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Your dental health and treatment time depends on knowing how to clean your Invisalign retainers.

Maintain your transparency by cleaning your aligners. Their subtlety is one of the main advantages of Invisalign over braces. However, Invisalign retainers can stain if not cleaned regularly.

The staff at Ortho Center OC is here to answer any questions you may have about maintaining your aligners if you are new to Invisalign treatment. We want you to be successful with clear braces. You can discover the best maintenance tips for your aligners below.

Tip #1: Avoid Drinking Hot Beverages

Avoid drinking hot beverages while wearing Invisalign aligners to keep them in proper shape. These can cause the plastic to warp, which could postpone your orthodontic therapy. Make an appointment with your dentist immediately if you unintentionally subject your aligner to extreme temperatures.

Tip #2: Remove Your Invisalign Before Eating

Before each meal, it is essential to remove the trays; the food and beverages you consume can damage and stain your trays.

Food particles also get stuck in the trays. These specks will transfer to your teeth and gums if they stick to your aligners. These particles end up providing the germs needed to produce plaque.

Tip #3: Rinse Your Retainers Frequently

If you leave those plastic trays in, they may become a haven for bacteria that cause bad breath. To get rid of plaque and other debris, ensure to rinse your aligners every time you take them out. Maintaining your trays clean will help you to have fresh breath and healthier teeth.

Refrain from disinfecting your trays with hot water after cleaning. Use room temperature water.

Tip #4: Brush And Floss Your Teeth

Keep in mind that solid particles can get stuck between teeth. Saliva may only be able to remove these particles when using trays after brushing your teeth first.

It’s crucial to practice appropriate oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign trays. After meals, remember to brush and floss your teeth before replacing the trays. You can maintain your aligners and teeth clean in this way.

Tip #5: Keep Invisalign Trays in Their Case

Frequently, patients remove them from their food and beverages while eating and drinking and leave them in their pockets, on their plates, or outside.

Your aligners could suffer significant harm as a result. Even though they are resistant, you don’t want them to maintain their quality. Additionally, leaving your aligners out in the open can encourage the growth of bacteria on your Invisalign.

You will be less likely to lose your Invisalign aligners if you keep them in their case, which will also keep them clean and secure.

Final Thoughts

Maintenance of any orthodontic appliance requires a lot of care and hygiene, and Invisalign trays are one of them. The constant use of these trays, constant cleaning, what you eat, and keeping them in the right place will undoubtedly be determined to get the results you want.

If you are looking for an orthodontist in Orange County, at Ortho Center OC, we have the most qualified orthodontists, providing you with the care and advice you need to get the smile you want. Contact us today!

The application of braces is a memorable moment in a child’s life and development, marking a before and after for their oral health. This process takes time to get used to, so it is necessary to take action and be prepared to make this journey as easy as possible for you and your child.

This article will show you a list of things to do when your child is about to start a braces treatment.

Tip #1: Keep the Necessary Supplies on Hand

Dental wax is a soft and safe shield to cover protruding brackets and wires with a smooth surface. Dental wax comes to the rescue when the annoying and uncomfortable feeling of new braces appears. In addition, you can minimize damage to gums and mucous membranes when a bracket or wire breaks or comes loose by placing a piece of wax.

Tip #2: Soft Foods Will Be Your Best Ally

During the first days of wearing braces, your child should avoid eating hard or difficult-to-chew foods; instead, he can eat soft fruits and cooked vegetables, which are essential for your child’s intake because of the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Some recommended foods are:

• Dairy products: soft cheese, yogurt.

• Grains: rice, noodles, and all types of cooked pasta

• Vegetables: Spinach, vegetable broths, cooked carrots

• Soft fruits: kiwifruit, strawberry, pineapple

Cooking mashed potatoes, smoothies, and pudding are also healthy and wholesome recipes that you can cook for your child. It is advisable to avoid ice cream and soft sweets, as they can cause tooth decay.

Tip #3: Medications Will Help with Pain

Teeth are actively being shifted to new locations every second of the day during orthodontic treatment. The positions of the teeth can change blood flow, which may cause inflammatory reactions, which cause the brain’s pain receptors to fire.

In most cases, pain is reduced by taking over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin or ibuprofen before or shortly after the sessions.

Tip #4: Organize Your Child’s Events

After having braces, your child’s mouth will be sore for a few days, and it will take some time for them to feel completely at ease wearing them, especially when eating. For these reasons, you should avoid scheduling any occasions that call for a lot of talking or eating in the days following the placement of braces.

Conclusion

Every orthodontic process takes time; therefore, because you want the best for your children, it is necessary to take this process as carefully as possible. Everything that involves the maintenance of your oral health helps to prevent health problems.

We must remember that the pain will pass and that braces are temporary, and that the results will be the most beneficial, and this will be possible with the commitment of your child and the orthodontist.

Working with a good orthodontist will make you and your child confident in their orthodontic treatment. That’s why by contacting us, you can be sure that our orthodontist in Orange county will discuss your child’s process and answer any questions you may have.

During your visit to an orthodontist, you may not understand exactly what needs to be done with your teeth. Therefore, you must ask the correct questions to identify your specific problem or to prevent future dental concerns. Given the volume of information found, doing your research might be confusing. However, below are a few topics you can ask your orthodontist in Orange County before beginning treatment.

