[October 04, 2017] |
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Brace Yourself for Orthodontic Health Month
October is Orthodontic Health Month, which is the perfect time of year
to learn about orthodontic health and how to obtain a beautiful, healthy
smile. Since orthodontic care is an important contributor to good dental
health and overall mouth function - as it helps to straighten teeth and
align jaws - it's important for both children and adults to visit an
orthodontist for a checkup, just as they would a dentist.
Members of the Oklahoma Orthodontic Society want to share five tips for
achieving a straighter and healthier smile.
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Orthodontics is more than just a pretty smile - When people
think of braces they often think of a beautiful smile, but
orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics and can help patients achieve a
healthy smile as well. Teeth that are misaligned can cause problems
with brushing and flossing that can lead to gum disease. When the jaw
or teeth are severely misaligned, it can potentially interfere with
eating, breathing, sleeping and speech, causing discomfort and pain,
even when the jaw isn't moving.
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Trust your smile to a specialist - Your smile deserves
the best possible care, which is why you should go in-person to
consult with a certified orthodontist. Orthodontists are dental
specialists who have an additional 3,000+ hours of formal training at
an accredited university or hospital after dental school. Some people
choose to have their teeth straightened by a dentist practicing
orthodontics or by using at-home kits, but that's not the best choice.
Dentists are excellent at covering a wide range of generalissues, but
only an orthodontist can provide the in-person technology, care and
expertise necessary to correctly align teeth.
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It's never too early or late for braces - Orthodontists
recommend a child's first visit to the orthodontist should be by age
7, since enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to
evaluate the "bite" - the way teeth and jaws meet and work, and how
that relationship affects a child's ability to bite, chew and speak
effectively. While braces for children and teens are the most common
perception, more adults than ever are recognizing that healthy teeth
are important at any age. One in five orthodontic patients today is an
adult - a record number. Age should not be a consideration in
orthodontic treatment since healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
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Good oral hygiene is especially important when you have braces -
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes,
flossing daily, and scheduling ongoing dental visits are all important
to help keep the gums and teeth healthy during treatment. Patients
with braces should maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks
between meals. Orthodontists recommend avoiding certain foods that
could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires, such as
nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods, such as chewing gum,
caramel or other chewy candy.
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There are a variety of orthodontic options to fit your needs -
While metal braces tend to be the fastest and most effective way
to move and straighten your teeth, there are many options for patients
that your orthodontist can recommend for you. There are many more
inconspicuous options for braces available today, such as clear
braces, lingual braces and clear aligners, that will allow you to
straighten your teeth undercover. Ceramic or clear braces are made
from a composite that blends with the color of your teeth, while
lingual braces are completely hidden because they're attached behind
the teeth. Choose the look and type of braces that will work best for
you.
For more information or to find an orthodontist in your area, visit
oklahomabraces.org.
About the Oklahoma Orthodontic Society
The Oklahoma Orthodontic Society is a chapter of the American
Association of Orthodontists, which is committed to educating the public
about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment and choosing
an orthodontist for your care. An orthodontist is a specialist and must
complete two-to-three years of additional schooling beyond dental school
at an accredited residency program to achieve this distinction. To find
an orthodontist in your area, visit oklahomabraces.org.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171004005404/en/
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