An empty dental chair in a clean, modern dentist’s office with equipment nearby.

Simple Tips for a Healthier Smile

Keeping your smile strong doesn’t have to be complicated. From brushing basics to wearing your retainer, we’ve got easy tips to help you care for your teeth and get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.

What to Do (and What to Avoid) During Treatment

Brushing

  • Always remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. You’ll find detailed instructions for brushing here.
  • Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, ask your family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This is another way to prevent cavities.
  • Keep your retainer clean by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner. Never put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.

Foods to Avoid

  • Avoid foods with lots of sugar. They increase the amount of bacteria growing in your mouth, causing plaque and possibly cavities.
  • Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, Laffy Taffy, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, popcorn, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, whole apples, etc.).

General

  • If you take out your retainer to eat, remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
  • Be sure to schedule routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.
A woman in a black jacket smiles while standing in a bright hallway.
Meet Dr. Kristin Horman

Your Trusted Invisalign Provider

I aim to make clear aligner treatment easy and comfortable for patients of all ages. My focus is on providing gentle, convenient care that helps you feel relaxed and confident throughout your smile journey.

The Invisalign Expert

Dr. Horman is one top 1% of Invisalign providers nationwide, providing results you can count on.

See Your Smile

Our advanced simulation technology allows you to visualize your future smile before your treatment even begins.
Dr. Kristin Horman

A More Attractive Smile at Any Age

(240) 313-9660
A smiling family of six poses together against a plain blue background.A family of six, including four adults and two children, smiles while sitting together.
A narrow kitchen with white cabinets, a single black stool, and a microwave on the counter.Person smiling and holding a clear, diamond-shaped object with both hands in an office setting.
Building with a red roof and a blue sign reading "Blue Entrance" above the doorway.Building with a red roof and a blue sign reading "Blue Entrance" above the doorway.
Six women in medical uniforms are posed, with four standing and two seated, smiling at the camera.A young woman with braces smiles while sitting in a dental chair.
Woman smiling while sitting at a desk with a computer in an office setting.Two women wearing black uniforms smiling while sitting at a reception desk with computers.
Single-story building with large windows and a sign reading "rdc" on the side.A two-story building with a red roof and large windows, set under a partly cloudy sky.
Logo with text: "Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider 2018," above a triangle symbol.Dental imaging device displaying a digital model of teeth on a screen in a clinic setting.