Huntington Orthodontics Blog

5 Tips to Avoid Orthodontic Emergencies

September 1, 2025

Woman in pain at dentist.

Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile,  but it also comes with new responsibilities. Whether you or your child are wearing braces or clear aligners, keeping everything in good condition is key to staying on track with treatment. Orthodontic emergencies like broken brackets, loose wires, or mouth irritation can delay progress and cause unnecessary discomfort.

The good news? Most orthodontic emergencies are preventable. Here are 5 simple tips to help you avoid setbacks and keep your orthodontic treatment running smoothly.

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Help! What Should You Do If You Break Your Braces?

July 14, 2025

Image of dental mold with braces

Braces are built to be strong, but accidents can happen. A broken bracket, loose wire, or damaged band can occur due to sports injuries, chewing hard foods, or even just normal wear and tear. While it can be unsettling, knowing how to handle the situation will help you stay calm and protect your orthodontic progress.

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What Are Invisalign Refinements?

May 11, 2025

Woman putting on a clear retainer

Invisalign is known for its clear, comfortable aligners that help straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires. However, many patients are surprised to learn they may need “Invisalign refinements” at some point in their treatment. Refinement trays are an important part of ensuring you achieve the best results and a smile you’re excited to share.

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Brace Yourself: Your Child May Need Braces

March 1, 2025

Young girl smiling wearing braces.

As a parent, you want your child to grow up healthy and confident, including when it comes to their smile. While some dental issues are easy to spot, others are more subtle, including issues such as crookedness or their bite alignment. So how can you tell if your little tyke might need braces? In this article, you’ll learn about how to spot the signs that your child may require orthodontic treatment.

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Straight-Up Smiles: The Surprising Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

January 17, 2025

Patient with a straightened smile working out

When people think about straight teeth, they often focus on aesthetics—a beautiful grin that boosts confidence and lights up the room. But did you know that a properly straightened smile offers several health benefits as well? From improving digestion to preventing gum disease, straight teeth do more than just look good. Continue reading to see how a well-aligned grin can improve many aspects of your oral and bodily health.

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I Can’t Wait to Finish My Invisalign Treatment, but How Long Will I Have to Wear My Retainer?

November 13, 2024

Retainer

If there’s one day that every orthodontic patient looks forward to, it’s the day that the teeth-straightening process is completed. While Invisalign can effectively and comfortably straighten out many smiles with mild or moderate misalignments, it’s still important to wear your retainer after treatment to prevent your teeth from drifting out of position. Here’s a brief guide to why you should wear your retainer and how long you’ll have to use this appliance.

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Can I Still Play an Instrument with Braces?

September 19, 2024

A teen playing a wind instrument.

If your teen plays a wind instrument but needs orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if they’ll still be able to continue once their braces go on. Thankfully, even traditional braces should not prevent them from playing, however they may need to make a few adjustments to make it work.

Here’s what to expect when you wear braces during orthodontic treatment!

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I’ve Lost My Invisalign: What Do I Do?

July 7, 2024

Clear aligner tray on a white surface

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic method that can straighten your smile without bulky metal brackets. Instead, this alternative utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them. Every other week or so, your provider will have you switch to a new set of aligners to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.

Although treatment can often be completed in as few as 12 months, if you are prone to losing your aligners, it can extend your overall timeline. If you’re panicking because you’ve misplaced your trays, continue reading to learn what to do!

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The Metal Braces Survival Guide: 4 Tips for Your First Week

June 18, 2024

Close up of woman pulling back lips to show braces

The good thing about braces is that once you take them off, your smile will be straighter than ever. The not-so-great thing is you’ll have to go through an uncomfortable transition. Even this aspect has a silver lining, though. Once you’re used to them, they’re really not that bad.

Until then, you’d probably like some advice on handling the biggest learning curve: your first week. Keep reading for four tips that’ll help you survive!

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Dental Health Dash: Why Your Smile Shifts Over Time

May 17, 2024

Patient talking to their orthodontist about their dental health

Have you ever noticed your teeth aren’t as straight as they used to be? Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, teeth can shift over time. But how can that be? Aren’t treatments like braces and clear aligners permanent? Unfortunately, no, but there are ways to preserve your results, and understanding how teeth shift is the first step! Continue reading to learn all about this process and how you can stop it from affecting your dental health.

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