Wigal Orthodontics of Heath & Mt. Vernon Blog

After your orthodontic treatment is complete, your retainer becomes one of the most important tools for maintaining your newly aligned smile. While retainers are designed to be durable, they don’t last forever. Over time, normal wear, accidental damage, and natural changes in your mouth can all affect how well your retainer works. Knowing when it’s time to replace yours helps ensure your teeth stay right where you want them.

Here’s what you should know about the lifespan of different types of retainers and how to tell when you need a new one.

You might assume that once your teeth are straight, they’ll stay that way forever. However, teeth are not fixed in place—they can shift gradually over time due to a variety of factors. Even small movements can affect the way your bite fits together or how your smile looks. Understanding why teeth shift and how to correct it can help you preserve a healthy, aligned smile for life.

If you needed braces in the past, then you might be worried about your child having to undergo similar treatment. What if their baby teeth are already showing signs of misalignment? They may be able to get Phase 1 orthodontics, which can help prevent any problems from worsening. Keep reading to learn more about this service and how to tell if your child is right for it.

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.