Straighten your teeth - for a lifetime!
Having braces is much more comfortable than it used to be, especially when you receive your braces at Murray Orthodontics. That’s because Anchorage orthodontists Dr. John Murray and Dr. Warren Libby are dedicated to delivering the best and latest technologies to you. Dr. Murray has been straightening teeth for over 25 years!
The first few days after each appointment there might be some general tenderness of your teeth and mouth. Your teeth might even feel a little loose (after all – they’re on the move). You may want to take a little Advil or Tylenol (what you would normally take for a headache) for the first couple of days. The tenderness will subside within several days.
Colored Braces – What color will you pick?
Before you get your braces to straighten teeth, think about what color bands you would like on your braces. Visit our braces color page to learn more about colored braces. Some people even choose multiple colors for their bands!

We make a perfect scan of your teeth and show you how your teeth will look when you are done wearing metal braces or clear braces, like Invisalign.
Teen Braces Success Story
Teen Braces Success Story: Isabelle Lada - Video
Achieve Your Dream Smile—It’s Never Too Late with Metal Braces!
At Murray Orthodontics, we believe that no matter your age, everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile. While many adults think braces are only for teens, metal braces offer transformative results for patients of any age.
Here’s why:
• Proven Results: Metal braces remain one of the most reliable and effective orthodontic treatments, correcting even the most complex alignment issues with precision.
• Durability and Strength: Metal braces are built to last, making them perfect for adults with more challenging dental concerns that require extra support.
• Long-Term Health Benefits: Straightening your teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. Metal braces help improve oral health, preventing issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain that can worsen with age.
• Affordability and Flexibility: For adults looking for a cost-effective option, metal braces offer an affordable solution with flexible payment plans.
• Age is Just a Number: Whether you’re 25 or 60, metal braces can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Orthodontic care at any age can improve your confidence, and there’s no reason to wait!
At Murray Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping adults achieve their best smiles with the power of metal braces—because it’s never too late to invest in yourself!
Straighter Teeth at any Age!
Braces for Adults - The VanNortwicks' Success Story
Cindy and Warren VanNortwick III, a husband-and-wife duo, embarked on their smile transformation journey together! Before braces, Warren admitted he wasn’t one to flash a toothy grin too often, leaving Cindy to be the “smiley one” in the pair.
Now, after braces, Warren proudly shares that his smile muscles have learned to work in ways they never had before. Cindy and Warren are living proof that it’s never too late to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Thank you both for trusting us with your smiles and for inspiring others to embrace their transformations!
Living with Braces
Eating with Braces

Andrew’s Senior Pictures looked great after braces gave his smile a boost!
You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment. That’s true – if your favorite food is hard candy:-). The truth is – you can eat most foods as long as you avoid things that would cause you to break a bracket, bend a wire or get caught up in the braces where you are unable to remove it. Here’s a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues. Feel free to print this list out and put it up on the fridge.
Foods to AVOID with braces:
- Chewy foods — whole bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods you have to bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots, etc.
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, most berries (but watch out for seeds)
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, cake
Proper care of your retainer
Put your retainer in its case to protect it, when not in use.
- Make sure you always have a retainer case with you.
- Watch out for pets – dogs love to chew on retainers, and can ruin them before you know it.
- Be careful where you leave your retainer – it can be damaged easily.
- Retainers can melt in high heat, avoid placing it on a stovetop or on the dasboard of a hot car.
- Here are more retainer tips from the American Association of Orthodontists.
Don’t let crooked teeth get you down, we can help straighten your teeth and give you a healthy smile!
VIDEO: Makayla's favorite color bands
Pick one color for your braces bands, or choose a lot, they all look great!
BRUSHING & FLOSSING
- We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic tooth brushes also work well.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- We recommend that you have a regular check up with your dentist every 6 months.