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5 Signs Your Retainer Needs A Replacement

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After orthodontic treatment, you will need a retainer in order to maintain that perfect smile that you got through orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, we don’t have the technology for an eternal retainer (yet). You will need to eventually schedule an appointment for retainer replacement.

Woman goes to orthodontist for retainer replacement in Asheville

5 common signs that mean your retainer needs to be replaced

Need to replace your retainer? You can easily request an appointment through our website. With orthodontic offices in Asheville, Hendersonville and Brevard, we have a convenient location for anyone in Western North Carolina.

1) Small Cracks in the Retainer

Orthodontic retainers come in a variety of different options. Depending on when you got your braces (or other type of orthodontic treatment), you might have a retainer that is primarily made of wire, or you might have one that is made of a material similar to what’s used for Invisalign aligners. After you’ve had a retainer for a year or more, the material starts to break down. If you notice that there are cracks in your retainer while examining it, then it’s probably time for a retainer replacement.

Left unaddressed, these cracks will only continue to get bigger. Eventually, the retainer will lack the structural strength needed to keep your teeth in their proper alignment. Letting a retainer go means that you’re running the risk of losing that perfect smile that you invested so much in to.

2) Your Retainer is Loose

If your retainer starts feeling loose, that’s a strong sign that it’s time to replace it. This doesn’t mean there is an issue with your teeth. Retainers wear down overtime and grow wider. This is why they can feel loose eventually, even if you have been good about wearing it. The issue here is that you are no longer getting the benefit of wearing the retainer. A loose retainer will not keep your teeth in place. We strongly urge you to get a replacement retainer before getting to the point that it no longer fits. Your teeth can begin to shift (slowly) back to their original position without that retainer in optimal condition.

That perfect smile means a lot to you and it means a lot to us at Blue Ridge Orthodontics. Being mindful of your retainer and replacing it before it loses its function is essential in keeping your smile looking perfect for life.

3) Your Retainer is Warped

Modern retainers are great, but those benefits come with a greater risk of them getting damaged or warped. Remember, a retainer that doesn’t fit is one that doesn’t work. A common scenario that we’ve dealt with here at BRO is a retainer that got warped because someone put it in the dishwasher or you tried to use very hot water to clean it. This is a situation where you would want to give us a call.

If you go for an extended period of time without wearing your retainer, it may hurt when you put your replacement retainer in for the first time. This is not a defect with the retainer itself. It means that you need to wear your retainer more often.

4) Too Much Calcium Has Built Up in the Retainer

Even if you are diligent about proper retainer maintenance, calcium can build up on your retainer over time. The problem is that calcium buildup can easily discourage one from wearing their retainer as often as they should. If you or your child has stopped wearing their retainer do to a nasty calcium buildup, it is time to get a replacement. You can easily schedule an appointment with Blue Ridge Orthodontics to get a retainer replacement at one of our orthodontic offices in Western North Carolina.

5) You Lost Your Retainer

Losing things is a frustrating but natural part of life. Remember that you are going to be using your retainer over the long run in order to maintain that beautiful smile. Over the years, moves, career transitions, new relationships and so much more present numerous opportunities to lose your retainer. It happens to the best of us.

If you have lost your retainer, please don’t wait too long to get a replacement. Our orthodontists will want to bring you to take a new impression for your replacement retainer. If it has been a while since you lost your retainer, then the new one will gently squeeze your teeth back into alignment. It’s also recommended that you establish a good place to store your retainer, so it is easy to put them back in before you go to bed.

Retainer Fatigue – What is That?

As a diamond level Invisalign provider, it should come as no surprise that many of our patients end up with clear retainers after their orthodontic treatment has finished. Like Invisalign and our impressions aligners, these clear retainers are highly discrete and this makes it easier for our patients to wear them more often.

However, there is a downside to this type of retainer – the material will fatigue over time. Every time that you take out your clear retainer, it actually stretches the material a minute amount. The retainer will eventually be stretched enough to allow for micro movements in your teeth. If you don’t get your retainer replaced, that stretching will continue and your teeth will be allowed to move further out of their proper alignment.

