For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re going to answer the question “Can two people with braces kiss?”, a question that we get asked from time to time. We’ve all heard the horror stories of lovebirds caught in lip-locks (literally), braces stuck together. The good news is that you don’t need to worry. This is more of a myth than a reality. Orthodontic treatments have evolved over the years, yet there […]

 Welcome to Friday Focus with Doctor “O”! The orthodontic related question of the week is “Can you eat popsicles with braces?” Yes, you can! While it makes sense that hard foods can crack your teeth, break brackets, erode enamel, and weaken the overall structure of teeth, this isn’t the case with popsicles because they aren’t as hard as other snack options. You just need to use common sense when […]

Have you been considering getting braces for yourself or a loved one? Here’s something you should think about if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). As we wind down the year and head into the holiday season, a lot of important year end considerations end up being overlooked, including FSAs. If you have an FSA, don’t forget that they can expire, typically at the end of the year. The […]

For this Friday Focus we’re going to be discussing what foods are safe to eat right after getting braces. With new braces, you’ll probably experience some discomfort when they’re first put on, but this should only last a few days. To make your transition a little smoother, you’ll want to eat soft foods, including macaroni and cheese, bananas, mashed potatoes and gravy, soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc. Smoothies also make […]

Kissing While Wearing Lingual Braces Twenty to thirty years ago, braces were a lot more cumbersome, made up of bigger brackets, thicker wires, and lots of rough edges. A lot has changed over the last few years, thanks to advancements in orthodontic treatments, including the development of lingual braces. The good news is that, if you’re worried about being able to kiss, this won’t be a problem while wearing lingual […]

The goal of wearing braces is to end up with a beautiful, aligned smile, but the process can leave you feeling self-conscious. This doesn’t need to be the case with the right outlook and a few helpful tips. Following are a few things to consider that will help you look good, feel confident and have a great smile while wearing braces. Embrace Your Braces The first thing you’ll need to […]

When you have braces, there are certain types of food that can damage your wires and brackets, which can prolong your treatment. This is why it’s so important to stick to the dietary guidelines the orthodontist in Irvine gives you. You will need to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy. Pretzels are usually considered a hard food that should be avoided, but that isn’t necessarily the case. There […]

Orthodontic patients usually have a lot of questions. “Do braces hurt?” is one we get asked a lot. Well, you’ll be happy to know that after braces are placed, most patients only experience mild teeth or gum soreness. The soreness typically lasts about one week and is rarely difficult to deal with. During treatment, some patients find the soreness associated with braces to be uncomfortable, but manageable. When it does […]

Braces are great for creating a beautiful smile that is, if you take care of them. Keeping your teeth clean with brace involves, not just brushing your teeth, but getting in between the brackets and wires where food particles and plaque collect. Whether you’re new to braces or have had them for a while and keep getting complaints from your orthodontist, this LIFE HACK – How to Brush Your Teeth […]

Welcome to Friday Focus. My name is Doctor “O” with iSmiles Orthodontics, your go to orthodontist in Irvine, California. Today I want to clarify that, despite many people’s perceptions, orthodontic treatments are not just for children. You are never to old to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment. As a matter of fact, 1 in every 5 people that have orthodontic treatments is over 21 years of age. All of […]