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Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun! Now that you have braces, it’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. Pope, Dr. Maoloni and our team wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

Put the tooth in milk or distilled water (not tap water) and call your dentist immediately. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted the better. If our office is closed, you can page Dr. Pope or Dr. Maoloni to see what you need to do.

Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?

Certainly. Orthodontic Associates will work with your general dentist to achieve the best result, whether that includes composite bonding, crowns, or dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

In moderation thay are okay, but it is best to rinse out or brush to remove any residual sugar on the teeth. Unless your are working out for a long time in very hot weather, you probably don’t need a sports drink. Water is the best way to hydrate yourself.

If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

It is still recommended to wear a mouth guard with Invisalign. Just ask us for a mouth guard.

Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?

It is best to remove your retainer for sports.

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Definitely! Just ask us for one of our specially designed mouth guards that is made specifically for patients in braces.

When our team at Orthodontic Associates isn't in the office creating beautiful smiles, we enjoy participating in community events and supporting charity organizations. Robin, our receptionist, and Chris, one of our assistants, recently participated in an American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser. They had a great time bowling and supporting this worthy cause at Classic Lanes in Chicago Heights!

We'd like to know: Have you attended any events in our New Lenox and Flossmoor communities lately? Dr. Pope and Dr. Maoloni encourage you to share any photos or event information with us here, or on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Some people wonder why New Lenox and Flossmoor orthodontists Dr. Dr. Maoloni and Dr. Pope work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Orthodontic Associates can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Maoloni and Dr. Pope can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Pope and Dr. Maoloni, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Orthodontic Associates for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!