Braces are an excellent solution for patients of all ages who want a straighter smile. If you’re just now having them placed as an adult, however, it’s a bit of an adjustment! In the first few days after they’re installed, your body must get used to the new metal brackets, wires, and plastic bands. Then you’ll have to learn how to successfully navigate daily life with them on. Some patients worry about how to cope with their new dental gear in a professional setting, like at the workplace. If this sounds familiar, keep reading for 4 tips that will help you learn to work with braces!

Our teeth play an essential role in our lives that remains constant; we rely on them to eat and speak from infancy all the way through adulthood. Because they’re with us long-term, we tend to think of them as permanent, immobile objects. The truth is, though, that the human body is constantly changing, and our teeth are no exception! It’s normal for them to shift in our mouths over time for various reasons. If you’ve noticed yours are moving slightly, keep reading to learn more about why this happens and how your orthodontist can help!

Finishing up an orthodontic treatment deserves a celebration! Whether you used clear aligners or went the more traditional route with metal braces, you’ve likely been looking forward to this for a long time! Once you’ve had your braces removed or are done with your clear aligners, you finally get to enjoy your newly straightened smile.

You don’t want all your efforts to go to waste, however. If your orthodontist fitted you for a retainer, it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent any relapse in your treatment. Now that your teeth line up, after all, it’s important to keep them that way! Continue reading for 4 tips on how to best care for your retainer.