Big Smile Orthodontics Blog

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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Do You Still Have to Worry About Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?

June 3, 2025

Woman placing Invisalign over top teeth.

During your Invisalign treatment, your teeth will remain covered by clear aligners for most of the day. Some patients assume that this gives them protection from cavities, but is this actually true? Or do you still need to worry about tooth decay even while wearing the aligners? Here’s everything you need to know about Invisalign and cavities so that you can keep your smile healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

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Can Your Teeth Grinding Habit Keep You From a Straighter Smile with Invisalign?

May 14, 2025

Woman grinding her teeth while asleep.

The field of orthodontia has changed dramatically over the past several years and decades. Once dominated by traditional brackets and wires, alternative solutions, like Invisalign clear aligners, are quickly taking the lead among patients who prefer a less visible form of treatment. For those who practice unhealthy habits, such as teeth grinding, though, the ability to straighten teeth with removable trays might seem unlikely. Keep reading to learn whether this nightly practice will keep you from attaining the perfectly aligned smile you deserve.

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Battle of the Braces: Invisalign or Traditional Orthodontics

May 6, 2025

Female patient inserting a clear aligner.

The first question that many patients ask when deciding to pursue orthodontic treatment is, “Which type of braces are right for me?” In previous years, metal brackets and wires were the only option; however, much has changed, allowing individuals to consider clearer, more subtle solutions, like Invisalign. While it’s important to remember that not everyone is a good candidate for all types of treatment, you can begin to weigh the pros and cons of each until it’s time to meet with a trusted orthodontist who can help.

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