Braces are a rite of passage for many children, as younger smiles often need a little help and guidance to achieve optimal health and beauty later in life. That said, how do you know when your child is old enough to begin the process? Phase 1 orthodontic solutions are designed to preemptively address bite and alignment issues before they have the chance to become severe, and depending on your child’s individual oral needs, they might be ready to get started. Here’s what you need to know.

Invisalign is one of the go-to options for correcting crooked smiles, and millions of patients have turned towards the clear aligners to straighten and enhance their pearly whites. That said, there are many “do-it-yourself” alternatives out there that claim to offer the same results as Invisalign. But is this actually the case, and are these products even safe to use? Here are four reasons why Invisalign outperforms other DIY options and why it’s a highly recommended option for straightening your smile.