Straight Teeth Are Happy Teeth

It's a fact: Straight teeth are less prone to tooth decay, gum disease and injury than crooked teeth. Studies have shown that straight teeth are easier to clean than crooked teeth. Because straight teeth typically stay cleaner, they are less likely to acquire plaque (a major factor in most tooth decay and gum disease). As for injury, when protruding teeth are straightened, there is a smaller probability for them to become fractured if an accident were to occur, therefore reducing the need for corrective dental work. Prevention is the Best Medicine!

When orthodontic problems such as crowded, crooked or protruding teeth go untreated, they can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and inefficient chewing function. If a tooth's protective surface is worn too thin, increased sensitivity and a greater chance for it to become fractured can occur. Not to mention, inefficient chewing from untreated orthodontic problems can cause a misalignment of the jaw joints. This misalignment can often lead to chronic headaches or pain in the face and neck.

In most cases, orthodontic treatment can help to prevent the need for costly restorative dental care to correct these problems.

Soft Tissue Laser Treatment

Our office is pleased to offer this state-of-the-art technology to our patients. Soft tissue lasers are used to painlessly remove gum tissue. Advantages of using the laser include fast and precise removal of tissue; painless procedure which does not require injections; more sterile because the laser tip sterilizes itself during use; and quicker post-operative healing.

The soft-tissue laser procedures include:

• Exposure of slowly erupting teeth
• Removal of excessive gum tissue for better oral health and appearance
• Ulcer pain relief

Dr. Wilmot has completed all necessary requirements pertaining to physics, safety and regulatory guidelines and clinical applications for the Diode Laser to earn her Associate Fellowship within the World Clinical Laser Institute.

All patients shown were treated by Dr. Wilmot.

Get Familiar with Headgear

Headgear is a general name for a type of appliance that creates special forces for guiding the growth of your face and jaws. Headgear is also used to move your teeth into better position or to prevent them from moving when they're not supposed to.

At first, your headgear may look a little strange to you, and it will seem a little awkward. But it's a necessary part of your orthodontic treatment. Rest assured the healthy, beautiful smile that will be yours for a lifetime will be well worth the effort you make now.

Your teeth may be tender or even slightly loose the first few days you wear your headgear. This tenderness is normal and will disappear as you adjust to this new part of your treatment. If you continue to be uncomfortable for more than a few days, be sure to let our team at Wilmot Orthodontic Care know.

We Love Our Patients & Our Patients Love Us

Dr. Wilmot and our dedicated and experienced staff is committed to delivering the highest quality orthodontic care in a warm and comfortable environment. Our office provides the latest technologies, including digital imaging, to customize your treatment plan to provide you with the most efficient treatment.

We offer multiple orthodontic treatment options to fit your needs. This includes braces for patients of all ages, from children, teens, and adults.  We pride ourselves not just in our staff, but in boasting of our wonderful patients. Working closely with so many amazing patients, we decided to share some of their testimonials with you!  Take a look at the kind patient testimonials left on our website.

As we approach the end of the year, we want to sincerely thank all of you who have taken a few moments to leave a testimonial on our website.  If you are an existing patient and would like to leave a testimonial, please do so! We love hearing about your experience at our office.  

Visit our website : www.jjwilmot-ortho.com

Save This Black Friday With Our Secret Tips

Everyone knows the biggest day for the best shopping deals is the day after Thanksgiving! Black Friday has become an unofficial holiday for smart shoppers looking to save on holiday gifts.  If you’re one of those smart shoppers, you’re in luck because we have a few secrets to help you in your hunt for the best deals this year.

Tip#1 Be Prepared

 Many stores give early bird Black Friday ads to customers on their email list. Check out your favorite stores online and subscribe to their e-mail list so you can start finding the deals before the stores open!

Tip#2 Get Bonus Discounts

If you get a thrill from shopping at the crack of dawn, you will love the rewards that may come with it. Many stores do giveaways to those who are in line to shop on Black Friday. Last year, Sports Authority gave the first 80 customers to walk in gift cards worth up to $500.

Tip# 3 Split Up

It’s fun to shop with family and friends, but with so many deals and so little time you can play it smart by dividing up the shopping. Compare your lists with your closest pals, and split up the stores and items!

Tip# 4 Stay Within Your Budget

Make a list of what you need and a set budget on what you have to spend.   Make sure you stay strict to the list and don’t purchase items you don’t need.  Sometimes it’s the things that aren’t on the list that blow your budget.

Turkey & Pumpkin Pie Are Healthy Choices For Your Teeth

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth. 

At Janice Wilmot Orthodontics, we want you to know you can now be extra thankful for turkey and pumpkin pie!

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

Pumpkin

Not only are pumpkins decorative and delicious, but they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel. 