Retainer fatigue is the reason why people can still experience some minor movement in their teeth even if they’re diligent about wearing their retainer. The simple truth is that your teeth are stronger than your clear retainer – crazy right? If we were to give a former patient a brand new retainer produced from the mold we took after they got their braces off, it would feel tighter.

Order Your Replacement Retainer From BRO

You need to wear your retainer if you want to maintain that perfect smile that you’ve earned through orthodontic treatment. This can come as a surprise to patients, but your retainer is so important. if your retainer is broken or lost, we urge you to not let it go. Order your replacement retainer from Blue Ridge Orthodontics in Western North Carolina. The process is simple, convenient and very affordable.

Call us today at (828) 585-6045 if you have any questions about your retainer or getting a replacement. BRO has offices in Asheville, Hendersonville and Brevard. we have a friendly and very talented orthodontic team that’s ready to answer any of your questions.

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How To Floss With Braces – The Right Way

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Flossing can be a difficult task to remember and perform daily and that task is made even harder when attempting to floss with traditional braces in the way. However, flossing is a vital part of good oral hygiene and is especially important when you have braces.

The brackets and wires used to form traditional braces supply excellent hiding places for bacteria to grow, while making flossing much more challenging. But don’t despair! Through the use of proper flossing techniques discussed in this article, you’ll be a master of flossing with braces in no time and be on your way to a healthier, happier smile.

Woman learns how to floss with braces on her teeth

Why Is Flossing Important – Especially When You Have Braces

Most of us have been told by our dentist that we need to floss more, but why exactly is flossing such a big deal? The food and drink that we consume on a daily basis introduce acids and bacteria into our mouths. Brushing twice a day can be very helpful in getting rid of this bacteria and maintaining your oral hygiene, but some areas of the mouth require a little more attention.

This is where flossing comes in handy. Certain areas of the mouth, such as between your teeth, provide an area for bacteria to hide. These areas can be difficult to clean simply by brushing your teeth. However, using wax-covered floss to clean in between your teeth helps to clean these hard to reach places.

When you add braces into the mix, this creates even more surface area for bacteria to take hold, making flossing even more important. Failing to keep up with a good, daily floss routine with braces can have a negative impact on your oral health, leading to issues, such as:

  • Stained or yellow teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Odorous breath

Step By Step Instructions For Flossing With Braces

The reason flossing with braces is so difficult is due to the wire running through each brace, connecting them, known as the archwire. This wire prevents you from flossing your teeth the traditional way as it does not all the floss to come all the way up between your teeth. Fortunately, there is a method to get around this snag.

When flossing with braces begin by threading the floss through each gap behind the wire of your braces, making sure not to pull on the wire with the floss. Once you have gotten the floss through, proceed to run the floss gently between your teeth. Repeat this process until you have flossed between all your teeth.

Be sure to use wax-covered thread for floss. Non-wax floss has a tendency to become caught in braces and can leave behind pieces of floss. Another useful tool for flossing with braces is an orthodontic floss threader. The stiff point on this needle like device allows you to thread floss behind your brace wires with ease.

Remember that flossing is very important to the health of your teeth, especially with braces. Brushing twice a day can do wonders for your oral hygiene, but making sure you floss at least once a day should absolutely be part of your routine.

Recommended Types of Floss

As a consumer, you have several different options when it comes to choosing the right type of floss for the job. Traditional dental floss can typically be purchased in a multi-strand (multifilament) or single-strand (monofilament) form. You also have the option of getting either wax-coated or non-wax floss (we recommend floss covered).

When considering what floss is best to use with braces, you’ll want to favor a wax-coated, monofilament floss. This type of floss can be maneuvered between your brace with relative ease and with a lower chance of catching in the brackets and wires.

Another option to consider is an electric water flosser, also known as oral irrigators. This can be a great alternative for anyone finding it too difficult to floss with traditional dental floss. An electric water flosser is a device that propels a high pressure spout of water used to clean between your teeth.

