In conjunction with this observance, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and individual AAO members will provide updates and reminders for adults considering treatment.

Following graduation from dental school, orthodontics residents spend two to three years in residency training to become specialists in orthodontics. Their training makes them experts in straightening teeth, aligning bites and creating beautiful, healthy smiles.

Questions that adults considering treatment often ask include:

Wouldn’t it be simple to straighten a few of my front teeth?

Teeth are moved when any orthodontic appliance (like a clear aligner, or braces) puts pressure on the teeth. The pressure causes necrosis (death) of the supporting structure around the tooth, allowing the tooth to move within its alveolus (bone socket); and bone then reforms around the tooth. Moving “just the front teeth” can significantly affect oral function and health.

Do I have to do in-office visits to have successful orthodontic treatment?

In-person examinations and monitoring are crucial to ensure safe and effective orthodontic treatment. Some of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment for ensuring the treatment is safe and effective can only be done in person. For example, X-rays are the only way to see underneath the gums (digital scans and photographs can’t see under the surface of the gums). Without taking an X-ray, it is impossible to see anything the naked eye cannot see, such as the health of the tooth roots (moving teeth with unhealthy roots can cause loosening or loss of teeth) or an unerupted (impacted) tooth.

In addition, the only way to effectively evaluate gum health is in-person, such as through periodontal probing (checking the depth of the root pocket with a dental probe). Straightening teeth when the patient has poor periodontal (gum) health can lead to recession (exposure of the tooth roots), root shortening, or tooth loss.

Will an orthodontist offer treatment with my preferred method, such as clear aligners?

Many orthodontists provide clear aligner treatment after determining that treatment with aligners is suitable for the patient—which is often the case. Forming an accurate diagnosis is the starting point, and orthodontists are especially well-trained at this. After the orthodontist pinpoints the problem, he or she crafts a customized treatment plan for the patient.

If there is any reason why clear aligners are not the optimal choice or a viable choice to correct orthodontic problems for a patient who prefers aligners, the orthodontist may present treatment plans involving braces. Options that many adult patients like and that are available from many orthodontists include clear braces and lingual braces (braces that are fixed behind the teeth).

Learn more at the AAO blog, “Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners.”

About the American Association of Orthodontists:

The American Association of Orthodontists represents more than 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide, improving the overall oral healthcare of the public, advocating for the health and safety of the public, educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information and to find an AAO member orthodontist, visit aaoinfo.org.

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ST. LOUIS, December 14, 2023 – The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is offering guidance to patients impacted by the recent closure of SmileDirectClub and patients being approached by other “mail-order” teeth straightening companies. Given SmileDirectClub’s abrupt shut down, patients have been left with questions and concerns about their ongoing orthodontic treatment.

“The best thing SmileDirectClub patients can do at this point is to book an in-person exam with a licensed orthodontist in their area,” said Myron Guymon, DDS, MS, President of the AAO. “Most SmileDirectClub patients have not had an x-ray or in-person exam, which are critical to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and safe and effective treatment plan.” 

Patients of SmileDirectClub and others concerned about mail order orthodontics should take the following steps:

1. Make an appointment with a local licensed orthodontist. For a searchable list of experienced orthodontists in every state, US territory and Canadian province visit https://aaoinfo.org/locator.
2. At the appointment, share all concerns and past treatments. Feel confident knowing that an orthodontist has specialized education and experience and has helped patients in similar situations. 
3. If finances are a concern, when booking the appointment, ask about complimentary consultations offered by many AAO orthodontists.
4. Beware of other mail order orthodontic companies feeding on SmileDirectClub’s failure. AAO emphasizes the importance of an in-person examination and x-rays before starting any orthodontics with a provider to avoid irreparable harm.
5. For patients with complaints, including those who may be unable to contact the dentist that was supervising their SmileDirectClub treatment, AAO recommends reaching out to state dental boards that have individual complaint processes for dental treatments. For a list of state dental boards, visit: https://www2.aaoinfo.org/advocacy/laws-regulations/info-for-dental-boards/.

At the AAO, the health and safety of patients are a top priority. AAO members, who are all highly trained orthodontic specialists, are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care to protect a patient’s health and safety throughout their orthodontic treatment.

“We are committed to helping SmileDirectClub patients navigate through this challenging situation,” said Dr. Guymon. “Our members are available to provide the care and support patients need to achieve a healthy and confident smile.”

About the American Association of Orthodontists 

The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.  

MEDIA CONTACT:  

For more information, contact Sally Boone at sally.boone@omalleyhansen.com, 314.314.910.1560 or Melissa Palmer at mpalmer@aaortho.org, 314-292-6568.

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ST. LOUIS, May 2, 2023 – The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural AAO New Products Showcase Awards. Of 17 entries, DM Insights from Dental Monitoring was named Best in Show, Spark Aligner’s Integrated Hooks from ORMCO placed second, and the Slate Electric Flosser from Slate Dental placed third. 

The New Products Showcase Award competition took place at AAO’s Annual Session in Chicago from April 22 – 24, 2023, and was open to all exhibitors. Orthodontist attendees at Annual Session selected the winners by voting onsite for their favorite new product entry. The New Products Showcase Award competition was created to offer exposure to new products or services launched since May 2022 and is part of an ongoing effort to support innovation among industry suppliers.  

All orthodontists at the 2023 Annual Session were eligible to vote in the competition, and many were eager to cast votes for their top picks from the 17 New Products Showcase Award entries. The AAO Committee on Technology chair, Dr. Neal Kravitz, announced the winners on April 24 in the Innovation Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall.  

