The Ultimate Guide to Caring For Your Retainer

Sure, braces can guide your once misaligned teeth into straighter, healthier, more aesthetically pleasing positions, but your retainer is what will keep them there in the short and long term. That’s why making a lifetime commitment to wearing them regularly is so important! Here’s how to care for them so they stay in tip-top shape throughout the years.

Did you recently start orthodontic treatment? That doesn’t mean your days of having fun have come to an end. After all, there are countless ways to make orthodontic treatment exciting. To spark your inspiration, keep reading to learn four ideas on how to make having braces fun!

What makes you smile? Is it spending time with family and friends? Is it taking a vacation and relaxing on the beach or in the mountains? Is it helping others by volunteering your time? No matter what causes you to feel good enough to show off your pearly whites, there is a day dedicated to helping others do the same – World Smile Day on October 4. Keep reading to discover the benefits of a beautiful grin and how you can make yours shine when showing kindness to someone in need.

Customized retainers are a part of orthodontic treatment that many patients forget about. Designed to keep teeth firmly in place after they have spent months or even years shifting into proper alignment, these small appliances are essential to preventing a wasted investment. But how long do they last and when is it necessary to seek a replacement? Keep reading to find out.

If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or other orthodontic issues that detract from your smile, you might be considering traditional braces. However, one thing that could be making you skeptical about committing to this life-changing treatment is the possibility of pain or discomfort. But you have nothing to fear; this tried-and-true option isn’t meant to harm you, and comfortable navigating the process isn’t tough! Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you get your braces, along with a few useful tips for minimizing your soreness during those first few days.

Did you know that roughly 33% of the global population has worn braces? That’s a lot of people! Despite the popularity of this teeth-straightening solution, there is still quite a bit of misinformation circulating around, like the metal brackets and wires will set off metal detectors. With this in mind, keep reading to learn true, little-known facts about braces.

Invisalign is one of the hottest orthodontic treatments around—more people than ever before are opting into the seemingly-magic clear aligners to transform their smiles and achieve better oral health. But some patients wonder if the trays can provide some level of protection from oral health issues like cavities. Unfortunately, this is not the case! Here’s what your orthodontist wants you to know about Invisalign and cavities, along with some tips for safeguarding your smile.

With warmer weather just around the corner, your next vacation may be rapidly approaching! Whether it’s a weekend trip a few hours away or several weeks traveling abroad, you don’t want your aligners to ruin your time. Or, worse, your time away to cause you to fall off-track with your treatment plan. Fortunately, learning some helpful tips for traveling with Invisalign is as easy as reading on.

Is your teen a part of their school’s football, basketball, or track team? Do they participate in a sport in their free time, like gymnastics, dance, or soccer? Don’t worry – the start of their time with braces doesn’t mean the end of their days playing sports. Of course, you will have to take a few additional measures to help protect their braces (and their teeth!) from damage. To learn how to avoid broken braces while playing sports, keep reading.

Interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss are two helpful tools if you have braces. However, there is another one that patients often forget about: dental wax. Although it sounds similar to candle wax, it’s actually crafted from natural materials like beeswax and paraffin wax. “Why is this helpful for someone undergoing orthodontic treatment?” you ask. Read on to find out!