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The Do’s and Don’ts of Removable Retainers

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:13:40 GMT

So, you’ve endured the uncomfortable braces. You’ve eaten, slept, brushed, and flossed with them. Now, they are removed, and you’re greeted by your amazing new smile. Now what?

Well, you want to keep your smile looking incredible, right? You’ve done the hard part; now you just need to wear your retainers.

Why do I need to wear retainers after braces?

You might be thinking that you wore your braces— you paid your dues— and that’s it! Braces were uncomfortable and tedious, but they did their job!

Teeth have a memory. They tend to naturally shift back to their original positions over time. It’s slow and gradual. You might not even notice it until weeks or months later. But it will happen if you don’t consistently wear your retainer.

Retainers keep your smile in perfect place and shape. There’s a reason we orthodontists hammer home the importance of retainers so much. Without them, all your hard work will disappear, and it’ll be like you never even had braces.

What should I do right after my braces come off?

Most patients smile once they feel the braces come off. So, let’s keep that smile going!

For the first 8 weeks, you should wear your retainers for 22 hours a day, 7 days a week. You should only take your retainers out to eat and brush. After you eat, you should brush your teeth and your retainers before putting them back in. That may sound tedious, but it’s a lot easier than braces.

After 8 weeks, you’ll come in for a retainer check-up. Then you’ll only need to wear them when you go to sleep. If you want your beautiful smile to last a lifetime, retainers are a lifetime commitment.

How do I clean my retainers?

To clean your retainers, brush them with antibacterial soap for about 2 minutes. They’ll be on your teeth for a long while, so you’ll want them to be clean. Then, rinse them with cold water. You should do this in the morning after you take your retainers out and at night before you put them back in. Treat them like your teeth.

You can also soak your retainers in a denture cleaner for a less frequent but deeper clean. You might also want to clean your retainer case occasionally.

What are the Do’s and Don’t’s of retainers?

When you are not wearing your retainers, do store them in your retainer case. Don’t wrap them in a napkin or just put them in your pocket. Gross things can attach to your retainers and become a pain to remove.

The Dont's

Don’t wear your retainer while swimming or playing a sport. They can get damaged.

Don’t store your retainers somewhere hot, like in a hot car. The heat can warp and bend the retainers so they don’t fit you anymore. Do store them somewhere safe and at room temperature.

The Do's

Do store your retainers somewhere out of reach of pets. Cats might want to play with the weird plastic toy. Dogs will chew your case and retainers. Trust us, we speak from experience!

Do remove your retainers when eating and drinking. However, you do not need to remove them just to drink water.

Do bring your retainers to all orthodontic appointments. They will be vital for your future oral health. Plus, we can provide a deep clean.

What if my retainers get lost, broken, or no longer fit?

We can take care of that! But we’ll have to work quickly. As we said earlier, your teeth have a memory and will want to return to their pre-braces positions as soon as possible.

So please call our office immediately. We can’t stress that enough because we want you to keep your beautiful smile. Call us at (757) 351-0090 to schedule an appointment . There will be a retainer replacement fee, but it is well worth it for a beautiful, life-long smile.

What You Can Expect from a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:08:59 GMT

Teeth Whitening can give you the confidence boost you deserve! We know teeth come in a spectrum of colors. Even when brushed to shine, there might still be a persistent yellow tint. Don’t let that hold your self-image back. Let’s give you a smile to smile about.

We offer professional, in-office teeth whitening. We use a system called Opalescence because it has proven to be the best for our clients.

Results are immediate and can be seen within just an hour! Results can continue to improve for up to 48 hours after the procedure. That is if you listen to our post-procedure care plan, which we will get to shortly.
Opalescence’s whitening gel works on sensitive teeth. We know many people want whiter teeth but are discouraged by the burning sensation brought on by other whitening methods. Opalescence makes your ideal smile available with minimum pain and discomfort.
Results can last between 6 to 12 months. Don’t worry; in this blog, we’ll share just how to make teeth whitening last. Opalescence also makes an in-home whitening kit. While it’s not as effective as our professional treatment, it’s perfect for touch-ups!
Finally, Opalescence is chemically activated, so we don’t need any blinding LED lights. We can also whiten teeth by up to eight shades.

