Archive for category: BRO News

Braces are part of growing up, worn by over half of children and teens. This procedure can improve dental health and create a gorgeous smile, but it takes some work. While basic dental routines seem simple from the comfort of home, things get a bit more complicated when you arrive at school. Between different foods and busy bathrooms, you may wonder how to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations.

The good news? A few minor adjustments can make a world of difference. Below, we’ll share all the secrets to navigating school life in Western North Carolina, all while keeping your braces and your teeth as clean and comfortable as possible.

Choosing the Right Lunch

Life with braces may require a few adjustments to your diet. You may be taking a break from taffy and popcorn, or you may need to cut your food into smaller pieces. These mealtime or snacktime routines might feel straightforward at home, where you have plenty of alternatives in the pantry. Still, braces don’t need to stand in the way of an enjoyable school lunch.

You’ll enjoy far more control over your lunchtime experience if you pack your own food. Skip the crunchy nut butters and difficult-to-chew apples, opting instead for grapes or pitas with hummus. Hot lunches add extra complications. There are only so many options available in the lunch line, after all, and they might not always work well with braces. When in doubt, stick with softer foods like spaghetti or grilled cheese sandwiches. If you have lunch after an adjustment, opt for cold foods that can help ease mild discomfort.

Cleaning Teeth at School

After lunch, you might notice food stuck in your teeth. What is the best time and place to remove/clean? Right after lunch, as you visit the school bathroom. It shouldn’t take long to clean your teeth, but you’ll need to pack the right supplies. Bring a travel kit, complete with a small toothbrush and toothpaste, plus braces-friendly floss or flossers.

If you feel awkward, try different bathrooms at different times of the day to get a feel for which are less busy so you can brush and floss in peace. You may be surprised to discover that many other students clean their teeth at school.

Taking Time Out for Orthodontic Appointments

The right mealtime and hygiene routines can set the stage for a successful braces journey, but orthodontic appointments are just as important. At times, these may be scheduled during the school day.

These daytime appointments shouldn’t have a huge impact on your school experience. Your Western NC orthodontist can provide a letter to explain the need for the visit, which, in most cases, will last just half an hour. Check with your teacher to discover what you missed and what you need to make up. It’s possible that you may experience a little discomfort after your appointment. This should fade away quickly, but, in the meantime, cool water may help.

Child and Teen-Friendly Care at Blue Ridge Orthodontics

Your braces adventure doesn’t have to be stressful. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we’re all about making kids and teens feel comfortable and confident. Serving Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville, we’re here to help you or your child score a beautiful and healthy smile. Call 828-537-5338 or fill out our contact form to learn more.

Yes, teens can use Invisalign®—and for many, it’s a great choice. If your teen needs orthodontic treatment but doesn’t love the idea of metal braces, Invisalign® offers a more low-key, flexible option that still gets real results. It uses a set of clear, removable aligners to move teeth gradually into place, and it’s nearly invisible when worn. For teens who care about how they look in photos or don’t want braces to get in the way of sports, music, or everyday life, that can be a big deal.

But let’s be real: Invisalign® only works if you actually wear the aligners. They’re supposed to be in for 20 to 22 hours a day, which means taking them out only for eating, brushing, or quick breaks. If they’re constantly off, left in a backpack, forgotten on a lunch tray, or taken out for hours at a time, the treatment will drag on or won’t work as planned. It’s not just about starting the process, as it’s about sticking with it every day.

That’s where maturity and responsibility come in. Invisalign® gives more freedom than braces, but it also demands more self-discipline. If a teen tends to lose things or forget routines, it can be a challenge. Some orthodontists still offer optional wear indicators (small colored dots on the aligners that fade the more they’re worn), which can help track use, but ultimately, it comes down to honesty and consistency.

From a comfort perspective, most teens prefer Invisalign® over braces. Aligners are made from smooth plastic, so there are no wires poking your cheeks or brackets causing sores. And since you can take them out, eating is way easier, no banned snacks or worrying about popcorn at the movies.

It’s also worth noting that Invisalign® isn’t right for everyone. This process works best for mild to moderate alignment issues, like small gaps or slightly crooked teeth. For more complex cases, traditional braces may still be the better option. That’s why an orthodontic consult is important to figure out what will actually work.

Bottom line: teens can use Invisalign®, and many love the freedom and look it offers. But success depends on daily habits. If your teen is up for the responsibility, Invisalign® can be a smooth, discreet path to a better smile.

Invisalign helps you achieve a more perfect smile by using the clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. They achieve the same results as braces while being nearly invisible and can be taken out for 2-4 hours a day, allowing you to eat the same foods and clean your teeth as you always did. Once you’ve decided on this advanced treatment, how do you find a dentist who excels at it?

What Is a Diamond+ Invisalign Provider?

