Tag: El Dorado Hills Orthodontist

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.

Lost Your Retainer?

Oh No, Did You Lose Your Retainer?!

We’ve seen it happen a million times…losing your retainer can be the worst! You know just how important it is to wear your retainer. It can happen in an instant. Whether you’ve left it at school or perhaps on a plane, you may start to panic if you can’t find your retainer. Without your retainer, your teeth will gradually move back into their original position. Don’t worry, though, the Lyons Orthodontics team is here to help.

Whether you’re an adult or you’ve finished up with braces, we’ve got a few tips to help get you back into your retainer and keeping your teeth in their straightened position.

First: Stay Calm and Call Your Orthodontist

If you can’t find your retainer, call your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. Your teeth won’t shift back into the pre-treatment position right away or even after a week or so. However, it’s important to call Lyons Orthodontics as soon as possible. You will need new impressions taken so that your new retainer can be made. Don’t procrastinate! We don’t want to undo all the progress we made!

Getting Your New Retainers Ordered

You may need to pay out of pocket for your replacement retainers, but it will be well worth the investment. Whether you’ve had braces on top teeth or on both your top and bottom teeth, failing to replace your retainer could very well undo all of your time and money invested in your braces.

It can take a few weeks to get your retainer ordered and in your hands, so the sooner you get in to see your Folsom orthodontist, the sooner you’ll get your teeth back on track.

Wearing Your Retainer and Keeping it Secure

If your teeth have begun to shift already, don’t worry about it too much. Your new retainer will help to shift them back in line. Be sure that you keep your retainers stored safely when they are not being worn. Some may find that it’s beneficial to go ahead and order two replacements so that you aren’t ever again without your retainer.

Dr. Brain Leeson, a family dentist in St. Pete Fl, adds that patients should not worry too much about having lost their retainer. We understand that it can be very frustrating, but we will do our best to get your replacement retainer back to you ASAP. If you use Invisalign El Dorado Hills, patients may find that there is a different course of action for a lost aligner tray. As your Invisalign system comes with several aligner trays, you may need to adjust the way that your treatment is approached.

If you’ve lost your retainer, don’t delay calling Lyons Orthodontics. The sooner you call, the sooner we’ll be able to get your teeth back on the straightened track!

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Taking Care of Your Braces

How to Take Care of Your Braces

Not in love with your smile? Braces can help to correctly align your teeth and your bite, giving you a beautiful and confident smile. Once you have braces, whether they are just braces on top teeth or on both the top and bottom, you are sure to find that they are a big adjustment to your overall life. Traditional braces have countless tiny areas that can trap food, which can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar.

With this in mind, it’s very important that you increase your dental hygiene during the entire process. Brush and floss after each meal and make sure that you’re using a good mouthwash. Proper oral hygiene will also help to keep your braces in good condition.

There are several other things that you can do in order to keep your braces in good shape.

Stay On Top of Your Appointment with Your Orthodontist

Once you’ve had your braces placed, you’ll need to continue seeing your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. We understand that you’ll want to get your braces off as soon as possible. Visiting your orthodontist as instructed will ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Use a Fork and a Knife When Eating

Taking bites of food without first cutting them up into small pieces can lead to the food becoming stuck in your braces. Certain hard foods can even lead to damage to the wires and brackets of your braces. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, should always be cut into bite-sized pieces. Even burgers and pizza should be cut up into small pieces so that you can avoid the potential for damage to your braces.

Enjoy Sweets Selectively

If you’re anything like us, you have a sweet tooth or two. Our Lyons Orthodontics team encourages you to opt for sweet treats that won’t damage your braces. Chocolate is a great choice. It is soft and tends to melt quickly once you get it into your mouth. Who doesn’t love chocolate anyways?

Be Mindful When You’ve Got Braces

Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that when it comes to braces for teens and adults alike, simply being mindful of what you’re doing can go a long way towards keeping your braces in good shape. Those habits we all have, including biting fingernails or chewing on pencils, can cause a fair amount of damage to the brackets and wires of the braces.

Not all braces require careful eating and drinking. When it comes to orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, El Dorado Hills patients love knowing that they can simply remove their aligner tray when it’s time to eat, drink and brush their teeth.

