4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Braces

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Wearing braces can straighten your teeth, improve your appearance, and align your jaw. There are many great things about braces! Unfortunately, braces can also be difficult to keep clean, and this can impact your dental health.

If you’re new to braces, ask your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, about what you can do to keep your teeth clean. Your orthodontist can give you specific instructions to help you maintain good oral health and hygiene. Below are a few suggestions that can help.

1. Brush After Every Meal

Food has a way of getting caught between teeth. Brushing after every meal is important. If you go to school or have a workplace, keep a spare toothbrush available to brush your teeth after lunch breaks and snacks. Make a point of brushing your teeth after you eat – no matter where you are at.

2. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

You should continue to see your normal dentist even when you’re visiting the orthodontist regularly. During your visits with the dentist, the dental professional will clean your teeth to ensure that you’re maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

3. Floss

Flossing is hard when you’re wearing braces. Your orthodontist (or dentist) can show you how to floss your teeth with a floss threader. Using a floss threader makes it much easier to keep your teeth clean.

4. Avoid Eating Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can get caught in your braces easily. Avoid eating sticky foods like caramel and other sticky candies. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Have Questions About Maintaining Braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Call Today

If you have braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, the professionals at Goshgarian Orthodontics are here to help. Call to make your next appointment or to speak with one of our professionals.

Common Myths About Orthodontic Treatment

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Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, but a surprising number of myths still shape how people think about it. Whether it’s concerns about age, pain, or the idea that braces are purely cosmetic, many misconceptions cause patients to delay or avoid treatment altogether. But the truth behind modern orthodontics looks very different from the outdated ideas that often get passed around, as your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL can tell you.

“Braces Are Just for Kids”

It’s one of the most common myths—and one of the easiest to debunk. While orthodontic treatment often begins in adolescence, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth later in life. The movement of teeth depends on bone, not age, so it’s entirely possible to benefit from braces or clear aligners well into adulthood.

“It’s All About Looks”

Yes, a straighter smile looks great—but that’s just the surface. Crooked teeth or misaligned bites can contribute to headaches, jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Orthodontics often corrects these functional issues, improving long-term oral health and preventing more serious problems down the road.

“Braces Are Painful”

While it’s true that some discomfort is common when braces are first applied or adjusted, the idea that treatment is painful throughout is outdated. Modern techniques, including lighter wires and smoother appliances, have made the process more comfortable than ever. Many patients report only minor soreness, usually lasting a day or two after each adjustment.

“Treatment Takes Forever”

Some people picture years of hardware and endless appointments, but treatment lengths vary widely depending on the issue. With advances in technology, many mild to moderate cases can be completed in 12 to 18 months—or even less.

Orthodontics isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing for everyone. If you’ve been avoiding treatment because of something you heard years ago, it may be time to take another look. If you’ve been hesitant about getting your child treated with orthodontics, it’s even more important to not let yourself be misguided by erroneous and outdated myths about orthodontics in Gurnee, IL. A consultation today could set you on the path to both better health and greater confidence. Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today to book an appointment.

What to Avoid Doing When You Wear Braces 

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When you have crooked teeth or a bite problem, such as an underbite, wearing braces can help correct these issues. At Goshgarian Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, offers this type of treatment for effective results. But it takes some adjustment to get used to having braces on. Here’s what you should avoid doing to ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of damage.

Don’t Chew Gum

Gum can get caught on the surface of brackets and wires, so avoid chewing it while wearing braces.

Avoid Eating Sticky or Hard Foods

Biting and chewing hard candy, nuts, caramel, and similar foods can damage your braces and make it harder to clean your teeth.

Don’t Bite Into Crunchy Foods

Biting into apples and other crunchy foods can also cause damage to your braces.

Avoid Eating Certain Starchy Foods

Bread, chips, and similar foods can get trapped in your braces, making it more difficult to thoroughly brush your teeth and increasing the risk of decay.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Don’t open packages or do other tasks using your teeth. They’re only designed for biting and chewing food.

Don’t Chew or Bite Non-Food Objects

Avoid chomping on ice cubes or chewing other items that aren’t food, since these can damage your braces and teeth.

Don’t Skip Flossing

It may not be easy to floss with braces on, but it’s important to do this every day for oral health.

Visit Our Orthodontist for Braces!

Do you need orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct misalignment? Our orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics offers braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, including traditional, clear ceramic, and other options. We can help you choose the right solution for your teeth.

Common Treatments

Using Braces to Prevent TMJ Problems Later in Life

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There’s nothing worse than having to continually spend money on fixing dental issues caused by a TMJ disorder. But there is something you can do about it. Your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL, will go over everything with you. But until then, here is what you need to know.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). A TMJ disorder is a condition that affects your jaw joint, as well as the muscles and ligaments surrounding your jaw.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Any number of factors can cause a malfunctioning temporomandibular joint. It could be caused by stress, trauma, muscle spasms, teeth grinding, arthritis, or a misalignment of the jaw. You might consider some proactive measures to prevent a TMJ disorder for your child later in life.

Your orthodontist can help with a TMD treatment in Gurnee, IL.

Let’s take a look.

How Getting Braces in Childhood Can Help Prevent TMJ Disorder Later in Life

Getting braces now could help prevent the occurrence of a TMJ disorder later.

Here’s what getting braces can help with now to prevent problems later.

  • Correct Bite Issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
  • Balanced Jaw Function (reduces stress on the TMJ)
  • Early Orthodontic Treatment to Guide Jaw Growth (helps avoid long-term joint strain)
  • Reduce Teeth Grinding and Clenching (caused by a TMJ disorder)

Not All TMJ Disorders Can Be Prevented with Braces

Braces are considered an effective preventive treatment for some TMJ-related disorders. However, they can’t all be prevented or fixed with braces. But braces are an option.

Braces can help fix alignment issues by realigning the jaws. Braces can also sometimes help reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joint. Resulting in less pain and discomfort.

You will need to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best possible treatment option for your child.

Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL?

Why not go ahead and talk with an orthodontist about getting braces for your child now to help prevent a TMJ disorder later? Please Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today to schedule an exam and consultation.

What to Expect the Day Your Braces Come Off

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Traditional braces treatment can take up to two years or longer if you’re unlucky. Awaiting that magical day when the braces come off is something that all teens daydream about. It might feel like it’s been an eternity since you even saw most of your teeth. What will they look like? You may have heard horror stories about braces coming off only to reveal a row of decayed teeth, but that’s only a myth, especially if you’ve done your best to clean your teeth—and braces—after each meal. So what exactly can you expect the day your braces come off?

It’s a Long Appointment

First off, get ready for a long appointment. This is no easy on, easy off situation. Braces brackets are attached with dental cement and, while your dentist won’t be using a hammer drill, there will be a bit of work involved to get everything off. First the wires have to be unthreaded, then each bracket must be loosened from each tooth individually. Your Lake Forest, IL orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics recommends that you bring something soothing you can listen to with earbuds so you can relax while this part is going on.

There’s More Work to be Done

After the braces are off, your teeth are going to feel rough. That’s leftover dental cement. The dental hygienist will get to work sanding and polishing each tooth until each one is nice and smooth.

It’s Going to Feel Funny

Remember the day you got braces put on? There was a tiny adjustment period. For a few hours, it’s going to feel funny not having braces. But you’ll get used to it really fast, don’t worry!

The fun part is going to be showing off your new teeth to all your friends and family! The braces in Lake Forest, IL will have worked like a charm and now you can enjoy a lifetime of gorgeous teeth!

 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.

braces

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!