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If you're in treatment with Invisalign and wonder if switching to braces would be easier, this post is for you!  Let's talk!

Requests to switch to braces often come from the frustrated parents of a child that is in Invisalign treatment and just not wearing the aligners as they should. Some adult patients ask to switch because they don't think they have what it takes to wear their aligners full-time.

But, we here at Hester & Morris Orthodontics have done our homework and are prepared to help parents and patients decide if switching to braces is right for them.

We're going to answer two questions:

Can I switch to braces?

And Should I switch to braces?

Orthodontic treatment, whether Invisalign or braces, requires new habits and some specific lifestyle changes from our patients. 

Mostly, these new habits and lifestyle changes are not disruptive to normal everyday life.  It's a lot like making new choices to support a healthier body.  You add in the new habits to create the new you!

Can I switch to braces?

Yes.  The most significant requirement that must be met before switching to braces is to have excellent oral hygiene. 

You have to brush at least twice a day every single day if you're in braces. 

The second requirement is to commit to avoiding certain foods (like popcorn, nuts, hard taco shells, potato chips, and gum).  These types of foods will bend and break wires and braces.

Should I switch to braces?

Well...There are a few things we think you need to consider before switching.

If you switch, you'll be adding more months that you'll be in treatment. 

Braces can add up to 1 year of treatment time.  That also means there will be twice as many in-office visits to come to.  So consider how busy you are and when you'd like to be done with treatment before you switch.

Will you be able to tolerate braces?  Braces can often cause check and gum irritation, mouth sores, difficulty biting all the way down, and very sore teeth for days after wires are changed.

One of my favorite adult patients who switched from Invisalign to braces (she was going through a major life event and couldn't stay consistent with wearing her aligners) called me a few weeks ago, asking me to please let her go back to Invisalign.

She told me that after two months of being unable to bite down all the way when she's eating and having constant mouth sores, she couldn't do it anymore.

She was so honest with me about how difficult it was to create the habit of wearing Invisalign aligners all day and night and that she got annoyed with trying to remember to put them back in after meals, but now that she had the comparison of wearing braces, aligners were a better choice for her.

For her, the adjustments she needed to make for Invisalign treatment were way more tolerable than the adjustments she had to make for braces. 

So really consider your level of tolerance for being uncomfortable.

There are going to be minor little adjustments needed for any orthodontic treatment.  We are here to assist you in your most successful journey, whether that be with Invisalign or braces. 

If you have questions, we are here for you! Call our Valdosta, GA office at 229-245-1800 or email us here. You can also contact us via web chat or through your Dental Monitoring App.

The bottom line is that the Hester & Morris team wants to see you live life smiling!

Do you or your teen have braces and find it challenging to enjoy fast food delicacies? Fear not! This blog post will explore creative ways to savor your favorite fast-food treats without compromising your orthodontic progress. Join us as we navigate the world of braces-friendly fast food indulgence, ensuring both parents and teens can enjoy their meals without worry.

Oh, the dilemma of having braces and craving your favorite fast food! Fast food has become so essential to our culture that it's hard to avoid. Plus, it's a quick and easy meal option for busy individuals. However, having braces can make indulging in fast food tricky, and it may even seem impossible at times. The good news is that many braces-friendly fast food options won't damage your orthodontic progress. It all depends on making the best choice available to you at the time.

Let's dive in and make braces life a little more delicious!

We're breaking down three of the most popular fast food types and sharing braces-friendly fast food options for each.

1. Pizza

It's not just Michelangelo; most Americans love pizza! In fact, 73% of adults* consume pizza at least once a month. So, with it being such a favorite food, is it something you can enjoy while wearing braces?

Happily, the answer is yes! While patients must be careful anytime they are directly biting into a food item, pizza is considered a braces-safe food.

But watch out for extra thick dough varieties that can get stuck in braces and can bend wires, and we do not recommend eating the end crusts of any type of pizza. Pizza crusts are too hard for braces, and biting down on them can cause breakage and extended treatment times.