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

October Celebrates Orthodontics

When you think October, you naturally think Halloween. But did you know that October is also a time for celebrating Orthodontics? Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

In a month full of sweet treats, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your braces and/or your orthodontic appliances. Try to avoid hard and sticky candy. As always, remember to brush and floss after eating sugary foods. Exposing your teeth to sweets increases your risk for cavities and allowing sugar to sit on your teeth can lead to decalcification (permanent white discoloration of the teeth).

If you do indulge in sweets, do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with candy. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat Halloween candy, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not. Tasty alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.

If you have any questions about what foods are best during orthodontic treatment, feel free to ask during your next visit! Healthy teeth and gums mean an amazing smile!

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd. 

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

PINK OUT!

As we celebrate Orthodontic Health Month, we have to take the time to acknowledge another health effort focused on creating health awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness.

Breast Cancer is the most common of cancers affecting women in the US, and second leading cause of death. However, Breast Cancer also affects men. Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in breast cells. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that have the ability to grow and spread.

Facts about Breast Cancer:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

IN OUR OFFICE IT’S A PINK OUT! FOR EVERY PATIENT WHO CHOOSES PINK TIES FOR THEIR BRACES, DR. WILMOT WILL MAKE A DONATION TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. We started on September 22nd a Pink Out. Since then we had 29 patients choose pink for their braces. Dr. Wilmot is donating to The American Cancer Society for every patient who chooses pink ties. Please help support!! Lets get over 100 patients in pink! Ask for it at your next appointment.

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd. 

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

A Clean Mouth Is A Healthy Mouth

Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide. Plaque and tartar can form around your brackets and bands which can lead to cavities. What can you do to make sure you protect your teeth? Visit your dentist. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure that plaque and tartar are removed. 

Orthodontists and dentists specialize in different things, but work as a team for you and your oral health. Your orthodontist is not in charge of cleaning your teeth or checking for cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. And because it is much more difficult to keep your mouth clean while appliances and wires are in place you still need to see your dentist at least twice a year. 

So without regular dental examinations and necessary treatment, it is possible to end up with straight teeth and good bite, but with decayed teeth and unhealthy gums. And who wants that?

Remember, you can still get cavities when you are wearing braces so always brush your teethfor two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and eat healthy.

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd. 

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

6 Things Parents Want To Know About Invisalign Teen

Source:Invisalign.com

Teens no longer  have to worry about embarrassing metal braces in their yearbook photos, Facebook profiles or Instagram profiles with  Invisalign® Teen! Invisalign® Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

As a parent we know you may have questions and concerns about choosing the Invisalign system for your child. Dr. Wilmot cares about oral health of your child just as much as you do, so we want use this blog address 6 things parents want to know about Invisalign teen.

1. WHAT IS INVISALIGN TEEN?
Invisalign Teen is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions that come with metal braces. Rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. Your teen simply wears them over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place, achieving that confident smile.


2. IS INVISALIGN AS EFFECTIVE AS
TRADITIONAL BRACES?
Yes. When worn according to the recommendations
of an experienced Invisalign-trained orthodontist,
Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional
braces for the most common teeth-straightening
issues. Invisalign can effectively treat mild to severe
cases, including underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth. The chances are very high your teen will be a great candidate for
Invisalign.

3. ARE THERE ANY EMOTIONAL CONCERNS TO CONSIDER?
Invisalign has conducted research that shows that moms underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about crooked teeth, and using braces as a solution can often make this lack of confidence even worse. But with Invisalign Teen, no one needs to know your teen is straightening their teeth, removing a potential source of real anxiety for them and giving them the confidence to be themselves in front of everyone.

4. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRACTICAL
ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER
TRADITIONAL BRACES?
If you’ve had braces yourself, you already know the issues associated with metal wires and brackets.With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports without the worry of being hit in the mouth by a ball, which can cause real damage in braces. They can also continue playing musical instruments properly, without braces getting in the way. With braces, there is a long list of foods your teen shouldn’t eat, from popcorn to apples and raw carrots. With Invisalign, there are no such restrictions. The removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss normally to maintain
proper oral hygiene.


5. WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ALIGNER
GETS LOST?
Not to worry—Invisalign Teen offers six
replacement aligners for free! In the event that an
aligner is lost, you should inform your orthodontist
right away.

6. HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT
VISITING THE ORTHODONTIST?
Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your
orthodontist than traditional braces do. There
are no adjustments to make, no broken wires
to fix. After the initial appointment, follow-up
appointments are usually scheduled for every four to six
weeks.

For more information regarding your child and Invisalign, give us a call today! 

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd. 

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

Dr. Wilmot Is Your Board Certified Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a post-doctoral graduate program accredited by the
American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics. After a few years of experience, that orthodontist is eligible to become board certified through a voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). And according to the ABO…"involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.”