Overall, we find Opalescence to be safe, effective, and comfortable for our clients… But, enough about us.

What can I expect on the day of my teeth whitening treatment?

Preparation.

A clinical assistant will thoroughly clean your teeth. We don't want any plaque to interfere with your perfect smile. We might also photograph your teeth to record the initial shade. We want to blow you away with the before and after pics.

Gum Protection.

While Opalescence is great for sensitive teeth, it can still irritate our gums. So, we apply a protective barrier to shield your gums.

Gel application.

We mix our whitening gel and carefully apply it to your teeth. This gel is left on for around 20 minutes so it can work its magic. Then we remove it.

Treatment cycles.

Depending on how many shades you want, we can reapply the gel, repeating the cycle a few times. Don’t worry; between applications, we will check on you to make sure you’re comfortable.

Post-treatment.

After all that, you rinse your mouth, and we take post-treatment photographs to show you your progress.

Overall, our in-office teeth whitening procedure takes an average of 40 minutes, sometimes an hour.

What should I do after my in-office teeth whitening treatment?

We personally recommend relaxing. But professionally, we urge you to stay away from certain staining foods for 48 to 72 hours afterward. You can gradually reintroduce these foods after the first few days. It’s best to continue avoiding pigmented foods for at least a week for optimal results.

Foods to avoid after your teeth have been professionally whitened:

Coffee & Tea
Red Wine
Soft drinks
Carrots
Tomatoes
BBQ Sauce
Texas Pete
Red Wine Vinegar
Soy Sauce
Blueberries
Beets
Curry

We enjoy these foods as much as the next person. Eating them after your teeth whitening treatment can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

Foods that are safe to eat after your professional teeth whitening treatment.

There are plenty of meats, grains, starches, fruits, and vegetables you can eat afterward.

Skinless chicken or turkey
White fish (cod, pollock, haddock)
Egg whites
White rice
Plain pasta
White bread (without crust)
Potatoes
Bananas
Pears
Apples
Cauliflower
Mushrooms

How can I keep my teeth whitening results for as long as possible?

The best thing you can do is maintain good oral habits. Regular brushing and flossing— all the stuff you’re used to dentists saying. We might also recommend limiting the amount of staining foods you eat, like coffee and red wine. But brushing and flossing will do the most for your longevity.

Smoking cigarettes also seriously discolor your teeth, so avoid smoking if you don’t already have a reason to do so.

A one-hour appointment once a year is a pretty minimal time commitment for confidence-boosting teeth.

Ready to show off your best smile?

What’s holding you back from your ideal smile? Sensitive teeth? Too little time? Or just a love for red wine? Schedule a consultation so we can help you achieve your perfect smile.

Affordable Braces in Virginia Beach: A Parent's Guide to Orthodontic Costs

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:28:51 GMT

How much do braces cost here in Virginia Beach?

We get asked that question a lot as pediatric dentists and an orthodontic practice in Virginia Beach, VA. Unfortunately, we have to answer that question with everyone's least favorite answer, “It depends.”

The costs of braces depend on many factors and can vary widely. No two patients are alike, and even a family with multiple teenagers can face different costs.

Let’s break down the costs and the factors that influence them, as well as some ways of paying. But first…

“Are braces even worth it?”

Many Americans will wear braces at some point in their lives, if not during their teenage years. One source estimated that 50 to 70% of American children undergo braces, and many kids feel self-conscious or insecure about them.

But—and this is a very big “but”—braces will serve your kid in the long run. Braces create a straightened, attractive smile that radiates confidence.

When we work with families, we stay with them for years. We love seeing shy kids go from self-conscious teenagers to confident, self-assured young adults. This extraordinary transformation typically only takes one to two years but will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

“Dr. Sarah makes getting braces fun and painless for kids. Her staff are the absolute friendliest people ever! You can tell they take good care of each other, which reassured me that they will take good care of my family, too (and they do). Hands down the best "medical experience" I have ever been a part of.”

