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Blog Archive

Most commonly asked questions about Invisalign Oct 1st, 2024

How does Invisalign work? A: Invisalign uses clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position over time. How long does treatment with Invisalign take? A: The length of treatment with Invisalign can vary depending on the severity of the case, but it typically takes 12 to...

5 Advantages of Invisalign Aug 1st, 2024

5 Advantages to choosing an Invisalign Invisalign clear braces are a great alternative to the standard metal braces especially for adults who do not want metal in their mouth or have a job that shows their smile all day. Invisalign clear braces in Concord are an effective solution for mysirad...

6 Tips for Caring for Ceramic Braces Jun 1st, 2024

6 Tips for Caring for Ceramic Braces To feel the most confident while wearing your ceramic braces, you need to take really good care of the braces. The elastic ligatures or ties used to hold the wire which run though the brackets are prone to staining. Usually clear or white...

When Do I Get My Braces Off? Apr 1st, 2024

There are three main phases of treatment that every patient must pass before their braces can be removed, and that is: crowding, arch alignments, and bite alignment. Crowding One of the main concerns when a patient first gets braces is either because they have gaps in their teeth that need...

Orthodontic insurance coverage Feb 1st, 2024

The best insurance for orthodontic treatment will depend on individual needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when choosing insurance for orthodontic treatment: Coverage: It's important to check if the insurance covers orthodontic treatment, and if so, what percentage of the cost is covered. Deductible: Check if the...

Most commonly asked questions about braces Feb 1st, 2023

What are the different types of braces? A: There are several types of braces, including metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners (such as Invisalign). How long does treatment with braces take? A: The length of treatment with braces can vary depending on the severity of the case...

Why go to an orthodontist for straighter smile? Jan 1st, 2023

  A straighter smile is not just about aesthetics but also affect the health of your smile. It is more difficult to clean your teeth if they are misaligned or crooked. When you have straight teeth and bite and jaw position, you will have less cavities which can lead to...

4 Tips for Managing the Cost of Braces Dec 1st, 2022

4 Tips for Managing the Cost of Braces If you or your child needs braces, but you just don’t think you can afford it, don’t worry. There are ways to make the cost of braces more affordable. Here are 4 tips for managing the cost of braces: Plan. Plan. Plan....

Braces life hacks Nov 1st, 2022

Braces life hacks Your orthodontist is working hard to ensure you have a painless and comfortable experience with your braces. Regardless, your braces will require some adjustments: after all, it’s a big change to undergo, one that will be with you day in and day out for 1.5-2.5 years. As...

Considering Adult Orthodontic Treatment? Read This First Oct 1st, 2022

In recent years, orthodontic treatment in adults has increased significantly. More adults have sought treatment at Updike Orthodontics, and it has become more common than years past. Here are some key points to know and expect when undergoing treatment as an adult. 1. Adults are great candidates for orthodontic treatment!...

5 Reasons Why a Board-Certified Orthodontist Is Better Sep 1st, 2022

5 Reasons Why a Board-Certified Orthodontist Is Better Choosing an orthodontist for your children or for yourself is a big undertaking. You want someone who will offer you the best type of treatment for your particular alignment issues and who has the skill and experience to give you the best...

How a New Smile Can Transform Your Life This Year May 1st, 2022

How a New Smile Can Transform Your Life This Year If one of your New Year’s resolutions this year was to take better care of yourself than this is the perfect time to consider giving yourself the gift of a healthier, more beautiful smile through orthodontic care. When you feel...

Do Braces Make The Roots of Your Teeth Shorter? Aug 15th, 2021

To answer this question, root absorption is a possible consequence of orthodontic treatment. The amount of root absorption is typically harmless to the patient and the teeth. However, only 2% of patients are genetically predisposed to root shortening. Depending on a patient’s genetics, it is possible for some root resorption...

5 Tips for Protecting Braces While Playing Sports Jun 13th, 2021

A parent may worry that a child gets injured while playing sports with braces, braces could make the injury worse and the braces progress could be affected. Or maybe you are the one playing sports with braces. Your orthodontist in Concord will recommend wearing mouthguard to protect your teeth and...

Common Braces Myths Debunked Jan 1st, 2021

Myth: Braces are for children and young adults only. The Truth: Anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment—even adults! The primary difference between receiving treatment at a younger age versus older age is based on growth.  A child or teenager is still growing, meaning their teeth and bones are still shifting and...

What Are Orthodontic Rubber Bands (Elastics) and How Do They Work Dec 1st, 2020

Braces and Aligners (such as Invisalign) are the most effective way to straighten and move teeth. However, these procedures cannot fix the relationship (or bite) between the top and bottom teeth. This is where elastics come in. There are many options to enhance the overall bite such as headgear or...

What can be done at home to stop the thumb sucking habit Mar 15th, 2020

WHAT CAN BE DONE AT HOME TO STOP THE THUMB SUCKING HABIT There is widespread agreement that you should take a positive approach with your child to help him/her overcome this habit because this will allow your child to build confidence and take pride in his/her accomplishment. A negative approach...

Do Orthodontic Braces Cause White Spots? Nov 3rd, 2019

Do Orthodontic Braces Cause White Spots? Braces and Invisalign can align your teeth and improve your overall long-term health. Properly aligned teeth can result in improved health by reducing the incidence of gum disease, reducing your prospects for a heart attack or stroke. But sometimes when the braces are removed,...

Why isn’t my retainer fitting anymore? Sep 9th, 2019

Why isn’t my retainer fitting anymore? Retainers are devices that enable patients to keep their teeth as straight as possible. Here at Lee Orthodontics, we help patients to achieve a lasting a beautiful smile with an orthodontist in Concord, CA area and provide them with advice to maintain their smile....

Are Braces Painful? Jun 3rd, 2019

Are Braces Painful? You just went to an orthodontist office and the orthodontist in Concord said you need to get braces. Most likely, you are feeling anxious and have a lot of questions about how the teeth are going to get straighter and if it’s going to hurt. You might...