Blog

Invisalign While You Travel

Traveling is already stressful, so we don’t want caring for your Invisalign to make it even worse. The good news is that there are a few small changes to your packing routine that can alleviate Invisalign- related stress taking away from your vacation. When you’re in a new place, far from your orthodontist’s office, it’s easy to remove your aligners and leave them behind. Here are some tips from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics for traveling with your Invisalign, to make sure you don’t have to take time out of your vacation for an orthodontic emergency!

 

What if I Lose my Invisalign while Traveling?

When traveling for longer periods of time, always take your previous set of aligners, your current set, and your next set of aligners with you. Whether you will go back to the previous set or move forward to the next set if your aligners get lost will be determined by how long you have been wearing your current set. The general rule of thumb is if the current aligners are tight, go back.  If you can remove them easily and are in your second week, move forward to the next set. 

If you are going to be out of town for more than two weeks, we can order replacement aligners and ship them to you. Continue wearing your previous set until they arrive and start again with the new set.

When you’re traveling by plane, be careful to keep aligners with you I your carry-on. Leaving them in checked bags is a good way for them to be lost or delayed. If you’re concerned about losing your aligners, bringing an extra case is always a good idea. If you leave one behind in a hotel or restaurant, you’ll have a spare.

Read More

Visiting the Dentist

Every year, you visit your doctor for a check-up. These well visits are to ensure you are healthy for the year to come! You also should have visits like these with your dentist, you need to have a dental check at least once every six months to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. Dental checkups are quick and easy, but they make sure to do a comprehensive check on your teeth and gums and then perform a professional dental cleaning.

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover:

  • What Happens at a Dental Check-up?
  • What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
  • Why are Dental Cleanings so Important?
  • Why are Regular Check-ups so Important?

Read More

Your Invisalign Journey

Invisalign is as common today as traditional braces. Usually, when you go to the orthodontist, you’ll be shown multiple treatment options, from Invisalign clear aligners to traditional bracket and wire braces. How does Invisalign work exactly? A completely invisible treatment that allows you to eat whatever you want is too good to be true, isn’t it? Not at all! Gain valuable knowledge on Invisalign from orthodontic specialist Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover

  • What is an Invisalign Aligner?
  • Invisalign Treatment Breakdown
  • What Can Invisalign Fix?
  • Can Kids get Invisalign?

Read More

What to Expect with New Braces

The week after your new braces go on is often tough. There’s a lot you have to adjust to from metal in your mouth to changes in diet, nightly routine, and oral hygiene. Transitions and changes are never easy, and to help make your journey to a beautiful smile smooth and painless, Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics explains what to expect from your first week in braces.

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover

  • How Long Do Braces Hurt?
  • Eating with Braces
  • What to Expect When Getting Braces

Read More

What Happens After Braces?

After months or even years of braces, patients are only too happy to finally be done with treatment. To make sure the smile you leave our office with stays with you forever, you’ll need to be fitted with and wear a retainer. Retainers prevent relapse and are a way to make sure the movements your orthodontist made are permanent. Get the answers to frequently asked questions about retainers and maintaining a healthy smile after receiving orthodontic treatment from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics. 

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover:

  • What is a Retainer?
  • Different Types of Retainers
  • Wearing Your Retainer
  • What if My Retainer Doesn’t Fit Anymore?

Read More

Why Mouthguards Are So Important

Many of our patients are student athletes or have a sport they love. After getting braces, many of these sports-enthusiasts wonder if they’ll have to take a break from their games and practices. We’ve all heard horror stories of sports injuries, even worse witnessed one ourselves. Playing sports during orthodontic treatment is 100% possible! The best way to protect your mouth from a painful fate is to invest in a mouthguard. Mouthguards protect not only your teeth, but the soft tissue of your mouth from injury as you play. Luckily, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while in treatment. Keep reading to uncover the significant role that mouthguards play in protecting your oral health and overall well-being from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover:

  • Why mouthguards are essential
  • Do Braces put you at higher risk for a sports injury?
  • What type of mouthguard should I buy?

Read More