You’ve finally done it! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and have a beautifully straightened smile you can’t wait to show off. However, your teeth are prone to shifting back out of alignment in the period shortly after your braces are removed or you stop wearing your clear aligners.

Your orthodontist prevents this by providing a customized retainer that doesn’t exert enough force to shift your teeth, but helps them remain in their updated positions long enough for your mouth to adjust. Continue reading to learn 3 tips for caring for your oral appliance to avoid some common dental concerns!

Packing a school lunch for a child with braces can feel tricky at first. Many favorite foods — like crunchy chips, chewy candy, and whole apples — can damage brackets and wires or get stuck in hard-to-clean places. The good news is there are plenty of tasty, braces-friendly options that will keep your child satisfied and protect their orthodontic work. Here are 6 things you can safely pack in their lunchbox.

Let’s say you had braces when you were younger. If your teeth have shifted out of place since then, can you receive orthodontics a second time?

For the vast majority of patients with good oral health, the answer is “yes” – and in fact, your treatment is likely to be easier for round two than it was for round one. Keep reading to learn why you might need braces twice and what you can do to avoid a third treatment!

Sure, having straight, even teeth looks great, but did you know that a perfectly aligned smile has health benefits, too? Here’s why getting braces isn’t just about keeping up appearances!

Getting braces seems like child’s play. After all, according to the Dental Tribune, only 27 percent of braces wearers are adults. But the truth is, braces are great for patients of any age, including adults. In fact, there are many lesser-known benefits to getting braces as an adult. Here are four important reasons why you’re never too old for orthodontics!

Traditional orthodontics are designed to straighten your teeth safely and effectively, but as with all things in life, accidents happen! Whether it’s a loose bracket, a poking wire, or a snapped band, knowing what to do can prevent discomfort and keep your treatment from being delayed. Keep reading to discover common orthodontic accidents and what to do if your braces break.

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.