So, Can You Use an Old Retainer To Re-Straighten Your Teeth?

Despite popular belief, braces are only designed to guide your teeth into their perfectly aligned positions, not keep them there. That’s why patients are given a retainer following their treatment. But what if you weren’t as diligent about wearing it as you should’ve been? Can an old retainer re-straighten your teeth again? Here’s the answer.

Decades prior, traditional braces were the sole teeth-straightening solution. But that all changed when Invisalign debuted its clear aligners about two decades ago. Today, more and more patients are interested in achieving their smile goals as discreetly as possible. However, it’s important to remember that there are some reasons why traditional braces are sometimes best. Here are a few!

Is this your first holiday season with braces? If so, you may be wondering how exactly to navigate mealtime. After all, the last thing you want is for a broken bracket or loose wire to derail your plans. Don’t worry – there are plenty of holiday recipes that are both delicious and braces-friendly. To learn what they are, read on!

For decades now, braces have been one of the most popular teeth-straightening treatments available. After all, they can correct everything from minor gaps between teeth to extreme overcrowding. With that being said, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about the metal brackets and wires. So, we are setting the record straight by busting some of the most common myths about metal braces!

When you pick out your outfit in the morning, what are you most drawn to? Warmer tones? Deep colors? Pastel shades? Crazy patterns? Whatever the case may be, what you wear is an expression of who you are – the colored rubber bands on your braces do the same thing! Keep reading to learn about the different color options and what they represent.

Although discreet alternatives, like Invisalign, have gained significant popularity in recent years, traditional orthodontics is a tried-and-true teeth-straightening treatment that comes with a number of benefits. To start, metal brackets and wires are one of the few solutions that can address complex issues, like severe overcrowding and bite problems. However, if you are unfamiliar with this treatment, you may be surprised when your orthodontist hands you a small tray of dental wax for braces. Here’s why this tool is so important!

How often do you floss? Studies suggest that only 1/3 of Americans floss as often as they should. Unfortunately, wearing traditional braces can make this unpopular oral health habit even more of a challenge! While cleaning between your wires and brackets may not be your favorite activity, it’s essential for keeping your smile healthy and your orthodontic treatment on track. Neglecting this healthy habit can easily lead to cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could make your treatment longer. Thankfully, flossing with braces may be easier than you think! Here are five tips for how to make flossing easier while getting a straighter smile.

After working through your entire series of Invisalign aligners, it’s finally time to fully enjoy your new and improved smile! To preserve your hard-earned results, your orthodontist reminds you of the importance of consistently wearing your retainer. You promise you will (with the best intentions!), but over time you become more and more lenient about it, until one day you can’t even remember the last time you wore them. Sound familiar? If so, here’s everything you need to know about orthodontic relapse.

If you’ve recently completed your orthodontic treatment, or will be soon, congratulations on your new smile! Now that your braces are off or you don’t have to worry about Invisalign aligners anymore, it’s time to protect your investment. After all, you spent a lot of time, money, and effort to straighten out your pearly whites! Thankfully, you can expect to enjoy your results for the rest of your life by wearing and caring for your retainer as instructed. Read on to learn more about this important last step of your orthodontic treatment and how to make the most of it!

Before getting braces, you knew that you’d have to make some adjustments to things like your dental routine and your daily diet. But now that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you may be wondering if you can still kiss your special someone. Thankfully, there’s no need to worry! You don’t have to give up romance while straightening your smile with braces. However, there are some important things you should keep in mind to make it a pleasant experience for both you and your partner. Here are three tips for kissing this Valentine’s Day!