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Welcome to the journey of transforming your smile with Invisalign, the modern approach to teeth straightening that has revolutionized the smile world.

Invisalign aligners promise a less visible, more comfortable path to achieving the amazing, confident smile you've always desired. But even with its ease and convenience, there are certain pitfalls you'll want to avoid to ensure your treatment is a success.

In this post, we'll guide you through the Invisalign don'ts—a list of common missteps that could hinder your progress or compromise the effectiveness of your aligners. From dietary choices to oral hygiene habits, we're here to help you navigate the do's and don'ts of your Invisalign journey. So buckle up, and let's dive into the crucial tips that will keep your smile transformation on track!

• Don't NOT wear your aligners. This seems pretty basic, but it can be the most significant barrier between a patient and their finished smile. Dr. Morris recommends that Invisalign patients wear their aligners full-time, taking them out only when eating and brushing their teeth. If you forget to put your aligners in after snacks and meals, try setting an alarm on your phone!

• Don't put your aligners in a napkin, EVER! You think your aligners are safe and won't get thrown away, but trust us, we see it all too often where patients have lost aligners. Or maybe a good-meaning parent cleans up and unknowingly tosses the aligners in the trash. The best place for your Invisalign is either in your mouth or in the case. Maybe consider a backup case so you are never without one! Check out these fun styles you can choose from here.

• Don't leave your Invisalign near your pets. Seriously! Animals are attracted to the scent of your saliva. Cats will love to hide those aligners and bat them around for fun, and dogs often chew them up! Keep your aligners out of reach.

• Don't boil your aligners to clean them. Cleaning your Invisalign is essential. The Hester and Morris team recommends daily cleaning of your aligners to keep bacteria away. This can be done very simply and easily with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Invisalign also sells Cleaning Crystals that can help with a deeper clean. Always use warm, but not too hot, water. Very hot or boiling water can warp the special plastic of your aligner and cause it to not fit correctly.

• Don't drink while wearing aligners. Water is okay! But as tempting as that coffee all-morning feeling is, it's not all that great a choice while wearing your Invisalign. Take out aligners to enjoy sugary drinks, as that liquid getting trapped in your aligners can cause tooth decay. You can also use a straw if you're not in a situation to be able to remove your aligners.

Hester and Morris Orthodontics is the top provider of Invisalign in Valdosta and all of South Georgia. We have the experience and smile results to show why we are this area's Invisalign expert! Come change your smile, and your life, with us! You'll be glad you did!

Are you ready to embark on a sweet, delicious, and braces-friendly journey?

Welcome to the whimsical world of freeze-dried candies—a tooth-friendly treat that promises to deliver the taste of your favorite sweets without the sticky aftermath that can be a nightmare for orthodontic work. Because braces have brackets and wires, there are some foods and treats that are not recommended due to the possibility of causing damage to your braces and ultimately delaying your treatment time.

In this blog, we will test these innovative confections, exploring whether freeze-dried versions of popular candies can satisfy your sugar cravings and keep your braces and orthodontist happy. Join us as we crunch, taste, and assess various colorful, flavorful selections that might revolutionize how you indulge with braces.

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, brace yourself for a new experience, and find out if these treats are as good for your brackets as they are for your taste buds!

Nerd Clusters and Starbursts

Two candies that are a definite "no" in their traditional form. Typically, Nerds candies are too hard and can cause the breakage of brackets. Likewise, Starbursts, though very popular, are much too chewy to be eaten with braces. However, both candies were airy and had a light crunch in the freeze-dried varieties. We would consider this a better alternative for braces patients!

Red Hots and Jolly Ranchers

These two favorite candies did not fare so well in our braces-friendly test. Even in their freeze-dried state, the Red Hots were still much too hard, risking popping off a bracket or bending a wire.

We were surprised by the consistency of the Jolly Rancher. It was so easy to bite into it almost disintegrates in your mouth. Which sounds great for braces, right?

Unfortunately, the chewed candy was so sticky and hardened around our teeth that it could get trapped around braces, so it would be nearly impossible to brush away easily. For this reason, we do not recommend Jolly Ranchers.

What other candies would you like us to test? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Hester and Morris Orthodontics is South Georgia's Best Orthodontic Practice. We are the area's specialist in Invisalign clean aligners and braces. Let us help you live life smiling!

Click here for a list of foods we ask patients to avoid when they have braces, along with foods that are a great alternative!

Smiling is a universal sign of happiness and can profoundly impact our mood and those of others around us.

Here are three smile quotes to remind us of the joy and love that comes with every smile:

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." – Phyllis Diller

"Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." – Peace Pilgrim

"Use your smile to change the world; don't let the world change your smile." – Chinese Proverb

These quotes emphasize the importance of smiling not just as a way to express happiness but also as a means to positively influence our environment and persevere through life's challenges. A smile can really change your outlook on the worst day... Try it!

And share these quotes today with someone who may need a smile!

Did you know? Improving your smile with orthodontics can offer several benefits that go beyond just the aesthetics of straighter teeth. Here are six reasons to consider:

Enhanced Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth can also help evenly distribute the force of your bite, which may decrease the risk of tooth damage.

Boosted Self-Confidence: A straight smile can significantly enhance your self-image and confidence. Feeling good about your smile can have positive effects on your social interactions, professional opportunities, and overall happiness.

Improved Bite Function: Orthodontic treatments are used to correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. This can alleviate problems with chewing and speaking and reduce stress on the jaw muscles and joints, potentially preventing TMJ disorders.

Long-Term Dental Health: Misaligned teeth can lead to abnormal wear and tear on tooth enamel, which, over time, can cause chips, notches at the gum line, and other issues. Orthodontics helps position the teeth for more balanced wear.

Speech Improvement: Teeth alignment can have a significant impact on speech. Certain speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth can be improved or corrected once teeth are correctly aligned through orthodontic treatment.

Preventive Care: Correcting alignment issues can avert potential future dental problems. This proactive approach can save you time, money, and discomfort that may arise from more complex dental issues later on.

If you're considering orthodontics, it's best to consult with an orthodontist to understand the benefits and treatment options available for your case. That's what we do best! Contact our office to set up a complimentary consultation and let us help you decide if a new and improved smile is right for you! Hester and Morris Orthodontics is South Georgia's leading provider of Invisalign and Braces. Let us help you live life smiling!