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When you're in orthodontic care—whether you're wearing Invisalign or braces—brushing your teeth becomes extra important. Here's how to take care of your teeth properly with each:

With Braces:
Braces can trap food and plaque, so you need to be thorough.

1. Brush after every meal:
Food easily gets stuck in brackets and wires.

2. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
Brush at a 45-degree angle, making sure to clean above and below the brackets.

3. Spend extra time:
Brush for at least 2–3 minutes, paying attention to each bracket and around the gum line.

4. Use interdental brushes or proxy brushes:
These tools help clean between brackets and under wires where a normal brush can't reach.

5. Floss daily:
Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks to get between teeth and under wires.

6. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash:
This helps protect enamel and keeps bacteria under control.

With Invisalign:
You have a bit more flexibility, but still need to be diligent.

1. Brush after every meal or snack before putting aligners back in.
Food and sugar trapped under the aligners can cause cavities.

2. Use a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Brush gently but thoroughly for at least 2 minutes.

3. Clean your aligners separately:
Brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid toothpaste—it can scratch the trays.

4. Floss daily:
Just like with braces, flossing keeps gum disease and decay awa

5. Rinse your mouth and aligners before reinserting.

Would you like a daily brushing routine tailored to your orthodontic setup?

Congratulations—you've completed your braces or Invisalign treatment! But the journey to a perfect smile doesn't stop there. Wearing your retainer is essential to maintaining your newly aligned teeth and preventing them from shifting back.

Here's why wearing your retainer is so important:

✔ Keeps Teeth in Place – Your teeth naturally want to shift over time. A retainer helps them stay in their ideal position.

✔ Protects Your Investment – You've worked hard for your smile—don't let it go to waste! Wearing your retainer ensures your results last.

✔ Prevents Bite Changes – Without a retainer, your bite could shift, leading to potential discomfort or future orthodontic issues.

✔ Saves You Time & Money – Avoid needing additional orthodontic treatment by sticking to your retainer routine.

? Pro Tip: Wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Azizi, and keep it clean to ensure it lasts!

Have questions about your retainer? Call us at 215-646-9514 or visit Aziziorthodontics.com for expert advice.

#RetainerLife #SmileMaintenance #DrAziziOrthodontics #StraightTeethForLife

Yes, having straight teeth can contribute to the longevity of your dental health in several ways:

Easier Cleaning & Reduced Risk of Decay

Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss properly, reducing plaque buildup and the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Less Wear & Tear

Misaligned teeth can cause uneven pressure when biting and chewing, leading to excessive wear on certain teeth, fractures, or enamel erosion.

Lower Risk of Gum Disease

Crowded or overlapping teeth can trap bacteria, increasing the likelihood of gum disease, which, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Improved Jaw Health & Less TMJ Issues

A misaligned bite can strain the jaw joints (TMJ), causing pain, headaches, or long-term joint damage.

Better Digestion

Properly aligned teeth help chew food more efficiently, aiding digestion and overall health.

Reduced Risk of Tooth Injury

Protruding or misaligned teeth are more susceptible to chipping, cracking, or trauma from accidents.

Would you like advice on orthodontic options or ways to maintain your dental health? Call Dr. Azizi for your complimentary orthodontic consultation today.

In orthodontic therapy, an expander (also known as a palatal expander) is a device used to widen the upper jaw (palate). It is commonly used in children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing. The expander works by gradually separating the two halves of the upper jaw, which helps correct issues like a narrow upper jaw or crossbite.

The expander is typically attached to the upper molars with bands and has a central screw. The patient or orthodontist will turn the screw at regular intervals, applying gentle pressure to widen the palate. This process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the individuals specific needs.

The goal of using an expander is to create more space in the mouth, correct bite alignment, and allow for better dental and jaw development.

Please call Dr. Azizi to schedule your complimentary consultation today!

Ambler: 215-646-9514 Glenside: 215-576-6414