dr-george-elias

Invisalign with a Dentist: Modern Technology, But Why It Is Not Always Better Than Braces with an Orthodontist

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:10:19 GMT

Clear aligners may look like the modern answer to straighter teeth, but braces with an orthodontist still deliver the most predictable results for many patients.

Invisalign has become a popular choice for adults and teens who want a discreet way to straighten their teeth. Its clear, removable aligners take advantage of modern digital technology, 3D scanning, and computer-guided treatment planning.

However, while Invisalign can be an excellent option in the right circumstances, it is not always the best alternative to traditional braces—especially when compared to treatment provided by a trained orthodontist.

Dentists who offer Invisalign may complete short certification courses, but orthodontists spend additional years in specialized residency programs focusing solely on diagnosing and correcting bite issues.

This advanced training allows orthodontists to handle complex tooth movements, facial growth considerations, and bite corrections that aligners alone may not achieve .

Certain orthodontic problems—such as severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies, impacted teeth, or complicated tooth rotations—simply respond better to the precision of braces.

Braces give orthodontists full control over tooth movement, allowing for fine adjustments that clear aligners may struggle to accomplish.

Compliance is another factor. Invisalign must be worn 20–22 hours per day to be effective. For patients who frequently remove their aligners or forget to wear them, treatment can take longer or produce incomplete results.

Braces, on the other hand, work continuously and do not rely on patient discipline.

While Invisalign is a powerful modern tool, it is not a universal solution.

The best outcomes come from choosing the right treatment for each individual case—and that often means trusting an orthodontist’s specialized expertise.

Braces may not be as invisible, but they remain the gold standard for achieving the most predictable, stable, and healthy long-term results.

How Orthodontists Are Different to Dentists, And Why You Should Only See An Orthodontist For Braces

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:52:34 GMT

Understanding the Specialized Training, Expertise, and Care That Set Orthodontists Apart

An Orthodontist like Dr. George Elias is a Specialist, and is an expert in straightening teeth, to provide ideal bites and jaw relationships.

To become a Specialist Orthodontist a dentist must complete an additional 3 years of full-time training at an accredited university. This specialized training is the only way to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those who successfully complete this formal education may call themselves an Orthodontist. This is what Dr. George Elias has done, and this is why for over 25 years he has dedicated his career to working in the field of Orthodontics. And he uses his extensive knowledge and skill, that only an Orthodontist has, to create beautiful smiles for you and others.

Some dentists may undergo simple extra training and provide some orthodontic treatment, like aligners, for minor alignment issues. But they generally lack the in-depth knowledge for complex tooth movements.

An Orthodontist is highly skilled in the mechanics of tooth movement, and Dr. George Elias can manage a wide range of cases from simple to severe. With advanced bite problems (like overbites, underbites, overcrowding, severe spacing and jaw issues), an Orthodontist will always be the recommended choice.

Dentists do not have the same extent of orthodontic training as Orthodontists, and only an Orthodontist can provide you with the best treatment options to give you your best smile.

A dentist will focus on your overall oral health, including prevention, doing your cleanings, fillings, extractions as needed, and general restorative and cosmetic work. Dr. George Elias, however, focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of your misaligned teeth and jaws. He can use braces, aligners, and many other devices. He is uniquely qualified and experienced at handling difficult cases, reducing the risk of complications, and potentially achieving better results more efficiently than a dentist could.

A dentist is usually limited to using aligners that are themselves limited in what they can do. Generally dentists should only handle very simple cases with aligners or braces. And unlike dentists, Orthodontists perform teeth straightening procedures daily, and Dr. George Elias stays up to date on all the latest best practices and technologies in Orthodontics, ensuring expert monitoring and comprehensive care. And as an Orthodontist, Dr. George Elias focuses not just on aesthetics but also on the long-term health and functionality of your bite, which can prevent future issues like jaw pain or uneven tooth wear.

You can also get more information on why you should only see an Orthodontist for braces, and a lot more, at the link below for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)

https://aaoinfo.org/

Dr. George Elias is a member of the AAO, which only accepts orthodontists as members. We invite you to check out the link. It’s full of great information about orthodontics, braces and how braces can benefit both kids and adults.

Information on the Long Term use of Retainers

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 02:39:08 GMT

YOUR PRESENT USE OF YOUR RETAINERS

Your teeth should now still be nice and straight, if you have been following our Retainer instructions.

We congratulate you on what you have achieved with Braces!

