April 26th, 2017
We believe you’re never too old to straighten your teeth. Many of our patients are adults who are currently undergoing treatment. Did you know that roughly 30 percent of all orthodontic patients these days are adults?
Whether you had braces as a teen but your teeth have shifted, or you have never undergone orthodontics but always wanted to, we can help you enjoy straighter teeth, an improved bite, and a more beautiful smile.
Invisalign® clear aligners are a progressive-phase orthodontic treatment designed for patients who need mild-to-moderate correction of crowded or crooked teeth. This system utilizes a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift your teeth into their targeted positions. Instead of frequently returning to our office to have braces tightened, you simply swap the trays out every few weeks.
Invisalign® clear aligners are a great treatment option for adults. They are easy to wear and are not visible to most people. If you’re considering Invisalign, you’ll need to be diligent about wearing the aligners at all times and make them part of your lifestyle for the duration of treatment.
Among the things, you may worry about with treatments to straighten your teeth is missing out on your favorite foods. This can affect your daily life and make special occasions less fun, as well. The following foods are forbidden with traditional metal braces, but not with Invisalign®!
- Hard foods, such as candy, uncut carrots and apples, and hard chips
- Chewy foods, such as bagels and many kinds of meat
- Sticky foods, such as fruit roll-ups, toffee, bubble gum, and caramels
- Foods that can get stuck under wires, like popcorn, seeds, and nuts
Don’t let the idea of metal brackets and wires discourage you from seeking orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign®, you can get a perfect smile without anyone knowing!
April 17th, 2017
You may be wondering why Dr. Godwin and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. While it's no secret that everyone wants a great smile, you may be surprised to learn that straightening your teeth can offer so many more benefits.
Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean which leads to better oral hygiene, fewer cavities, and healthier gums. A healthier smile also means a healthier bite. When you upper and lower teeth fit together the way the should, it's easier to bite, chew and speak. Various bite problems from overbite to underbite can cause excessive wear of your teeth and possible jaw joint problems. Correcting these orthodontic problems can prevent decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.
Improve Your Smile - Improve Your Self Esteem
Your smile is your greeting to the world, but not everyone is born with beautiful, straight teeth. Misaligned, crooked and crowded teeth may be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for some people. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can correct these problems which can give you self-esteem and confidence that comes with straight teeth and a healthy smile.
Appearance Does Matter
Truth be told, appearance does matter. Studies have proven over and over again that a great smile can literally change how you feel about yourself and how people see you - at work and in your personal life. People with straight, healthy teeth demonstrate high self-esteem and confidence and this comes through to everyone they meet. Like it or not, your smile is a reflection of you.
To see how much better your smile can be, contact the team at Bel Air Orthodontic for a complimentary initial exam. We offer a variety of treatment options that can give you the smile you've always wanted.
April 3rd, 2017
April is National Facial Protection Month, and Dr. Stephen Godwin and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics want to remind parents, coaches and athletes to play it safe as they prepare to suit up for recreational and organized sports. Whether at practice, at a game, or simply enjoying some fun in the neighborhood, a sports-related injury can happen in an instant. That's why it's important to take precautions to protect your face and teeth from injury. Dr. Godwin suggests that you take these simple steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports; if you are wearing braces, make sure you use a mouthguard designed specially for orthodontic patients;
- Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by absorbing the energy of an impact.
- Wear protective eye wear. According to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries, protective eye wear designed specifically for the sport can prevent more than 90 percent of all eye injuries.
- Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin;
- Be alert - as a player or spectator!
Did You Know? . . .
Athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth;
Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in children ages 12 to 17 according to the Center for Disease Control.
Whatever your sport, the right protective gear can save your teeth, your face, even your life. If you or your child suffers dental trauma such as a knocked-out or broken tooth, Dr. Godwin suggest that you contact your dentist for immediate attention. For those in braces, it's also important to contact our office to schedule an appointment for repair since damage to braces can lengthen treatment time and affect treatment results.
About National Facial Protection Month: Every April, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Society, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry team up to remind parents and parents, coaches and athletes about the importance of taking precautions to preserve their teeth and protect them from facial injuries.
March 23rd, 2017
Wearing braces can feel like a major lifestyle adjustment. Suddenly you're faced with situations you never really thought of before. What happens when you indulge in the spinach dip appetizer at your favorite restaurant? How do you handle lunchtime at school, when you're away from the comfort and convenience of your bathroom at home? Fortunately, adapting to life with braces isn't as overwhelming as it may seem. With a little preparation and a few handy supplies, you'll be a braces-wearing pro in no time.
To help make your orthodontic experience as convenient as possible, we'll send you home with a on-the-go braces care kit filled with essential orthodontic items for keeping your braces clean and comfortable. We’ve also put together this list of helpful tips and additional dental items we recommend that will help you care for your braces while you’re at school or work.
Go Prepared
Remember to take your on-the-go braces care kit with you. It contains a toothbrush, floss, dental wax, interdental proxy brush and brushing timer. When you wear braces, it's much easier for food and bacteria to build up on the teeth throughout the day. Good oral hygiene is incredibly important to keep your smile looking as healthy as possible. You may also want to pack some toothpaste, floss threaders, a retainer case (if needed), and some OTC pain medicine. If your school nurse requires a permission form for over-the-counter medication use during the school day, our office will be happy to make that available to you.
Use Your Time Wisely
Take advantage of breaks and the lunch hour to give your braces and teeth a once over. Make sure you don’t have any food debris caught in your braces, and take the time to brush and floss. If you’ve just had your braces adjusted recently, you may feel some mild discomfort in your gums or cheeks. This is where the OTC medications and wax you packed will come in handy.
Eat the Right Food
You can prevent any possible mishaps or breakages with your braces by steering clear of foods that are sticky, chewy, and crunchy. Gum, candy, popcorn, hard chips, apples that aren’t cut into bite-sized pieces, nuts, beef jerky, and ice fall into this category. The last thing you want is to break a bracket in the middle of the day.
Choose a Removable Option
If you know before you begin orthodontic treatment that traditional braces will be a challenge due to employment and/or social situations, think about trying a removable option. For many adults with hectic schedules, clear Invisalign® aligners are convenient braces-free option. Clear aligners can be just as effective as braces for most teeth-straightening needs, and they can be removed while you’re eating, brushing, and flossing. They also tend to be more comfortable, since they don’t have metal brackets and wires to irritate your gums.
If you follow these tips and stay on your oral health routine at home, you’ll be maximizing the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment but also keeping it as hassle-free as possible. For more information on caring for your braces while on the go, contact the team at Bel Air Orthodontics.
We believe you’re never too old to straighten your teeth. Many of our patients are adults who are currently undergoing treatment. Did you know that roughly 30 percent of all orthodontic patients these days are adults?
