Our Blog

Let us be the first to say Congratulations on your new braces and welcome to the MHO Family! You’ve just begun a process that will change your smile forever!

Since you were probably a little preoccupied when you left our office and may not have remembered everything we said, here are a few things you should know about what to expect, what foods to avoid, and how to take care of your braces.

You’re probably going to be a little sore for the first few days while your teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips get used to the braces. Don’t worry though, this is completely normal. Taking Advil or Tylenol as directed will help with any soreness. If you do have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to call us!

Warm salt water rinses a few times a day will help with any cheek biting sores or general irritation. You can also take a pinch of the wax we gave you and place it directly on any part of the bracket that feels rough or sharp.

While you are wearing your braces, you should use a fork and knife and cut up everything. Foods like ribs, corn on the cob, and apples are okay, but please be sure to cut them up first. Stay away from any sticky, gooey foods and hard breads too. And be sure to avoid what Dr. Hansen likes to call the -itos family. This means no Cheetos, Doritos, Fritos, and Tostitos (Nachos). For more information please read the take home packet we gave you in your MHO Folder.

There are 1440 minutes in every day, and we need you to spend just 6 of them brushing: 2 after breakfast, 2 after lunch, and 2 before bed. We recommend using an electric toothbrush over a manual one when you can. When brushing, please look in the mirror and make sure you’re focusing not just on the teeth, but the gums too. Your gums will get swollen and puffy if you are not paying close enough attention to that area.  Rinsing with Listerine after you brush will help kill the bacteria that cause the gum disease, gingivitis, and using a fluoride rinse at night before bed is a great way to help prevent cavities. And don’t forget to see your dentist regularly for your scheduled checkups and cleanings while you are in braces. You can also visit the Brushing and Flossing page on our website at www.etxortho.com/brushing-and-flossing for more info.

You have made a wonderful decision to undergo orthodontic treatment and we are so grateful you’ve chosen us to transform your smile. If you need anything at all between now and your next visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! 903-212-7737 or email info@etxortho.com

Thank you again and we will see you soon!

We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have about orthodontic treatment. If you would like to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you get the smile you have always wanted with metal braces, clear braces, or invisalign please contact us and request a free consultation to learn more about our affordable braces and invisalign clear aligners. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX right by Longview Regional Hospital and are just a quick drive from Kilgore, Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Mount Pleasant, and Gilmer.

Longview Orthodontist

If you are looking for an orthodontist in Longview, then we have some great news!! Mack and Hansen Orthodontics is now open Monday though Friday here in Longview Texas!!

We know that despite school being out of session, summer can still be a busy time for families here across East Texas (Longview, Gilmer, Marshall, Kilgore, Carthage, Henderson, and Mount Pleasant).

Being that we are open Monday through Friday, summer is always a great time to get in for one of our free orthodontic consultations!! Even though school is out, we still offer late “after school” and “after work” appointments for those of you who have a hard time getting in to see us.

IF you would like to set up a complimentary orthodontic consultation for you or your child, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 903-212-7737. You can also request a visit online at https://www.etxortho.com/request-a-complimentary-consult

We treat children, teens, and adults of all ages and start seeing children as early as age 7 for orthodontic evaluations. At those evaluations we will look at more than just the teeth, but the jaws as well. We check to see if your child has any crossbite, or underbites that may need to be corrected while the jaws are still growing.

Summer is also a great time for cook outs and barbeques. If you are already in braces or invisalign and are cooking out with family and friends, remember to use some caution when eating corn on the cob! And remember to not place your invisalign trays or retainers in a napkin because they will end up being thrown out and forgotten about!

These are just some friendly tips from your East Texas neighborhood orthodontist!!

We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have about orthodontic treatment. If you would like to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you get the smile you have always wanted with metal braces, clear braces, or invisalign please contact us and request a free consultation to learn more about our affordable braces and invisalign clear aligners. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX right by Longview Regional Hospital and are just a quick drive from Kilgore, Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Mount Pleasant, and Gilmer.

Kilgore Texas is just down the road from us here in Longview. If you live in Kilgore or nearby in Liberty City or Overton, and are trying to find an affordable orthodontist nearby, then you have come to the right place. Here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics we are committed to making orthodontic treatment affordable for everyone. We are your local orthodontist who is in-network with almost all insurance companies, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and many more!

We are open Monday through Fridays in Longview, which is just a short drive away. We also offer before school and after work appointment times so that even the busiest of schedules are able to come in for an orthodontic consultation (which are free of charge here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics).

For directions to our orthodontic office, we will have you start near Kilgore Middle School, and Turn right onto US-259 BUS N/S Henderson Blvd. After about 5 miles you will turn slightly right onto TX-31 E/US-259 N. You will stay on this road for about 7 miles or so and turn right onto W Marshall Ave. After 1.2 miles you will take a left onto Fourth Street and follow that for 2.3 miles. Take a left at the light on Medical Circle and you will arrive at our orthodontic office.

If you are interested in coming in for a free orthodontic evaluation/consultation, we would love to see you. At your first visit, we will take a series of dental photographs and diagnostic x-rays. Then Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen will do an exam to see what exactly is going on with your teeth, jaws, and your bite. After the oral/dental exam, Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen will sit down with you and go over what exactly your orthodontic treatment needs are and how we can go about taking care of you and your concerns.

We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have about orthodontic treatment. If you would like to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you get the smile you have always wanted with metal braces, clear braces, or invisalign please contact us and request a free consultation to learn more about our affordable braces and invisalign clear aligners. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX right by Longview Regional Hospital and are just a quick drive from Kilgore, Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Mount Pleasant, and Gilmer.

If you are in search of an affordable orthodontist in Gilmer Tx, then look no further! Mack and Hansen Orthodontics serves patients from all over East Texas. In fact, we have many orthodontic patients in both braces and invisalign who come to us from Gilmer or even Pittsburgh, Winnsboro, and Mount Pleasant Texas. We are open Monday through Friday in Longview which is just a short drive away.

If you are needing directions to get to Mack and Hansen Orthodotics from Gilmer TX, Pittsburg TX, or even Mount Pleasant Texas, begin by heading south on by taking US-271 S and TX-300 down to Longview.

If you are coming to the orthodontist from Gilmer TX then head east on TX-154 E/E Marshall St toward S Roberts St. Then turn right on to FM 1650, which you will be on for about 9 miles. After this you will turn right onto US-259 South which you will take for 7 miles. You will next turn right onto Fourth St, then right on Medical Circle.

If you are coming to to us from Pittsburg TX, you will also take US-271 S and TX-300 down to Longview and follow similar directions as if you were coming from Gilmer TX.

If you are interested in coming in for a free orthodontic evaluation and consultation, we would love to see you. At your first visit, we will take a series of dental photographs and diagnostic x-rays. Then our orthodontists, Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen, will do an oral exam to see what exactly is going on with your teeth, jaws, and your bite. After the oral/dental exam, Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen will sit down with you and go over what exactly your orthodontic treatment needs are, discuss the difference in options between metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, and invisalign, and how we can go about taking care of you and your concerns.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our affordable braces and invisalign clear aligners. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX right by Longview Regional Hospital and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Mount Pleasant, and Gilmer.