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How to Keep Your Retainers Safe

You did it! After months or even years of wearing braces, your teeth are finally straight and your smile is beautiful. But before you can fully enjoy your new smile, there is one more thing you need to do: wear your retainers. Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new position and maintaining your straight, healthy smile for years to come.

But wearing your retainers is only part of the equation. You also need to protect them when they’re out of your mouth. After all, the world is full of hazards that can damage or destroy your retainers, from curious pets to mischievous siblings. Here are some tips to help you keep your retainers safe from Orthodontists Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics.

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5 Dental-Friendly Foods for a Stronger, Brighter Smile

Orthodontists Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon and the dedicated team at Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA understand that maintaining a healthy smile involves more than just regular brushing and flossing. It also means making thoughtful choices when it comes to your diet. We are firm believers in the power of preventive care. In this blog post, we will introduce you to five dental-friendly foods that can play a crucial role in preventing and even reversing damage to your teeth, ultimately leading to a stronger and brighter smile.

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Trick-or-Teeth: How to Safeguard Your Smile during Halloween

Halloween is certainly something to look forward to! Crafting an amazing costume, attending parties, maybe even braving a haunted house. But, with all the sugary treats making their way into your life, we’d be remiss if we didn’t warn you about the true Halloween horror – tooth decay. 

If you have braces, an appliance, or Invisalign aligners, pay special attention during the Halloween season. The effects of poor oral health combined with lots of candy are even spookier. But never fear! Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you don’t have to deal with decay this fall from Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics. (more…)

Do I Have to Get Invisalign from an Orthodontist?

The real answer to this question is yes. You might see advertisements online or in magazines for services that bypass the orthodontist to get you clear aligners. These services are typically referred to as mail-in orthodontics. Many adults who seek orthodontic care later in life view the orthodontist as a hassle and may be more likely to try these non-certified options, so keep reading to learn more about why you should get Invisalign from an orthodontist, from Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics. 

Why an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals. While aligner companies have technology that allows them to create sets of correctional aligners, they lack the training and expertise of a certified orthodontist to make diagnostic decisions regarding your bite and teeth. 

Orthodontists go through dental school and a specialized master’s program adding two to three years of specified bite-focused training to their dental education. They complete an orthodontic residency and often participate in research to further the field as a whole. 

Many orthodontists also invest in continuing education programs and are up to date on the best and most effective ways to straighten teeth. An orthodontic office has all the materials and staff to facilitate an easier and less harmful path to a beautiful smile.  

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What’s New in Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of medicine that is experiencing continuous advancements and progress. With new inventions and research, innovative ideas and practices are being introduced into the orthodontic industry. As a result, your orthodontist is equipped with the latest and most advanced technology to provide you with the best possible treatment.

It’s important to note that the latest types of treatment are rigorously tested and researched before being implemented in your orthodontist’s office, so you can trust their safety and effectiveness. If you’re curious about the latest developments in orthodontics, Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics can provide valuable insights. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements.

Clear Aligners

One of the best examples of this is clear aligners. Invisalign was the first to pioneer this technology, and millions of patients have seen great success with the method. Invisalign has countless benefits from ease of use, no food restrictions, and of course the invisible nature of the aligner. In the beginning, clear aligners were the subject of speculation and suspicion in the orthodontics and dental health fields. But Invisalign is just as effective as more traditional braces, and the company who designed and pioneered the technology, Align, is always on the forefront of technology. 

Invisalign is also associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software.  The iTero scanner and 3D printing system used to create aligners is fully backed by hundreds of qualified orthodontists, educators, and dentists. This scanner takes more than 3000 photos a second to create the most accurate and best suited tools for treatment. 

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How Often Do I Need to Wear My Invisalign?

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign? Adjust my expander? Wear rubber bands, retainers, or mouthguards? These questions and more are some of our most asked questions during treatment. The short answer is that if you wear these appliances and are diligent with your oral health, your treatment will progress easier. Your compliance and the length of time you wear braces or have aligners are directly related. Keep reading to learn more about the Importance of Compliance During Orthodontic Treatment from Dr. Barton Soper, Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, Dr. Mohammad Mainayar, and Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics.

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