Polaris Orthodontic Center Blog

When your orthodontist informs you that Invisalign has accomplished its purpose and your teeth are well-aligned, you certainly have reason to celebrate! However, your orthodontic journey isn’t over. You’ll have to wear a retainer. Just how long will you need to wear your Invisalign retainer, and why is it so important that you do so? Let’s talk about the answers to these questions.

Proper oral hygiene is always important, but it is especially critical for people with traditional braces. Failure to adequately clean your teeth greatly increases the risk that plaque and food particles will accumulate around your brackets and wires. Cavities, gum disease, dental discoloration, and other issues may result. Fortunately, brushing and flossing with braces is relatively easy and simple once you get the routine down. In this blog post, we provide practical guidance on how to keep a clean mouth while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Most people have at least a basic understanding of metal braces. This orthodontic treatment is one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth! But most people don’t know that braces are utterly fascinating. Let’s talk about some interesting, fun facts about braces that might deepen your appreciation for them.

Do you suffer from a degree of dental misalignment? You may need orthodontic treatment. If you dislike the idea of traditional metal braces and would prefer to straighten your teeth in a more discreet way, you might be a candidate for either Invisalign or lingual braces. Both treatments are aesthetically pleasing, but there are some significant differences between them. Let’s talk about how they compare.

One of the great things about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You can therefore eat whatever you want and enjoy an easy oral hygiene routine. However, while removable clear braces are certainly convenient, they also come with the risk that you might lose track of them. Even the most careful individual could find that one of their aligners is suddenly nowhere to be seen! What should you do if that happens to you? Here are some practical steps you can take.

If you had braces in the past, you may fondly remember the relief and satisfaction you felt when your braces were removed and you saw your new smile in the mirror. Now, though, some years later, it is possible that your teeth have drifted out of place. This can happen due to various factors, such as failure to wear your retainer as much as recommended, tooth loss, or other circumstances. If you suspect that you need to undergo orthodontic treatment again, you might wonder, “Can I get Invisalign after braces?” For most people, the answer to that question is yes.

A bad bite, also called malocclusion, refers to problems with the way the teeth fit together during biting and chewing. Overbite, underbite, and crossbite are some examples of malocclusion. While such issues may not seem like a big deal at first, they can actually have serious consequences. Let’s talk about some of the problems a bad bite can cause and what you may be able to do to achieve harmonious occlusion and improved wellness.

To say that orthodontic treatments “straighten teeth” is really an oversimplification of what they accomplish. Their goal is to align the teeth in a way that improves oral function, reduces the risk of future oral health problems, and enhances facial aesthetics. They can even address issues with the way the teeth come together and thereby promote harmonious occlusion (bite). With that being said, you might wonder which orthodontic treatments can fix bite problems like overbite and underbite. Is Invisalign among them? In many cases, the answer is yes. Let’s discuss how it may be able to help you find freedom from a bad bite.

Few things can ruin your day like a headache. The pain can make it difficult to concentrate at work, downgrade your mood, and even prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. While there are countless possible causes for headaches, one possible culprit is TMJ disorder, which is otherwise known as TMD. It often causes muscle pain and tension throughout the entire craniofacial area. Let’s talk about some signs that indicate your head pain may be a result of TMD.

If you ask different people who have worn braces in the past what the treatment feels like, you may get a variety of answers. Some people might even have some complaints that make you nervous about your plans to get braces. Really, though, there is no need for you to worry. Braces may feel strange in your mouth, but the modern version of this treatment is more comfortable than the braces of generations past. In this blog post, we’ll talk more about what it feels like to get braces and what you can expect when your mouth is adjusting to them.