Affiliated Orthodontics Blog Peoria AZ Glendale Surprise

New Year, New Me

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Admin

At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me.” But what exactly does that mean? At Affiliated Orthodontics, we say “New year, new smile, better hygiene.”

To help you start the new year with a great smile and better oral health, we’ve come up with a list of essentials you will need to achieve this new year’s resolution.

Floss

Simply brushing your teeth does not always get to the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, fight bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease and improve your appearance. Make sure floss is part of your at-home dental care routine in the new year to maintain your bright smile.

The Impact of Smoking on Your Oral Health

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Admin

When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health. In most cases, lung cancer is often the disease of choice that is a result of smoking. However, the damaging effects of smoking don’t stop there. Do you know the negative effects smoking can have on your oral health as well? Stained teeth and bad breath are just the beginning. At Affiliated Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand the true cost of smoking as it relates to your teeth, gums and oral health.

Gum Disease

It starts with inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to serious damage of the gum tissue, tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. Serious infections can also happen if the bacteria from any of the above mentioned get into the bloodstream.

It is important to note that gum disease in those who smoke can be harder to treat. Smoking doubles the risk of developing gum disease due to the overwhelming number of toxins it introduces into the mouth. Read More

Are You Over Brushing Your Braces?

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Admin

Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight people has this same problem with tooth sensitivity. So what’s the cause? Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity such as this doesn’t have anything to do with cavities or even braces, the most common cause is brushing with too much force.

The Effects of Brushing Too Hard

Before, during and after undergoing orthodontic treatment, the concept of brushing your teeth regularly was drilled into your brain as the best way to maintain good oral health and hygiene. While some take this advice and brush as recommended (every morning, every night and shortly after each meal), some people translate this to mean that they should be brushing more aggressively. This is NOT the case. Read More

What Happens When We Swallow Gum

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Admin

Orthodontists Dr. Larry Davis, Dr. Randy Womack, Dr. Chris Teeters and the orthodontic team at Affiliated Orthodontics want to dispel an urban legend about chewing gum: if you swallow a wad of gum, it does not sit in your stomach for seven years. In most cases, actually, not even seven days. Chewing gum, although not meant to be swallowed, passes harmlessly through the digestive system and is excreted in the same manner as everything else we eat.

There is some truth to the myth, however: chewing gum is not digested. It contains resins, sometimes natural and sometimes synthetic, which our bodies cannot break down. Gum is simply passed along our digestive tract.

In rare cases, excessive amounts of swallowed gum can lead to constipation and intestinal blockage in young children. But parents need not be alarmed. Young children are not more susceptible to complications involving swallowed gum; young children are simply the only people who might swallow enough gum to cause digestive problems. Kids often forget or may not understand that gum is for chewing and not swallowing.

Fun Halloween Costume Ideas for Braces

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Admin

It’s that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner and we at Affiliated Orthodontics are here to get you ready. For those of you currently in braces, you may be wondering how you can stand out with your costume while disguising your orthodontic treatment. Fear not! Here are six fun costume ideas you can try that make the most of your braces.

Darla from Finding Nemo

This character from the classic kid’s movie, Finding Nemo, is often what comes to mind when people think of costumes featuring braces. Darla’s enthusiasm for animals (often times too intense) and full face of metal made her one of the most memorable characters in the movie.

To achieve this look, find a purple sweater, white button down shirt, plaid skirt, plastic bag filled with water and fish and, most importantly, add freckles and something that resembles headgear to your face.Read More

Spread the Word – October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Admin

October means something a little different to our team at Affiliated Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic offices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do. Our goal is to draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction.

American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids be evaluated 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws.Read More