Today, one in three 48ͼ�� orthodontists is a female and more than 50 percent of student members are women.

First Female President of the 48ͼ��: Gayle Glenn

Dr. Gayle Glenn broke the glass ceiling in 2013 as the first woman to lead the 48ͼ�� as President in the 114-year history of the association. Dr. Glenn paved the way for Dr. Nahid Maleki, who four years later would become the second female president of the 48ͼ��.

An experienced leader in organized dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Glenn is a past president of the SWSO and the Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO). She previously served as a member of the 48ͼ�� House of Delegates and represented the SWSO on the 48ͼ�� Council on Orthodontic Practice. On the state level, Dr. Glenn served on the Council on Membership of the Texas Dental Association (TDA).

Advocate: Dr. Courtney Dunn

By creating a community and uniting female orthodontists, Dr. Courtney Dunn powerfully advocates for women in the profession worldwide. An advocate that challenges the community to continue pushing the specialty towards inclusivity, one who uses her voice to ask the hard questions.

In 2016, Dr. Dunn founded Women in Orthodontics®, an online community for female orthodontists across the globe. Women in Orthodontics® is a community that gives female doctors a forum to discuss clinical and business information as well as a voice to impact the future of the profession.

“One of the many things we can admire about Dr. Dunn is that she puts her time and energy where her mouth is.” -Dr. Jeri Stull

After questioning the value of her 48ͼ�� membership in a blog titled “Does (48ͼ��) Membership Matter?”, she accepted the opportunity to get involved, making an immediate impact in driving the association to further enhance its advocacy efforts.

Dr. Dunn serves on the 48ͼ��’s Council on Communications (COC) where she is involved with the development of the Consumer Awareness Campaign (CAP). She also serves on the Special Committee for Women in Orthodontics, a committee tasked with identifying obstacles for women to become involved in 48ͼ�� leadership.

First Female President of the American Board of Orthodontics: Dr. Valmy Kulbersh

From education to board certification, women orthodontists are helping shape the future of the specialty. Next year, Dr. Valmy Kulbersh will be the first female President of the American Board of Orthodontics where she will continue establishing policies and procedures regarding the board certification of specialists in orthodontics.

Kulbersh, who has been a diplomate of the ABO since 1988, is a member of the ABO Written Examination and Technology Committee. In addition, she is the ABO liaison to the ADA Standards Committee on Dental Informatics. Dr. Kulbersh is a Past President of the Michigan Association of Orthodontists and the GLAO, as well as adjunct professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit.

Educator: Dr. Nan Wickwire

As the first female chair of an orthodontic department in 1976, Dr. Nan Wickwire, a dual-trained specialist in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, fought to represent the specialty as practiced by securing an agreement to keep the department of orthodontics autonomous from pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Wickwire was known as the departmental mover and shaker, building its faculty, educating students, and even designed an orthodontic graduate program. “Dr. Nann was an extremely hard worker and she dedicated her life to orthodontics … Everything you ever thought a good teacher ought to be, she was it.”

Dr. Wickwire even opened the dialogue regarding the gender wage gap in academia when she stepped down from her role after learning she was being paid less than the men who chaired other departments at her institution. “Was there pay discrimination at Florida? Yes, there was.�� And I did resign the chairmanship over it.�� When I found out that my salary had never represented going from being a professor to the departmental chairperson and was less than other (chairmen of) departments that weren’t even managing a graduate program, I said, ‘Either pay me or get somebody else to do the job.” she said.

From advocating on behalf of the specialty to fighting to close the gender wage gap, Dr. Wickwire paved the way for female educators.

Drs. Valerie Martone and Jeri Stull of the 48ͼ��’s Special Committee on Women Orthodontists (SCWO) authored the content for this blog. The SCWO was formed by the 2019 48ͼ�� House of Delegates to: 1. Develop tools and pathways for women to participate in leadership 2. Identify obstacles for involvement in leadership and encourage meaningful changes; and 3. Address and make recommendations on the unique issues that Women Orthodontists face with the goal of improving the value of 48ͼ�� membership for all members.

