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 at least twice a day—after every meal if possible.
- Brush for 2 full minutes each time.
- Replace your toothbrush more often (every 2–3 months) as braces wear bristles out faster.
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
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
- Brush above and below the brackets in small circular motions.
- Make sure to clean all sides: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
(04)
Clean Around the Brackets
- Use the tip of the brush to gently clean between the wires and brackets.
- Brush along the gumline and pay extra attention to the areas between the brackets and the gums.
What to Avoid
Hard food
Hard candy
Lollipop
Peanuts
Almond
Raw carrots
Ice cube
Beef jerky
Sticky food
Caramel
Chewing gum
Taffy
Chewy candy
Tootsie rolls
Starbursts
Be careful of the following
Crunchy food
Chips
Fritos, Doritos
Hard shell tacos
Pretzel
Popcorn
Pizza crust
Chop this in small pieces!
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.
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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
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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
- Wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day.
- Only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing.
- Bring a travel-sized cleaning kit: toothbrush, soap, case, and a small cup. Always store aligners in their case when not in use to avoid loss or damage.
What to Avoid
- Hot water – Can warp the plastic.
- Colored or scented soaps – May stain or leave residue.
- Toothpaste – Abrasive and can cause cloudiness.
- Eating or drinking (except water) with aligners in – Can stain or trap food particles.
What to do for emergency
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
An orthodontic emergency is any issue with your braces that causes significant pain, injury, or interferes with normal oral function. Common examples include:
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Broken brackets or wires
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Loose bands
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Poking or sharp wires causing mouth sores
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Trauma to the mouth or teeth while wearing braces
If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, contact your orthodontist for advice.
What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek or gums?
If a braces wire is poking you:
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Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end
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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.
What should I do if a bracket or wire becomes loose or breaks?
A loose or broken bracket is not usually urgent unless it’s causing pain. In the meantime:
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Use dental wax to keep it in place or prevent irritation
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Save any parts that fall off and bring them to your next appointment
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Contact your orthodontist to arrange a fix
How do I handle severe pain or discomfort caused by my braces?
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.
Can I go to the ER for a braces emergency?
Emergency rooms are best for serious injuries, such as:
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Trauma to the face or jaw
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Uncontrollable bleeding
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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.
How can I prevent braces emergencies?
To avoid unexpected problems with your braces:
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Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
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Wear a mouthguard during sports
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Follow all care instructions from your orthodontist
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Don’t pick at wires or brackets
Prevention is key to avoiding delays in your treatment!
Who should I call in a braces emergency?
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
What is the best age to see an orthodontist?
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.
What are my options for straightening teeth?
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®.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
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.
Do you offer orthodontic treatment for adults?
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.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
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.
Why Choose Angel Aligner Over Invisalign®?
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
Do you offer affordable braces in Austin?
Yes! We believe everyone deserves a confident smile. Our office offers affordable orthodontic treatment, including flexible, interest-free monthly payment plans.
Out-of-Network? We’ve Got You Covered.
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.
How much do braces or clear aligners cost in Austin?
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?
Why Austin Families Choose Us:
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Skilled, board-certified orthodontist
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Specializing in Angel Aligner® treatments
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Friendly, welcoming team and modern office
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Flexible financing and affordable payment plans
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Convenient Austin location near [Local Landmark/Neighborhood]
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Personalized care for every smile
Where is your orthodontic office located?
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.
Why choose a board-certified orthodontist?
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.
How can I schedule a consultation?
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.