Wigal Orthodontics of Columbus Blog

If you’re already feeling self-conscious about how your smile looks with gapped or overcrowded teeth, you might be seeking a more discreet solution than traditional braces to straighten them. Fortunately, many orthodontists offer Invisalign, a clear alternative to standard orthodontics.

This treatment utilizes transparent plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your arches to gently shift them. But it’s essential to be well-informed before starting any potential treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential complications of this popular service and how to prevent them!

(more…)

Many people turn to Invisalign as their orthodontic treatment because of how convenient it is. It uses clear, removable aligners that you can take out when it’s time to dig into your favorite foods. You don’t need to worry about cleaning in between wires and brackets or breaking one, but what if you have some trouble taking the trays out? Thankfully, these four tips can make it a bit easier for you.

(more…)

Although orthodontic emergencies aren’t necessarily considered common, it’s still possible to have unexpected issues requiring your provider’s assistance to address. For example, you might accidentally break a bracket on your braces or develop sores in the tender tissues inside your mouth that become infected.

While you can’t predict when you might have an urgent oral concern, there are thankfully several ways you can prevent one from occurring in the first place. Read on to learn about 3 helpful tips for preventing orthodontic emergencies!

(more…)

Dental misalignments can lead to a long list of unpleasant consequences for one’s oral and overall health, so it’s often best to address these issues before a person reaches adulthood. While you’re probably used to associating braces with adolescents who have already received all their adult teeth, it may be necessary to begin the realignment process earlier than that. Here’s a quick guide to why your child may benefit from phase 1 orthodontics.

(more…)

You might think of your crooked grin as more aesthetically frustrating than harmful, but the truth is that crooked teeth tend to trap leftover food and other debris, which attracts bacteria. Furthermore, overlapped enamel is harder to brush and floss because not all surfaces are accessible, which increases the likelihood of cavities or gum disease.

Your orthodontist can straighten your smile with traditional braces, but if you only have issues with your upper or lower teeth, you might wonder if it’s possible to treat a single arch. Continue reading to learn more about it!

(more…)

If you’ve turned to traditional braces to correct your bite and alignment, you can rest assured knowing you’ve made a great decision! While you’ll have them in for a year or two, you will get a new smile that’ll improve your oral health and confidence by the end. Taking care of your braces at home may be easier, as you have everything you need in one place. However, following the same care at work might be a different story. Fear not, as this guide will give you five simple tips for wearing braces at work.

(more…)

One of the most important rules of Invisalign treatment is meeting the recommended 22 hours of wear time per day. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s essential to ensure your teeth move as planned and you stay on track with your treatment. But life can be busy, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time your aligners spend out of your mouth. So how do you make sure you’re hitting that 22-hour goal every day? Here are some practical tips to help you stick to your Invisalign wear schedule and maximize your results.

(more…)

Not all of us were lucky enough to develop a perfectly straight smile. There are various alignment issues that can develop and warrant orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to improve the appearance and function of the teeth. Overbites are one of the most common reasons why people require braces. Here are some of the reasons why it is so important to correct overbites.

(more…)

Orthodontics can make all the difference for your smile, correcting alignment and jaw issues that can create bigger dental problems down the road. If you’re considering metal braces for yourself or your child, you might’ve heard some less-than-encouraging myths (and maybe some silly ones). Continue reading to set the record straight and bust some popular misconceptions about metal braces once and for all!

(more…)

Having working orthodontic equipment is essential to successful treatment, but sometimes accidents happen, and your braces may become damaged. If you have a loose or missing bracket, here’s what you should do next, and why timely repairs are so important to your treatment!

(more…)