Mark your calendar for the that the SCWO will be hosting on May 2nd in Atlanta! For additional details, please contact Staff Liaison Sarah Goode (sgoode@aaortho.org) or any committee member.

SCWO Committee Members:�� Drs. Valerie Martone (Chair), R. Bryn Cooper, Courtney Dunn, Nellie A. Kim-Weroha, Katherine P. Klein, Marie E. Lathrop, Kathy L. Marshall, Jeri L. Stull and John D. Callahan (Trustee Liaison)

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Gifted Smiles: Making a Difference One Smile at at Time

Gifted Smiles is a program of the 48ͼ�� Foundation (48ͼ��F) that provides necessary orthodontic treatments to children of families who lack access to care.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Your child is 18 years old or younger.
• Your total family income is 200% of the poverty level or less. (See chart below.)
• Your child receives regular dental care and has good oral hygiene.
• Your child is not currently in orthodontic treatment or in between phases of treatment.
• Your child has not received previous orthodontic treatment.

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In early 2017, (48ͼ��) collected data in an independent survey* that delivered a clear message: 99 percent of parents whose children play organized sports felt youth should be required to wear mouth guards in order to play. Yet 37 percent of parents said their child never wears a mouth guard while playing sports. This includes games, practices and recreational play.

“While most parents support the concept of their children wearing mouth guards to protect their smiles, the reality is that many teeth are knocked out each year due to sports-related injuries,” says Nahid Maleki, DDS, MS, president of the 48ͼ�� (48ͼ��).

“Particularly with a new school year beginning soon, we hope these survey results will educate parents and coaches, and inspire young players to get in the habit of wearing a mouth guard for the sake of protecting their healthy, beautiful smiles,” says Dr. Maleki.

Pain in the Mouth; Costs to Repair Lost Tooth Far Exceeds Parent Perceptions

A mouth guard is one of the most inexpensive pieces of protective gear available to young athletes, especially when compared to the high cost of restoring a knocked out or broken tooth. According to the study, parents estimate it would cost $1,142 to replace a damaged permanent tooth, but in reality, costs to treat one knocked-out tooth over a lifetime can range from $5,000 to $20,000**. Parents and patients may not realize that restorations may have to be repeated periodically, which amplifies repair or replacements costs

Which Sports Should Require Mouth Guards?

The study revealed misconceptions about which sports pose a significant risk to the mouth. It found that most parents want mouth guards required for football (83 percent) and hockey (76 percent), sports that have long been associated with injuries. However, less than half of parents want mouth guards required for basketball (49 percent). A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association ranked basketball as the sport at the top of the list for the highest rate of dental injuries for both men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletes.

In fact, just 40 percent of parents believe injuries to children’s mouths are most likely to occur playing basketball, and 35 percent playing baseball. Lack of knowledge about mouth injuries could affect how organizations or schools approach mouth guard use by young athletes. In reality, and according to mouth guard manufacturer Shock Doctor, one in four injures on the basketball court occurs above the neck.

“What we learned from this survey is that that some parents forget, or are simply unaware, that sharp elbows or a baseball to the mouth can cause serious damage,” says Dr. Maleki. “The 48ͼ�� encourages all players to wear a mouth guard – no matter the sport.” Oral injuries can happen during high-risk contact and collision sports, as well as other activities such as gymnastics or skating.

And it’s not just negligence during games; the recommendation extends to sports practices. Forty percent of parents reported that their child’s sports practices are less structured than games, and generally have few or no medical personnel nearby. Parents also said that they believe players are more likely to “showboat” at practice than at a game, which increases the chance of injury.

No More Excuses

“Every parent knows there can be a lot of resistance coming from children who don’t want to wear a mouth guard,” says Dr. Maleki.

Yet, leaving mouth guard use up to a child isn’t always reliable. Among parents whose children do not always wear mouth guards, the vast majority reported in the survey that they “give in” frequently and allow their child to play a sport without one.

