Easter is the perfect time for a new family photo, when everyone is together in their nicest new clothes, happy and celebrating in the fresh spring weather. But if you’re nervous about showing off those (maybe less than) pearly whites for your pictures, we’ve got some tips for all ages and stages of the orthodontic journey to help you achieve the healthiest, most confident smile you’ve got. This year, make sure that photo is the pride of your mantelpiece with this advice for the whole family.
The Kids
Youngsters are still learning all about brushing their teeth, and all parents know this can sometimes be difficult. But daily dental care doesn’t have to be a battle; there are plenty of creative ways to get them excited. When it’s time for a new toothbrush and toothpaste, take them and let them pick out their favorite colors and characters. You can even turn the two minutes of brushing into a game of fighting cavity monsters or a dance party along to a fun song. There are plenty of fun oral care products and games you can play to encourage healthy habits early on. Get creative!
The Teens
Though not everyone with braces is an adolescent, oftentimes the members of our family least willing to smile big for the camera are our young adults in the midst of a smile transformation. Having braces doesn’t mean smiling with your mouth closed, though, and there are plenty of ways to ensure your teeth are picture-perfect with them on. One of the quickest and most beneficial ways is to upgrade your flossing procedures; using superfloss (a three-part flosser that helps get between wires) or flexible interdental brushes can help you get to tricky places where regular flossing might be letting you down.
The Parents
If the years have made you unsure about the whiteness of your smile, you may be thinking about at-home whitening kits for that perfect photo. Did you know, though, that there are in-office whitening procedures that are much more effective? You can pay again and again over time for over the counter products that only remove surface stains, or you could look into safe, effective procedures guided by dental professionals as a long-lasting investment.
The Whole Family!
Whether you’re a grandparent or a college student, there is no age requirement for appliances such as dentures, retainers, and aligners. Each of these devices needs special care, so it’s a great idea to do a little continuing education on the basics. Preserve removable appliances with daily brushing, choose special flosses for permanent retainers, and most importantly, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the best practices for you. Of course, everyone can benefit from a little more specialized attention to our care habits!
At Birmingham Orthodontics, our mission is simple: we create smiles. Not only do we straighten the crooked grin, fix the bite, and adjust the jaw, we also brighten yearbooks, help young people come to like their looks, and give adults the confidence they have wanted for a long, long time. We also believe in our staff. Our culture of continuous learning has allowed us to host monthly training sessions for each team and bring in leading industry consultants to help keep us ahead of the curve. Contact us for a free consultation, or any questions you might have.