● Dental Issue Cause

It could feel like your dental pain or discomfort suddenly came out of the blue. Nevertheless, your oral issue often has a simple cause. Your teeth may not be getting the proper amount of cleaning and flossing, or they may be affected by a pre-existing medical condition. Consult with your orthodontist about ways to avoid this problem in the future or about any efforts you may take to lessen the harm done to your teeth. In some cases, they might suggest particular appliances or items that can strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of the same thing happening again.

● Steps for Treatment

You should prepare before visiting your orthodontist in Orange County for treatment. Before an orthodontist treats your teeth, you might need to avoid consuming or drinking for some time. Contact the orthodontist’s office for more information on how to prepare for the particular dental procedure that will be done on your teeth.

● After Treatment

You can have some lasting pain or discomfort after more involved operations. To reduce the risk of infection or to help you manage pain after the treatment, you might need to take certain medicines. It’s essential to understand how to care for yourself following orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it will be necessary to go through the expected course of the healing process and any potential red flags. You might have to cut back on some foods or liquids while healing. It might include meals difficult to chew or those with little seeds, like strawberries, that could get caught in your braces. A list of appropriate foods to consume after treatment should be provided to you by your dentist.

● Materials or Medications Employed

You should go through all the tools and medicines they’ll be employing before starting orthodontic treatment, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions. Please inform your orthodontist if you have any food or substance allergies, particularly latex. Your orthodontist will take the necessary measures to keep you protected and comfortable.

Always feel comfortable talking about your treatment with your orthodontist. At Ortho Center OC, we are committed to staying on the cutting edge of dentistry and patient communication. Before any treatment, we take the time to discuss any dental health issues you may have. Knowing your goals and desires will help us provide you with all the information necessary to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact us for more information!

If you’re considering getting Invisible Aligners for your teeth, you’re probably wondering what their advantages and disadvantages are. Today we will explore them in terms of cost, requirements, symptoms, comfort, and treatment time so you can decide if this is a viable option.

Cost

The cost of invisible aligners is comparable to other forms of orthodontic treatment. It will depend on the length of the treatment, dental professional, and intervention. Invisalign is an excellent option for straightening your teeth without wearing traditional braces. It’s possible to perform most of your daily activities while wearing the aligners, which means they’re comfortable and convenient.

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of invisible aligners, but impressions are not covered. If you have insurance, you may qualify to receive a larger rebate.

Comfort

Invisible aligners are virtually invisible orthodontic appliances. They fit over the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. While invisible aligners are often more affordable than traditional braces, they may not work for some people.

The best advantage of invisible aligners is that they are removable. Unlike conventional braces, invisible aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, they do need to be worn for 22 hours a day. Additionally, invisible aligners can cause little irritation and pressure on the mouth.

Requirements

Invisible aligners can be used to treat crooked or misaligned teeth. Each is customized to move the teeth slowly, thereby correcting the misalignment. Invisible aligners typically take less time to complete than traditional braces. You should keep track of your progress by visiting your orthodontist regularly to check the results of your treatment.

Invisible aligners can be used for adults or teenagers with mild crowding or spacing problems. It is important to note that orthodontic treatment for children can be challenging. Typically, clear orthodontic aligners are only used for mild crowding and spacing problems and those with only minor issues. Children with severe crowding or gaps may require more complex treatment to correct the malocclusion.

Symptoms

While it’s rare for a person to experience any significant discomfort, there are a few potential signs and symptoms of invisible aligners. The most common ones are minor and transient. During the first few days, patients may experience longer soreness, sensitivity to foods, and burning.

Treatment Time 

Invisible Aligner treatments usually take less time than traditional braces, but it depends on the problem. While you can still see the results, you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, or you may end up needing more than one course of treatment. If you are unsure how long invisible aligner treatment will take, ask our team of experts.

Invisible Aligners are great orthodontic treatment, however, as mentioned before, they are not made for everyone. Come to The Orthodontic Center of Orange County, and we will examine your case and come up with the best solution. We have the best orthodontist in Orange County. Contact us today!

Orthodontic patients now have a variety of metal and ceramic choices to select from (not to mention clear aligners). While this is unquestionably a good thing because it allows for more individualized care, we also realize that patients may find it a bit confusing sometimes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look to better understand the options available.

Metal Braces

The time-honored metal braces are still the most popular treatment for many people. They’re an effective and affordable way to straighten your teeth. But what about if you’d like a different look for your braces? Metal braces come in many different styles and designs, and some may be more appropriate for some cases. Let’s look at these options and how they compare.

Traditional metal braces are made of brackets that are attached to the teeth. Each one is connected to the archwire with small rubber bands or metal ties. The orthodontist tightens the brackets to move the teeth into the proper position. Self-ligating braces also use trap-door technology to keep the wire from coming undone. Another style of metal braces is known as lingual braces. It is inserted behind the teeth, so the brackets can’t be seen.

Ceramic Braces

Unlike very noticeable metal braces, ceramic braces are nearly invisible. They function similarly to metal braces but are made of tooth-colored materials that mimic the color of the teeth. Ceramic braces have clear wires and brackets, making them the preferred choice of patients who aren’t interested in Invisalign or lingual braces. This option is also less noticeable and more convenient for patients who want to avoid the embarrassment of constantly worrying about their appearance.

When deciding which braces to choose, it is important to understand what each type will cost. This is because traditional metal braces typically cost cheaper than ceramic braces. Depending on the severity of your orthodontic problem, your insurance may cover some of the cost of ceramic braces.

Which Is Best for You?

The best option will mainly depend on the situation in terms of the care and the cost when deciding between metal and ceramic braces. It’s best if you consult with an expert. Schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options with our knowledgeable and friendly team. Contact us today!