Orthodontic treatment is an investment in oral health, and the results can be life-changing. Straight teeth enhance your smile and bite and make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. However, the journey toward perfect teeth doesn’t finish when removing braces or aligners. It would be best to continue caring for your teeth to ensure they stay healthy and beautiful for years.

This guide will show you how to keep your teeth healthy after orthodontic treatment.

• Wear Your Retainer as Directed by Your Orthodontist

It is crucial to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist to maintain the alignment of your teeth following orthodontic treatment. Wearing your retainer as executed helps ensure that your teeth stay in their proper position and prevents relapse of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it is essential to clean your retainer regularly with a toothbrush and water to avoid the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

• Brush and Floss Regularly

The foundation of good oral hygiene is brushing and flossing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice daily, for two minutes each time, is recommended. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Floss at least once daily to clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

• Eat a Balanced Diet

What you eat can affect your oral health. Limit sugary and starchy foods, as they can lead to tooth decay. Instead, opt for a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential nutrients that help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, you should still see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and detect any issues early on, such as cavities or gum disease. They can also provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone.

• Consider Teeth Whitening

Orthodontic treatment can leave you with straight teeth, but they may not be as white as you’d like. Consider teeth whitening to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Your dentist can recommend an in-office treatment.

To sum up, remember to brush and floss regularly, eat a balanced diet, avoid sticky and hard foods, wear a mouthguard, and consider teeth whitening if needed. With professional help and commitment to good oral hygiene, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. The Orthodontic Center of Orange County is here to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile after your orthodontic treatment. Our team of experts can provide you with the necessary care and guidance to keep your teeth in top condition. So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Orange County, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Do you have a favorite color? What about your favorite food? If so, then you can choose your favorite dentist! Finding the best orthodontist near me is no different than finding the best pizza, burger, or sandwich. There are key factors to consider when choosing an orthodontist, and this article will help you search.

What to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist

Selecting an orthodontist may be a challenging decision. There are several aspects to consider while choosing the right orthodontist near you. The location, cost of braces, appointment availability, and kind of treatment you require are some of the most significant variables to consider.

One thing that is important to consider is whether you will be able to get a second opinion from another orthodontist if your first one is unable to provide a solution.

Finding a quality orthodontist is not as easy as it seems. There are many factors to consider when looking for an orthodontist in Orange County.

Finding a knowledgeable professional you can trust is essential if you want the best orthodontic care. Take your time looking and asking for opinions to select the best one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you search for it:

● Look for Reviews Online

Many websites provide reviews or recommendations from other patients who have been treated by them before. You can use online search engines and healthcare review websites.

● Ask Friends and Family

Rely on word of mouth and recommendations from friends and family members.

● Make Questions to Your Orthodontist

Orthodontists are highly skilled professionals with the knowledge, experience, and training required to help patients with any orthodontic problem. But patients tend to be very nervous when seeing an orthodontist.

Patients rarely know what to ask an orthodontist, so we compiled a list of some critical inquiries to make during your visit.

● What types of braces should I get?

● How long will it take to fix my teeth?

● What happens if I wear braces too long?

We Are the Best Option for You!

The Orthodontic Center of Orange County in Santa Ana is devoted to fixing and enhancing the natural beauty of your mouth with up-to-date, non-invasive techniques that will bring you a stunning, long-lasting smile! We are happy to have great dental specialists on our team. We propose a complete treatment plan to attain maximum oral health. If you have a dental emergency, we will see and treat you as quickly as possible at any of our locations. Contact us today!

Orthodontic treatment with braces is one of the most common methods of correcting teeth that are crooked, crowded, or overlapping. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, having straight teeth also improves digestion, increases confidence, and reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Getting orthodontic treatment can seem like a big decision. Although many people see the value of orthodontic treatment, the decision to get braces is often a difficult one. Before deciding on orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s vital to think carefully about a few factors. That’s why today, one of our specialists will explain everything you need to know to make an informed decision about whether or not to get metal braces.

Do You Want Fixed or Removable Orthodontics?

Many people, especially teens, wear metal braces. However, most adults prefer removable braces because of the considerable freedom they provide. The main benefit of removable braces is that you can take them off for short periods (up to half an hour) for things like job interviews, client meetings, or even dating, even if you should only do so to eat. Whether you choose permanent or detachable braces, it’s vital to consider the pros and cons of each.

Aesthetics Of Metal Braces

Generally, everyone would like invisible braces, but even those who don’t want them still to want something quite discreet. It’s crucial that you like the way your teeth will look while wearing braces. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment options include clear, practically invisible braces you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Can You Afford This Treatment?

Feeling confident about your smile is valuable, but braces may be costly. If you’re having trouble convincing yourself that braces are worth the investment, consider the positive impact they could have on your life in the future. To that end, consider the time and money spent on orthodontic treatment as an investment in your future self-esteem and overal well-being. Besides, there are a lot of discounts, offers and insurance plans to help you cover the costs.

Can You Deal with A Little Discomfort?

Having your teeth straightened always causes some level of discomfort. However, keeping going is crucial. The bright side is that you will quickly adjust to wearing braces and become barely conscious of them. Focusing your mind on the matter can help you overcome the minor discomforts of wearing braces by centering on the many benefits you will enjoy in the long run.

Let Our Professionals Orthodontists Take Care of Everything!

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of straightening your teeth. Straight teeth are a priority for many people. You should take pride in your teeth seriously if you realize that doing so is vital to you. The thousands of satisfied patients are proof of the positive effect. It might change your life for the better, too.

Oral health, cost, time, care, and aesthetics are all factors to consider when thinking about getting braces. If you want to change your smile, at Ortho Center OC, we have a specialized orthodontic staff ready to provide all the help you need. Contact us today!

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!

Do you need braces, but you’re not sure what type is the most suitable for you? Check on all these types of braces we provide.

Braces are the most commonly used orthodontic treatment recommended to patients. However, there are many other types of braces, and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages, but to know the one that suits you better, you have to consult your orthodontist.

Let us explain to you a little bit about these types of braces:

Metal Braces

A metal brace is a type of orthodontic appliance. It is usually made of metal and consists of two brackets attached to the teeth with screws. The brackets are fixed with a wire or ligature. The wire or ligature is tied to the bracket on the opposite side.

This type of brace realigns teeth so that the patient’s bite can utilize them properly.

Invisalign

Patients who use Invisalign wear their clear aligners over their natural teeth. The aligners snap into place in the mouth and gradually shift the teeth to straighten the bite, ensuring healthy and attractive smiles. Invisalign is a fantastic option for those who want to change their smile without undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign systems have been used by thousands of people worldwide since 1996.

Six in 6

Six in 6 braces is a new trend taking over the world. It is a brace with six pieces of metal on each side and six screws on the back.

It is designed to give an illusion of being more fitted and slimming than traditional braces. The metal pieces help people with their posture and support their jaw, while the screws on the back ensure that it stays in place.

This trend is becoming increasingly popular among women who want to look more stylish while maintaining their healthy posture.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are more comfortable than metal braces because they’re not as rigid or heavy, which provides more freedom of movement for the patient’s mouth. The wire is made up of two materials: ceramic and metal, with the ceramic being flexible while the metal is stiffer, so it provides support where needed and allows movement in other areas.

Braces can help prevent dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. They also help improve the appearance of teeth and the overall health of your mouth. They’re not just for aesthetic purposes, as many people would think. Besides improving your oral health, they have other benefits, such as improving speech and eating, better self-esteem and self-confidence, and more. Braces can be effective for many problems in the mouth, which is why they are so popular. So, if you’re looking for the best orthodontist in Orange County to start your treatment, contact us now!

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!