Nearly half of the parents surveyed think it is more difficult to get their child to wear a mouth guard than it is to eat all their vegetables without complaining.

“These data underscore how important it is for coaches, parents and young players to be on the same team when it comes to understanding the critical risks of playing sports without a mouth guard,” says Dr. Maleki. “New advances in mouth guard technology have made products affordable and easy to wear. Young athletes currently in orthodontic treatment should talk to their orthodontist about the type of mouth guard to wear during treatment.”

*The 48ͼ�� commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the 2017 48ͼ�� Sports Survey among 1,000 U.S. parents whose children play organized sports. The survey was conducted in January 2017 using an email invitation and an online survey. The overall sampling error rate for this survey is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent level of confidence.

**Sports Health, “Common Dental Injury Management in Athletes,” vol. 7, no. 3, May-June 2015, p. 250.

The 48ͼ�� (48ͼ��) is open exclusively to orthodontists – only orthodontists are admitted for membership. The only doctors who can call themselves “orthodontists” have graduated from dental school and then successfully completed the additional two-to-three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program.

When you choose an 48ͼ�� orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist orthodontist, an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics who possesses the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Locate 48ͼ�� orthodontists through at aaoinfo.org.

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X-rays and dental imaging are used during the initial consultation to go beneath the visible surface, revealing the intricate details of your oral anatomy. From diagnosing complex orthodontic issues to crafting precise, personalized treatment strategies, dental imaging provides insights into the underlying structure of your teeth and jaw for effective treatment planning.

In this article, we’ll explore the critical role of in-person consultations, including X-rays and dental imaging, in orthodontic treatment. We’ll discuss how these tools contribute to accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and successful outcomes. Whether you’re considering braces, aligners, or any other orthodontic treatment, 48ͼ�� can help you understand the importance of the initial steps.

Why Do In-Person Consultations Matter?

Because each smile is unique, effective orthodontic treatment must be highly personalized. In-person consultations allow your orthodontist to thoroughly examine your oral health, going beyond what they may see at a glance, evaluating your teeth, jaws, bite, and overall facial structure. This hands-on evaluation allows them to identify orthodontic issues that could significantly influence your treatment plan.

In-person consultations also provide invaluable direct, two-way communication with your orthodontist. This is your opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and preferences directly with your doctor, and it allows your orthodontist to explain the potential treatment options, considerations, and expectations.

An in-person consultation also provides the chance for immediate feedback. Questions can be answered on the spot, and any concerns can be addressed directly, ensuring you receive clarity and peace of mind right from the start. Your orthodontist can also provide instant advice on what to expect during the treatment process, how to prepare for it, and how to manage any immediate oral health concerns.

The Role of X-Rays and Dental Imaging in Orthodontics

X-rays and dental imaging provide a window into the complex world beneath the surface of your smile. These diagnostic tools are essential for uncovering the hidden aspects of your oral anatomy, ensuring that your orthodontic treatment is effective and precisely tailored to your unique needs. Orthodontists use several types of X-rays and imaging techniques:

• Panoramic X-rays offer a broad view of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and nasal area, helping to identify issues like impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, and wisdom teeth development.
• Cephalometric X-rays provide a side view of the face, showcasing the teeth in relation to the jaws. This imaging is invaluable for planning tooth movement and understanding the relationship between different parts of the face and skull.
• 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans offer a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. This detailed image is used for complex diagnoses and treatment planning, including implant placement, jaw growth evaluation, and airway assessment.

X-rays allow orthodontists to see the positioning of the teeth’s roots, the health of the bone, and any issues that could impact treatment, such as compromised oral health, underlying dental conditions, or skeletal abnormalities. This detailed information is vital for designing a customized treatment plan that addresses the functionality and aesthetics of your smile and bite, while minimizing potential complications during treatment.

