National Orthodontic Health Month: What You Need to Know

“Everyone is so friendly here. When going in for a consultation they take all of your wants and needs into consideration so you can leave there happy and have a great understanding of what the plan is for your treatment!”

- Kali

Let’s talk about orthodontic health!

Orthodontic health means keeping your teeth clean and healthy while in braces in order to prevent cavities. It also means creating the ideal bite and alignment of the teeth for healthy function of the dentition. You’ll also find that there are many long-term benefits of having orthodontic treatment –including your teeth and gums are easier to keep clean and healthy and of course a more confident smile.

There is also no such thing as being too young or too old to start your orthodontic journey. The AAO and ADA recommend every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While not everyone needs orthodontic treatment, even if they seem to have an aligned smile, the best person to discuss this with is an orthodontist.

The ideal orthodontic oral health routine looks quite similar to a normal dental routine, with the added importance of brushing after every meal. With braces, you will need to use floss threaders to floss your teeth. Other than that, your recommended routine will be the same. It is crucial to be even more diligent about your oral health routine during orthodontic treatment because it is much easier for plaque to be left behind and remain on your teeth.

For those undergoing orthodontic treatment right now, it's especially important to stay away from super sticky and chewy candies like gum, jolly ranchers, and laffy taffy, particularly during the Halloween season. These types of candies can cause damage to the braces and prolong treatment.

This month, our practice is offering complimentary orthodontic evaluations and any of our pediatric office patients can receive a discount on their orthodontic care. Make sure to give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment!