Polaris Orthodontic Center Blog

Traditional metal braces are one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to straighten teeth. And they are not just for kids and teens! In fact, many adults choose to get them every year. Still, you might wonder how your treatment will affect your routine, especially if you have to go to work every day. There is no need to worry. You will adapt to your new situation pretty quickly! Here are five simple tips to help you embrace your braces at work:

Traditional metal braces are often viewed as a treatment for kids and adolescents, but the truth is that they can be a great option for orthodontic patients of virtually all ages — including adults! Not only are they effective, but they can also handle complex cases. Plus, they are often more affordable than other treatment options. If you are thinking about getting braces as an adult, what should you keep in mind? This blog post shares four key points.

Did you have braces in the past? If so, you may have loved your results. Now, though, sometime down the line, perhaps you have noticed that your teeth have begun to shift out of place again. That can happen for various reasons. For example, it could occur if you fail to wear your retainer as instructed. In any case, you might wonder if you can get Invisalign to re-straighten your smile. The answer is probably yes! In this blog post, you will learn more about what you can expect with Invisalign after braces.

Every year, countless kids and teens throughout the U.S. get started with orthodontic treatment. The majority of them receive braces, which use brackets and wires to shift crooked teeth and create a more functional bite. Could your young one benefit from braces or another type of orthodontic treatment? In this blog post, we will discuss five signs that indicate a visit to a local orthodontist is in order.

If you are thinking about straightening your teeth with clear aligners, you might be curious about the road in front of you. How does Invisalign work, and what can you expect during each step of the treatment process? While the details can vary a bit from case to case, this blog post aims to give you a general overview of the journey that awaits you.

Once you finish using clear aligners or braces, you will transition to the maintenance phase of your orthodontic journey. In other words, you need to use a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their former positions! With proper care, a removable retainer has the potential to last for several years (for example, a Hawley retainer may endure for up to 10 years, whereas a clear Invisalign retainer might last for 2 – 3 years). How can you take good care of your retainer so it does not fail before its time? Here are four easy tips:

Mild gum recession is incredibly common among adults, and in some cases, it is nothing to worry about. But what if your gum recession has reached the point where it is noticeable when you smile? You might start to feel self-conscious about your appearance, and you may be concerned about your oral health. Fortunately, there are treatments that may be able to help, including a type of gum contouring. Let’s take a deeper look into the causes of gum recession and potential solutions for it.

It is fairly well-known that Invisalign uses custom clear aligner trays to correct dental misalignment. But did you know that attachments are sometimes necessary for successful treatment? What exactly are Invisalign attachments, how do they work, and how will they affect your treatment experience? This blog post explains what you should know.

Summertime is full of delicious foods! Whether you are enjoying tasty meats at a friend’s barbecue or indulging in a cool treat on a sweltering day, there are endless options for enjoying the flavors of this time of year. Of course, you still need to keep your smile in mind when you are making food choices, and extra caution is in order if you have braces. What can you eat with braces, and which foods should you avoid? This blog post provides some practical guidance.

Are you approaching the finish line of your Invisalign treatment? You can be proud of yourself for complying with instructions and achieving a straighter, healthier smile. Once you finish with all of your aligners, though, you still have some work to do. Your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer so you can maintain your results. Exactly how long will you need to wear a retainer after Invisalign? This blog post explains some relevant information.