Tag: Braces

Will Braces Cause White Marks on Your Teeth?

Will Braces Cause White Marks on Your Teeth?

If you’re looking into getting braces, you may be wondering will braces cause white marks on your teeth? According to your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, Dr. Tim Lyons, white marks on your teeth can be completely preventable! Read on to learn how you can prevent white spots from developing on your teeth.

What can cause white marks on teeth?

It is important that we first distinguish between the white marks that can be as the result of wearing braces and other types of white marks that can appear on the teeth. White marks on the teeth can be due to concerns related to genetics, nutrition and also from an excessive fluoride intake. Quite often there is little that can be done to avoid white spots stemming from these concerns. However, maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet, while keeping up with good oral hygiene, is still the best practice for ensuring that your mouth and teeth are healthy.

Referred to as orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs), seeing white marks on your teeth after bottom and top braces are actually as a result of decalcifications, or the loss of hard minerals. This can happen when plaque builds up on the teeth. Plaque is filled with bacteria that excrete an acid that can start to break down the mineralized surface of the tooth. There is an increased risk of getting these white marks during orthodontic treatment, but they can also occur without any type of orthodontia if teeth aren’t being brushed and flossed regularly.

You’re probably wondering if these marks on the teeth are fixable. Dr. Ben Kacos, a cosmetic dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that white spots are not going to go away on their own, you do have some options to consider.

Preventing white marks on the teeth while wearing braces

WSLs are 100% preventable. Rest assured, white marks will not automatically appear on your teeth because you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

It’s as simple as brushing, flossing and inspecting your teeth and your braces every day. When you first get your braces, your orthodontic team will discuss proper oral hygiene methods with you. It’s important to maintain a good routine for the duration of your orthodontic treatment.

Keep in mind that these white marks, or WSLs, are not an issue exclusive to those who have traditional fixed braces. Even those who have clear aligners may be at risk of decalcification on their teeth. Keeping the aligners and your teeth clean is essential. Plaque can build up on your teeth and then be trapped against the inside of the aligner tray until when you next brush your teeth.

When visiting your orthodontist in Folsom, CA patients may be told that a professional cleaning could be the way to go, to prevent the white marks. Remember that these white marks are the very early beginnings of what could become cavities and serious tooth decay. If you recognize any white blemishes on your teeth, be sure to follow up with your orthodontist as soon as you are able. Working with your orthodontist and other dental health professionals will help to ensure that you get the beautiful smile that you deserve.

If in need of a team skilled in all things orthodontics, reach out to Lyons Orthodontics. When it comes to understanding the best treatment solutions in the field of orthodontics El Dorado Hills orthodontist Dr. Tim Lyons is the professional you need by your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Surprising Benefits of Clear Aligners

When you’re looking for an orthodontist El Dorado Hills patients know that they can rely on Dr. Tim Lyons to help give them the straight and beautiful smile that they deserve. If you’re on the fence about getting braces or Invisalign aligners, you may be surprised to learn the benefits of clear aligners.

Invisalign Reduces the Risks of Decay

One of the most surprising benefits associated with clear aligners is that they can reduce the risks of tooth decay. Traditional braces have long been the standard for treating misaligned teeth, and they do offer great benefits for those with serious orthodontic concerns. However, these types of braces can make it more of a challenge to keep teeth clean after meals. It can be difficult to brush and floss around braces, which can potentially lead to an increased risk of decay. We particularly see this happen in teens who may not take the time to clean their teeth correctly. Braces can also lead to gum irritation and inflammation when there’s poor oral hygiene.

Aligner trays are conveniently removable. So, you or your teen will have no problem brushing and flossing your teeth after your meals. Your teeth will be much healthier as a result.

Decreasing Treatment Time

Perhaps one of the most interesting and surprising facts about Invisalign is that the treatment time is much less than what is typically expected from traditional braces. Traditional braces can often take as long as 3 full years, or more, in order to achieve a perfect smile. When you use clear aligners, you can see results within less than a year. It’s important to note that the length of time needed to see results from clear aligners will vary and be based upon the orthodontic needs of the individual.

Discreet Orthodontic Treatment

While orthodontic solutions are a very important part of creating a healthy and straight smile, they can often be intrusive and very obvious. This is not the case with Invisalign aligners. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds, “For someone who may already struggle with self-confidence, traditional braces may not feel like the right choice to consider.” Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be discreet. They are clear and largely invisible once in place. Patients of all ages can benefit from Invisalign.

