There are different types of mouthwashes, each with its own unique benefits and ingredients. Some common differences in mouthwashes include:

1. Antiseptic Mouthwash: These mouthwashes contain ingredients like chlorhexidine or alcohol that help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup. These are often recommended for preventing gum disease and maintaining good oral hygiene.

2. Fluoride Mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. These are often recommended for individuals at a higher risk of tooth decay.

3. Cosmetic Mouthwash: These mouthwashes focus on freshening breath and may contain ingredients like mint. There also are mouthwashes that will whiten your teeth. These do not offer the same level of oral health benefits as antiseptic or fluoride mouthwashes.

4. Natural Mouthwash: This mouthwash is easy to make and healthy for you. You can use sea salt or regular salt- mix it in with lukewarm water. It is free from artificial colors and flavors, making them a popular choice for individuals looking for a more natural option.

It is important to choose a mouthwash that suits your specific oral health needs and preferences. If you have any concerns, it's best to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations.

The best type of toothbrush to use is a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Soft bristles are gentle on your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of damaging your enamel and gum recession. A small head allows for better access to hard to reach areas in your mouth. It's important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Using a soft toothbrush is recommended for several reasons:

1. Gentle on gums: Soft bristles are gentle on the gums and less likely to cause irritation or damage to the gum.

2. Prevents damage to tooth enamel: Soft bristles are less abrasive and reduce the risk of damaging the enamel on your teeth.

3. Effective plaque removal: Soft bristles are still effective at removing plaque and debris from the teeth and gums without being to hard on the enamel or gums.

4. Suitable for sensitive teeth: If you have sensitive teeth or gums, a soft toothbrush is less likely to cause discomfort or pain during brushing.

Here are some tips to encourage kids to brush their teeth regularly:

1. Make it fun: Use colorful toothbrushes, fun toothpaste flavors that has fluoride,maybe play their favorite music while they brush.

2. Do it together: Brush your teeth together with your kids- show them how important good oral hygiene is.

3. Reward system: Create a reward system where kids earn stickers or small prizes for brushing their teeth consistently.

4. Storytelling: Make up fun stories or songs about brushing teeth to make it a more enjoyable experience for kids.

5. Set a routine: Establish a regular brushing routine at the same time each day to create a habit 3 times a day.

6. Let them choose: Allow kids to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste to make brushing more exciting.

7. Educate them: Teach kids the importance of oral hygiene to keep them healthy and prevent cavities.

Vivera retainers are a brand that Invisalign manufactures. No other company can make a retainer like the Vivera retainers.

Reasons why Vivera retainers are a great option:

1.There are 4 sets in the box- this means there are backup retainers to hopefully last a lifetime.

2.The Vivera retainers are made of special material and are 30% more durable than regular lab retainers or invisalign retainers you receive when finished treatment.

3. Only an orthodontist can order Vivera retainers. It is not something that can be ordered online.

4.The Vivera retainers are very easy to clean- by using a toothbrush and toothpaste or soaking in a retainer cleaning solution. This can be purchased at any local store.

5.Vivera retainers are custom fit to your teeth. There will be a scan done at your orthodontist office -unlike other retainers.

6. If you grind your teeth at night, the material is strong enough to not break them.

Dental anxiety can be challenging, but there are tips which can help you manage and overcome fear. Here are some techniques for dealing with dental anxiety:

1. Communicate with your dentist: Let your dentist know about your anxiety and discuss the fears and concerns with them. A good dentist will understand and will work with you to make you feel more comfortable.

2. Choose a dentist you trust: Finding a dentist who is understanding, and experienced in working with anxious patients can make a big difference. Take the time to find one.

3. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help calm nerves before and during the dental appointment.

4. Bring a friend or family member: Having someone you trust accompany to a dental appointment can provide support and comfort.

5. Use distractions: Listen to music, watch a movie, or use other distractions during the appointment to take your mind off the procedure.

6. Reward yourself: Give yourself a reward for facing your fears and going to the dentist. This can help associate positive feelings with dental visits.

7.Sedation: For major dental work talk with the dentist about sedation or some sort of medication to help relax.

Have you ever heard of gingivitis? It can be a very serious disease if not controlled. There are several signs and symptoms of gingivitis:

1. Red and/or swollen gums: Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums, causing the gums to become red, swell, and be tender.

2. Bleeding gums: One of the most common signs of gingivitis is the gums bleed during brushing or flossing. Healthy gums should not bleed.

3. Bad breath: Gingivitis can cause consistently bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, even after brushing and using mouthwash.

4. Receding gums: As gingivitis gets worse the gums may start to pull away from the teeth which can cause major issues. 

5. Loose or shifting teeth: In serious cases of gingivitis, the teeth can be affected and teeth can become loose.

6. Pus between teeth and gums: If there is pus or discharge between teeth and gums, it may mean an infection developed which is caused by gingivitis.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a dentist. There are ways to prevent gingivitis.

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you brush along the gumline to remove plaque. Also, make sure you floss daily to clean between your teeth and remove plaque and food.

2. Use mouthwash: Rinsing with a mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.

3. Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups every 6 months and professional cleanings are essential for preventing and detecting gingivitis. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.

4. Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet can contribute to good oral health. Limit the intake of sugar and acidic foods and drinks, they can contribute to plaque buildup. Instead try for a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.

5. Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can increase the risk of getting gingivitis and other oral health maladies. Quitting smoking can significantly improve oral health.

By following these preventive measures, one can reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and maintain excellent oral health.

Braces are the best treatment option for correcting impacted teeth. Impacted teeth occur when a tooth does not erupt properly through the gum line. This can lead to other dental issues- such as crowding, misalignment and even pain.

Braces work by applying constant pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. When it comes to impacted teeth, braces can help in several ways:

1. Alignment: Braces can align impacted teeth by applying gentle pressure over time. This helps guide teeth into the proper position, allowing them to erupt through the gums and align with the rest of the teeth.

2. Space: crowding in the mouth can cause impacted teeth, leading to misaligned teeth. Braces can create space by gradually shifting the impacted tooth, making room for other teeth to align properly.

3. Bite correction: Impacted teeth can also affect the bite, causing issues with chewing and speaking. Braces can help correct the bite by moving the impacted tooth into the correct position, improving overall function.

4. Aesthetic improvement: Braces can also greatly improve the appearance of impacted teeth. By aligning the impacted tooth with the rest of the teeth, braces can enhance the overall smile and boost self-confidence.

It's important to note treatment length for impacted teeth may vary depending on the severity of the impaction as well as individual factors. In some cases, additional dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or surgical exposure, may be necessary before orthodontic treatment can begin.

If you believe that you have impacted teeth, it's best to consult with Dr. Azizi. He will be able to examine and explain your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment plan, which most likely will include orthodontics.

Cavities are also known as dental caries. Cavities are a common oral health problem which affect people of all ages. Cavities can lead to tooth decay, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Here are some important things to know about cavities:

1. Causes: Cavities are mainly caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary and acidic foods, for example: candy and soda. When we eat these foods, the bacteria in our mouth produce acids which attack the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

2. Symptoms: In the early stages, cavities may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, you may experience tooth sensitivity, toothache, visible holes and dark spots on the tooth.

3. Prevention: Good oral hygiene is most important for preventing cavities. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming on your teeth. Reducing the consumption of sugary and acidic foods can also lower the risk of cavities.

4. Dental Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting cavities early on. Dentists can examine your teeth and use X-rays to identify any signs of cavities. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and prevents further damage to the teeth.

5. Treatment: The treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the decay. In the early stages, a dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to remineralize the enamel and prevent further decay. If the cavity has progressed, a dental filling, crown, or root canal may be necessary to restore the tooth.

6. Complications: If cavities are left untreated, this can lead to various complications, such as tooth abscess, infection, and even tooth loss. Severe tooth decay may require more serious and costly dental procedures.

7. Children and Cavities: Children are more likely to have cavities due to their developing teeth and poor oral hygiene habits. It is important to teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques, limit their intake of sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental check-ups to prevent cavities. They should also be using toothpaste with fluoride two times a day as well as flossing if possible.

A bridge and an implant are both dental restorations used to replace missing teeth, but they differ in their approach and structure.

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a fake tooth, also known as a pontic, held in place by a dental crown connected to other teeth. The dentist will drill down the adjacent enamel to fit the crowns. A bridge is made from ceramic and is cemented onto the teeth to make sure it is stable and will function for the missing tooth. A bridge is usually cheaper than an implant but not always the better option. A bridge might need to be replaced over the years and may irritate the gums. If something happens to the root of the adjacent teeth the bridge is cemented to, the bridge will have to be removed and there may be a need for an implant after all.

 A dental implant is a surgical component that is inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. After the implant is placed, a healing period is required for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration assures the body will not reject the post. When the implant has fully healed and no issues arise, a dental crown is attached to the implant making it look like a natural tooth. An implant should last a lifetime and should not fall out. Implants are expensive but are the best investment and have a higher success rate.

As always you need to see your dentist and get a consult to see what is best for your situation.

Keeping New Year's resolutions can be challenging- with the right strategies and mindset, staying committed and achieving your goals is possible. Here are some effective ways to help keep those New Year's resolutions:

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals: Start by setting achievable goals. Be specific about what you want to accomplish and break down into smaller, manageable steps. This will make tracking your progress easier and will help to stay stay motivated.

2. Create a Plan: Develop a detailed plan of action to reach the goals. Write out the steps needed to take and set deadlines for each milestone. Having a plan will give something to follow and keep focus. Vision boards are helpful!

3. Make a Commitment: Make a commitment to yourself and goals. Write down and place the goals someplace visible, like on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or on your phone's lock screen. This constant reminder will help you stay committed and motivated.

4. Track Progress: Keep track of your progress regularly. This could be done through a journal, a habit tracker app, or a spreadsheet. Seeing progress will give you a sense of accomplishment and encouragement to keep going.

5. Find an Accountability Partner: Share goals with a trusted friend or family member who will hold you accountable. Having someone to check in with and share progress can provide the support and motivation you need to stay on track.

6. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate any achievements along the way. When you reach a milestone or make significant progress, reward yourself with something enjoyable. This will help you stay motivated and make the journey fun.

7. Stay Positive: Be kind to yourself throughout the process. If you experience setbacks or temporary lapses, don't beat yourself up. Instead, focus on getting back on track. Remember setbacks are a normal part of the process, and every day is an opportunity to start fresh.

8. Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals or strategies if needed. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change. If you encounter obstacles or find that your initial plan isn't working, be willing to adapt and find alternative solutions.

9. Look for Support and Resources: Don't be afraid to ask for support or resources to help achieve your goals. Whether it's joining a support group, hiring a coach, or using online resources, plenty of tools are available to assist on your journey.

10. Stay Motivated: Find ways to stay motivated and inspired. This could be reading books or articles related to set goals, listening to podcasts, or following social media accounts that share motivational content. Surround yourself with positive influences- this will keep you motivated and focused.

Lastly, try to remember keeping New Year's resolutions may take some time. It requires consistent effort and dedication. By using these strategies and staying committed, you can increase chances of successfully achieving goals and making lasting changes in your life. Here is to a great 2024!!

When you have braces or appliances, it's important to be mindful of the foods you eat to avoid damaging your braces or appliances--this would cause discomfort. Here are some safe foods to enjoy during the holidays if you have braces or appliances:

1. Softcooked meats: Turkey, ham, and other soft cooked meats are safe to eat as long as they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces and there aren't bones.

2. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great option as they are soft and easy to chew.

3. Cooked vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli are safe to eat as long as they are cooked until tender and cut into small pieces.

4. Soft bread: Soft bread like dinner rolls or bread rolls without any hard crusts with butter are a great option.

5. Soft desserts: Puddings, mousses, ice cream, and other soft desserts are safe to enjoy. Just be careful not to eat any hard or sticky ingredients.

6. Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, and other soft fruits are safe to eat. Avoid biting into hard fruits like apples or pears unless they are sliced into thin pieces.

7. Soups: Creamy soups or broth-based soups with soft ingredients are a good option.

Remember to cut food into small pieces and chew carefully. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces or appliances. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially after meals. This would be a great time to bring your travel hygiene kit given when you started treatment with us!

Correcting an overbite in orthodontics can involve a combination of braces and other orthodontic appliances or Invisalign. Here are the general steps involved in correcting an overbite:

1. Consultation: Call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Azizi. He will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and digital scans of your mouth.

2. Treatment plan: Dr. Azizi will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. This may involve braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic appliances.

3. Braces: Dr. Azizi will bond brackets to your teeth using a special adhesive if braces are recommended. These brackets act as anchors for the wires that will move your teeth into the correct position over time. The wires are adjusted at your visit to apply gentle pressure and guide the teeth into alignment.

4. Invisalign: Dr. Azizi will write and submit your treatment plan to the Invisalign team. He will put special features in your Invisalign trays to open and correct your bite and also stop the wear down your overbite may cause to your lower teeth.

5. Elastics or rubber bands: Elastics or rubber bands may be used to correct the overbite. They can be used on both Invisalign and braces. If you do not wear the rubber bands as instructed this could push back your treatment.

6. Regular check-ups: Throughout the treatment process, you will have regular appointments with Dr. Azizi to monitor progress, make adjustments, and ensure everything is progressing as planned. It is very important to go to these appointments so treatment doesn't take longer than necessary.

7. Retainers: Once the braces or Invisalign have successfully corrected the overbite, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the results. Retainers are clear and removable. After a certain amount of time after treatment, you will only need to wear the retainer at night.

It's important to note that the specific treatment plan for correcting an overbite may vary depending on the severity of the overbite and individual factors.

When you are missing a permanent tooth, a dentist may recommend an implant. Typically implants cannot be done until growth has completed. It is important to consult with a dental professional to see if getting an implant is the right solution for your specific situation.

Getting an implant for a missing tooth is important for several reasons:

1. Restoring Function: A missing tooth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly. If you get an implant, you can regain the full function of your mouth. This will allow eating food properly and speaking clearly.

2. Maintaining Oral Health: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space, leading to misalignment and bite problems. The jawbone in the missing tooth area may start to deteriorate over time. Implants help prevent issues by providing stability and support to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

3. Preserving Facial Structure: Teeth play an important role in maintaining the structure of your face. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area can shrink, causing the face to appear sunken and aged. Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss. This will also keep the natural contours of the face.

4. Aesthetics: Missing teeth can impact your smile and overall appearance. Implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Implants can help boost self-confidence and improve overall quality of life.

5. Longevity: Implants are a durable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. They're very pricey, but can be best option in the long run compared to other tooth replacement options.

The implant procedure typically involves several steps and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Here is a general overview of the implant procedure:

1. Initial Consultation: The first step is to consult with a dental professional who will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss treatment options. They will determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.

2. Treatment Planning: If you are eligible for implants, a comprehensive treatment plan will be created. This plan will consider factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of the jawbone, and any additional procedures that may be required; such as bone grafting or other tooth extractions.

3. Implant Placement: The next step is the surgical placement of the implant. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and drilling a small hole to insert the implant screw. The implant is then positioned in the jawbone, and the gum tissue is stitched back into place.

4. Bone Growth: After the implant is placed, a process called osseointegration occurs. This happens when the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone- creating a strong and stable foundation. This typically takes several months to complete.

5. Abutment Placement: Once the bone growth is successful, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a support for the final restoration.

6. Final Restoration: After the gums have healed and the abutment is in place, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment. The restoration is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement.

7. Follow-up Care: Regular, follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is functioning properly. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health and longevity of the implant.

It is important to note that the implant procedure may require multiple visits and can take months to complete.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on October 31st each year. Halloween is associated with various traditions and customs including: dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, going trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, and telling scary stories.

Here are tips for a safe Halloween:

1. Plan a safe route: Before heading out to trick-or-treat, plan a route that is well-lit and in a familiar neighborhood. Avoid areas with heavy traffic or poorly lit streets.

2. Use reflective clothing or accessories: Make sure you and your children are visible to drivers by wearing reflective clothing or adding reflective tape to costumes and bags. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to increase visibility.

3. Choose safe costumes: Pick costumes that do not obstruct vision. Avoid long, trailing costumes that can cause trips and falls. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead of mask.

4. Stay on sidewalks and crosswalks: Encourage children to walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks when crossing the street. Remind them to look both ways before crossing and to never dart out between parked cars.

5. Travel in groups: Trick-or-treating in groups is safer than going alone. Accompany young children and ensure older children have a buddy system. Set a curfew for older children to ensure they return home at a reasonable time.

6. Check treats before consuming: Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. Avoid homemade treats from strangers.

7. Keep pets secure: Halloween can be stressful for pets. Keep them indoors and away from the front door to prevent them from escaping or becoming frightened by trick-or-treaters.

8. Be mindful of allergies: If your child has food allergies, be cautious about the treats they receive. The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes offering non-food treats for children with allergies.

9. Stay vigilant: Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or individuals while trick-or-treating. Report any concerns to local authorities.

Orthodontic month is observed in October to raise awareness about the importance of orthodontic treatment as well as oral health. During October, Dr. Azizi and his staff will promote the benefits of orthodontic care and educate the public about different treatment options, and encourage individuals to participate in our COMPLIMENTARY scanning and orthodontic consultation.

During Orthodontic month, Dr. Azizi is offering a special promotion for our patient's friends and family--just mention your name when coming for the consult. Our office will also be asking our patients to take the No Bullying pledge- as it is important for kids to not be made fun of due to their orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment consists of the use of braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic appliances to correct misaligned teeth, bite issues, and jaw problems. It can improve the appearance of the smile, enhance oral health, and prevent future dental problems.

Orthodontic month serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their oral health and consider orthodontic treatment if needed. Dr. Azizi is always willing to connect with his patients and the community, providing them with the necessary information and resources about their dental care and best treatment plans. Our goal is to promote health, confident smiles for a lifetime!

Call our office today to set up your COMPLIMENTARY consulation!

It is very important to put the right vitamins in your body to help the body run and stay healthy.

Here are reasons why it is important to take vitamins:

1. Nutritional: Even with a balanced diet, it can be challenging to get all the essential nutrients our bodies need. Vitamins help fill these nutritional gaps and ensure we meet daily requirements.

2. Overall health and well-being: Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Vitamins support various bodily functions--including metabolism, immune system function, energy production, as well as cell growth and renewal.

3. Prevention of deficiencies: Certain vitamins are essential for preventing specific deficiencies. For example--vitamin D is necessary for bone health, vitamin C helps boost the immune system, and vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function. Taking vitamins will help prevent these deficiencies and associated health problems.

4. Support for conditions: Some individuals may have health conditions or dietary restrictions that make it difficult to absorb certain nutrients from food. In some cases, taking vitamins can help provide the necessary nutrients and support overall health.

5. Aging and lifestyle factors: As we age, our bodies may have a harder time absorbing and using certain nutrients. Lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol, and medication use may deplete our nutrient levels. Taking vitamins can help replenish these nutrients and support optimal health.

It important to know even though vitamins can be beneficial, they should never replace a healthy diet. It is always best to obtain nutrients from a healthy diet whenever possible.  

Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the beauty of nature. There are plenty of fun activities to do during this season.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy during the fall season. Here are some ideas:

1. Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze: This would be fun to do by getting friends & family together! Afterwards, carve the pumpkins you picked!
2. Go apple picking at an orchard: this is another activity that will bring family & friends together. You can use the apples to make a pie, crisp, or crumble!
3. Take a hike through a forest to admire the colorful fall leaves: this is nice way to distress & relax and enjoy nature!
4. Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows for s'mores: always a great idea, even add a scary movie outside on a projector!
5. Try making homemade apple cider or pumpkin spice treats: a yummy family activity you can then share with friends.
6. Attend a local fall festival or farmer's market: there are always great snacks & home finds at festivals. This is also a great way to support small businesses!
7. Go on a hayride: most farms have non-scary hayrides during the day & then scary hayrides at night if you are looking for a thrill!
8. Watch a football game or participate in a friendly game of touch football: this is a fun family activity to do during a fall day! You could play a game of touch football on Thanksgiving morning!
9. Plan a weekend getaway to a cabin in the mountains: the weather is cooler & you will see cute animals while there! Also, great quality family time.
10. Visit a local winery or brewery for a tasting: this would be a great time with close friends & family or even to go on a date with your significant other!
11. Visit Azizi orthodontics: the best idea yet! Come into our office for a complimentary consultation & get started on a beautiful new smile!

I hope these suggestions help you make the most of the fall season!

Summer has sadly slipped away and school schedules are back! Getting ready for a new school year is always exciting! For students who have started orthodontic treatment over the summer, here are some tips to help you care for your orthodontic treatment while in school…

1. Always have your travel hygiene kit in your backpack. This handy kit was provided by Dr. Aizizi when you started orthodontic treatment! If you are a braces patient, you should have wax, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss and floss threaders on hand. Make sure to brush and rinse out after snacks and lunch period. If you have Invisalign or wear a retainer- always have your case on hand when eating and a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush before putting the aligner or retainer back in your mouth after lunch & snacks. Never put aligners in a paper towel or throw them on your lunch tray! Doing so will most likely cause them to be thrown away!
2. Don’t forget to start packing brace-friendly food! NO chewy foods! Cut up all hard foods into small pieces! Here are some food-friendly ideas: 

          •apple sauce 

          •soup

          •sandwiches on soft bread

          • fruit cups

          •yogurt

 3. School sports will start too so--student athletes, if you have braces be sure to ask our office for a mouth guard! This will protect yourself in case you get hit in the mouth by a ball or a person. Mouth guards protect your mouth as well as your braces.