- Alison Scott, satisfied client patient and mother.

Aside from the obvious appearance benefits, braces also improve kids’ overall oral health!

That is their primary purpose, after all, to improve your kid's oral health so they can live a happier, healthier life. It just gets overshadowed by the marvelous smiles.

Braces can correct overbites and underbites. They can also fix overcrowding and misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth can cause a person a lot of problems throughout their life. The awkward positioning of misaligned teeth can make it hard to brush and contribute to a bacteria haven, which can lead to bigger, more expensive problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.

Over time, if left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to serious chronic jaw pain.

So yes, braces are worth it. If not for the self-esteem and confidence boost or the improvement in oral health, then for the prevention of more costly treatments later in life.

“Who would have thought walking into an orthodontist's office would make you feel like family? The personalized care is beyond measure from Rachel and Tish, who always greets you with a beautiful smile and is incredibly patient and accommodating, to Christina, who just goes above and beyond and is amazing at her craft (genuinely cares about the whole person), to Kayla who is also very skillful and so empathetic in her approach. Then there is Dr.Sarah who is a life changer and has my shy teen smiling again, which warms my heart.”

- Amanda Kubin, satisfied client patient and mother.

As of 2025, the average cost of braces in Virginia ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 .

That’s a pretty wide range. What goes into that? There are three major factors

The Type of Braces: We offer a wide variety of braces, each with their own advantages and special uses. But we’ll explore more of that later.
The Complexity of the Case: We’ve seen a lot of diverse cases. Most kids have some misalignments and a minor bite issue, if that. However, more severe misalignments or bite issues will require more time and/or specialized equipment.
The Duration of the Braces: Most teenagers will have braces for one to two years, maybe three. Longer treatments are generally more expensive, which goes back to the case's complexity.

What are the costs for different types of braces?

The Classic Metal Braces.

Metal braces are the most cost-effective orthodontic treatment, as is tried and true. The other treatments we’ll explore use special techniques or pricier equipment to be less noticeable.

The biggest drawback of metal braces is how noticeable they are. So we decided to lean into that. Our metal braces are customizable with different color brackets and elastics. If they’re going to be noticeable, you might as well express your personality!

We're mothers, sisters, and daughters, but we’ve all been teenagers (some of us now with teenagers of our own). We remember that uniquely vulnerable time in our development. Where every little social faux pas feels like a life-and-death situation. Letting kids incorporate their own personalities into their braces can make all the difference!

Estimated range for traditional metal braces: $3,000 to $7,500.

The New kid on the block: Clear Braces

Clear Braces are very similar to classic metal braces. It’s the same underlying principle: brackets connect wires across a row of teeth to straighten it. However, these brackets are made of a transparent or tooth-colored ceramic material. These braces blend in with your natural smile.

However, this specialized material incurs a slightly higher cost. Estimated range for clear/ceramic braces: $2,000 to $8,500.

What’s Hiding Behind your teeth? Lingual Braces!

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces but perform their magic from behind your teeth. So when you smile or talk, nobody will notice them.

These braces are designed for comfort. They follow a flat, smooth design precisely crafted for your mouth. The brackets and wires are much smaller and thinner. Of course, with any braces, they will take a week or two to get used to.

Lingual braces are very popular among adults, but they are available to teenagers as well. Estimated range for lingual braces: $5,000 to $13,000.

Finally, Invisalign is like no other Type of Braces!

Invisalign straightens your teeth through a different guiding principle. Instead of gluing brackets to your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of retainers. These are custom-made aligners that gently and gradually adjust your teeth to the ideal spot.

No wires, no brackets. Every two weeks or so, you just need to pop out one set of aligners for a new one. They are practically invisible, helping you focus on doing what you do best— being yourself!