We trust that you have found the experience worthwhile, and our standard of Care to be outstanding.

Also, we hope that you have found Orthodontic Care to be a wise investment in your overall health, well being, and personal appearance.

Since we removed your Braces you have been using Retainers over a compulsory period of nine to twelve months, and we have been instructing you on how to use your Retainers less with time.

Right now you should be using them every night, until you wake up the next morning.

You may also have Bonded Wires behind your lower and upper front teeth.

Your Retainers and Bonded Wires allowed your teeth to stay straight, while your gums and bone healed after the tooth moving process.

ALL ABOUT RELAPSE

If you followed our Retainer instructions properly, you would have gone a long way to prevent Relapse; which is when the teeth move after braces are removed.

The main cause of relapse is not using your Retainers as you were instructed.

However, relapse is also related to how crooked or spaced the teeth were before Orthodontic Care, and severely crooked or severely spaced teeth have a greater chance of relapse.

Relapse can also vary from person to person. Even someone who started with mildly crooked teeth could end up with a relapse of their result.

The key is to have been following all our Retainer instructions properly since your Braces came off.

CHANGES WITH TIME

The compulsory period of nine to twelve months of using Retainers and Bonded Wires will prevent relapse.

However, if you just stop using Retainers and Bonded Wires after this period, the position of the teeth can still change with time.

These changes with time are due to reasons that are not very clear, and may include:

Jaw growth in children and teenagers.
Jaw bone mineral changes in adults.
Habits like nail-biting, thumb-sucking, and clenching and grinding the teeth.

Also, the latest research shows that changes in tooth position with time are NOT related to the following:

Age, gender or ethnicity.
The Wisdom teeth; even if they are impacted.

The removal of your Wisdom Teeth to prevent changes with time is NOT advised at all.

It is just a fact that after any Orthodontic Care, and the compulsory period of Retainer use, changes in the position of the teeth can occur throughout our lifetime.

Simply put, the position of the teeth can change with time because time changes things!

OUR LONG TERM ADVICE TO YOU

When the compulsory period of nine to twelve months of using Retainers and Bonded Wires is over, we will no longer need to review you. You can now decide if to keep on using your Retainers and Bonded Wires.

However, we have some recommendations for you, so that you have a better chance of keeping the result you achieved with your Braces.

So if today is your last visit with us, or if you have popped in for some advice, here is what we recommend.

You should continue to see your dentist for your regular check-ups, to maintain a healthy mouth.
Your dentist can also check your Bonded Wires, because a loose or broken bonded wire can cause cavities or gum disease.
Keep your Bonded Wires in place, for as long as possible, to prevent changes.
Keep your Bonded Wires clean. Don’t use floss; this will break or pull off your Bonded Wire. Use your toothbrush and your Water-Flosser instead.
Use your Retainers for a minimum of six to eight hours per day/night for as long as possible. You can use them for more hours if you are willing, and this will prevent changes with time.
If your Bonded Wire becomes loose you should wear your Retainer in that jaw all the time. Call us, and we will arrange to see you to repair or replace your Bonded Wire.
Keep your Retainers safe. If you lose them, damage them, or feel you need new ones, then call us. We will arrange to see you to repair or replace your Retainers.
You may consider removing your Bonded Wires, while continuing to use your Retainers well. This is possible, but with no Bonded Wires present there will be some changes with time. Before removing your Bonded Wires, we will need to make sure that your Retainers are fitting well.
At some point you may decide to stop using Retainers, and to remove your Bonded Wires. Before making this decision, we suggest that you come in to see us for advice. You could even call and talk to us over the phone.

If you decide to do this, then the teeth will definitely move with time; you have to accept this.

We hope that you find this information helpful, and that you decide to invest additional time in using your Retainers and Bonded Wires.

Water Flossers and Braces: A Simple, Effective Path to healthier teeth

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:49:29 GMT

Prevent Cavities and Gum Disease with Gentle Water Flossing

If you’re wearing braces, keeping your teeth, gums, and appliances clean can feel a bit more complicated. Food gets stuck, wires and brackets create little pockets where plaque loves to hide, and the goal of a bright, healthy smile is more important than ever. A WATERPIK® water flosser is a straightforward tool that can boost your daily routine and help prevent cavities, gum disease, and white or brown marks on your teeth.

What is a WATERPIK® water flosser?

A WATERPIK® water flosser is a device that uses a pulsating stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. It’s an alternative to traditional flossing and is especially helpful when you’re wearing braces, since braces can make threading floss tricky.

