Wigal Orthodontics of Heath & Mt. Vernon Blog

Many patients are surprised to learn that they may need to wear a retainer once their orthodontic treatment is complete, but these oral appliances are often required to prevent their pearly whites from relapsing to their starting places.

This device won’t apply enough pressure to shift your teeth, but it can ensure that everything remains in its updated position long enough for your mouth to adjust. However, you must care for it correctly to continue to enjoy the benefits it provides. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful tips for maintaining your retainer!

Many people get braces as teenagers, enjoy a straight smile for years, and assume the results will last a lifetime. But teeth can shift over time, and sometimes they move enough to cause crowding, spacing, or bite issues again.

If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering if you can wear braces a second time. In many cases, the answer is yes—and it can be just as effective as your first round of treatment.

If you want to straighten out your teeth, it’s easy to imagine having an aesthetic smile by the end. Even with popular orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, you will be able to flaunt aligned pearly whites, but there are many more benefits than just cosmetic ones! Transforming your grin can improve your daily life, so continue reading to learn how Invisalign is more than just looks.

Your teeth naturally shift throughout your life. You may not have considered getting braces when you were younger, but now you may be bothered by your teeth being crooked, crowded, or even having gaps. You might wonder if it’s too late to straighten your teeth now as an adult.

However, it’s not too late! You may feel weary about getting braces since you may only see teenagers with this treatment, but the truth is that an increasing number of adults are choosing to get them. There is no age limit to correcting your smile, so read on to learn three things to keep in mind when considering this treatment.

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!