Missing permanent teeth or premature loss of baby teeth is one reason why the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) and Affiliated Orthodontics recommend an orthodontic consultation for children beginning at age 7. The upper lateral incisors, second premolars and third molars (wisdom teeth) are the teeth most likely to fail to develop or erupt. Heredity is considered a major factor when permanent teeth are congenitally missing.Read More
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Thumbs Down on Thumb Sucking
Children are born with a natural sucking reflex that often evolves into a comfort behavior. It is not at all unusual for an infant or child to find a thumb or finger to calm themselves when tired or upset as a coping mechanism. Ultrasound scans have revealed that thumb sucking can start before birth, as early as 15 weeks from conception. Even though a sucking reflex disappears at about four months of age, some infants will continue to suck their thumb or fingers as a voluntary habit to soothe themselves. It helps provide a sense of security and relaxes children as they fall asleep. Thumb sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood.Read More
We Have a Best Mom Winner!
The best essay was submitted by Tammy Cox and awarded to her mom Elizabeth. It was heart warming to read the essay submitted below by Tammy describing her mom. It is a very special relationship.
My mother is selfless to the core.. Since grade school she has written love notes and added little prizes to our lunches as well as shown up to each and every school performance, award ceremony and ballet show. When she didn’t have time to run me to every errand and babysitting job she still made time and not only that, but she did so with a happy heart.
The Skinny on Toothbrushes…
There are many different types of toothbrushes to choose from and each brush has a different type of bristle! When buying a toothbrush, everyone here at Affiliated Orthodontics thinks you should know the bristles are your number one priority… then consider color, shape, and all the whistles and bells manufacturers use to lure you to buy their product.
There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush. This is true for a hand held as well as an electric toothbrush. Why? Because using a hard and medium bristled brush can cause problems with your teeth and gums. If the bristles are too hard, they can wear away the enamel on your teeth and irritate the gums so they become red and sore. Over time, the wrong bristle can even cause your gums to recede.
Why Choose an Orthodontist In Peoria, Glendale, and Surprise AZ
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment. But for Affiliated Orthodontics, the correct function of your bite is far more important. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause serious problems over a lifetime if left untreated. Loss of tooth structure, TMJ problems and even bone loss can occur if a malocclusion is not corrected before permanent damage occurs.
An orthodontist completes several years of extensive training beyond dental school to become an expert at correcting jaw problems and straightening teeth. A dentist may see only a handful of cases a year amid all their drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of cases a year. An orthodontist doesn’t clean teeth, fill cavities, extract teeth or perform any of the routine procedures offered by your general dentist. It is not our area of expertise. So be sure to see your dentist every six months for cleaning and checkups while wearing braces.
Affiliated Orthodontics is Tackling Kids Sport Safety in Peoria, Glendale and Surprise AZ
At Affiliated Orthodontics, our number one concern is our patients. This is why we are joining football great Emmitt Smith, his family, and the American Association of Orthodontics during the month of April to help raise awareness and increase the use of facial protection in youth sports in Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Surprise and the surrounding areas.
Watch this video on YouTube about the importance of wearing mouth guards and protective gear when playing contact sports. You can also download a free Emmitt Smith Family Poster at http://www.braces.org/sportsafety/sports_safety_tips.html