Improved Comfort Over Other Orthodontic Treatments

Traditional braces can take some getting used to. You may experience some irritation in the gums as well as some general discomfort. There are solutions to help ease some of the discomfort and irritation. For example, your El Dorado Hills orthodontist may recommend using wax to prevent your brackets from scratching the insides of your mouth.

Clear aligners are made using a material that is soft and comfortable to wear. Patients rarely have any issues with them, particularly as the aligner trays are designed specifically for their mouth.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, know that you can trust Dr. Lyons and his team to create the smile of your dreams. Contact our dental office in El Dorado Hills to learn more about the benefits of clear aligners and how they just might be the right choice for you.

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Causes of Misaligned Teeth

What Causes Misaligned Teeth?

Do you or a member of your family have misaligned teeth? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that millions of people across the world have crooked teeth. Men and women of all ages have perfectly imperfect smiles. Some severe enough to require surgical intervention. You’re probably wondering what causes misaligned teeth? In this article, we explore some of the causes of misaligned teeth. If you or a loved one isn’t in love with their smile, contact Lyons Orthodontics. Crooked teeth can easily be fixed with orthodontic solutions like braces and Invisalign.

Genetics Can Cause Misaligned Teeth

There are several factors that can impact the alignment of your teeth, and they can change throughout your life. Genetics can play a strong role in the teeth that you have. This includes whether or not they are straight when they start to erupt. If someone else in your family has misaligned teeth, it is very likely that you will develop a similar smile. A jaw that is on the smaller side can increase your risk for crowded teeth. Patients with a crowded smile may need to have a tooth extracted to make room for the rest of their teeth. Overcrowding is very common nowadays.

Thumb Sucking Can Cause Misaligned teeth

Thumb sucking as a toddler and older child can put a fair amount of pressure on your teeth, which can ultimately lead to them moving out of alignment. Most often, thumb sucking will lead to issues with an open bite that needs to be corrected with an orthodontic solution. Invisalign Fair Oaks parents will appreciate can often prove to be a good solution for older teens who have very mild issues with their bite.

Do You Have Any Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can be responsible for your other healthy teeth shifting around in your mouth. The early loss of your baby teeth and your adult teeth alike can have an impact on the position of your other healthy teeth. The very same movability that makes braces for teens and adults possible can lead to misalignment issues in the first place. Teeth are easily moveable within the mouth and are prone to moving into any available gaps near them.

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Pete Fl, says that the early loss of both adult and baby teeth can affect the position of your remaining teeth, causing them to drift into available gaps. Sometimes baby teeth can be replaced by larger adult teeth that overlap and crowd together due to limited space.

Gum Disease Can Cause Misaligned Teeth

Gum disease can also be responsible for alignment issues with your teeth. As the gums become more inflamed and infected, teeth can loosen in the socket, and their alignment can become gradually altered.

If you are looking for solutions for your misaligned teeth, be sure to call one of our Lyon’s Orthodontics offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. We offer a range of orthodontic solutions that will improve your smile! We offer traditional braces, lingual braces, retainers, Invisalign, and more! Our Lyons Orthodontics team wants to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! Visit Dr. Tim Lyons for a free no-obligation consultation!

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The Difference Between an Orthodontist and Dentist

The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist

You’re probably wondering if there’s a difference between an orthodontist and dentist? The short answer is, yes, there is a difference! A dentist and an orthodontist provide different dental treatments. They also have different qualifications as well. While you might already know what a dentist is, you may not know what an orthodontist is. In this article, our Lyons Orthodontics team explains the difference between an orthodontist and dentist.

What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is based on the development of the jaw, face, and teeth to reach its full potential and fulfill its purpose. The use of clear or removable aligners and fixed braces are common to help your face reach its aesthetics.

An orthodontist is a highly qualified specialist who has fist taken training to become a dentist and then has undertaken an additional three-year postgraduate course at Masters or Doctorate level. Orthodontic training posts are usually looked for both before and after a dentist starts his/her training to become an orthodontist as the job requires experience in pediatric dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, and restorative dentistry.

In most cases, specialist training takes place in hospitals associated with university dental schools. Trainees learn the theory of orthodontics and also gain all the experience they need by treating patients under the supervision of more experienced orthodontists.

In general, dentists can provide you with orthodontic treatment, and some dentists perform with a very high standard. Some of the orthodontic treatment includes Invisalign or traditional braces. In majority cases, they would not have the same level of experience and training as compared to a specialist orthodontist.

