What Can You Eat With Braces? Braces-Friendly Foods Explained
You can still enjoy a varied diet while wearing traditional braces or LightForce braces, but some foods need a little extra care. Choosing softer foods and avoiding very hard, sticky or chewy foods can help protect your brackets and wires, while good eating habits also support your oral health throughout orthodontic treatment. So, what can you eat with braces, and which foods should you avoid? Here’s a practical guide. What Should You Eat For The First Few Days After Getting Braces? Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after your braces are fitted or adjusted. During this time, softer foods that require less chewing may feel more comfortable. Try foods such as: Yoghurt Scrambled eggs Soup Pasta Porridge Mashed vegetables Smoothies Soft fish What Can You Eat With Braces? As your teeth adjust to your braces, you’ll likely find a wider range of foods comfortable to eat. Choosing softer, nutritious foods that are easy to chew can help protect your brackets and wires while making mealtimes more comfortable. Foods you can eat with braces include: Soft fruits – bananas, berries, or sliced apples and pears Cooked veggies – think steamed carrots, mashed pumpkin, or roasted zucchini Protein – soft meats (cut into small pieces), scrambled eggs, tofu, tender chicken, or fish Dairy – yoghurt, milk, soft cheese Carbs – bread (without seeds), rice, pasta, porridge, cooked grains Smoothies & soups – delicious and gentle on your mouth, especially after adjustments Pro Tip: You don’t have to give up crunchy fruits and vegetables. How you prepare them matters. Cut apples and pears into small pieces, grate or cook carrots, and remove corn from the cob before eating. Sugary Foods and Drinks With Braces These are okay occasionally but can increase your risk of tooth decay or damage if eaten often. Enjoy in moderation and brush soon after. Cakes, soft biscuits, ice cream, pies Soft drinks, flavoured milk, fruit juices Chips, chocolate, jelly What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces? Some foods can cause serious damage and breakage of your braces, leading to discomfort, extra appointments, and extended treatment time. Skip these until your braces come off. Sticky foods – caramels, chewy lollies, dried fruit, chewing gum Hard foods – nuts, pizza crust, raw carrots, ice, hard lollies Crunchy snacks – popcorn, pretzels, hard chips Sugary lollies – boiled sweets, sherbet Non-food habits – chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails Why Diet Matters for Your Teeth During Braces Brackets and wires can create extra areas where food and plaque can collect, making good oral hygiene particularly important during braces treatment. Frequently consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks, such as soft drinks, cordial and fruit juice, can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel demineralisation (decalcification), which may appear as permanent white marks on the teeth. You don’t need to completely avoid sugar, but limiting how often you have sugary or acidic foods and drinks can help protect your teeth. Choose water as your main everyday drink, brush thoroughly around your brackets and wires, and continue cleaning between your teeth each day. Read our guide to maintaining your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment for more tips on caring for your smile with braces. Looking After Your Braces at Mealtimes A few small changes to how you prepare and eat food can help protect your braces throughout treatment. Cut harder foods into smaller pieces, avoid biting directly into hard foods with your front teeth and keep up your brushing and regular dental check-ups. If a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks, contact the L&L Orthodontics team or send us an update through Dental Monitoring so we can advise you on what to do next. This information is general in nature. Braces care and wear instructions may vary, so always follow the advice provided by your orthodontic team.
