Can I Use My Old Retainer to Re-Straighten My Teeth?

You might imagine that your journey towards a healthier and straighter smile has reached an end the moment you get your braces removed, but this usually isn’t the case—more often than not, a retainer is necessary to ensure that your teeth remain in their intended new positions! If this describes your situation, you might be wondering if an older retainer can be used to re-straighten your teeth and compensate for any unplanned speedbumps during your treatment process. Continue reading below to learn more.

From routine checkups to root canal therapy, there are countless treatments that dental insurance covers. However, many cosmetic treatments aren’t included since they aren’t “medically necessary.” As a result, you might be wondering if your provider will cover a portion of the cost of your teeth-straightening treatment. If so, then read on to learn some useful information on dental insurance for orthodontics!

Since hard, sticky, and chewy foods are a no-no with metal brackets and wires, you might need to avoid some of your holiday favorites this year. After all, you don’t want a bite into pecan pie or peanut brittle to turn into a sudden orthodontic emergency! The good news is that there are plenty of festive dishes that are both delicious and braces-friendly. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few holiday recipes to try this season!

And just like that… Halloween is just a few weeks away! If you enjoy dressing up but are a bit stumped about what to wear, you’ll be happy to know that there are several orthodontic-friendly options. In fact, here are five fun, easy costumes with braces.

Have you developed mouth sores more consistently now that you have braces? While this is completely normal, they can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Naturally, you want to alleviate the soreness as quickly as possible. To learn how to manage mouth sores with braces and help prevent more from developing in the future, keep reading!

Did you just get your braces? Congratulations – you’re a big step closer to the smile of your dreams! With time, you’ll barely realize they are there. At first, of course, that’s not the case. Luckily, you can make the transition much more seamless with these helpful tips on navigating your first week with braces.

When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For many, it’s relaxing vacations, days by the pool, and cookouts with friends and family. But it’s also the perfect time to begin your Invisalign treatment! Keep reading to learn why.

At the beginning of your treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with the specifics, from how many trays you’ll need to how long the entire process will take. Of course, these details aren’t set in stone; you can fall off-track with your original Invisalign treatment plan if you don’t implement the right best practices. If this happens to you, don’t get discouraged. Instead, keep reading to learn five must-know tips for preventing that from occurring in the future!

One of the biggest perks of orthodontic treatment is that the results can last a lifetime – with proper care, that is. When bad habits creep in, like neglecting to wear your retainer, then your chances of orthodontic relapse increase significantly. Fortunately, learning about the common culprits and effective prevention tactics can go a long way in keeping your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions!

Be honest… How good are you about flossing daily? If the answer is “not very good,” you’re not alone. In fact, only about 40% of Americans are diligent about this oral hygiene best practice and a whopping 20% don’t floss at all! It may seem unnecessary, but the small strand can play a crucial role in preventing serious dental problems, like cavities and gum disease. With this in mind, keep reading for a step-by-step guide to flossing with Invisalign.