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Vancouver and Longview orthodontist Dr. Lauren Cai is an expert in the field of orthodontics and says there are a lot of fun facts about orthodontics that are too often overlooked. Cai is a current member in four associations, including the American Association of Orthodontist, where she learns and shares her many years of experiences in the field while learning and refreshing new facts about orthodontics.

Believe it or not, about 25% of our patients at the office of Dr. Lauren Cai are adults. While many adults feel as though their time to get a beautiful smile may have come and gone, this is totally false.

Braces can be difficult when it comes to eating. They require you to be more conscious of what you are consuming in order to keep your treatment running smoothly. That's why your trusted orthodontist, Dr. Lauren Cai and her professional team provide the following diet guidelines for our Woodland area patients with braces.

You likely have many questions. You may wonder what will having braces be like? Will I qualify to wear Invisalign clear aligners? How long will my treatment take? How will people react to my orthodontic treatment?

Chances are, there are a few things you wish you could change about your smile. A few crooked teeth here, a gap there, or even more significant problems like jaw alignment issues or TMJ - but if you're like many adults, you may think the time has come and gone for such changes. After all, aren't braces just for teenagers? Well, we've got news for you! The truth is, healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you're never too old for braces.

All of us here at the practice of Dr. Lauren Cai wish you a Happy New Year and a 2018 that's full of prosperity and happiness! As your providers of braces and Invisalign in and around Longview and Vancouver, WA, your orthodontist and orthodontic team would like to do all we can to make sure that your oral health is at its optimal level for the new year and beyond.

If you're about to undergo orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering what it feels like to wear braces and if it will hurt. Having questions about braces is a good thing because it's always best to know what to expect when seeing an orthodontist to improve your smile! Dr. Cai and her team have put together this quick guide to answer your questions and help you feel as comfortable as possible during the time you're wearing braces.

At the office of Dr. Lauren Cai, we're proud to provide high-quality braces treatment to patients throughout the Longview and Vancouver, WA areas. But as many of our patients know, treatment with braces often includes more than just the metal brackets and wires that braces are known for. In many cases, we'll also opt to use orthodontic elastics: small rubber bands placed on the braces to connect different brackets.

It's very important that you do a good job when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth while you're wearing braces, so you don't run into any problems that can throw your treatment off-track like cavities or early stages of gum disease. It does take a little more effort to brush your teeth when they're covered with brackets and wires; however, all the extra effort you put in will be worth it in the end when you have that amazing new and healthy smile that you've been working hard to achieve!

Typically, most orthodontists will recommend that braces be worn for 18 months to 2 years; however, depending on the circumstance, treatment time can vary from patient to patient. There are various factors that contribute to the treatment time associated with straighter teeth such as the severity of the problem, patient cooperation, and the biological response to the braces. For some people, you may be advised to wear a headgear or other types of wirings in addition to the treatment.

As a parent, it is important that your child's dental and oral health is well taken care of. When it comes to choosing the right children's orthodontist, we understand that this can be a very stressful decision to make. At the practice of Dr. Lauren Cai, we want to make this decision-making process as smooth as possible by providing helpful tips in finding the right orthodontist for your child.

With Dr. Lauren Cai, you are treated like family! We always advocate transparency and want to ensure that you feel comfortable asking us anything related to your orthodontic treatment. One question we've gotten often is, "What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?" While on the surface it might seem like there isn't much of a difference—after all both are working to improve your smile and went to dental school— but there are stark characteristics that set them apart.

Many patients visit an orthodontist because they are told by their dentist that they have an improper or misaligned bite. Before the initial consultation with the orthodontist, patients may feel that they are satisfied with their smile and believe that only a short treatment time is necessary. Unfortunately, there is more to a healthy smile than just an outward appearance and looks can definitely be deceiving. In order to fully understand what a "good bite" should look like or what it is, we need to look at all aspects of the bite.

Last month, Dr. Lauren Cai and her staff hosted a Community Food Drive in the Longview orthodontic office to help those who struggle with hunger. In order to participate in the event, you were required to bring in a non-perishable food item by December 19th for a chance to win a $100 Fred Meyer gift card. We are proud to say that this year's Community Food Drive was a huge success through the many generous donations we received from our patients.

About one in six people in the United States are affected by the issues related to hunger and therefore, Food Drives provide the opportunity for those in need to have a nutritious and balanced meal.

Welcome to the office of Dr. Lauren Cai in Vancouver, WA, where we proudly provide patients of all ages with top-tier care. Dr. Cai has been excelling in dentistry for over 20 years, and continues to work hard for her patients, always prioritizing their health and happiness. Our mission is to provide a warm, unique environment that people will look forward to visiting. We gladly serve the communities of Vancouver, WA, and we also have an office in Longview, WA. Since many of our patients are students, we have created a list of orthodontic tips to keep in mind when the business of the school year approaches.

In less than one month from now, we will be celebrating our 20-year anniversary! As of July 8, 2016, Dr. Lauren Cai will have officially been creating beautiful, healthy smiles for 20 years!

While our talented Longview and Vancouver WA orthodontist, Dr. Cai, can improve a smile at any age, there is an optimal time to receive orthodontic treatment. Our practice agrees with the recommendation made by American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) that states children should receive their first orthodontic screening by their 7th birthday or at the first sign of orthodontic problems.