This designation is awarded to a dental professional who has demonstrated a high level of experience and expertise in treating patients with Invisalign clear aligners. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we are the only practice in Western North Carolina to hold this distinction. This puts us in the top 1 percent of Invisalign providers in North America for the second consecutive year. This badge of honor signifies that we treat at least 800 Invisalign cases every 6 months at our convenient locations in Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville.

What Does It Mean for You?

This high volume of skill rewards you with many benefits:

• Experience. Because we treat more patients, we can develop more expertise and a deeper understanding of dental challenges and potential solutions. You can come to us with confidence, knowing that we can address any issue that your particular case might present.
• Advanced Innovations. As a Diamond+ Invisalign Provider, we regularly have access to the latest Invisalign innovations, which we use to improve our dental technology and techniques.
• Proven Results. We can only reach this number of patients by continuously achieving successful outcomes that satisfy our patients’ needs. Our goal is to build a strong connection with you by empathizing with your feelings, explaining your treatment options, and doing what we can to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Our processes practically ensure that your treatment outcome will be effective.

Why Choose Us?

The experienced, knowledgeable and friendly team at Blue Ridge Orthodontics emphasizes outstanding customer service as we deliver high-quality and professional orthodontic care. We use state-of-the-art treatment options, such as computer-designed dental appliances and iTero 3D scans with no radiation. We are excited to offer Invisalign as an alternative method of straightening your teeth that eliminates the need for braces.

We appreciate our patients’ trust through appreciation events, regular contests, and a patient rewards program that awards points for being on time for appointments, referring friends, and wearing dental appliances as instructed. To encourage dental positivity in kids, young patients can choose something from our prize box at each visit. We also care for our local community by contributing money and volunteering time to support charitable groups, school sports teams, and non-profit organizations.

How to Get Started

To experience Diamond+ Invisalign service in person, please contact us at Blue Ridge Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation. We’ll give you a complete oral exam with X-rays and tailor a custom plan for you.

Invisalign is more popular than ever among adults and families in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard—but even with all the buzz, we still hear some surprising myths about clear aligners. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we believe a well-informed patient is a confident one, so let’s set the record straight.

Here are the top Invisalign misconceptions we hear most—and the truth behind each one.

Invisalign is only for minor teeth issues

This one comes up a lot, and we totally get it—early versions of Invisalign weren’t built to handle more complex cases. But in 2025, that’s no longer true. Invisalign technology has advanced in a big way, and with a skilled orthodontist (hi, that’s us), we’re able to treat crowding, spacing, crossbites, and more using clear aligners.

At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we’ve treated patients in Asheville and beyond who were originally told they weren’t candidates for Invisalign. Thanks to customized treatment plans and smart technology, aligners can now correct much more than “just a little shifting.”

Braces work better and faster

Traditional braces have been around forever, and they’re great at what they do—but they’re not always faster or more effective. In many cases, Invisalign offers the same timeline and results, especially when treatment is guided by an experienced provider like our team at Blue Ridge Orthodontics.

For most of our adult and teen patients, Invisalign delivers noticeable results in about 12 to 18 months—the same average treatment length as braces. Plus, there are fewer emergency visits and less time in the chair since no wires or brackets need adjusting. So if you’ve been told Invisalign is the “slower option,” you might want a second opinion.

Invisalign is too expensive

One of the biggest myths we hear is that Invisalign costs way more than braces. The truth? It doesn’t. At Blue Ridge Orthodontics, the cost of Invisalign is very comparable to traditional braces. We offer flexible financing options, and many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces.

When you add in the convenience, appearance, and comfort that Invisalign offers, most of our patients feel it’s absolutely worth it. You’re investing in your smile, your confidence, and your lifestyle—without a big price gap.

You can’t eat normally with Invisalign

This one’s easy to debunk. Unlike braces, which come with a list of food restrictions, Invisalign trays are removable. That means you can take them out during meals and enjoy whatever you like—from a hot slice of pizza downtown to a crisp apple from a Hendersonville orchard.

As long as you brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in, you’re good to go. No food limitations, no awkward eating, no worries.

Invisalign is uncomfortable

Any orthodontic treatment comes with some pressure—it’s how your teeth move—but Invisalign is known for being gentle. The aligners are made of smooth plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, so there’s no poking wires or sharp brackets.

Most patients feel mild pressure for a day or two with each new set of aligners, and then they hardly notice them. In fact, some people forget they’re even wearing them. It’s a big reason adults and teens alike love Invisalign—it fits into your life without adding discomfort.

Ready to separate fact from fiction? We’re here to answer all your questions and help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. If you’re in Asheville, Brevard, or Hendersonville, schedule a free consultation with Blue Ridge Orthodontics and let’s talk clear, comfortable, confidence-building smiles.