Our Blog

Getting Braces As An Adult???

Braces for adults. For many, those two things don’t seem to go together. Maybe you had braces as a teenager and forgot to wear your retainer, causing your teeth to shift. Even if you’ve never had orthodontic treatment, many adults realize they can benefit from it.

Read on if you’re thinking about getting braces or possibly Invisalign is right for you.

1. You’re not too old for braces or Invisalign.

Let us assure you that having Invisalign or braces is not just kid stuff! In fact, at Hester & Morris Orthodontics, we even have patients that are in their 70s.

In fact, as we age, our teeth tend to shift, and one of the biggest reasons we see adults in our practice is not necessarily for straight teeth but more often due to the change in how their teeth fit together. When your bite is not right, this can cause headaches and TMJ symptoms. We may not be able to relieve your stress from a hectic job, but aligning your teeth can surely relieve some of the stress you put on your teeth and jaws.

2. Treatment for adults is not as long as you might think!

More than ever, our treatment options offer ease of wear and the convenience of low treatment times. Over the years of increased technology, orthodontists have learned how to shift the teeth faster with significantly less discomfort. And because of additions like our iTero digital scanner, doctors Hester and Morris can treatment plan your smile from every angle. The results of this mean you spend less time in braces or Invisalign.

3. Adult braces don’t necessarily mean braces.

We have multiple treatment options at Hester Morris Orthodontics, including those for our adults. In addition to regular metal braces, we offer ceramic braces for a more disguised look and offer Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a great option because it moves your teeth like traditional braces however, because they involve a series of clear removable plastic aligners, they go very well with a busy adult lifestyle.

4. You won’t spend all your time in an orthodontist's chair.

Long gone are the days when patients came once a month to see the orthodontist and have their braces tightened. With our advanced treatment methods and the latest technology, we can give you a great smile more quickly and comfortably. You’ll have fewer appointments with us; we even offer virtual options to help along the Invisalign process.

5. Having orthodontic treatment as an adult doesn't have to mean being extremely expensive.

The Hester and Morris team strives to make orthodontic treatment affordable for our patients. We accept dental insurance, which can greatly reduce your cost out-of-pocket. Many dental plans will cover orthodontics for adults. In addition to insurance, we offer in-house financing that can be flexible to help fill your monthly budgetary needs. We will happily review this information with you at your initial complimentary consultation with our office.

If you’re considering a small makeover or just a tuneup with Invisalign or braces, give us a call or email us to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Hester and Dr. Morris look forward to helping you decide which treatment option is right for you.

December is here, the lights are on the tree, and the gifts are underneath it. If you’re looking for the right thing for your child or teenager, may we share with you why Invisalign makes the ultimate Christmas gift!

They probably already want them!

Unlike the case years ago, braces and Invisalign are very popular amongst teenagers today. We have people who come into our office because their child wants braces or Invisalign treatment. Teenagers see their friends with Invisalign, and they see how easy and convenient it is, making them more self-aware of their smile. The benefits of an improved smile, thanks to Invisalign and Hester Morris Orthodontics, will last long after that latest video game or must-have sneakers are out of fashion.

They probably already need them!

It’s just a fact. Most people need orthodontic treatment due to misaligned teeth and jaws. And since many orthodontic patients tend to be in middle and early high school, your teen will likely need orthodontic treatment, so why not include that as an awesome Christmas gift? 

It helps your child realize the investment you’re making in their smile! 

As much as we love them, sometimes our kids can forget that things just don’t magically appear, but instead, they require hard work and investment. When you give Invisalign or braces as a gift, instead of an expectation, they may have more appreciation for it and therefore take better care of their smile along the way. Plus, you get to be creative and how to tell your child, who really really wants Invisalign, that they’re going to get to come in and be seen by our doctors and team to start the small journey they’ve always wanted!

So give yourself a little credit, mom, and dad! Yes, the cost of Invisalign treatment and braces can be an investment on your part, but if you count it in at Christmas, we think it makes a great gift! The ultimate gift!

