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.

Invisalign: What to Expect

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Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that helps to move teeth to their desired position. It’s a more comfortable, often faster alternative to standard braces. However, these factors ultimately depend on the complexity of your teeth.

If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment in Lake Forest, IL or the surrounding area, look no further than Goshgarian Orthodontics. We offer top-of-the-line orthodontic solutions!

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works by progressively moving your teeth over time. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign features clear plastic trays that simply snap over your teeth. In order to move teeth to their desired position, the patient must wear multiple aligners for the duration of their treatment. The user switches to a new aligner tray every week or two, resulting in a smile correction very quickly!

While wearing Invisalign has many benefits, its appearance is one of the most impressive. People can barely even tell you’re wearing them! Also, these clear aligners are very comfortable and must be removed before eating, brushing, or flossing, leading to a stress-free, more convenient orthodontic experience!

What to Expect

If you’re interested in giving Invisalign a try, the first step involves seeing a specialist for a consultation. They will determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. If everything looks good, the expert will then use a special scanning device to get more details about your teeth. They may also take x-rays and photographs. This information is then sent to an Invisalign lab, which is where your clear aligners will be developed.

After the orthodontist has received your aligners, you’ll have another appointment to try them on and ensure a good fit. From there, the rest is up to you! All you have to do is wear your aligners properly and visit your orthodontist periodically for checkups.

Think Invisalign may be right for you? If so, call Goshgarian Orthodontics today — the leading orthodontist in Lake Forest, IL!

Embracing Braces: Tips for Back-to-School Confidence During Orthodontic Treatment

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As summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year can be thrilling for many students. However, for some, the anticipation of returning to school is accompanied by feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness because of one significant change in their lives: wearing braces. While undergoing orthodontic treatment is a step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile, for teens, it is natural to feel emotionally challenged during this transformative period.

The Emotional Aspect of Getting Braces Before Returning to School

Getting braces for your teen can be a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, there’s the excitement of knowing that in the long run, they will have an improved smile and better oral health. But there can also be apprehension and self doubt about how they will be perceived by their peers. The fear of standing out or being teased can make the thought of going back to school with braces seem especially daunting. It is entirely normal to feel this way, and it’s okay to be nervous or uncertain about adapting to a new appearance. Understanding that many classmates may have been through or are currently experiencing the same feelings can help your teen feel like they are not alone on this journey.

Building Confidence and Self-Assurance While Wearing Braces

Confidence is a powerful tool that can help your teen navigate the challenges of wearing braces. Here are some tips to embrace braces with confidence:

  • Focus on the End Goal: Remind them why they are getting braces in the first place. Keeping their eye on the prize – a more beautiful, straighter smile – can help them stay positive throughout the treatment process.
  • Accessorize: Make their braces more fun by adding some personal flair. Choosing colorful bands can help them appreciate their braces as they reflect their unique style.
  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Taking good care of braces and teeth will not only improve the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment but will also boost your teen’s self-confidence around others.
  • Talk to Others: Sharing their feelings with friends, family and our orthodontic team can help! Talking about their concerns is often cathartic and others may offer helpful advice and support.

Addressing Concerns about Appearance and Potential Teasing

One of the most significant concerns for students with braces is the fear of being teased or bullied by their peers. However, it’s crucial to understand that we have come a long way in embracing differences and uniqueness. Here are some ways your teen can handle concerns about potential teasing:

  • Educate Their Peers: Sharing with their friends and classmates what getting braces entails and the potential benefits can help. Most kids are understanding and supportive once they realize the importance of the treatment.
  • Confidence is Key: Confidence plays a crucial role in how others perceive your teen. When they are comfortable with their braces, it sends a message to their peers that they are unbothered by their opinions.
  • Stay Positive: If your teen encounters teasing or negative comments, they can stay upbeat by surrounding themselves with positive influences and remembering that true friends will accept them for who they are, braces and all.

We hope these coping strategies help your teen remain confident and excited about returning to school while wearing new braces! Focusing on how they will end up with the smile they want can help them wear their braces with a smile and face the new school year with pride and self-assurance!

Summer Smiles: How Orthodontic Treatments Can Enhance Your Summer Experience

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Summer is a season of sunshine, laughter, and creating and documenting lasting memories with family and friends. It’s a time when everyone wants to look and feel their best, and that includes sporting a confident smile. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, whether it’s braces, aligners, or retainers, summer can be the perfect time to embark on your smile transformation journey. Let’s explore how orthodontic treatments can improve your summer experience to give you even more reasons to smile!

Comfort and Convenience

Today’s orthodontic treatments have come a long way, with modern options like clear aligners that offer a comfortable and convenient solution for you to consider. Unlike the traditional braces of the past, clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to enjoy your summer activities without feeling self-conscious, even when taking lots of photos to share on your social media platforms. Not only that, but clear aligners can be easily removed when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, giving you the freedom to indulge in your favorite seasonal treats without any restrictions. In-season corn on the cob, anyone?

