October ushers in the long holiday season filled with sugary treats, family feasts and special activities that crowd out normal daily habits. That makes this month the perfect time to think about the importance of oral hygiene and orthodontic treatments. Proper care of your teeth today makes sure your smile will be healthy and bright through these holidays and all those to come.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you probably have teeth that may be crooked, crowded or improperly aligned. Your upper and lower teeth may not come together for the correct bite. You may find these conditions unattractive, but they can also produce real damage to your teeth, gums and jaws.
Orthodontic treatment can correct all these conditions. It’s the process of moving teeth into an optimal position for both appearance and health. It straightens your teeth and distributes pressure across them in a way that creates even wear on your teeth and jaws. Having properly aligned teeth also makes them easier to clean, which improves the health of your entire mouth.
Two of the most common appliances that are used to straighten teeth are invisible aligners and braces. Which of the two might be right for you depends on several factors, so we can discuss that with you and help you make the best choice. After the appliances have done their job, you’ll wear a retainer for a while to keep everything in place while the bones and gums stabilize in their final positions.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that orthodontic treatment is only for kids. While many children and teens do have their teeth aligned, it’s never too late. Adults can also achieve a more attractive and healthier smile with braces and aligners, and the results are absolutely worth the good-natured ribbing you’ll inevitably receive!
If you’ve already begun your orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists has a few reminders that will help you navigate the holiday season.
- Avoid sticky candies and treats. Anything sticky or chewy can be tough to remove from your orthodontic appliances. Even if you have removable invisible aligners, you don’t want to take the chance that they’ll trap candy residue against your teeth when you put them back in.
- Skip the hard treats, like popcorn and nuts. Candies and cookies with nuts or hard kernels of popcorn can bend or break the brackets and wires on your braces.
- Don’t slack off on brushing! It can be tempting when you’re relaxing over the holidays to let chores slide, but don’t let brushing your teeth be one of them. Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from cavities and keep your braces clean. The more you indulge in sweet treats and starchy meals, the more important it is to brush and floss.
Our website has more information about orthodontics for you to explore. If you want to talk specifically about yourself or a family member, give us a call or stop by Creed Orthodontics in Cypress TX, and let us answer all your questions.
National Orthodontic Health Month is the perfect time to start your child on the path to better oral health or to finally get the smile you’ve always wanted for yourself.