How to Keep Your Teeth White With Braces

how to keep your teeth white with braces - Lyons Orthodontics

how to keep your teeth white with braces - lyons orthodonticsAt Lyons Orthodontics, we understand that it can be very challenging to keep your teeth clean and sparkling if you wear braces. You shouldn’t have to hide your beautiful smile even if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Our team wants you to know that anyone with braces can benefit from teeth whitening products and techniques. Here are some of the teeth whitening products that Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills recommends to patients with braces.

Chairside Teeth Whitening

This procedure is also known as in-office teeth whitening. It requires one or two visits to your dentist in El Dorado Hills.

Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that the process involves applying a strong bleaching agent to your teeth. This application could be followed by shining a special light on the bleaching compound so that its effects are brought on faster.

Because the bleaching agent used during chairside teeth whitening is very strong, you are likely to leave the office with a brighter smile. However, this method can make your teeth have two color tones. The professionals at Lyons Orthodontics suggest that you undergo this procedure once your orthodontic treatment is completed, and all surfaces of your teeth can be reached by the bleaching agent. For people with brackets on the back surfaces of their teeth, there is no problem undergoing in-office teeth whitening at any time during your orthodontic treatment.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that at-home teeth whitening trays also come in a gel that is similar to what is used during in-office teeth whitening procedures. The only difference is that the concentration of the at-home teeth whitening gel is less than that of the chairside teeth whitening compound.

If you wear braces, the custom tray you will use as you whiten your teeth will be made once the braces are in place. This will ensure that there is ample room for the bleaching gel and the brackets of your braces in the tray that is made for you.

However, a small proportion of patients say that their teeth become more sensitive as they undergo their orthodontic treatment after using these trays to keep their teeth white. So, make sure you consult with your Folsom orthodontist about your desire to whiten your teeth. Our Lyons Orthodontics team will recommend the most appropriate product to use to avert these mild side effects.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Another alternative that you can consider if you wear braces and would like to whiten your teeth at home is the whitening toothpaste. Toothpastes have mild abrasives that are effective in getting rid of stains on the surfaces of your teeth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, about how to keep your teeth white with braces. Dr. Farhat says it is important for you to note that whitening toothpastes will not work as well as whitening strips or in-office dental whitening. Dr. Tim Lyons, a Folsom orthodontist, wants you to know that your smile will be brighter once the whitening toothpaste removes the surface stains that were making your teeth look discolored.

The trick in reaping maximum benefits from these whitening toothpastes lies in your ability to reach behind the wires and brush there as well. Orthodontists in El Dorado Hills recommend that you use an interdental toothbrush to access the hard-to-clean areas covered by the brackets of your braces. In this way, you will not get an unpleasant surprise when the braces are finally removed by Dr. Tim Lyons and his team at Lyons Orthodontics only to reveal badly stained or even decayed sections on your teeth where the brackets sat.

As you can see, you have many options to select from if you wear braces and you would like to whiten your teeth. However, it is better for your overall dental health (and pocket) if you emphasize a preventive approach by brushing and flossing as recommended by your orthodontist in El Dorado hills. If, for some reason, your teeth are still stained, then you can visit Lyons Orthodontics, and our experts will advise you on the best way to whiten your teeth without putting your braces at risk.

What to Know Before Getting Invisalign

what you should know before getting Invisalign - Lyons Orthodontics - Lyons Orthodontics

what you should know before getting Invisalign - Lyons OrthodonticsAre you planning on getting Invisalign? Starting your Just Smile journey can seem like a daunting experience, but at Lyons Orthodontics, we make orthodontic treatment fun for all ages! Before you start this exciting journey, here are a number of things that you need to know before getting Invisalign. 

Prepare to Wear Your Aligners

One of the benefits of choosing Invisalign clear aligners as your orthodontic treatment is the ability to take your aligners off and on. As Dr. Long Luu, an orthodontist in Fair Oaks will tell you during your no-obligation consultation, that the best smile transformations require at least 22 hours of wearing your custom aligners each day. This means that you only have two hours within which to eat, drink, brush, and floss each day. Consequently, for the good of your smile, you just might have to say goodbye to sipping your hot cup of coffee leisurely in the morning!

Your Toothbrush Will See More Action

Expect to spend more time on dental hygiene habits if you plan on getting Invisalign aligners. This is a good thing for your overall dental health, but it requires that you prepare to devote more time to brushing and flossing. Why will you be spending more time than usual brushing and flossing? Since you will be taking out the aligners when you are going to eat, it is recommended that you brush or at least rinse your mouth with plain water before putting the aligner back in.

We asked our good friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about brushing and flossing between teeth with Invisalign aligners. Dr. Kacos says it’s necessary to prevent food particles from being locked in place between your teeth until the next time you take out the aligners. Brushing gets rid of those particles that could cause bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. We want your smile transformation to be amazing! Make sure you brush and floss your teeth so that you can enjoy your smile. 

