I Have Braces – Why Do I Have to Wear Rubber Bands?

After a few months of wearing your braces, you may finally be used to following the dietary restrictions, flossing around the braces, and feeling some slight soreness after each adjustment appointment. What else is there? Well, for some, there are rubber bands. These orthodontic tools may be small, but they play an instrumental role in addressing misalignment. To learn more about why wearing rubber bands on your braces is so important, read on!

As the days until the start of your clear aligner treatment become fewer and fewer, you may feel a mix of emotions. Excitement over addressing misalignment, nerves over adjusting to a new routine, and a whole bunch in between. One of the best ways to calm your nerves and set yourself up for success is to plan ahead. With this in mind, keep reading to learn five tips on how to prepare for Invisalign!

It’s no secret that braces change a lot about your life. From how you eat and brush every day to the position of your bite and appearance of your smile, orthodontic treatment can influence a variety of things! While you were able to prepare for and expect most of them, you didn’t realize how your braces would change your gums. Sometimes, treatments like traditional braces can cause swollen gums. Why is this, and should you be worried? Read on as we go over what you need to know about keeping your gums happy and healthy while you straighten your smile.

Over the last few decades, Invisalign has skyrocketed in popularity. While the clear aligners are no doubt discreet, they aren’t the only teeth-straightening solution. In fact, there are several other types of braces that may be a better fit for your dental needs and smile goals, including traditional and self-ligating braces. To learn more about these two options and how they differ from one another, read on!

The first step to enjoying a beautifully straight smile is getting braces. The second step is preserving your results by wearing your retainer each evening! Since this is a lifelong best practice, your orthodontic appliance may naturally experience some wear and tear throughout the years. But how do you know when it’s time to order a replacement? Keep reading to learn the answer.

Be honest… Do you typically go on autopilot when completing your oral hygiene regimen? Well, starting orthodontic treatment will change all that. After all, the metal brackets and wires require you to adapt to truly clean your teeth. If you currently feel like your dental care routine is frustrating, don’t worry – here’s a quick guide on how to brush and floss with braces.

Traditional braces have helped millions of patients address crooked, gapped, and otherwise misaligned teeth head-on. While the metal brackets and wires take some getting used to, there are a few must-have products for braces that will make your life significantly easier. Here are a few to keep close by!

Are you a part of a high school or college team? Do you prefer to exercise with your friends on the tennis court? Maybe you’re into a more solo sport, like golf. Whatever the case may be, you don’t want anything to get in the way of your performance. So, it’s not surprising that both amateur and professional athletes alike want to know if braces will get in the way. To learn the answer, read on!

Braces are undoubtedly one of the most reliable and effective teeth-straightening treatments available. When it comes time to have them removed, however, it’s up to you to maintain your new and improved smile. One of the best ways to do so? By wearing your retainer. If you’ve neglected to wear yours and are starting to see your teeth drift back into their previous positions, you may be wondering if using an old retainer to straighten your teeth is an option. To learn the answer, read on!

Do you have crooked, spaced-out, or otherwise misaligned teeth? If so, then the first step is to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. However, if you’re like many patients, you may be hesitant to commit to braces until you have all of the financial information upfront – that’s totally normal! Typically, one of the first questions people want to know is “Does insurance cover orthodontics?” If you’ve been wondering the same thing, keep reading for the answer.