Why Do Teeth Shift as You Get Older? Causes and Treatment Options
Yes, your teeth can shift as you get older. Changes to your teeth, gums and supporting structures can contribute to gradual movement throughout adulthood. Previous orthodontic treatment doesn’t necessarily prevent future movement either, particularly if retainers aren’t worn as recommended. If you’ve noticed new gaps, crowding or changes to your bite, there may be several reasons why. Below, we explain why teeth can shift in adulthood, when you should seek advice and what treatment options may be available. Why Do Teeth Shift as You Age? It’s common to notice changes in your teeth as you get older, even if they were once straight. If you’ve noticed increasing crowding, new gaps or changes to your bite, there may be several reasons why. Below, we explain why teeth can shift in adulthood and when it may be worth speaking with a Specialist Orthodontist. 1. The Ageing Process Teeth aren’t permanently fixed in one position. As you age, changes can occur in your teeth, gums, jaw and the structures supporting your teeth. Over time, these changes can contribute to gradual movement and crowding, which is often particularly noticeable around the lower front teeth. 2. Teeth Grinding and Clenching Many adults grind or clench their teeth, often without realising it, especially while asleep. This pressure places significant strain on the teeth and jaw, which can contribute to unwanted movement and alignment issues. 3. Tooth Loss When a tooth is lost or extracted and not replaced, adjacent teeth may begin to move into the space. This can result in changes to your bite and overall alignment, especially if left unaddressed over time. 4. Gum Disease Advanced gum disease affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and connective tissues. As these foundations weaken, teeth may become loose or begin to shift from their original positions. 5. Everyday Habits Small, repeated behaviours such as nail-biting, chewing on objects, or sleeping consistently on one side of your face can apply uneven pressure on the teeth and contribute to gradual movement. 6. Not Wearing Your Retainer Retainers play an important role in maintaining the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Because teeth can naturally continue to move over time, wearing your retainers as recommended can help maintain your alignment and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse. Can Shifted Teeth Be Straightened Again? If your teeth have shifted, orthodontic treatment may be an option depending on the cause and extent of the movement, as well as your oral health. Treatment options for adults may include clear aligners or braces. Before recommending treatment, a Specialist Orthodontist will assess your teeth and bite and consider factors such as your dental history, gum health and treatment goals. In some cases, other dental or periodontal treatment may need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment begins. Our orthodontists will let you know if this is required for your smile. FAQ Do teeth naturally shift as you get older?Some gradual movement can occur throughout adulthood as your teeth and their supporting structures change over time. Why are my bottom teeth becoming crooked?Crowding of the lower front teeth can become more noticeable with age. Several factors can contribute, so an orthodontic assessment can help identify what’s happening in your individual case. Why are my teeth shifting after braces?Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment, particularly when retainers aren’t worn as recommended. Long-term retainer wear helps maintain tooth position. Can teeth shift even if you’ve never had braces?Yes. Teeth can gradually change position throughout life regardless of whether you’ve previously had orthodontic treatment. Can shifted teeth be straightened again?In many case, yes. Depending on your oral health and the type and extent of movement, braces or clear aligners may be suitable. An orthodontic assessment is required to determine which treatment options are suitable for your smile. Interested in Straightening Your Teeth? If you’ve noticed changes in your smile, you’re not alone, and treatments are available. At L&L Orthodontics, we provide tailored treatment options for adult patients, including clear aligners and fully customised LightForce 3D braces. Whether your tooth movement is minor or more advanced, our Specialist Orthodontists can assess your bite, identify the underlying cause, and develop a treatment plan to realign your smile comfortably and efficiently. Book a consultation today. Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.
Ultimate Guide to Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Good oral hygiene is always important, but it needs a little extra attention during orthodontic treatment. Braces can create additional areas where food and plaque collect, while clear aligners need to be kept clean alongside your teeth and gums. The good news is that looking after your teeth during treatment doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right routine, techniques and tools, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. In this guide, we cover how to brush and floss with braces or clear aligners, what products can help, the oral health problems to look out for and when to see your dentist or orthodontic team. Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally builds up on your teeth. During orthodontic treatment, brackets, wires and clear aligner attachments can create additional areas for plaque and food to collect. Clear aligners can also hold plaque against the teeth if your teeth or aligners aren’t cleaned properly. Without effective brushing and cleaning between your teeth, plaque build-up can increase the risk of: Tooth decay Gum inflammation and gum disease Enamel demineralisation, which can appear as white marks on the teeth Bad breath Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep your teeth and gums healthy while your orthodontic treatment progresses. How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Clear Aligners Because clear aligners are removable, you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth as usual. It’s important to keep both your teeth and aligners clean throughout treatment, particularly before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking anything other than water. Regular brushing and cleaning between your teeth helps prevent food and plaque from becoming trapped underneath your aligners, supporting healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment. How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Braces Whether you’re wearing LightForce™ 3D Braces or traditional metal braces, keeping your teeth and braces clean requires a little extra attention. Food and plaque can collect around brackets and underneath wires, so it’s important to clean these areas thoroughly as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. When brushing, take your time around each bracket, paying particular attention to the areas above and below the brackets and along your gumline. Cleaning between your teeth each day is also important, using floss or other cleaning tools recommended by your orthodontic team. Flossing around braces can take some practice. If you’re finding it tricky, ask us at your next appointment and our team can show you techniques and tools that can make cleaning around your braces easier. How Your Diet Affects Oral Health During Orthodontic Treatment What you eat and drink can make a difference to your oral health during orthodontic treatment. Frequently consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel demineralisation, particularly when plaque isn’t being removed effectively from around brackets, wires or attachments. You don’t need to completely avoid sugar, but limiting how often you have sugary or acidic foods and drinks can help protect your teeth. Water is the best choice for everyday hydration, alongside a balanced diet and a consistent brushing and flossing routine. If you’re wearing braces, you’ll also need to take a little extra care with hard, sticky and chewy foods, as these can damage brackets and wires. Read our guide to what to eat with braces for braces-friendly food ideas and tips on foods that may need to be avoided or modified. Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine During Orthodontic Treatment How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment? Good brushing habits are especially important during orthodontic treatment, as food and plaque can collect around brackets, wires and attachments. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, taking extra care to clean along the gumline and around your orthodontic appliance. If you wear braces, you may also find it helpful to brush after meals when possible to remove food caught around your brackets and wires. Take your time and make sure you’re reaching above, below and around each bracket rather than simply brushing over them. How Do You Floss With Braces? Flossing with braces can take a little more time, but there are several tools that can make cleaning between your teeth easier. Floss threaders and super floss can help you guide floss underneath your wire, while interdental brushes can be useful for cleaning around brackets and between teeth. A water flosser can also be a helpful addition to your routine for removing food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. If you’re unsure which tools to use or how to floss effectively with your braces, ask our team at your next appointment. We can demonstrate different techniques and help you find an approach that works for you. Cleaning Between Your Teeth With Clear Aligners One benefit of removable clear aligners is that you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Clean between your teeth every day, paying particular attention to areas where food or plaque may collect. Before putting your aligners back in, make sure your teeth are clean and your aligners have been cleaned as recommended. This helps prevent food and plaque from becoming trapped between your teeth and aligners. FAQs How often should I brush my teeth with braces?We recommend brushing twice daily for 2 minutes at a time. You may also find it helpful to brush after meals to dislodge any food particles stuck in your brackets or wires. Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?Yes, an electric toothbrush can generally be used with braces. Your orthodontic team can advise you on brushing techniques for your appliance. How do you floss with braces?Floss threaders, orthodontic floss, interdental brushes and water flossers can make cleaning around brackets and wires easier. Do I still need dental cleans while I have braces?Yes. Continue attending your regular dentist for check-ups and professional cleans as recommended. What happens if you don’t
When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
As your child grows, their teeth and jaws go through a lot of changes. Alongside regular dental check-ups, you may be wondering when it’s the right time for their first orthodontic assessment. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic assessment at around age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will need orthodontic treatment at this age. For many children, the first visit is simply an opportunity to assess how their teeth, bite and jaws are developing and determine whether any monitoring is needed as they grow. So, why age 7, and what might an orthodontist look for? Here’s what parents need to know. Why Age 7? By around age 7, many children have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This gives an orthodontist an opportunity to assess how the teeth are emerging, how the upper and lower teeth fit together and how the jaws are developing. An orthodontist may look at: How the adult teeth are emerging Whether there is crowding or spacing How the upper and lower teeth bite together Jaw growth and development The position of emerging adult teeth Habits such as prolonged thumb sucking that may be affecting dental development Dr. Igor Lavrin, a Specialist Orthodontist at L&L Orthodontics, explains “in most cases, we do not need to do anything at age 7 but it is important for us to continue to monitor during growth to get the right timing to begin orthodontic treatment for your child”. Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Assessment While every child develops differently, some common signs that may indicate a need for early orthodontic intervention include: Crowded or crooked teeth Uneven spacing Protruding front teeth Difficulty chewing or biting Underbite or overbite Crossbite Thumb-sucking after age 6 Early or late loss of baby teeth Teeth potentially getting stuck or impacted Shifting of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth These signs don’t necessarily mean your child will need orthodontic treatment. An assessment allows an orthodontist to determine whether treatment, monitoring or no action is appropriate at that stage. When Might Early Orthodontic Treatment Be Recommended? Most children who have an orthodontic assessment at age 7 won’t need treatment straight away. However, there are some situations where an orthodontist may recommend treatment while a child is still growing. Depending on the individual child, early orthodontic treatment may be considered to: Manage certain bite problems, such as some crossbites Address particular jaw growth or development concerns Create or maintain space for emerging adult teeth in some circumstances Manage certain problems with the position or eruption of adult teeth Address oral habits that are affecting the development of the teeth or bite Whether early treatment is appropriate depends on your child’s individual orthodontic needs. In other cases, monitoring growth and development may be the most appropriate approach. Does My Child Need a Dentist Referral to See an Orthodontist? No, you don’t need a dentist referral to book an orthodontic consultation at L&L Orthodontics. Your child’s dentist and orthodontist have different but complementary roles. Regular dental check-ups remain important for monitoring your child’s general oral health, while a Specialist Orthodontist focuses on the development and alignment of the teeth, bite and jaws. Every Child is Different Not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, but an early assessment gives you peace of mind and helps your child become familiar with our team and environment. Should they need braces or clear aligners in their teens, they’ll already feel comfortable and supported in our care. What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Assessment? Your child’s first orthodontic visit is an opportunity for the orthodontic team to assess their developing teeth, bite and jaws and talk with you about any concerns. Depending on your child’s needs, the appointment may include a clinical examination and diagnostic records such as photographs, digital scans or X-rays. Your orthodontist will then explain what they’ve found and whether they recommend treatment, monitoring or no action at this stage. We’re Here to Help At L&L Orthodontics, we’ve cared for thousands of children and families at different stages of their orthodontic journey. Our Specialist Orthodontists provide personalised care based on each child’s teeth, bite and stage of development. And did you know you don’t need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist? School holiday appointments can be popular, so if you’re planning an orthodontic consultation during the break, we recommend booking ahead to find a time that suits your family. Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.
What to Expect on Your Orthodontic Journey with L&L Orthodontics
Beginning orthodontic treatment is a significant and exciting step toward achieving a confident, healthy smile. At L&L Orthodontics, we’re committed to making your experience as smooth and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect at each stage of your treatment journey. Step 1: Consultation & Preparation Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation at one of our Melbourne locations, Collins Street or Templestowe. During this appointment, you will meet with one of our Specialist Orthodontists and a Treatment Coordinator for a detailed examination of your teeth, bite, and oral health. X-rays are important to see the roots of your teeth and the associated jaw bones. Based on this assessment, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your needs, whether that involves clear aligners or LightForce 3D braces. If required, we may suggest a visit to your dentist or another specialist to ensure your teeth and gums are in optimal condition before beginning treatment. Once your plan is confirmed, we will design your custom clear aligners or braces. Step 2: Starting Treatment When your appliance is ready, you’ll return to our practice to begin your treatment. Whether you’re receiving aligners or braces, your appliance will be carefully fitted by our experienced orthodontic team. With more than 10,000 patients treated, you can feel confident that you are in expert hands. At this appointment, we’ll also provide detailed instructions on how to care for your appliance and maintain your oral hygiene throughout treatment. Step 3: Monitoring Progress We offer Dental Monitoring as part of all treatments at L&L Orthodontics. This is a cutting-edge app that uses AI technology to track your progress remotely. By submitting weekly scans through the app, our team can monitor your tooth movement in real time, making your treatment more efficient and convenient. You’ll be able to see changes happening and stay in close contact with our team through the app. If you have any questions along the way, we’re always just a message or phone call away! Step 4: Completion & Retention Once your treatment is complete, we’ll remove any attachments or braces and polish your teeth, revealing your new smile. To maintain your results long term, we’ll also fit a custom retainer and schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the fit is correct. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial for preserving your results and preventing your teeth from shifting over time. Ready to begin your smile transformation? Book a consultation with the team at L&L Orthodontics and take the first step toward the confident smile you’ve always wanted.