Orthodontists can’t practice without a license. However, they don’t have to seek certification from the ABO unless they want to show they are one of the top providers in the country. Board certification provides a gold standard against which any orthodontist can be measured. Ensuring that your orthodontist is board certified isn't just about making sure your treatment is effective, certification also signals something much more important than a beautiful smile…certification ensures your safety and peace of mind.

• Board Certified Orthodontists have had their cases reviewed by an expert panel of other Board Certified Orthodontists.

• Board Certified Orthodontists have passed all written, oral & clinical examinations to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

• Board Certification is the highest level of academic achievement that can obtain by an Orthodontist.

The ABO is the only certifying board recognized by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.

Don't trust your orthodontic health to anyone but the best of the best. When you're selecting an orthodontist for your orthodontic treatment, ask to see their certification credentials. Only then can you be sure that your treatment will be effective, affordable and, most importantly, safe. Janice J. Wilmot, DMD, MS, PC, a Board Certified Orthodontist and one of Atlanta's Top Dentists, providing trusted orthodontic care to the metro-Atlanta area, Gwinnett, Dekalb and Walton county communities. To schedule an appointment give us a call today.

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd. 

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

Pool Side Protection..For Your Teeth

One sure way to beat the heat cool and have fun is by hopping into the swimming pool. But did you know those dips into the pool could be harming your teeth? Read more to find out how.

Studies done over the years have presented evidence that swimming in the pool can damage tooth enamel. The damage is called enamel erosion, which is caused by chlorine. Chlorine is a chemical used to keep pool water clean. However, this bacterium killing chemical is highly acidic and over time will start to erode your teeth. Tooth erosion is caused by acid dissolving the surface of the teeth. Teeth can repair themselves with minerals in saliva, but too much exposure too often will cause the erosion to begin. The eroded teeth become extra sensitive, thin and are more likely to decay. In addition to erosion posing a threat, teeth can come stained a tinted yellow by chlorine.

How you can protect your teeth:

• Make sure your pool is properly maintained
• Purchase inexpensive pH strips to check balance of pool water
• Try to keep water out of your mouth while swimming
• Do not brush right after swimming, with soft enamel you could be brushing enamel way

To learn more about to protect your teeth visit jjwilmot-ortho.com or call our office with any questions you may have.

Gwinnett Orthodontic Care

956-D Killian Hill Rd.

Lilburn, GA 30047

(770) 921-2233

Summer Time is The Perfect Time to Visit Dr. Wilmot

You know what's the best way to start your summer vacation, by visiting the orthodontist. Yes, you read that right we did say visiting the orthodontist. Your child probably has a lot of extra free time being on summer break so why not spend some perfecting their smile.

Just the Facts: According to surveys taken by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
9 out of 10 
Americans agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset.
3 out of 4 
Americans agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.
1 out of 2 
Americans are satisfied with their smile.

Healthy teeth do more than provide your child with an opportunity to show off their smile. Healthy teeth enable your child to be more confident, allow for easier social development and help to promote over-all good health.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited, and therefore cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Wilmot can often guide facial development and tooth eruption, and thereby prevent more serious problems from occurring. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.

The upcoming school year is like a clean slate just waiting to be filled with good memories and opportunities for growth and adventure. So embrace the summer months and give your child a happy, healthy smile! To schedule an appointment this summer just contact us today.

Lock it Down

You’ve just gotten your taken braces off and your smile looks awesome! Now, if you want to keep that super straight, amazing smile you are going to need to make sure you wear your retainer.

We know you know this…the braces come of, the retainer goes on. But we can’t stress it enough. If you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth are going to move out of alignment and back into their original, crooked places…just as if you never even had braces at all.

Here’s something you may not know… your teeth aren't set rigidly into your jawbone like you might think. They are held in place by bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal position by your braces and/or other orthodontic appliances, it takes time for the periodontal ligaments to adjust. When you’re not wearing your retainer, pressure from your lips and tongue can cause your teeth to shift. Even if your teeth and smile don’t look like they are moving, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. If you go without wearing your retainer for long periods of time, your teeth will continue to move until misalignment is visibly noticeable, and that crooked smile you thought was a thing of the past is back again.

So, if you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your nice straight teeth won’t be nice and straight for long. And we know you didn’t go through orthodontic treatment just for fun.

Protect Your Smile!

Each year during the month of April the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Orthodontists sponsor National Facial Protection Month.

National Facial Protection Month focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children and adults from oral and facial injuries. Many injuries that do occur during sporting activities could have been prevented had the proper protective gear had been worn. An estimated 12 million people between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually. A recently published study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of injuries treated at hospital emergency departments, for the period 2001-2008. Researchers found the five most common causes of childhood injuries were, in order of frequency, basketball, football, bicycling, playgrounds and soccer.