Some people believe an electric water flosser may not be as effective as using dental floss. However, using an oral irrigator is still more beneficial than not flossing at all. If traditional flossing with braces is just too cumbersome for you, an electric water flosser may just be the right tool for you.

How Parents Can Help Children With Braces Floss

Remembering to floss daily can be tough, but it is even harder on parents trying to get their kids to floss. Add braces to that equation and you have the recipe for a parenting nightmare! Fortunately, we have some tips to help you keep your kid’s teeth clean and healthy.

When dealing with younger children, you may have to floss their teeth for them. Many parents find this task easier to achieve when a distraction, such as a favorite tv show, is employed. This will hold your child’s attention, keeping their head still while you help them floss. If you are helping your child floss, be sure to do this in a well-lit area.

Older children and teenagers with braces will most likely prefer to floss on their own. This can make ensuring your child is flossing properly a little more difficult. Be sure to go over all the proper techniques with them, so they feel comfortable flossing on their own. We recommend supervising this process early on to make sure your child isn’t cutting any corners!

Blue Ridge Orthodontics

The bottom line is that flossing is a key ingredient to maintaining good oral hygiene, especially if you have braces. Although flossing with braces can be a daunting task, it’s really not that bad. With a little patience and commitment, you can easily make flossing a part of your daily routine and help ensure a beautiful, long lasting smile.

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Invisalign for Adults

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Invisalign for Adults: What is the process?

The process for getting Invisalign is pretty different from the process for braces. During your appointment, your orthodontist will take scans of your mouth to form your first set of aligners. 

Once you get your first set, you will wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, unless you are eating or drinking. Those aligners will adjust your teeth little by little over time. 

After you wear your aligners for the allotted period and your teeth adjust, you will continue on to your next set of aligners.

You will repeat this process until your teeth have straightened to the desired outcome. After your final set, you will need to continue to wear your retainer so that you don’t lose all your progress.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Discreet

Unless someone is exceptionally close to your face, no one will be able to tell that you are wearing Invisalign. They are mostly invisible, except for a slight glimmer from the plastic. Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires.

Low Maintenance

Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign gives you much more freedom. You don’t have to avoid any foods. You can still chew gum without your aligners in. There are not any appointments to get your braces tightened. You just need to pick up your aligners and wear and care for them properly.

More Comfortable

Due to the gradual adjusting style of the aligners, there are much more subtle changes in your teeth. This reduces the chance of toothaches and headaches because of moderate movements. The pain won’t throw you off of your everyday routine!

It can be faster than traditional braces

Invisalign can get you to your desired smile in as little as six months, depending on your specific situation and desired outcome. Since Invisalign also does not require as many appointments and is virtually painless, this also reduces the stress of the process, which can make time feel like it is passing quicker. 

Getting Started:

If you are excited about the opportunity to adjust your smile discreetly, you can make an appointment by giving us a call or by requesting an appointment here. We will walk you through your process during your free consultation, discuss insurance coverage, and talk through any other costs. 

This new technology has made fixing your adult smile much more convenient, so give us a call to get started!

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BRO’s Core Values

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Core values serve as a company’s cultural cornerstones. They are deeply ingrained principles that guide the entirety of a company’s actions. At BRO, our core values are explored in the onboarding process and discussed frequently around the office to help team members understand the “why” behind all we do. These carefully selected principles help us define who we are and who we strive to become. They are carried over into our actions, decisions, and day-to-day activities.

How did we select our core values?

 

Core Values-Dr. Roberts“Choosing our core values, and adding to them over time, has been a process that involved looking deep inside to see who we really want to be as a company.  I didn’t want the core values to exist only as words on the walls of BRO… I wanted them to live and breathe in our actions every day.”

-Dr. Luke Roberts

 

What are our core values?

Loyal

We are devoted to the success of Blue Ridge Orthodontics, and we believe that being part of the BRO team is beneficial for our community, our patients, and ourselves.

Efficient

We accomplish tasks with the least waste of time and effort. We work competently and effectively through teamwork to best serve our patients.

Professional

We behave with consideration and respect. We keep our word. We are loyal, and we exceed expectations.