What to Expect at Your Orthodontic Consultation at L&L Orthodontics
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, your first consultation is an opportunity to understand your teeth and bite, explore your treatment options and ask any questions you may have. At L&L Orthodontics, your initial orthodontic consultation includes a clinical assessment and diagnostic records to help our Specialist Orthodontists determine which treatment options may be suitable for you. Here’s what to expect at your first orthodontic consultation, what’s included and what happens next. Allow an Hour for Your Appointment Your first consultation will last approximately one hour. During this time, one of our skilled Specialist Orthodontists will review the health of your teeth, jaw, and gums, take measurements, and gather all the necessary details to understand your unique smile needs. Thorough Examination and Diagnostics At your appointment, we’ll take diagnostic records, including high-quality digital photos of your face and teeth as well as x-rays. The Specialist Orthodontist will review these to help create your personalised treatment plan based on your smile goals. Treatment Recommendations and Options The Specialist Orthodontist will discuss their findings and recommend the treatment options that best suit your smile goals and your lifestyle. Options may include early treatment for children, including Invisalign First, Spark Clear Aligners for a nearly invisible approach or LightForceTM 3D-printed braces for precision and comfort. Dedicated Support from Our Treatment Coordinator Once you’ve had a chance to ask questions and understand your options, our Treatment Coordinator will guide you through the financial investment and provide a range of payment options and plans to suit your budget. There will be plenty of time to talk through any further questions or concerns you may have. Follow-Up with a Detailed Report After your visit, a report summarising your consultation, diagnostic results, and recommended treatment plan will be sent to both you and your dentist, ensuring everyone is informed and aware of the next steps. The Cost The total cost for this consultation is $120, which includes all diagnostic photos and x-rays taken on the day. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the fee will be discounted from your treatment cost. Ready to Begin Your Journey? Our team is here to make your experience as smooth as possible, with personalised care and support every step of the way. Book your consultation and take the first step on your orthodontic journey. Details are accurate at the time of writing. Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise which treatment is suitable for you.
What Are Chalky Teeth? A Guide for Parents
Chalky teeth is a term used to describe developmental defects that can affect the strength and appearance of tooth enamel. One common form affects the first adult molars and may be identified during childhood. Children with chalky teeth may require additional dental care, and the condition can also be an important consideration when planning orthodontic treatment. At L&L Orthodontics, we work alongside your child’s dentist or paediatric dentist when orthodontic treatment is being considered. Can Chalky Teeth Affect Orthodontic Treatment? Chalky teeth can be an important consideration when planning orthodontic treatment. Because the enamel of affected teeth may be weaker or more sensitive, your orthodontist will need to consider the condition of these teeth when assessing your child and recommending treatment. Depending on the teeth affected and their severity, orthodontic treatment may need to be planned alongside care from your child’s dentist or paediatric dentist. This can help ensure their dental health and orthodontic needs are considered together. Every child is different, so having chalky teeth does not necessarily mean they cannot have orthodontic treatment. A clinical assessment is needed to understand how the condition may influence treatment options and timing. We Keep Up-To-Date On Chalky Teeth (D3s) To keep up with the latest information, we belong to The D3 Group whose mission is ‘Better understanding and care of people with chalky teeth’. This Australasian network brings together interested dental professionals, doctors, scientists and healthcare companies to share knowledge, discuss research needs, and formulate best standards of care and education. The D3 Group has a special interest in chalky molars (‘Molar Hypomin’), a disturbingly common problem that affects about 1-in-6 schoolchildren worldwide. And in case you’re wondering, ‘D3‘ is just another way of saying Developmental Dental Defects (DDD), which is the technical term for chalky teeth. Helping You Learn About Chalky Teeth To assist your learning about chalky teeth, our clinic makes available the full range of educational resources produced by The D3 Group. These include some really cool stickers and an easy to understand storybook made especially for children with Molar Hypomin. For those of you wanting to learn more about Molar Hypomin and other types of chalky teeth, we recommend you visit the Chalky Teeth Campaign website. This is an authorised satellite page of www.thed3group.org (copyright The D3 Group and Lavrin-Lawrence Orthodontics). Enquiries to D3-Sam@thed3group.org
Turning Old Uniforms into a Cleaner Tomorrow
We’re proud to share our recent partnership with UPPAREL, a local leader in textile recycling to reduce our environmental footprint and give our old team uniforms a second life. Recently, we gave 59 kilograms of old team uniforms a second life by keeping them out of landfill and handing them over to UPPAREL for responsible recycling. Instead of becoming waste, these items will be transformed into a versatile raw material known as Uptex, which can be repurposed for a range of uses — from signage and homewares to acoustic panels and packaging. This effort alone has helped prevent 207 kilograms of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. It’s a small but powerful reminder that every action counts when it comes to protecting our environment. Who Is UPPAREL? UPPAREL is Australia’s most trusted name in textile recovery and recycling. Their mission is simple but vital: to end textile waste. Through partnerships with individuals and businesses, UPPAREL helps divert unwanted clothing, linen, and workwear from landfill, transforming them into new products, useful materials, or donation-ready items. With a strong focus on innovation and impact, UPPAREL is leading the charge toward a more circular and sustainable fashion industry, encouraging Australians to rethink the lifecycle of their textiles. Why It Matters Each year, millions of tonnes of clothing and textiles are sent to landfill in Australia alone, a growing problem that contributes to pollution, overconsumption, and climate change. Uniforms and workwear, which are often discarded as soon as they’re no longer in use, make up a significant part of this issue. By recycling our outdated uniforms through UPPAREL, we’ve taken a practical step toward reducing waste and lowering emissions. For every 1kg of textiles that avoids landfill, we can prevent an average 3-4kg of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere.