After having completed training, the orthodontist will stick to orthodontic treatments. They quickly develop the skills and gain the experience by treating different types of cases from highly complex cases to even mild cases. Some of these dental problems may include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, crossbite, and more.

Should I visit a Dentist or an Orthodontist?

It’s recommended that you visit an orthodontist if you need orthodontic treatment. That way, you can achieve your smile goals and avoid any problems that may occur. Dr. Leeson, a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, adds that orthodontic treatment should always be done by a professional. Otherwise, you may pay the consequences.

If you’re interested in improving your smile, we highly recommend visiting Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills for a no-obligation, free consultation. Dr. Tim Lyons and his team will take good care of your smile!

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Braces Tips

braces tips The end results of wearing braces are well worth the wait and minor discomfort! Most patients say they experience some minor discomfort after they’ve had their braces adjusted or new Invisalign aligners put in. Braces also require a few lifestyle adjustments in order to ensure that you not only get the best results but that you don’t risk damage to them or to the soft parts of your mouth.

Our Lyons Orthodontics team has gathered some handy tips for those who are undergoing their Just Smile orthodontic treatment. We truly care about making your smile transformation the best it can possibly be. Keep in mind that if something happens, including injury to your mouth or damage to the braces, it’s important that you call our orthodontics office for professional help.

Keep a Braces-care Kit on You

You’ll find it beneficial to keep a care kit on hand. This kit should contain everything you will need to keep your teeth and braces clean when you’re on the go. Students can carry their kit with them at school, and adults will find it useful to have on hand in the office. A small container or zippered pouch should be sufficient to hold your toothbrush, toothpaste, and orthodontic wax.

The Importance of Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax can prove to be very beneficial for more than just protecting the insides of your mouth from the metal of the braces. Whether you have braces on top teeth or on both bottom and top teeth, you may have a wire, band or bracket that comes loose. This can cause irritation or pain. If this is the case, cover the irritating part with the orthodontic wax and make a call to be seen by your local orthodontist.

Rinsing with Salt Water, When Feeling Discomfort

It’s not unusual to feel discomfort when you have braces, particularly after first getting them placed and after adjustments. A rinse with warm salt water can help ease your mouth discomfort. Your orthodontist may also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers to ease some of the discomfort you may be feeling.

Wearing Your Aligners as Instructed

If you have Invisalign El Dorado Hills patients will need to follow the instructions given when it comes to wearing the aligner trays. Each of the Invisalign aligner trays are designed to be worn almost continually for two weeks at a time. They can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth, but you will need to ensure they are worn as instructed if you are to get the best in results from the treatment.

Keep Up with Your Orthodontic Appointments

When it comes to seeing your El Dorado Hills orthodontist, patients shouldn’t skip appointments. Whether it’s an appointment for adjusting your traditional braces, or an appointment to check on your progress, it’s important that you stick to the schedule.

Keep in mind that your appointments are also an opportunity for your orthodontist to identify any minor issues that you may need to resolve during the course of treatment.

Are you interested in transforming your smile? Do you need to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Lyons? When in need of an orthodontist El Dorado Hills patients know that they can rely on Lyons Orthodontics to help them get the beautiful and confident smile they’ve always wanted.

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Chewing Gum with Braces

chewing gums with braces - Lyons Orthodontics

chewing gum with braces Once you start your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will usually tell you to avoid certain foods until the treatment is completed. If you have traditional braces, you’ll have to avoid foods like popcorn, caramels, toffees, and whole apples. Traditionally, orthodontists have said that patients should stay away from chewing gum when they have braces. However, there are some that say that chewing gum with braces is okay. So, who is right? Is it possible to enjoy gum when you have braces?

Why You Should Not Chew Gum with Braces

Gum is sticky, that’s about the gist of it. It’s this same stickiness that can see it being stuck to the wires and the brackets of your traditional braces. Gum stuck to your brackets can prove to be difficult to remove and may require an unplanned visit to your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. Beyond the sticky factor, the gum could result in the bending of the wires. Even the smallest bends in the wires can result in your teeth moving the wrong way. Our Lyons Orthodontics team wants you to have the best orthodontic experience possible, so our professionals highly recommend avoiding gum if you have traditional braces. Otherwise, it can potentially add weeks to the duration of your treatment if your teeth move further from alignment.

Why Do Some Believe it’s Okay to Chew Gum with Braces?

