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Just because you are under orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer vacations! But you do have to make sure to continue the care of your teeth, braces or aligners. 

Keep in mind to stay away from sticky foods (even though s’mores look yummy!) & harder foods such as corn on the cob & ribs! Biting into the hard middle can easily break a bracket or appliance which can cause discomfort. If you have invisalign you won't have to worry about any food restrictions but try to rinse your mouth after eating or brush & rinse your trays. 

Don’t forget to pack your orthodontic oral hygiene kit you have received from our office. Inside is everything needed for small vacation emergencies. The kit contains wax if something is bothering you, a toothbrush, toothpaste & more to keep up with oral hygiene. 

If you have your invisalign trays and forget to pack new ones, be sure to continue wearing the trays you have until you are home and able to get the next set. Another scenario may happen-- you do bring all your trays but end up losing the tray you were wearing. Just go to the next set. If you feel like they are very tight, try wearing them for an additional week. Also, make sure to pack the invisalign cases so the trays don't get lost while you are away.

Even though it’s summer break & you are heading on new adventures, don't forget to keep up with your orthodontic appointments! It’s still important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth. Keeping your appointments will ensure your braces are removed on time. So don't skip any appointments. If you know ahead of time how long you’ll be gone let the orthodontist know so they can coordinate your treatment properly. 

Most importantly-- enjoy your summer break, spend time with your friends & family. Don’t forget to share your pictures from your trips and adventures!! 

Invisalign is a great option if you enjoy being more comfortable and have a busy lifestyle.

One of the main reasons people choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces is due to the comfort level. Braces can cause some discomfort, soreness, and even pain- which is something many patients want to avoid.

Braces are made up of metal brackets and wires which apply continuous pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position. This pressure can be uncomfortable and can cause soreness and even pain, especially when the braces are first applied and adjusted.

Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for the patient's teeth. These aligners are made of a smooth, flexible plastic material that is much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.

Unlike braces, which have metal brackets and wires that can rub against the inside of the mouth, Invisalign aligners are smooth and don't have sharp edges. This makes them much more comfortable to wear, and won't irritate the mouth in the same way braces can.

Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, so a patient can take them out whenever they need to eat, brush, or floss. This means a patient won't have to deal with the discomfort of food getting stuck in the braces, and can maintain better oral hygiene, which can also help prevent discomfort and pain.

Overall, Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable and convenient option than traditional braces. They offer flexibility, convenience, and improved comfort, all of which are important factors to consider when deciding between braces and Invisalign.

Poor oral hygiene can affect your body in various ways including...

1.Tooth decay & gum disease: poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, cavities & gum diseases like gingivitis & periodontitis.

2. Bad breath: poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, leading to bad breath.

3. Cardiovascular disease: Research suggests that there is a link between inflammation caused by gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

4. Respiratory issues: Poor oral hygiene can lead to respiratory issues like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

5. Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

6. Diabetic complications: Poor oral hygiene can worsen diabetic symptoms and increase the risk of complications.

7. Oral cancer: Poor oral hygiene is also linked to oral cancer.

It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep not only your teeth and gums healthy but also your overall health.

You may look at your child & think everything looks fine and they don't need any treatment but because your eye isn't trained this may not be the case.

1.Here are some reasons you should bring your child to an Orthodontist:

Something may look off but doesn't seem to be bad. Many parents will say their children might have slight spacing, a little crowding or just an overbite but don't truly because they are not a trained professional. If you notice your child has difficulty chewing, biting, or even breathing through their mouth, then it's time to make an appointment. A lot of what's happening in the mouth goes deep under the surface where the naked eye cannot see & would only be seen by getting orthodontic X-rays taken such as a panoramic & cephalometric film. A child may have impacted teeth- and the parent just thinks their baby teeth are taking a while to fall out. But if the child does have an impacted tooth an orthodontic appliance may be needed to bring in the tooth.

2.It's best to bring your child by age 7 & not wait until their older.

By age ,7 your child can be evaluated by an orthodontist. There are enough permanent teeth erupted at this point. It is also best to catch any problems early as it will be easier to correct at a younger age since the bone is more flexible & still growing. By taking your child earlier rather than later you could be saving them from major orthodontic treatments later. Also, sometimes baby teeth need to be extracted for the permanent tooth to come in the right direction with the help of an orthodontic appliance.

3.You do not need a referral from your dentist.

Some parents don't think to take their child to the orthodontist if their dentist doesn't refer them. So, they think their children must not need braces or any treatment. The dentist does not specialize in orthodontics so they may miss something important & not suggest a consult. It is best to trust the professionals who are trained in their specialty to give you a consultation and make a recommendation for treatment or not.