Dr. Thomas' Blog

Education, updates, and smile success stories.

How to Prepare for Your Free Consultation
Dec 15, 2025 • Financial

How to Prepare for Your Free Consultation

Ready to start? Here is what to bring to your first visit to make the process smooth and easy.

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The Palatal Expander: It's Not as Scary as It Looks
Dec 01, 2025 • Early Treatment

The Palatal Expander: It's Not as Scary as It Looks

Widening the upper jaw can prevent extractions and fix crossbites. Here is what parents (and kids) need to know.

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The Gold Braces Trend: Why Everyone Wants Them
Nov 20, 2025 • Treatment Options

The Gold Braces Trend: Why Everyone Wants Them

Gold is back. From celebrities to students at Land O' Lakes High, the Champagne Gold finish is the hottest trend.

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Can Braces Help with Receding Gums?
Nov 10, 2025 • Adult Orthodontics

Can Braces Help with Receding Gums?

Gum health and tooth position are linked. Straightening your teeth might be the best thing you can do for your gums.

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Corporate vs. Private Practice: Why It Matters
Oct 25, 2025 • Community

Corporate vs. Private Practice: Why It Matters

Does it matter if your orthodontist owns the practice? Yes. Here is why seeing the same doctor every visit changes your results.

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Getting a Wedding-Ready Smile in 6 Months
Oct 10, 2025 • Adult Orthodontics

Getting a Wedding-Ready Smile in 6 Months

Getting married? You want to look your best in photos. Here is how we can improve your smile on a deadline.

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What is Phase 1 Treatment? (And Does My Child Need It?)
Sep 28, 2025 • Early Treatment

What is Phase 1 Treatment? (And Does My Child Need It?)

Some children need two rounds of braces. Phase 1 is early intervention to fix skeletal issues before they become permanent.

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Will Wisdom Teeth Ruin My Straight Smile?
Sep 15, 2025 • Treatment Options

Will Wisdom Teeth Ruin My Straight Smile?

A common myth is that wisdom teeth push all your front teeth crooked. Here is the scientific truth.

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How to Floss with Braces (Without Losing Your Mind)
Sep 01, 2025 • Life with Braces

How to Floss with Braces (Without Losing Your Mind)

We know it takes longer, but it is vital. Here are the tools that make flossing with brackets actually possible.

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Serving Wesley Chapel: Why We are Worth the Short Drive
Aug 15, 2025 • Community

Serving Wesley Chapel: Why We are Worth the Short Drive

Residents of Seven Oaks and Wiregrass are discovering that Thomas Orthodontics offers more affordable care just minutes down SR 54.

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Orthodontic Emergency: What is Normal vs. Urgent?
Aug 01, 2025 • Life with Braces

Orthodontic Emergency: What is Normal vs. Urgent?

Poky wire? Loose bracket? Most issues can be handled at home. Here is when to call us.

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The Ultimate Guide to Braces Colors
Jul 20, 2025 • Life with Braces

The Ultimate Guide to Braces Colors

School colors? Holiday themes? Or just classic Silver? Here is how to pick the best color for your smile.

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What are Angel Aligners? The New Clear Choice
Jul 05, 2025 • Treatment Options

What are Angel Aligners? The New Clear Choice

You have heard of Invisalign, but have you heard of Angel Aligners? We offer this cutting-edge technology for precise control.

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Playing Sports with Braces: Do I Need a Mouthguard?
Jun 20, 2025 • Life with Braces

Playing Sports with Braces: Do I Need a Mouthguard?

Football, soccer, and wrestling season are here. Protect your lips and your brackets with the right gear.

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Retainer Care 101: How to Keep Your Smile Straight Forever
Jun 01, 2025 • Life with Braces

Retainer Care 101: How to Keep Your Smile Straight Forever

The saddest thing we see is a perfect smile that shifted because of lost retainers. Here is the rule: Nighttime for Lifetime.

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Moving to Tampa? How to Transfer Your Orthodontic Care
May 15, 2025 • Community

Moving to Tampa? How to Transfer Your Orthodontic Care

Moving to Wesley Chapel or Odessa mid-treatment? Don't panic. We handle transfers from out of state all the time.

