Big Smile Orthodontics Blog

5 Things to Know When Getting Braces as an Adult

January 1, 2026

Middle-aged woman smiling with braces.

Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles, oral health, and confidence. If you’re considering braces as an adult, it’s helpful to understand how the experience may differ from getting braces earlier in life. Here are 5 important things to know before starting your orthodontic journey.

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Help! Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose with Braces?

December 4, 2025

Close up of girl's smile with braces

If you’ve recently started braces and noticed your teeth feel a little loose, you’re not alone. This sensation can be alarming at first, but in most cases, it’s completely normal. Braces are designed to move your teeth into better alignment, and that movement can temporarily change how secure your teeth feel.

Understanding why this happens can help ease concerns and reassure you that your treatment is working as intended.

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Bracing for Bracket Breaks: 5 Tips to Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies

November 17, 2025

Patient smiling after preventing orthodontic emergencies

Getting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a straighter and healthier smile. But like anything involving small parts and daily wear, braces can sometimes run into unexpected trouble. If you want to be proactive instead of waiting for a breakdown and dealing with a stressful situation, a little care goes a long way. Here are some simple, effective tips to help you steer clear of orthodontic emergencies.

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Result Retention: 3 Reasons to Wear Your Retainer

September 15, 2025

Nose-to-neck view of woman holding two kinds of retainers

It’s natural to feel excited as you approach the end of your orthodontic treatment. After all, it won’t be long until your braces are removed or you can stop wearing your clear aligners and can show off your perfectly even grin.

However, many patients are surprised to learn that they may need to wear a retainer following their treatment. If you’re frustrated by having to wear another oral appliance after finishing your orthodontics, continue reading to learn 3 benefits of using your retainer as directed!

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Easing the Aches: Addressing Invisalign Discomfort

September 4, 2025

Dentist placing Invisalign over patient's upper arch

Many patients choose Invisalign because the transparent trays are considered more visually discreet and comfortable than traditional orthodontics. Not only does this treatment allow your natural enamel to shine through, but it also won’t gouge the tender tissues inside your mouth.

However, any treatment that exerts enough force over your teeth to shift them can potentially make you feel sore, and Invisalign is no exception. It’s normal to experience some throbbing when you first start wearing new trays, but you can try these 3 helpful tips to alleviate the ache!

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Fine-Tune Your Smile: How Do Invisalign Refinements Work?

August 29, 2025

A woman holding a clear Invisalign aligner.

Invisalign refinements may not be an expected step in the teeth-straightening process. However, learning that you need these additional trays to ensure the success of your future smile is worth the additional time and effort. Keep reading to discover how they work and what you can do to stay on track with your treatment.

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Jet-Setting with Invisalign: 4 Tips to Stay on Track While Traveling

August 6, 2025

Woman traveling and holding a map.

Wearing Invisalign clear aligners allows you to move through life without the distraction and hassle of metal brackets and wires. Daily tasks are easy to follow when you’re at home, but what about when you’re traveling? Are there additional steps you need to take or considerations you need to make to keep your treatment on track? With the help of these 4 tips, you can continue to watch your smile straighten while enjoying the views on your next trip.

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How to Floss with Invisalign: A Simple Guide for Healthy Smiles

July 24, 2025

Woman smiling while flossing teeth.

Invisalign aligners make it easier than ever to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. Since the trays are removable, you don’t have to work around brackets and wires to keep your smile clean. However, many patients underestimate just how important flossing is during Invisalign treatment.

Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria and food particles can get trapped between your teeth and aligners, leading to cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. Knowing how to floss correctly will help you protect both your smile and your treatment results.

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5 Unexpected Dangers of Getting Mail-In Clear Aligners

July 2, 2025

Person holding Invisalign.

Clear aligners have become a popular choice for straightening teeth, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. But while professional options like Invisalign are supervised by trained orthodontists, mail-in clear aligners promise convenience at a lower cost. Unfortunately, these DIY aligner systems often create more problems than they solve.

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Hot Take: Can You Sip Coffee with Invisalign?

June 26, 2025

Barista holding out a travel cup for hot coffee.

If you’re one of the thousands of people every year who have just begun straightening your smile with Invisalign, you probably have questions. If you also just so happen to be one of the 2 in 3 Americans who drink coffee every day, you’re probably wondering if you can still enjoy it. To find the answer, continue reading. You’ll dive into how coffee affects your aligners and learn what to do before you take your next sip.

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