SO YOU GOT BRACES! HERE’S HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM

So You Got Braces!

Here’s How to Take Care of Them

By Carol Muse Evans

Adults and children of all ages are straightening their teeth and getting braces to improve their oral health and smiles.

So, what do you do to take care of them?

“For orthodontic treatment to be successful, the orthodontist, patient and parent or guardian have to work as a team,” says Olga M. SanchezHernandez D.M.D., M.S., M.S. of McCalla Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. “Every team member has specific duties to perform to achieve a common goal in a timely manner and achieve the best treatment possible.

“The patient plays an essential role by being in charge of maintenance and cleanliness of the appliances and following the instructions given so the treatment can be completed in a timely manner,” she adds.

One of the first things to do is think before you eat, says Jeanine Hanson, practice manager for PT Orthodontics in Birmingham. Certain foods can be more likely to cause tooth decay and other dental problems with braces. “Try hard to avoid any sticky, hard or sugary food to keep your braces intact and maintain better hygiene,” Hanson adds.

Dana Simrell, orthodontics business manager at Vital Smiles in Birmingham, says brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each morning and night, maybe even more frequently when possible, and using a tooth-by-tooth brushing technique, as demonstrated by your orthodontist, is important. Flossing regularly between each tooth, as well as using a Water Pik to remove stubborn food debris is helpful, along with rinsing thoroughly with mouthwash.

“Always take a look in the mirror to ensure all areas have been thoroughly cleaned,” Simrell adds.

“Water jets help remove gross debris off braces, expanders and other appliances,” adds Sanchez-Hernandez. “Fluoride is excellent for strengthening the enamel and restoring calcifications.”

Invisalign appliances and retainers need to be removed to eat, drink and brush your teeth, Sanchez-Hernandez says. “Wax can temporarily cover spots irritating your braces until you can see your orthodontist, she says.

“Be sure to report loose or bent wires and brackets,” Hanson says. It’s not uncommon for these to become loose and maybe irritate the inside of your mouth. And don’t skip follow up appointments.

It is also important NOT to put things in your mouth that can break your braces, Sanchez-Hernandez says. This can include plastic bottle caps, straws, pens and pencils and paper clips.

Simrell reminds parents that every child should have a screening and consultation with an orthodontist no later than age 7, even if no orthodontic problems are visible. “By this age your child has enough permanent teeth for the orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and jaw, and orthodontists can spot small issues in young children before they become more serious problems.”

For a list of foods to avoid, check out PT Ortho’s blog at https://ptortho. com/foods-to-avoid/.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher of Birmingham Parent.

Fall Road Tripping Ideas

historic markers, Tennessee Discovery Trail, rain gardens and water features, public art, and an amphitheater are all part of this community centerpiece. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant featuring massive baked potatoes! From Thanksgiving to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the park converts to an outdoor ice rink.

The rivers, streams and trails in Clarksville, Tennessee serve up spectacular fall views, along with plenty of recreational opportunities to unplug and reconnect. Located only 40 miles NW of Nashville on I-24, Clarksville is a favorite family fall road trip destination.

Bring the pets to explore riverside walks and creekside hikes at Rotary Park, Dunbar Cave, the Cumberland Riverwalk and Greenway. Furry friends on leashes are welcome at all state and local parks. Disc golf, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking are more outdoor options that are scenic and fun for the whole family. At Rotary, make time for the Wade Bourne Nature Center. Learn about natural history where hands-on exhibits and activities make learning fun. The nature center experience is not limited to the inside of the building. Outside, visitors will see demonstration gardens on either side of the entry walkway with pollinator and butterfly gardens. Enjoy weekly programs that teach about all the aspects of the natural world.

Downtown Commons is a full-block urban oasis with features that both kids and parents love. Imagination Playground, shaded seating,

Wander around the Customs House Museum with a new interactive area dedicated to kids. This new and improved hands-on educational exhibit, Exploring Our Town, highlights different elements that influenced the establishment and growth of Clarksville, from farming and transportation to area wildlife and the Cumberland and Red Rivers. The remodel includes engaging activities and learning opportunities, while revamping favorites like the Bubble Cave, Puppet Theatre and McGregor’s Market.

Another indoor fun mecca is The City Forum. This massive space features two-story laser tag, bowling, go-karts, an arcade and putt-putt golf…all under one roof. Then grab an amazing burger next door at Dock 17.

Feast on flavors from around the world and Clarksville’s diverse variety of restaurants – or stick with some of the South’s best BBQ, catfish or burgers! Outdoor concerts continue through October, so toss in a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy live music in a safe and festive environment.

Download the Visit Clarksville TN app to help plan your trip. Once here, select “trails” and check-in at all your stops to earn a set of custom-designed challenge pins. visitclarksvilletn.com

PT ORTHODONTICS

DLOVEPHOTOS.COM

www.PTortho.com 205-979-9480

At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-ofthe-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have 12 convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Trussville, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper and Tuscaloosa.

Because we want to make braces easy and affordable, our services include: Free Initial Consultations, Choose Your Own Payment Plan, Same Day Braces, Before & After School Appointments, Friends Referral Program, Lifetime Smile Guarantee, and Smile Savings Program. We file your insurance, and there are No Hidden Fees! All records & first set of retainers are INCLUDED! Free retainer check up appointments for one year.

We offer a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces and clear ceramic braces. We also offer Invisalign® clear aligners and are an Invisalign® Platinum Provider! We would love to help you achieve a beautiful PT Ortho Smile!

Call us today at 205-979-9480 to schedule a free consultation or visit www.PTortho.com to learn more.