Beyond their role in initial diagnosis and planning, X-rays and dental imaging are helpful tools for monitoring treatment progress. They allow orthodontists to track changes in tooth position, bone health, and jaw alignment over time, ensuring that treatment is progressing as expected.

The Importance of In-Person Imaging for Successful Treatment

The precision and success of orthodontic treatment doesn’t only rely on the expertise of the orthodontist but also on the quality and clarity of the diagnostic tools they use. In-person imaging, including X-rays and dental scans, is pivotal in ensuring that each treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible.

Accuracy and Precision

In-person imaging provides unparalleled accuracy and precision. The detailed views that panoramic X-rays, cephalometric analysis, and 3D CBCT scans provide allow orthodontists to assess tooth positioning, bone structure, and root alignment. This level of detail is essential for identifying the most effective treatment and for customizing the approach to your specific anatomy.

Hands-On Evaluation

While virtual visits can be convenient, in-person appointments allow your orthodontist to physically examine your mouth and facial structure, providing crucial information that cannot be captured through virtual consultations or photographs alone. This data helps orthodontists identify irregularities, asymmetries, or structural problems that may impact your treatment. This face-to-face time with the orthodontist also allows you to discuss your concerns, get answers to your questions, and learn about your treatment options, fostering trust and ensuring clear communication throughout your orthodontic care.

Customized Treatment Planning

Orthodontic treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The detailed insights gained from in-person imaging enable orthodontists to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Imaging provides the data to customize every aspect of your treatment, whether it’s determining the optimal placement for braces or aligners, planning surgical interventions, or predicting how the teeth will move over time. Your orthodontist will use the information they gain from your in-person consultation to determine the best orthodontic appliances, treatment duration, and adjustments required to achieve optimal results.

Risk Assessment and Management

One of the most significant advantages of in-person imaging is detecting potential issues before they become more serious problems. X-rays and scans can reveal hidden decay, root resorption, bone loss, and other conditions that might not be visible during a standard examination. Dental imaging also enables orthodontists to assess potential risks associated with orthodontic treatment. By identifying these issues and potential risks early, orthodontists can adjust treatment plans to address them, preventing complications and ensuring a smoother, more predictable treatment process.

How Advanced Technology Enhances Orthodontic Imaging

The evolution of technology has significantly impacted every field of medicine, including orthodontics, particularly in the realm of diagnostic imaging. Today’s advanced imaging technologies offer unprecedented clarity and detail and improve the patient experience by making the process more efficient and less invasive.

Advanced imaging technologies can be integrated with digital treatment planning tools, allowing orthodontists to simulate treatment outcomes, adjust treatment plans in real time, and even customize orthodontic appliances. This collaboration between imaging technology and treatment planning enhances the effectiveness of orthodontic interventions, ensuring that patients receive the most accurate and personalized care possible.

Advances in imaging technology have also focused on enhancing patient safety and comfort. Reduced radiation exposure, non-invasive scanning methods, and faster imaging times contribute to a more patient-friendly diagnostic process.

Embrace the Power of Orthodontic X-Rays with an 48ͼ�� Orthodontist

As we’ve explored, orthodontic X-rays and dental imaging are essential components of the orthodontic treatment process, offering the accuracy, precision, and customization necessary for successful outcomes. It’s a step in the process and the cornerstone of effective, personalized orthodontic care.

48ͼ�� orthodontists utilize advanced imaging technology to achieve the best possible results for every patient. We encourage anyone considering orthodontic treatment to prioritize in-person consultations, as visiting with your orthodontist and completing dental imaging can revolutionize your treatment process. You deserve the most thorough and personalized approach to care, and if you’re thinking about starting orthodontic treatment, schedule an in-person consultation with an 48ͼ�� orthodontist today to take the first step toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

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Braces diagram

This diagram below illustrates and names the parts of a typical set of braces.

