Our Blog

Summer is in full swing …the sun is warm, the days are longer and we are enjoying being outdoors. Summer is a great time of year, not only for cookouts and beach trips, but it’s also a great time of year to start orthodontic treatment. With the kids out of school and many parents on vacation, appointments can be much easier to schedule. But there are other good reasons to start treatment in the summer too.

No missed school: The first orthodontic appointments are usually the longest (as well as when treatment ends). The initial exam is an hour. (This is your first visit to our office when we do a full evaluation and present your individual treatment plan.) If braces are in your future you can expect the banding appointment (placement of the braces) to be ab out 1 ½ - 2 hours. When starting in the summer there are no worries about missing school.

Time to adjust: The first few days of treatment may bring some discomfort as your teeth begin to move and shift. This discomfort usually lasts a few days and then subsides. Most people are fine to return to work and school immediately. However, those who are more susceptible to pain may like a few days to just stay home and relax.

Time to develop new habits: Beginning orthodontic treatment will require some changes. Brushing more frequently (about 4-5 times a day with braces) is a must. There may be dietary changes that need to be made as well. Some foods (hard and sticky) need to be avoided when braces or appliances are worn because they can cause damage. Starting treatment in the summer gives kids time to make these adjustments and form good habits more easily than when they are busy with school and sports.

Summer is the Season for Ice Cream and Smoothies: There is nothing more soothing than a cold treat after the braces go on. New braces are the perfect excuse to indulge.

For more information on orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment visit our website http://www.natickorthodontics.com/

So you’ve just got your braces on – Congratulations! You are on your way to a healthy, spectacular smile! There are a few things that you can do to make sure you and your braces become great friends; Like any relationship, it’s all about showing that you care (and maybe a little compromise too.) Here are a few tips to ensure that your relationship gets off to a good start:

1. Avoid hard and sticky foods: Nothing hurts your braces more than hard and sticky foods (and we never want to hurt our friends). Sticky and hard foods can break a bracket or wire. Broken brackets and wires can be uncomfortable. Frequently broken brackets can take a toll by increasing time in braces. It’s best to forgo caramel, gum and other sticky treats. Hard candy, ice, nuts, popcorn and thick chips should also be avoided.
2. Chew with your back teeth: Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth will put a lot of pressure on your braces leaving them vulnerable to damage. Get into the habit of cutting large foods into pieces and using your back teeth to chew; cut apples into slices and corn off the cob. Hard bread like bagels and pizza crust should be broken into bite-size pieces before eating.
3. Wear your rubber bands and headgear: Rubber bands, headgear and other orthodontic appliances may seem annoying. But, failing to comply with wearing them can increase the length of your treatment by months! When asked to wear rubber bands and appliances make sure you wear them as instructed to ensure that your time in braces doesn’t have to go longer than necessary. (We know that you and your braces have become great friends, but all good things must come to an end, including your time in braces. )
4. Floss and brush: Flossing and brushing are the best way to show your braces that you care. Brush for two minutes after every time you eat to safeguard against stains and decay. Be sure to floss once a day. Yes, it can be a pain to floss around your braces, but it’s the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. When you started treatment you received a ‘floss threader’ to make the chore easier. Just a few minutes a day will ensure that you don’t face significant dental health issues when the braces come off.

Follow these tips to make sure your relationship with your braces is carefree and easy. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces give us a call or ask at your next appointment.

Just as helmets, shoulder pads, and knee pads are worn to protect against sports-related injuries, mouthguards are equally important as protective gear. Mouthguards help prevent injury to the oral cavity, especially to the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Even athletes who wear helmets or face shields – such as football, hockey, and lacrosse players – should wear mouthguards, since they also protect against head-and-neck injuries by helping to cushion blows that otherwise could result in a concussion or worse.

When you’re in orthodontic treatment you have to use a mouthguard that is made to fit over the braces. (No ‘boil and bite’). We recommend the Shock Doctor brand. You can pick one up at a local sporting goods store or at our office.

When you are finished with your orthodontic treatment we can make you a custom mouthguard. Custom mouthguards are made to fit your teeth perfectly. You can choose the colors and we can even put your team logo on the mouthguard!

Always protect yourself by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. If you have any questions about mouthguards ask us at your next appointment.

First Orthodontic Check-Ups No Later than Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and Dr. Janeen Hughes recommend that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
The reasons for this early examination:
-Guide jaw growth
-Lower the risk of trauma to protrusive front teeth
-Correct harmful oral habits
-Improve appearance
-Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
-Improve the way lips meet

The AAO does not advocate comprehensive orthodontic treatment at age 7. However, interceptive treatment may be appropriate in the kinds of problems shown below. Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child’s dentist and orthodontist. Call 508-319-1545; email smiles@lakewoodparkortho.com to schedule your free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Janeen Hughes at Lakewood Park Orthodontics.