Confidence Boost

A straight and beautiful smile can significantly boost your confidence wherever you go. Whether attending summer parties, traveling on vacations, or just spending time at the beach or lake, orthodontic treatments can give you the confidence to smile freely and radiate positivity. You can feel more at ease engaging with others, making new friends and creating memorable experiences throughout this refreshing season.

Shorter Treatment Time

Orthodontic treatments are also becoming faster and more efficient. With advancements in orthodontic technology, some treatment options offer accelerated results, lowering overall treatment time. Summer provides an opportunity to make progress on your orthodontic journey, allowing you to achieve a straighter smile before the next school year, work, or upcoming life events.

Better Oral Health

Did you know that orthodontic treatments don’t just enhance how your smile looks but can actually improve your overall oral health? That’s because straight teeth are easier to keep clean and maintain, effectively lowering your risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental hazards. By starting your orthodontic treatment during the summertime, you can establish good oral hygiene habits and ensure a healthier smile in the years to come.

Customized Treatment

Each person’s orthodontic needs are unique. Whether you currently experience crowded teeth, gaps, or misalignments, our orthodontic treatments can be tailored to address your specific concerns. During the summer, our orthodontic team has more availability and flexibility to develop a personalized treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and goals. Summer is the perfect time to work closely with our orthodontist to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

Seamless Transition

Starting orthodontic treatment during the summer allows a seamless transition into your new routine. It gives you plenty of time to adjust to wearing aligners or braces and become familiar with their required care and maintenance. By the time fall arrives, you’ll already be comfortable with your treatment, making it easier to manage during school, work, and attending all the seasonal festive events.

No Better Time

Embrace the summer season with a confident smile by considering orthodontic treatment. With the plentiful options available today, you can find a treatment that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. We invite you to consult with our orthodontic team to discover the best approach for bettering your smile this season. Now is a great time to invest in yourself so your smile can shine brighter than ever before. Call today!

Common Treatments

Unlocking Your Best Smile: Why It’s Never Too Late for Adult Orthodontic Treatment

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When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the misconception that it’s only for children and teenagers is far from the truth. In actuality, more adults are investing in orthodontic treatment to enhance their smiles along with their overall oral health. Whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or to address bite issues, adults are realizing that it’s never too late to achieve the smile they’ve always desired. If you are an adult seeking orthodontic treatment, we will explore why orthodontic treatment for you is a worthwhile investment and the many benefits you can reap!

Aesthetics and Confidence Boost

A captivating smile can make a world of difference in both personal and professional settings. Orthodontic treatment effectively improves crooked or misaligned teeth, closes gaps, and straightens your smile. By improving the aesthetics of your teeth, you can experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to fully embrace your uniqueness and radiate positivity in all aspects of your life.

Enhanced Oral Health

Beyond the cosmetic benefits, orthodontic treatment for adults can greatly improve your oral health. Misaligned teeth can be challenging to clean properly, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth properly, making it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene care. Straight teeth are more accessible to clean thoroughly, reducing the likelihood you will incur dental problems and ensuring long-term oral health.

Correcting Bite Problems

Orthodontic treatment is not solely about achieving straight teeth; it can also correct bite problems. Issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites can cause discomfort, affect proper chewing, and even impact speech. By addressing these bite issues through orthodontic treatment, you can improve your dental function and alleviate associated discomfort, leading to enhanced overall well-being.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in orthodontic technology have revolutionized treatment options for adults. Traditional metal braces are still effective, but there are now discreet alternatives available to you. Clear aligners offer a virtually invisible solution, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to the orthodontic appliance. Digital technology has also improved treatment planning and efficiency, resulting in shorter treatment times and more accurate results.

Improved Comfort

As an adult, you don’t need to endure uncomfortable orthodontic appliances. Modern technology ensures that your braces’ hardware is smaller and sleeker. Smooth brackets and wires reduce irritation and lessen discomfort during your orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are custom-made to fit your teeth snugly, providing a comfortable orthodontic experience. With these advancements, you can undergo orthodontic treatment with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Investing in orthodontic treatment as an adult may seem daunting, but it’s essential to consider the long-term cost savings it offers. Correcting misaligned teeth and bite problems can prevent more significant dental issues in the future, saving you from potentially costly and invasive procedures. By addressing orthodontic concerns, you can maintain a healthy smile and avoid the need for extensive dental work down the road.

Age Is Just a Number

It’s never too late to prioritize your oral health and achieve the smile you desire. Orthodontic treatment knows no age limits. Many adults are choosing to embark on their orthodontic journey and are reaping the benefits. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, it’s never too late to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile!