Happy National Orthodontic Health Month! This is the season to celebrate beautiful, healthy smiles, to raise awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the importance of good oral health.
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work, while also making it easier to clean the teeth. Some of the common reasons that people seek orthodontic treatment include crooked or crowded teeth, prominent teeth, or an incorrect bite. If left untreated, these issues can result in more oral health problems, including tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, or even jaw problems.
According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic treatment ultimately results in long-term care of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by evenly distributing pressure to all your teeth.
Braces and invisible aligners are some of the more commonly used “appliances” used today to guide the teeth back into place. Once the initial treatment is complete, a retainer will help keep the newly straightened teeth stabilized while the surrounding gum and bones settle.
Many people consider this treatment for kids and teens. However, it’s becoming more common for adults to seek treatment to correct long-standing problems or to fix changes that occur as they age. More than 1 million adults are currently receiving orthodontic treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends three timely tips to protect braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances while protecting teeth from decay.
- Avoid anything sticky for your braces and aligners. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy Halloween candies and snacks. Take a pass on things like caramel, gummies, licorice, gum, and jelly
- Say “boo” to hard treats. Nuts and nut-filled treats, chips, and popcorn –
all of these could break brackets and bands or damage the wires on braces. We know candies are SO tempting during the Halloween season. But trust us – you’ll be able to enjoy these treats sooner if you take good care of your orthodontic appliances now.
- Brush Up! Sweets and treats can cause cavities. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during this Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially mindful of brushing and flossing after consuming sugary and starchy foods
Commit to oral health. Avoiding chewing hard and sticky sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break or harm your braces or fixed appliances. Bonita Del Rey Dental Care reminds orthodontic patients of the importance of good oral health throughout October and all year round.
If you’re wondering if you or a member of your family is a candidate for orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation. We can talk through your unique situation and the treatment available. Contact us now at (619) 777-1122, via email at [email protected] or visit our office in-person at 1415 Ridgeback Rd. Suite 26, Chula Vista, CA 91910