However, this advantage can also be a con. Since these aligners are removable, the responsibility is on you to keep them in. You need to wear them for about 20 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. They also require more frequent check-ups and adjustments. Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 .

“I just started my Invisalign process, but from the minute I sent in a request to schedule a consult, the entire team has been nothing short of amazing. The staff is beyond welcoming and so personable, the latest technology, and they’ve made me enjoy coming to the dentist.”

- Tanna James

No matter your budget, we have payment options just for you!

Firstly, we highly recommend checking your insurance coverage. Some dental policies cover up to 50% of the cost of braces for children under 18 up to the lifetime maximum. However, braces coverage is much less common for adults, and we know that insurance policies can vary widely. We will check with your dental insurance company for orthodontic benefits.

Secondly, orthodontic treatments can be paid for with pre-tax accounts such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

Thirdly, many providers offer in-house payment plans. We believe nothing should stand between you and your best smile. That's why we offer a range of flexible payment options. We can work with you to create a payment plan that will meet your needs and fit within your budget. To do that, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan. Then, we’ll share all available payment plan options. We’ll be as transparent as possible so you can make the right choice for you.

Lastly, see if your orthodontics offers any discounts. Some may offer discounts for patients who pay the entire bill upfront. Others may offer discounts for families with multiple children in need of braces.

Regardless of who you choose as your children's orthodontist in Virginia Beach, always ask about their payment and financing options. For more help finding your ideal dentist, read our blog: How to find the best children’s dentist in Virginia Beach .

What should you do in case of an orthodontic emergency?

Life happens, and sometimes, braces get broken.

When you first get your braces on, you should expect them to cause general soreness. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, but it usually subsides within a few days. However, if soreness crops up later on, then that’s a sign of a possible underlying problem.

It might be something minor like poking wires (which can be temporarily fixed with orthodontic wax). Or it might risk the whole progress of your treatment, such as with loose appliances!

We are just a phone call away and can quickly schedule an emergency visit. Because we’re here to help you throughout the entire braces journey!

You are never too old to achieve your dream smile!

We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for kids and grown-ups alike.

You deserve a beautiful, confident smile regardless of your age or what you’ve been through.

“For years, I believed that my perfect smile was unattainable, but Dr. Sarah made what I could have only dreamed about a reality!”

- Tameka Weaver.

Let’s find your perfect smile. Start your journey with a no-pressure consultation.

How to find the best children’s dentist in Virginia Beach

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:30:20 GMT

Six things to look for when searching for a family dentistry in Virginia Beach!

We’re mothers, so of course, we want the best for our children. We want to set them up for success in all things. And oral health starts at a young age! But we often have question like…

“What if my kid doesn’t like the dentist?”
“What if they don’t cooperate?”
“What if they have a terrible experience? Or develop a life-long fear of the dentist?”
“What if the scary dentist experience stops them from developing good habits?”
“What about costs? What if my insurance doesn’t cover braces or something vital? What if costs spiral out of control?
“What if my child has a gag reflex? Or get hurt? Or start crying?”

We know you have a lot to worry about. So, let’s put these anxieties to rest and figure out how to get the best family experience from your dentist.

We’ll explore what makes Dr. Sarah Orthodontics & Aesthetics one of the top-rated children's dental clinics in Virginia Beach !

1) Creating positive experiences for kids.

We make children's dental experiences fun.

I vividly remember the anxiety and fear I felt as a child during my early dental visits. I didn’t know what was going on. Those memories of strange adults poking around in my mouth still make me shudder! But chances are you might have had a similar experience, and you want better for your kids.

That’s why it’s our mission to transform these potentially scary experiences into warm, comforting ones. Early visits to your family dentist aren’t just about clean teeth— it's about building trust and fostering a lifetime of good oral health habits!

One way we do that is with consistency. You and your child will see the same friendly face at every appointment.

At our practice, you’ll see the same professional every time. Our team will remember your name, and you’ll always be treated with kindness and respect. Our team members aren't just professionals; we're moms, sisters, and friends who genuinely care about your child's well-being. As your family grows, you’ll have us to inspire healthy habits.

