Drabik Orthodontics Blog

If you have ever undergone orthodontic treatment or gotten a restoration, you are likely familiar with the process of taking dental impressions. In the past, it involved biting down on a gooey substance to form a perfect mold of your smile. The good news is that this practice is a thing of the past. However, this begs the question: do digital impressions result in better-fitting restorations? Here’s what you should know.

Getting braces as an adult can feel like a big step, but it’s increasingly common, and absolutely worth considering if you want to improve your smile or correct bite issues. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teenagers, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth. Whether for aesthetic reasons or dental health, adult braces can bring lasting benefits. Here are some important things to know before you take the plunge.

Have you seemingly lost your perfect smile after slacking on your retainer? You’re not the only one. Many patients complete their Invisalign treatment only to forget that their retainer is non-negotiable. But can’t you just start wearing it more to get your grin back together? Continue reading to see why your retainer may not be enough to save your smile.

Starting clear aligner treatment with Invisalign is an exciting time. Just think—your straightened smile is now on the way! And while there’s plenty of reason to celebrate, the next week might be a little rough. Tender teeth, sore gums, and general discomfort are all normal parts of the process, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from going through with your treatment! Continue reading to find some easy ways to manage discomfort and stay on track.

Once you complete your orthodontic treatment, the final step is to wear your retainer. This simple appliance is the most critical part of your treatment that helps you preserve your results. But like anything else, it doesn’t last forever! Over time, retainers wear down, lose their shape, or even break, which can affect how well they hold your smile in place. So, how often should you replace yours? Continue reading to learn more!

Did you know that more than 60% of American adults drink coffee every day? If you’re one of them, then you might be wondering if you will need to steer clear of this dark-colored beverage once your clear aligner treatment officially begins. After all, you don’t want your teeth or trays to stain! Below, you’ll learn if you can drink coffee with Invisalign.

Are you ready to leave crooked or spaced-out teeth in the past? If so, you – like many other patients – may be interested in doing so without noticeable brackets and uncomfortable wires. The good news is that Invisalign can deliver the same beautiful results but with clear, comfortable aligners. If you are curious what the teeth-straightening process looks like, here’s a brief breakdown of five important steps.

If you’ve just had your braces removed, you may have noticed that your teeth developed blemishes throughout your treatment. This can happen because clearing plaque off your enamel around the square metal brackets is challenging. As a result, bacteria in the sticky residue leech minerals from your teeth, leaving white splotches behind.

Thankfully, your orthodontist can provide whitening treatments to address unsightly discoloration, but you must consult with your provider before proceeding. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why!

Congratulations, your orthodontic treatment is coming to an end! Soon, you’ll be able to showcase your beautiful new smile. But before you break out the confetti, you still need to get your braces removed. Here’s what you can expect from that step and how to care for your teeth after your wires and brackets have been taken off.

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! You now have a beautiful, straighter smile to show the world. But if your teeth are looking a bit dull or discolored now that your braces are off, you may be wondering if you should get them professionally whitened. But before you do, here are a few important guidelines for doing it after orthodontic equipment removal.