Taking care of your braces and Invisalign aligners is essential for optimal results. If you’re ready to start your Just Smile journey, contact our Lyons Orthodontics offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. Our Lyons team will happily give you a free smile consultation on us!

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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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What To Expect When You Get Braces

What to expect when getting braces - Lyons Orthodontics It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed when you’re thinking about getting braces for your teens or yourself. You may have many questions, some concerns, and you may even be worried about whether they are going to hurt or not. There are some things you’ll need to consider before you start your orthodontic treatment with Lyons Orthodontics.

The Initial Process Before Getting Your Braces

The process for braces varies from patient to patient. It also depends on what type of braces you’re looking for. At Lyons Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. During your FREE no-obligation consultation, a Lyons Orthodontics orthodontist or team member will have taken 3D x-rays and other images to formulate your treatment plan. Dr. Tim Lyons will go over each step of your treatment plan and answer all your questions and concerns.

Starting Your Orthodontic Treatment

For traditional metal braces, the first step typically is to place bands around your back molars. There may be some pressure at first, but you will not feel any pain. The next step will be to apply an adhesive to your teeth so that the braces brackets can be set in place. Each of the brackets is connected with wires and then secured with elastic bands.

According to our friends at Dental One Care, a dental office in Sterling Heights, MI patients won’t feel any pain during placement. The entire process can take between one and two hours. The entire Lyons Orthodontics team is committed to making your Just Smile journey fun and exciting. We want you to achieve the best results possible!

Discomfort After Placement

You may start to feel a bit of soreness in your teeth and gums after the braces have been placed. The feeling should not be unbearable, but your orthodontist will give you a list of things that you can do to soothe your mouth.

The discomfort should typically last for about a week, during which time you’ll be adjusting to the feel of having braces in your mouth. Once the discomfort passes, you should feel just a little pressure. There’s nothing to worry about! The wires and the rubber bands place pressure upon your teeth to gradually move them. Some of the other discomforts you may feel during the first week or so include:

Soreness and pressure in teeth and gums
Soreness or small sores on the inside of lips and cheeks
Inflammation in the gums
Soreness or small cuts on your tongue, typically from running your tongue across braces

This type of discomfort can most often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your Folsom orthodontist will be able to offer further advice if they aren’t helping to take the edge off of your pain. Your comfort and happiness are always our top priority. Just remember that a little discomfort means that the treatment is working! Your teeth are transforming into the beautiful and confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

There are certain foods that should be avoided when you have braces. During those first few days and weeks after placement, some specific things can help to bring a bit of soothing comfort to your mouth. These comforting and braces safe foods include the following:

Soup
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni and cheese, or other pasta dishes
Yogurt and frozen yogurts
Cool drinks
Smoothies
Oatmeal
Soft fruits that include berries and bananas

Foods to Enjoy with Braces

Some of the food items that you should exclude from your diet going forward include the following.

Popcorn
Pretzels
Hard or chewy candies
Gum
Fudge, caramels, and toffees

Steering clear from these will help to protect your braces from any damage. Remember we want you to have the best smile experience! Don’t delay the process by breaking your brackets.

The majority of orthodontic patients get used to their braces within a few weeks. There may be some further discomfort periodically when you get your braces adjusted or tightened.

Are you ready to have a beautiful and confident smile? Whether you’re looking for traditional braces or Invisalign in El Dorado Hills, you can find the best treatment and solutions offered at Lyons Orthodontics. Contact us today to start your Just Smile journey!

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How to Keep Your Teeth White With Braces

how to keep your teeth white with braces - lyons orthodontics At 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.

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Getting Braces as an Adult

Getting braces as an adult Braces 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!

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National Orthodontic Month

National Orthodontic Month - Lyons Orthodontics Did you know that more than 1.2 million American adults currently have braces? It just shows how important our smiles are to us! There’s even a whole month dedicated to celebrating orthodontic dentistry! At Lyons Orthodontics, we are celebrating National Orthodontic month by spreading awareness about orthodontics!

