How to Care for Your Invisalign® Braces

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Your Invisalign® braces will do a great job of correcting gaps, misaligned or crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites if you care for them correctly. Dr. Goshgarian, your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee will create your personalized Invisalign® tray to work its magic, and then it’s up to you to wear and care for your braces. Follow these best practices and get the smile you deserve:

1. Clean Your Invisalign® Aligners When You Brush Your Teeth

If you need to wear your Invisalign® all day, clean them in the morning and evening when you brush your teeth. If you only wear them overnight, clean them when you take them out in the morning before you put them back into their case.

2. Add a Lunchtime Rinse

After lunch, find a place to rinse your Invisalign® off with clean, lukewarm water to remove food particles.

3. How to Clean Your Invisalign® Braces

You will need: clean hands, lukewarm water, a recommended clear, unscented antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should use a separate toothbrush for your aligners—not the same one you use on your teeth.

  • Gently brush all surfaces of the aligners with a tiny bit of the recommended cleaner and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back on.

4. Deep Clean Your Aligners Once Weekly

Your Lake Forest orthodontist recommends disinfecting your Invisalign® trays once a week using Invisalign® cleaning crystals. Use the package directions and soak your aligners in the solution for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse them off with lukewarm water and reapply, or store them in their case.

5. Encase When Not In Use

If you only wear your aligners at night, stow them safely in their case after you clean them in the morning so they’ll stay clean.

Ask Your Lake Forest and Gurnee Orthodontist about Invisalign® Care

Your Invisalign® aligners can help you get your best smile if you take good care of them. If you have any questions, call or schedule an appointment at Goshgarian Orthodontics in Lake Forest and Gurnee.

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4 Things You Can Do to Maintain Your Traditional Braces

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Traditional braces do a great job of straightening your teeth and realigning your jaw. Once installed, they need to be maintained in order to work properly. Your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, will give you information about how to take care of your braces. Feel free to ask questions about how you can care for braces! Below, we’ve listed four things you can do to take care of your traditional braces.

1. Keep Them Clean

Food can easily get caught in traditional braces. When this happens, plaque can build up on your teeth. This plaque is difficult to remove. You can keep your braces clean by brushing after every meal. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

2. Eat the Right Foods

Some foods can damage your braces, while other foods can easily get caught in the brackets of your braces. Avoid foods that are especially hard and crusty. Food like hard bread, nuts (especially almonds), crunchy raw vegetables, and hard candies can all break braces wires or brackets, leading to necessary repairs.

Sticky foods like caramel and gummy bears can get stuck to your braces and may not be easy to remove. Avoid anything sticky like this to keep your braces clean.

3. Floss

Flossing can be a challenge when you’re wearing braces. Your dentist will show you how to floss while wearing traditional braces. You may need a floss threader to make this job easier.

4. See the Orthodontist Regularly

Keep up your regular trips to the orthodontist while wearing your braces. Your dentist will be able to identify problems with your braces when you come in for adjustments.

Do you need braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics to make your appointment.

Do Braces Stain Your Teeth?

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Braces do many wonderful things for your teeth. Braces can help straighten crooked teeth, realign your jaw if it’s misaligned, or correct crowded teeth.

Despite these great things, you may have heard that braces can cause stains. You may have questions about this. Your orthodontist in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, can help. At Goshgarian Orthodontics, we help patients straighten their teeth and enjoy a good experience with their braces.

Do Braces Stain Your Teeth?

Braces themselves don’t stain teeth. However, braces can trap food particles and bacteria against the tooth enamel. At the same time, braces cover other parts of the teeth and protect them from food and bacteria. When the braces are removed, parts of the teeth that have been exposed to food and bacteria may be stained while other parts may not.

You can help prevent this problem by protecting your teeth and keeping them clean while wearing braces.

How Can You Keep Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Braces?

There are many things you can do to maintain healthy, clean, attractive teeth while going through braces treatment.

