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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.