A. Ligature The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny rubber band or a twisted wire. B. Archwire The archwire is fastened to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment. C. Brackets Brackets are bonded directly onto each tooth.The archwire is held in place by a series of brackets. D. Molar Bands A metal band with a bracket attached is wrapped around select molars for additional anchorage. E. Bracket with Hook and Ball Hook Hooks and ball hooks, each attached to a bracket, are used for the attachment of rubber bands (elastics), which help move teeth toward their final position. F. Rubber Bands Rubber bands (elastics) are used to temporarily connect brackets between the upper and lower jaw to add force for additional tooth movement.

How often will we see the orthodontist?

Visits to the orthodontist to adjust braces or to pick up new aligners, at which time your orthodontist will evaluate the progress of treatment and assess the health of the teeth and gums, will be scheduled about every 6 to 10 weeks.

How long will treatment last?

The length of treatment is different for each patient because each patient has a unique problem. Your 48ͼ�� orthodontist will give you an estimated length of treatment.   Here are five tips to make your treatment go as quickly as possible:

• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on the frequency of brushing and flossing, and see your dentist for a professional cleaning at least every six months during orthodontic treatment, or more often if recommended.
• Watch what you eat if you have braces. Certain food textures, such as crunchy and sticky, can damage braces.  Please consult a nutritionist about food choices if you are struggling with an eating disorder/disordered eating. If unsure, soft and easy to chew foods are go-to options. If you have aligners, be sure to remove them before you eat or drink anything besides tap water, and put them back in after you’re done eating or drinking and you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth.
• Sugary, acidic soft drinks including regular and diet soda pop, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks can damage braces/aligners. Tap water is recommended.
• If prescribed, wear your elastics (rubber bands) as instructed.
• Keep scheduled appointments with your orthodontist.

What do I do if a bracket or wire comes loose, or if I misplace an aligner?

If a bracket or wire comes loose, or if you lose or break an aligner, let your orthodontist know right away. Broken braces cannot deliver the right forces to move your teeth, and that could prolong treatment. Aligners  should be worn in a particular sequence. Your orthodontist is the best person to call for advice about next steps, and to advise whether a lost aligner will extend your treatment time.

We have a special event coming up – can braces be removed?

Discuss this with your orthodontist. But be aware that premature removal of braces may not be in your best interests for a stable, functional result from orthodontic treatment.

We won’t need to see the dentist during orthodontic treatment, right?

����’s&�Բ�����;critical that you continue seeing your family dentist during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will provide professional cleanings and check-ups, and like your orthodontist, will keep an eye on oral health. Visit your dentist at least every six months during orthodontic treatment, or more often, if recommended.

Do braces cause discomfort?

There can be some initial discomfort when braces are placed, or for a short time after braces are adjusted, but this is temporary. Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-lived and easily managed. Once patients become accustomed to their braces, they may even forget they have them on.

How much work/school will we miss?

There may be some time away from work or school during your orthodontic treatment, but your orthodontist will do his/her best to minimize it. If you have braces, the longest appointments will be to place and remove your braces, and will likely be scheduled during the work day. Appointments to adjust braces or pick up a new set of aligners, scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks, are usually short.

How often should you brush?

Your orthodontist will give specific instructions, but in general, you should brush for two minutes after every meal or snack, and before bed. Carry a travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste with you so you can brush when you’re away from home. Bring along floss and an interproximal brush, too. If you’re in a pinch and absolutely are not in a position to brush after eating or drinking  at the very least rinse with plain water. It can help you get rid of some food particles or traces of beverages

What kind of toothpaste should you use?

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended, approved by the American Dental Association, preferably without any whitening.

How often should you floss?

A minimum of once a day.

I don’t like to floss.

Flossing is crucial to successful orthodontic treatment, and to on-going oral health. Flossing removes plaque from parts of your teeth that brushing alone can’t reach. Plaque is the enemy – it’s the source of disease processes in teeth and gums.

Why is all this brushing and flossing necessary?

Brushing and flossing keep teeth and gums clean by removing plaque and food debris. When plaque and trapped food are left on the teeth and around braces, the outcome can be cavities, swollen gums, bad breath and permanent white marks on the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to minimize your time in treatment, and contributes to a healthy result.

