For the uninitiated patient, an orthodontic expander can look like one seriously daunting piece of equipment. Wearers quickly discover, though, once they’ve adjusted to the appliance, that it is relatively subtle, extremely effective, and can eventually simplify their full orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.
Braces
4 Must-Have Tools to Clean Your Teeth and Braces on the Go
It’s almost Turkey Day, and chances are you’ll be away from your typical oral health care supplies. Whether you’re traveling, at school, at work, or simply out on the town, it’s important to have the supplies you need at the ready to tend to your braces or Invisalign when you’re on the go.
6 Reasons to Be Thankful for Invisalign
Any Invisalign patient knows there is plenty to be thankful for when it comes to this alternative to traditional braces. But just in case you’ve forgotten why it’s so great to be an Invisalign patient, here are just some of the reasons to give thanks.
5 Halloween Treats to Avoid If You Wear Invisalign
Rumor has it that you can eat and drink whatever you want when you are an Invisalign patient. This is true – within reason. Of course, your trays must always come out before you have a meal or snack. This is a hard and fast rule no matter what time of year it is. At Halloween, however, there is a natural temptation to break the rules. Your orthodontist would advise against it, so here’s what you need to know to keep your teeth and trays safe and still have fun on October 31.
4 Tips to Get Through Halloween with Your Braces Intact
Yes, Halloween is a special occasion that comes only once a year, but remember – all the candy you can get during October you can get any other time of year too. It just won’t have the fancy orange and black and spooky wrappers. If you want to ensure that your braces aren’t damaged by all the tricks and treats of Halloween time, follow these tips to get through the holiday without an emergency trip to your Woodinville orthodontist.
Learn to Accept the Braces Timeline
Braces are a commitment, whether you wear traditional metal braces or Invisalign. Understanding the timeline from start to finish can help you appreciate the orthodontic treatment you undergo and stay dedicated to the process with the promise of amazing results.
4 Tips for Wearing Invisalign Teen in School
School is underway. New routines have been established. Students are getting used to waking up earlier. But what about your teenager’s oral health care routine? Are they maintaining it in school? When your child wears Invisalign Teen, you want to make sure they’re doing all the right things for their teeth and braces when they’re on their own and you’re not around. Here’s how to make it happen.
Protect Your Teen’s Braces During Fall Sports
Soccer. Football. Lacrosse. Field hockey. Fall sports are a thing of beauty and many families embrace this time of year for its action, camaraderie, joy, and movement. However, if you’re rooting for a pre-teen or teen athlete who wears braces, it’s essential to make sure their fall fun isn’t derailed by a blow to the mouth. Enjoying fall sports means protecting braces fully with help from your orthodontist and a customized sports mouthguard.
Why Thumb Sucking Can Lead to Braces
Babies are so cute when they suck their thumbs. Even toddlers are sweet with their thumb in their mouth, soothing themselves to sleep without the need of a pacifier. Unfortunately, if you can’t wean your child off this habit or they don’t grow out of it in a few years it could have some undesirable consequences on their jaw growth and development that eventually require braces and other orthodontic interventions.
Does Your Child Need a Palatal Expander?
There is a lot going on in a child’s mouth. Teeth are coming and going and the jaw is growing, making this the ideal time to alter the development of the shape and position of their mouth. Many kids, as part of early orthodontic treatment, qualify for a palatal expander, an appliance that expands the shape of the bones that form the palate.