  • Avoid eating foods your dentist warns you not to eat. This may include sticky candies like caramel.
  • Brush your teeth well twice daily or more frequently if needed.
  • Floss your teeth using a floss threader.

As an alternative to braces, you can also consider Invisalign. Invisalign clear aligners are easy to remove, which allows you to clean your teeth like normal. Not all patients are good candidates for Invisalign, but if you are, your orthodontist will let you know.

Need Braces? Contact Your Orthodontist Today

Are you interested in braces or Invisalign in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL? If so, contact the professionals at Goshgarian Orthodontics. Call today.

Taking Care of Your Braces: Important Tips

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Braces are a big investment. That said, taking good care of these oral appliances is essential.

In this post, we’ll provide some suggestions on how to properly care for your braces.

Brush and floss regularly

As food particles can easily get trapped in your braces, proper brushing and flossing is vital. Make sure to spend extra time brushing between the metal brackets and wires, but don’t use too much force. You want a deep clean without putting significant pressure on the appliance. Consider using an automatic toothbrush to make your job easier.

For flossing, use a floss threader to get underneath your braces. These products are designed to be used with oral appliances. Once finished, rinse your mouth to remove all debris.

If you’re ready to get started withorthodontics in Lake Forest, IL, contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We’ll help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

See your orthodontist as needed

While brushing and flossing are key, routine orthodontic visits are also crucial for the maintenance of your braces. You will see your orthodontist on occasion to make adjustments, but you should also schedule appointments if you experience any pain or other issues. Make sure to solve any problems before they get worse!

Avoid certain foods

Some foods, especially anything extra hard or sticky, can be a nightmare for your braces. Biting down on hard foods can damage your brackets and wires, possibly leading to an emergency appointment. Additionally, sticky foods can easily get trapped in these devices, making them difficult to remove.

Wear a mouthguard during sports

During physical activity or while playing sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces. Furthermore, mouthguards can also prevent your oral appliance from cutting the inside of your mouth.

Braces can make you fall in love with your smile! Contact us today to work with the leadingorthodontist in Lake Forest, IL!

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

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Traditional braces have always been very effective at moving teeth and fixing smiles. No matter what correction you need, braces are able to help! Here at Goshgarian Orthodontics, we’re happy to offer dependable braces in Gurnee, IL, and the surrounding area. We can give you the smile you’ve always wanted! Give us a call today to make an appointment.

In this post, we’ll talk about how traditional braces work.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces use constant pressure to move teeth. These oral appliances can fix teeth that are crooked, misaligned, gapped, or crowded. Made of metal, traditional braces can be used for just about any smile correction. Furthermore, they can make a drastic difference in your smile in a matter of months! Most people are blown away by the results.

Materials Used

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets, wires, and bands. One bracket is attached to each tooth, and a long wire connects the brackets. The bands, called ligatures, help hold the wire in place.

Although these materials are often made of metal, clear ceramic can also be used. This gives the oral appliance a less noticeable look, which is an important quality for some people.

What to Expect

Braces use constant pressure to fix misalignment issues with your teeth. Once the metal wires are connected to the brackets, this wire pulls teeth together to leave you with a straight, beautiful smile! Throughout your treatment, your orthodontist will occasionally replace this wire to move your teeth more effectively.

Braces at Goshgarian Orthodontics

Are you looking for a glowing smile with perfect teeth? If so, look no further than Goshgarian Orthodontics! With our skilled team of orthodontic specialists, we can give you the smile of your dreams. Call us today to work with the best orthodontist in Gurnee, IL!

Retainer Instructions

Exceptionally Effective Ways to Relieve Braces Pain 

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You know the old saying, “No pain, no gain.” Well, that’s what you must tell yourself when you getbraces in Gurnee, IL. However, with that said, the pain and discomfort go away after you get used to wearing them. So, until you get used to your new braces, here are some tips for you.

Exceptionally Effective Ways to Relieve Braces Pain

Try a few of these for some relief.