Secondly, we infuse every aspect of our practice with a warm, personal touch. From our clean, modern, and kid-friendly office to the comfortable treatment chairs to the personalized advice. Everything is designed to put you and your child at ease. Remember, dental care is a lifelong journey, and we're here to make sure it's a positive one from the very start.

“The whole staff is amazing and the office is beautiful. You feel so welcome from the second you walk in and it has my kids excited to see their orthodontist! They treat you like family and you can tell everyone there truly cares about the patients.”

- April Burrow

2) Early detection saves you in the long run.

One of the advantages of sticking with Dr. Sarah as your Orthodontist is that we’re right there with you as your child grows and develops.

When searching for the best children's dentist in Virginia Beach, consider early detection and preventive care. Part of preventive care is routine cleanings. However, we go beyond that.

For example, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental issues in children. If not caught early, it can lead to more painful (and expensive) problems down the line. Through digital imaging and our advanced techniques, we can spot potential cavities and decays before they become a bother.

Another common problem among younger children is tooth eruption problems. Sometimes, adult teeth don’t emerge from the gums properly. However, early detection can solve these problems before they cause pain, swelling, and infection.

Preteens and younger teenagers may start feeling the pain of misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, or spacing issues. Since our practice covers orthodontics, we can intervene just at the right time for simpler, more effective treatments. (Don’t worry, we’ll cover braces very soon.)

No matter the problem (and we’ve seen a lot of diverse problems), our personalized approach empowers us to combat them before they become a serious pain.

We can spot subtle changes in your child's oral health and address them right away! But our care doesn’t stop once you leave the office. We provide customized advice on brushing techniques and diet choices tailored just for your child. These small, every day habits can make a big difference in your little one's oral health.

Here’s a little secret every parent should know: preventive care is not just good for your child’s health— it’s good for your wallet, too! Early detection avoids extensive and expensive treatments in the future.

We’ve all noticed a small problem and figuratively swept it under the rug. Only for it to return after snowballing into an emergency. Remember, this is an investment in your child’s oral health. Eventually, your child is going to return that investment as their beautiful, confident smile.

“Dr. Sarah and her team are top-notch! When we went for a consult, she noticed that my son has thin gums and mentioned that whoever we decided to go with as an orthodontist should watch out for this. I was so impressed with her attention to detail that I also chose to start Invisalign while my son had braces. I can't say enough positive things about this practice.”

-Whitney Harding.

3) Find a children’s dentist in Virginia Beach that values education

Both for the little ones and the parents! Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to maintaining those precious smiles!

From the very first visit, we focus on getting to know you and your family. We get to know your treatment goals. What do you want to get out of your children’s dentist, Virginia Beach? Every family’s needs are unique, just like smiles.

Good oral hygiene habits are learned, not inherited. That's why we put so much emphasis on teaching kids proper brushing and flossing techniques.

When it comes to orthodontic treatments, there’s a whole world of options out there. From Invisalign to clear braces, metal braces to lingual braces— it can feel overwhelming!

Which one’s right for you? We’re here to guide you. So we can find the best treatment for your needs. Together, we’ll create a customized treatment plan, complete with an estimated timeline. We’re happy to take questions; in fact, we encourage them. We want you to feel confident and informed.

“Today was my daughter's first appointment with Dr. Sarah. 10/10 The office was beautiful and inviting, her dream team were all friendly and welcoming. Rachel and Dr. Sarah, explained everything thoroughly and the appointment felt more like a visit with friends than a trip for dental care. My daughter went from dreading the idea of braces to excited for her treatment.”

- Imon Brown

4) Money, money, money.

No one likes talking about money, so let’s make that conversation as painless as possible.

We understand that kids are expensive.

Overall costs will depend on your treatment, which depends on your needs. Which we won’t know until we see you. But before you see any family dentist, ask about their financial options. Do they have flexible payment options? What kind of payment plans do they offer?