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Dr. Tim Lyons, a Folsom orthodontist, explains that in simple terms, orthodontic treatment is aimed at creating the perfect alignment between your teeth and jaw. There are a variety of ways to achieve your perfect smile. These orthodontic treatments include braces, retainers, Invisalign clear aligners, and many others.

At Lyons Orthodontics, we specialize in creating perfect smiles for our patients. We genuinely care about each smile and the person behind it. The goal is always to give you the smile of your dreams! That’s why we offer a FREE no-obligation, smile consultation. Just contact us at our El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks location, and we’ll get you started on your Just Smile journey!

The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment

A Healthy Bite. Dr. Tim Lyons points out that a healthy bite is a happy bite. When your jaw isn’t properly positioned, you are at risk of having problems while chewing or speaking, and you could even develop sleep apnea over time. We don’t want that! Invisalign aligners or braces are the perfect solutions to obtaining a healthy bite.

Proper Teeth Alignment. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about the importance of proper teeth alignment. Dr. Neda says that when your teeth line up correctly, they work seamlessly, and you will not have any problem as you eat, speak, or smile! Plus, you get that gorgeous smile you’ve always dreamt of.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Smile. At Lyons Orthodontics, we take smile transformations seriously. We’ll be here every step of the way, making sure that you are on track for the perfect smile. If you’re on the fence about starting your Just Smile journey, see one of our orthodontists in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks.

What You Can Do This National Orthodontic Health Month

Since this is a National Orthodontic Health Month, you may be wondering what you can do to join in on the fun! Our Lyons Orthodontics team wants you to grab a friend or family member and try the following:

First things first, visit Lyons Orthodontics for you or your child’s first orthodontic assessment. This visit will allow Dr. Tim Lyons to identify any developing issues and make an action plan. Plus, you’ll get to see how awesome our orthodontic offices and team members are!
Ask your local orthodontist some questions about starting orthodontic treatment. There are some misconceptions about orthodontic treatments, so if you’re unsure, just ask! Our Lyons team is happy to help you with anything you or your child needs.
Lastly, ake ortho-friendly plans for Halloween! Stock up on pure yummy chocolate instead of hard and chewy candies. Educate your family members about the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth.

We look forward to meeting you and your family this October at our El Dorado Hills and Fair Oaks Lyons Orthodontics offices! We’re so excited to help you start your Just Smile Journey.

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Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Braces

Who here absolutely loves candy? We know a majority of you answered yes! Candy may be a yummy treat, but it’s one of the leading causes of broken/bent wires. If you have braces, you should avoid eating candy. That may be a little tricky to do since Halloween is coming up. No need to worry, you can still celebrate Halloween! In this article, we discuss the best and worst Halloween candy for braces. Happy Halloween!

Worst Candy for Braces

Chewy Candies. For the good of your braces, orthodontic professionals at Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills, CA, recommend avoiding any chewy candies this Halloween. If you aren’t sure what candies we’re referring to, then think of Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, Airheads, Starburst, Jelly beans, Laffy Taffy and Air Heads. When you eat chewy candy, you risk having your braces bent or broken.
Hard Candies. Sorry to break this to you, but hard candies aren’t good for your braces! Their adverse effects include staining the elastics of your braces, bending the wires, breaking the brackets, and causing tooth decay. Hard candies include, but are not limited to: jolly ranchers, jawbreakers, and butterscotch. Eating hard candy could do serious damage to your braces and your dental health. At Lyons Orthodontics, we want you to have the best Just Smile experience possible! So, please skip the hard candies this Halloween!
Caramel. Now this will break a lot of hearts among kids and teens, but caramels, regardless of whether they are hard or soft, aren’t good for anyone wearing braces. These candies could tear your brackets, and they can get stuck in your braces. Sugar Babies, Toffees, candy apples, and caramel apples are not recommended for people with braces.
Candies and Candy Bars with Nuts. Our friend Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky, says that any candy that contains nuts are not for people with braces. At Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills, we have seen way too many braces that have been damaged by candies and candy bars containing nuts. For that reason, we urge patients to confiscate candies like Snickers, Payday, Babe Ruth, Almond Joy, Hershey’s with Almonds, and any other candies that have nuts in them.

