Makeup for Braces: Play them up or down?
Depending on your preferences, you may want to highlight your braces, or you may want to hide them a bit. Here are some makeup tips to help you do either!
News & Updates from the Ridge Meadows Team
Should I get teeth whitening after braces?
Many orthodontic patients choose to have their teeth whitened after their treatment. Here, our Maple Ridge orthodontists explain why.
What is an Orthodontic Specialist?
If you need to get your teeth straightened, you know to go see an orthodontist. However, you may not know exactly what an orthodontist's skill set entails. We would like to help educate you on what an orthodontist actually does.
Orthodontic Emergencies: Don’t Panic!
Once in a while, our patients find themselves in an emergency situation related to their braces or orthodontic treatment. Find out how to recognize an emergency, and what to do about it!
A Day in the Life of a Braces-Wearer
If you need orthodontic treatment, you may have some questions and concerns about how treatment will affect your daily life. Here, we address those our patients ask us about most often.
Sore? Try a Saline Rinse
As you progress with your orthodontic treatment, you may feel some soreness in your mouth. A saline rinse can manage discomfort and also promote healing.
Lingual Braces: Pros & Cons
For many people, lingual braces are the best of two worlds when it comes to orthodontic treatment. On one hand, they force consistent wear (unlike removable aligners), but are also invisible when worn. Like any orthodontic treatment though, they have their pros and cons.
Oral Piercings & Braces
Our Ridge Meadows orthodontists generally advise against oral piercings whether you have braces or not, because there are so many health risks associated with them.
Orthodontic Wax FAQs
Orthodontic wax makes your braces treatment go more smoothly! The following are answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions about orthodontic wax.
Types of Retainers
Orthodontic treatment requires a big time commitment, especially considering the fact that, not only do you have to spend months or years wearing braces, you'll also have to wear a retainer after treatment to hold or “retain” the results.
How To Store Your Removable Appliance/Retainer
Taking care of and storing your retainer properly when you aren't wearing it is essential. Here’s how to keep your retainer clean and damage free.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners (Trays)
With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners (trays) to brush and floss. The aligners need to be cleaned regularly too, so here's how to keep your Invisalign aligners sparkling.
What to Expect: Orthodontic Checkups & Evaluations
Once you begin orthodontic treatment, you will visit your orthodontist regularly to ensure you're making progress and adjust your...
What To Do About Lip & Cheek Irritation
You may experience some discomfort when you are first getting used to your new braces. These ideas and products will help you cope in the meantime!
The Importance of Healthy Primary Teeth
Healthy baby (primary) teeth help children chew and digest their food, and are one of the most important parts of their oral development as they grow up.
Lingual Braces Vs. Translucent Braces
Lingual braces placed behind teeth, effectively hiding them from sight. “Translucent” braces, which have brackets made of a tooth-coloured ceramic, blend in with the colour of your teeth. If you're wondering which option to choose, read on!
Braces on the Go: What to Keep on Hand
What with school, jobs, hobbies and social obligations, most orthodontic patients lead busy lives that keep them away from home throughout the day. This list of essential and practical supplies is what you should keep on hand to care for your braces when you're on-the-go.
Electric Toothbrushes & Braces
Braces need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently to remove plaque that can build up quickly in their crevices. An electric toothbrush can make brushing your teeth with braces easier and more effective.
In-Ovation System Braces: The Pros & Cons
In-Ovation System self-ligating braces are great for adults and teens who want a more streamlined look, and gentler approach, to orthodontic treatment. Be sure to consider the following factors before choosing this option!
Tips for Eating With Braces
You may find that your teeth and mouth feel quite sore if you’ve just started with your braces treatment, or if you’ve recently had you braces tightened. This soreness will normally last for about a week, and during this time, it can be hard to eat! Here are some tips to make it easier.
Your First Orthodontic Consultation: What to Expect
At your first visit to our Maple Ridge orthodontic office, you'll have an orthodontic consultation with your orthodontist, during which we will determine the nature of your misalignment issues, and consider the treatment options that would suit you best.
What To Expect When Your Braces Are Removed
If there’s one thing each and every orthodontics patient learns during treatment, it’s to adjust! And you'll have to do it all over again once your braces come off.
I have a Loose Wire on my Braces! What Should I Do?
If you have braces, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience a loose wire at least once during your orthodontic treatment. If this happens, make an appointment with your orthodontist. In the mean time, here’s what to do.
How To Floss with Braces
Flossing can be one of the trickiest things to master when you first get braces! Here are some instructions and tips on how to effectively floss with braces, to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
7 Things You Must Know Before Trying Invisalign
Invisalign is a great option for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth with a lower-profile aesthetic. However, there are a few important factors you should consider before choosing this orthodontic treatment option.