We’ve all heard it, from friends or family members or from something posted on social media. “I’ve chewed gum with my braces and I was just fine.” Typically, they will be referring to having sugar-free gum. Sugar-free chewing gum is quite often free from the stickiness seen with the sugary varieties. This can help avoid bending of the wires and keep it from getting stuck in the brackets

There are also some benefits of sugar-free gum, including its ability to help you avoid cavities. This is because artificial sweeteners help reduce the bacteria that lead to cavities. In addition, the chewing of gum can help remove small food particles that are between your teeth if you’re not able to brush or floss after enjoying a meal.

Some also believe that chewing sugar-free gum after getting your braces placed or after adjustments can help to ease some of the discomforts you’re feeling. This can be particularly true when it comes to braces for teens who may feel a fair amount of discomfort after getting their braces.

So, What’s the Verdict About Gum and Braces?

Like we’ve stated above, gum and traditional braces just don’t mix! If you have additional questions about what you can or cannot have with braces, contact Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills! Once or twice won’t necessarily interfere with your treatment, but there is always the risk of damage to your braces. Dr. Kacos, one of the best dentists in Shreveport, LA, adds that braces are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options today, but they’re not for everyone. Invisalign is another great cosmetic dentistry option. Invisalign El Dorado Hills orthodontic patients will learn is a bit different. These aligner trays are removable, so you can enjoy a piece of gum once in a while. As it’s recommended that you keep the aligner trays in place as much as possible, you shouldn’t remove them too often to enjoy gum.

Alternatives to Chewing Gum with Braces

There are a number of other options that will give you the same benefits seen with chewing sugar-free gum. If you’ve been told that gum can help relieve discomfort, opt for over-the-counter pain relievers. They will help relieve both inflammation and discomfort. An ice pack can further help reduce any inflammation.

Staying hydrated will also help reduce the signs of inflammation and will also help wash away the bacteria that may otherwise result in cavities. Avoid chewing on ice, as this can damage both your teeth and your braces.

If you’ve been relying on gum to help keep your breath fresh, there are a number of alternatives. Coldwater with lemon or orange can help keep you hydrated while also freshening your breath. Sugar-free mints that don’t need to be chewed or are not overly sticky.

If you do wind up with gum stuck on your braces, don’t panic. Simply call up Lyons Orthodontics and we will schedule you in for an appointment. In the meantime, use your toothbrush to clean off as much of the gum as is possible. Use dental floss to loosen and remove any gum that might be stuck between your teeth.

Protecting your braces from the potential damage that gum and other sticky foods can do will help ensure you get the best results from your treatment. If you have any questions about your braces and what needs to be avoided, be sure to call the office to speak to an orthodontic professional.

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New Year Means New Smile

new year means new smile January is an ideal opportunity to set your resolutions and make goals for the year. Many of us tend to focus on resolutions that involve improving their waistline or quitting bad habits, like smoking. However, there are a number of other areas involving your health that you can work on improving, including your dental health. Take the brand new year is your chance to get the healthiest smile that you deserve. Whether you’re in need of bridges, implants, or an orthodontic treatment like braces, this year is your year, and we couldn’t be more excited for you.

Establishing and Improving Home Dental Hygiene

If you’re honest with yourself, how often do you brush and floss your teeth? You should be brushing your teeth at least twice each day, and you should be flossing once a day. When we eat, bacteria and food debris can build up and go between our teeth, which can create an environment perfect for cavities.

Switch out your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Use mouthwash that will rinse and clean your mouth after brushing and flossing.

Straight Smiles Are Smiles You’re Proud to Show Off

Are you dissatisfied with the way that your teeth look? Misaligned teeth can lead us to feel self-conscious about our smile. Meet with your Fair Oaks orthodontist for a free, no-obligation consultation. Find out if Invisalign or traditional braces are the best fit for you.

Whether you’re looking for braces for teens or braces for adults, you’ll find that a brand new year is the best time to get on the calendar at your orthodontist’s office. So, if you’re interested in starting your orthodontic treatment, contact Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks today!

Dental Health Can Equate to Confidence Boosts

Whether you’re taking care of cavities or gaps in your smile, you’ll find that taking charge of your dental health can lead to a boost in your confidence. This is definitely the case when you get orthodontic treatment for teeth that are crooked or otherwise misaligned. Straightened teeth are teeth that you’ll be proud to show off at every opportunity. Many of our Lyons patients feel much more confident after getting their braces off! Check out some of our patient’s reviews to hear about their Just Smile journey.