For our patients we want to remind you that it is important for you to protect your mouth during treatment. For protection you must wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect yourupper and lower teeth. You can buy a stock mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury.

To help promote National Facial Protection Month Dr. Wilmot has began the "Protect Your Smile" contest. To enter our "PROTECT YOUR SMILE" contest for a chance to win a gift card to Academy Sports. Send us a photo of you wearing your mouthguard and you will be entered in the contest. Email your photos to smilesblossom@jjwilmot-ortho.com or drop it off at our office.

To learn more about National Facial Protection Month please visit AAOMS.org

NO Pain NO Gain

When thinking about orthodontic treatment the first question people usually have is, "Will it hurt?”. There seems to be a common fear among everyone with regards to the pain orthodontic treatment might bring. Well Dr. Wilmot has some good news! Orthodontic treatment is not as bad as you think it is.

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically over the years. But as a general rule, initially, braces do make your teeth tender and sore for the first few days after having them placed. But the soreness is not unbearable. The slight soreness you feel comes from the fact that your teeth are beginning to move and they are not used to the pressure the arch wire and brackets are causing. As time goes by, your teeth will get use to the braces and your soreness will go away.

It is important to know that today’s braces are more comfortable than ever. But if you still think braces might hurt more than we are letting on, here are a few tips that will help reduce any soreness you may feel:

•     Take an over the counter medicine...like Advil. 
•     Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. 
•     Eat soft foods like yogurt and mash potatoes. 
•     Place heating pad or warm was rag on jaw. 
•     Avoid acidic drinks; those drinks with acid can irritate a sore mouth. 
•     Use over the counter oral anesthetic like Orajel. 
•     Apply wax to any bracket or wire bothering your cheek, tongue or lips.

If you have any questions about starting orthodontic treatment at our office, please feel free to give us a call anytime, or leave a question on our Facebook page!

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush?

Dr. Wilmot recommends that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one ever 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn that's a clear sign...you need a new toothbrush. Those of you who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement.
So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and it’s out with the old and in with the new.

After reading the above you're probably thinking…”My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it.” And maybe that’s true, but did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush:

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.
2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.
3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Do we need to say it again? Germs and bacteria in your mouth twice a day, every day.

Feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful? We’ve got a solution. Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great at cleaning around facet fixtures and in tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer key boards and tennis shoes.

Just 2 Minutes 2 times a Day

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important. 

When treating your teeth Dr. Wilmot and her staff want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits start at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jawbones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

In an effort to help Keep Kids' Mouth's Healthy, The Ad Council has started the 2min2x Children's Oral Health Campaign. For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips

    Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
    Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.
    Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
    Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

...For more tips please visit 2min2x.org

Check out this Children's Oral Health Ad campaign 

At Gwinnett Orthodontic Care we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

Clearly Different

Typically when we think orthodontics, we think traditional metal braces. And while technology has made many advances in traditional braces…there more options for achieving the smile you have always dreamed of, and there's an option that is CLEARLY different

The Invisalign System straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom-made aligners created for you and only you. These aligners are smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible. And wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr.Wilmot has planned out for you.

There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.

More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, and it's not hard to figure out why. Appliances that are barely noticeable have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. With the Invisalign System, you’ll achieve a great smile with little disruption in your daily life.

Check out these results from our patients

Did you know…
Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact us to make an appointment today.

Be Kind To Your Braces

Braces are used as a treatment to bring out your best smile. And with that comes a lot of changes to your mouth including your daily oral hygiene activities and eating habits.

While you have braces you will want to avoid certain types of foods…basically anything sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy. Here’s a list of treats you will need to avoid during your braces treatment:

• Gum
• Hard Candy
• Sticky Candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Ice
• Taffy
• Hard Chips
• Carrots
• Apples
• Hard/Thick Bread
• Large/Hard Pretzels
• Corn on a cob

It is important to not consume these foods, because eating anything sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy can damage your braces which could make your treatment longer than expected.

We want you to have the best experience during your treatment. So…here’s a list of great foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.

• Dairy - pudding, soft cheeses
• Breads – sliced lunch bread, soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins w/o nuts, biscuits
• Grains – noodles, pasta, soft-cooked rice
• Meats/poultry - soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood - fish w/o bones, tuna, salmon, crab and crab cakes
• Vegetables - mashed potatoes, peas, yams, steamed spinach, beans
• Fruits - applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
• Treats - ice cream w/o nuts, milkshakes, smoothies, Jell-O, cake
• Other – eggs, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, beans and much more

Remember with braces, always be mindful of what you are eating, the wrong food can lead to a sooner than expected visit to our office.