A recent study found that 60% of respondents dislike their smile. If you’re unhappy with your smile and looking for an alternative to traditional braces, consider an Invisalign treatment!

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign consists of aligners to straighten teeth that are clear and removable. This is more desirable for patients who don’t want the noticeable appearance and discomfort of metal braces.

If you’re considering Invisalign aligners, you may be wondering about the treatment timeline.

Keep reading this guide to learn about how long an Invisalign treatment takes.

Assessment

Before starting your Invisalign treatment, you will first receive an assessment by your orthodontist. This will help determine your specific treatment plan for your Invisalign.

You will likely need to take X-rays and moldings of your teeth, so your Invisalign aligners will be custom to your mouth.

Receiving Your Aligners

Once your X-rays and moldings are processed, you will come back to receive your aligners. You will need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day and change them every two weeks.

The standard time the straightening process will take is between 12-18 months, and you will need to visit your orthodontist every 4-8 weeks to monitor the progress.

That being said, certain conditions may make the straightening process shorter or longer.

Here are a few conditions that may alter the duration of your Invisalign treatment:

Teeth Gaps

If you have gaps in your teeth, Invisalign treatment will likely take around 18 months to fully work.

However, sometimes Invisalign may not fully solve the problem, and you may require further treatment after your Invisalign treatment.

Crowded Teeth

Others seek Invisalign treatment because they struggle with crowded teeth. This means that your jaw is too small for your teeth to fit within your mouth.

Depending on the severity of your crowded teeth, treatment may take up to a year.

Minor Adjustments

For those who have teeth that are slightly crooked or crowded, treatment may only take 6 months. This certainly isn’t the norm, but it can happen, and results can even show as quickly as two weeks.

Retainers

Invisalign treatment does not stop once you no longer need your aligners. Retainers are the next step in ensuring your teeth stay straight.

Most dentists will advise you to wear your retainer 12-22 hours a day for the first 3-6 months. After that, you can wear them only at night indefinitely.

Most people will stop retainer use at a certain point, but for those who want straight teeth forever, dentists recommend wearing them at night for the rest of your life.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline

This guide filled you in on the typical Invisalign treatment timeline. All in all, treatment length depends on the severity of your case.

While some may be impatient about the length it takes to get your teeth straightened, the end result is definitely worth it!

If you’re looking for a great dental team in Yuba City, CA, Yuba City Orthodontics is here to help!

Contact us today for more info.

About four million people in North America younger than 18 already wear braces. In fact, four of every five people wearing braces are minors.

Does your child need children’s braces? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit their orthodontist no later than age 7. However, you might have already spotted the signs it’s time to consider braces for your child.

Read on to discover the four signs your child is ready for braces today.

1. Spacing or Bite Issues

Treatment for braces usually begins when your child is between the ages of 9 to 14 (once they start getting permanent teeth). However, your child might need braces sooner if they have spacing or bite issues.

A child’s jawbone is still pliable, meaning their jaw is more responsive to orthodontics. You can ensure a better outcome from orthodontic treatment if they start while they’re still young. For example, you might notice your child has a:

• Crossbite
• Upperbite
• Underbite

For a crossbite, your child’s orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander to widen their upper jaw. If their teeth are overcrowded, their jaw is too small for permanent teeth. Crowding issues can cause alignment issues in the future.

Your child might also have protruding teeth, increasing the risk of chipping, fractures, or other accidents.

If your child has a spacing or bite issue, talk to an orthodontist for child’s braces.

2. Habits Like Thumb Sucking

Most children stop sucking their thumbs between 2 and 4 years of age. However, if your child maintains the habit, it might cause their upper front teeth to protrude forward. They might develop crowded teeth or speech problems as a result.

If your child is older than 4 years of age and still sucks their thumb, consider child braces. Talk to the orthodontist for tips to discontinue the habit, too. For example, you can use positive reinforcement or distractions to help your child break the habit.

3. Mouth Breathing

Has your child started breathing through their mouth? Your child might have cracked lips, snoring problems, or bad breath as well. If these problems sound familiar, consider braces for children.