4. Most importantly- make time for scheduled orthodontic appointments! We know how important school is but your orthodontic appointments are critical too! If you don't make time get to your appointments- you are pushing back the treatment and could cause future problems with teeth movement.

Labor Day is celebrated to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of workers and the labor movement. Here are some key reasons why we celebrate Labor Day:

1. Recognition of workers' rights: Labor Day is a special day that honors the efforts and sacrifices of workers who fought for fair conditions, reasonable hours, and other labor issues. It recognizes the significance of workers' rights and the progress made in enhancing work conditions-- including pay as well as safe working rights.

2. Appreciation for the labor movement: Labor Day pays homage to the labor movement & those who have fought for the rights of workers, including organizations, unions, & activists. It commemorates achievement of social and economic justice for the labor force.

3. Celebration of the workforce: Labor Day is the opportunity to commemorate and show appreciation for the workforce's contributions to America's growth and its prosperity. This holiday acknowledges the commitment, abilities, and expertise of employees in different all the industries & professions.

4. Time for rest and relaxation: In many countries, Labor Day symbolizes the end of the summer season. It grants workers a long weekend to relax, & bond with loved ones.

5. Cultural and historical significance: Labor Day holds cultural and historical significance in various countries. Its origins stem from the labor movement and has now become a widely celebrated holiday that embodies the values of hard work, unity, and social advancement.

It is very important to keep your orthodontic retainers clean to help maintain great oral hygiene and make sure bacteria isn't present on your retainers.

The best way to clean both Hawley (metal) and clear retainers:

1. Rinsing your mouth after eating so there isn't food sitting in the retainers. If you are out and are unable to brush you can easily rinse with water after eating.
2. Brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. You can use toothpaste or just water.
3. Soak the retainers in warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet or denture cleaner or even hydrogen peroxide once a week during dinner time.
4. After soaking and brushing your retainers be sure to rinse with water to remove all solutions.
5. Keep the retainers in the clean Azizi orthodontic retainer case provided from the office.
6. Clean your orthodontic case with soap and water then dry to be sure no mold or bacteria grow in the retainer case.

If you follow these steps you can be sure to have clean retainers and no bad bacteria will be on them.

During orthodontic treatment the orthodontist will use either stainless steel or niti wires. The wires which are used during orthodontic treatment play a serious role in correcting & aligning the teeth. These wires also play a part in correcting the bite. Orthodontic wires have been used since the 19th century. The father of orthodontics, Dr. Edward Angle, experimented with them.

The use of stainless steel wires began in 1929 & have been a popular choice due to its heavy force & resilience. The orthodontist uses this wire when needing to use special bends. Stainless steel wires are not used until a couple visits into treatment due to the heavy force the wire have on the brackets. If a stainless steel wire is used the same day a patient gets their braces-- there is a possibility the heavy force will break the bracket. Stainless steel wires are very durable & help reduce the treatment time. If a patient is constantly breaking brackets the orthodontist will not be able to use stainless steel wire and this will lengthen treatment time.

The use of Nickel-Titanium (Niti) wire began in 1960. Niti wires are great when first starting treatment due to the light force it applies. Niti wires are effective when a patient has excessive crowding. Due to its flexibility, the wire will help move the tooth in alignment. Because niti wires have a "shape memory" this means the wires will always keep shape unless heated.

Just because you are under orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer vacations! But you do have to make sure to continue the care of your teeth, braces or aligners. 

Keep in mind to stay away from sticky foods (even though s’mores look yummy!) & harder foods such as corn on the cob & ribs! Biting into the hard middle can easily break a bracket or appliance which can cause discomfort. If you have invisalign you won't have to worry about any food restrictions but try to rinse your mouth after eating or brush & rinse your trays. 

Don’t forget to pack your orthodontic oral hygiene kit you have received from our office. Inside is everything needed for small vacation emergencies. The kit contains wax if something is bothering you, a toothbrush, toothpaste & more to keep up with oral hygiene. 

If you have your invisalign trays and forget to pack new ones, be sure to continue wearing the trays you have until you are home and able to get the next set. Another scenario may happen-- you do bring all your trays but end up losing the tray you were wearing. Just go to the next set. If you feel like they are very tight, try wearing them for an additional week. Also, make sure to pack the invisalign cases so the trays don't get lost while you are away.

Even though it’s summer break & you are heading on new adventures, don't forget to keep up with your orthodontic appointments! It’s still important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth. Keeping your appointments will ensure your braces are removed on time. So don't skip any appointments. If you know ahead of time how long you’ll be gone let the orthodontist know so they can coordinate your treatment properly. 

Most importantly-- enjoy your summer break, spend time with your friends & family. Don’t forget to share your pictures from your trips and adventures!! 

Invisalign is a great option if you enjoy being more comfortable and have a busy lifestyle.

One of the main reasons people choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces is due to the comfort level. Braces can cause some discomfort, soreness, and even pain- which is something many patients want to avoid.

Braces are made up of metal brackets and wires which apply continuous pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position. This pressure can be uncomfortable and can cause soreness and even pain, especially when the braces are first applied and adjusted.

Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for the patient's teeth. These aligners are made of a smooth, flexible plastic material that is much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.

Unlike braces, which have metal brackets and wires that can rub against the inside of the mouth, Invisalign aligners are smooth and don't have sharp edges. This makes them much more comfortable to wear, and won't irritate the mouth in the same way braces can.

Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, so a patient can take them out whenever they need to eat, brush, or floss. This means a patient won't have to deal with the discomfort of food getting stuck in the braces, and can maintain better oral hygiene, which can also help prevent discomfort and pain.

Overall, Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable and convenient option than traditional braces. They offer flexibility, convenience, and improved comfort, all of which are important factors to consider when deciding between braces and Invisalign.

Poor oral hygiene can affect your body in various ways including...

1.Tooth decay & gum disease: poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, cavities & gum diseases like gingivitis & periodontitis.

2. Bad breath: poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, leading to bad breath.

3. Cardiovascular disease: Research suggests that there is a link between inflammation caused by gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

4. Respiratory issues: Poor oral hygiene can lead to respiratory issues like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

5. Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

6. Diabetic complications: Poor oral hygiene can worsen diabetic symptoms and increase the risk of complications.

7. Oral cancer: Poor oral hygiene is also linked to oral cancer.

It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep not only your teeth and gums healthy but also your overall health.

You may look at your child & think everything looks fine and they don't need any treatment but because your eye isn't trained this may not be the case.

1.Here are some reasons you should bring your child to an Orthodontist:

Something may look off but doesn't seem to be bad. Many parents will say their children might have slight spacing, a little crowding or just an overbite but don't truly because they are not a trained professional. If you notice your child has difficulty chewing, biting, or even breathing through their mouth, then it's time to make an appointment. A lot of what's happening in the mouth goes deep under the surface where the naked eye cannot see & would only be seen by getting orthodontic X-rays taken such as a panoramic & cephalometric film. A child may have impacted teeth- and the parent just thinks their baby teeth are taking a while to fall out. But if the child does have an impacted tooth an orthodontic appliance may be needed to bring in the tooth.

2.It's best to bring your child by age 7 & not wait until their older.

By age ,7 your child can be evaluated by an orthodontist. There are enough permanent teeth erupted at this point. It is also best to catch any problems early as it will be easier to correct at a younger age since the bone is more flexible & still growing. By taking your child earlier rather than later you could be saving them from major orthodontic treatments later. Also, sometimes baby teeth need to be extracted for the permanent tooth to come in the right direction with the help of an orthodontic appliance.

3.You do not need a referral from your dentist.

Some parents don't think to take their child to the orthodontist if their dentist doesn't refer them. So, they think their children must not need braces or any treatment. The dentist does not specialize in orthodontics so they may miss something important & not suggest a consult. It is best to trust the professionals who are trained in their specialty to give you a consultation and make a recommendation for treatment or not.

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is an important day because it honors & remembers the service men & women who have died while serving in the U.S military.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War & became an official federal holiday in 1971. The holiday is marked by many traditions, including parades, firework displays, memorial services & the flying of the American flag at half-mast.

Observing Memorial Day is a way to pay tribute to the brave men & women who served in the arm forces & made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is also a time to remember the families & loved ones of those who died in service to our country & to honor their ultimate sacrifices.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. Many people celebrate the holiday by spending time with family & friends, attending barbecues & enjoying the outdoors. Memorial Day is an important day in American history because it allows us to remember & honor those who sacrificed their lives to defend the values & freedom we enjoy.

To become an Orthodontist, who is a specialist, one must typically complete the following steps:

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree: you must obtain a bachelor's degree in any major before applying to dental school.
2. Get accepted into a dental school: you must take the dental admission test (DAT) & apply to dental schools. Dental school typically will take four additional years of classwork to complete.
3. Complete a residency: after graduation from dental school, a candidate must complete a two-year residency program in orthodontics or a similar specialty.
4. Get licensed: you must be licensed to practice orthodontics in your state of practice.
5. Get certified by the American board of orthodontics: to become a certified orthodontist, you must pass an exam administered by the American board of orthodontics.
6. Keep up with continuing education: to keep up with the latest orthodontic techniques & technology, orthodontists must complete continuing education courses each year, which Dr. Azizi & even his staff continue to do as a group.

Summertime can be a good time to start orthodontic treatment for several reasons:

1. More flexible schedule: Summertime is usually a more relaxed schedule with fewer commitments like school. This makes it easier to schedule orthodontic appointments.
2. Faster results: Since people tend to have more free time to attend multiple appointments during the summer, orthodontic treatment can often be completed more quickly.
3. Adjustment period: Starting orthodontic treatment can be uncomfortable at first as your mouth adjusts to braces or aligners. Summer is a good time to start treatment because it gives you time to get used to your new appliance before returning to school or work.
4. Good time for minor adjustments: Summer is a good time for minor orthodontic adjustments which can improve your smile before important events like weddings, vacations or school photos.
5. Protect teeth during sports: Many summer sport activities put your smile at risk for injury. Orthodontic treatment includes the use of a mouthguard or Invisalign trays. These will protect your teeth & gums during activities.

Overall, summertime can provide a good opportunity to begin orthodontic treatment in a convenient, comfortable & safe way!

It is important to wear a mouthguard if you have braces while playing sports. Mouthguards can protect the lips, gums and cheeks from getting cut or injured by the braces, wires & brackets.

Wearing braces increases the risk of getting injured during sports due to brackets & wires which can cause trauma to the inside of the mouth. If hit by a flying object or an opponent mouthguards help to cushion the blow & minimize the impact of the collision.

In addition to protecting the mouth, wearing a mouthguard can also prevent damage to the braces themselves. A hit or blow to the mouth can damage or dislocate the brackets or wires, this will increase the time & cost of the orthodontic treatment.

Mouthguards are available in various types & sizes. Patients with braces may need a specialized mouthguard. These guards fit over the orthodontic appliances. A dentist or an orthodontist can provide a customized mouthguard to fit over braces & provide full protection. If buying a mouthguard from the store, the directions will indicate to boil & mold to the teeth. DO NOT BOIL & MOLD THE MOUTHGUARD IF WEARING BRACES!! If one boils & bites into the mouthguard, it will stick to the braces & will pull wires and brackets off.

If you have Invisalign, the trays can be worn while playing sports. The Invisalign trays work as a mouthguard to protect the teeth if hit in the mouth. If one is playing a sport and needs an actual mouthguard, while in treatment with Invisalign, this CAN be boiled & molded to the teeth. Although, keep in mind during treatment the teeth are constantly changing and the guard may not fit after a bit.

Overall, wearing a mouthguard when necessary can help to prevent potential trauma to your dentition and your orthodontic appliances. If you need a mouthguard, just ask one of our assistants & they will gladly provide one!

When a patient gets braces bonded to their teeth this is not the last time to see the orthodontist. This is the same for orthodontic appliances & Invisalign. When a patient starts any type of orthodontic treatment they will be required to schedule and keep appointments usually between every 4-8 weeks, or whatever the orthodontist recommends.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SHOW UP WHEN TOLD?

It is important to show up to appointments because it keeps the patient on track to finish their treatment within the estimated treatment length given. If a patient doesn't show to appointments it will also be hard to achieve the perfect result. The orthodontist plans the treatment to progress in a way to achieve a perfect smile. This means there will be specific wires used, braces placement & elastics. If a patient doesn't show for a while the wires & elastics start to lose their activity which will just put the patient's teeth at a halt and stall progress. Not showing up for appointments can also lead to brackets braking, wires poking or coming out & running out of take longer & could even cause much pain.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ORAL HYGIENE IF ONE DOES NOT SHOW UP?

If a patient doesn't make it to scheduled appointments this means wires are not being removed to allow normal brushing & flossing. When there are wires in it can be very tedious & hard to reach all areas while cleaning. If a patient doesn't show for appointments and plaque is not removed from around the wires, the teeth will end up with decay, cavities & gum issues.

Having bad oral hygiene during treatment can also cause the teeth to move slower. This would be another setback during orthodontic treatment. If the gums start to become puffy or are bleeding when touched, this is a sign there is bacteria. So, it is very important to make it to scheduled orthodontic appointments!!

Many people say their teeth look yellow and this prevents them from smiling because they are self-conscious. There are many tips to reduce your teeth from looking yellow.

AGE

One's age can be a part of teeth looking yellow because after years tooth enamel can start to wear. The final layer of the tooth is called dentin, it is naturally a yellow tint. If you see this in someone who is a young age it could be due to poor oral hygiene and has been developing for some time. 

STAINING

One's teeth can become stained from food, seasoning, wine, coffee, pigmented drinks or tomato sauces, curry and more. These can leave teeth stained if not brushed and rinsed well after eating or drinking.

HOW TO FIX IT?

Many will turn to whitening to make their teeth not appear yellow any longer. Excessive whitening of the teeth can cause the enamel to wear down over time and may even cause sensitivity.  Whitening toothpaste work well but will not whiten overnight. Since the staining can happen from eating and drinking it is best to make sure one brushes and rinses after. It is also good to stay away from sipping on sugary drinks all day long. 

As long as one keeps up with their oral hygiene and sees the dentist every 6 months it will be ok. Teeth have a natural yellow tint and whitening does not happen overnight.

With Easter approaching many will be receiving Easter baskets filled with yummy treats! Just remember to stay away from the sticky & hard candy so you don't break appliances and braces. Here are some brace-friendly treats you may still have.

1.Chocolate

Some chocolates are off limits such as Twix, Snickers, caramel filled chocolate or anything stuffed with hard nuts. Some good options would be regular M&Ms, Hershey bars or kisses, Reese's & peppermint patties.

2. Baked goods

Cupcakes, cookies, brownies & more are an acceptable option for Easter treats! Baked goods are always a great addition to the sweets table at Easter! Baking is also a fun activity to do as a family the day before easter if you like to bake!

3.Other goodies

You can always enjoy a small toy, video game, clothes, summer essentials & gift cards! There are no candy options from the Easter bunny!

Here are the goodies to stay away from:

1.Jelly beans

Jelly beans may be delicious but are extremely sticky & can easily break off brackets or get stuck in wires!

2. Peeps

Peeps are known for being the staple of the Easter season, but stay away! They are sugar- coated marshmallows. Marshmallows can cause your brackets to fall off, get stuck in wires & pull out bands and appliances!

3.Mini eggs

Mini eggs may be chocolate- but they have a hard candy coating outside that can very easily break braces off & even bend wires.

If you can't resist & are tempted by non-friendly brace goodies just be careful & brush and floss well afterwards. If something does break, please call the office for an emergency visit as soon as possible to fix it.

Azizi Orthodontics wishes you & your family a very Happy Easter & a wonderful day spent with your families! See you soon!!

1. Orthodontics became a specialty in dentistry 1900 by Edward H. Angle. This means orthodontics has been around for 122 years! Angle was the first orthodontist and was also the first person to make his dental practice strictly orthodontics. He also started the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), which is a membership for orthodontists only.
2. The word orthodontics is of Greek origin. Ortho means to correct or straighten, Dont means tooth. When put together the word orthodontics is formed meaning "straight teeth".
3. Teeth move in response to pressure. Some pressure is good but other pressure can be harmfu- when a child sucks their thumb or pushes their tongue against the teeth. This will cause an open bite. Orthodontic appliances such as braces, aligners and expanders align teeth with safe pressure.
4. NASA created a metal that is used for braces. The thin, flexible nickel-titanium (Niti) wires used were made by the space program. This material is thin, flexible and extremely strong!
5. Power chains are the elastic rubber bands that are all connected and apply more force to an area. The power chains are used to close spaces between teeth.
6. Dr. Azizi is a Penn Dental Medicine graduate of the Orthodontic department, an Ivy League university. He continually updates his education to provide the best and most effective care to his patients. Additionally, Dr. Azizi has served as Director and Professor of Orthodontics for more than 20 years at Temple University School of Dentistry, where he helped shape the next generations of orthodontists.

Wisdom teeth usually need to be extracted around age 18 to 21. There is a possibility that some people can have all 4 wisdom teeth or just 3 wisdom teeth & etc. It is also possible for some people to never develop wisdom teeth. It is all based on genetics how many wisdom teeth one will have.

Wisdom teeth are just like molars, as they are used for chewing and grinding tough food. In most cases, shifting of teeth will occur if the retainer isn't worn. Some won't wear their retainer due to the pressure of the wisdom teeth erupting.

Wisdom teeth can be seen by looking at the patient's dental films. The best way to look is taking a panoramic film which gives a wide view of the entire mouth. Sometimes the wisdom teeth will be seen laying downward and may be too close to the nerves. In this case, the wisdom can’t be extracted as it could cause nerve damage.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth irritation: 

•swollen gums

•ear ache type pain

•bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing

•severe pain when chewing with molars

There is a chance the dentist may have to prescribe antibiotics before the extraction is performed to treat any infections. If there is an infection while getting wisdom teeth removed and it is not treated beforehand, there is a chance the infection could spread throughout the entire body.

Some dentists may suggest still having wisdom teeth extracted. The teeth may cause dental issues later. Wisdom teeth are prone to cavities because due to sitting so far back it may be hard to brush and floss that area.

After the wisdom teeth are removed, it may take about 3-4 days for the mouth to heal. There are some food and other restrictions the oral surgeon will go over prior to the patient leaving the extraction appointment.

Orthodontics may seem pricey but in reality, having a beautiful smile is really an investment in the long run. 

Orthodontic treatment can give one a healthier dentition by preventing serious medical problems in the future.

Orthodontics can prevent tooth decay. When there is crowding it can be hard to reach certain areas while brushing. If the teeth are overlapping, creating tight contact it can cause plaque & bacteria to sit longer on the teeth due to not being able to properly clean. This can cause decay, also known as cavities. A cavity may not seem like a big deal but could become costly on the wallet. If a filling goes bad, it may lead to expensive dental work-- root canals, crowns, implants, etc.

Orthodontics can also prevent gum disease. Just like crowding can cause tooth decay, it can also cause problems with the bacteria sitting around the gumline. Gum disease causes bleeding & inflammation. 

Orthodontics can also help and prevent TMJ, grinding of the teeth as well headaches. If there is a deep overbite it can cause headaches & TMJ due to tension. Getting orthodontic treatment can correct the bite & stop the pressure which will also get rid of the tension headaches. 

One last benefit of orthodontic treatment is the confidence boost one will receive from having a perfect smile!  

The best way to keep living a healthy lifestyle is to be sure you go to your doctor for annual physicals & take care of your body.

Taking care of your body can be done in different ways- healthy dieting, physical activity, mental health check-in's & more.

A healthy diet consists of fiber, fruits, vegetables, good fats & whole grains. This diet will help reduce inflammation which can cause damage to bones, joints & organs. Processed foods may be tasty but are not good for the body. Processed foods can cause problems with high blood pressure & high sugar levels which can lead to heart disease, diabetes & obesity. A good healthy diet can contain olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish & low amounts of red meat; this can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

It is important to incorporate physical activity such as going to a gym, jogging, & walking. This will reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, depression & strokes. Physical activity can also improve your sleep. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress levels & can play an important role on your mental health.

Mental health is vital and should be treated as such. You can take care of your mental health by seeing a therapist, going on walks or hikes, writing in a journal or even just talking with someone who you trust & is important to you. There does not need to be a major issues in your life to talk with a therapist. Seeing a therapist is good outlet for anyone & a great outlet to vent about anything going on in your life even if it's something small.

Make sure to see your doctor for your annual check-ins. This is important because even if you feel great there may be an underlying issue. It is best for your physical & mental health to make sure everything is ok.

One may notice their Invisalign trays or clear retainers turn yellow. This is normal and indicates how much one is wearing the trays. There are easy ways to clean.

Invisalign:

During Invisalign treatment trays are changed every 1 to 2 weeks. If a patient is at the stage whereit is necessary to change every 2 weeks, one may notice the trays are turning yellowish or perhaps look dirty. Dr.Azizi likes to see this color because, it indicates how often a patient is wearing their Invisalign trays!

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste: When toothbrushing, take the toothbrush and brush the Invisalign trays inside as well as out just as one would brush their teeth. Do keep in mind it is best to stay away from any type of whitening toothpaste, as it turns the trays cloudy. 
2. Remove trays when eating: When it is mealtime make sure to remove the trays. This will help tremendously as food won't be able to stain the trays. Also, food will not be able to get stuck in the trays.
3. Only drink clear liquids: Try to only drink clear liquids while wearing Invisalign trays since there is no way to stain them. If one is drinking coffee and tea throughout the day and don't want to leave the trays out long, just rinse the trays off right after having the coffee or tea. This will help prevent staining. 
4. Cleaning tablets: There are cleaning solution tablets at any drugstore, Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc. While eating a meal put a tablet in a glass of warm water along with the trays. When finished, rinse & brush the trays before putting back into the mouth.

Retainers:

Since one should be wearing their retainers all day & night and removing only to eat and brush, one may notice the retainers begin to discolor. Here are a few easy ways to keep the retainers looking new & clean.

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste: When toothbrushing- take the toothbrush clean the Invisalign trays inside as well as out. Just as one would the teeth. Do keep in mind it is best to stay away from any type of whitening toothpaste because it can cause the trays to turn cloudy.
2. Only drink clear liquids: Try to only drink clear liquids while wearing the Invisalign trays. If one drinks coffee and tea throughout the day and don't want to leave retainer out too long, rinse the retainer right after finishing to prevent staining.
3. Cleaning tablets: Cleaning solution tablets are available at any drugstore, Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc and while having a meal put a tablet in warm water with the trays and when finished eating, rinse and brush the trays before putting back in the mouth.
4. Mouthwash: Place mouthwash and retainer in a cup- allow to sit for about an hour then brush and rinse. This will also help with any odor that comes from the saliva on the retainer.
5. Order a backup pair: Ordering another set of retainers is a terrific idea. One may wish to keep the pair which is looking old and dirty for overnight use and wear the fresh retainer when out. In case one retainer is lost or broken, there is a backup available to use so shifting doesn't occur. One can always ask Dr. Azizi's staff for more information on ordering a backup retainer.

OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) can be a very serious sleep disorder.  It has to do with difficulty breathing during sleep. Some will even stop and start breathing again.

Signs of sleep apnea:

• Very loud snoring
• Period of times when one stops breathing during sleep
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth at wake up
• There are different causes of sleep apnea-

1. Obstructive sleep apnea:

This type of sleep apnea occurs when muscles in back of the throat relax. When muscles relax, the airway narrows or closes as one inhales. If one is not getting enough air, blood oxygen levels will lower.   The brain receives a signal that one cannot breathe and will wake. Sometimes people are not even aware. This may happen anywhere from 5 to 30 times an hour during sleep, making it hard to have a deep, relaxing sleep.

This type of sleep apnea can happen to anyone, even children.  Here are some risk factors:

• Excess weight- Obesity increases the risk due to fatty tissue around the upper airway.
• Narrow airways- Tonsils or adenoids can enlarge and block the airway.
• Smoking- People who smoke are three times more likely to have this type of sleep apnea due to  inflammation of the airway.
• Family history- Sleep apnea may be genetic, a family member experience it.

2. Central sleep apnea:

This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send signals to the breathing muscles.  Hence, there will be short spans of time when there isn't any effort to breathe. This can cause one to wake up with shortness of breath and have difficulties sleeping through the night.

This type of sleep apnea can happen to anyone, even children but some risk factors include:

• Being a male- More men than women have been diagnosed with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea).
• Heart disorder- Congestive heart failure increases risk.
• Being older- Older people have a higher risk of developing OSA.
• Stroke- Can develop if one has had a stroke.
• Narcotic pain medicine- Taking opioid medication can increase the risk.

Some people wear a sleep apnea machine called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), while   sleeping to aid with oxygen consumption.

Signs of children who may have sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring
• Reflux
• Frequent arm and leg movement during sleep
• Unusual sleeping positions with the neck extended
• Bedwetting
• Hyperactivity-ADHD

Did you know what you eat can have effect on your skin? Many people look to eat foods that have vitamins A and E to help with their skin. There is a nutrient many people don't know that helps with their skin, it's hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a compound that occurs naturally in your body. It retains and attracts moisture to help improve cell to cell interaction and teach the body to make its own hyaluronic acid.

Foods that are high in hyaluronic acid:

• Bone broth
• Soy based foods
• Starchy root vegetables
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy greens

Bone Broth:

Eating bone broth is the best way to ingest hyaluronic acid. Bone broth is made from multiple parts of an animal's skeleton that have been simmered in water for an extended period of time. As the broth simmers the nutrients which include hyaluronic acid from the bone are created.

Soy-Based Foods:

Some soy-based foods include tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, edamame and more. These foods help increase estrogen which helps produce hyaluronic acid. These food options are delicious for snacking or small plates. They have a tremendous amount of plant-based proteins and are full of vitamins as well as minerals which are terrific for the body.

Starchy Root Vegetables:

Some starchy root vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, and more. The starchy root vegetables increase the make of hyaluronic acid in the body. These foods are also a wonderful source of potassium, vitamins A, C and B6, as well as fiber which are all amazing for your body.

Citrus Fruits:

Some citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, grapefruits and more. Citrus fruits are full of naringenin which helps breakdown hyaluronic acid. Eating these citrus fruits and others not listed, will help your skin to glow!

Leafy Greens:

Some leafy greens include spinach, kale, micro-greens and more. The leafy greens can be found in many dishes. The best part is- leafy greens are a great source of magnesium which is needed to help hyaluronic acid produce in your body. It also is a great way to help your skin glow and feel healthy. These foods are very easy to add to any meal. For example, you can make a great salad or even a healthy wrap!

The above are just some of incredible sources which will produce hyaluronic acid in the  body to help your skin stay healthy and give you an amazing glow!

Many people think Invisalign only works for slight corrections such as minor spacing or slight crowding. Invisalign can actually correct major problems. It is the newest technology and is always improving. Aligners can fix most problems, big or small. Some think Invisalign won't work for them because their dentist may say Aligners won't work. For this reason it is best to see an orthodontist for treatment.

What Invisalign can correct:

• spacing
• crowding
• overbite
• underbite
• crossbite
• rotation

Invisalign does not have age limitations. Here, at Azizi Orthodontics, we have patients as young as age 8 who have seen great results during their first phase of treatment. Invisalign is also perfect for teens who do not want braces. Most teens would rather not be in high school with braces or go to prom or have school pictures taken wearing braces. Invisalign clear aligners can't be seen in photos.  The aligners can even be removed for prom or other social events. Invisalign is also great for adults who are busy with work and social activities. Some adults feel awkward wearing metal braces so Invisalign is a perfect option.

Many people will come into our office concerned Invisalign won't work for them. They think it will be difficult to remember to wear them. It really isn't as hard as they think- the trays are worn every day for 22 hours. The only time the aligners are removed is to eat and brush. Patients can drink while wearing Invisalign but should always use a straw as to not discolor them. You won't even notice the trays after the first hour of wearing. If parents are nervous their kids will not wear the aligners, there is a way to track their cooperation. Childrens Invisalign trays have a marker which changes color depending how often they are worn. There is also an Invisalign app which tracks the time a patient wears their trays. The app logs how long the trays are out of the patient's mouth. The app also reminds the patient when to switch to the next set of trays.

Lastly, many people think Invisalign will cost much more than regular braces.  This may not be the case. In some situations, Invisalign costs will be right around the same price as regular braces! Especially if there is orthodontic insurance coverage, Invisalign may cost the same amount as braces!

If you are interested in Invisalign, give our office a call at 215-646-9514. We look forward to hearing from y

Have you seen commercials talking about how great their companies orthodontic aligners are and how they can just mail them to you? It may sound like a great idea, but let me tell you why it's not.

Why you shouldn't get orthodontic aligners in the mail.

The orthodontic mail-in aligners are coming from molds you have made on yourself and possibly even photos you have sent to the company of your teeth. But what if the molds and pictures aren’t accurate--remember you aren't an expert in this area. Your bite may be off in the pictures and this could damage your teeth because of the treatment plan the mail order company formulates could be incorrect.  An orthodontist is a dentist who has gone through years of extra schooling as well as training to make teeth straightening their specialty. You should be seen by an orthodontist in person to have your records taken and molds or scans done properly and a treatment plan formulated by an expert in orthodontia.  With mail-in aligners you are not getting the personal time you deserve or the full experience. Moving your teeth is very serious and should not be done by anyone other than a doctor who is specializes in this area. 

There could be underlying issues that could only be seen in an x-ray, so if you are only sending molds and photos to a mail-order company they will not be able to properly assess your treatment plan.

Do mail-in aligners really save you time and money?

The mail-in aligners may seem like they are saving you time from having to fit another appointment into your already busy schedule but your orthodontic appointment will not take more than 15 minutes max if you are getting aligners in the orthodontic office. You will receive enough aligners to fit with your busy schedule so it's not like you are at the orthodontists every week.

The mail-in aligners also claim to make your treatment faster than in house orthodontia which is why there seems to be a need but it's not good to move your teeth too quickly and can cause damage to the roots. There is a significant difference in each orthodontic case and how treatment should proceed also how the end goal is reached.

The mail-in aligner companies attact  people by advertising the low price point but again, you are not paying for a professional, you are technically paying a company to send you aligners.  You are the one who still has to do all the work, (taking the molds, taking photos, figuring out how long to wear each set). 

Retention

When you are completely finished with your treatment, you will receive a retainer that is molded to exactly like your new smile  -(hence the name retainer).  The orthodontist will continue to see you every couple months to make sure no changes happen and take x-rays to see how the bone has settled around the tooth to make sure there won't be a relapse and need treatment again. When you receive mail-in aligners there will not be any follow up to make sure the retainers fit and see how your teeth settle. 

You only have ONE smile. Shouldn’t you trust it to an orthodontic specialist to create that perfect smile and not yourself?

There is a variety of foods you may encounter during the holidays, but some are not good for your braces and appliances.

FOODS TO AVOID

• Gingerbread - Making gingerbread houses during the holidays is a fun activity to do with family and friends but gingerbread is not safe to eat while having braces and appliances. Biting into gingerbread could cause your braces to come off, wires bend and break your appliance. Stick to just decorating the gingerbread.
• Candy Canes- Candy canes are fun to use for decorations and may be received with a holiday card. Stay away from them as they are a hard peppermint candy that will break your braces!
• Nuts- Holiday nuts are very common snack at parties. Stay away as they are hard and can break your braces off or dislodge between the bracket and wire causing the wires to break and cause discomfort.

FOODS TO ENJOY

• Hot chocolate- Hot chocolate is a warm winter drink that will not harm your braces. You can even add yummy flavors you can't actually eat with braces such as marshmallow, caramel, and peppermint.
• Baked goods- Fresh baked cookies, cakes and brownies are delicious treats that are safe to eat with your braces.  Just make sure there are no nuts in the baked goods.
• Holiday dinner- You can still enjoy your favorite holiday dishes with your braces such as casseroles, mashed potatoes, soft veggies, tender meats, etc.

INVISALIGN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Invisalign patients may be able to eat whatever they would like, but it is important to remember to wear your Invisalign trays full time! With all the holiday events you may be taking your Invisalign out more to socialize and snack. If you feel like your trays are too tight when you put them in, try wearing your last set of trays a little longer. Make sure to brush and floss before putting back in your trays.

Azizi Orthodontics wish you and your family a lovely holiday! 

Halloween is fast approaching, and Dr. Benjamin Azizi wanted to be sure to wish our patients a happy day, no matter how you might celebrate this holiday. The Halloween that is familiar to most people today bears little resemblance to the original Halloween; back in the "old days" it wasn't even called Halloween!

Festival of the Dead

Halloween started out as a Celtic festival of the dead that honored departed loved ones and signified a change in the cycle of the seasons. The Celtic people viewed Halloween, then called "Samhain," as a very special day – almost like our New Years day in fact, as their new calendar year began on November 1st. Samhain was the last day of autumn, so it was the time to harvest the last of the season's crops, store food away for winter, and situate livestock comfortably for the upcoming cold weather. The Celts believed that during this day, the last day of winter, the veil between this world and the spirit world is the thinnest, and that the living could communicate with departed loved ones most effectively on Samhain due to this.

Modern Halloween

Halloween as we know it today started because Christian missionaries were working to convert the Celtic people to Christianity. The Celts believed in religious concepts that were not supported by the Christian church, and these practices, which stemmed from Druidism, were perceived by the Christian church as being "devil worship" and dangerous.

When Pope Gregory the First instructed his missionaries to work at converting the Pagan people, he told them to try to incorporate some of the Pagan practices into Christian practices in a limited way. This meant that November 1st became "All Saints Day," which allowed Pagan people to still celebrate a beloved holiday without violating Christian beliefs.

Today, Halloween has evolved into a day devoted purely to fun, candy, and kids. What a change from its origins! We encourage all of our patients to have fun during the holiday, but be safe with the treats. Consider giving apples or fruit roll-ups to the kids instead of candy that is potentially damaging to the teeth and gums.

Remind kids to limit their candy and brush after eating it! Sweets can cause major tooth decay and aggrivate gum disease, so to avoid extra visits to our Ambler or Glenside office, make your Halloween a safe one!

A solid oral health routine begins with daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Without a consistent oral health regimen, you may begin to experience tooth decay and bacterial infections. Few patients ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi about different mouthwash options, so we’ve put together a list of the conditions that mouthwashes can treat. This should help you decide which oral rinse would be best for you.

Gum Health

Antiseptic mouthwashes reduce large amounts of bacteria on and near the gum line and generally help to decrease your chances of developing gingivitis. The key ingredients of antiseptic mouthwashes are antibacterial and antimicrobial items. Antiseptic mouthwash is a preferable option if you are concerned about the general gum health of your mouth.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a great tool for preventive tooth decay treatment. It prevents tooth decay and is great for oral health in general because it kills germs that can live in your mouth. Fluoride also builds stronger teeth. If you’re a bottled water drinker, Dr. Benjamin Azizi may recommend that you purchase a simple fluoride rinse to use after brushing.

Bad Breath

Fluoride mouthwash can be used to fight any bad breath issues you may be facing. It’s designed to combat any bacteria that might be building up in your mouth. Most mouthwashes will help eliminate bad breath, but some are specifically designed to address this difficult problem. If you feel as though this might be turning into a chronic problem, please contact Dr. Benjamin Azizi to discuss other options that would be effective for treating your symptoms.

American Dental Association (ADA Approval)

The ADA reviews all mouth rinses for safety measures and to prove effectiveness. Any mouthwash approved by the ADA has met strict guidelines according to whether the manufacturer’s claims are supported with scientific evidence. If you’re looking for a quality mouthwash, look for one that has the ADA seal of approval to ensure you have a great rinse for your mouth.

Considerations

When you’re trying to decide which mouthwash to pick, contact our Ambler or Glenside or ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi during your next appointment. If you experience a burning sensation in the soft tissues of your mouth, be sure to discontinue use immediately. Avoid letting children under age six use a mouth rinse, and be sure to keep all mouthwashes out of the reach of children, because they contain alcohol and other substances that could be harmful.

Some foods are just terrible for your teeth — think cookies and candy bars — but there are certain foods that are beneficial to your oral health. Below, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team have covered five of the top foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

1. Crispy, low-acid fruits and vegetables: Fruits like apples and vegetables such as carrots and celery act like “natural toothbrushes,” helping to clear plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath.

2. Kiwis: These little green superstars are packed with vitamin C which is essential for gum health. The collagen in your gums is strengthened when you consume foods that are high in vitamin C, like kiwis, thus helping to prevent periodontal problems.

3. Raw onions: Onions have long been studied for their antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Proliferation of bacteria is what leads to tooth decay and cavities. By including raw onions in your diet, you'll be doing your part to wipe out those little microbes before they can multiply!

4. Shiitake Mushrooms: A specific compound in shiitake mushrooms, lentinan, has been shown to have antibacterial properties that target the microbes that cause cavities while leaving other beneficial bacteria alone. It may also help prevent gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums.

5. Green Tea: Often lauded for its high antioxidant content and many health benefits, it turns out green tea also benefits your oral health! A Japanese study found men who drank green tea on a regular basis had a lower occurrence of periodontal disease compared to men who drank green tea infrequently. It's believed this is due to the catechins in green tea, a type of flavonoid that may help protect you from free radical damage, but more research needs to be done. Either way, drink up for your overall health, as well as your teeth!

If you have any questions about your oral health, or are looking for even more oral health tips, contact our Ambler or Glenside office!

Now that October is upon us, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics wanted to send you a friendly reminder to schedule your orthodontic appointment prior to the end of the year to take full advantage of any flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits that you may have.

The end of the year is always a busy time so make your appointment now so you don’t lose your available benefits! Give us a call today!

Your teeth are precious. Once your permanent teeth come in, they need to last you a lifetime. Extensive tooth decay can lead to dental caries and the need for fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures.

While these fixes can go a long way toward maintaining your quality of life, they cannot compare to your natural teeth. Getting braces is no excuse to let up on your thorough oral health routine: You need to take good care of your teeth before, during, and after braces to benefit completely from the gains you get from newly straightened teeth.

Why You Should Maintain Good Oral Health for Life

Begin a complete oral health regimen as early as possible in life, and maintain this routine throughout your life. Keeping your (or your child’s baby) teeth clean establishes a routine. It preserves healthy baby teeth whose function is to save space for the permanent teeth when they are ready to come in. Care of your permanent teeth helps preserve the enamel and prevent decay.

Take Special Care with Braces

It is important to pay attention to oral health when you have braces. If you do not take special care of your teeth during the months or years that you have braces, you risk irreversible damage to your teeth. Care is more difficult with braces because food can easily get stuck. In addition to brushing twice daily and flossing each day, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff suggest avoiding sticky foods.

Even though it’s called a “permanent retainer,” your fixed retainer isn’t necessarily meant to last a lifetime. But with care, it should last just as long as you need it, keeping your teeth perfectly aligned after your orthodontic treatment is complete. Why is this retainer the one to choose for challenging alignments?

A fixed retainer is often used for teeth which were very crowded or had large gaps before treatment, especially along the bottom teeth, which tend to shift more. With a permanent retainer, a custom fitted wire is attached with a bonding adhesive to the back of each of the selected teeth. This design makes sure that the teeth can’t shift out of place while your bones and ligaments strengthen around them.

Occasionally, though, your permanent retainer isn’t quite as permanent as it should be. If you think your fixed retainer is becoming “unfixed,” what clues should you look for?

• Broken wire

A clearly broken wire can be obvious, or you might discover it when you notice pain or irritation caused by the end of a wire poking around your tongue or mouth.

• Loose bond

The orthodontic adhesive used to bond the wire to each tooth can come loose as the result of an accident, an unfortunately chewy treat, or simply with the passage of time.

• Shifting teeth

You might not notice anything wrong with your retainer, but what you do notice is that your once-straight teeth have started shifting back to their old positions. If you see any movement in your teeth, your retainer might need repair.

What should you do?

• Give our Ambler or Glenside orthodontic office a call! It’s important to act promptly to prevent further retainer damage, oral discomfort, and tooth misalignment.
• Rinse with warm water if your mouth is irritated.
• If a wire is poking you, call us for advice on gently pushing it back into place.
• Orthodontic wax can protect your teeth and tissue from detached wires.
• If you have a clear retainer, wear it until you can come in. If you don’t have one, and you can’t see us immediately, ask if an over the counter moldable retainer is a good idea to help keep your teeth aligned in the meantime.

One benefit of a fixed retainer is that it’s almost invisible because it’s behind your teeth. But this hidden location can also make it difficult to notice potential problems. Fortunately, there are some proactive steps you can take to help your permanent retainer—and your bite—stay healthy:

• Avoid foods which are sticky, hard, or chewy. If a food can damage traditional braces, it can damage your retainer.
• Wear protective gear like mouthguards and helmets when you’re active—they protect more than just your retainer!
• Ask your dentist to examine your retainer adhesive’s staying power whenever you have a checkup.

If you notice a detached wire or loose adhesive or see your teeth shifting, give Dr. Benjamin Azizi a call. It’s important to act promptly to fix a fixed retainer, because your teeth and bite alignment are in jeopardy when you delay. And always bring your retainer (or retainer pieces) with you in case we can repair it.

Permanent retainers don’t necessarily last forever. But whether your fixed retainer is going to be with you long-term, or whether you’re going to transition to a removable retainer in the future, let’s make sure your permanent retainer is just as “permanent” as it needs to be!

When beginning orthodontic treatment, most patients ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team a lot of questions about what to expect, while others choose to just "go with the flow" and leave it to us to build for them a beautiful smile. And for our team at Azizi Orthodontics, that's understandable.

But for those who do ask questions, two of the ones we frequently hear are "Will my braces hurt?" and "How long will these be on?"

We explain to our patients that despite what they've heard, braces do not hurt when they're initially put on. Yes, you will experience soreness after your braces are placed and when your teeth start to move. Too often, our patients hear horror stories about how much it hurts to get the braces on, so they tend to over-worry. The truth is, after their braces are on, almost all patients say "that's it?" because it's actually easy and painless!

At Azizi Orthodontics, we answer most of your other questions during your initial exam. When a patient visits our office for the first time, we give him or her a time estimate of how long it will take to achieve their ideal smile. All other questions are answered at the bonding appointment when the braces are placed. We cover all the topics, everything from eating to brushing with braces, but we also know that after your initial appointment, it's natural for you to have questions about your or your child's treatment. And we are always here for you; we are thorough and always try to answer any questions or concerns you may have. As a patient, that's one thing you never have to worry about. You will always know what's going on throughout your orthodontic experience.

Labor Day honors the contributions that workers have made to this country, and for many Americans, the holiday is a great time to relax at home with family and friends. But there are quite a few people who celebrate the holiday by getting out of town, with an estimated 33 million people traveling more than 50 miles over Labor Day weekend each year. If you’re dreaming of a great Labor Day escape but you’re not quite sure where to go, here are a few ideas from our team at Azizi Orthodontics to give you some travel inspiration.

Explore a National Park

On a national holiday like Labor Day, it’s only fitting to experience the beauty of America’s landscapes by heading to the nearest national park. If you’re confined to an office most days of the year, national parks can provide a relaxing and scenic escape, whether you’re by yourself, traveling with a group of friends, or bringing the whole family along. Depending on how close you live to the nearest park, you can stay for an afternoon or for longer than a week. With 58 parks located in 27 states, there are plenty of beautiful areas to choose from.

