Published by the AAO.
Blog on Orthodontics, Wearing Braces and Caring for Teeth
“Hang in there.” “Think about what your smile will look like when it’s all over.” You’ve probably heard these encouraging words from your orthodontist, parents, siblings or friends during those times when the journey to your new smile becomes painful.…
If you’re about to get braces, you may wonder what it’s going to feel like with appliances on your teeth and you may even be worried that your braces will hurt. Below is a quick guide that can answer your…
Instead of the usual dozen roses, consider giving the gift of a smile to yourself or someone you care about this Valentine’s Day with orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist is a dental specialist that uses orthodontic appliances to gradually move the…
The typical pharmacy or grocery store has an entire aisle filled with oral care products including a dizzying array of toothpastes that come in all types of variations and flavors making choosing the right type difficult to do. Here are…
In addition to its primary role as the beginning of the digestive system, your mouth is a very important part of your body. You use your mouth for many things including showing others how you feel by smiling or frowning,…
In order to achieve and maintain a healthy smile, practicing excellent oral hygiene is a must. Even if you’re doing an excellent job of brushing & flossing every day, you may have a few habits that are putting your teeth…
At Shefferman Orthodontics in Washington DC, we have seen a tremendous interest in looking good and being healthy. A great smile is a big part of that lifestyle. There’s no age limit to the appeal of a beautiful smile; patients…
Brushing your teeth very well is something that must be done several times each day in order to maintain good oral hygiene. When you do a good job of brushing away food particles and plaque, you are reducing your risk…
While most people see an orthodontist to achieve the beautiful smile they have always wanted, there are subtle signs that can indicate orthodontic treatment is a necessity for some people. Orthodontic warning signs include: Early, late or otherwise unusual loss…
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment getting your braces removed is a big deal. While ending the active phase of orthodontic treatment is truly something to celebrate, many people don’t realize that orthodontic patients move into what is called the retention…
Today, a record number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles as more people realize it’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Plus, there are now a variety of treatment options available that…
At every dental checkup, one of the first questions people are asked is whether or not they floss their teeth every day. For many patients, the answer to this question is not always yes. While most people make sure they…
A typical morning routine for many adults includes enjoying a cup, or two, of hot coffee. Drinking coffee in the morning helps many of us wake up and get a good start on the day. While coffee is the morning…
AAO History Established in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world’s biggest association specializing in dental research. With thousands of orthodontists worldwide as members, the AAO sponsors key research to enable its members to provide the highest…
If you spend a lot of time talking to people – whether clients, customers, or coworkers – you know just how important it is to make the right impression. Here are some helpful smile tips that can easily be incorporated…
Oral health is an important aspect of a person’s overall physical health, but it is a dimension of wellness that not everyone is able to attend to. Many people living in all parts of the world do not have access…
Getting braces is a big investment in your oral health, and like any investment, it takes time and routine check-ins to achieve a perfect result that lasts forever. After your braces have been applied, you will meet with your orthodontist…
The basics steps to achieve a healthy smile include a diligent oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist. However, maintaining a healthy smile takes a little more work. Here are a few habits to incorporate into your daily…
As Valentine’s Day approaches and you take time to think about your loved ones, it’s also a good idea to think about the health of your heart. Most people are aware that a healthy diet and regular exercise are important…
Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment have to make some adjustments to their eating habits, as some foods and snacks can damage or break the appliances on their teeth. Some snacks should be avoided altogether like popcorn, nuts, raw vegetables, granola bars…
Feeling good about yourself is easy. Here are ten confidence boosters to try out this year. 1. Adjust your posture Let your shoulders fall back into their natural position and practice keeping your head level. Standing up straight has many…
A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you are looking to improve your smile and feel more confident about the first impression you make, AcceleDent can help. AcceleDent is a simple-to-use, hands-free device…
During the typical orthodontic appointment, your adjustments can cause discomfort and pain that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It is important to remember that each adjustment is helping you towards your goal of a…
Many times when we see someone smile, we’re automatically prompted to smile back. Even if you’re having the worst kind of day, as soon as you see someone smile, you simply cannot stop yourself from smiling back. Both spiritual leaders…
AcceleDent is a hands-free, easy-to-use device that helps speed orthodontic treatment. Patients who use this innovative device appreciate how it helps accelerate their treatment while being easy to use. Since you do not need to hold anything in your hands…
Thanksgiving festivities include a lot of delicious foods that most of us look forward to eating. For those who are undergoing orthodontic treatment, there are certain foods that should be avoided because they can your damage braces. To protect your…
Broken brackets, busted bands, wonky wires and other orthodontic issues can all send patients scrambling back to the orthodontist’s office. While these are not uncommon occurrences, most of the time they can be easily prevented with the right precautions. Here…
To kick off National Orthodontic Health Month, OrthoAccel® Technologies recently announced a new AcceleDent Ambassador program enabling AcceleDent patients the opportunity to share their AcceleDent experience. Becoming an AcceleDent Ambassador is easy, AcceleDent patients simply visit the AcceleDent Ambassador page…
National Orthodontic Health Month was created as a way to raise awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the importance of good oral health. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends five timely tips to protect braces, aligners and…
