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Embarking on the journey to a perfect smile with braces can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But before you take the plunge and get those wires and brackets fitted, you should take a few crucial steps to ensure your orthodontic treatment is as smooth and effective as possible. Here are three essential things to do before getting braces:

1. Have a Detailed Discussion with Your Orthodontist
   Knowledge is power, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to orthodontic treatment. We're here to answer your questions and help you feel confident in this new journey! During your consultation:

• Understand the Treatment Plan: Ask about the type of braces that will be used, the duration of the treatment, and what results you can expect.
• Discuss Your Concerns: Be open about any anxieties or questions you have regarding the procedure, maintenance, or lifestyle changes.
• Financial Planning: Braces are an investment in your smile. Discuss the cost, payment plans, and insurance coverage to avoid surprises.

2. Get a Professional Dental Cleaning
   Before you get braces, it's imperative to start with a clean slate:

• Remove Plaque and Tartar: A professional cleaning will remove any buildup that could cause problems once the braces are in place.
• Check for Dental Issues: Address cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems before getting braces. It'll save you time in the long run.

3. Stock Up on Orthodontic Supplies and Soft Foods
   Being prepared at home will make your transition to life with braces much easier:

• Orthodontic Care Kit: We'll give you basic items. Additionally you may choose to invest in products designed for braces care, including a water flosser, orthodontic toothbrush, and wax for any potential irritation. They are not required, but you may find you like the convenience these items offer you.
• Soft Food Galore: Your teeth will likely be sensitive after the first initial bonding. Stock your pantry with soft foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
• Pain Management: Have over-the-counter pain relievers on hand to alleviate discomfort following your appointments.

To ensure the best possible outcome of your braces journey, it's important to take certain steps with confidence. Remember that achieving a stunning smile is a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare yourself well, and you'll cross the finish line with a grin that's worth all the time and effort you put in. If you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation with our office, we're here for you! Simply fill out this quick form to get a call from our New Patient Coordinator! They will answer your questions and get your first visit scheduled. We hope to see you soon!

Embarking on the journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign is an exciting venture that requires dedication and proper care. Invisalign aligners offer a more aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, allowing for a nearly invisible teeth-straightening process. In our Valdosta, Georgia practice, we are seeing more and more adults and teens choosing Invisalign treatment because of its convenience. To ensure that you get the most effective results and maintain optimal oral health during your treatment, it's crucial to follow a regimen of homecare tailored to Invisalign. Below are five tips that will guide you through the daily care of your aligners and teeth, helping you to achieve the smile you've always desired!

Optimal Wearing Time Is The Goal: Invisalign aligners work best when they are in contact with your teeth for at least 20-22 hours a day. In fact, Dr. Hester and Dr. Morris advise our patients to wear full-time and only take aligners out for eating and cleaning. Consistent wear ensures that your teeth move according to the treatment plan. It's helpful to develop a routine of removing them only for meals and brushing & flossing. Consider setting reminders to put them back in after activities requiring removal.

And Don't Forget Thorough Aligner Cleaning: Proper hygiene is key to avoiding discoloration and odors. Rinse your aligners every time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can cause bacteria buildup. To clean them, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and your toothpaste. Other products exist for cleaning aligners, which you may choose to buy. Brush them gently to avoid hard scrubbing and scratching, making the aligners more visible when worn. Rinse them thoroughly after cleaning.

Pick up your toothbrush often: Good oral hygiene is crucial while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Brushing and flossing thoroughly after every meal will prevent food particles from getting trapped in the aligners, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If you can't brush immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove as much debris and bacteria as possible before reinserting your aligners. Dr. Morris recommends starting and ending the day with clean aligners in a clean mouth.

Prioritize Proper Aligner Storage: Always use the protective case provided with your Invisalign treatment to store your aligners when not in use. This reduces the risk of losing or damaging them. Keep the case clean and in a safe place without exposure to extreme temperatures. If you need to, invest in a backup case for your backpack or workspace. Avoid leaving your aligners out in the open, as this can expose them to harmful bacteria and potential damage. Aligners can get lost very quickly, so best to keep them in their case or in your mouth!

Scans and appointments are a part, too: Each set of Invisalign aligners is designed to make precise adjustments to your teeth's position. It's vital to follow the schedule provided by your orthodontist for changing aligners, usually every one to two weeks. This ensures that the treatment moves forward as planned. If you wear an aligner set for too short a time, your teeth won't move correctly and could delay your treatment. Our Dental Monitoring scans give you a weekly check-in with our office to ensure everything is progressing. Try not to skip or miss those scans, but you can always contact us if you get behind or have issues using the Scanbox.

