After you finish our orthodontic treatment, your retainer becomes your smile’s best friend. If you wear it properly, it can prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place and spare you from having to undergo future orthodontic retreatment. One of the only bad things about retainers is that they do not last forever. Failure to replace yours on time could lead to unwanted tooth movements and other undesirable consequences. So when should you get a new retainer? That depends on which type of retainer you have. Let’s talk about the average life expectancy of Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers, and fixed retainers.

If you are thinking about getting traditional braces, one of the first questions on your mind might be, “How long will I have to wear them?” There is not a one size fits all answer to that question. Braces treatment time can vary widely, with most cases taking between 1 and 3 years. Let’s talk more about some of the factors that affect the length of treatment and a few steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you have decided to undergo orthodontic treatment, you have much to look forward to! Well-aligned teeth are healthier and more aesthetically pleasing than crooked ones. But which method should you use to straighten your teeth? Braces are a tried-and-true solution that has helped generations of patients, but clear aligner systems like Invisalign have become increasingly popular in recent years. Both types of treatments offer distinct pros and cons. Let’s discuss some key factors that can help you compare Invisalign vs. braces.

Perhaps the top reason why patients flock to Invisalign is its subtle appearance. The aligners are designed to be as discreet as possible, which makes them ideal for image-conscious teenagers as well as high-power professionals and everyone in between. But did you know that the benefits of Invisalign go far beyond aesthetics? Let’s talk about some of this treatment’s most outstanding advantages.

You have been looking forward to braces removal for several months — perhaps even a couple of years. Now that the time to get them taken off is almost here, it is understandable if you have some mixed emotions. Excitement is common, but many patients also feel a degree of nervousness. There is no need to worry. The removal process is relatively quick and comfortable. Here is a simple guide on what you can expect during and after your braces removal appointment.

Dental braces are pretty durable, but they aren’t invincible. Once in a while, incidents happen that can damage them. For example, an accident during sports or eating the wrong types of foods may cause the braces to break. How should you handle broken braces? Let’s talk about some practical steps you can take to get through the situation with as little stress and discomfort as possible.

Would you like to have straighter teeth? Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option among adults because it is convenient and discreet. If you are thinking about investing in it, your orthodontist would be happy to talk to you about what you can expect as you travel the road ahead. In the meantime, you can learn the basics of the Invisalign treatment process by reading this brief blog post.

Many people think of traditional metal braces as being exclusively for teenagers. You might be surprised, then, if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist with the recommendation that you undergo this treatment as an adult. Don’t worry. Braces aren’t going to ruin your image or make you feel like you are back in high school. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few things you should know before you embark on your journey with metal braces as an adult.

Has your dentist informed you that you have a “bad bite” or malocclusion? While many people do not give much thought to the way their teeth come together when they chew or bite, this is actually a huge part of oral and overall wellness. Let’s talk about what exactly a bad bite is, what can cause a bad bite, and how your dental team may use combined orthodontic-surgical treatment to address it.

If you are thinking about investing in Invisalign, it is to be expected if you have some questions about the journey ahead of you. Many patients ask, “When will I start to see results?” and “How long will I have to wear Invisalign?” The answers to those questions vary from patient to patient. While you may see initial results in just a few months, your total Invisalign timeline may last for much longer. Let’s discuss some of the factors that influence how long this orthodontic treatment takes to complete its job.