Charitable

We give back to the community through donations and volunteering. We believe that giving back strengthens our society and our team.

Innovative

We are open to change and growth. We think creatively to generate ideas for a happier, more efficient workplace and better patient experience.

Goal-Oriented

We set appropriate goals and work as a motivated team to accomplish them. We acknowledge that it requires proactive planning, hard work, and persistence to attain our goals.

Knowledgeable

We believe that we are always learning and growing. We are dedicated to the most advanced training and serving our patients with the best technology available.

Positive

We establish and maintain good relationships, improve teamwork, and foster innovation. We focus on doing our best work, are supportive, and strive to value different perspectives within the team – Realizing that this makes us stronger and more resilient. We keep our issues inside our bubble.

 

How are our Core Values Present Daily?

Intending to have a team that understands and appreciates our core values, they are distinctly present in our daily activities. For instance, we engage in staff monthly meetings that are structured around a specific core value. If there are major business or patient decisions to be made, we look to our core values for guidance. Throughout the onboarding process, employees are provided with our value statements and are encouraged to fill out how they can apply each of them in their role at BRO.

Want to learn more about what sets us apart? Check out the BRO Difference.

 

 

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BRO New Year’s Resolutions

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It is officially 2022! Happy New Year from Blue Ridge Orthodontics.

With this season, we have a blank slate to start fresh and make the most of 2022. This is the time of year to establish your goals and build a plan for reaching them. It is said that the tradition of setting goals for the New Year dates back to 4000 years ago. While on average only 8% of people will actually stick to their New Year’s Resolutions, it still sets the beginning of your new year up with positive intention, hope, and initiative. 

Some of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions focus on self-improvement including eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, travel, etc. Our BRO employees have established some New Year’s Resolutions of their own. Check out what some of our team members had to say about their goals for 2022:

BRO Employee Resolutions:

Resolutions

Clarissa – Financial Coordinator:

“One of my goals is to read 29 books in 2022. I will also be turning 29 :)”

Resolutions

Christina – Community Outreach Manager:

“Complete 2000 Pull-Up Variations.” 

Resolutions

McKenna – Orthodontic Assistant:

“I can’t wait to bring my baby girl into this world in February 2022 and start the life of being a Mom!” 

Resolutions

Allison – Administrative Manager:

“Going on a walk at lunch!”

spanish

Dr. Griffeth, DMD, MSD – Orthodontist

“One of my resolutions is to improve my Spanish speaking so I can navigate an appointment without help.”

follow through

Loren – SEO & Email Marketing Specialist

“My New Year’s goal is to follow through on my ideas!”

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

So what are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2022? Will you choose a goal of self-improvement? Could one of your goals be to start a journey to a better smile? Luckily, we have all of the resources to help you follow through with that goal! Schedule your free consultation with one of our doctors and we will walk you through the best way to reach your goal for 2022.

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The Hope Chest for Women

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What is the Hope Chest For Women?

Founded in 2003, Hope Chest for Women was established to help alleviate the financial burden caused by gynecological or breast cancer treatment costs for women across western North Carolina.  HCFW provides financial assistance, education on cancer prevention, community resources, and emotional support for women afflicted with these diseases. This non-profit organization has three main focuses. 

Three Main Focuses:

  1. Provide Medical and Non-Medical Bill Pay Assistance
  2. Educate WNC Residents on the Importance of Cancer Screening and Early Detection
  3. Perform Community Outreach to Cancer Patients and Cancer Support Groups

With these focuses, Hope Chest for Women’s community assistance fund annually supports an average of 100 to 150 women. While the financial support greatly helps patients, HCFW also attends events throughout the community to promote cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. As an extra step of care, HCFW also visits chemotherapy treatment rooms to deliver care packages and provide emotional support.

As a result of medical hardships, patients often face unbelievably difficult choices. Sometimes they have to choose between receiving treatment or providing for their families. Hope Chest for Women stepped in to help women with things like rent/mortgages, medical bills/prescriptions, gas/transportation, utility bills, and more.  

