Patient Resources

Valuable information about our orthodontic services

Here, you’ll find valuable information about our orthodontic services and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Explore guides on braces, clear aligners, and more to see how we can create a brighter smile for you and your family.

How to Care for Braces

Keep your braces clean & shiny!

Tips for Brushing with Braces

Brush

Circular motion, above&under brackets

Flosspick

Clean plaque out like regular floss but easier!

Proxa brush

Like your personal toothpick but gentle for teeth and braces. Good to have in your pocket at all time...just in case you're eating out in restaurants or at the party

Waterpik

Additional tool to help cleaning plaque out where brush couldn't reach

Brushing Technique

(01)

Rinse First

Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food particles stuck around your brackets and wires.

(02)

Use the Right Toothbrush

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush with a small head. An electric toothbrush can also be effective for deep cleaning around braces.

(03)

Angle the Brush

(04)

Clean Around the Brackets

How to Care for Clear Aligners

Daily Cleaning Routine

(01)

Rinse When Removing

Every time you take your aligners out, rinse them with lukewarm water to remove saliva and debris.

(02)

Brush Gently (Morning & Night)

Use a soft toothbrush (separate from your regular toothbrush) and clear, unscented liquid soap to gently brush your aligners.

  • Avoid toothpaste—it can be abrasive and cause scratches.

(03)

Soak Daily

Use a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals in 1 cup of warm water for 15–30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly afterward.

(04)

Brush and Floss

  • Brush and floss after every meal before putting aligners back in.
    Putting them in over dirty teeth can trap bacteria and lead to cavities or staining..

  • Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to help protect enamel.

 

Tips

What to Avoid

What to do for emergency

An orthodontic emergency is any issue with your braces that causes significant pain, injury, or interferes with normal oral function. Common examples include:

  • Broken brackets or wires

  • Loose bands

  • Poking or sharp wires causing mouth sores

  • Trauma to the mouth or teeth while wearing braces

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, contact your orthodontist for advice.

 

If a braces wire is poking you:

  • Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end

  • Try pushing the wire down gently with a clean pencil eraser

  • If that doesn’t help, trim the wire with sanitized nail clippers

Then, call your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment.

A loose or broken bracket is not usually urgent unless it’s causing pain. In the meantime:

  • Use dental wax to keep it in place or prevent irritation

  • Save any parts that fall off and bring them to your next appointment

  • Contact your orthodontist to arrange a fix

Mild soreness is normal after adjustments, but severe pain or swelling may indicate an issue. For relief:

Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation and soothe sore areas.

Apply Orthodontic Wax

Place orthodontic wax over brackets or wires causing irritation to create a protective barrier.

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed to manage pain.

Eat Soft Foods

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup to avoid aggravating sore areas.

Use a Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and numb the area.

Emergency rooms are best for serious injuries, such as:

  • Trauma to the face or jaw

  • Uncontrollable bleeding

  • Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)

For broken braces or discomfort, it’s best to contact your orthodontist first. Most issues can be handled without a hospital visit.

To avoid unexpected problems with your braces:

  • Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods

  • Wear a mouthguard during sports

  • Follow all care instructions from your orthodontist

  • Don’t pick at wires or brackets

Prevention is key to avoiding delays in your treatment!

If you’re having an orthodontic emergency, call your orthodontist or dental office immediately. Most clinics have after-hours contact information or emergency services available.

Ortho Rescue Kit Instruction

Distal end cutter
to safely cut poking wire
Alcohol wipe
to clean the wire cutter before use
Wire push stick
to push away poking wire or bend steel ties in
Mouth mirror
to help guide you or retract the cheek
Brace relief gel
For mouth sores, apply a small amount to the sore area using a cotton swab.
Wax
For lip or cheek sores, use relief wax as a buffer between the metal and your mouth. Pinch a tiny amount, make a ball and place over poking wire, hook or brackets.

How to turn an expander

Forgot how to do it? no worries

Follow these steps!

Lay back
on the bed or couch, open wide and chin up for easy access. Put the key into the closest slot to you. Make sure to insert the key tip all the way in.
1
Turn towards inside
Use the direction of the arrow on the expander as a guide. Make sure you make a full turn and see new slot come up for the next turn.
2
Repeat!
Follow doctor's instruction on how many days to turn. If you forgot or lost your key, feel free to call and ask us!
3

FAQs

Treatment and options

We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early treatment can help guide proper jaw growth and prevent more complex issues later. However, it’s never too late—teens and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age.

We offer a range of treatments, including traditional metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and Angel Aligner® clear aligners—a comfortable and discreet alternative to Invisalign®.

Treatment time varies by patient, but most people wear braces or clear aligners for 12 to 24 months. During your free consultation, we’ll give you a personalized timeline based on your needs.

 

Treatment time varies by patient, but most people wear braces or clear aligners for 12 to 24 months. During your free consultation, we’ll give you a personalized timeline based on your needs.

 

Yes, for many patients, clear aligners like Angel Aligner are just as effective as traditional braces—especially for mild to moderate cases of crowding, spacing, or bite issues. We’ll help determine the best option for your smile.

We offer Angel Aligner®—a modern, effective clear aligner system that provides the same benefits as Invisalign®, and in some cases, even more.

Here’s why we recommend Angel Aligner:

Proven Results: Angel Aligner has been used globally to treat millions of patients with outstanding clinical outcomes.

Advanced Technology: Angel Aligner uses cutting-edge 3D treatment planning and precision manufacturing to deliver highly accurate tooth movements.

Comfort & Clarity: The aligners are made from smooth, crystal-clear material that is both comfortable and virtually invisible—perfect for daily wear.

Flexible Treatment Options: Angel Aligner offers multiple treatment plans tailored to your needs, from mild to complex cases.

Cost-Effective Alternative: Angel Aligner offers high-quality results at a more affordable price point compared to Invisalign®, making it a great choice for patients looking for effective clear aligner treatment without the premium cost.

Our patients love Angel Aligner because it blends comfort, convenience, and results—all while supporting your budget and smile goals.

Financial Plan & Insurance

Yes! We believe everyone deserves a confident smile. Our office offers affordable orthodontic treatment, including flexible, interest-free monthly payment plans.

While we are an out-of-network provider, we’re happy to file your insurance claims on your behalf and help you maximize your out-of-network benefits. Many of our patients receive significant reimbursement, and our team is here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment chosen. On average, braces or aligners in Austin can range from $3,000–$7,000. We provide transparent pricing and flexible financing to make care accessible.

 

Why Thousand Smiles Orthodontics?

  • Skilled, board-certified orthodontist

  • Specializing in Angel Aligner® treatments

  • Friendly, welcoming team and modern office

  • Flexible financing and affordable payment plans

  • Convenient Austin location near [Local Landmark/Neighborhood]

  • Personalized care for every smile

Our office is conveniently located at 11220 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, near the intersection of N Lamar Blvd and Braker Lane. We proudly serve patients from across North Austin, including The Domain, Pflugerville, Wells Branch, and surrounding communities. Free parking is available for your convenience.

A board-certified orthodontist has completed extensive additional training and testing beyond dental school and residency to earn certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)—the highest standard in the field.

You can schedule your free orthodontic consultation by calling us at [Phone Number] or booking online. We’ll evaluate your smile and discuss the best treatment options for you.