Options in Braces

If you do need orthodontic treatment, you may be feeling a little nervous. That’s totally normal! Many teens and adults don’t want a mouth full of metal braces for months on end. What you may not know is that during your visit to the orthodontist, Sacramento patients will be presented with a number of treatment options for braces. This could include the Invisalign clear aligners, which is a way to discretely correct your smile without the need for the traditional wires and brackets.

When it comes to Invisalign El Dorado Hills, patients will find that these clear aligners can get them the results they want in much less time than traditional braces.

The start of a new year is your chance to do something to help you and your health. Use January as your opportunity to make those appointments with your dentist and your orthodontist so that you can take control of your dental health. Call Lyons Orthodontics to get on the schedule. Your new smile could just be an appointment away!

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Correcting an Overbite with Braces

Do you or your child have an overbite? Our Lyons Orthodontic team wants you to know that you’re not alone here. So many people in the world have a stressed bite or even an underbite. So, what exactly is an overbite? Are there ways of correcting an overbite with braces? In this article, our orthodontists at Lyons Orthodontics is answering all your questions about overbites.

About Overbites

When the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, this is considered to be an overbite. Overbites are most often the result of an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw. Typically, overbites are hereditary. However, they may also be as a result of bad habits that started during childhood. This could include extensive use of a pacifier or thumb sucking. It can also lead to concerns with eating, speech, and swallowing.

The good news is that some procedures and treatment options can help to reduce or completely repair an overbite! One of the treatment options could include a range of dental appliances or braces. If you have an overbite, just come visit us at our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills locations for a no-obligation consultation! Our team would love to help you or your child create the smile they’ve always wanted.

Braces for an Overbite

Your braces will move the teeth into the right position to correct the overbite. The adjustments can be slow but steady. In time, the upper and lower teeth will be better aligned, thus repairing the overbite.

The majority of overbites can be recognized in children by the time that they reach the age of six. Once identified, your Fair Oaks orthodontist can begin to offer you a treatment plan. The suggested age for treating an overbite is typically between the ages of eight and 14. This is because the child’s bones are still developing and growing, which makes it much easier to manipulate and correct the overbite. Children will most often wear braces to fix their overbite for one to 3 years. Every patients’ smile is different in their own unique way. So, the length of the treatment will vary. Just contact our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills office to schedule a free consultation with us!

We want to reassure you that teeth can be straightened at any age. Although, it’s much easier to correct an overbite during the developmental years of a child. It can prove to be a bit more complicated in older teens or adults. That’s not to say that it is impossible to correct at these ages. Adult braces, including the Invisalign Clear Aligners, can help to see some remarkable results with the right type of treatment plan.

The Importance of Correcting Overbites with Braces

While overbites may initially seem like a small dental concern, the truth is that overbites can lead to several oral health issues. Some of the oral health concerns that can result from a severe overbite include the following:

Jaw pain
Pain in the joints
Gum disease
Tooth decay
Tooth loss
Difficulties speaking
Concerns with chewing

We highly recommend getting your overbite fixed by the experts at Lyons Orthodontics. We don’t want you to suffer the consequences! It’s typically a quick and easy fix with braces. Braces can help to prevent some of these concerns. They will also have the bonus of creating a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile.

Another concern about delaying treatment for an overbite, beyond the oral health concerns that may become an issue, is that the damage may be permanent and require surgery to make the repairs.

Which Overbite Solution is Right for You?

There are several solutions for treating an overbite with braces. The best way to determine which of the options is best for you and your smile, visit your local Fair Oaks orthodontist.

Some of the braces options for an overbite include the following:

Metal braces
Clear braces
Lingual braces
Invisalign

Traditional metal braces are typically constructed with stainless steel brackets and archwires. Our friend, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights Dentist, says that traditional braces are used quite often to fix overbites, as well as straighten out teeth that are misaligned or overcrowded. Many of our patients who choose traditional braces as their orthodontic treatment are children and teenagers. Traditional braces can be used on adults too. However, the majority of adults prefer Invisalign Clear Aligners because they’re hardly noticeable!

The severity of your overbite will typically dictate the type of braces that are needed. An examination of your jaw position and your teeth, along with 3D x-rays, will help to provide us with a clear understanding of your smile.

If your child has an overbite, it’s best to correct the issue while your child is still growing and developing. Each smile is unique, so make an appointment with Lyons Orthodontics, to find out which orthodontic treatment is best for your smile!

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Holiday Treats That Are Braces Friendly

Who loves celebrating the holidays? We do! At Lyons Orthodontics, we enjoy spending time with our family and friends. Holiday treats are a big part of celebrating this time of year, which can be tough for those who wear braces. We don’t want you to miss out on holiday fun just because you have braces! In this article, we’re sharing a few yummy holiday treats that are braces friendly!