Otherwise, mouth breathing might change how your child’s jaw is structured. Their risk of gum disease can increase if they don’t seek treatment. In time, gum disease could progress, leading to tooth loss.

4. A Lisp

Your child might also develop a lisp over time if their jaw or teeth aren’t properly aligned. For example, they might struggle to pronounce certain words. It’s likely their upper jaw has narrowed, causing their speech issues.

Talk to an orthodontist for children’s braces. Orthodontic treatment can fix their alignment issues before it develops into more severe problems.

Straight Smiles: Consider Children’s Braces to Remedy These Problems

Do these four problems sound familiar? Consider talking to an orthodontist for child’s braces right away. Children’s braces can fix your child’s alignment issues, improving their smile, ability to chew, and oral health.

Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation appointment for your child. We’re happy to help.

Contact us today to get started.

Around 4 million people in the US have braces, and 25% of them are adults. With such popularity, it’s likely that your household has some members who currently wear braces.

Since school’s out soon, you’re probably going on summer vacation with your loved ones. But you shouldn’t leave without any preparation; there are some things you need to know when traveling with braces. Without this knowledge, you might not have the best time.

So keep reading for some great braces tips that’ll ensure you have a successful summer vacation!

Make an Appointment With Your Orthodontist First

Checking in with your orthodontist first is always a good idea. Not only can they check up on your braces, but they can also fix brackets and tighten up wires as needed.

Have a chat with them about the trip you’re taking, as they’ll have personalized advice for braces care. Once you’re done, you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss treatment while out having fun!

Bring Extra Wax and Rubber Bands

The worst thing is to have braces wires constantly poking your cheeks. This can really put a damper on your vacation, especially if you’ve run out of wax.

Plus, if you’re using rubber bands to correct your bite, a lapse in treatment can ruin all the progress you’ve made.

At your appointment, ask your orthodontist for extra supplies so you won’t have to worry while out of town.

Eat and Drink the Right Things

You don’t want to risk your braces breaking down on vacation, so you’ll want to eat and drink the right things.

You should avoid eating hard and chewy foods like pretzels, popcorn, licorice, hard candies, carrots, and apples. Instead, opt for things like Jello, bananas, string cheese, soft sandwiches, and muffins.

You should also drink plenty of water. Not only will this keep you hydrated in the hot summer sun, but it can also help wash away food debris. As a result, this can help prevent cavities and staining.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

It’s easy to get lazy while on vacation, but it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene when vacationing with braces. Don’t forget to brush at least twice a day and floss too. If possible, do these things in between all meals and snacks.

Locate Emergency Orthodontists

Even with the best preparation, you might have some emergencies with braces on vacation. Should that happen, you want to receive immediate care so you still make the most of your time away.

It’s a good idea to look up dentists and orthodontists in the city you’re traveling to. Save their contact information so that if anything happens, you can call them right away and get an appointment.

Keep These Braces Tips in Mind

With these braces tips, you’ll be able to relax and have a fun time while vacationing. By having a checkup before you leave, asking for extra wax and rubber bands, eating/drinking the right things, practicing good dental hygiene, and locating emergency orthodontists, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way!

If you need further orthodontic help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you Mondays through Fridays!

More than 4 million people in the United States have braces.

Whether you’re an adult getting braces for the first time or your kids need braces, it’s a good idea to inform yourself about the process.

We’ve put together this guide to make the entire process easier and less stressful! Read on to learn about the types of braces out there, how to care for your braces, and what you can expect from this orthodontic treatment.

The Different Types of Braces

There are many options out there for correcting your smile. Some options might be a better fit for you than others, depending on what type of treatment you need, your age, and your preferences.

Traditional metal braces are usually the type that most people picture. These braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and use brackets and wires. Elastic ties gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

Metal braces are best for crowded teeth or severely misaligned teeth. They’re also used to treat bite problems.

The downside to metal braces is that they can rub against your cheeks and irritate the inside of your mouth. Braces wax can help with this.

Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires. As a result, they’re less noticeable than traditional braces. However, they can stain if you drink tea, coffee, and soda.

Self-ligating braces don’t use elastic ties. There’s less friction, which can result in a more comfortable experience. The downside to self-ligating braces is that poor oral hygiene can damage the braces.

Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner and a popular option among adults. These nearly invisible braces are custom-fitted and align the teeth gradually. You’ll receive several sets of custom-fit aligners during the process.

You May Feel Some Discomfort

Traditional braces require some time to get used to them. You may feel some discomfort or mild pain as they’re applied and for the first few weeks afterward.

You may feel pressure or an ache in your mouth after you get braces. You can take an OTC pain reliever to help with the discomfort.

Braces can also rub against your cheeks and irritate your gums. Using braces and wax helps to protect your mouth against the metal. You can also use an oral numbing gel if it’s an issue.

Just remember, that the pain is temporary, and the results are worth it!

You Should Avoid Certain Foods

Wearing braces takes commitment, and you have to care for them if you want to see results. That means avoiding certain foods that can get stuck in your braces or do damage to them.

Examples of foods to avoid include:

• Hard candy
• Caramel
• Gum
• Nuts
• Crunchy foods
• Apples
• Corn on the cob
• Chewy foods
• Sugary foods

Oral Hygiene Is More Important Than Ever

There are a few extra steps you need to take when you get braces. It’s vital you keep them clean, though there is a bit of a learning curve.

You need to spend more time brushing your teeth, as you need to get the area around each brace. Flossing is also tougher with braces, but it’s important you never skip it.

Flossing threaders help a lot when you have braces, as you can get the floss between each tooth and along with the braces.

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing after each meal when you wear braces.

Getting Braces for a Brighter Smile

If you want a healthy smile and straight teeth, braces can help! However, it’s important to remember that they take commitment, and you may experience an adjustment period.

Talk to your orthodontist to find the best ways to care for your braces and make the process easier.

If you’re ready to achieve a brighter smile, schedule an office visit today.

Learned braces are on the agenda and starting to feel a little trepidatious?

We’ve all heard horror stories. Food getting stuck in them, sporting a metal grin in photos, and the potential pain that comes after adjusting braces. The good news is, braces are no longer the dystopic future that you see in movies.

Life with braces can be relatively smooth sailing, and here are some things you can do to help make the process easier.

Level Up Your Cleaning Routine

Dental hygiene is a very important part of life with braces, and in the beginning, it can seem like it takes up a lot of time. Once you’ve got your routine down, however, it will all become second nature for you.

Instead of brushing twice a day, you’ll need to brush after every meal, including any snacks. Look out for a toothbrush that’s made especially for braces to make the process foolproof.

If flossing wasn’t part of your routine before, it must be added once your braces are on. Flossing can help remove the excess plaque and food particles that remain after brushing and reduce the likelihood of bacteria forming. A regular floss is an option, but consider a floss threader to allow you to reach easily along the curve of the gumline and underneath the wire.

Foods to Avoid

Your eating habits will have to change a little, and while you don’t have to cross your favorite foods off the menu, it will be smart to avoid them as much as you can. You’ll want to steer clear of anything sticky, crunchy, or chewy as these textures can bend or break the wires or get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Here are some of the top foods to avoid:

• Apples
• Barbecue ribs
• Beef jerky
• Caramels
• Celery
• Chewing gum
• Corn on the cob
• Gummy candies
• Hard taco shells
• Peanut brittle
• Pizza crust
• Popcorn

As an alternative, opt for softer foods that are easier to chew. Pasta, bananas, cheeses, puddings, and mashed potatoes are all safe choices.

Show Your Personality

One of the benefits of wearing braces is that there are now many different options available, so you can tailor your look based on your personal preference. Traditional braces came in metal as your only option, but now you’ve also got self-ligating, lingual and ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are made of a clear or tooth-colored material for a more discreet look but the teeth straightening process is the same as metal braces. Self-litigating braces also work similarly but use clips or doors to hold the wire in place rather than the elastic bands. Lingual braces are more specialized and place most of the hardware behind the teeth.

Enjoy Your New Life With Braces

You’ve learned how to improve your life with braces so that it becomes a manageable and even pain-free part of your daily routine. Now it’s time to take the next step and learn about what options are available for you. Get in touch with us at Yuba City Orthodontics, and we’ll be happy to chat about your next steps.