Charged with the mission of equipping women with support, HCFW focuses its efforts locally on women living in all 22 counties of Western NC. They also help women living outside of WNC, but that receive treatment within the WNC service area. HCFW relies on collaboration with local medical professionals who work with these patients first-hand. HCFW’s medical partners refer potential clients to apply for support services. 

What is BRO’s affiliation with HCFW?

Hope Chest for Women is primarily supported by donors, local businesses, and third-party community fundraising events that benefit their mission. Being charitable is one of Blue Ridge Orthodontics’ core values:

Hope Chest for Women-Charitable

As a result of BRO’s mission of being charitable, BRO is one of the local WNC businesses that contribute to HCFW. Since 2016 BRO makes an annual donation in support of HCFW’s journey of aiding our local WNC women who are afflicted with gynecological or breast cancers. “Giving back and supporting organizations such as these is at the very core of what we believe in and why I founded Blue Ridge Orthodontics,” said Dr. Luke Roberts, CEO & Founder. “It’s especially close to home in that we are a business that employs a large number of women.”

 

Would you like to see how you can contribute to HCFW or want to know more about their operation? Check out their website!

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No freetime? Learn How to Get a Straight Smile from Home

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No freetime? Learn How to Get a Straight Smile from Home

Want a new smile but don’t have time for regular appointments? Meet our Impressions treatment options! Impressions and Impressions+ are at-home clear aligner treatment options that require significantly fewer appointments than other orthodontic treatments, like braces or Invisalign.

Our at-home treatment options allow you to go on with life without any major changes, all while completing your goal for a straighter smile. Say YES to a brighter, straighter smile for less of your $$ and time. 

Traditional clear aligner treatments, like Invisalign, require an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks for the duration of treatment. With treatment lasting up to 2 years, that could mean carving out time for around 20 trips to the office! That means sacrificing A LOT of your time.

Check out our two levels of at-home treatment and decide which will be best for you!

Along with hassle-free treatment, enjoy:

  • Your aligners & tools shipped directly to your door
  • FREE whitening during treatment
  • The option to have virtual appointments
  • Access to local doctors at Blue Ridge Orthodontics

 

Impressions clear aligners - straighter teeth without the orthodontist doctor

Impressions transforms your smile at home.

We designed Impressions for the busy moms, work-a-holics, world travelers, and students with jam-packed schedules. Impressions can transform your smile with just three appointments, which is the least amount of appointments out of all of our treatment options.

  1. Initial Consultation – This appointment is completely free and it can even be done virtually. We’re here to help answer any of your questions and give you an idea of what the rest of your treatment could be like.
  2. Treatment Begins – You will come to one of our locations in Asheville, Brevard, or Hendersonville for a full exam, including a 3D iTero scan and X-rays. Our doctors will evaluate your current smile and your smile goals before creating your treatment plan. We can even show you how your smile will look after treatment!
  3. Final Evaluation – You’ve finished all of your trays and are ready to show off your smile. We will make sure your new smile is to your liking and send you off to show that smile off to the world!

If you have limited time and only have minor smile issues to correct, this is a great option for you!

 

Impressions+ InvisalignImpressions+, the perfect balance for your life.

Impressions+ is the more advanced version of our original treatment. Impressions+ includes only six appointments over the course of treatment! More appointments allow the BRO doctors to keep a closer eye on your smile progress and make sure you’re on track. Impressions+ also includes attachments, small tooth-colored bumps that help the aligner grip onto your teeth and move them. Attachments make at-home treatment possible for more severe overbites, underbites, overlap, or spacing issues, that before could only be treated with Invisalign or braces.

         Appointment 1 – Free Consultation
         Appointments 2-5 – Progress Evaluations
         Appointment 6 – Your final smile reveal

Need an additional appointment? No problem! You can add additional virtual or in-person appointments for an added cost. Virtual appointments are great for quick questions or progress tracks! No matter where you are our doctors can make sure that your smile is on track.

If you don’t have a ton of extra time, but still want to see your doctor every once in a while, this treatment option was designed just for you!