We don’t want anything standing between you and your best smile! Our team will work with you to find a financial arrangement that fits your budget. Once we create a treatment plan specifically for you, we’ll share all available payment plan options. We’ll be transparent so you can feel confident in the choices you make.

5) What kind of specialized treatments does your local Virginia Beach children's dentist offer?

Because if you’ve ever had metal braces… you would have wished for these options. We remember what it was like to be a teenager with braces. Thankfully, there is a wide variety of orthodontic solutions for teenagers and adults alike.

Invisalign : Aligners so clear they’re nearly invisible.

We know the teenage years can be a little sensitive. With Invisalign, teens can straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. This treatment gradually adjusts your teeth through a series of aligners. Basically, these are retainers designed to shift teeth just like braces. Great if you feel squeamish about metal wires in your mouth.

However, cooperation is key. You will receive new aligners every two weeks throughout your treatment. You’ll have to wear them for around 20 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss.

Clear braces : a superb smile without the hassle of metal braces.

Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces. However, they use clear ceramic brackets so they blend in with your natural smile. They use the exact same principles and tend to be equally as effective. They are not completely invisible, but they are much more subtle.

Lingual Braces (InBrace) : the Hidden treatment.

A lot of adults want to get their teeth straightened because they did not have a chance when they were younger. However, understandably, no grown-up wants to look like a teenager with braces.

Lingual braces go on the back of your teeth. No one can see them. Initially, that might sound uncomfortable with your tongue back there. However, they are designed for comfort and convenience. You can floss normally and eat normally. Their comfort has to be experienced to be believed.

While these are geared toward older adults, they are available to teenagers.

Metal braces : classic, reliable, cost-effective.

Traditional metal braces have been successfully straightening teeth across Virginia Beach for decades! However, these are not the same bulky, awkward contraptions that ruined yearbook photos in the 80s.

The principles remain the same, but technology has advanced. Our metal braces use the latest in orthodontic technology to make them smaller, lighter, and much more comfortable. They are durable, long-lasting, and can fix a wide range of dental issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and gaps between teeth.

Since your teen will be wearing these for a while, we’ve made them customizable with different colored elastics. It’s a fun, unique way of expressing your personality. They come in dozens of colors and can be changed at each appointment to give your braces a new look.

Metal braces are the most common because they tend to be the most cost-effective.

Moral of the story: ask your local children's dentist what options they offer.

There are pros and cons to every treatment. But what’s important is that you have options.

“Had a previous bad experience at another orthodontist, so it was hard to get the courage to be seen again. So, I’m very lucky to have found this place. Dr. Sarah and her staff are always so welcoming and go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and actually care about the outcome of my smile!”

-Victoria Johnson

6) Orthodontic emergencies!

When searching for the best children's dentist in Virginia Beach, it's crucial to find a practice that not only provides excellent care but also emergency support. And, more importantly, compassion.

When you first get your braces, you may experience general soreness in your mouth, and your teeth may feel tender. That is completely normal and should go away within a few days. However, if soreness flares up again, that may be a sign of a problem. Loose poking wires and detached brackets can hurt and delay your treatment’s progress. Luckily, we’re only a phone call away! We can schedule an appointment and fix things right up.

“After stress-flossing my permanent retainer off the night before, I called her office, and they got me in the next day. Instead of just gluing it back on, she made adjustments to my temporary retainers to move a few teeth into perfect alignment over the next 2 weeks before we reinstall it.”

-Amanda Marie

Meet Dr. Sarah Pavon Groy, Top-Rated Children's Dentist in Virginia Beach

Dr. Sarah grew up in Virginia Beach and feels proud to build a practice and raise her family in her hometown.

Our office is a warm, friendly, family environment where you won’t be just another number. We’ll take our time to get to know you and your goals, and you‘ll receive excellent orthodontic care using our state-of-the-art technology.

Let’s start our relationship off on the right foot. It's about creating a positive, lifelong relationship with oral health. Meet with Dr. Sarah for a free, no-pressure, one-on-one consultation