Worried your braces might ruin your Halloween fun? Spooky thought – but never fear! Enjoying good candy with braces is still an option. But first, avoid damaging your braces and risking your successful orthodontic treatment by learning which candy might loosen the brackets attached to your teeth. Candies to avoid with braces These candies may damage orthodontic appliances and can really set your orthodontic treatment back. Steer clear of: Caramels Taffy Hard candy Chewy candy Jellybeans Licorice Bubble gum Lollipops Sour candy Popcorn Nuts Candies you can eat with braces Softer, melt-in-your ..read more

Do straight teeth matter?  Of course, straight teeth matter, but it’s much more than that. Teeth are like gears on a wheel. They are made to fit together in a certain way to do a certain job. If they don’t fit together, they can’t do their job, which may lead to various oral health problems. For starters, straight teeth are easier to clean. You can remove plaque more easily when teeth are aligned. Crooked teeth offer more places for plaque to hide and get missed when brushing. Plaque buildup can result in cavities, gum inflammation (puffiness and bleeding), and gum disease. Even if your f ..read more

The AAO Consumer Awareness Campaign (CAP) “Straight Talk” series concludes with a video featuring a patient on the day of the removal of their braces, titled “The Best Day Ever.” The video features Dr. Jacquee Schiek, an AAO orthodontist, who reminds the patient, Tim, that the process of moving his teeth was a complex biological one, and that his initial examination played a crucial role in developing the best treatment plan for him. While Tim’s smile looks amazing, Dr. Schiek emphasizes the importance of the planning and effort that went into achieving it.  It’s a common misconception th ..read more

In short, no, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist considers many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, but age is rarely a deciding factor. Orthodontic treatment can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents. In fact, one in three orthodontic patients is an adult. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting an AAO orthodontist. Adults’ teeth can be moved, too. Whether you’re 8 or 80, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Many orthodont ..read more

The AAO’s newest video educates consumers about the importance of receiving treatment from an orthodontist by highlighting the educational difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. Who will accept the Golden Aligner? Watch the decision play out in the third video in the Consumer Awareness Program Straight Talk series. In this video, Dr. Enrique Cruz is chosen to treat the patient because of his specialized education and training.   People often wonder what the difference is between an orthodontist and a dentist. Both dentists and orthodontists work on teeth, provide professio ..read more

Straight teeth provide more than a great smile. Teeth are like gears on a wheel. They are made to fit together in a certain way to do a certain job. If they don’t fit together, they can’t do their job, which may lead to various oral health problems. For starters, straight teeth are easier to clean. You can remove plaque more easily when teeth are aligned. Crooked teeth offer more places for plaque to hide and get missed when brushing. Plaque buildup can result in cavities, gum inflammation (puffiness and bleeding), and gum disease. Even if your front teeth appear straight, there can be a probl ..read more

If your retainer still fits snugly on your teeth without causing discomfort, you can continue wearing it, even if it feels tight. It’s possible that your teeth have slightly shifted and wearing the retainer for a longer duration each day can prevent any further movement of your teeth. Try wearing your retainer full-time for a few days to encourage your teeth to move back into their correct positions. If the retainer continues to feel uncomfortable, contact your AAO orthodontist to determine the next steps. What if the retainer doesn’t fit at all or feels painful? Don’t force it. Contact your A ..read more

In short, yes. Although thumb sucking or pacifier use is a natural reflex for infants, prolonged sucking can exert pressure on their teeth and jaws. If your child regularly sucks on their thumb, finger, pacifier, or lips, it could potentially impact the growth of their teeth or jaw, with some bone changes noticeable as early as 18 months of age. Common orthodontic problems caused by prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can include: Protruding front teeth: front teeth that stick out (“buck” teeth). Protrusive front teeth may make it hard to comfortably close the mouth and lips, cause speech ..read more

Educating parents about the importance of early orthodontic intervention and taking children to see an orthodontist by age seven is part of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) new Consumer Awareness Program campaign. “When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?” is the second video in the Straight Talk series. In the latest video, Dr. Larry Wang, an AAO orthodontist, offers his expertise, complemented by thoughts from the Tooth Fairy and a well-informed seventh grader.  It is recommended that age seven is the best age to see an orthodontist and will help keep your child’s oral ..read more

Which is the worst impulse buy: mail-order orthodontics, a hot air balloon kit, or a do-it-yourself in-ground pool? The game show contestant makes the right choice in “Impulse Buy,” the video that addresses risks associated with mail-order orthodontics and the importance of seeing an AAO orthodontist for treatment.  It sounds almost too good to be true: the convenience of orthodontic treatment without ever having to leave your home or seeing an orthodontist or dentist in person (meaning no office visits), and it sounds considerably cheaper than in-person orthodontic treatment. What’s not ..read more