Chow Down in a BBQ Haven

Barbecuing is a popular Labor Day activity, but instead of sweating over your own grill or oven, try visiting one of the country’s BBQ capitals. U.S. News and World Report names Memphis as the top BBQ destination, with more than 80 BBQ restaurants in the city, most notably Corky’s BBQ and Central BBQ. Kansas City is also known for the sweet taste of its sauces, while central Texas is said to have perfected the technique of smoking tender and flavorful brisket.

Relax on the Beach

Many people think of Labor Day as the unofficial start of fall, which brings cooler temperatures, more rain, and for many people, an end to lazy days at the beach. End your beach days with a bang by taking a trip to one of the coasts or to a lakeside beach. For an added dose of festivity, find a city or town that celebrates the occasion with a fireworks display over the water.

Whether you’re looking to turn your getaway into a full week affair or you simply want to experience a quick escape, make the most of your holiday by changing your surrounding scenery. Happy Labor Day from the orthodontic practice of Dr. Benjamin Azizi!

School can present a few issues when it comes to caring for your braces and mouth, since you won't have the luxury of the time and tools you have at your disposal while you're at home. But if you head to school prepared, you shouldn't have any trouble keeping your braces and mouth in great shape. Below is a list of helpful tips to care for your braces throughout the entire school year.

• Bring a kit that includes all of your oral health care items. This is a seriously smart thing to do and probably the most important of all the tips. Pack things like a toothbrush, floss, wax, retainer case (if needed), a mirror, a small cup for rinsing, a small bottle of water (if you don't already have some water with you), and some OTC pain medicine or a natural pain remedy. Keep the kit in your locker or backpack. Having all these items on hand will save you a lot of trouble and discomfort, and also ensure you don't have anything unsightly stuck in your braces or teeth!
• Take advantage of breaks and lunchtime. After eating lunch is a great time to pop into the restroom and give your braces and teeth a once over to make sure you don't have any food debris caught in them and to tend to any sore spots. If you've just had your braces adjusted, you may have soreness on your gums or cheeks. This is where the wax you packed will come in handy.
• Eat the right food for your braces. Avoid all the foods that wreak havoc on your braces like gum, candy, popcorn, hard chips, apples which aren't cut into wedges, nuts, beef jerky, ice, etc. You know the foods we're talking about; you've heard it enough already. Steering clear of these foods will help you prevent any possible mishaps with your braces, like breaking a bracket or wire, which is the last thing you want happening at school.

If you follow these tips and also keep up on your oral health routine at home, you'll be maximizing the effectiveness of your braces and making them as comfortable as possible. Do you have questions about caring for your braces during the school day? Ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi or anyone in our Ambler or Glenside office and we'll gladly help you out!

Whether you’re heading out for a day with friends or running from classroom to volleyball practice, you don’t always have the luxury of taking care of your braces or aligners in the comfort of your home. But don’t stress! Here are some suggestions for handy items you can take with you to handle most of the dental situations that might come up.

Basic Care Kit

• Travel Toothbrush—the perfect size for quick cleanings after a meal on the go. You might want to bring a travel size tube of toothpaste as well.
• Dental Floss, Threader, and Dental Picks—you don’t want something stuck in your teeth or braces through three hours of play rehearsal.
• Water Bottle—if you don’t have time to brush, a good rinse will help keep teeth and appliances clean.
• Small Mirror—to make sure your smile is picture perfect after eating.
• Our office phone number—just in case. If something happens to your braces or aligners, or if you suffer a dental emergency, call our Ambler or Glenside office immediately.

For Braces

• Orthodontic Wax—if one of your brackets is irritating your mouth, you’ll be ready.
• Braces-Friendly Snacks—soft, healthy foods that will help keep your energy up while keeping your braces intact.

For Aligners or a Retainer

• Your case! If you need to take your aligners or retainer out, use your case to protect them and keep them from getting lost. You have better things to do after lunch than sifting through a garbage can full of used napkins. Much better things.

All of these items can fit easily in a case or bag in your glove compartment, locker, or backpack. Want more tips? Talk to Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team on your next visit, and let’s work together to make caring for your orthodontic appliances a quick and convenient addition to your busy schedule!

Summer is approaching this means outside all day, camps, swimming, yummy treats and more. BUT do not forget about your orthodontic appointments.

You may be out of school for the summer, but you’re not out of your orthodontic treatment. It is still very important to make sure you are making your appointments for all adjustments whether you have braces, invisalign, appliances or retainers. 

If you are going on vacation or will be away at camp it is important to let us know. If you will not be able to come in for your next appointment on time we can do adjustments to make sure it will last you until you are available.

BRACES

With all the delicious treats during the summertime- make sure to stay away from all sticky and gooey foods! The sticky foods can pull your bands or brackets off.  Continue with your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal and snack. If something breaks while on vacation or at camp you can use wax to help make you comfortable until you are able to come in. Give our office a call so we can let you know what to do.

INVISALIGN

If you are going on vacation and cannot come back in for your normal 6-week appointment please let us know so we can give you enough trays to last until you can come back.  As you may not have food restrictions, make sure to remember when you do eat to put your trays in a case so you do not lose them or them thrown away.

RETAINERS

As you may get distracted during the summer and want to show off your beautiful smile, do not forget to wear your retainer!! Not wearing your retainer as you should can cause your teeth to shift and the retainer will not fit properly. When you do take your retainers out make sure you put them in your case so you do not lose them. 

Have a fun and safe summer!!!

In orthodontics there are three different malocclusions. Malocclusions can occur when upper and lower teeth are not aligned to the position of the jaw bones. The three classifications of malocclusions are: Class I, Class II and Class III.

Class I Malocclusion:

Class I is when a person has a normal relation between the upper and lower teeth and jaw is positioned to create balanced bite. Even if a person has a Class I malocclusion, they can still have crowding, spacing, overbite/overjet, etc.

Class II Malocclusion:

Class II is when a person has an abnormal relation in which their upper teeth and jaw are more protruded than the lower jaw. Class II can be the result of the lower jaw not growing enough and is usually genetically inherited. During treatment Dr. Azizi will use elastic rubber bands and arch wires to promote the growth of the lower jaw.

Class III Malocclusion:

Class III malocclusion is when a person has an abnormal bite. The lower jaw has over grown, creating an underbite.  A Class III malocclusion will be noticeable in a facial profile, the chin will look long and pointy. Sometimes Class III malocclusion can be genetic, if it is genetic then it may not be completely corrected unless the patient undergoes jaw surgery which is very radical. Sometimes surgery may not correct the issue. If the malocclusion is not genetic  there is a better chance of correcting the bite by using elastic rubber bands and arch wires.

 Ready to schedule a consultation?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options.  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is something you receive after your orthodontic treatment is finished to keep your teeth from shifting.  A retainer is typically worn all at times for the first 6-9 months besides when eating and brushing your teeth.  After 6-9 months,  Dr. Azizi will evaluate your teeth and see how the teeth have settled. If they look perfect Dr. Azizi will instruct you to wear the retainer at bedtime.

What are the different types of retainers?

Hawley Retainer :

A Hawley retainer is made of metal and acrylic material. Hawleys can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. The Hawley retainer is adjustable to a point if your teeth have slightly shifted. An Itero scan is taken and sent to the lab to be fabricated. To keep the retainers clean,  brush with  toothpaste and toothbrush or soak  in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.

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Spring Aligner:

A spring aligner also known as a SPA retainer. This retainer is made out of metal and acrylic with a spring that goes over the bow of the retainer. This retainer can be used if there are slight changes. Dr.Azizi will be able to activate the spring in the retainer to hopefully realign your teeth but this is never guaranteed that your teeth will be perfect again. To keep spring aligners clean  brush them with  toothpaste and toothbrush or soak them in warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.

Clear retainer:

A clear retainer is made out of a clear plastic to which is molded exactly to your teeth when you are finished treatment. The clear retainers cannot be adjusted. If your teeth shift then the retainer will not fit since they were molded to exactly how your teeth looked when you finished treatment. To keep these retainers clean,  brush with  toothpaste and toothbrush or soak  in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.

 Vivera Retainer:

Vivera retainers are the Invisalign company's clear retainers. Your teeth  will be scanned with the Itero scanner and sent to invisalign to fabricate. The great thing about Vivera retainers is that you receive 4 sets of retainers. This means you have back up retainers in case you lose or break your first retainer. Same as with clear retainers, Vivera retainers are molded to the way your teeth look when  treatment is finished and cannot be adjusted if there are changes. Vivera retainers are for any patient, whether you had regular braces or invisalign. To keep these retainers clean you can brush them with  toothpaste and toothbrush or soak them in a warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet.

Permanent retainer:

A permanent retainer is a metal bar that is glued to the back of your teeth. Not all patients are candidates for permanent retainers. If you started treatment with major crowding or large spaces you will most likely need a permanent retainer. When wearing a permanent retainer,  you will not wear any other retainer unless the permanent one breaks.  If your permanent retainer does break, it is very important to call our office and schedule an appointment soon, as changes can happen quickly.

Can I wear my retainer if it is tight?

If your retainer is tight when you put it in it can still be worn. As long as it still goes over your teeth, it is safe to wear. The retainer could be feeling tight due to not wearing  every day or night and could mean your teeth may have shifted. If this happens, that is a sign to start wearing your retainer more.  Even if you are only instructed to wear at night try to wear during the day until the retainer does not feel as tight  to help your teeth shift back.

Retainer is too tight and causing discomfort?

If the retainer is just too tight and causing more pain and discomfort, call our office and make an appointment for adjustment.  Dr. Azizi may be able to adjust the retainer or we can order you a new retainer. If your teeth have had too many changes we may suggest treatment again to make your teeth perfect once again!

 Ready to schedule a consultation?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options.  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

Can you whiten your teeth during orthodontics treatment?

As you align your teeth you may want to make them whiter due to wanting the best looking smile. But do not go out and buy yourself a whitening kit or whitening toothpaste just yet.

Whitening during orthodontic treatment

You should NOT whiten your teeth during orthodontic treatment. If you use whitening kits or whitening toothpaste while your teeth are still crowded, you will not reach all areas of the tooth. Hence, as your teeth straighten there will be noticeable spots. 

If you have braces and attempt to whiten your teeth, when the braces are removed there will be a difference because the whitening material will not reach under the brackets. The only part of your teeth that would be whitened is the area not covered by braces.

The same thing goes for Invisalign.  If there are attachments and you whiten your teeth, the whitening product will not reach under the attachments.  Subsequently, there will be  spots when the attachment is removed. 

When you get braces or Invisalign, your teeth may become sensitive from the movement. Teeth whitening can cause more sensitivity.  This sensitivity could make it worse for someone who has just started treatment.

It is also extremely important to have very good oral hygiene before whitening teeth. When you have braces, it becomes harder to notice plaque as it can be stuck in the braces or underneath the braces which means one could have cavities and not know. The whitening product could make the patient very uncomfortable and leave spots in some areas on the tooth the whitening could not reach due to the presence of plaque.

What can you do to keep your teeth white during treatment?

• Go see your dentist every 3-6months for cleanings 
• Try to stay away from food or drinks with strong colors that could stain your brackets or attachments such as coffee, red wine, curry, fruit punch, tomato sauce etc.
• After you are done eating, brush, floss & rinse so there is no food debris sitting around the brackets

Can you whiten your teeth AFTER treatment?

 Yes. Once the teeth are perfectly aligned and cleaned, one can start using whitening products. You can ask Dr. Azizi for a whitening kit at the end of treatment or go to local store and buy whitening strips. 

You can also go visit your general dentist who could possibly do whitening treatment all in one day.

 Ready to schedule a consultation?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options.  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

Keeping up with your oral hygiene while in orthodontic treatment is very important. While the braces and Invisalign are working hard to align your teeth and perhaps even correct your bite!  You still need to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing well with braces and Invisalign.

Why is oral hygiene important during orthodontic treatment?

Plaque builds up around the brackets and in between the wires. This is why you need to take the time to floss well and make sure you brush after every meal or snack. If you have Invisalign it is just as important to keep up with your oral hygiene. You need to brush or rinse your mouth before putting the trays back in your mouth.  The trays can hold  leftover food particles that may get stuck in your teeth. This is not good.  Just rinse the trays and brush them to keep them clean. After every meal or snack it is important to clean your teeth and your braces or Invisalign trays. 

What can happen if you do not keep up with your oral hygiene?

Poor oral hygiene can cause tooth decay and/or gum disease. Due to the braces holding plaque and food particles, the acid and sugars from the foods are left on the teeth which will cause an outline of staining of the brackets. If you do not keep up with your oral hygiene during your treatment with braces, it could also cause your treatment to end prematurely.

When you start treatment at our office you will receive an orthodontic toothbrush kit which will include special tools to help make it easier to floss under the wires and get the small food particles out. 

Tips for keeping up with your oral hygiene during treatment:

• Brush after every meal and snack, using a timer set at  .
• If you cannot brush after eating, try to rinse mouth with either water or even mouthwash.
• Floss.  Ask your orthodontist for floss threader.

                      Ready to schedule a consultation?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options!  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune system condition caused by the small intestine’s sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is a protein that can be found in foods containing wheat, rye and barley. People who have celiac disease can have serious issues if they come in contact with gluten. Symptoms include:  bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and more. To be diagnosed with celiac disease, a physician would have to order blood work and analyze the results.  In some cases, an intestinal biopsy may be required.

How would celiac disease interfere with your oral health?

Celiac disease could affect a patient's enamel and tooth development if they were diagnosed at a young age. Due to the lack of calcium in a celiac patient's body, they tend to be more prominent to cavities. Some non-food items can also contain a wheat protein to help the elastic nature and to thicken and bind substances. You can find gluten in some cosmetic products, medications, and even some dental products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rules which must be met in order for a product to advertise as gluten-free.  It is up to the manufacturer to put a label on their product stating it is gluten- free. 

Some gluten-free dental products are:

Benco Dental : PRO-SYS, PRO-SYS Premium, Gibson Health Care, Chlorhexidine Rinse

Crest:  All Crest Toothpastes, Crest Whitestrips

Colgate:  All Colgate products, Optic White mouth rinse, Total mouth rinse, Periogard mouth rinse, PreviDent Mouth Rinse, Optic Whitestrips

Water Pik Technologies: Waterpik, Waterpik soft, Shine cosmetics

Henry Schein:  Acclean

At Azizi Orthodontics, we want to reassure our patients they will receive the best care in our office. Patients who may have celiac disease should know we are using safe products and will not have to worry about our products affecting their treatment.  
 

 Ready to schedule a consult?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options!  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call. We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

Say goodbye to gagging and gooey impressions! Thanks to the latest technology, the Itero Scanner, Dr. Azizi is able to provide his patients with the best!

What is the Itero Scanner?

The Itero is an intra-oral scanner that  creates a 3-D model within minutes. There is a small wand that captures all the areas of the mouth and combines the images of your teeth to create the 3-D model. Dr. Azizi is able to have a patient's mouth scanned within minutes without using any gross materials. With the Itero scanner our office is able to give our patients an amazing and easy experience without gagging! The Itero creates a 3-D model of your mouth which helps Dr. Azizi  give his patients the best treatment. While being scanned Dr. Azizi is able to see all dimensions of patients teeth and their bite.  The scans are also more accurate and  better detailed.

Why is the Itero scanner better than traditional impressions?

The Itero scanner is used for patients who need any orthodontic appliances, retainers, and Invisalign. The Itero guarantees a better fit for all orthodontic appliances, retainers and Invisalign trays versus the impressions we use to take on patients. Thanks to the Itero patients appointments are much quicker because the waiting process is eliminated. After the scan is taken, Dr. Azizi is able to show the patient a simulation of their smile journey. The other amazing thing about being scanned is  each scan is saved to your own personal file. So if a you want to see your progress during  treatment, we can easily pull up your chart on the Itero and show  all the scans we have taken of your mouth during  treatment. This is a great way for patients to feel confident in their progress.

Is the Itero only for patients who want Invisalign?

No. All patients are scanned during the new patient consult, regardless of choosing braces or Invisalign. Dr. Azizi will use the scan to create the best treatment plan for his patients whether it is for braces or Invisalign.

Ready to be scanned?

Every patient receives a scan at their new patient consultation. If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call! We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215)576-6414 & Ambler-(215)646-9514.

What to expect when visiting our orthodontic office for your new patient consultation

When you come in for your complimentary consultation you will be greeted by our new patient and appointment coordinators. If you haven't already, you will be asked to fill out new patient forms:  medical history, Hipaa and consent forms, as well as dental insurance information. Once you are finished with paperwork a certified assistant will introduce themselves and take you to our records room. During this time, the assistant will take two digital X-rays- a panoramic and cephalometric.  After x-rays, digital photos of your mouth are taken, and we use our high-tech Itero Scanner to create a 3D model of your teeth. Dr. Azizi will then analyze all the records very carefully.  He will then consult with the patient.  Dr. Azizi will give the patient his professional opinion on what type of treatment is beneficial and what would work best for you.

Am I too old for Braces or Invisalign?

Many people believe there is an age limit to receiving orthodontic treatment.  Good news!  Your age should not deter you from getting the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Everyone deserves a perfect smile no matter how old they are! Dr. Azizi will be able to give you that confidence boost when you are ready.

How can you straighten your teeth?

Whether you are a teenager or adult you can straighten your teeth by using braces or invisalign!  Yes, you read that right adult patients CAN get braces because again, orthodontics does not have an age limit! Some patients may think they will not be able to get treatment due to missing teeth or needing dental work completed, but that is not true. Dr. Azizi will still be able to give you the best treatment plan by communicating with your dentist while you are in orthodontic treatment.

What are your options for orthodontic treatment?

1. Traditional metal braces- Metal braces are the most common type of braces. The braces are made out of stainless steel and will straighten your teeth using the brackets and archwires. You can add and change the colors to your metal braces every visit.
2. Clear braces- Clear braces are a common choice for teens and adults who do not like invisalign. The clear braces are made out of ceramic brace with clear materials that do require more upkeep with your oral hygiene. They will straighten your teeth using the clear brackets and clear archwires.
3. Invisalign- Invisalign is a series of invisible trays that are prescribed by Dr. Azizi to align your teeth and correct your bite. Patients choose invisalign due to cosmetic reasons and their lifestyle. Invisalign patients need to wear their clear aligners at least 22 hours a day.

With full cooperation of the patient and Dr. Azizi’s superb treatment plan you will achieve a perfect smile in no time!

                                Ready to schedule a consult?

Our office is eager to meet you and can't wait to discuss your orthodontic options!  If you are ready to start your smile journey with Azizi Orthodontics, give us a call! We have two convenient locations: Glenside-(215) 576-6414 and Ambler-(215) 646-9514.

As you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, our team at Azizi Orthodontics would like to point you to a helpful website. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have lots of important information about everything relating to braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience, and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

Check out AAO today and feel free to contact us at our Ambler or Glenside office if you have any questions.

Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics hope this information helps you!

Parents usually have numerous questions about orthodontic treatment for their children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontic treatment for children should start at around seven years of age. This allows Dr. Benjamin Azizi to evaluate the child’s existing and incoming teeth to determine whether or not early treatment might be necessary.

What is early orthodontic treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, known as Phase One, usually begins when the child is eight or nine years old. The goal is to correct bite problems such as an underbite as well as guide the jaw’s growth pattern. It also helps to make room in the mouth for the permanent teeth to be properly placed as they come in. This will greatly reduce the risk of the child needing extractions later in life due to his or her teeth getting crowded.

Does your child need early orthodontic treatment?

There are several ways that you can determine whether your child needs early treatment. If you observe any of these characteristics or behaviors, you should talk to Dr. Benjamin Azizi.

• Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
• Late loss of baby teeth (after age five or six)
• The child’s teeth do not meet properly or at all
• The child is a mouth breather
• Front teeth are crowded (you won’t see this until the child is about seven or eight)
• Protruding teeth, typically in the front
• Biting or chewing difficulties
• A speech impediment
• The child’s jaw shifts when he or she opens or closes the mouth
• The child is older than five years and still sucks a thumb

What are the benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment early?

Early orthodontic treatment is begun while the child’s jaw bones are still soft. They do not harden until the children reach their late teens. Because the bones are still pliable, corrective procedures such as braces work faster than they do for adults.

In short, early treatment at our Ambler or Glenside office often allows your child to avoid lengthy procedures, extraction, and surgery in adulthood. Early treatment is an effective preventive measure that lays the foundation for a healthy, stable mouth in adulthood.

Wearing braces limits some of the snacks you can eat. However, you still have plenty of choices for fun and healthy foods that will not harm your braces. You can even enjoy a few crunchy treats as long as you choose them carefully.

Sweet Treats

Puddings provide a sweet and safe snack while you are wearing braces. You can even select flavored puddings such as caramel to satisfy the urge for items you should not eat. They can be purchased already made or whipped up at home. You can even select low-sugar varieties that still taste good. Ice cream and yogurt are also choices; just avoid products with nuts.

Healthy Snacks

Fruits are excellent for a healthy snack. You just need to avoid biting into hard fruits such as whole apples. You can avoid the problem with fruit cocktails packed in water. Cocktails still have the nutritional benefits and flavor, but contain softer pieces. Avoid fruits packed in heavy syrup, though; these tend to have too much sugar.

Crunchy or Salty Snacks

Not all crunchy foods are bad; you just need to limit the crunch. Walnuts are a softer nut that can normally be eaten safely. Small cheese crackers satisfy the need for crunchy and salty. You can also allow pieces to dissolve slightly in your mouth before chewing, to reduce any risk.