You May Need Other Components

Each patient is different, so don’t expect to wear Invisalign aligners only. We realize that every single smile is unique. Some people may have to get buttons (small brackets adhered to your teeth) or orthodontic rubber bands. If these additional components are recommended to you, use them as instructed so that you can achieve that beautiful smile!

Watch What You Eat or Drink

One big plus for Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out when you are going to eat or drink. However, this isn’t mandatory, as you can still eat or drink with the aligners in place. You just need to be selective about what you eat or drink while you have the Invisalign aligners in your mouth. For example, it isn’t advisable to take a hot drink without removing the aligners since this can warp the plastic.

Similarly, taking pigmented drinks, such as coffee or grapefruit juice, can stain the aligners. Don’t worry, you will not have to guess what to eat or drink with the aligners on. Dr. Long Luu and our team at Lyons Orthodontics in Fair Oaks will give you detailed instructions about the specific foods and drinks that are Invisalign-friendly. You can always call the orthodontic office if you have any questions. Our team is always happy to help!

Postpone Teeth Whitening

As already mentioned, Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours each day. This means that you are unlikely to have enough time to take the aligners out in order to whiten your teeth at home. So, it’s better for you to be patient and wait for the treatment to be completed before you can whiten your teeth and get rid of any discolorations in the areas where the aligners made contact with your teeth. In the meantime, Dr. Long Luu recommends that you pay particular attention to dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing as earlier recommended so that you prevent stains from developing on your teeth.

Embrace the Post-Treatment Phase

When your treatment phase with Invisalign comes to an end, you will be expected to wear a retainer. This is so that your teeth can be kept in their new positions. This post-treatment phase is important for the long-term enjoyment of the benefits brought by the treatment phase. Your orthodontist in Fair Oaks will let you know what you can expect with your new retainers. 

Treatment Time Varies Between Patients

Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign can take a few months or even more than two years. The key determinant is the specific defect that is being corrected by this treatment. Orthodontist in Fair Oaks explains that closing a small gap between a few teeth may require that you wear the aligners for a few months. Comparably, correcting misalignment in several teeth could take more than 12 months. Dr. Long Luu will explain to you how long your treatment is likely to take, so keep that timeline in mind and do as you are advised so that the duration of the treatment isn’t extended beyond the initial estimate.

Invisalign with Lyon Orthodontics

Now that you know what you should consider before getting Invisalign, you’ll now be able to decide if Invisalign is something you’re interested in. Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option that we offer at Lyons Orthodontics. If you are interested in this treatment, we highly recommend that you schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our orthodontists. You can visit either of our orthodontic offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. We will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision. Then you will soon be on your way to your best smile ever!

6 Stages to Invisalign Treatment

6 stages to invisalign treatment - Lyons Ortho

6 stages to invisalign treatmentAre you ready to look into your options for braces on teeth that are misaligned? Invisalign is an awesome choice for those who are looking to straighten their teeth but would prefer not using traditional braces.

There are some key benefits to the Invisalign system, with the primary benefit being that the treatment is practically invisible! The aligner trays are also removable, which means that patients can enjoy eating many foods that they want compared to traditional braces. The trays also allow patients to brush and floss their teeth without any issue. Many of our patients at Lyons Orthodontics are happy they chose Invisalign for their Just Smile treatment. 

Invisalign is known to be a simple cosmetic treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss the 6 stages to Invisalign treatment. If you’re curious about Invisalign in El Dorado Hills, contact one of our offices! We’ll be happy to see you or your family for a FREE no-obligation consultation.

Stage 1 – The Consultation

Whether you’re looking for braces for teens or orthodontic treatment for adults, you’ll have the same experience during your consultation. During the consultation, our orthodontist will evaluate your smile to determine whether the Invisalign treatment is right for you. Invisalign can address a versatile number of concerns, but unfortunately, it does not work for everyone. 

It’s important that you meet with our Lyons team when you’re considering top braces or any orthodontic treatment. While many dentists are providers for the Invisalign system, they may not have the training that is needed to ensure the best in outcomes.

Stage 2 – The Treatment Plan

Once you and your El Dorado Hills orthodontist have made the design to proceed with the Invisalign treatment, impressions and images will be made of your teeth and your mouth. This data is sent to Invisalign so that the aligner trays can be made as per the specifications provided by your orthodontist. 

Stage 3 – Waiting for the Aligners

Once the plans for the aligners have been confirmed, it will take up to a month for them to be made and delivered.

Stage 4 – Wearing the Aligners

Once the aligners are ready, you’ll come into the office to pick up your first set. Each of the aligner trays is different and is designed to be worn in a specific order. Each of the aligner trays should be worn for two weeks at a time. You’ll need to visit our office to switch out your aligners. During that time, we can also see how your new smile is progressing. As the treatment progresses, each of the aligner trays will move your teeth into the newly aligned position, ultimately creating your new and improved smile! Aligner trays can be taken out to eat, drink and clean your teeth, but should otherwise be worn at all times during treatment. If you don’t wear them as they are meant to be worn, your teeth won’t progress in accordance with the plan established by your orthodontist.

