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The Greatest Generation
Born: ~1901–1927
Came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.

The Silent Generation
Born: ~1928–1945
Childhood during WWII and the post-war boom; often described as disciplined and traditional.

Baby Boomers
Born: ~1946–1964
Grew up during economic prosperity, civil rights movements, and the rise of rock 'n' roll.

Generation X (Gen X)
Born: ~1965–1980
Known as the "Latchkey Generation," shaped by MTV, the rise of personal tech, and cultural shifts.

Millennials (Gen Y)
Born: ~1981–1996
Came of age with the internet, smartphones, social media, and the 2008 recession.

Generation Z (Gen Z)
Born: ~1997–2012
Digital natives, grew up with social media, streaming, and global events like COVID-19.

Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha)
Born: ~2013–2025
The first generation to grow up entirely in the 21st century, surrounded by AI, smart tech, and virtual learning.

Generation Beta (expected)
Born: ~2025–2039 (projected)
Will be the children of Millennials and Gen Z, likely growing up in a world dominated by AI, automation, and climate challenges.

Dr. Azizi has the knowledge and experience for all generations!

Call our office for your complimentary consultation today.

Glenside: 215-576-5829 Ambler: 215-646-9514

Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids and teens—and having braces shouldn't get in the way of the fun! Here are Dr.Azizi's top tips for parents sending a child with braces to camp.

1. Pack a Braces Care Kit
Essentials include:
A travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Floss or orthodontic flossers
Wax for braces (to soothe irritation)
A mirror (to check for food or issues)
Orthodontic elastics (if prescribed)
A retainer case (if wearing one)

2. Stick to Braces-Safe Snacks
Many camps offer sticky, crunchy, or chewy treats that can damage brackets or wires. Talk to your child.
Encourage soft options like fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, or sandwiches.

3. Teach Them How to Handle Minor Emergencies
If a bracket breaks or a wire pokes, your child should know:
Use wax to cover anything sharp
Ask a counselor for help contacting you
Know it's okay to call Dr. A—he is happy to guide you remotely

4. Keep Us in the Loop
If your child will be at camp during a scheduled appointment, let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust their treatment plan or reschedule. We want to keep everything on track!

Final Tip: Don't forget to snap a photo before they head off—camp memories are even better with braces-covered smiles!

Brushing is especially important when you have braces or aligners because these appliances create more places for food and plaque to hide, increasing the risk of dental problems. Here's why brushing matters even more during orthodontic treatment:

1. Prevents Cavities
Braces and aligners trap food and bacteria more easily. If not brushed away, this can lead to plaque buildup and eventually cause cavities—especially around brackets or under aligner trays.
2.Protects Gums from Inflammation
Plaque buildup irritates the gums, leading to swelling, bleeding, or even gingivitis. Brushing well helps keep your gums healthy, which is essential during orthodontic treatment.
3.Avoids Permanent Stains
If you don't brush properly around braces, you can develop white spots (decalcification) on your teeth. These are permanent marks that become visible once the braces are removed.

Quick Tips:

Brush after every meal and before putting aligners back in.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Angle your brush to clean around brackets and under wires.
Don't forget to floss daily, even if it's harder with braces.

Orthodontic treatment can cause some discomfort, but it's generally not considered painful in a severe sense. Dr. Azizi will give you breakdown of what you can expect:

1. When Braces or Aligners Are First Placed
• Braces: You might feel soreness or pressure in your teeth and jaw for a few days as your mouth adjusts.
• Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Mild tightness or pressure is common, especially when switching to a new set of trays.
Pain level: Mild to moderate dull ache or tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually help.
2. After Adjustments
• With braces, tightening the wires or changing bands can lead to a few days of soreness.
• Aligners may cause mild discomfort each time you switch to a new tray.
Pain level: Typically less than the initial fitting. Often described as pressure or sensitivity, not sharp pain.
3. Irritation of Mouth Tissues
Brackets, wires, or trays may irritate your lips, cheeks, or tongue at first.
Solution: Orthodontic wax, saltwater rinses, or topical gels can reduce irritation.
4. Tooth Movement
The actual tooth movement isn't painful, but the pressure exerted can make the teeth feel tender.
5. Post-Treatment (Retainers)
Some minor soreness can occur when first wearing a retainer, especially if you haven't worn it for a while.
Most patients adapt quickly, and any discomfort is usually manageable. Dr Azizi will give you tips on how to reduce discomfort during treatment!

Call Dr. Azizi today for your complimentary consultation!

Glenside 215-576-6414 Ambler 215-646-9514