Soft granola bars are also an option. Check the granola ingredients to ensure there are no large nut pieces, and brush your teeth afterwards. Otherwise pieces can become stuck in your dental work.

If you have any questions about safe snacks, do not hesitate to ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff.

Sports are great for children for a variety of reasons. Children can develop their motor skills, learn how to solve conflicts and work together, and develop their work ethics. As a parent, you may recognize the benefits of sports, but also naturally worry about your child’s health and safety. Your job goes beyond providing a water bottle and making sure your child follows the rules of the game.

Although you may not think of your child’s teeth first when you think about sports, accidents can happen that affect your children’s teeth. A stray hockey stick, an errant basketball, or a misguided dive after a volleyball are examples of ways a child could lose a tooth. In fact, studies show that young athletes lose more than three million teeth each year.

Becoming a Better Athlete to Protect Teeth

Becoming a better athlete involves refining skills, learning the rules of the game, and being a good sport. These components are not just about winning. They are also about safety. Young athletes who are better ball-handlers and who are careful to avoid fouls and penalties are less likely to have harmful contact with the ball, teammates, or opponents. Children who are better roller-bladers are less likely to take a face plant into the blacktop, and more likely to save their teeth. Being a good sport and avoiding unnecessary contact is one way to protect teeth.

Proper Protective Equipment for Teeth

If your child is in a sport that poses a high threat to teeth, it is essential for your child to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards fit your child’s mouth and consist of soft plastic. Dr. Benjamin Azizi can custom fit a mouthguard if generic ones are uncomfortable. While children may resist wearing a mouthguard initially, your persistence in insisting that they wear it should be enough to convince them. A helmet or face mask provides additional protection.

While prevention is best, rapid treatment can improve the situation if your child does happen to lose a tooth during sports. Rapid implantation can work in about ten percent of cases. To learn about ways to save a lost tooth, contact our Ambler or Glenside office.

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we think of cards, flowers, and chocolates. We think of girlfriends celebrating being single together and couples celebrating their relationship. We think of all things pink and red taking over every pharmacy and grocery store imaginable. But what Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team would like to think of is when and how this joyous, love-filled day began.

Several martyrs’ stories are associated with the origins of Valentine’s Day. One of the most widely known suggests that Valentine was a Roman priest who went against the law at a time when marriage had been banned for young men. He continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret and when he was discovered, he was sentenced to death.

Another tale claims that Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape from Roman prisons. Yet another says that Valentine himself sent the first valentine when he fell in love with a girl and sent her a letter and signed it, “From your Valentine.”

Other claims suggest that it all began when Geoffrey Chaucer, an Englishman often referred to as the father of English literature, wrote a poem that was the first to connect St. Valentine to romance. From there, it evolved into a day when lovers would express their feelings for each other. Cue the flowers, sweets, and cards!

Regardless of where the holiday came from, these stories all have one thing in common: They celebrate the love we are capable of as human beings. And though that’s largely in a romantic spirit these days, it doesn’t have to be. You could celebrate love for a sister, a friend, a parent, even a pet.

We hope all our patients know how much we love them! Wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s Day from the team at Azizi Orthodontics!

Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. This year's slogan is "Get a Gold Medal Smile."

It is important to develop good habits at an early age as well as schedule regular dental visits to help children get a jump start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Here are a couple great ways to make sure good dental habits are formed in your household:

Start Early. Before you ever buy baby's first toothbrush, you can wipe new baby teeth clean with a soft cloth. Toddlers who are already used to having their teeth cleaned are often far better receptive to the idea of brushing teeth later on.

Model the habits you want to see. You are your child's first teacher and role model. Let them see you brush and floss daily, or better yet, make brushing and flossing a family affair.

Don't underestimate the power of fun. Sometimes, all it takes is a toothbrush with a favorite character or one that lights up and plays music to encourage a child to brush. Singing special songs can also make the ritual a lot more fun, particularly if you're willing to make a total fool of yourself.

Choose the right toothpaste. Whether you're for or against fluoride, looking for the most natural product or just the cheapest, there's one thing you have to consider: taste. A child who enjoys the flavor of his or her toothpaste is more likely to enjoy brushing.

Many patients underestimate the importance of wearing their retainers after their braces come off, but it is one of the most critical post care practices to keep your teeth in alignment. Why spend all that time, energy, and money to straighten your teeth when you don't plan to keep them straightened after treatment?

What is a retainer?

As the name implies, a retainer keeps teeth from moving back to the positions in which they started before treatment was administered; they "retain" your smile and bite. There are many different types of retainers—some are removable and some are permanent. Some retainers are made of plastic and metal (known as Hawley retainers) and others are all plastic or all metal. Some retainers can even be bonded to the back of your teeth!

How long do I need to wear it?

If you've been given a removable retainer by Dr. Benjamin Azizi, you may be wondering how long you need to wear it. It takes time for the tissues and bones around your teeth to reorganize and set into place after braces treatment.

The amount of time you’ll need to wear your retainer depends on your unique situation, but typically, retainers should be worn at least as long as the time you spent in braces. You might need to wear them full-time for a while, and then transition to wearing them only at night. Dr. Benjamin Azizi will have a treatment plan especially for you, and if you stick to it, you'll always have a straight smile.

Nothing is forever (at least without retainers!)

Research has shown that there is no “permanent” position for your teeth to remain in. In fact, some studies say upward of 70% of patients will see a change to their bite and tooth alignment as they get older. This applies to people who have had orthodontic treatment and those who have not. Of course, some people's teeth never seem to shift—you can consider them the lucky ones, as most people's teeth do.

And this is precisely where retainers come in. The only way to ensure your teeth stay in alignment long-term is by wearing your retainers. If you have any questions about retainers or your treatment plan, please ask any member of our Ambler or Glenside staff.

You've made an investment on spending money on getting braces, so why not keep your teeth in good health while undergoing orthodontic treatment?  Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you're wearing braces as you did before proceeding with treatment.

Flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums when you're wearing braces. Because braces may hold food, sugars and liquids upon eating, it is very important to keep on top of your brushing and flossing, as well as visiting our office for regular adjustments.

While we know it's tough enough to get kids to floss daily without braces, that battle becomes even tougher when braces are involved. Remember that by not flossing, you will become more prone to cavities and gum disease during your treatment.

When flossing, remember to gently massage your gums in between the teeth. You will find that flossing with braces takes extra time, as you will have to weave the floss through each bracket. When flossing, there should be no signs of blood. If you see blood, you are not flossing enough or properly.

Using an electric toothbrush is also a good idea to massage your gums before or after flossing as electric toothbrushes can help remove any harmful bacteria that are lingering in your mouth. And don't forget to add a mouthwash to your routine to break up any bacteria that has formed. A good mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums in good shape during your treatment.

If you have any questions about flossing or your orthodontic treatment at Azizi Orthodontics please don't hesitate to give us a call or during your next adjustment appointment!

A lot of our patients are curious about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear at Azizi Orthodontics is, “Dentists and orthodontists are all the same, right?”

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Dentists diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral healthcare needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges.

Orthodontists, such as Dr. Benjamin Azizi, are more concerned with diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment of malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” of the teeth. Orthodontists focus on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites, and are responsible for straightening teeth via bands, wires, braces, and other fixed or removable corrective treatment options, like braces and clear aligners. Orthodontists treat children as well as adults who wish to improve the function of their bite and appearance of their smile.

Before becoming an orthodontist, doctors such as Dr. Benjamin Azizi start out in dental school and earn a dental degree, just like your general dentist. After dental school, those doctors who decide they are interested in the orthodontic field, stay in school for a few more years and become experts in orthodontia, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field.

Isn’t it nice to know we have orthodontic experts here at Azizi Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth and jaw might need? To schedule your initial appointment at our Ambler or Glenside office, please give us a call today!

The alarm sounds in the morning, you wake up and realize "I forgot to wear my retainer!"

If this only happened once, don't panic. Missing one night with a retainer is unlikely to cause significant teeth movement. However, if it has happened often, give our Ambler or Glenside office a call to make sure your teeth haven’t shifted position.

Here are some tips from Dr. Benjamin Azizi to help you remember your retainer:

1. Write down the instructions we give you for wearing the retainer, whether you should wear it all day or at night, or just a few times a week. Writing things out like this helps set the schedule in your memory.

2. Clean the retainer when you take it out each time. If you don’t you may not have time when you’re rushing to get to work or school to clean it properly and may be tempted not to wear it.

3. Put a note on your mirror or in your purse or wallet reminding you to wear your retainer.

4. Set an alarm on your mobile phone to remind you when it’s time to put the retainer in. If you have email with a calendar you can set up daily reminders, too.

5. Always put the retainer in its case when you take it out to eat or sleep. You’ll reduce your risk for losing it or accidentally throwing it away.

6. If you don’t have to wear the retainer every day, you can use some recurring events to help you remember. With this system for example, watching your favorite weekly TV show, laundry day, or family pizza night can all serve as reminders that you should put in your retainer.

7. Don’t be shy about asking for help if you’re forgetful. Assure your spouse, parents, siblings, or roommates that you won’t consider if nagging if they remind you to wear your retainer.

8. Surf online for examples of how teeth can shift when retainers are not properly used. Those stories can serve as timely warning not to let the same thing happen to you!

Remember, you can always call our Ambler or Glenside office if you feel your retainer is uncomfortable or painful. We'll work with you to protect your smile!

Wearing orthodontic braces may be the best choice for correcting your teeth and improving your smile, and that's why you've come to see Dr. Benjamin Azizi at Azizi Orthodontics. Braces, which consist of brackets and wires, work by gently applying pressure to the teeth, and that pressure causes them to move into the correct position. In some cases elastics, or rubber bands, are used to apply additional pressure needed to move your teeth.

The Purpose of Elastics

Customized for each patient, the rubber bands typically stretch over tiny loops on the top and bottom brackets. If worn consistently, and every day, these tiny elastics will apply the steady pressure needed to guide your teeth into the correct position.

These elastics are crafted from medical-grade latex, which is safe to be in contact with your mouth. It's common to remove the elastics during meals if opening your mouth wide enough to eat is difficult. Our staff will demonstrate how to affix the elastics so it will soon become second nature to replace them.

The Do’s and the Don'ts

DO - Get in the habit of carrying around extra rubber bands and replace them as soon as one breaks. By consistently wearing the elastics, you may shorten the overall time needed to wear braces.

DON'T - Double up on elastics as this will cause too much pressure on the tooth or teeth and can actually harm the root of the tooth.

DO - Always wash your hands before removing or replacing the rubber bands.

DON'T - Overstretch the rubber band or it will lose its strength and it will be ineffective.

DO - Call us if you run out of rubber bands.

DO - Have fun with your braces and elastics. There are many different colors available that can let you show off your soon-to-be perfect smile.

Rubber bands are a key part of your orthodontic treatment, and learning how to remove and replace them is an important part to maintaining your braces. Before we set you on your journey to a perfect smile, we'll make sure you understand all there is to know about how to take care of your braces. Of course, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or orthodontics in general, be sure to contact our Ambler or Glenside office, and our staff will be happy to assist you!

Did you know that Dr. Azizi loves to drink tea after almost every meal?

Not only does a nice cup of tea make you feel good (especially when the crisp air comes) but it has a lot of health benefits as well.

• Improves your digestion. 

Herbal teas, like chamomile, mint, rosemary, and lavender, can improve your digestive health.The infusions and mixtures of herbs can be an effective treatment for gas, indigestion, constipation, and other digestive symptoms

• Prevents tooth decay

You may be surprised to learn that a cup of black tea each day can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Research shows that enzyme-rich compounds can prevent plaque and bacteria from forming on teeth and gums.

• Curbs stress and anxiety

Drinking hot tea has a naturally calming effect. Enjoying a cup requires us to sit, slow down, and relax – all of which are natural weapons against stress and anxiety. To maximize this benefit go for caffeine-free herbal teas, such as peppermint and passion flower, or lavender.

•  Reduces blood pressure

If you are searching for a natural way to reduce your blood pressure, look to the plant-based antioxidants, called flavonoids, found in green or oolong tea. Research shows that drinking just a half-cup of antioxidant-rich green or oolong tea each day can reduce high blood pressure risk by almost 50%

•  Helps boost your immune system

The powerful antioxidant blend that is found in chamomile tea, as well as green tea, can give it a boost. Incorporating this into your everyday nutrition can help fight cold, flu, and other illnesses.

•   Enhances your eye health

Thanks to the antioxidants found in green and white teas, you can improve your eye health and help prevent serious eye-related complications, like cataracts and glaucoma, just by sipping a hot cup.

•  Sharpens your memory
  

Drinking hot tea regularly can keep your brain in tip-top shape. Studies suggest that the minimally-processed green tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis bush helps boost cognitive functioning, including the working memory.

•   Reduces your risk of stroke

Research shows that drinking at least three cups of green or black tea each day can lead to a 21% reduction in your risk of stroke. The findings concluded that catechins, a chemical compound found in green and black teas, have stroke-reducing effects on the vascular system.

We’ve probably all seen that unhappy kid or frazzled parent sifting through trash for a lost retainer. If we’re really unlucky, we might have been that unhappy kid or frazzled parent sifting through the unpleasant remains of third period lunch hour. But getting tossed isn’t the only risk these appliances face. Read on for ways to keep your retainer (and your parent!) happy.

• Keep Your Retainer With You

Always carry a retainer case. If you automatically put your retainer in its case when you’re eating, you are much more likely to remember it then if it has been wrapped up in a napkin on your lunch tray. And, if the worst happens, much more likely to recover it in one piece.

Choose the brightest colored case you can live with, so you will have an easier time locating it if need be, and discuss how to label the case to get it back safely to you--just in case.

• Keep Your Retainer Intact

You might think if you put your retainer in your backpack, or purse, or saxophone case, or athletic bag, it will be safe. It will not. Retainers are designed to be tough enough for everyday wear, but being tossed on the floor while inside a backpack is not everyday wear. Always put your retainer back in its (brightly colored) case before packing it away.

Retainers can warp if they are exposed to heat, so keep them away from potential heat sources like stoves, microwaves, and washers and dryers. Even your car dashboard can become hot enough to warp your retainer. And never use boiling water to clean them.

Finally, your dog might find your retainer to be the #bestchewtoyever, so be sure to put it in a spot pets can’t reach when you’re not wearing it.

• Keep Your Retainer Clean

Just like plaque can build up on your teeth, minerals and calcium can build up on your retainer. Different types of retainers require different cleaning methods, so talk to Dr. Benjamin Azizi about how to keep your retainer clean and bacteria-free. We will be happy to give you instructions on the best way to take care of your particular appliance. And don’t forget to clean your case regularly!

Accidents will happen, of course. If your retainer is lost or damaged, call our Ambler or Glenside office as soon as possible. We might be able to fix minor damage, and, if needed, we can replace a lost retainer quickly.

Your time in braces is over, but your teeth are still stabilizing in their new, healthy positions. Wearing your retainer regularly is the final step in producing the beautiful smile you’ve worked so hard for. Keep your retainer clean, keep it safe, and keep it with you, and you can enjoy that smile now and for years to come!

What does the month of October mean to you? For people in the northern hemisphere, October is when the weather starts to get a little chilly: heavy jackets might come out of storage and the summer clothing gets packed away. You might start making plans for the upcoming holidays or looking at the beautiful and changing autumn scenery. October means something a little different to our team at Azizi Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic clinics all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do.

National Orthodontic Health Month is an awareness campaign created cooperatively by orthodontists and other dental health professionals. During this month, we make a special effort to promote dental health and orthodontic health in particular. This is a great time to get your questions answered by dental professionals in your community and to learn more about exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. Events held in connection with National Orthodontic Health Month are also an opportunity for us orthodontists to come out and meet community members. If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting one of us in person before your checkup is a great way to find out what kind of person you’ll be seeing during your appointment.

Meeting Dr. Benjamin Azizi in a relaxed “meet and greet” atmosphere can be especially helpful for any young orthodontic patients in your family. Kids of all ages–and their parents!–can feel anxiety about going to the dentist. Getting to know the person you have an appointment with can make the experience a lot less stressful for everyone. We don't want anyone to avoid seeing a dental professional for regular checkups just because they don't know who we are. Just meeting and talking with the orthodontist you'll be seeing may be enough to make you feel more comfortable about your upcoming appointment.

Dental health is something that affects everyone; healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy smile and a lifetime of comfort and well-being. Orthodontists are just one of the various dental practitioners you could visit at some point in your life, so taking a little time to learn who we are and what we do is certain to be a helpful experience. We look forward to seeing you and your family this October at our Ambler or Glenside location!

It’s vital to understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and minor orthodontic issues. Minor issues can be handled the next day, or at your next scheduled appointment. When a real orthodontic emergency occurs, however, you will need to see a doctor immediately.

Emergencies can include injuries to your teeth, jaw, mouth, or face. Whether you have braces or oral appliances in your mouth at the time or not, it’s crucial to fix the problem before it gets worse. If you have an injury that affects an orthodontic appliance, that may need to be replaced or adjusted, depending on the extent of the injury.

You can watch for and address some common minor issues on your own, or wait to have them fixed at your next appointment with Dr. Benjamin Azizi:

• Poking wire
• Loose bracket
• Loose elastic band
• Loose wire
• Loose appliance
• Headgear does not fit
• Lost or broken elastic band
• General soreness

These minor issues may arise if you eat hard or sticky foods that damage your braces or other orthodontic appliances. Make sure to be extra careful, and avoid brushing your teeth too aggressively to avoid causing damage.

These problems should not be treated as emergencies unless they begin to cause prolonged pain and discomfort. If you notice this happening, contact our Ambler or Glenside office and we can provide a solution.

Some at-home remedies you can try can include covering loose brackets or wires with wax. Wax can prevent canker sores from forming by covering sharp metal pieces that poke into your gums. If you have wires that have poked out into your gums, you can use tweezers to push the wires gently away from the direction of the sore area. Always make sure you use alcohol to sterilize anything you intend to put into your mouth.

When you get braces initially, you may notice some soreness of the jaw or small abrasions from your mouth getting accustomed to foreign materials. You should not worry too much about this temporary pain.

A warm salt-water solution can be used to alleviate any swelling or discomfort you’re experiencing. Many drug stores have ointment for canker sores that will numb the area if they continue to bother you. If you notice that your pain or swelling doesn’t get better, schedule an appointment with a medical professional as soon as you can.

When in doubt, contact our Ambler or Glenside office if you are unsure or still have questions about an orthodontic problem you’re facing. If the situation becomes an emergency, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our team, so we can help provide you with a solution.

Orthodontic emergencies should be taken care of promptly whenever they arise.

Most of our patients at Azizi Orthodontics will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Benjamin Azizi will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Benjamin Azizi may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Benjamin Azizi may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Benjamin Azizi is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Ambler or Glenside office and pick up more!

Having braces can be frustrating when you have to be cautious about eating certain foods or having to avoid them altogether. Making sure your braces don’t bend or break is vital when you’re trying to straighten your teeth quickly and properly. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team have come up with a list of foods to avoid, and which foods you can enjoy while you have braces.

No matter how careful you are, excessive chewing of hard-to-eat foods will eventually cause problems for you and your braces. Knowing what you can and cannot eat at a meal may be helpful when you first get your braces on.

Some foods are too hard for braces, because they can break wires or create damage that will have to be fixed by Dr. Benjamin Azizi. Avoiding the following snacks will prevent this from occurring:

• Hard candies
• Gum
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Some hard raw vegetables or fruits (carrots, apples)
• Ice
• Chips

There are plenty of safe options for breakfast. They include eggs, yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, soft toast, bananas, and even bacon.

For lunch, avoid hard or abrasive foods, undercooked vegetables, or apples. Safer options include a delicious stew, soft-breaded deli sandwich, or a mixed salad. Always be careful when biting into foods, and try to cut solid meal items into small chewable portions whenever possible.

A healthy braces-friendly dinner can come in many forms. Soft, steamed vegetables paired with a lean protein make a great option. The addition of rice or quinoa can complete the meal. Just remember to brush and floss after, because these small grains are likely to get stuck between braces and teeth.

During your treatment, Dr. Benjamin Azizi will tighten your braces at each checkup. Braces tightening can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sore afterward. During this time, we recommend picking soft food options until the pain goes away, such as:

• Pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Ice cream
• Cottage cheese
• Peas
• Pasta
• Yogurt
• Muffins

It’s also essential to pay close attention to your oral health routine. When food is stuck between braces, you’re more likely to experience plaque and decay buildup. If you want to keep your teeth from appearing discolored when your braces come off, keep up with brushing and flossing after every meal!

If you notice your braces are damaged after you’ve eaten a meal, contact our Ambler or Glenside office to schedule an appointment right away. Our team is here to help with any issues that come up while you are in braces, and to answer any questions you may have about which foods you can and cannot eat.

Dental floss is similar to a lot of products that depend mainly on the consumer’s preference. Fact is, floss comes in a wide variety of flavors, coatings, and other variations, but all types of floss essentially do the same thing. After all, that is what is most important: that the dental floss you buy is functional—cleaning the areas in between your teeth. If you want to know what the best dental floss is, the answer is the kind that enables you to successfully and regularly clean those areas. So to help you find the right type of floss for you, here are some options.

Flavored Dental Floss

Many people that floss prefer a flavored dental floss because it freshens their breath even more than unscented floss. The latter can also take on the smells associated with bacteria in your mouth. And we all know how bad that can be. So, if flavored dental floss is what you prefer, and it allows you to floss your teeth regularly, then it is automatically best for your mouth.

Flossers

There are also products on the market called flossers, which usually consist of a plastic instrument with strung floss and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers also come flavored in mint and various other varieties.

