Ortega Orthodontics Blog

Sometimes in life there are things that you find out when it’s a little too late to do anything about it. Maybe you realized after the fact that you shouldn’t have washed your new red shirt with your (previously) white socks, or that you’re supposed to defrost the turkey before you put it in the oven on Thanksgiving. But with thankfully with Invisalign aligners, you can benefit from the wisdom of many other wearers with this helpful list of things you should know before committing to treatment!

There are a variety of reasons why one may want to undergo orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth can lead to a variety of oral health issues. In addition to that, having crooked teeth can take a toll on one’s self-esteem, making it difficult to feel confident while smiling. Many older teens and adults put off orthodontic treatment because they don’t like the appearance of metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Fortunately, there is a more discreet option available to help you achieve a straighter smile: lingual braces. Here are some things that you should know about them.

While you can expect to receive a retainer to keep your smile in shape after completing your orthodontic treatment, many people stop wearing them diligently after some time has passed. Unfortunately, not wearing your retainer can allow your teeth to drift back out of alignment, undoing much of what was accomplished while wearing your braces or aligners. Here’s why wearing your old retainer isn’t an effective way to straighten out your teeth again.

Many people think braces are just for teens, but over a quarter of those getting braces in the U.S. are adults. Still, it’s natural to feel nervous about having braces as an adult, especially at work. You might worry about looking “immature” or “unprofessional.” Luckily, there are ways to get around this concern. Continue reading to learn about a few easy tips that you can follow to feel confident and capable, no matter what the day brings.

Since it was introduced in the late 1990s, Invisalign has risen to become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign can treat many orthodontic cases with removable and nearly invisible clear plastic aligners that require no dietary restrictions. While many patients say that wearing Invisalign clear aligners is easier than dealing with traditional braces, it still requires significant effort on the part of the patient to be successful. Here are a few common questions about living with Invisalign as well as their answers.

The holiday season should be fun for kids, but those with braces need to take special care when celebrating. Many people wear braces at some point during childhood in order to correct alignment issues with their teeth. While braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic method that can treat even complex cases, wearing them requires no small amount of effort on the part of the patient. Care includes special daily cleaning rituals and dietary restrictions to protect the teeth and braces from damage and infections. Here are a few braces-friendly stocking stuffers to help kids with braces enjoy the holidays.

If this is your first year wearing braces during the holidays, you know that there are a few things you can’t eat. Although you know to avoid popcorn, gum, and chips, your dentist will recommend skipping a few others as well. You don’t want an orthodontic emergency to interrupt your plans. You won’t have to worry about skipping your seasonal favorites to protect your braces. Here are 6 tips to help you navigate the holidays without adding delays to your treatment plan.

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After investing your valuable time and money on Invisalign, the last thing you want is to fall off-track with your original treatment plan, adding weeks or months onto the backend. To prevent that from happening, your orthodontist will provide you with detailed instructions when your trays first arrive, including how to clean them properly. Of course, that can be a lot of information to retain at once, which is why we’re sharing a few important do’s and don’ts with Invisalign right here!

The human body is constantly changing, and everyone’s teeth shift their positions as they age. This can happen intentionally due to orthodontic treatments or accidentally due to aging, illness, or injury. While some of this shifting is unavoidable, it can be managed if you take the proper precautions or with dental treatments. Here are some things that can cause your teeth to shift and what you can do about it.

The start of the school year is a time for new beginnings, but if your teen has Invisalign, it’s important to prioritize the proper maintenance and hygiene routine. While Invisalign can straighten out a smile without the metal parts and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces, it requires daily effort even during the school year. Here are some back-to-school tips to help teens keep up with their treatment and achieve great results.