If you're interested in scheduling your surprise gift appointment for your loved one, request it here!

5 Tips for Not Losing Your Retainer

Retainers are what you receive at the end of your treatment with braces or Invisalign. Think of them as extra insurance that keeps your smile straight and looking beautiful!

Unfortunately, keeping up with your retainer tends to be an issue with many of our patients. Here are some tips on how not to lose your retainer:

1. Start with good habits. Wear your retainer every night! if you’re already in the habit of wearing it consistently, you will be much less likely not to know where your retainer is.

2. Only keep your retainer in your case or your mouth. Never lay it on a bedside table or the bathroom counter because it’s very likely to be overlooked and accidentally thrown away or lost.

3. If you have a dog, keep your retainer case out of reach! It is proven that dogs are attracted to retainers, and the old excuse of my dog eating my retainer happens. Reduce their temptation by keeping your retainer case and its contents out of reach of your favorite fluffy friend.

4. If you travel, use a backup case! Sometimes when patients travel or live in multiple residences having a backup retainer case is very helpful. That way, it can never be forgotten or lost, tempting you to wrap your retainer in a napkin or leave it on the bedside table.

5. Routine, routine, routine! There is no better way to stay consistent with habits than having a routine. This is so true even when it comes to your nightly home care, including wearing your retainer! Set a timer nightly of when you want to put your retainer in to help you remember until it is automatic.

Do you have any tips for wearing your retainer consistently!? Let us know in the comments!

Getting braces soon? Here are 7 Things to know before getting your braces: 

1. Bring lip balm.

You definitely want to bring lip balm or chapstick to your appointment just because using a cheek retractor can make your lips feel dry. A cheap retractor is a plastic piece that’s used to pull your lips and cheeks away from the surface of your teeth to help keep your teeth dry and ready for the application of braces.

2. While it won’t hurt, the application of braces can be uncomfortable. 

Between having your lips and cheeks held back with a retractor and just the process of having your mouth open for a long time can cause some discomfort while having your braces applied. Just remember that it doesn’t actually hurt your teeth to have the braces put on! No shots or medicines need to be applied since we are dealing only with the surface of your teeth. Sometimes people say that our materials can create a sour taste in your mouth, but we promise it does not last for long!

3. Food will get stuck in your braces.

Despite your best efforts with brushing and flossing, food will sometimes get stuck in your braces. We recommend brushing after meals, even on the go, or using a small proxy brush to help get out that sandwich or salad left behind!

4. You will need a few days to get used to having braces. 

While it’s true that getting braces on is not particularly painful, sometimes our patients do say that you will experience soreness and tenderness in the days after the braces go on. This can be helped by using an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your lips may also probably feel a little funny when speaking for the first few days as your lips adjust to your braces. But we assure you once you’re used to the look and feel of your braces, nothing will slow you down!

5. Your bite is this important as your teeth! 

Orthodontists don’t just use braces to straighten teeth, they are also very invested in ensuring you have a functional jaw relationship. It’s very important to us that the way your teeth fit together is healthy because if it’s not, it can lead to problems down the road. If you’ve ever had to wear rubber bands or have a bite appliance applied with your braces, then you know just how important we think your bite is!

6. Setbacks will happen.

A wire may start poking or slip out in the back. Or and bracket may pop off when eating something you shouldn’t be eating. Setbacks will happen, and that’s OK, as long as it’s not often and you come to see us quickly to have it repaired.

7. Braces are expensive, but they are worth the investment. 

The overall cost of braces includes the supplies needed throughout your treatment, the visits to the orthodontist's office, your doctor's expertise and experience, and the retainers you will receive following your completed treatment. It can seem like a lot of money but remember you are making an investment in your smile that can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.

What other things should people know before starting braces? Leave us a comment below and let us know! If you’re interested in seeing if braces are the right option, click on our request appointment, and one of our new patient coordinators will be happy to discuss your options.