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…
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!
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:
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.
Brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. You can use toothpaste or just water.
Soak the retainers in warm water with a retainer cleaning tablet or denture cleaner or even hydrogen peroxide once a week during dinner time.
After soaking and brushing your retainers be sure to rinse with water to remove all solutions.
Keep the retainers in the clean Azizi orthodontic retainer case provided from the office.
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.