  • Numbing Gel

You can buy numbing gel over the counter. It doesn’t last very long, about 20 minutes at the most. But it will give you at least a little relief.

  • Ice Pack

Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the outside of your cheek where you are experiencing pain. You will love the numbing effect.

  • Saltwater Gargle

Make a saltwater gargle of ½ teaspoons of salt and 8 ounces of warm water. Then rinse your mouth with it. This is one of the best ways to get rid of your braces’ pain and can also help with healing.

  • Soft Foods

Talk with yourorthodontist in Gurnee, IL, about any dietary restrictions they recommend while you are wearing braces. Eating only soft foods right after your braces will help keep your teeth from hurting.

  • Frozen Treats

If you ever needed an excuse to eat your favorite frozen treats, now you have it. Go ahead and indulge in some frozen treats for braces and pain relief.

  • Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications can really help with pain and discomfort. But talk with your doctor first. If you are still noticing pain and discomfort after a few days, contact your orthodontist immediately.

  • Orthodontic Wax

After you get your braces, you will be given some orthodontic wax. This is a special wax that you can put over the tips of the brackets on your new braces. The wax creates a barrier that will protect your cheeks and gums. Just remember to remove it before brushing your teeth.

Searching for an Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL?

When you’re ready to get braces, pleaseContact Goshgarian Orthodontics. We love creating beautiful smiles!

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The Pros and Cons of Traditional Metal Braces

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If you or your child needs braces in Gurnee, IL, you probably want to weigh your options. There are many different ways to straighten your teeth, but which one should you choose? Let’s take a quick minute to go over some of the facts about traditional metal braces.

The Pros and Cons of Getting Metal Braces

Let’s first review the pros,and then discuss the cons. Then, you and your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL, can decide whether you want traditional metal braces or something else.

Pros:

  • Can Correct all Cases of Misaligned Teeth (unlike clear dental aligners)
  • Improved Oral Health
  • Highly Durable
  • Customizable (several types of metal braces available)
  • Most Affordable Orthodontic Treatment
  • No Risk of Loss or Contamination (like there is with dental aligners)
  • Cost (basic traditional metal braces range between $3,000 and $6,000, sometimes more)
  • Traditional Metal Braces Are Usually (but not always) Covered by Your Dental Insurance
  • Don’t Require Much Patient Intervention or Discipline (like clear dental aligners do)

Cons:

  • Can Be Uncomfortable (until you get used to them)
  • Diet Restrictions (no hard or sticky foods, and no raw vegetables until you get your braces removed)
  • Visually Noticeable (metal brackets and wires will be visible unless you opt for lingual braces where the metal brackets and wires are placed on the backside of your teeth)
  • Require Monthly Follow-Up Visits
  • Require More Frequent Brushing and Oral Hygiene Maintenance
  • Longer Treatment Duration (1-3 years)

Do You Need an Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL?

Getting braces of any kind requires orthodontic services. Please Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today. We believe in treating all our patients like family. We offer a full suite of orthodontics. Come and see us. Your perfect smile awaits!

Common Treatments

Will I Need Braces, or Can I Get Invisalign?

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When you and yourGurnee, IL, orthodontistare discussing treatment options to straighten your teeth or correct your bite, you might wonder whether traditional braces or Invisalign is the right choice for you. Both methods are designed to align teeth over time, but they do so in different ways and are suited to different types of orthodontic issues. Here’s a brief overview to help you understand which option might suit your situation better.

Traditional Braces

Braces consist of metal brackets that are applied to your teeth and connected by wires. Braces are a robust solution that can handle the most severe crowding, spacing, alignment problems, and complex bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners, which are nearly invisible, removable trays made of plastic. Invisalign is popular among adults and teenagers who are looking for a less noticeable form of orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate dental misalignments, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems.

Deciding Factors

Ultimately, your orthodontist will make the final decision as to what the best course of treatment for your alignment issues is. The dentist will take into account several factors, including:

Severity of Orthodontic Issues

Traditional braces might be recommended if you have severe crowding, spacing, or complex bite issues due to their robustness and ability to handle intricate adjustments. While effective for a wide range of corrections, Invisalign might not be suitable for more complex orthodontic needs.