Manual toothbrush or a power toothbrush?

Use the toothbrush that works best for you. Make sure you brush for two minutes each time you brush! Change the toothbrush or power toothbrush head at the first sign of wear, or at least every three months.

Are there other tools we can use to help with oral hygiene?

Here are three handy oral hygiene tools:

• Interproximal brushes – these are great at dislodging plaque and food particles trapped between teeth, and to clear out debris that catches on brackets and wires.
• Water irrigators – these can flush out food particles in a jif!
• Fluoride mouth rinse – whether over-the-counter or prescription strength, a daily fluoride rinse can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent white marks (decalcification).

Your orthodontist may suggest dipping an interproximal brush in a capful of fluoride rinse to deliver fluoride protection between the teeth, or using a fluoride rinse instead of water in an irrigator.

What can you eat with braces?

A healthy, diverse diet supports the body as it undergoes the biological changes that occur during orthodontic treatment. You are encouraged to enjoy a variety of healthful, easy-to-chew foods during orthodontic treatment. Soft or liquid foods like soups, stews, casseroles, pasta, scrambled eggs, and smoothies can be eaten as usual. Fresh fruits like apples and pears, should be sliced rather than bitten into. Softer foods that require biting into, such as sandwiches and pizza should be cut into bite-sized pieces before eating. Cut corn off the cob before serving.

What can’t you eat?

Foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy that cannot be modified to easily eat without getting stuck should be avoided for the duration of treatment as they may damage braces/brackets. Examples include foods such as hard pretzels, hard pizza crust, crusty bread, taco chips, caramels, popcorn, licorice, taffy, suckers, hard candies or mints and nuts.

What about drinks?

Tap water and milk are your best choices for drinks while braces are on. Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine can stain teeth. Try to avoid these, or keep them to a minimum. Avoid regular and diet soft drinks when wearing braces. These drinks include soda pop, sports drinks/energy drinks, flavored bubbly waters and fruit drinks (juices, punch). These drinks contain acids and/or sugars that dissolve tooth enamel and can lead to cavities. Be sure to brush right away after drinking a soft drink. If brushing is not possible, rinse thoroughly with water.

What can you eat with aligners?

A healthy diet supports the body as it undergoes the biological changes that occur during orthodontic treatment. You are encouraged to enjoy a variety of healthful foods during orthodontic treatment. Just be sure to take your aligners out before you eat, and before you put them back in, clean your teeth thoroughly.

What can’t you eat?

Nothing is off-limits. Just be conscious of the need to take out aligners to eat, and to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

What about drinks?

Tap water is the only beverage that is safe to drink when your aligners are in. When wearing your aligners, avoid everything except tap water. You can remove your aligners to drink anything other than tap water. You’ll need to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Except for tap water, remove aligners when drinking. After drinking, brush right away before putting your aligners back in.

Are there orthodontic emergencies?

Occasionally things happen to braces or aligners during orthodontic treatment. They may require a call or an unforeseen visit to the orthodontist – what your orthodontist will consider an “emergency visit.”

Will we have to see the orthodontist?

Whether you will need to be seen by the orthodontist will depend on what has happened to your appliance. Contact your orthodontist’s office to explain the problem and determine if you need to be seen.

When does the orthodontist need to know something has happened?

If you notice a bracket is loose or if a wire has worked itself out of place, or if there is unusual discomfort, notify your orthodontist.

Are there things I can do at home to treat discomfort?

Keep supplies on hand to address possible situations. Here are six suggestions:

• Orthodontic wax.
• Dental floss.
• Tweezers.
• Interproximal brushes.
• Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel).
• Over the counter pain relievers (such as one taken for a headache).

A warm salt water rinse can be soothing, as well (1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water).

Can sports be played during orthodontic treatment?

Yes. But talk to your orthodontist about the type of mouth guard to wear.