How it works

Direct the nozzle at the spaces between teeth and along the gumline.
The water stream flushes out debris and reduces plaque buildup.
You can adjust the water pressure and pulse frequency to match your comfort and cleaning needs.

Why many people with braces choose a water flosser

Easy to use: Many people find it gentler and more comfortable than traditional flossing, especially around brackets and wires.
Effective plaque removal: It reaches areas that are tough to clean with string floss alone.
Better gum health: Regular use can reduce inflammation and bleeding by keeping gumlines clean.
Gentle on braces: It’s less likely to damage or snag brackets and wires compared to some flossing methods.

A quick guide to using WATERPIK® with braces

Read your model’s instructions and start with a lower pressure if you’re new to it.
Fill the reservoir with clean water (you can add a mouthwash as advised by your clinician if recommended).
Angle the nozzle toward the gumline and between teeth, pausing briefly at each area to maximize cleaning.
Clean around brackets and wires to remove debris and reduce plaque buildup.
Rinse and, if you use a fluoride mouthwash, finish your routine as directed by your dentist.

When to use a water flosser

Daily use after brushing and interdental cleaning is ideal.
It’s particularly beneficial after meals when you’ve eaten sticky or hard-to-clean foods.
Use twice daily if your orthodontist recommends it as part of your treatment plan.

A note on safety and best practices

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Start with a gentle setting and increase gradually as you become comfortable.
If you have sensitive gums or any concerns about your braces, consult your dentist or orthodontist.
Water flossers are a supplement to brushing and flossing, not a replacement for brushing and interdental cleaning.

Why this can matter during orthodontic treatment

Braces create micro-environments where plaque can accumulate. Left unchecked, plaque can lead to cavities, gum disease, and white or brown marks on enamel. A water flosser helps keep your mouth cleaner between professional cleanings, supporting overall oral health during your braces journey.

Tips for families and caregivers

Set a routine: morning and evening brushing, interdental cleaning, and water flossing can become a normalized habit.
Make it engaging: let kids choose a color or flavor at purchase (if available) and partner with them to track daily use.
Pair with disclosing aids (color gels or tablets) occasionally to visualize missed spots and improve brushing technique.

In closing

A WATERPIK® water flosser is a practical, user-friendly tool that can enhance your braces care routine. By combining it with thorough brushing, interdental cleaning, and fluoride rinses, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier smile—braces and all.

Learn more (Click Links Below):

H ow to use a WATERPIK® Water Flosser without making a mess

How to use a WATERPIK® Water Flosser

How to use the WATERPIK® Cordless Water Flosser

Healthy Teeth and Gums During Your Braces. Using Food Colouring

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:58:42 GMT

A clear routine to protect your teeth

Braces make teeth look beautifully straight, but they also create little nooks where plaque can hide. To keep your teeth healthy and avoid white or brown marks, a daily cleaning routine is essential—twice a day, plus a little extra care with a Water Flosser and a quick plaque check using food coloring.

Why plaque matters when you have braces

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth. If it’s not cleaned away, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and permanent marks on your teeth. Braces give plaque more places to hide, so being thorough with your routine helps protect your smile.

A simple daily routine

Morning: Brush your teeth, gums, and braces with a toothbrush and interdental brushes. If you can, finish with a fluoride mouthwash.

Night: Brush again, clean between teeth and around braces with interdental brushes, then use your Water Flosser to wash away debris. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash if you use it.

Plaque check (fun and helpful): After your bedtime cleaning, use food coloring or a disclosing tablet to reveal any plaque. You’ll see colored areas where cleaning is needed. Brush again until the color is gone.

Try this easy flow

Brush for two minutes, paying attention to brackets and wires.
Clean between teeth and around braces with interdental brushes.
Use the Water Flosser to flush out leftovers.
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
Use disclosing color after the bedtime routine, then brush again until the color disappears.

A quick note for families

You can personalize the plan: fill in how often you’ll disclose plaque and any family reminder.
The little color check helps kids see where to brush and makes the routine more engaging.

Extra tips for a healthy orthodontic journey

Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes daily, and don’t skip the Water Flosser.
Brush all surfaces, including the tongue, to keep breath fresh.
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary or acidic foods to protect enamel.
Visit your dentist and orthodontist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Learn more (Click Links Below):

How to Disclose and Brush with Braces.

How to Disclose and Brush your Teeth.

Why and How to Disclose.