Wigal Orthodontics' Blog

Braces are a common rite of passage for many people, especially during adolescence. While most people know that braces straighten teeth and improve smiles, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. From their ancient origins to surprising side effects, braces have a rich and fascinating history. Whether you’re wearing them now or just curious, here are five interesting, little-known facts about braces that might surprise you.

Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. Using a series of custom-made, clear aligners, Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into alignment without the wires and brackets of traditional braces. If you’re considering Invisalign, here’s a guide to what you can expect during the treatment process.

If you’re thinking about orthodontics to get your teeth straight and improve your overall oral health, you’ve probably come across the popular debate of which is better: Invisalign or braces. What you should be asking yourself is, which is the right fit for you? Here is a list of positives and negatives for each treatment to help you decide.

Crooked teeth can pose many oral health problems as well as issues related to self-esteem. Not only can it be harder to keep teeth and gums clean and bacteria-free, but the inconsistency and misalignment that is visibly noticeable can make it hard for children, teens, and adults to smile confidently. If your orthodontist recommends braces, consider this a step in the right direction. However, if they suggest interproximal reduction, don’t be alarmed. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure, why it’s recommended, and how it can help you see the beautiful results you deserve.

Congratulations on your new braces! Soon, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful smile to showcase for all your efforts. However, until your treatment is complete, you’ll still need to take extra care of your teeth and gums to ensure that your results turn out as expected, even while you’re away from home.  Thus, your orthodontist recommends packing a braces survival kit to take with you on the go. Here’s everything you need to include in it, so you can keep your mouth clean and healthy whether you’re at work, school, or anywhere else!

If you underwent orthodontic treatment when you were younger, chances are you were given a retainer to wear to maintain your beautiful results. But often in life, patients let good habits (like using your retainer as prescribed) fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, this can result in your teeth shifting back into their old positions, or into other new improper places.

But what happens if you start wearing them again? Will it fix your smile? After all, it seems much easier and more affordable than getting braces all over again. Here’s why you should always wear your retainer, and if your teeth shift you should never rely on it to move them back!

Braces are one of the most effective and reliable ways to straighten teeth. You can count on them to get the job done! However, it must still be admitted that braces are not perfect. From time to time, you might run into irritating and bothersome issues. What are some of the most common problems with braces, and how can you deal with them? This blog post provides some helpful tips.

With Invisalign, your treatment works because your aligners fit securely to your teeth, moving them gradually without the need for wires and brackets. But what happens when they don’t fit correctly? After all, your treatment won’t be successful if you can’t wear your trays. If you’re struggling to put yours on, here are a few suggestions to help get them to go on, and what you should do if they don’t.

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic alternative to traditional braces. However, because there are no wires or bands that can be adjusted, this method sometimes requires a little extra help to realign your teeth or bite effectively. Sometimes, your provider must bond small bumps or “attachments” to exert the proper pressure to move them as needed.

Although they may be required ongoing, these additions are typically removed after completing your Invisalign treatment. If you’re worried that getting these lumps taken off will be painful, continue reading to learn why you can set your mind at ease!