Orthodontic Tips
Success tips from our experienced team and thousands of satisfied patients to help you get the best results in the shortest time.
Top 10 Success Tips
Follow ALL Instructions
- Wear rubber bands as directed
- Wear Invisalign 20-22 hours daily
- Follow food guidelines
- Keep all appointments
- Compliance = faster results
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
- Brush after every meal
- Floss daily
- Use recommended products
- Prevents delays and problems
- Keeps teeth healthy
Protect Your Braces
- Avoid harmful foods
- Wear mouthguard for sports
- Don’t chew pens/pencils
- Be careful with braces
- Prevention saves time
Keep All Appointments
- Rescheduling delays treatment
- Adjustments are essential
- Missed appointments = longer treatment
- Schedule in advance
- Mark calendar/set reminders
Communicate with Us
- Questions always welcome
- Report problems promptly
- Don’t wait for next appointment
- We’re here to help
- Better to over-communicate
Wear Rubber Bands Faithfully
- Single most important factor for many
- Skipping adds months to treatment
- Wear all day/night as directed
- Change as instructed
- Your responsibility
Carry Emergency Kit
- Orthodontic wax
- Extra rubber bands
- Small mirror
- Floss/proxabrush
- Our contact info
- Be prepared
Take Before/Progress Photos
- Motivating to see changes
- Document your journey
- Share your transformation
- Celebrate progress
- Remember where you started
Stay Positive
- Temporary inconvenience
- Working toward amazing results
- Millions successfully complete treatment
- End goal is worth it
- Smile through the journey
Think Long-Term
- Short-term sacrifice
- Lifetime of benefits
- Investment in yourself
- Beautiful smile ahead
- Health benefits too
Quick Tips by Category
Comfort Tips
Use wax on irritating brackets
Cold foods soothe sore teeth
Take pain reliever before adjustments
Rinse with warm salt water
Soft foods first few days after adjustments
Invisalign Success
Set alarms to wear 22 hours
Remove only for eating/brushing
Keep previous aligner as backup
Clean aligners daily
Use chewie tools for proper seating
Time-Saving Tips
Keep duplicate cleaning supplies
Use electric toothbrush (more efficient)
Water flosser speeds up cleaning
Batch prepare soft foods
Schedule appointments in advance
Preventing Problems
Check brackets daily in mirror
Feel for any loose spots
Call immediately if something breaks
Don't try DIY fixes
Prevention easier than repair
Motivation Strategies
Follow before/after accounts on social media
Join orthodontic patient groups
Count down months remaining
Plan "first foods" for when braces come off
Visualize your finished smile
Money-Saving Tips
Keep up with oral hygiene (prevents cavities)
Protect braces (avoid replacement fees)
Don't lose retainer (replacement costs money)
Use insurance benefits fully
Attend all appointments
For Parents
Helping Your Child Succeed
Make brushing non-negotiable
Stock approved foods
Keep supplies organized
Provide encouragement
Attend appointments
Reinforce instructions
Celebrate milestones
Teen Compliance
Rubber band charts
Phone reminders
Positive reinforcement
Connect results to goals (prom, graduation, etc.)
Lead by example if you have braces too
Smart Habits
Create Routines
Brush same times daily
Set aligner change reminder
Weekly supply check
Monthly progress photos
Consistent habits = success
Organization
Designated spot for retainer case
Aligner case always in purse/backpack
Rubber bands in multiple locations
Cleaning supplies accessible
Emergency kit always with you
Dealing with Common Challenges
Forgetting Rubber Bands
Set phone alarm
Visual reminders (sticky notes)
Put pack on pillow
Ask family to remind
Make it automatic
Difficulty Cleaning
Set timer for full 2 minutes
Make playlist for brushing time
Use disclosing tablets to see missed spots
Electric brush helps
Take time, it matters
Food Temptations
Think of progress so far
Remember goal
Choose braces-safe alternatives
Not worth delay in treatment
Soon you can eat anything
Words from Experienced Patients
“Best advice: Just wear the rubber bands. I didn’t for months and my treatment took way longer. When I finally did, things moved fast!”
“The water flosser changed everything. So much easier to keep my braces clean.”
“Take pictures! I wish I had more progress photos. The changes are gradual and you forget how far you’ve come.”
“Don’t skip appointments. I rescheduled a few times and ended up wearing braces for an extra 6 months.”
Remember
You’re investing in yourself and your future. Following these tips means better results in less time. We’re with you every step of the way!