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It is very important to keep your orthodontic retainers clean to help maintain great oral hygiene and make sure bacteria isn't present on your retainers.

The best way to clean both Hawley (metal) and clear retainers:

1. Rinsing your mouth after eating so there isn't food sitting in the retainers. If you are out and are unable to brush you can easily rinse with water after eating.
2. Brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. You can use toothpaste or just water.
3. Soak the retainers in warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet or denture cleaner or even hydrogen peroxide once a week during dinner time.
4. After soaking and brushing your retainers be sure to rinse with water to remove all solutions.
5. Keep the retainers in the clean Azizi orthodontic retainer case provided from the office.
6. Clean your orthodontic case with soap and water then dry to be sure no mold or bacteria grow in the retainer case.

If you follow these steps you can be sure to have clean retainers and no bad bacteria will be on them.

During orthodontic treatment the orthodontist will use either stainless steel or niti wires. The wires which are used during orthodontic treatment play a serious role in correcting & aligning the teeth. These wires also play a part in correcting the bite. Orthodontic wires have been used since the 19th century. The father of orthodontics, Dr. Edward Angle, experimented with them.

The use of stainless steel wires began in 1929 & have been a popular choice due to its heavy force & resilience. The orthodontist uses this wire when needing to use special bends. Stainless steel wires are not used until a couple visits into treatment due to the heavy force the wire have on the brackets. If a stainless steel wire is used the same day a patient gets their braces-- there is a possibility the heavy force will break the bracket. Stainless steel wires are very durable & help reduce the treatment time. If a patient is constantly breaking brackets the orthodontist will not be able to use stainless steel wire and this will lengthen treatment time.

The use of Nickel-Titanium (Niti) wire began in 1960. Niti wires are great when first starting treatment due to the light force it applies. Niti wires are effective when a patient has excessive crowding. Due to its flexibility, the wire will help move the tooth in alignment. Because niti wires have a "shape memory" this means the wires will always keep shape unless heated.

Just because you are under orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer vacations! But you do have to make sure to continue the care of your teeth, braces or aligners. 

Keep in mind to stay away from sticky foods (even though s’mores look yummy!) & harder foods such as corn on the cob & ribs! Biting into the hard middle can easily break a bracket or appliance which can cause discomfort. If you have invisalign you won't have to worry about any food restrictions but try to rinse your mouth after eating or brush & rinse your trays. 

Don’t forget to pack your orthodontic oral hygiene kit you have received from our office. Inside is everything needed for small vacation emergencies. The kit contains wax if something is bothering you, a toothbrush, toothpaste & more to keep up with oral hygiene. 

If you have your invisalign trays and forget to pack new ones, be sure to continue wearing the trays you have until you are home and able to get the next set. Another scenario may happen-- you do bring all your trays but end up losing the tray you were wearing. Just go to the next set. If you feel like they are very tight, try wearing them for an additional week. Also, make sure to pack the invisalign cases so the trays don't get lost while you are away.

Even though it’s summer break & you are heading on new adventures, don't forget to keep up with your orthodontic appointments! It’s still important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth. Keeping your appointments will ensure your braces are removed on time. So don't skip any appointments. If you know ahead of time how long you’ll be gone let the orthodontist know so they can coordinate your treatment properly. 

Most importantly-- enjoy your summer break, spend time with your friends & family. Don’t forget to share your pictures from your trips and adventures!! 

Invisalign is a great option if you enjoy being more comfortable and have a busy lifestyle.

One of the main reasons people choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces is due to the comfort level. Braces can cause some discomfort, soreness, and even pain- which is something many patients want to avoid.

Braces are made up of metal brackets and wires which apply continuous pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position. This pressure can be uncomfortable and can cause soreness and even pain, especially when the braces are first applied and adjusted.

Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for the patient's teeth. These aligners are made of a smooth, flexible plastic material that is much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.

Unlike braces, which have metal brackets and wires that can rub against the inside of the mouth, Invisalign aligners are smooth and don't have sharp edges. This makes them much more comfortable to wear, and won't irritate the mouth in the same way braces can.

Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, so a patient can take them out whenever they need to eat, brush, or floss. This means a patient won't have to deal with the discomfort of food getting stuck in the braces, and can maintain better oral hygiene, which can also help prevent discomfort and pain.

Overall, Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable and convenient option than traditional braces. They offer flexibility, convenience, and improved comfort, all of which are important factors to consider when deciding between braces and Invisalign.