Gentle Dental Floss

Some people find that typical dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason some companies make floss with soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. For the most part these types of floss are just as effective as regular floss, and for those people that require a more sensitive approach to flossing, especially when just starting out, this is the best option.

Of the aforementioned options, it is difficult to name an absolute best type of floss. However, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team say that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the best. For more information on floss, contact our Ambler or Glenside office.

Labor Day is upon us, and that means the non-official end to summer. Before the kids head back to school and temperatures start to cool down, this is your last chance to barbeque in the beautiful Ambler or Glenside community, head to the lake, and wear your favorite pair of white pants.

About Labor Day

Each year, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is the one day of year Americans celebrate their achievements in work, which the US Department of Labor says has contributed to prosperity and well-being of America as a whole. Americans have been celebrating Labor Day since the 1880s, and today it is an official federal holiday.

Interesting Facts About Labor Day

• Every year, more than 30 million Americans travel over Labor Day weekend.
• Canada was the first to celebrate Labor Day, and the US soon followed.
• President Cleveland made Labor Day and official US holiday in 1894.
• Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and NCAA sports seasons for fans.
• Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season, when Americans consume seven billion hot dogs.

Thanks for being a valued patient of our orthodontic office. Our staff would like to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Enjoy your time off!

Our team at Azizi Orthodontics knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment.

But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your time wearing braces?

Fluoride, the mineral that helps you prevent cavities and tooth decay, can also help keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Benjamin Azizi, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. We may also prescribe a fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse for at-home treatment to keep your teeth happy in between visits.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Orthodontic braces are used to straighten the teeth, which not only creates a more pleasing appearance, but also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Braces are only effective when they are properly cared for, however. Certain foods, for example, are better suited for individuals who have braces, as opposed to hard and sticky foods that can cause damage. So, what types of foods should you or your kids eat to protect dental appliances?

The best foods to eat with braces are those that are not high in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. For breakfast, try eggs, yogurt, bacon, wheat toast, or oatmeal. Lunch may steer toward a banana rather than an apple, a salad without nuts, and a glass of water. If you are looking for some after-school snacks for your kids, consider baked tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or try string cheese with fruit.

A healthy dinner can include most types of vegetables, so long as they are cooked to an appropriate softness. Pair that with a lean protein, such as fish or chicken, and follow up with dessert. Just be sure to brush afterward!

Post-Tightening Foods

As braces begin to adjust the alignment of the teeth, our team at Azizi Orthodontics will periodically tighten them to continue the alignment process. After tightening occurs, the teeth may be sore and sensitive to certain foods. During this time, it is best to eat soft foods. Examples include:

• Pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Ice cream
• Cottage cheese
• Peas
• Pancakes
• Pasta

Foods to Avoid

Anyone who wears braces – whether fixed or removable – should avoid excessive snacking and should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is also important to avoid foods that could cause damage to the braces, such as:

• Hard candies
• Gum
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Certain raw vegetables (for example, carrots)

Considerations

Regardless of what types of foods you eat with braces, it is important to keep the crevices between the teeth and around the braces very clean. That means brushing and flossing after meals to prevent the build-up of plaque and decay. Not only can failing to do so damage the teeth, but it can also cause discoloration.

Have more questions about orthodontic treatment? The Azizi Orthodontics staff is always ready to answer all of your questions and help you get the most out of the treatment plan prescribed for you by Dr. Benjamin Azizi!

Sometimes real life is stranger and more interesting that any made-up story. These weird and interesting facts about braces will amuse you … and make you glad you didn’t have to get braces “way back when.”

Mummies with braces: Archaeologists have discovered mummies with crude bands of metal wrapped around their teeth. The metal was wrapped around each individual tooth, and it is believed that ancient dentists used catgut to guide the teeth and close the gaps.

First “official” braces: The first official braces were constructed in 1728 by Pierre Fauchard. They consisted of flat strips of metal. String was used to connect the metal to the teeth.

Early rubber bands: In 1850, Tucker began making rubber bands out of rubber tubing.

Brackets are better: Brackets were invented by Edward Angle in 1915. They were not bonded to the teeth directly, but instead were attached to bands that went around the teeth.

Wiring by NASA: As braces have become more modern, the technology has improved by leaps and bounds. You may know that some braces wire contains nickel titanium. What you may not know is that this metal was developed by NASA and has special shape memory that is activated by pressure or body heat.

Over 60 with braces: Actress Faye Dunaway got braces at the age of 61, which shows you are never too old to look more fabulous!

Oh, and one more thing that didn’t quite make our list, but is interesting all the same. Did you know that almost 25 percent of patients who get braces have to get them again because they wouldn’t wear their retainers? So suck it up, buttercup, and use that retainer!

Now that many of the schools in Ambler or Glenside are back in session, Dr. Benjamin Azizi would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Azizi Orthodontics this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with a convenient appointment time.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for you and your family!

The goal of orthodontic treatment at Azizi Orthodontics, which may include the use of braces, retainers, and aligners, is to straighten your teeth. Treatment often starts in the pre-teen or teenage years, but adults may also need orthodontic treatment. The treatment can feel like a chore that lasts for several months or a couple of years, but it can fix important problems. These include:

• Crowded teeth spaced too close together
• Gaps between your teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Upper and lower teeth that do not meet

Straight Teeth are More Attractive

You are more likely to be proud of your smile when your teeth are straight and evenly spaced. Pride in your appearance can give you more confidence and encourage you to try new things. This can be particularly important for adolescents. In addition, people often judge others based on first impressions. A smile that shows straight teeth is more attractive.

Better Oral Health is Easier

Brushing and flossing your teeth are two basic components of an oral health routine to protect your teeth from conditions such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque build-up. As Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff know, caring for your mouth is easier when your teeth are straight. The American Dental Association says the following conditions are less likely to occur if you have the proper orthodontic treatment.

• Dental caries
• Gum disease or gingivitis
• Tooth loss
• Impaired speech
• Worn tooth enamel

Orthodontic Treatment Improves Nutrition

Poorly aligned teeth can reduce your ability to chew properly or make certain foods more difficult to eat. Many of these more challenging foods are healthy, and avoiding them can cause you to limit your diet to softer, often less-nutritious foods, such as ice cream and canned soup. Straighter teeth and a better ability to chew let you eat crunchy foods, such as apples and carrots; stringy foods, such as asparagus and chicken; and chewy foods, such as raisins.

Crooked teeth, more correctly called malocclusions, have reached epidemic proportions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 80 percent of American teenagers are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Although advances in orthodontic devices and increased availability of such devices explain part of this increase, it still means there are a lot of crooked teeth in the world.

The theories about what is causing so many crooked teeth range from the ridiculous to the scientific. For years, oral health professionals believed that crooked teeth were an evolutionary result of the change in Western diets from raw, wild foods to soft, processed foods. That theory has since been debunked.

The truth is that crooked teeth can be caused by a number of things. Crooked teeth can be an inherited trait. Parents with crooked teeth and malformed jaws are more likely to have children with malocclusions. Ill-fitting or poorly-executed dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, can also cause teeth to become crooked. Baby teeth that fall out early, gingivitis, and even a jaw that is too small to accommodate all of a person’s adult teeth are additional causes of crooked teeth. In addition, thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier for too long can contribute to crooked teeth.

What to do about crooked teeth

Fortunately, modern orthodontics offers a number of solutions for crooked teeth. Traditional metal braces are the most popular, though our Ambler or Glenside office provides a number of clear, aesthetic options as well. If you’re tired of hiding your smile because of crooked teeth, contact Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics and set up an appointment. We’ll have you showing off your straight pearly whites in no time!

Birthdays. Valentine’s Day. Halloween. A trip to the movies. There are just some occasions where a sweet treat is on the menu. Now that you are getting braces, does that mean you have to give up desserts completely? Not at all! The trick to finding the right treat is to know which foods are safe for your braces and which should wait until your treatment is complete.

There are some foods which should always be avoided. They fall into three main categories:

• Hard and Crunchy

Hard candies, peanut brittle, popcorn balls, nutty candy bars—anything that is hard to bite into is hard on your braces, and can damage brackets or even break them.

• Chewy

Caramels, taffy, chewy squares and rolls, licorice and other super-chewy candies can break brackets and bend wires. Not to mention, they are really difficult to clean from the surface of teeth and braces.

• Sticky

Soft foods are generally fine, but soft and sticky candies are another thing entirely. Gumdrops, jelly beans, most gum and other sticky treats stick to your braces, making it hard to clean all that sugar from around your brackets. And even soft sticky candies can bend wires or damage your brackets.

As you have probably noticed, almost all candy falls into one of these categories. Of course, while sugary treats shouldn’t be a major part of anyone’s diet, and careful brushing and flossing are always on the menu if you do indulge, wearing braces does not mean giving up on treats entirely. A better alternative when you are craving something sweet is to choose something that avoids crunchy, chewy and sticky hazards, such as soft puddings, cupcakes or cookies. There are even some candy brands that are safe for your braces.

Talk to Dr. Benjamin Azizi the next time you visit our Ambler or Glenside office about the dos and don’ts of desserts—we have tasty suggestions that will make those special occasions both sweet for you and safe for your orthodontic work!

We’ve heard all the reasons why folks put off scheduling an orthodontic consultation: not quite ready to begin treatment, vacations, busy schedules, financial concerns, etc.

Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t delay another day to make an appointment for yourself or your child with Dr. Benjamin Azizi.

1. Growth – there is a window of opportunity during growth when an orthopedic appliance can change the direction of jaw growth and dramatically improve your child’s case. Once this time has passed, the correction becomes harder and may involve extraction of teeth or even worse, a surgical procedure to properly align the jaws.

2. Scheduling – Summertime is the perfect time to begin orthodontic treatment, because your child doesn’t have to miss school, especially for those longer appointments needed at the start of treatment.

3. Early Diagnosis – Many times, early interceptive treatment at Azizi Orthodontics can dramatically improve the alignment of your child’s teeth and jaws. If baby teeth need to be extracted in order to allow the permanent teeth to erupt, timing is everything. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven.

4. Financial Concerns – We offer several flexible payment plans which can be extended over your or your child’s treatment time.

5. A Lifetime of Smiles – Why wait when you can enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful and functional smile now. The sooner you get started the sooner you will be showing everyone your world-class smile.

Give us a call at our convenient Ambler or Glenside office to book your initial consulation with Dr. Benjamin Azizi.

The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with friends and family members for BBQ, games, fireworks, and other celebrations in honor of our country’s independence. While your fellow revelers eat hot dogs and wave flags, you can impress them by sharing these fascinating facts and historical tidbits about some of our country’s traditions and symbols from the team at Azizi Orthodontics.

The Statue of Liberty

With a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of our country. However, as recognizable as certain parts of the statue are, not many people know that broken shackles, which represent oppression and tyranny, are lying at Lady Liberty’s feet. According to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the copper-plated lady weighs in at a whopping 450,000 tons and has been holding her torch up for more than 125 years, which must make for some impressive arm muscles.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Since 1916, people have been flocking to Coney Island on the Fourth of July to witness what some people call the “superbowl of competitive eating.” Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest challenges competitors to devour as many hot dogs as they can in just ten minutes, with the current record holder swallowing a whopping 68 hot dogs! If you’d like to witness this bizarre and frenzied eating competition but you won’t be anywhere near Coney Island on the fourth, don’t worry. ESPN has been broadcasting this popular event for several years, so you can watch from the comfort of your couch while you eat a reasonably portioned meal.

The History Behind Fireworks

Viewing the nighttime fireworks display is exciting way to finish off the fourth. Many people know that these brilliant displays probably originated with the Chinese. However, many historians also believe that fireworks were stumbled upon when the Chinese roasted bamboo sticks over fires and watched them explode. After many years of roasting the sticks, a group of alchemists created an early form of gunpowder, which they stuffed into the bamboo sticks to create an even more powerful explosion, paving the way for the today’s modern fireworks.

Whether you’re planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty, watching fireworks in Ambler or Glenside, or even participating in a hot dog eating contest, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team hope you have a safe and fun-filled holiday. Happy Fourth of July!

We’re all friends here, so if you sometimes feel a bit nervous before your orthodontic appointments, no judging! Ask us about any worries you might have. We are happy to explain procedures, equipment, and your orthodontic options so you know exactly what is going on during treatment. And if X-rays are a concern, we can put your mind at ease here as well.

What Exactly Are X-rays?

Sometimes patients feel reluctant about the process of imaging because X-rays are a kind of radiation. But the fact is, radiation is all around us. We are exposed to radiation naturally from our soil and water, sun and air, as well as from modern inventions such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, and air travel.

Why is radiation so common? Because matter throughout the universe constantly gives off energy, and the energy that is emitted is called radiation. This radiation takes two forms—as particles (which we don’t need to consider!) and as traveling rays. This second type is known as electromagnetic radiation, created by photons traveling in regular waves at the speed of light.

We are exposed to electromagnetic radiation every day, because, whether we can see them or not, these different wavelengths and frequencies create various forms of light. Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays are all part of the electromagnetic light spectrum.

Different types of radiation on this spectrum have different wavelengths and different frequencies, and produce different amounts of energy. Longer wavelengths mean lower frequencies and less energy. Because X-rays have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than, for example, radio waves and visible light, they have more energy.

How Do Dental X-rays Work?

An X-ray machine produces a very narrow beam of X-ray photons. This beam passes through the body and captures images of our teeth and jaws on special film or digital sensors inside the mouth (intraoral X-rays), or on film or sensors located outside the mouth (extraoral X-rays). These X-ray images are also known as radiographs.

Why are X-rays able to take pictures inside our bodies? Remember that higher energy we talked about earlier? This energy enables X-rays to pass through the softer, less dense parts of our bodies, which are seen as gray background in a radiograph. But some substances in our bodies absorb X-rays, such as the calcium found in our bones and teeth. This is why they show up as sharp white images in radiographs. 

There are many different types of dental X-rays used in orthodontics, including:

• Occlusal X-rays, which show the entire arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
• Panoramic X-rays, which use a special machine to rotate around the head to create a complete two-dimensional picture of teeth and jaws.
• Cephalometric X-rays, which show the patient’s entire profile, and the position and development of the teeth and jaws.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography, an external device which uses digital images to create a three-dimensional picture of the teeth and jaws.

Why Do We Need X-rays?

You might have noticed that these X-rays, unlike, for example, typical bitewing X-rays, don’t take images of individual teeth. That is because orthodontists deal with the teeth in relationship to each other and to the structures around them.

Beautifully aligned teeth and a healthy bite are the visible result of your orthodontic work, but there’s a lot going on above and below the surface that needs to be discovered and taken into account before your treatment even begins. X-rays help us evaluate:

• The size, shape, and position of your teeth, including impacted teeth and wisdom teeth
• The size, position, and health of your roots throughout treatment
• The size and shape of your jaw bones, and how they affect your teeth alignment and bite
• Your progress during different phases of treatment

How Do Orthodontists Make Sure Your X-rays Are As Safe As They Can Be?

First of all, the amount of radiation you are exposed to with a dental X-ray is very small. In fact, a typical panoramic X-ray provides roughly the same amount of radiation we are exposed to through our natural surroundings in just one day. Even so, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team are committed to making sure patients are exposed to as little radiation as possible.

Radiologists, the physicians who specialize in imaging procedures and diagnoses, recommend that all dentists and doctors follow the safety principal known as ALARA: “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” This means using the lowest X-ray exposure necessary to achieve precise diagnostic results for all dental and medical patients.

The guidelines recommended for X-rays and other imaging have been designed to make sure all patients have the safest experience possible whenever they visit the dentist or the doctor. We ensure that imaging is safe and effective in a number of ways:

• We take X-rays only when they are necessary.
• We provide protective gear, such as apron shields and thyroid collars, whenever needed.
• We make use of modern X-ray equipment, for both traditional X-rays and digital X-rays, which exposes patients to a lower amount of radiation than ever before.
• When treating children, we set exposure times based on each child’s size and age.

And now that we’ve talked about some things you might like to know,

Please Let Us Know If . . .

• You are changing orthodontists and have had previous orthodontic X-rays taken. Ask to have your older X-rays sent to our office so we have a complete record of your orthodontic history. (With digital X-ray technology, this transfer can be accomplished with e-mail!)
• You’re pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Even though radiation exposure is very low with dental radiographs, unless there is a dental emergency, dentists and doctors recommend against X-rays for pregnant patients.

X-rays play an important part in helping us make sure your orthodontic treatment provides you with a lifetime of beautiful and healthy smiles. If you have any concerns, contact our Ambler or Glenside office. When it comes to making sure you’re comfortable with all of our procedures, including any X-rays that might be necessary, we’re happy to give you all the inside information!

We hear this question a lot at Azizi Orthodontics, and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off!

During your initial consultation with Dr. Benjamin Azizi, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment.

Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment.

• Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment!
• Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit.
• When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances.
• Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities.
• Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at Azizi Orthodontics will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Ambler or Glenside office or ask us during your next visit!

While it’s normal to feel self-conscious, there is no reason to avoid photos just because you wear braces. Many people wear braces and you do not need to be embarrassed about them. There are also ways you can enjoy your photos without hiding your smile.

Make it Fun

Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff offer rubber bands for braces in a wide range of colors. Choose your favorite color and wear it with pride. You can mix and match your colors too. For Valentine’s Day, try alternating red and pink bands. For the Fourth of July, use red, white, and blue!

Bands are also available in neon colors and glow-in-the-dark designs. Your imagination is the only thing holding you back. You might want to avoid using dark green bands, though. It makes it look as though you have broccoli stuck in your teeth. Gross!

Make them Disappear

If your braces still really bother you in photos, technology can quickly solve the problem. A photo-editing program, or even a simple paint program, can easily erase your braces. Zoom in on your teeth, pick your natural tooth color with the dropper, and paint your braces away.

If you have a significant amount of metal in your braces, try to avoid close-ups with flash. The flash can reflect off the metal. The important thing to remember is how good your teeth will look and feel once your orthodontic work is complete. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff can also show you options for braces that are not as visible as the traditional style.

If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at Azizi Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town. They include:

• Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners
• Travel toothbrush
• A water bottle or a mini bottle of mouth rinse
• Orthodontic wax to help with discomfort from protruding wires
• A small mirror for examining any possible issues in your mouth

Putting these items together in a “braces/oral hygiene kit” may be wise. You may even buy pre-made braces kits. Please ask us for more information.

If you happen to be on vacation and experience problems reaching our office, we suggest going online and searching for orthodontic practices in your area. Most orthodontists will lend a helping hand to another orthodontic patient and get him or her out of pain or discomfort.

We also suggest avoiding the following foods to prevent broken brackets and/or wire distortion while you are on vacation:

• Chewy, sticky, or gummy food
• Apples, pears, and other whole fruits (cut fruit into wedges before consuming)
• Bagels and hard rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Hard candies
• Hard cookies or pretzels
• All varieties of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews

Finally, if you are wearing clear aligners and happen to lose your tray, don’t worry! Simply put in either the previous tray or the next tray and contact us as soon as you get home!

Follow these tips and you can have a worry-free vacation! Please give us a call if you have any questions!

“The purpose of all war is peace.” - Saint Augustine

Fire truck sirens, baton twirlers, marching bands covering patriotic tunes, colorful floats, costumes, and millions of red, white, and blue American flags being waved in the air on a beautiful day in late May, that is what Memorial Day is all about. It is a federal holiday celebrated with town parades, remembrance, and a sense of unity and community togetherness.

Our team at Azizi Orthodontics wants to take this time to wish you and your family a happy Memorial Day, as well as pause for a moment to reflect on what this holiday means and how it has changed over time. No, this is not a history lesson, but just a couple of thoughts and observances for you to take with you on your way to the next barbecue.

On the last Monday in May, America observes Memorial Day as a time to remember and celebrate the men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country in the Armed Forces. The holiday originated after the Civil War; at that time it was known as Decoration Day. While holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter remain the same from year to year, Memorial Day has changed over time, and in the 21st century we observe a far different holiday than what Americans did after the Civil War, or even the World Wars.

While many people place flags at cemeteries and visit national memorials in order to honor those who have passed away serving the country, Memorial Day is also a time for family barbecues, pool parties, trips to the beach, blockbuster movies, long weekend getaways, and fireworks. In America, Memorial Day has come to represent the unofficial start of the summer – a long, sunny, warm weekend devoted to family togetherness, outdoor events, and community.

It is time to load up the potato salad and the apple pie and head over to the neighbor’s house for their annual barbecue. And yes, contrary to popular belief, we do eat sweets, especially homemade apple pie! Everything in moderation, of course.

So whether you’re in the Ambler or Glenside area or beyond, Happy Memorial Day to you and yours from Dr. Benjamin Azizi!

If you participate in sports or other physical activities, it’s wise to consider getting a mouthguard. Also known as mouth protectors, mouthguards are a device worn over the teeth to lessen the impact of a blow to the face.

This reduces the chance that you might lose teeth or sustain other serious oral injuries. We recommend that all patients involved in a contact sport such as wrestling, football, or hockey wear a mouthguard because of the high risk of such injuries.

However, anyone involved in a physically demanding sport or activity should wear a mouthguard as well.

Can you imagine what it would be like to lose a few of your front teeth? The way you talk, eat, and smile would all change. Potential injuries when you don’t wear a mouthguard include chipped and broken teeth, fractured jaws, root damage, damage to crowns and bridgework, concussions, and/or injury to the lips, cheeks, or gums.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three different types of mouthguards — typically made of a soft plastic material or laminate. You can decide which works best for you in terms of budget, fit, and comfort.