2. Tacos

Not all tacos are bad for braces! While they are a common item to avoid when eating hard, crunchy shells or tortilla chips, choosing flour tortillas for soft tacos is a great option. They are soft and flexible and don't require much care like the more rigid shells. So indulge your next late-night taco craving with a soft flour tortilla, quesadilla, or burrito!

Cinnamon twists should also be traded in for the very popular cinnamon roll bites at your favorite fast-food Mexican joint.

3. Chicken

Nuggets, tenders, strips, or on the bone, Chicken is a very popular fast food choice for many families with kids.

Biting directly into chicken on the bone is not recommended because the harder bones are likely to bend the wires of braces. The same goes for wings. In these instances, we encourage our patients to cut the chicken into small pieces before eating.

Nuggets and tenders are also excellent options for people craving chicken! Smaller in size and boneless, they are considered braces-friendly food. While we should always be cautious of the amount of breading on the chicken and ensure it is not too thick or hard to bite into, chicken is an excellent choice for those who are eating fast food while having braces.

What about you?

Where is your favorite place to eat fast food while wearing braces? Do you have a favorite nugget place? Be sure to share with us in the comments below! If you ever have questions about foods to avoid with braces, you can always check out our previous blog post on the topic or call our Valdosta, GA office at (229) 245-1800. We're here to help you live life smiling!

* https://bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/4-facts-about-us-pizza-consumption

Easter is a time for celebrating and spending time with family, but for those who wear braces, it can also be a time of anxiety about what foods to eat.

Many things plentiful during this time of year are not recommended for braces, such as nuts, licorice, and chewy and gummy candies.

Thankfully, plenty of brace-approved foods are also perfect for Easter. From roasted vegetables to soft fruits and even mashed potatoes and sweet treats, there are plenty of great options to choose from that won't harm your braces. By being mindful of the types of foods you eat this holiday, you can enjoy all of your favorite Easter treats without any added stress or damage to your braces. Be good to your smile!

Here are a few of our favorite braces-friendly foods for Easter.

1. Veggies

Good for you nutritionally and orthodontically; we are big veggie fans here! Veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals; when they are roasted, they become easier to chew. Mashed veggies, like potatoes or squash, are also an excellent option for those eating softer foods due to braces on their teeth. Avoid eating raw veggies or those with hard skins, as they can break brackets or wires.

2. Fruit

Most fruits are safe to eat when you have braces, and with the warmer spring weather, many of our favorites are in season! Strawberries and blueberries are excellent options and often make up many Easter desserts. We recommend caution when eating apples and pears and suggest that these fruits be enjoyed cut up into smaller pieces.

3. Deviled Eggs or Whole Hard Boiled Eggs

Is it even Easter in the south if you don't have deviled eggs? I mean, who would want to pass on such a classic Easter food? Also, many people still color traditional hard-boiled eggs to hide on Easter. Eggs of all varieties are safe to eat and enjoy while you are wearing braces.

4. Ham

Another Easter staple for many families, ham can be eaten when you have braces. If the outside texture is a bit chewy, you can dice it up into small pieces to make for safer eating. We love ham with brown sugar glaze or pineapple!

5. Chocolate Bunnies

The star of every Easter basket! These hollowed or solid chocolate bunnies are perfectly safe to enjoy while wearing braces. Just be sure to keep your teeth brushed soon after to avoid any cavities!

6. Chocolate Creme Eggs and Mini Eggs, PB Cup Eggs

The classics that people love to enjoy! These favorites of many people are not only delicious but okay with your braces. Just be careful anytime you are biting directly into any kind of candy, especially those with a candy-coated shell.

7. Peeps and other marshmallow treats

Marshmallow bunnies and chicks are a delicious treat to enjoy while wearing braces; just be sure to keep your bites small to avoid any potential damage to your teeth or braces. Since this treat is loaded with sugar, you will want to brush your teeth soon after eating it.

What other treats can you enjoy while wearing braces? Leave them in the comments below! We hope you all have a very blessed Easter season! Live Life Smiling!

Are you considering Invisalign? If so, you're on the right track.

Congrats on taking steps to improve your smile! If you're new to Invisalign, it's important to know that the aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible. They work by shifting your teeth into their desired position gradually and comfortably.

