You’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time – the day you finally get your braces taken off! What you’ll see underneath is a stunning, straight, beautiful smile. But that’s not the only thing that will be different. While life after braces is more or less the same as life before braces, there is at least one extra thing you’ll have to pay attention to: your retainer.

Get the scoop now so you’ll know what to expect.

When you’re in the middle of an orthodontic treatment, taking care of your braces is a full-time job. Even when you’re away from home, you need to have the right tools on hand to keep your braces – as well as your smile – in excellent shape. As such, if you’re getting ready to travel, you should put together a braces survival kit; here are 6 items that you should make sure are in it.

Traditional braces have been used for generations to create straight, healthy smiles. A system of brackets and wires applies gentle pressure to move teeth in small increments. Elastics are placed over your braces to hold your arch wire in place. However, you may also require rubber bands. Don’t worry. Here’s why your orthodontist is instructing you to wear bands.

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Have you ever noticed that your once-straight teeth seem to move over time? It can seem like one day you look in the mirror and suddenly you’ve got a few crooked spots in your smile. Despite how strange this may appear, it’s actually a natural process. Teeth can shift for a variety of reasons, even after orthodontic treatments or years of having a perfect smile. But why does this happen? Continue reading to learn about why your teeth shift and how orthodontics can keep your smile in line.

With school back in session, it can be a little worrisome leaving your child to fend for themselves caring for their braces away from home all day. That’s why it’s so important to send them off with a variety of healthy and braces-friendly snacks to choose from. If you’re not sure what to include in their lunchbox, here are some delicious options that will leave them feeling satisfied without putting their orthodontic equipment at risk.

You were going through your usual dental routine when, after picking up your removable retainer, you suddenly wondered whether you’ll have to replace it. Or maybe you were inspecting your teeth, caught sight of your fixed retainer, and realized that it might not last forever. Either way, it’s a valid sentiment. Retainers can become so ingrained in everyday life that it’s easy to forget they’re physical objects that can wear out over time!

To learn more about your retainer’s lifespan and durability, keep reading.

Invisalign is a discrete solution to fix bite and alignment issues without the restrictions of brackets and wires. Clear aligners are worn over your teeth for at least 22 hours a day, applying gentle pressure to move them in small improvements. Some patients may require attachments to ensure the best results. Applying them is pain-free, but what about their removal? Here’s what you can expect when having your Invisalign attachments removed.

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More than 18 million teens and adults have chosen Invisalign to fix their bite and alignment problems. Clear aligners offer unmatched benefits when compared to traditional braces. You won’t have to worry about the restrictions of brackets or wires. Here are a few freedoms you’ll enjoy when investing in Invisalign.

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One of the things that you’ll learn a lot about when you first get your aligners is the necessity of keeping them clean. This serves many purposes—not only will this keep the trays themselves in the best condition possible, but it will also protect your underlying oral health throughout the duration of your orthodontic treatment.

However, you might wonder how likely tooth decay actually is considering that you have a thin plastic tray covering your teeth. Here’s what you should know about the prospect of getting cavities during your Invisalign treatment, and what you can do to keep your oral health in the best condition possible.

Summer is the season for enjoying delicious, fresh foods and outdoor barbecues. But if you have braces, the summer cuisine scene can be tricky. Some treats can be harmful to your braces, while others are perfectly safe and satisfying. So, which can you rely on, and which should you avoid? Continue reading to find out the best and worst summer foods for braces wearers!