• Stock mouthguards are prefabricated to a standard size. They offer adequate protection, but you need to make sure you find one that fits properly and comfortably. Stock mouthguards are readily available at department stores, sporting goods stores, and online.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards are placed in boiling water to soften them, then into the mouth so they can conform to the shape of the teeth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more expensive, but offer a more customized fit than stock ones. You can find these in department stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and online.
• Custom-made mouthguards are created just for you by Dr. Benjamin Azizi. These offer the best fit and comfort of all the options, but they are also the most expensive. Ask a member of our Ambler or Glenside team for more information.

The American Dental Association says a good mouthguard should be easy to clean, fit properly, be comfortable, and resist tearing or damage. It shouldn’t restrict speech or breathing.

Still not sure if you need a mouthguard or which kind is right for you? Ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi or one of our staff members for more information.

Kids can be picky eaters. How many times have you seen your child try to hide the peas under a mound of mashed potatoes?

At Azizi Orthodontics, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team understand how hard it can be to get your child to eat the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. The task of providing fun, nutritious meals becomes even more challenging if he or she wears braces. It's an age-old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. These five braces-friendly recipes are not only nutritious, but they will have little Jimmy flashing his “tin grin” when he sits down at the kitchen table in the morning.

1. Scrambled eggs are soft and easy to eat if you have braces. If you drown them in ketchup (which many kids love to do), eggs become even mushier. Minimal chewing is required, and that’s the key to a braces-friendly recipe.
2. A healthy breakfast provides energy and jump-starts metabolism. A smoothie is not only a good source of fruit, but it’s also gentle on braces. More importantly, smoothies are fun to create. You can toss anything in the blender (bananas, mangoes, strawberries, spinach) and create a drink that’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
3. If you wear braces, eating crunchy cereals or granola for breakfast is out of the question: Bite down the wrong way and you might snap the wires or dislodge the brackets. However, you can get your grains and oats by substituting oatmeal for cereal. This mushy breakfast treat has a host of health benefits.
4. Pancakes are not the healthiest breakfast choice. Still, this Sunday morning favorite is braces-friendly. The idea is to make it healthier by hiding blueberries in the pancake batter just like your child hides peas in the mashed potatoes.
5. Toast with jam is ok, but skip slathering peanut butter on the bread. If you have braces, the general rule of thumb is to steer clear of foods that are hard or chewy. These types of foods can break wires. Of course, most kids will agree that toast isn’t the most exciting breakfast recipe. Make it a Pop-Tart instead!

For more braces-friendly recipes, please give us a call at our convenient Ambler or Glenside office!

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." - Robert Browning

We would like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child’s visits to Azizi Orthodontics. Whether it’s driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for “being there” while their child is treatment, the moms who come to our office are all stellar individuals, so Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our entire staff would like you to know that we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day and enjoy your special day!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. Benjamin Azizi. Preparing for treatment is an important part of getting the smile you want.

Basic exams

The first step of preparation is the examination. An oral exam and X-rays taken at our office are necessary to identify potential problems and ensure the right steps are taken to prepare for orthodontic treatment at Azizi Orthodontics.

Dr. Benjamin Azizi will first examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if it is necessary to extract any teeth or additional work is necessary before braces are possible. You will be prepared for the next step of treatment after your exam is complete and potential problems are identified.

Model for bite

The next step in preparing for orthodontic is taking a plaster model of the mouth. With the model, Dr. Benjamin Azizi will be able to determine how the jaw is aligned so that appropriate adjustments can be made to the mouth and jaw with braces.

Depending on the situation, the model may be used to help evaluate your jaw and make decisions about appropriate treatment for your specific needs. Dr. Benjamin Azizi can create a model of your mouth with the bite indentation that is taken during preparation.

Extracting teeth

If it is determined that a tooth extraction is necessary, then the final step of preparing for orthodontic treatment is the removal of teeth. Only Dr. Benjamin Azizi can determine if it is necessary to remove any teeth before moving forward with the procedure to put on braces.

When your teeth are crooked, have a gap, or otherwise make you unhappy, orthodontic treatment at Azizi Orthodontics may be an appropriate solution. Although it may take time to prepare for the actual procedure, making the decision to seek treatment can provide the opportunity to show the world a beautiful smile.

For more information about orthodontic treatment and its benefits, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Benjamin Azizi, please give us a call at our convenient Ambler or Glenside office!

During the early days of the environmental awareness movement, those who demonstrated against pollution, toxic chemicals, and the general public health were known as hippies. The early 1970s were a time of change, and assertions that we needed to pay more attention to the Earth's atmosphere were generally dismissed. But within a couple decades, it had become clear that the previous generation was right; the citizens of the world needed to become more environmentally conscious.

Many people feel that they can't make a difference if they don't do something big. But caring for the environment doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing concept. In fact, the little things you do can add up to make a great impact, especially in our community. Here are a few ways you can help the environment on Earth Day, April 22nd and all year around.

Four Small Ways to be Environmentally Friendly

• Recycle Your Textiles. Nearly 21 million tons of textiles are added to American landfills each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Donating your unwanted clothing to a secondhand store or an organization that repurposes fabric helps cut down on solid waste and conserves natural resources.
• Reduce Usage of Disposables. Plastic bottles and bags, disposable diapers and other things we can use and toss out are convenient, but they're not necessary. Simply choosing to replace one of type of disposable with a reusable product can help you cut down on waste that has a large negative impact on our environment.
• Conserve Water. If everyone in the United States turned off the water while brushing their teeth, more than 1.5 million gallons of water could be conserved. Turn the water on long enough to wet your toothbrush for brushing and rinsing, and then immediately turn the water off again.
• Turn Off the Lights. Flip the light switch to "Off" if you're going to leave a particular room for 15 minutes or more. This will conserve energy on incandescent light bulbs and cut down on cooling costs.

It's not necessary to be an activist or install solar panels all over your home to help the environment. Although you can do these things, the little everyday measures make a big difference in helping to conserve energy and the environment, while reducing your carbon footprint. Our team at Azizi Orthodontics wants to remind you to celebrate Earth Day and help the environment, knowing that it will benefit your and your children's generation.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) describe a set of conditions that involve trouble with your jaw and face muscles. They result from a problem in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is a hinge that connects the temporal bones, in your skull in front of each ear, to your jaw. The joint enables you to talk, yawn, and chew by letting your mouth move.

TMD can be very painful and interfere with functions such as eating and speaking. This what to watch for and how to try to prevent TMD.

Risk Factors for TMD

You are at higher risk for TMD if you are a women than if you are male. The disorder is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Other risk factors for TMJ disorders include the following.

• Arthritis in the area, making movement more difficult
• Excessive tooth grinding, because it increases stress on the joint
• General stress, which can lead you to clench your teeth and strain facial muscles

Symptoms of TMD

Symptoms of TMD can last for just a short while, or for several years. Seeing Dr. Benjamin Azizi is important if your symptoms make it impossible for you to eat regularly or if you have unbearable pain or discomfort. The following symptoms can occur on both or one side of your face.

• Aching or very tired facial muscles
• Jaws that are fixed open or shut without you being able to unlock them
• Grating or popping sounds when you chew or close or open your mouth
• Pain in the entire area, including the mouth, jaw, neck, or shoulders, that comes on when you chew or yawn

Preventing TMD

You can try to prevent TMD by focusing on reducing risk factors. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi about wearing a mouthguard. If you are overly stressed, look into ways to better manage your stress and relax your muscles. Another strategy for trying to prevent the development of TMD is to avoid chewing gum, since that puts stress on your jaw.

If you have questions about TMD, don’t hesitate to contact our Ambler or Glenside office.

It's springtime and it's again time to remind our patients at Azizi Orthodontics to protect their faces and pearly whites while out on the field playing sports. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events annually.

If you are planning on participating in spring sports, it’s imperative to have a proper-fitting mouthguard. Mouthguards can prevent chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, jaw fractures, mouth lacerations and even concussions.

Having a mouthguard can make the difference between losing your teeth or not, and because many of our patients who play high school sports have jaws that are still growing, last year’s mouthguard may no longer fit as it should. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics can fit you for a new guard.

To learn more about mouthguards or for general questions about your treatment at our Ambler or Glenside office, please give us a call!

It’s not unusual for a patient to be unaware of the range of services that orthodontists can provide for their patients. Knowing which services Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team perform can help you better understand your options and why we might select a particular method of treatment.

Both orthodontists and dentists care about good oral health, but they approach treatment in differing ways. You know that dentists clean teeth and treat gum disease, tooth decay, toothaches, and other oral health problems.

But what does your orthodontist do besides help straighten teeth with the help of braces? Orthodontists are commonly known to help fix or realign crooked teeth. Many of the patients at Azizi Orthodontics come in for appointments that relate to their braces.

Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team recommend that children be seen around the age of seven to evaluate their potential orthodontic needs. Common problems may include overcrowding of teeth, large gaps or spaces, and overbites or underbites, among other things.

In order to address these common problems, we offer several methods of treatment besides standard braces and retainers:

• Space maintainers can be used to fill the spaces left by missing baby teeth so other teeth don’t shift and occupy the adult tooth’s location.
• Jaw repositioning appliances, sometimes known as splints, are used to reposition the upper and lower jaw bones correctly.
• Lip and cheek bumpers can also be used to avoid having to pull teeth. These bumpers are placed in the mouth so the patient’s lips or cheeks don’t put pressure on specific teeth.
• A more common appliance that orthodontists use is expanders. If your mouth is crowded, expanders will be placed on the curve of the upper and/or lower jaw(s) in order to make room for teeth to be properly aligned.
• As a last resort, an orthodontist may turn to headgear. This is normally provided to slow down the growth of the jaw. It must be worn a number of hours each day.

When you visit our Ambler or Glenside office, we will go over these options with you and pick the best course of treatment, depending on the current state of your oral health.

No matter which oral appliances you end up with, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team will go over all the available options with you to give you a beautiful smile. If you have questions regarding your treatment method, don’t hesitate to call our office and we can provide you with some insight.

Understanding the different options your orthodontist can provide should make matters less confusing if you should need to select a method of treatment.

When we think braces, we can’t help but think of the brackets on each tooth and the colorful ligature bands that surround them. But actually, the whole point of those brackets and bands is to hold the archwire in place as it gradually moves your teeth to create a better bite and a straighter smile. Let’s learn more about this talented part of your braces!

• Wire We Wearing These, Anyway?

Archwires use gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth into alignment. That sounds simple, but there is actually a lot going on. Teeth often need more than realigning. Some teeth need to be turned a bit, some tilted. Your teeth need to be better aligned with those next to them, of course, but also need to fit properly with the teeth above or below them. You might have a malocclusion, or bad bite.

How can one wire handle all that? Well, it can’t. That’s why there are different types of wire. We often use thinner, flexible wires at the beginning of treatment, to put gentle pressure on the teeth as they start their movement. Other wires are firmer, and can be helpful in later phases, when each tooth is carefully moved to its specific, ideal spot. Archwires can be round or rectangular, thicker or thinner, springy or stiff, remember their shape or be bendable—all depending on what they need to do.

Whew! This sounds confusing, but Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team are archwire experts! At every adjustment appointment, we check on the progress of your alignment and choose the exact wire you need to take you to the next stage of your orthodontic journey.

• Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Wire

Now that you have braces, it’s more challenging to make sure that your teeth are clean after eating. We’ll give you advice on how to get rid of the pesky food particles that sometimes get stuck in your braces. First, that’s absolutely not the look you’re going for. But, more than that, bacteria can use these “leftovers” as fuel to create the acids that damage your enamel and cause cavities.

There’s a whole new world of dental products out there waiting to help get your braces clean. Special toothbrush heads work in the spaces between your teeth and the archwire. There are floss threaders that can get dental floss into tight places, and flosses with one stiff end you can guide under the wire so you can direct the floss to where it’s needed. There are even tiny cone-shaped brushes called “interproximal brushes” that can fit under your wires to clean around your brackets and teeth.

Take a care kit to school or work with you so you can keep the tooth surface under your wires and around your brackets free of plaque. After all the hard work you’ve put in with your braces, the last thing you want is cavities once you’ve achieved your beautiful smile!

• Down to the Wire

We said archwires were awesome, but we didn’t say they were perfect! We couldn’t leave without suggestions for handling any wire-related problems that might come up.

One of the most common problems is the irritation caused by the end of a wire that has somehow come loose. You might be able to use a cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If that doesn’t work, orthodontic wax can be used to cover the end of the problem wire and smoothed into place. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to handle these and other minor wire problems at home. 

Other problems should be run past us first. If you feel your wire is coming loose, or if a loose end is causing a lot of pain and irritation, call our Ambler or Glenside office. We’ll give you instructions on how to help, and make an appointment if necessary for a professional fix.

In fact, call us anytime you have questions about your braces. We’re here to help you understand each phase of the orthodontic process as you move step by step on the path to a healthy bite and a beautiful smile. And what’s more awesome than that?

At Azizi Orthodontics, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our staff have found that patients who like their smiles have better self-esteem. People who don’t like their smiles are often skittish about talking to other people. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, when women are asked about what they’d most like to change about themselves, many point to their smile. Despite wanting to change their smiles, quite a few of the people who are unhappy about that part of themselves won’t consider getting braces.

Most Americans Don’t Have Straight Teeth

The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that 4.5 million Americans wear braces or other orthodontic equipment to straighten their teeth and to get a healthier mouth. One in five of those braces wearers are women. The organization’s statistics also show that about 75 percent of the population doesn’t have straight teeth, and those people would benefit from getting braces.

While the main benefit of braces is straight teeth, and to improve the look of your smile, there are other benefits that make braces even more useful, including:

• Straighter teeth help people chew better.

• Straighter teeth give people a proper bite.

• People speak better when they have straighter teeth.

• When people have straight teeth, they have better overall gum and mouth health. A healthier mouth means flossing and brushing are easier, and that means your entire mouth stays healthy.
• A healthy mouth is also linked to a healthy body.

When you feel proud of those pearly whites, you feel better about your smile, and that contributes to a better self-image and improved self-esteem. Ultimately, that can lead to greater career success and a more fulfilling social life.

Orthodontists like Dr. Benjamin Azizi recommend a first orthodontic visit and evaluation for your child around the age of seven. We will evaluate your child’s jaw and facial development and make sure that there is enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth when they arrive. One of the recommendations we might make for early treatment is the use of a palatal expander. If you are unfamiliar with this device, let’s take a closer look at why it’s necessary and what exactly it does.

Why do we recommend the palatal expander?

There are two dental arches, composed of the upper and the lower teeth, in your child’s mouth. This arch-shaped design is meant to accommodate all the permanent teeth. Further, when the upper and lower teeth meet, they should result in a healthy occlusion, or bite.

Sometimes, the upper dental arch is simply too small to accommodate all of your child’s permanent teeth, leading to crowding, extractions, and impacted teeth. Also, a too-narrow arch can result in a crossbite, where some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones. An improper bite can lead to problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, improper wear and stress on teeth, certain speech difficulties, and other potential complications. The palatal expander was designed to prevent these problems from occurring.

What is a palatal expander and how does it work?

The expander itself is a device that increases the size of the upper dental arch. Before your child’s bones are finished growing, the space between the two bones of the upper palate is filled with cartilage. This tissue is flexible when children are young, but gradually fuses solidly into place by the time they are finished growing (usually in the early to mid-teens). If the arch can be widened to accommodate the emerging permanent teeth, or to reduce malocclusions, this improvement can also affect the need for, and length of, future dental work.

There are several types of expanders available at our Ambler or Glenside office. These are custom-made appliances, commonly attached between the upper teeth on each side of the jaw. The two halves of the device are connected with a screw-type mechanism that can be adjusted to widen the upper palate and dental arch with gentle pressure. This is a gradual process, with small adjustments usually made once or twice a day to slowly move the bones further apart. As weeks go by, you will notice a successful change in the spacing of the teeth. Your child might even develop a gap in the front teeth, which is normal and will generally close on its own.

If you would like more detailed information, talk to Dr. Benjamin Azizi about the palate expander. We can tell you what to expect from this treatment if we think it is best for your child’s unique needs, and how to make it as easy as possible for your child. Our goal is to provide your child with the healthiest teeth and bite possible, always making use of treatments that are both gentle and effective.

While mouthwash goes a long way in improving your oral care, it is not a substitute for flossing. Mouthwashes and flossing provide different benefits that you should understand.

Mouthwash Benefits

Mouthwash comes in two categories. Some are considered cosmetic. This type of rinse provides temporary relief from bad breath and has a pleasant taste. These do not actually kill any bacteria.

Therapeutic mouthwashes provide the healthier benefits. These may contain different ingredients including fluoride or antimicrobial agents. This type is used to remove plaque buildup and reduce the potential for calculus formation. Therapeutic rinses can also help prevent cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. In addition, Dr. Benjamin Azizi can prescribe special rinses to assist patients after periodontal surgery or other procedures.

Flossing Benefits

Flossing is what removes the plaque formation before it can harden and become calculus. While a rinse reduces buildup, only flossing will fully remove plaque, especially between teeth. The bristles on a toothbrush do not get between teeth completely. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. When this builds below the gum line, gum disease can start.

Types of Floss

Floss is available in a thin string form or a tape. It can be waxed or unwaxed. If you find flossing difficult, you might want to try a different type of floss. You can buy bulk floss in containers or purchase the disposable type with a plastic handle attached. This style can be easier for many individuals to use. Interdental picks are available for bridgework or other situations where regular floss cannot be used.

If you have questions regarding the best mouthwash or floss, or need tips for easier flossing, please ask our Ambler or Glenside team for advice. We will be glad to give you solutions to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during their child’s toddler years. And many assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Benjamin Azizi for an initial orthodontic consultation.

The ideal age for an orthodontic evaluation is age seven. At that age, your child will have a mixture of adult and baby teeth for Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team at Azizi Orthodontics to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Typically the first molars have come in by the time your child turns seven, giving us an opportunity to check for malocclusion, also known as “bad bite.” Also, by the time your child reaches the age of seven, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected.

When Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team perform an evaluation on your child at an early age, you get one of two positive outcomes. Although treatment usually will not begin until one to five years after the initial evaluation, it’s still helpful in determining whether your child has any problems with the jaw and teeth early when they are still easy to treat. Earlier treatment can also cost less to correct a potential problem than delayed treatment.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene.

If your child is approaching age seven, or has already surpassed his or her seventh birthday, it is time to schedule an appointment for an initial examination at Azizi Orthodontics.

Did you know the actions leading to the beginnings of Valentine's Day were actually centered on the avoidance of war? A Catholic priest named Valentine defied the orders of the Emperor Claudius II and secretly married young men and their brides after the emperor had declared it illegal because only single, young men could be sent to war. Rather than lose potential soldiers to fight his war, Claudius attempted to hoard them by proclaiming marriage illegal.

Valentine continued to marry young couples anyway and, eventually, was put to death for it in 270 AD. Before his death, he sent a letter to a secret love and signed it “From your Valentine”. Nearly 1,800 years later, people are still signing letters and cards in this manner. This year, carry on the tradition started long ago, while adding your own twist. Here are a few suggestions.

Simple and Creative Valentine's Day Ideas

• Memorialize it with a Photo. Couples often have photos taken around Christmas, but Valentine's Day photos allow you to capitalize on romance. Famous couple Julia Child and her husband, Paul, had their picture taken together every Valentine's Day and included their sense of humor with silly props.
• Return to Your First Date Location. Even if your first date together was at a local hotdog stand, its sentimental value can make it a fun part of your Valentine's Day agenda. Be creative and make a treasure hunt with clues that lead your partner to the original date location, where you can express your love with flowers or a gift.
• “From Your Valentine” Messages. Deliver your message in a creative way to make this Valentine's Day stand out from the others. Bake your partner's favorite treat and write a message on it with a tube of icing, or draw a note on the steamed up mirror so it shows up when your partner takes a shower.

Although Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love, it doesn't have to be a special day only for couples. If you're single, use this special day to shower yourself with love, because you're worth it! After all, the priest Valentine believed so strongly in the sanctity of love that he was willing to risk his life for it. Whether you're in a relationship or single, young or old, romantic or not, Valentine's Day is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day from the orthodontic office of Dr. Benjamin Azizi.

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to a diverse range of disorders that relate to muscular function in the jaw and face — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). That could mean difficulty opening your mouth, pain in the jaw or face, or any sort of problem with the jaw joint.

TMD can be difficult to diagnose because of the varied causes. Whatever the case, an accurate diagnosis from Dr. Benjamin Azizi helps make treatment as successful as possible.

Most often, jaw problems will resolve themselves within several weeks or months. Surgeries like arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery should be a last resort. More conservative and reversible treatments should come first and are in fact the most critical step in the treatment of TMD.

Less invasive treatments like acupuncture and splints can be helpful, but that will depend on your particular case. It’s worth your while to speak with Dr. Benjamin Azizi at our Ambler or Glenside office to learn about solutions that could work for you.

A combination of treatments will most often produce the greatest relief for TMJ patients. It’s a good idea to avoid activities that overuse the jaws, such as chewing gum or clenching your jaws.

You can be proactive in finding relief for TMD by trying the following remedies at home:

• Eat soft food: When you eat soft and/or blended food, your jaw gets an opportunity to rest. Avoid chewy and crunchy food, and food that requires you to open your mouth wide, like apples or corn on the cob.
• Apply moist heat: A hot water bottle wrapped in a moist towel can help reduce symptoms.
• Apply ice: Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or towel for no longer than 15 minutes may also reduce pain and promote healing.
• Do jaw exercises: A physical therapist can help identify the exercises that will work for you. Jaw exercises have been shown to be an effective treatment method that can be performed at home.
• Relaxation: Actively try to relax the muscles of the face and lips, and let your teeth come apart. Many find meditation, yoga, and slow, deep breathing to be helpful for reducing stress and tension.
• Avoid wide yawns: Keep your fist under your jaw when you feel a yawn coming on, to keep your jaw from opening too widely.

