-Friendly "Treats" to Enjoy:

Don't despair! There are still plenty of delicious and safe options for those with braces. When you visit your local candy aisles in Longview or Marshall, look for these smile-approved and braces friendly choices:

• Soft Chocolates (without nuts or caramel): Think plain chocolate bars (melted in your mouth, not bitten!), chocolate Kisses, or peppermint patties. The key is that they are soft and melt easily.
• Soft Cookies and Brownies: Without hard nuts or chewy additions, these can be a satisfying treat.
• Peanut Butter Cups: The soft texture of peanut butter cups makes them a safer bet.
• Ice Cream or Milkshakes: A delightful and cooling treat that won't harm your braces.
• Jell-O and Puddings: Perfect for a soft, sweet indulgence.
• Fruit (sliced into small pieces): Apples, pears, and grapes can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid stress on your braces.

Remember, after enjoying any treat, it's essential to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any lingering sugar and food particles. Your orthodontist serving Kilgore and Henderson at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics will thank you!

Giving Back and Smart Candy Management:

Instead of having a mountain of braces-unfriendly candy tempting you, consider these alternatives for your haul:

• Candy Buy-Back Programs: Many dental and orthodontic offices, including Mack and Hansen Orthodontics in areas like Pittsburg and Gilmer, participate in candy buy-back programs. You can trade in your candy for prizes or even cash!
• Operation Gratitude: This fantastic organization accepts unopened Halloween candy and sends it to U.S. troops deployed overseas, veterans, and first responders. It’s a wonderful way to support those who serve while reducing your candy temptation.
• Sharing with Friends and Family: Offer your non-braces-friendly candies to friends or family members who don't have braces.
• Save for a Special Occasion (after braces removal): If you can resist, save some of your forbidden favorites for a grand celebration once your braces are off. Imagine enjoying a caramel apple after months of anticipation!

By following these tips, orthodontic patients across Mt. Pleasant, Longview, and surrounding areas can have a fun, safe, and healthy Halloween. Remember to always prioritize your orthodontic health and consult with your affordable orthodontist and best orthodontist at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics if you have any concerns. Happy Halloween, and enjoy your journey to a beautiful, straight smile!