 

Impressions Box Ships to your houseHow do you transform smiles from home?

It’s simple, we ship a box with your aligners and everything you need right to your door!

Eight to 10 weeks after your scans you will receive the Impressions welcome box. This personalized box will include your aligners, FREE whitening gel, and everything you will need for your smile transformation. Want to see what’s inside the box?

You don’t have to worry about your treatment being subpar, just because it costs less! Our aligners are made out of the same materials as Invisalign! Plus, our Impressions team of doctors at Blue Ridge Orthodontics are some of the top Invisalign providers in Western North Carolina. Our doctors are prepared with the solutions for all of your smile concerns. They understand how to safely shift your teeth, correct alignment for your overall bite health, and the clear aligner process from start to finish.

Learn more about Impressions and Impressions +. 

Schedule a FREE consultation to find out how you can get top-quality treatment for less time AND money. Fill out the form below or call us at 828-585-6045.

Your journey to your #ImpressionSmile starts when you open that box! Your life will never be the same – enjoy it! 

Straight teeth without going to the doctor

 

Impressions Consultation (1)

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Impressions+ : How our advanced treatment option from Invisalign could be the winner for you

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Impressions+ : How our advanced treatment option from Invisalign could be the winner for you

At this point, you’ve likely done some research and saw all of the options we offer for orthodontic treatment here at Blue Ridge Orthodontics. Does clear aligner treatment sound like the option for you? Clear aligners come with many benefits, such as the ability to eat what you want, keep your metal-free smile intact, and allow you to more easily maintain your oral hygiene while straightening your smile. However, traditional routes like Invisalign require many appointments and are a larger investment. This is where Impressions+ comes in – the new, more advanced version of our local, at-home clear aligner treatment, Impressions. 

Whether you’re walking in with mild or moderate orthodontic concerns, Impressions+ may be the option for you! Impressions+ is a great middle-ground treatment option between Impressions and Invisalign. Impressions+ requires a smaller time commitment than Invisalign, is 25% lower cost, and it can still resolve most of the issues that Invisalign can tackle. 

Let’s compare all of your options for clear aligner treatment from Blue Ridge Orthodontics:

Impressions, Impressions+, and Invisalign at-home aligner Treatment comparison

Impressions+
Correct more smile issues, for less.

6 Office Visits

Impressions+ requires fewer trips to the office than Invisalign, but more than Impressions, meaning that your trusted orthodontists at Blue Ridge Orthodontics can keep a closer eye on your smile’s progress and can answer any questions you have along the way. Some might say Impressions+ is a perfect balance! Lowering your trips to our office reduces your time and money invested.

Treats Mild to Moderate IssuesTreats Mild to Moderate Issues

Before Impressions+, Impressions could only treat mild orthodontic concerns because aligners alone can only do so much to correct spacing, crowding, over and underbite issues. With the addition of attachments, like the ones that come with Invisalign, we’re able to treat mild to severe orthodontic issues for less! Attachments are the little enamel-colored buttons, we adhere to your teeth that help shift and move teeth into alignment.

Could Impressions+ be for me?

Impressions+ is for the person that wants top-quality treatment but maybe doesn’t want to pay full price for comprehensive treatment, or who doesn’t have the time to come to our office every 6-8 weeks. Impressions+ provides the perfect balance of appointments with your doctor, for less. Find the perfect balance with Impressions+. Take the Impressions quiz to see if Impressions treatment could work for you.

 

Finding the right orthodontic treatment can be a difficult process, but with Blue Ridge Orthodontic’s complimentary consults, we can match you with the best treatment for you in no time! Get your smile confidence back with top-quality care from the Invisalign experts at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, for 25% of the cost of comprehensive Invisalign. 

 

Visit the Impressions website or schedule your complimentary consultation with Blue Ridge Orthodontics by calling us at 828-585-6045 or fill out the form below. 

Your journey to your #ImpressionSmile starts when you open that box! Your life will never be the same – enjoy it! 

