It’s one of the most common questions orthodontists hear: Do I really have to wear a retainer? The answer is a hard yes. Yes, all day long. Unequivocally, yes. Most orthodontic patients spend at least a year or two getting their teeth into alignment. If you want to keep your teeth straight and beautiful, you’ll be up close and personal with a retainer for a long time to come.

Read moreDo I Really Need to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

There are body and face editors, apps, and filters to make you look older, younger, slimmer, more toned, and of course, give you a staggeringly good smile. You can adjust nearly anything in your selfies with your super-smart phone, but you’ll still be walking around in real life with imperfect teeth. If you want to improve your selfies permanently, it’s time to consider the braces that are right for you so you can get those coveted straight teeth.

Read moreTake Better Selfies with Straight Teeth

For some people, appearance has everything to do with professional success. But straight teeth are an asset, no matter what business you’re in. If you’re sporting a misaligned smile that’s making you self-conscious, Invisalign can be the ticket to a promotion, job offer, sale, or amazing first impression.

Read moreInvisalign Can Boost Your Career

Teens have a lot going on in their world. They may have their heads down and hands always on their devices, but there is still room for independent thought. They’re often worried about whether they’re feeling, acting, or doing the right things, or if there is something wrong with them. You can understand then, of course, that adding braces to the mix can make teens feel even more self-conscious and self-doubting.

Read more4 Worries Kids Have About Getting Teen Braces

Traveling out of your comfort zone can be daunting when you wear braces. Arm yourself with the right tools and techniques for taking care of braces – your own braces or your teen’s braces – when you’re away from home so you can enjoy your vacation without stressing about teeth.

Read moreTake Care of Your Braces When You’re on Vacation

Anytime is a good time to get braces, but the summer months are particularly convenient when it comes to getting braces for teens. Summer offers plenty of time to get in the groove of being an orthodontic patient so, once the next school year begins, your teen will be a pro at managing their braces, whether traditional metal brackets and wires or Invisalign Teen.

Read more4 Reasons Summertime Is the Best Time to Get Braces for Teens

No kid wants to start wearing braces earlier than necessary, but sometimes early braces for kids – known as interceptive orthodontics – help a child avoid lengthier orthodontic treatment in the future. There are plenty of appliances and mechanisms that are used to improve the alignment of a kid’s teeth now and for the future. It’s up to your Woodinville orthodontist to determine what’s best for your child’s unique dental health.

Read moreDoes My Kid Need Interceptive Orthodontics?

No one wants to be prevented from eating their favorite foods. Braces-wearers – kids, teens, or adults – however, have rules to follow, especially when it comes to chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Modern braces are strong and durable, but they are still vulnerable to damage. Anything that tugs at your wires or brackets or is easily stuck can wreak havoc on your orthodontic work, damaging your braces, threatening your teeth, and requiring a trip to your Woodinville orthodontist.

Read more7 Foods to Avoid If You Have Braces