October is Orthodontic Health Month

If you’re new to orthodontic health, let’s start with the basics. 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. It can also help in the long-term care of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, by evenly distributing pressure to all your teeth.

Some of the common reasons that people seek orthodontic treatment include crooked or crowded teeth, prominent teeth, or an incorrect bite. Left untreated, these issues can result in more oral health problems, including tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, or even jaw problems.

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.

While many people consider this treatment for kids and teens, age is less important than having the right amount of permanent teeth. In fact, 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.

If you’re one of the millions of people currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists shares these tips to protect braces, aligners, and other appliances during the treat-filled month of October.

1. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy Halloween candies and snacks. Take a pass on things like caramel, gummies, licorice, gum, and jelly beans. It’s 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.
2. Avoid hard treats. Nuts and nut-filled treats, chips and popcorn – all of these could break brackets and bands or damage the wires on braces.
3. Brush! Sweets and treats can cause cavities. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during this sugar-filled season. Orthodontic patients should be especially mindful to brush and floss after consuming sugary and starchy foods.

If you’re wondering if you might be a candidate for orthodontic treatment, please call MyOrthodontist or schedule an appointment online.