The Blue Ridge Orthodontics team

 

Impressions Consultation (1)

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From Self-Conscious to Confident Smile with Clear Aligners

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From Self-Conscious to Confident Smile with Clear Aligners

Thinking about straightening your smile with our at-home treatment, Impressions? Hear from real Impressions patient, Audra, to see how her confidence changed forever.

Confident Smile with Clear Aligners

We’ve all been teased. Some would say it’s a right of passage in junior high and high school. But I can still remember how mean teenagers can be. It doesn’t feel like a right of passage – more like torture. 

I mostly got called a nerd. Second in the running was “Jolly Green Giant” because I towered over most of my friends and peers right up until graduation. I also occasionally got picked on because my one front tooth edged out just a little ahead of the others, like it was trying to win a race. It was only one tooth, but that was all it took for the other hormonal high schoolers to make me feel like an outcast. 

I didn’t mind being called a nerd, because I liked being smart. I didn’t mind being singled out for being close to six feet tall, because it made me better at sports. What I didn’t like was the one bucktooth. That was something that could have been changed. I could have had a set of braces slapped on my teeth, like so many of my peers, and then come out the other side with teeth lined up like soldiers in a regiment. But, I didn’t get braces. 

“We can’t afford that,” my parents said. I said that was okay, even though it didn’t feel okay. After that, when I opened and closed my mouth I could feel that delinquent tooth rubbing just slightly more against the inside of my mouth – a reminder that I didn’t have a straight smile like my friends, or even the bullies. It was also a reminder that my parents didn’t have 5k or more to fix my teeth. 

I smiled less at graduation because of that tooth. I smiled less at my friends, family and new acquaintances. I smiled less when I got my first job. All because of that one tooth. 

 

Ten years later, I finally decided to straighten my teeth. I was pretty dang sick of talking out of one side of my mouth – the side of my mouth where my teeth looked perfectly normal – and was tired of the weird face I made in pictures. 

“Your teeth are pretty straight. Have you had braces before?” Dr. Roberts asked me. 

I was shocked. No, I hadn’t had braces before. Couldn’t he see that one tooth that was sticking way out in front of all the others? Couldn’t he see that it had caused kids to pick on me?

No, he couldn’t see the insecurities that the one little tooth had caused my whole life, but he listened when I told him. He also listened when I told him I didn’t want braces because, while braces may have been acceptable in high school, I didn’t want them as an adult. 

I embarked on my new smile journey. The clear aligners straightened my teeth right up. In 14 months, that tooth was back in line where he was supposed to be. No one was going to pick on me about my smile ever again. 

Impressions Before After

When I finished my treatment and looked at the before and after photos, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Looking back, I could see that my tooth wasn’t actually that far out of line and that my smile wasn’t actually that crooked. I guess to me it had felt like it was really crooked because I harbored so much insecurity about it. Had I needed clear aligners at all? Then, I realized something. Confidence gives you a whole new perspective. Once I had a straight, beautiful smile that I wasn’t insecure about anymore, I couldn’t imagine tolerating anyone picking on me for one tooth. I was so comfortable with my teeth that I almost couldn’t imagine a time when I was uncomfortable. 

I think that’s the power of truly feeling good about yourself, and that’s why orthodontic treatment – like Impressions – is so important. Having insecurities and being self-conscious are real things. Whether you have one tooth out of line, or a whole mouth of crooked teeth, the effect of feeling insecure about your smile can do the same damage. From a medical standpoint did I really need my teeth straightened? No. From a self-confidence perspective did I need my teeth straightened? Absolutely. 

I can tell you Impressions treatment made a world of difference for me. I like smiling now, and that changes everything. 

 

Still wondering if Impressions is right for you? Visit the Impressions website or schedule a FREE consultation! You deserve a smile you feel confident in.

Your journey to your #ImpressionSmile starts when you open that box! Your life will never be the same – enjoy it! 

The Blue Ridge Orthodontics team

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Jessica’s Experience with Impressions At-Home Aligners

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Hear from real Impressions patient, Jessica

Thinking about straightening your smile with our at-home treatment, Impressions? Hear from real Impressions patient, Jessica.