Whether you're a teen or a parent researching Invisalign aligners, you should know a few things before starting your smile journey. In this post, we will answer 10 of the most asked questions asked when considering diving into Invisalign. Let's get started.

Is it painful to wear Invisalign?

If you're thinking about getting Invisalign aligners, one thing to remember is that they require some discipline to wear. Additionally, be prepared for some discomfort or soreness as your teeth adjust to the aligners. This is normal and should go away after the first day or two. It's also normal for some patients not to experience any discomfort or soreness at all. It may help to change your aligners at nighttime so that you sleep in them when they are the hardest to get used to. But always ask and follow your orthodontist's instructions.

How often should I wear them?

Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how to wear your new aligners and how often to switch them out for new ones. Generally, you will need to wear your aligners full-time. While they are removable, you must wear them for 22 hours daily to achieve the desired results. If you don't wear them for the optimal time, you won't get the desired results. At Hester and Morris, most of our Invisalign patients wear their aligners for one week at a time and then switch them out for the next set of aligners. The average length of treatment for Invisalign is 12-24 months.

Will I have a lisp with Invisalign?

The plastic material used for Invisalign is very thin, and so many patients do not experience a lisp. It can be temporary; as your tongue gets used to the aligners, any lisp will disappear.

Can I drink coffee and tea while having Invisalign on? Water is the best option for drinking while having Invisalign in your mouth. Coffee and teas can stain your aligners and teeth, so removing the aligners when you drink them is best.

What is IPR, and is it necessary?

IPR stands for Interproximal Reduction. Sometimes when you have Invisalign, and mainly when you have crowded teeth, this method is used to help create tiny spaces between your teeth so that your teeth can shift more quickly and ultimately into the proper position. It's not done in every treatment case; when it is done, it is for a specific reason. Ex. To eliminate dark triangles in the smile.

What if I lose an aligner?

Hopefully, you will not lose any of your Invisalign aligners, but occasionally it happens. If you happen to lose one of your aligners, contact our office for instructions. Most of the time, you may be able to progress on to the next set of aligners, but since each treatment case is unique, it's best to let us know what's happening so we can advise you accordingly. We also recommend keeping your last set of previously worn aligners in case you need to return to them temporarily. We would hate for you to lose any progress!

How do I keep my aligners safe?

The best way to keep your Invisalign safe is by keeping them in their case or your mouth! Never, never, never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them out. Someone could very quickly come along and throw them away accidentally. Also, be sure to keep your aligners in a safe place when you are not wearing them, where pets cannot reach them. Our aligners smell like us, which attracts pets to them and can lead to the loss of your aligners! In our Valdosta, GA, orthodontic office, we often suggest patients have a backup case for their backpacks.

What are attachments, and why do I need them?

Invisalign are aligners that you place on your teeth, and to help the aligners fit as snugly as possible, attachments are added to specific teeth. They are clear and bonded when you get your aligners. This gives the aligners extra leverage in moving your teeth.

How should I clean my aligners?

When it comes to cleaning your aligners, nothing fancy is required. A good old toothbrush and toothpaste will work just fine. If you want to take it a step further, try using an Invisalign cleaner like the cleaning crystals that come with your Invisalign starter kit. This will remove all the bacteria from the aligners and keep them fresh and clean.

What happens after my Invisalign treatment is finished?

After your Invisalign treatment is finished, you'll want to keep and maintain that beautiful smile with a retainer. Retainers are used to hold the teeth in their new positions, so they do not shift. At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, our Invisalign patients are now being given a Vivera retainer to wear after treatment to hold their teeth in place. Vivera is the next generation of retainers, made by the same company that makes Invisalign.

Invisalign is an excellent treatment option if you want a straighter smile. Read more about why we think Invisalign is the clear winner here! Dr. Morris is South Georgia's premier Invisalign provider. His experience and commitment to superior patient care will ensure that you or your child will receive the highest quality orthodontic treatment with the convenience of Invisalign and the confidence that comes from knowing you are in the trusted hands of an orthodontic expert.