Today, Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team thought we would offer a few tips for our patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. For those of you wearing braces, it’s important to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene than those not currently in treatment.

After getting your braces, it is important to know how to take care of your teeth in order to ensure that your braces stay intact and do their job so that your teeth are in top-notch condition after you complete your orthodontic treatment.

Braces are known to trap food, which contributes to plaque formation. If it is not carefully removed from the teeth and gums, plaque will develop into decay or gum disease, leading to costly delays during your treatment. It is important to practice good oral hygiene by following instructions from Dr. Benjamin Azizi during your treatment.

We are proud to offer supplies to help fight plaque, such as a proxabrush, dental floss, and floss threaders. The use of an electric toothbrush and or a water pick can also be helpful in combating cavities and decay. And, of course, our team at Azizi Orthodontics suggests brushing at least twice a day.

We hope that helps! If you have any questions, please give us a call at our Ambler or Glenside office or ask us during your next adjustment appointment!

If you’ve never been to an orthodontist before, you might be wary of what to expect during your first visit. Your dentist may have recommended an orthodontic appliance if it could improve the state of your oral health. More often, you may suspect that you or your child should have orthodontic work done if the time is right financially.

Understanding the various options your orthodontist can perform will be helpful to know before your appointment.

Your initial appointment usually lasts at least an hour. It’s common that diagnostic work will need to be done. This might include getting X-rays so Dr. Benjamin Azizi can better understand the overall structure of your mouth. A quick mold of the mouth may also be taken if braces are a possibility.

Your first appointment is intended to find out how we can efficiently give you a great smile! Here’s a list of common questions you might ask during your first visit:

• Is now the right time for treatment, or should it wait?
• What is the estimated length of time for the treatment?
• How much should I expect to pay? What are the payment options?
• What can I do to prevent or minimize pain?
• Is it likely that I will wear extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite, underbite, or other problems?
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid?
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument?
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces?
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments?

Don’t be afraid to ask these and other questions before you or your child commits to getting braces. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team are happy to answer any of them before or after your visit.

Once you’ve had your initial consultation, our team will be here throughout the entire process if any problems arise. We look forward to seeing you at your first appointment in our Ambler or Glenside office!

If you’re wearing braces, then you know they are working hard to straighten your teeth. However, those hard-working braces are also preventing you from easily cleaning your teeth. It is essential that you put some extra attention into preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. When your braces are finally removed by Dr. Benjamin Azizi, you want a beautiful, white smile, not decayed or stained teeth. Here, we’ve listed the five best ways to ensure you have the smile you’ve always dreamed of once your braces are gone.

Use a Special Toothbrush

A regular toothbrush just doesn’t cut it when you are wearing braces. You also need to use an interdental toothbrush so that you can effectively clean behind the braces. This type of brush has bristles that are shaped like a Christmas tree that can remove food residue in the braces and on the teeth. We also recommend using a WaterPik, with its highly pressurized pulsating water, to help get all of those hard-to-reach places.

Brush after Every Meal

Since braces block food from naturally escaping your teeth after eating, it’s important that you take the time to brush and floss after every meal. The less time food has to sit on your teeth, the less likely it is to cause decay. This may seem like an inconvenience, but trust us, when you get your braces off, you will be very glad you brushed after every meal.

Don't Forget the Mouth Rinse

Even after properly brushing and flossing, there are probably some food particles in your braces. A fluoride mouth rinse is the best way to ensure that every bit of food is removed after meals. If you do not have a mouth rinse available, we suggest using water — it’s better than nothing.

Avoid Sweets

Prevention is definitely the best medicine when it comes to avoiding tooth decay. If you can nix decay-causing sugary foods from the outset, we promise you’ll spend less time trying to treat problems in the future.

Get Regular Checkups

Visit your dentist regularly while you are wearing braces. Our office recommends a thorough cleaning every three to six months. Let our Ambler or Glenside office know if you have questions about your oral health while in braces - our entire team at Azizi Orthodontics is here to make sure your teeth are as beautifully straight as they are healthy!

Watching the clock tick down the final seconds until midnight, many of us- Azizi Orthodontics included- feel nostalgic about the passing year and hopeful about the new one to come. New Year’s Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, with over-the-top celebrations taking place in dozens of countries. The Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in Western nations and around the world, was implemented in 1582. Since that time, December 31st has marked the final day of the year, with midnight heralding the beginning of a brand new year. In the United States, New Year’s Day is a public holiday; government offices, schools, public organizations, and many businesses are closed for the day. Ponder the following fun facts as you think about your plans for the holiday:

• Approximately one billion people watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York City. This televised event is one of the most iconic New Year’s celebrations in the world. For many years, watching the ball drop meant tuning in to Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, an iconic television special dear to the hearts of many viewers.
• The idea for the New Year’s Eve ball came about because of a citywide ban on fireworks. Before 1907, when fireworks became illegal in New York City, celebrations included an elaborate fireworks show. The large, glittering, illuminated ball was developed as an alternative. Although the first ball was heavy at 700 pounds, the modern New Year’s Eve ball is made of Waterford crystal and tips the scale at six tons!
• The top five New Year’s resolutions are: to lose weight, quit smoking, get a new job, return to school, or increase personal savings. However, approximately 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail. But don’t let that discourage you! Resolutions are most likely to succeed when they are clear, achievable goals. Setting out a concrete plan to achieve your resolution also boosts your chances of success.
• Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is said to bring good fortune in the new year. Collard greens, cabbage, and ham hocks are also considered lucky foods to enjoy. Just steer clear of the chicken or turkey dinners; eating poultry is a bad omen for the year to come.

Whether you plan to stay in Ambler or Glenside, or head out into the crowds to watch the ball drop in Times Square, New Year’s Eve is a time to enjoy friends and family. Send your loved ones well wishes for the New Year, and look for that special someone to share a midnight kiss with for good luck!

The electronic toothbrush has undergone several technological advances since the 1960s. Everything from design and bristle motions to rotation, oscillation, and sonic vibration has led to dramatic changes in this necessary tool over time.

Rotation oscillation happens when the head of the toothbrush rotates from one direction to the other. The benefit of powered toothbrushes is that they can produce 50,000 strokes per minute, compared to 300 strokes with a manual toothbrush.

When you’re thinking about brush head size, smaller brush heads are best for hard-to-reach areas and small mouths. Brush heads should be replaced every three to six months as needed. A good way to save money is to designate a brush head for each family member which can be taken on and off a shared base motor.

Having a base motor or rechargeable toothbrush can deliver enough power on a full charge for a week of brushing, which makes it convenient for travel or when life gets busy. Some toothbrushes include audible signals that let you know when to switch the area of your mouth you’re brushing or when a full two minutes has gone by.

Do you have sensitive teeth? Studies have indicated that people tend to apply more pressure on their teeth when they use a manual toothbrush. This makes an electric toothbrush a preferable option if you’re having issues with sensitive teeth or gums.

There are even electric models with pressure sensors that will stop the brush from spinning when you press too hard against your teeth!

Everyone can benefit from having an electric toothbrush. A large handle size can be taken into consideration if a member of the household is young, or has a physical disability or arthritis. They’re even recommended for children in order to maintain good oral hygiene from a young age.

Biofilm is a term used for plaque or debris that builds up in your mouth. If not properly addressed, this can cause serious bacterial infections to your gums and teeth. If you want to remove biofilm in the most efficient way, an automatic toothbrush is the way to go.

When you're ready to make your decision, make sure to consult with Dr. Benjamin Azizi at our Ambler or Glenside office to decide which electric toothbrush is right for you!

Although major orthodontic emergencies are relatively rare, when they do happen it is important to seek immediate attention. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue is something you can usually take care of yourself, or wait until your next scheduled appointment for care. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and a minor issue.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Acute, Direct Injury to the Mouth, Jaw, or Teeth

Whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, if you injure your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine the extent of your injury. If the injury affects the orthodontic appliances, they will need adjustment or possibly replacement, depending upon the extent of the injury.

Infected Teeth

It is possible for teeth to become infected following orthodontic treatment. This may or may not be related to your orthodontic appliances. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care as soon as possible.

Minor Orthodontic Issues

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, minor issues are much more common. Here are some examples of minor orthodontic issues that can be remedied on your own and/or fixed at your next office visit:

• Poking wire
• Loose bracket
• Loose elastic band
• Loose wire
• Loose appliance
• Headgear does not fit
• Lost or broken elastic band
• General soreness

Any of the above issues can happen as a result of normal usage, shifting, and wear of your braces. Eating unusually hard or sticky foods can cause or exacerbate these problems. Vigorous brushing of the teeth can also be a factor. None of these issues are emergencies unless they are accompanied by acute or prolonged pain or discomfort.

As for on-the-spot remedies, covering a loose bracket or wire with wax can be a quick fix to alleviate discomfort until your next orthodontist visit. Poking or protruding wires can be moved with a cotton swab or tweezers, or clipped down with nail clippers. Be sure to sterilize the tweezers or clippers in alcohol first. Cover any clipped wire ends with a small ball of wax.

Some soreness or small abrasions in the mouth are normal, especially with recent orthodontic work. Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution comprised of eight ounces or warm water and one teaspoon of salt.

When in doubt, be sure to contact our Ambler or Glenside office with any questions, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Benjamin Azizi at Azizi Orthodontics.

However you may feel about having to wear braces, choosing the color of your rubber bands is sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you want to express your creativity, coordinate your braces with your outfits, or show some serious school spirit, decorating your mouth with colorful bands takes some of the stress and self-consciousness out of wearing braces. So what do your rubber band colors say about you? Look no further than our rubber band horoscope.

Red. You’re intense and forward thinking, and that you won’t back down no matter how big the challenge. Red is also the color of the heart, so red rubber bands indicate that you’re a caring, loving person.

Blue. Blue means you’re chill – as cool as a cucumber. You’re one cool customer, as the saying goes. You’re relaxed and calm, even when your mom says you can’t chew any gum or eat popcorn because of your braces.

Green. Look at a traffic light and green means go, right? So you’re the type of person who’s always on the move. Go, go, go! It also means you’re generous and kind. Green is the color of nature and spring, so it says you love Mother Earth. Perhaps you even recycle. Green is the color of good luck.

Orange. You’re daring and wild, flamboyant and fun. Orange may indicate you’re an artist or a drama student. It says you have a big personality and that you don’t care what other people think about you. However, orange is also the color of balance and energy. And being flamboyant and fun takes a lot of energy!

Purple. You’re the creative type, for sure. You beat to a different drummer and think outside the box. It says you're mysterious. Purple is the color of royalty, and when you wear your purple rubber bands you are royally cool.

Color Combinations

What if you can’t choose just one color? Well, you can decorate your teeth with alternating colors. You can choose the colors of your favorite sports team or holiday colors like red and green. If you’re still stumped as to what colors to choose, ask Dr. Benjamin Azizi or a member of our team. We can let you in on all the trends our other patents are sporting at our Ambler or Glenside office!

If this is your first winter with braces, you might be wondering how to make the best of the holiday season. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team have some suggestions for happy and healthy holiday smiles.

Treat Yourself

Winter means tasty holiday treats, and just because you wear braces doesn’t mean you need to step away from the holiday table! You can enjoy your favorites if you remember to check your list for the usual problem foods. Hard, crunchy, chewy, and sticky items? Naughty list.

• Crunchy vegetables on the appetizer plate
• Nuts
• Hard rolls
• Candy canes and other hard sugar treats
• Caramels, Toffee and other sticky candies
• Pecan pie
• Fruit cake

Luckily, there are plenty of nice alternatives.

• Turkey and ham—remember, small pieces are best
• Dressing and stuffing
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft breads and rolls
• Pumpkin pie—but skip a tough crust!
• Cheesecake
• Soft cookies and cakes
• Soft chocolates

We’re happy to provide recommendations for braces-friendly holiday foods. And we don’t expect you to turn down every sweet treat this season.  Just be sure that if you enjoy something sugary, brush carefully after indulging.

Express Yourself

While you’re decking the halls, or pinning up the New Year’s balloons and streamers, or even choosing a great holiday outfit, don't forget that your ligatures can be decorative as well as functional.

• Celebrating Christmas? Red and green bands around your brackets are jolly and traditional.
• How about Hanukkah? Try blue and white!
• Love the season? Icy silvers and pale blues are a frosty statement—and can have the benefit of making your teeth look whiter, as well. Snowy white? The arctic idea is great, but white bands can sometimes make teeth look more yellow, or become stained themselves.
• Glam New Year? Gold adds sparkle to your smile, but can bring out any yellow tones in your teeth. Silver might be the perfect choice, because it is generally neutral with enamel shades.

Check out our ligature colors for the best possible choices for your teeth and coloring. Take advantage of these options to create a fresh, confident look for the season. Give others the gift of your smile!

Look After Yourself

Winter comes with some special reminders about your dental health.

• Winter sports are a great way to celebrate the snow and ice, but be sure to protect your teeth and braces. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey, or any other winter activities, talk to us about why a mouth guard is so important.
• While you enjoy your winter break, don’t forget to keep up with your dental routine. And because ‘tis the season for holiday treats, be especially careful to clean your teeth and braces after sweet desserts and snacks. Don’t forget to floss!
• What do cold breezes and hot chocolate have in common? They can both trigger tooth sensitivity! While some sensitivity is normal after an adjustment, if you find you are experiencing tooth sensitivity more often or more strongly than you usually do, give us a call. It might be something as simple as brushing habits, or you might need to see your dentist.

If you have any questions about your braces, in this season or any other, just ask when you visit our Ambler or Glenside office. Your beautiful, healthy, and confident smile can make this the most wonderful time of the year!

At Azizi Orthodontics we love learning trivia and interesting facts about Thanksgiving! This year, Dr. Benjamin Azizi wanted to share some trivia that might help you feel a bit smarter at the holiday dinner table and help create some great conversation with friends and family.

The Turkey

There is no historical evidence that turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving dinner. It was a three-day party shared by the Wamponoag Indians and the pilgrims in 1621. Historians say they likely ate venison and seafood.

According to National Geographic, the dinner at the Plymouth colony was in October and included about 50 English colonists and 90 American Indian men. The first Thanksgiving dinner could have included corn, geese, and pumpkin.

Today, turkey is the meat of choice. According to the National Turkey Association, about 690 million pounds of turkey are consumed during Thanksgiving, or about 46 million turkeys.

The Side Dishes

The green bean casserole became popular about 50 years ago. Created by the Campbell Soup Company, it remains a popular side dish. According to Campbell’s, it was developed when the company was creating an annual holiday cookbook. The company now sells about $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup each year, which is a major part of the recipe.

While there were likely plenty of cranberries for the pilgrims and Indians to enjoy, sugar was a luxury. What we know today as cranberry sauce was not around in those early Thanksgiving days. About 750 million pounds of cranberries are produced each year in the US, with about 30 percent consumed on Thanksgiving.

The Parade

Since Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday until Lincoln declared it in 1863, the annual parades were not yearly events until much later. The biggest parade that continues to draw crowds is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Beginning in 1924 with about 400 employees, they marched from Convent Avenue to 145th Street in New York City. Famous for the huge hot-air balloons today, it was actually live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo that were the stars of the show then.

However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving holiday, we wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday with those you love.

Many people undergo orthodontic treatment during childhood, adolescence, and even into adulthood. Wearing orthodontic appliances like braces is sure to produce a beautiful smile. Though orthodontic treatments at Azizi Orthodontics are designed to accommodate your lifestyle, chances are you will need to make some dietary modifications to prevent damage to your braces and prolong orthodontic treatment.

The First Few Days with Braces

The first few days wearing braces may be the most restrictive. During this time, the adhesive is still curing, which means you will need to consume only soft foods. This probably will not be a problem, however, as your teeth may be tender or sensitive while adjusting to the appliances.

Orthodontic Dietary Restrictions

You can eat most foods normally the way you did without braces. However, some foods can damage orthodontic appliances or cause them to come loose. Examples of foods you will need to avoid include:

• Chewy foods like taffy, chewing gum, beef jerky, and bagels
• Hard foods like peanuts, ice chips, and hard candy
• Crunchy foods like chips, apples, and carrots

How to Continue to Eat the Foods You Love Most

Keep in mind that you may still be able to enjoy some of the foods you love by making certain modifications to the way you eat them. For example, steaming or roasting carrots makes them softer and easier to consume with braces. Similarly, you can remove corn from the cob, or cut up produce like apples and pears to avoid biting into them. Other tips include grinding nuts into your yogurt or dipping hard cookies into milk to soften them. If you must eat hard candies, simply suck on them instead of biting into them.

If you have any question whether a food is safe to eat during your treatment with Azizi Orthodontics, we encourage you to err on the side of caution. Of course, you can always contact our Ambler or Glenside office with any questions you have about your diet and the foods that should be avoided during treatment. By following our dietary instructions and protecting your orthodontic appliances from damage, you will be back to chewing gum in no time.

Your trusty manual toothbrush has been with you from pre-school through high school—well, obviously not the same manual toothbrush, because that would be seriously unhygienic—but it’s the kind of toothbrush you’re used to and comfortable with.

Now, though, you’re off to college, and your lifestyle will be changing. Late night study sessions complete with study session snacks. Getting caught up in a project and making dinner from dorm vending machines. Grabbing fast food on the way to the practice field, or work-study job, or evening class. You get the point—meals can be hectic, unscheduled, and less than tooth friendly.

And if you’re wearing braces or aligners, you know you need to keep on top of brushing more than ever. It’s challenging to brush away cavity-causing plaque when it sticks around brackets and wires. And with aligners, teeth don’t benefit as much from the constant cleansing action of saliva, so it’s really important to brush away plaque and food particles before you replace the aligners after eating.

Maybe it’s time to consider an electric toothbrush. After all, anything that can make your life easier and more efficient during busy college days deserves a spot in your dorm room.

• Electric Brushes Are Effective

The most important reason to switch to an electric toothbrush is its effectiveness. Several studies have shown that regular use of an electric toothbrush leads to a marked reduction in plaque, that bacteria-filled film which sticks to the teeth and leads to cavities and gingivitis. And it’s really no surprise that an electric brush can out-perform a manual brush.

Electric toothbrushes offer several design options, from oscillating/rotating brushes to oscillating/rotating/pulsating models to brushes using sonic vibration technology. What these technologies all have in common is the ability to remove plaque far more efficiently than we can on our own, because electric brushes provide the equivalent of thousands and even tens of thousands of brushstrokes per minute, compared to the hundreds we can achieve by hand.

There might be a bit of a learning curve to discover how to use your brush around wires and brackets. Ask us for the best method of using an electric brush with your braces, and check out brush heads specifically designed for orthodontic work.

If you use buttons with aligners, electric toothbrushes should be safe to gently clean around the buttons to remove built-up plaque. It’s usually best to stick with a manual brush for cleaning your aligners themselves—we’re happy to give you your best cleaning options, no matter which brush you choose.

You know by now what your brushing habits are like. If you tend to be a bit cavalier with your brushing and flossing, make sure you set yourself up for success. Because you have better things to do during semester breaks and summer vacations than visiting Dr. Benjamin Azizi!

• Electric Brushes Can Make Life Easier

Several of today’s electric brushes come with options designed to do more than simply remove plaque. They can let you know if you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes and remind you when it’s time to replace the brush head. They can even alert you if you’re brushing too hard, which is especially important when you’re wearing braces.

Want more from your electric brush? Some models offer apps that can map out just where you’ve brushed, in case there are a few spots that often get overlooked. Or provide different brushing modes for daily cleaning, deep cleaning, whitening, and more. Or come with a travel case that can recharge while you’re busy exploring the world—or going home for a visit.

In the end, it’s up to you. Do some independent study and research the toothbrushes that will give you the best results for your individual brushing habits. You might not need or want a brush with all the technological bells and whistles.

If you’re comfortable with your manual brush and you get good grades when you visit our Ambler or Glenside office, stick with it. But if you think you might benefit from the ease and efficiency of an electric toothbrush, if an electric toothbrush makes your teeth and gums healthier and your smile brighter, that’s extra credit worth pursuing.

When you start wearing braces, it can become a challenge to clean certain areas of your mouth. If these areas are neglected for long periods of time, though, decay and stains can form on your teeth.

Your mouth will require extra attention while you have your braces on. This can include using a special toothbrush to reach those spots, flossing every day, getting fluoride treatments, avoiding certain foods, and making sure to visit your dentist. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to prevent decay during treatment.

When you get your braces on, Dr. Benjamin Azizi will give you an interdental toothbrush that can be used to get to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. The brush has bristles that can easily remove food residue stuck between the wires in your mouth. We may also suggest using a WaterPik, which pulses a pressurized stream of water to remove excess food particles.

Brushing and flossing every day should always be a part of your oral health regimen, but this becomes especially crucial when you have braces. If food gets stuck between braces and sits on your teeth, decay and staining will start to occur. Dr. Benjamin Azizi and our team recommend flossing at least once a day, and brushing and using mouthwash after every meal as long as you have braces.

If you don’t have the time, make sure at least to swish your mouth really well with water after you eat. It’s especially important to follow these steps after consuming sugary foods or beverages. It’s best to avoid sweets altogether when you have braces.

Making sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning can also help to prevent any decay from damaging your teeth while your teeth are encased in braces. Your dentist will remove any plaque or tartar that’s built up since your last cleaning.

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy during orthodontic care with braces. Follow these tips and you’ll keep your teeth beautiful and healthy for the day your new smile is finally revealed!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctors and staff - we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!