Stage 5 – Refining your Smile

Once the very last aligner tray has been worn for its two weeks, you might find yourself done with treatment. You’ll want to visit Lyons Orthodontics to make sure that your treatment is all done! There may be some further adjustments that need to be made. But don’t worry, the end result is worth the wait. Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and may order additional refinement trays so that you can continue with your treatment. It can take up to another month for refinement trays to arrive, and there are typically no additional costs for refinement trays.

Stage 6 – Maintaining your New Smile

Once treatment is completed, you will need to wear a retainer at night. This is so your jawbones have ample time to adjust to the new placement of your teeth. It’s important to wear a retainer immediately after treatment, but it’s recommended that you continue to wear a retainer a few times a week for the rest of your life. This is because the teeth in your mouth are constantly moving and shifting about.

Are you ready to learn more about the Invisalign aligner tray system? Call Lyons Orthodontics to find out whether they are the right option to help you to meet your orthodontic goals.

Getting Braces as an Adult

Getting braces as an adult - Lyons Orthodontics

Getting braces as an adultBraces used to be considered a common practice for kids, but more and more adults are starting orthodontic treatment. Thanks to the advancements in orthodontics, more and more adults are starting their orthodontic treatment with Lyons Orthodontics. This article discusses some of the orthodontic treatment options available to adults. 

Getting Braces as an Adult

1. Metal Braces

Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that metal braces have been and continue to be around and for a very good reason. Traditional braces are one of the best solutions for complex orthodontic problems, such as severely misaligned teeth. These braces are made from stainless steel and are so small that it is possible to fit them into the tiniest spaces in case of severely crooked teeth.

2. Tooth-Colored or Clear Braces

Getting braces as an adult doesn’t have to be the end of the world! We totally understand why you could feel self-conscious during your Just Smile Journey. That’s why we offer so many orthodontic treatment options. Another common option at our orthodontic office in El Dorado Hills is tooth-colored or clear braces. These types of braces are made from ceramic.

Ceramic braces are visible, but they aren’t as attention-grabbing as the metal braces are. This is largely the reason why people who would like to keep their orthodontic treatment as discreet as possible may choose clear braces. However, Dr. Tim Lyons cautions patients who opt for this type of braces to be careful when consuming pigmented foods and drinks because the ceramic braces easily become stained by these substances.

3. Clear Aligners or Invisalign Aligners

One of our most popular orthodontic treatment options for adults is Invisalign Clear Aligners! Many of our patients at Lyons Orthodontics absolutely love Invisalign because they’re removable. So, you can take them out when you brush and floss your teeth, and even when you eat. Did we mention that Invisalign doesn’t have any wires or brackets on your teeth? Most people won’t realize you have clear aligners because each aligner is custom fit to your smile! Patients who decide that Invisalign is for them will have to wear the aligners for about 20 and 22 hours each day in order to achieve their ideal smile. 

4. Lingual Braces

As their name suggests, lingual braces are placed on the inner surface of your teeth (the side closest to your tongue). Folsom’s orthodontist, Dr. Tim Lyons, says this type of braces is attractive to patients because the braces aren’t visible in the same way that traditional braces are. Lingual braces are the option of choice for patients who prefer a discreet way to treat their orthodontic condition, which is more severe than what can be treated using Invisalign clear aligners. 

Your Just Smile Journey with Lyons Orthodontics

If you wore braces as a kid, remember that dental technology has changed immensely. Orthodontics has taken major strides over the decade. Our Lyons Orthodontic team will take a digital impression of your teeth, and the treatment time has also reduced considerably. If you’re interested in getting braces as an adult, Lyons Orthodontics team can help you achieve your dream smile

After We Remove Your Braces 

Once your treatment is completed and our orthodontists remove your braces, you will likely need to wear a retainer. There’s still a chance that your teeth move out of their new positions. 

The amount of time that you wear the retainer will vary. For example, the orthodontic expert at Lyons Orthodontics may tell you to wear it each night for the first year or two post braces. This is intended to give the bone and gum an opportunity to become firm around your newly repositioned teeth.

After that first year or two, you could reduce the frequency of wearing the retainer at night to once or twice each week. Your El Dorado Hills orthodontist will let you know how long you’ll need to wear your retainer.

Still Have Questions?

At Lyons Orthodontics, creating perfect smiles is our specialty. Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their smile, which is why we offer a FREE no-obligation free consultation. If you’re interested in starting your orthodontic treatment, contact us at our Lyons Orthodontics offices in Eldorado Hills or Fair Oaks. Who said it wasn’t possible for your smile to become better as you age? Come and let us make it happen for you!