Aesthetics

If the visibility of braces is a big concern for you, your dentist might agree to Invisalign, particularly if you are of school age or work in a professional capacity where aesthetics matter a great deal.

Lifestyle

Invisalign requires discipline to wear the aligners for the recommended 22 hours daily. If you think you might forget to wear them or prefer not to be responsible for removing and inserting the aligners throughout the day, traditional braces might be a better fit.

Whether you get Invisalign in Gurnee, IL, or traditional braces, you can be sure that your orthodontist will do everything possible to ensure a positive outcome for your dental health. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

5 Foods to Avoid When You Have Braces

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Traditional braces can be easily damaged by certain foods. In addition, some foods just get easily stuck between brackets and wires, and that can make keeping your teeth clean extra difficult. As your dentist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, we can help you every step of the way when you have traditional braces. Below are some of the foods that we recommend our patients avoid when they have traditional braces.

1. Hard Foods

Hard foods like candies can easily damage braces, and even if they don’t damage the braces, little bits of hard candy that become stuck in between brackets can be bad for your teeth. Avoid hard foods like candy canes while you’re wearing traditional braces.

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramels can become a real mess to clean out of braces. If you eat sticky foods while you have braces, you may not be able to fully clean your teeth afterward. Leave these foods to consume after your braces have come off.

3. Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods like nuts and pretzels put a lot of stress on your braces and can lead your braces to develop broken wires and other problems. Avoid nuts, chips, hard taco shells, and other crunchy foods to help maintain your braces.

4. Tough, Chewy Breads

Just like crunchy foods, tough, chewy breads also put stress on your braces. Avoid breads with tough crusts and dense interiors.

5. Gummy Candies

Gummy candies can be very tough, which can damage the brackets in your braces. In addition, gummy candies can become stuck in your braces, just like hard candies, and that can be very bad for your teeth.

Have more questions about how to maintain your braces in Forest Lake and Gurnee, IL? Call Goshgarian Orthodontics to talk to one of our dental professionals.

Invisalign vs. Standard Braces

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Straightening teeth is a goal for many people. However, when it comes to orthodontics, patients have a few different options. While traditional braces are still common, Invisalign clear aligners are soaring in popularity.

In this post, we’ll talk about the key differences between Invisalign and standard braces.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign can change your life for the better. Here are the advantages you can expect:

Better Appearance

Invisalign features clear, plastic aligners that simply fit over your teeth. Compared to traditional braces, they give off a much better appearance. In fact, many people won’t even notice you’re wearing them!

Comfortable

Standard braces involve metal wires and brackets that can be uncomfortable. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about these obstructions at all! Invisalign features a strong plastic that fits over your teeth, providing a comfortable orthodontic experience.

Removable

Another top benefit is that Invisalign can be removed before eating, brushing, and flossing. This means you don’t have to deal with food getting stuck in the device, which is common with braces.

Want to learn more about this orthodontic treatment? If so, reach out to Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We offer top-of-the-line Invisalign treatment in Lake Forest, IL.

Benefits of Standard Braces

Keep reading to learn about the advantages of traditional braces.

Good for Complex Corrections

If you have a very crooked smile and need complex work, standard braces will be the most effective choice. Traditional braces can fix any smile, no matter what correction is required.

Near Perfect Results

While Invisalign can give you a beautiful smile, standard braces can help you achieve a perfect result. Traditional braces are slightly more effective at straightening teeth than Invisalign.

Various Options

Aside from the metal brackets and wires you’re used to, standard braces also come in different styles. For example, you can choose lingual or ceramic braces if you want something less noticeable.

Which Option is Best?

Deciding on one option over the other really comes down to personal preference. All in all, choose the option that works best for your needs. If you need assistance, reach out to Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We’re proud to have a leading orthodontist in Lake Forest, IL.