Throughout January and February, both of which are wintry months that leave many of us craving a fun distraction from the workday world, most people jump at the chance for a holiday – whether it is simply a day off from work on President’s day or an evening dedicated to celebrating romance with a special Valentine. And while the connection between these winter holidays and the world of orthodontics may seem like a stretch, here are a few fun facts about braces that can help liven up the month of February for kids (and even adults) undergoing orthodontic treatment:
With every New Year comes new resolutions; and as 2012 gets underway, countless individuals across the country have no doubt determined to make this the year that they begin to eat better, look their best, and live healthier, happier lives. For many of us, when it comes improving our overall health, diet and exercise are the top two lifestyle changes that come to mind. But surprisingly enough, orthodontic treatments are another highly effective way to transform the body, inside and out. Thanks to significant breakthroughs in the comfort, efficiency, ease and aesthetics of orthodontic braces, achieving a perfect smile is more accessible than ever before. And in addition to the obvious cosmetic benefits of teeth straightening procedures, individuals who undergo professional orthodontic treatment can also safeguard themselves against a host of both oral and systemic health risks – resulting in a “makeover” that does as much for one’s internal well-being as it does for their outward appearance.
In years past, orthodontic braces – ugly, cumbersome metallic and uncomfortable – got a pretty bad rap, and with good reason. But today, thanks to improvements in orthodontic technology, both adult braces and orthodontic solutions for children have expanded to include more aesthetically pleasing, efficient, comfortable and affordable options. Furthermore, when fitted early by a skilled orthodontist, braces can contribute to beautiful smiles and long-term oral health while still falling under children’s insurance coverage. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children receive an orthodontic screening by the age of 7 in order to determine whether or not immediate orthodontic treatment is necessary to prevent complex health problems down the road; and with the benefit of comparatively stable costs, insurance coverage and flexible patient options, this is the best possible time for parents to start their children on the road to lifelong orthodontic health.
As the holiday season draws increasingly near, orthodontics – and frankly, healthcare in general – may be the last thing on your mind, buried somewhere far below the more immediate and pleasant distraction of Thanksgiving recipes, travel plans, gift-giving budgets and what to get for that special someone. And yet, if orthodontic care is in the cards for you or your child, selecting a great doctor is one of the best and most important gifts you can give to yourself – not to mention one that will far outlast this year’s turkey dinner. As Virginia-based orthodontist Dr. Alan Bagden recently told The Seattle Times, a patient’s relationship with their orthodontist is one that can last for years: so when it comes time to choose, give yourself the gift of time – and make the choice that works for you and your family.
October marks the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season – a time for pumpkins and pies, decorations and gifts, costumes and special treats at home, at work and at school. Perhaps, then, it’s no coincidence that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month, or that orthodontists across the country are campaigning harder than ever to remind patients how to care for their teeth and braces while preventing damage and decay.
It’s that time of year again: school is back in session, and students are gearing up for a ynew year, new subjects, new teachers and classmates. Incidentally, there’s no better time to get kids started with braces – and to remind them of the most important dental hygiene practices to keep teeth and gums healthy all year long.
In recent years, child health advocates have made great strides in promoting increased activity levels and better eating habits to combat childhood obesity rates; but while fresh, wholesome meals and physical exercise are vital components for optimal health, so too are regular dental and orthodontic check-ups for kids of all ages. Oral health is fundamentally linked to overall health: and with this in mind, it is important to educate children from an early age about the importance of oral hygiene and corrective orthodontics – and to integrate the idea of healthy teeth and gums into the academic environment.
Smile-correcting orthodontic devices have never been synonymous with high-style; but now, advances in technology and aesthetic design are bringing adult braces into the mainstream – and making them more visually appealing as well. The Los Angeles Times reports that, as of 2008, over 1 million adult men and women were wearing braces; and thanks to a combination of trends including improved orthodontic insurance coverage rates and an increased desire to enhance physical appearance, that number may well continue to rise.
