Home Care For Your Orthodontics

Remember there is an adjustment period, so even though it feels awkward now, you will be used to the appliance and feeling better in a few days. Find more tips about your new MARA appliance by reading more.

The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth sets rapidly at first but takes 24-hours to cure completely. You can eat anytime after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

Halloween is right around the corner, and along with it comes the tempting flavors of desserts, treats, and most importantly, candy! For many, these treats have almost no effect besides raising their blood sugar or giving them a sugar rush, but for those who have braces and Invisalign, eating candy may be something to reconsider.

With the holiday season around the corner, the time of festivities and tradition typically follow along with it. Especially the holiday foods and treats that consist of baked goods and flavorful feasts. The experience and joy the holidays bring are very tempting and irresistible, especially for people with braces and Invisalign. Although many may believe that their orthodontic treatment is restricted to the types of food they are allowed to eat, Invisalign aligners provide a flexible treatment that will ensure the patient indulges this holiday season with minimal worry.

With the holiday season among us, we have compiled a list of tips and reminders on caring for your Invisalign aligners. This is a time of year where a variety of foods and drinks are in abundance, but that doesn’t have to ruin the progress of your Invisalign treatment. Remember that Invisalign aligners are meant to move your teeth over time gradually, so if you’re not wearing your aligners during this holiday season, then the treatment will not be as effective. Taking good care of your aligners requires a bit of care and patience.

About 15% of the population smoke cigarettes or regularly use tobacco products in the United States alone. About 50% percent of all Americans are on Invisalign treatment or highly considering it. Many of those considering Invisalign treatment are concerned about whether they can continue to smoke while wanting to straighten out their smiles. The truth is many orthodontists, and doctors highly recommend avoiding smoking at all costs due to its effects on oral and general health. 

Eating proper foods, minimizing sugar intake, and getting enough sleep are essential during orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are appliances used to keep your teeth straight once your orthodontic appliances have been removed. Some retainers are cemented in place, but most are removable. The type of retainer you have been given has been chosen and designed specifically for you! Without retainers, your teeth will move back to the way they were before you received orthodontic treatment. We worked hard as a team to get your teeth straight. Let's work as a team to keep them that way!

You will notice that it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for any time, it can leave a permanent white scar on the surface. Brushing after meals should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle on the tooth circularly, below, and above the brackets.

Real orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but we're here to help with these common issues including: loose archwires, poking archwires, loose brackets, loose bands, lost separators, swallowed appliances, broken retainers, sore teeth, sore gums, and more.

Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential in keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible and odor free. The aligners can be easily removed for eating and drinking, however, failing to properly clean your aligners afterwards can result in discoloration and a buildup of bacteria. To maintain clarity, it is good to periodically clear debris from your aligners with a soft toothbrush and water.

The fact is: Flossing is super important, whether you have braces or not. Find out how to floss like a boss at Sacks Orthodontics!

You may be wondering what a canker sore is, how you get them and how you can get relief from them. Sacks Orthodontics in New Jersey is here to help!

Are elastics safe to use? What’s the point of elastics? Do rubber bands hurt? We're happy to answer these questions about elastics & more at Sacks Orthodontics!

Invisalign crystal packets are used to dissolve plaque and kill bacteria that may be growing on your Invisalign trays. The Invisalign crystal packets are formulated to sanitize your trays during everyday use. Bacteria can get trapped in the crevices and cause plague and other issues if not cleaned thoroughly every day. They are completely safe and are specifically made to clean and disinfect your aligners. They are made of safe compounds and are clinically proven to prevent discoloration, staining, and odors from building up.