Best Candy for People with Braces

Pure Chocolate. If you have braces, one of the best things that you can eat during Halloween is pure chocolate. Pure chocolate won’t damage your braces; it is easy to chew and is less likely to cause tooth decay like other candies. As long as the chocolate doesn’t have any nuts or caramel, go ahead and give yourself a treat! Hershey’s Kisses, Dove, Hershey’s bars, and any other brand of pure chocolate is okay to eat if you wear braces.
Mint Patties. Our orthodontists in El Dorado Hills condone mint patties! They freshen your breath and are incredibly tasty. Since they don’t pose any danger to your braces, you can go ahead and enjoy them during Halloween. However, it is advisable to brush your teeth after eating mint patties since they contain lots of sugar.
Peanut Butter Cups. Peanut butter cups are a perfect choice for people who love eating candy with nuts. These candies are highly unlikely to damage your braces, yet they allow you to enjoy chocolate with a touch of protein in it.
Milky Way and 3 Musketeers. For all of our sticky candy lovers, Milky Way, and 3 Musketeers can make a safe candy choice. For example, the caramel found in Milky Way is not so hard that it would damage your brackets and wires.

Now that you know what candies to eat and what to avoid this Halloween, you can enjoy this spooky holiday! Keep in mind that our recommendations above are only for people who have braces. If you’re in doubt, give our El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks orthodontic office a call, and we will answer any questions you have. We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!

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Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful - Lyons Orthodontics One of the most frequent questions that patients ask us about Invisalign at Lyons Orthodontics is whether Inisalign treatment is painful. This question is usually asked by parents who are haunted by the pain they experienced back in the day when they wore metal braces. We understand that no parent wants their child to experience pain. Rest assured, you will not feel as much pain as the traditional braces used to cause, just a small amount of discomfort here and there.

Sources of Mild Discomfort With Invisalign

Since Invisalign trays are designed to move teeth from their current positions to the more desirable positions, it is normal to feel some discomfort during the initial stages of this movement.

For some people, a minimal amount of discomfort is felt as a result of the aligners rubbing against their teeth. This soreness normally subsides as one gets used to having these Invisalign aligners in the mouth.

How to Alleviate Invisalign Pain and Discomfort

The professionals at Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills, CA explain that Invisalign aligners were designed to address the shortcomings of metal braces. For this reason, there are many steps that can be taken by your El Dorado Hills orthodontists to alleviate any pain that you may feel during their orthodontic treatment. These helpful measures include the following:

1. Smoothening the Edges

Some Invisalign pain can be due to sharp or rough portions existing on the edges of the aligners. If you bring such an anomaly to the attention of the experts at Lyons Orthodontics, the edges will be smoothed and the problem will be no more.

2. Painkillers to Relieve Invisalign Discomfort

Sometimes, your orthodontist may recommend painkillers to help eliminate the pain you feel during the first days when you wear a new set of aligners. Most people feel that the discomfort is managable and opt out of taking painkillers.

3. A Cold Compress

Using a cold compress is a remedy that patients can safely make use of at home when their Invisalign aligners are causing discomfort. This cold compress should not be left in place for more than 10-15 minutes. Use the cold compress as many times throughout the day as you can so that the pain can be kept at bay.

4. Adjust the Switchover Timing

Another tip that our Lyons Orthodontics team suggests, is that patients are deliberate about when they change out their clear aligner trays. We have found that the Invisalign discomfort some people complain about is at its worst during the first 24 hours. This is due to the exerting pressure on your teeth when the new tray is exerting pressure on the teeth to move. For that reason, they recommend that you switch your new trays just before you go to bed. In this way, the tray will adjust your teeth while you sleep and there will be minimal discomfort when you wake up.

5. Adjust Your Food Choices

When you have just switched to a different set of aligners, try to avoid crunchy, crispy and chewy foods. Instead, opt for softer foods that will not put an added strain on your teeth as you chew. This change will minimize the discomfort that you feel during your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners.

Contact Lyons Orthodontics if you feel pain while wearing Invisalign aligners. Our experienced professionals will assess your condition and recommend the best remedy so that the discomfort or pain that you feel doesn’t stand in the way of attaining the objectives of the orthodontic treatment that you are undergoing.

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