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Why 40 is the New 14: The Rise of Adult Orthodontics
May 01, 2025 • Adult Orthodontics

Why 40 is the New 14: The Rise of Adult Orthodontics

Think you are too old for a straight smile? Think again. Over 30% of our patients are adults. Here is why they are finally doing it.

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Damon Braces vs. Traditional: What is the Difference?
Apr 15, 2025 • Treatment Options

Damon Braces vs. Traditional: What is the Difference?

We use the Damon System. It means no elastic ties, less friction, and often fewer appointments. Here is how it works.

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Does Insurance Cover Braces? (Pasco & Hillsborough)
Apr 01, 2025 • Financial

Does Insurance Cover Braces? (Pasco & Hillsborough)

Understanding PPO vs HMO, lifetime maximums, and how to use your FSA/HSA dollars before they expire.

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The Survival Guide: What Can I Eat with Braces?
Mar 20, 2025 • Life with Braces

The Survival Guide: What Can I Eat with Braces?

Popcorn? Pizza? Apples? We break down the "Safe List" and the "Danger List" for your first week in braces.

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Why Trinity & Odessa Families Choose Thomas Ortho
Mar 05, 2025 • Community

Why Trinity & Odessa Families Choose Thomas Ortho

Living in Starkey Ranch or Asturia? Here is why driving a few minutes to our SR 54 office saves you money and hassle.

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7 Reasons to See an Orthodontist by Age 7
Feb 20, 2025 • Early Treatment

7 Reasons to See an Orthodontist by Age 7

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up by age 7. Is it too early? No, it prevents surgery later.

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Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Faster for Adults?
Feb 05, 2025 • Adult Orthodontics

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Faster for Adults?

Thinking about fixing your smile but dreading the metal look? Technology has changed. Find out if aligners are right for you.

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Why We Don't Charge Extra for Gold or Clear Braces
Jan 20, 2025 • Treatment Options

Why We Don't Charge Extra for Gold or Clear Braces

Most orthodontists charge a "Style Tax" of $500-$800 for clear ceramic or gold braces. Here is why Dr. Thomas refuses to do that.

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The Truth About Braces Cost in Tampa (2025 Guide)
Jan 05, 2025 • Financial

The Truth About Braces Cost in Tampa (2025 Guide)

Stop guessing about the price. We break down down payments, monthly fees, and why we refuse to charge hidden fees.

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Handling Orthodontic Issues at Home
Mar 31, 2020 • Life with Braces

Handling Orthodontic Issues at Home

Can't make it to the office? Here are DIY tips for poking wires, loose brackets, and sore teeth.

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Orthodontic Office Closed? Here's How to Care for Your Smile
Mar 30, 2020 • Life with Braces

Orthodontic Office Closed? Here's How to Care for Your Smile

Five essential tips to keep your treatment on track when you can't come in for a visit.

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COVID-19 Update: Florida Orthodontists
Mar 22, 2020 • News

COVID-19 Update: Florida Orthodontists

An archival update on how our office prioritized safety during the global pandemic.

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Athletic Mouth Guards: Do Kids Really Need Them?
Oct 30, 2019 • Life with Braces

Athletic Mouth Guards: Do Kids Really Need Them?

Sports season is here. Protect your investment (and your lips) with the right gear.

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What is the Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?
Jul 26, 2019 • Education

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Here is why the extra training matters.

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Orthodontic Problems to Watch For in Your Child
Jul 22, 2019 • Early Treatment

Orthodontic Problems to Watch For in Your Child

Crowding? Overbite? Thumb sucking? Here are the signs that it is time for a check-up.

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We Have Moved to a New Office!
Jul 11, 2020 • News

We Have Moved to a New Office!

A look back at when we opened our new, state-of-the-art facility.

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Will the Space Between Front Teeth Close Itself?
Nov 18, 2019 • Frenum

Will the Space Between Front Teeth Close Itself?

One of the most common questions parents ask. The answer depends on the child's age and the "Ugly Duckling" phase.

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