Travelling with Clear Aligners: Essential Tips
Travelling with clear aligners takes a little extra planning, but your treatment routine can come with you. Whether you’re heading overseas, taking a weekend trip or travelling for work, packing the right essentials and knowing what to do if something goes wrong can make looking after your aligners while away much simpler. From flying with clear aligners to keeping them clean and knowing what to do if you lose a tray, here are our practical tips for travelling during clear aligner treatment. What Should You Do Before Travelling With Clear Aligners? A few simple checks before you leave will save stress later. Confirm your wear schedule and next change date. Set reminders in your phone so time zones do not throw you off. Pack extra aligners if advised. If you are due to change mid-trip, bring the current set and the next set in their labelled packets. Keep packaging for reference. Take recent progress photos in your Dental Monitoring app before you go. This creates a clear baseline if we need to advise you while you are away. Add our clinic details in your phone. If you are a regular traveller, let us know so we can plan remote check-ins. If you are early in treatment or approaching a key stage, ask whether a quick in-clinic check is helpful before you depart. What to Pack When Travelling With Clear Aligners Create a small, easy-to-reach kit for flights, road trips and day tours. Must-haves include: Hard aligner case, plus a spare case in your day bag. Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental brushes or floss picks. Compact alcohol-free mouthwash. Chewies or seating aids if prescribed. Aligner removal tool if you use one. Sugar-free gum or xylitol mints for dry mouth. Mild, clear, unscented soap for cleaning trays. A small zip bag for used floss and to keep everything together. If you’re flying, keep your current aligners and any additional sets in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. This keeps them with you if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, so you can continue following your prescribed aligner schedule. Daily Routines That Work Anywhere Holidays and travel can change your usual routine, but a little planning can make it easier to keep up with your clear aligner wear and care while you’re away. Continue wearing your aligners for around 22 hours each day, or as recommended by your orthodontist. Remove your aligners for meals and when drinking anything other than plain water. Keep your aligner case handy so you have somewhere safe to store them whenever you take them out. Rinse your aligners with cool water and continue your usual cleaning routine while you’re away. Brush and floss after meals before putting your aligners back in. If you can’t brush straight away, rinse your mouth with water and brush when you next have the opportunity. If you’re enjoying coffee, wine or other staining drinks, remove your aligners first and clean your teeth before putting them back in. On long travel days, a phone reminder can be helpful if your usual meal and aligner routine gets disrupted. Tips for Managing Clear Aligners on Flights Stay hydrated. Cabin air can leave your mouth feeling dry, so drink water regularly throughout your flight. Keep your oral hygiene essentials handy. Pack a travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss in your hand luggage so you can clean your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back in. Follow your prescribed aligner schedule. Travelling across time zones can make routines confusing, so check your wear and change schedule before you leave. If you’re unsure when to change to your next set, contact our team for advice. Keep your aligners safe during meals. Always put them straight into their case when you remove them rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them on your tray table. Do Time Zones Affect Your Clear Aligner Schedule? Travelling across time zones shouldn’t mean changing your treatment plan yourself. Continue following your prescribed wear and aligner change schedule, and contact your orthodontic team if you’re unsure when to change to your next set. Using Dental Monitoring to Stay Connected Dental Monitoring keeps you linked with our clinicians wherever you are. With regular smartphone scans, we can: Check fit and tracking. Advise on early or delayed changes. Troubleshoot small issues quickly. Reduce the need for in-person visits. Before your trip, update your app, pack your scan device, and enable notifications for quick responses. What Should You Do if You Lose an Aligner While Travelling? It happens, particularly on busy days. Your first step is to contact us through Dental Monitoring and let us know which aligner you’ve lost or damaged. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we can advise whether you should wear a previous aligner, move to another set or take another approach. As a general guide, we recommend: Lost your current aligner? Return to your previous aligner and wear it full-time while you wait for advice from our team. Cracked or damaged aligner? If it still fits comfortably, continue wearing it until our team advises you otherwise. Almost due to change aligners? Contact us through Dental Monitoring before moving to your next set. Don’t skip ahead by multiple aligners. Your aligner sequence forms part of your individual treatment plan. Sharp attachment bothering you? Orthodontic wax can help cover a sharp or irritating area temporarily. Your individual instructions may vary depending on your treatment plan, so always follow the advice provided by your orthodontic team. How to Keep Your Clear Aligners Clean While Travelling Brush after every meal with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily or use interdental brushes. Always use your aligner case – never napkins. Keep aligners away from heat, dashboards or direct sun. Stay hydrated to support oral health. Common Travel Scenarios, Solved Street food or long tours: rinse if brushing is not possible, brush at first chance. Event dinners: remove aligners before the meal, store in your case, sip water to reduce staining,
Why Are Retainers Important After Orthodontic Treatment?
