When Should Your Child First See an El Paso Orthodontist?

As a parent, one of your top priorities is probably making sure your child’s smile is healthy and bright. You might be wondering when a child in El Paso should see an orthodontist. A lot of parents want to know the answer to this question, especially since more and more people are interested in getting […]
The Complete Guide to Getting Braces as an Adult in El Paso

You’re not the only adult in El Paso who is thinking about getting braces. Kids aren’t the only ones who need orthodontic care anymore. More adults than ever are getting modern orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and boost their self-esteem. Adult orthodontic treatment is a popular choice for both cosmetic and health reasons, such […]
Do I Need a Referral from a Dentist to See Dr. Hansen or an Orthodontist?

If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Hansen Orthodontics & Aesthetics is: “Do I need a referral from my dentist before I schedule?” The short answer? No — you don’t. And honestly, waiting for a referral […]
Do Braces Take a Long Time?

If you’re considering braces, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: How long is this going to take? It’s a fair question. No one wants to commit to something that feels endless — especially teens balancing school and social life, or adults juggling work and family. The honest answer? It depends. […]
How Does Dr. Hansen Create Natural Veneers?

When people hear the word “veneers,” they often picture overly white, bulky, obviously artificial teeth. But that’s not what modern cosmetic dentistry should look like. The goal isn’t to create a different smile. It’s to refine the one you already have. At Hansen Orthodontics & Aesthetics, Dr. Hansen approaches veneers differently. Instead of focusing only […]
What Is Airway Orthodontics? Can It Help With Sleeping and Breathing?

When most people think about braces, they think about straight teeth. But what if orthodontics could also support better breathing? What if your child’s bite, jaw growth, and even sleep quality were connected? That’s where airway-focused orthodontics enters the conversation. In recent years, more specialists have begun evaluating not just alignment, but also how jaw […]
What Is Tooth Contouring?

If you’ve ever looked closely at your smile and thought, “My teeth are straight, but something still feels slightly uneven,” you’re not imagining it. Sometimes, the issue isn’t alignment — it’s shape. That’s where tooth contouring comes in. Tooth contouring (also called enamel reshaping) is a conservative cosmetic procedure designed to subtly refine the edges, […]
I Show Too Much Gums When Smiling. Can I Get This Fixed Without Surgery?

If you’ve ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought, “Why do my gums show so much when I smile?” — you’re not alone. A “gummy smile” is more common than most people think. And the good news? In many cases, it can be improved — sometimes significantly — without surgery. At Hansen Orthodontics […]
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Orthodontic Success

Orthodontic treatment has evolved far beyond simply moving teeth into straighter positions. Today, true success is measured not only by how a smile looks, but by how well it functions and how stable the results remain over time. One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in long-term orthodontic outcomes is muscle behavior. This is where […]
Orthodontic Treatment and Long-Term Oral Health: More Than Just a Straight Smile

When most people think about orthodontics, the first thing that comes to mind is a straight, attractive smile. While aesthetics are certainly an important benefit, orthodontic treatment offers much more than cosmetic improvement. Proper alignment plays a critical role in protecting oral health and supporting the mouth’s function over a lifetime. At Hansen Orthodontics & […]