Soft and Non-sticky Treats

Since you have braces, you have to avoid some foods that could potentially harm your orthodontic application. Luckily, there are a number of delicious sweet treats that are not overly chewy. They’re soft, non-sticky and won’t damage your brackets.

Some of these include the following.

Hot chocolate
Marshmallows
Sugar cookies
Brownies
Cake and cupcakes
Cheesecake, including chocolate cheesecake!
Soft chocolates, including those that will simply melt when you pop them in your mouth
Ice cream
Bread pudding

All of these great holiday favorites are sure to be a great choice for you to enjoy when you’re wearing braces around the holiday season.

Sweet Treats to Avoid

Whether you’re just got braces on top teeth or you have both top braces and lower braces, there are some sweet treats that you definitely need to avoid this holiday season.

Some of these include the following.

Toffees, caramels, and fudge
Candy canes, lollipops, and other hard candies
Taffy and jelly beans
Peanut brittle
Popcorn and pretzels
Any type of nuts

Tips for Protecting Your Braces This Season

If you know that you or your child will be attending a number of holiday events this year, you should consider baking and taking your own sweet treats that you know are safe for braces.

Chocolate treats that include brownies or cupcakes
Soft cookies, like sugar cookies or snickerdoodles
Gelatin-based candies that are soft and easy to chew
Mini pumpkin or apple pies, stay away from pecan pie
Ice cream, there are many holiday season inspired flavors to consider

If your teen is feeling down about having braces during the holidays, remind them that they can still enjoy holiday treats. There are countless options for delicious sweet and savory treats that will help to celebrate this holiday season with a tasty style! ‘Tis the season of eating yummy treats and spending time with the ones we love.

Keep in mind that if you have adult braces, like the Invisalign Clear Aligners, you should remove your aligner before you enjoy your favorite holiday treats. Make sure that you carefully brush and floss before you put them back in.

If you’re ready to discuss what an orthodontic treatment plan looks for you or your child, contact Lyons Orthodontics! We offer FREE no-obligation consultations. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted!

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How Long Should I wear My Retainer?

how long should I wear my retainer - Lyons Orthodontics You’ve finally got your braces off! Congratulations! We’re so happy for you and so grateful to have been part of your Just Smile journey. You’re sure to enjoy your new straightened smile, and of course, enjoy some of those foods that you had to avoid. Now that you’re finally free of braces, you’ll need to take good care of your teeth. An important part of your oral care regimen will be wearing your retainer! So, you’re probably wondering how long should I wear my retainer?

Why Wear a Retainer?

This is a question that doesn’t always have one general answer. We know that each patient is special and comes with their own unique challenges. Our teeth are constantly moving and constantly able to be moved and manipulated inside of our mouths. So, this is why it is also why teeth will continue to need support after braces have been removed. Retainers will help keep your teeth in their new positions and help to maintain all of the hard work that was accomplished during your orthodontic treatment.

Types of Retainers

Generally speaking, there are two types of retainers you can get at Lyons Orthodontics – removable retainers and bonded retainers. Removable retainers can be removed for when you need to eat and when they need to be cleaned. Bonded retainers are bonded to your teeth and are not able to be removed. After you’ve had your braces removed, your retainer can provide further support and stabilization for your teeth and bones, to ensure that your bite and newly aligned teeth don’t change once the braces are off. Dr. Brian Leeson, a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends getting a permanent retainer on the lower teeth to ensure that your smile stays straight.

How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?

Maintaining your new beautiful smile is easy with the help of retainers! The majority of orthodontists will recommend that removable retainers are worn for a minimum of 12 months once the braces come off. Dr. Tim Lyons says urgers the importance of wearing your retainer. Especially after having invested a lot of time and money in your braces.

Sometimes, patients, whether they’ve just had braces on top teeth or have had top braces and lower braces, will need to wear their retainer full time for the first six months after treatment. At the 6-month point, they can switch to wearing the retainer just at night to help maintain that beautiful and straight smile.

We understand that wearing a retainer after you’ve had your braces on for so long can be frustrating. The precise duration of wear will be mostly dependent on the type of orthodontic correction and treatment that you have undergone. In the end, wearing your retainer is worth it because you get to keep your beautiful smile in place.

Do you have questions about braces or retainers? Let our Lyons Orthodontics team know. We are here to help you and your family in any way we can. Please contact us at our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills office.

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