Finishing your orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but keeping your teeth in their new positions is an ongoing part of your orthodontic care. So, why are retainers important after orthodontic treatment? Teeth can naturally move over time, and wearing your retainers as recommended helps maintain their position after braces or clear aligner treatment. At L&L Orthodontics, we provide retainers and personalised wear instructions based on your individual treatment needs. Here’s what you need to know about wearing and caring for your retainers after orthodontic treatment. Why Retainers Matter After braces or clear aligner treatment, teeth can move over time. This movement is known as orthodontic relapse. Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth following treatment and reduce the likelihood of unwanted movement. Wearing your retainers as recommended is particularly important after active orthodontic treatment while the tissues supporting your teeth adjust to their new positions. However, teeth can continue to move throughout life, which is why long-term retainer wear may be recommended. If retainers aren’t worn as recommended, changes in tooth position can occur and, in some cases, further orthodontic treatment may be needed. Your Retainer Routine How long and how often you need to wear your retainers will depend on your individual treatment and the instructions provided by your orthodontist. At L&L Orthodontics, many patients are advised to wear their removable retainers every night for 8–12 hours during the first 12 months after treatment. After this period, your orthodontist may recommend reducing wear, depending on your individual needs. If your retainers start to feel tight after you reduce how often you wear them, your teeth may have moved slightly. Try wearing your retainers every night again, or contact our team if they continue to feel tight or no longer fit comfortably. Long-term retainer wear is generally recommended to help maintain tooth position. Always follow the wear schedule provided by your orthodontic team rather than changing your routine yourself. Caring For Your Retainers Keeping your retainers clean helps remove plaque and debris that can build up during wear. Clean your retainers regularly according to the instructions provided by your orthodontic team, and avoid using hot water, which may affect some retainer materials. Retainer cleaning products, such as OrthoBrite Cleaning Tablets, or a sonic cleaner may also be used where appropriate. These are available from our team at reception. When you’re not wearing your retainers, keep them safely stored in their protective case. Avoid wrapping them in tissues or napkins, where they can easily be misplaced or accidentally thrown away, and keep them out of reach of pets. If your retainer is lost, damaged or no longer fits correctly, contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you on the next steps. Replacement fees may apply. Retainer FAQs Why are retainers important after braces?Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment and reduce the likelihood of unwanted tooth movement. How long do you need to wear retainers?Long-term retainer wear is generally recommended, but how often you need to wear yours depends on your individual treatment and your orthodontist’s instructions. Do you have to wear retainers forever?Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, ongoing retainer wear may be recommended to help maintain their position. What happens if you stop wearing your retainer?Your teeth may change position if your retainer isn’t worn as recommended. The amount of movement varies between individuals. Why does my retainer feel tight?A change in fit may indicate a change in tooth position. If your retainer feels unusually tight or no longer fits properly, contact your orthodontic team for advice. How often should retainers be replaced?There’s no single replacement schedule. It depends on the retainer type, wear, care and individual factors. Replace a retainer when advised by your orthodontic team. Looking After Your Smile After Orthodontic Treatment Retainers are an important part of your ongoing orthodontic care. Wearing and caring for them as recommended can help maintain the position of your teeth after braces or clear aligner treatment. If you’re unsure how often to wear your retainer, it feels different than usual, or you think it may need replacing, contact the L&L Orthodontics team for advice.