Blue Ridge Orthodontics has developed Impressions, an at-home treatment based on the proven Invisalign® system for improving smiles. Are you a busy mom? Have no time for many “extra” things in your day? Impressions was made for you! BRO’s own Dr. Roberts created Impressions to provide the option for busy people to get great orthodontic treatment from home!

Real Impressions patient, Jessica.

Jessica is an Appalachian State student that was looking towards the orthodontists at Blue Ridge Orthodontics to help straighten her smile again. Jessica had had her teeth straightened through braces when she was younger, but her teeth had shifted again. “It’s important to me to straighten my smile because it’s part of what makes a first impression”, she says. After her trip to see the team at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, they agreed that Impressions treatment was the perfect fit for her smile goals. 

Keep reading to learn more about Jessica’s steps to a straighter smile with Impressions at-home treatment from BRO.

 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP TO A STRAIGHTER SMILE? 

Jessica: I had braces when I was younger but I didn’t wear my retainers like I was supposed to so my teeth started overlapping again. It’s important to me to straighten my smile because it’s part of what makes a good first impression. I wanted to be confident in my smile and be able to feel good about the way my smile looked in pictures.

Jessica was fully expecting the BRO doctors to tell her that she needed braces again and she was dreading having to go through that whole process while in college! Feeling that it would make her insecure around her peers, Jessica hoped that there would be a more invisible option for her. When the BRO doctors told her about their at-home clear aligner treatment, Impressions, Jessica was elated, “I was so glad when they said I could get impressions because they are invisible and no one would notice I had them.“ 

 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IMPRESSIONS OVER OTHER AT HOME CLEAR ALIGNER COMPANIES?

Jessica trusted her doctors at BRO and their recommendation of Impressions. She liked that she knew and trusted the doctors and had a team of experts she could reach out to with questions. Those benefits made Impressions a much better option than other at-home clear aligner treatments.

 

WHY DO YOU LIKE AT-HOME TREATMENT? 

Jessica: I have really been enjoying the at-home treatment because with COVID-19 making things like in-person treatment and appointments more difficult, I don’t have to worry about any of that. I have everything I need at home and the instruction guide has helped me know how to take care of my trays and it’s been a super easy process. 

The ease of the Impressions process went above and beyond Jessica’s expectations. When she received her Impressions box she was delighted to see multiple trays along with other fun things like the cleaning crystals and aligner case. 

Impressions Tools

HOW DID YOU FIND THE ADJUSTMENT OF WEARING AND MAINTAINING YOUR ALIGNERS?

Jessica: Maintaining the aligners is super easy because the cleaning crystals are provided in the box and then I just brush the aligners when I brush my teeth. All of the aligners fit really well and I’m always excited to get to wear a new aligner. 

real Impressions patient“Watching my smile transform has been my very favorite thing. My teeth are straightening so much and I’m surprised it’s happening so quickly. Every week I can see improvements and it’s definitely given me some more confidence.”

Wearing aligners can sometimes be uncomfortable at first while your teeth and mouth get used to them. Taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen at the start of your treatment and eating and drinking items that are cold can help to ease discomfort. 

 

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT STRAIGHTENING THEIR SMILE?

Jessica: I would tell anyone who is thinking about straightening their smile to go for it! Having a straight smile and pretty teeth are such a payoff. I would recommend getting impressions to anyone but especially people like me who didn’t necessarily want the braces look. The Impressions journey for me so far has been a breeze. It’s super simple and easy and fun, and it has all the same outcomes as getting braces.

 

At the time of writing this, Jessica is six weeks into her treatment and as you see from her answers above she is loving it! Impressions is a great treatment option for you if you want to transform your smile discreetly and without the hassle of regular appointments. Whether you’re a busy college student or stay-at-home mom, Impressions doesn’t get in the way.

 

Still wondering if Impressions is right for you? Visit the Impressions website or schedule a FREE consultation! You deserve a smile you feel confident in.

Your journey to your #ImpressionSmile starts when you open that box! Your life will never be the same – enjoy it! 

The Blue Ridge Orthodontics team