If your child or teen is starting Invisalign treatment, you’re probably excited about the clear, comfortable path to a straighter smile. At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, we want every patient to get the best results possible from their Invisalign journey. Here are two important tips that can make all the difference:

1. Wear Aligners as Directed

Consistency is key! For Invisalign to work effectively, aligners need to be worn at least 20-22 hours every day. We recommend that pur patients wear them full time -- That means your child should only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing or flossing. Forgetting to wear aligners or leaving them out for long periods can delay progress and extend treatment time. Make it a habit: encourage your child to put their aligners back in immediately after meals and to keep their case handy at all times. Setting reminders or using a treatment tracking app can also help keep them on schedule.

2. Keep Aligners and Teeth Clean

Good hygiene is essential for oral health and the success of Invisalign. Aligners should be rinsed and gently brushed with a soft toothbrush every time they’re removed. This prevents the build-up of bacteria and keeps them clear and odor-free. Encourage your child to brush and floss after every meal before putting their aligners back in—this avoids trapping food particles and reduces the risk of cavities or staining. Carrying a travel toothbrush in their bag makes it easy to stick to this routine, even at school or on the go. If brushing is not an option, try rinsing your mouth and aligners after eating.

Invisalign is a great way to achieve a confident, healthy smile—with a little diligence and care, the results can be truly amazing. If you ever have questions or need support, the Hester and Morris Orthodontics team is always here to help! Be sure to check out our YouTube playlist for great tips on Invisalign.

Now Is The Perfect Time for Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation at Hester and Morris Orthodontics in Valdosta, GA.

As the school year winds down and backpacks are tucked away, summer becomes a season of opportunity for families. While you’re planning vacations and enjoying a slower pace, it’s also the ideal time to focus on your child’s dental health—and specifically, to schedule an orthodontic evaluation at Hester and Morris Orthodontics, located in Valdosta, Georgia.

Early Evaluation Means Healthier Smiles

You may be wondering, “Why should my child see an orthodontist before any major issues show up?” The truth is, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age 7. This doesn’t always mean braces right away, but early evaluation allows our specialists to spot subtle issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, or emerging teeth—even before they’re visible to you or your general dentist.

Early intervention can save your child from more complex treatments down the road and can even guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve appearance and self-esteem. At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping children achieve their healthiest, most confident smiles.

Specialists in Braces and Invisalign

Whether your child needs traditional braces or is a candidate for Invisalign, our team is here to help. Braces remain a tried-and-true solution for many kids, correcting everything from crowding to bite problems with excellent results. For older kids and teens looking for a less noticeable option, Invisalign clear aligners offer a comfortable, discreet way to straighten teeth—without interrupting summer fun or school routines.

We know every child is unique, so we create customized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs and lifestyle. Dr. Morris, Dr. Hester, and our trained team will guide you through every step, answering your questions and ensuring your child feels at ease.

Make the Most of Summer Break

Summer offers the flexibility to schedule appointments without missing class or juggling after-school activities. It’s also a great time for your child to adjust to new appliances or aligners before the busy school year begins. By starting treatment during the summer, your child can enter the new school year with a confident smile and a head start on their orthodontic journey.

Ready to give your child the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile? Schedule a summer evaluation at Hester and Morris Orthodontics today—because a lifetime of confident smiles starts with a simple first step. If you're interested in learning more about our office or services, please visit our website or call (229)245-1800.

Happy Summer and Live Life Smiling!

Thinking of Straightening your smile? Here are our top ten straight-forward reasons to get Invisalighttps://www.hmorthodontics.com/invisalign-treatmentn Clear Aligners:

1. Nearly Invisible Appearance

• Clear aligners are discreet and barely noticeable compared to traditional braces.

2. Comfortable Fit

• Made of smooth plastic, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than metal braces, which can cause irritation.

3. Removable Convenience

• You can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing—making oral hygiene much easier.

4. No Food Restrictions

• Unlike braces, there are no restrictions on what you can eat since you remove them before meals.

5. Easier Oral Hygiene

• Since they’re removable, brushing and flossing are much simpler than with traditional braces.

6. Fewer In-Office Appointments

• No need for frequent tightening or adjustments—just switch to the next aligner in the series.

7. Predictable & Efficient Treatment

• Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging to map out your treatment plan, giving you a clear idea of the final results.

8. Less Painful Than Braces

• While there’s some pressure when switching trays, there’s no risk of cuts or irritation from metal wires.

9. Fixes Many Orthodontic Issues

• Treats crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites effectively.

10. Boosts Confidence

• Straighter teeth can enhance your smile and self-esteem without the insecurity that can come with metal braces.

Would you like to explore whether Invisalign is a good fit for your specific situation? Send us a message and our Treatment Coordinator will reach out to answer any questions you have!

Hester and Morris Orthodontics is South Georgia's leading Invisalign specialist. Reach out to us here to schedule your complimentary consult for braces or Invisalign.

Avoid these types of foods if you have braces.

Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a perfect smile, but it also comes with some dietary restrictions. Certain foods can damage your brackets, bend wires, or cause painful complications. To avoid extra trips to the orthodontist, here are the top five worst foods to eat when you have braces.

1. Sticky Candies (Caramel, Taffy, and Gummies)

Sticky sweets like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears are a nightmare for braces. They can get lodged in between brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean. Worse yet, they can pull brackets right off your teeth, leading to an emergency repair.

2. Hard Foods (Nuts, Popcorn, and Hard Candy)

Crunching on hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can easily break your braces. Biting down on something too firm may cause a bracket to snap off or a wire to bend, setting back your orthodontic progress. If you love nuts, opt for nut butters instead!

3. Chewy and Crunchy Bread (Bagels and Crusty Rolls)

While bread seems harmless, chewy and dense varieties like bagels and crusty rolls can be tough on braces. They require excessive chewing, which puts pressure on your brackets. Soft breads or tortillas are a better alternative.

4. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables (Apples, Raw Carrots, and Corn on the Cob)

Although fruits and vegetables are healthy, some can be difficult to eat with braces. Apples and raw carrots require strong bites that could dislodge brackets. If you can’t resist them, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces or cook them until they’re soft.

5. Sugary and Carbonated Drinks (Soda and Sports Drinks)

Sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks may not directly damage braces, but they contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay, which can be harder to clean around brackets. Acidic drinks can also weaken enamel, leading to white spots when your braces come off. Stick to water or unsweetened beverages instead.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your braces means making smart food choices. Our team is here to help! Avoiding these five types of foods will help keep your treatment on track and prevent unnecessary visits to the orthodontist. Continuous repairs to your braces can cause your treatment to go longer. Remember, it’s only temporary—once your braces come off, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy smile to show off!