Bonus Tip: Regular Dental Visits: Throughout your Invisalign treatment, continue to visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. They will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that your treatment progresses as anticipated. Sometimes patients don't realize cleanings are still needed while a patient in our orthodontic practice, but they definitely are!

Implementing these detailed tips can help you achieve the best outcome from your Invisalign treatment while maintaining excellent oral health. What other tips can you recommend?

Three Steps to Take Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can be an exciting step towards achieving the smile you've always dreamed of! A new smile creates confidence and can help people feel better about presenting themselves. However, preparing yourself adequately is essential before you embark on this journey. Here are three vital steps you should take before starting your orthodontic journey.

1. Comprehensive Dental Check-Up

Before starting any orthodontic treatment, ensuring your oral health is in tip-top condition is crucial. This involves a comprehensive dental check-up to identify potential issues that may interfere with orthodontic procedures. Our office checks with your dental provider for any concerns we should watch out for. Your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that should be addressed beforehand. For instance, tooth decay and gum disease can slow orthodontic processes, which means more extended time in braces! Patients must also continue to see their dentist for routine cleanings while in braces or Invisalign. That partnership between the dentist and orthodontist is essential for giving you straight teeth and a healthy smile.

2. Understand Your Treatment Options

Orthodontics has evolved significantly over the years, and a vast range of treatment options are available. Each has pros and cons, from traditional braces to Invisalign and ceramic braces. Before starting your treatment, take time to understand these options. Discuss each treatment type's cost, duration, aesthetic concerns, and maintenance with your orthodontic team. By doing so, you will make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and preferences. At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, all of our new patients receive a complimentary consultation, which is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your treatment options. It’s important to us that you feel confident and comfortable!

3. Planning Your Budget

Orthodontic treatment can be quite an investment. After all, a smile can last you a lifetime! Therefore, it's essential to understand the financial implications before starting your treatment. Our practice offers flexible payment plans to help spread the cost. It's also essential to check what your dental insurance covers and what you'll be expected to pay out-of-pocket. Our new patient team will happily verify this information for you before your first appointment.  A well-planned budget will ensure that your orthodontic journey is smooth and stress-free. Our financial team works closely with patients to ensure they can afford their needed treatment.

To sum up, getting ready for orthodontic treatment is more than just deciding to enhance your smile. It involves a thorough dental examination, familiarizing yourself with the available treatment options, and budget planning. By taking these steps, you can ensure a successful treatment outcome and make your orthodontic journey a smooth and confident one.

Setting up a no-cost consultation with the Hester and Morris Orthodontics team is easy! Call our office at (229)245-1800 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online.

Hey there, parents of teens!

We know you're always looking out for your kiddos, including their pearly whites. Their dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment. What should you do next?

Now, traditional braces have been doing their thing for ages, but let's be honest, they can be a bit of a drag - ouchie adjustments, food getting stuck, and all that jazz. Braces are great, but it can be a lot.

Given the hectic schedules of teenagers juggling sports, music, part-time jobs, and let's not forget, academics… There's simply no time for that!

Got a teen that's always going from one activity to the next? Enter Invisalign.

Here’s why Invisalign might just be what you're looking for:

1. Easy-Peasy

Invisalign aligners are custom-made for fitting over your teen's teeth. They pop right off when it's time to eat or drink. That means no awkward lettuce-in-braces moments in the cafeteria or during a post-game snack. It’s a win-win for your busy bee!

2. No-Fuss Fix

With traditional braces, you're looking at regular pit stops at the orthodontist for adjustments, not to mention those "brace-mergencies" when something breaks. But with Invisalign, your teen gets a bunch of aligners that they will learn to swap out every week. That means fewer detours to the orthodontist, saving you and your teen loads of time.

3. They're Totally Chill

Let's be real, teens can be a little image-conscious (okay, a lot). Old-school braces can be a bit of a spotlight. But Invisalign? They're clear and super low-key, so your teen can keep flashing their fantastic smile without feeling self-conscious.

So, there you have it. If your teen's schedule is jam-packed and you're considering braces, Invisalign could be the ultimate way to go. It's a good idea to consult with your orthodontist to plan your teen's teeth treatment.

The Hester & Morris Team is South GA's #1 Provider of Invisalign. We have been the experts in creating beautiful smiles for over 35 years. The first visit with us is complementary and we can go over the best treatment recommendations for your busy teen!

With fewer visits and remote care through Dental Monitoring, we are all about straight teeth, confident smiles, and your convenience!

Click the link to request an appointment. Learn more about Invisalign from this blog post.

Live Life Smiling!