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Braces

Braces are the most common appliance used in orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, they have come a long way. Basically, braces have two parts: brackets and wires. Wires move the teeth; brackets serve as stationary handles to hold the wires. As needed for an individual’s treatment, other components can be added.

Contemporary braces can be:

• Stainless steel
• Gold-colored
• Tooth-colored ceramic

Brackets

Brackets are affixed directly to teeth. Wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. Most braces go on the front of the teeth. Sometimes braces can be put on the backs of teeth – these are called “lingual” braces. These are virtually invisible. Not all orthodontists offer this form of treatment, and not all kinds of orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with lingual braces. The wires on some braces are held in place by tiny rubber bands (“ligatures”), and come in a huge assortment of colors. Other braces are “self-ligating” – they do not require ligatures to hold the wires in place.

Clear aligners

People sometimes call clear aligners “invisible braces.” They are made of a transparent plastic-like material. They are made to fit the patient’s teeth at different stages of their treatment. Each set of aligners is worn for 1-3 weeks, at least 22 hours a day, before moving on to the next set. Each set is engineered to move the teeth incrementally, per the orthodontist’s treatment plan, until the desired alignment is reached. Tooth-colored attachments on the teeth will help aligners move teeth properly. Some, but not all, kinds of orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with clear aligners.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are tiny implants used as a fixed point from which to apply force to move teeth predictably. They can be placed in many different sites in the mouth, depending upon the patient’s needs. TADs are removed when no longer needed.

Power chains

Power chains are sometimes used with braces. A power chain is stronger than individual elastic o-rings, so they can apply extra force when needed.

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Bullying Bites

You can make a positive impact in your community this October by participating in the 48ͼ��’s anti-bullying campaign, #bullyingbites, and encouraging young people to join the effort to end bullying.  

Ways to Get Involved

Spread the Word

Spread the anti-bullying message by sharing social media posts. Let’s amplify this important message together using #bullybites.

Take the Pledge

Download and sign a pledge card saying you will help put a stop to bullying.��

Go Orange

Wear orange on Wednesday, October 18, to raise awareness of bullying. October 18 is Unity Day and it is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.

Give Back

Those interested in related charitable efforts may donate to Stand for the Silent or serve as a volunteer with the 48ͼ�� Foundation Gifted Smiles program.��

Bring Laughter and Smiles to Your Community

Over the last 10 years, have provided free or discounted orthodontic care to almost 1,000 families. DOS orthodontists have provided more than five million dollars in treatment for 914 patients. Join your colleagues and donate your services.

Learn More

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It’s a common misconception that teeth straightening is purely a cosmetic procedure. It’s not. Braces serve several purposes beyond just improving the appearance of teeth. Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct various dental issues and achieve a healthier bite. Here are some reasons why braces are not just cosmetic: 

Alignment of teeth: Braces are commonly used to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth. Proper alignment enhances oral function, makes it easier to clean teeth, and improves overall oral health. 

Bite correction: Braces can correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. These problems can cause difficulty in chewing, speech issues, and excessive wear on the teeth. By aligning the teeth and jaws properly, braces help to improve the bite and prevent future dental problems. 

Jaw alignment: Braces can also address misalignment or discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. This is particularly important for individuals with skeletal malocclusions or jaw growth abnormalities. By guiding the growth of the jaws, braces can help achieve proper alignment and balance between the upper and lower teeth. 

Speech improvement: Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can affect speech clarity. Braces can help correct these issues and improve speech patterns, leading to clearer and more confident communication. 

Preventive care: Orthodontic treatment with braces can prevent future dental problems. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By straightening the teeth, braces make oral hygiene maintenance easier and reduce the likelihood of dental complications. 

While braces do have cosmetic benefits, their primary purpose is to address functional and oral health concerns. It’s important to consult with an 48ͼ�� orthodontist to determine the specific orthodontic needs and potential benefits of braces for an individual’s unique situation. If you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, consult a specialist: an orthodontist. Find an 48ͼ�� orthodontist near you: /locator/. 

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