“The AAO Committee on Technology is thrilled with the positive feedback received about the first-ever New Products Showcase Award competition from exhibitors and attendees alike,” said Dr. Kravitz. “It’s exciting to see so much innovation in the specialty. Congratulations to this year’s winners.” 
 
Best in Show – DM Insights from DentalMonitoring  

DM Insights delivers practice data and analytics to clinicians allowing them to refine workflows, compare appliance performance, benchmark practice performance, and create operational efficiency. 

2^nd Place – Spark Aligner’s Integrated Hooks from ORMCO  

An innovative alternative to current hook or button cutouts when elastics are needed. Durable throughout entire treatment, even with the use of extra heavy-weight elastics. 

3^rd Place – The Slate Electric Flosser from Slate Dental 
Flossing with braces has never been this simple. The Slate Flosser’s slim flosser arm slides easily under the braces wire and between the brackets. 

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The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.  

MEDIA CONTACT:  

For more information, contact Melissa Palmer at mpalmer@aaortho.org or 314-292-6568. 

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ST. LOUIS, October 3, 2022 — October is National Orthodontic Health Month. The observance is in part a celebration of healthy, beautiful smiles and the benefits of orthodontic treatment – but also, an opportunity to focus on the importance of good oral health, especially for orthodontic patients and those who are interested in treatment.

In conjunction with this observance, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and individual AAO members will provide updates and reminders for parents of young orthodontic patients and those who may need treatment. For parents, key points to consider include:

Determine whether your young child may need orthodontic treatment in the future: The AAO recommends that all children receive an orthodontic check-up by age 7.

Many orthodontists will provide an evaluation of your child’s teeth and bite at no cost, with no dental referral required. Why have a child at this age examined by an orthodontist? Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. If an orthodontist identifies a developing problem, he or she may recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time.

In other cases, a child may be a good candidate for early intervention such as palatal expansion, which can make the upper jaw wider and help reduce crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Palatal expansion is ideally completed while a child is still growing. In younger patients, it may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth.

Learn more at the AAO blog post, “Orthodontic Treatment May Help You Avoid Costly Treatments.”

If orthodontic treatment is likely in your child’s future, consult with your orthodontist on payment planning.

A recent survey of AAO member orthodontists showed the vast majority of them allow patients to pay for treatment through interest-free monthly payments. Results showed 97% of AAO member respondents offer payment plans, with 90% of those offering plans not including financing fees or charging interest.

In advance of treatment, orthodontic offices can typically help with reviewing family dental insurance coverage and identifying how much of the treatment fee will be covered by insurance, and how much parents would need to pay out-of-pocket.

A recommended option: Check with your employer about whether Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are available through your job. Offered by many employers, these tax-deferred accounts can be used to accumulate annual savings that may be used to pay for orthodontic treatment and will help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may also be helpful.

Learn more at the AAO blog post, Plan Now, Save Throughout the Year.

Is your child currently in orthodontic treatment? At Halloween, be aware that some treats can “bite back” when someone is wearing braces.

Those wearing braces should avoid sticky, chewy and hard treats such a caramels, taffy, jellybeans, bubblegum, hard candy, licorice and nuts. Orthodontic patients can enjoy chocolate without caramel or nuts, peanut butter cups, marshmallows and soft cookies – with the caveat that brushing and flossing should occur soon after consuming these treats.

Being careful about candy choices at Halloween – and throughout the year – can help patient families avoid unexpected trips to the orthodontist’s office to repair loosened or broken wires or displaced brackets.

Learn more at the AAO blog post, “Celebrate Halloween with the Right Kind of Candy.”

The post A Month of Smiles: Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

The record-breaking event had the highest number of doctors registered in AAO history. With a total of 11,222 registrants and 93 countries represented, the event lived up to the title of the largest annual celebration of orthodontics in the world.

“AAO members made this a resounding success by embracing this event, lending their talents as speakers and moderators and participating in record numbers,” said Dr. Gary Inman, AAO president.

Attendees heard keynotes from Dr. Neal Kravitz, Dr. Kyle Fagala and Dr. Anil Idiculla, as well as 12 clinical, 15 practice management and 15 exhibitor lectures from world-renowned orthodontists and industry leaders.

Lecture highlights included 5 Important Considerations to Achieve Predictable Outcomes with Clear Aligner Therapy by Dr. Mazyar Moshiri; Is Virtual Our New Reality? Virtual Orthodontic Visits Before, During and After a Global Pandemic by Dr. Daniel Bills; and The Clinical Side of Two-Phase Treatments by Dr. Silvia Allegrini.

“Our goal was to bring the orthodontic community together with keynotes, happy hours and an awards ceremony, all while providing our members with an opportunity to get CE and connect with suppliers at no cost during this challenging time,” Dr. Inman said. “What ended up happening was far more than we could have ever expected. We overwhelmingly saw the orthodontic community unite over an incredible weekend of learning.”

Attendees qualified for access to 12 CE credits – all from the comfort of their own homes – and those who stuck around for AAOF sponsored programming accessed an additional 3 lectures and CE credits.

The event was free to AAO members and open to non-members for purchase. Attendees viewed the event alongside family and pets. Relive the event via Instagram.

The AAO is set to meet in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 23-27 for AAO 2021. More details and registration will be available in the fall.

The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to, among other goals: (a) ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; (b) improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, the importance of overall oral healthcare, and advocating for the public interest; and (c) educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the educational qualifications of orthodontic specialists. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.

Media Contact

Brynne Cramer, AAO Public Relation Manager, bcramer@aaortho.org

The post 11,000+ registrants make AAO history with first-ever virtual Annual Session, record-breaking numbers appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

1. Posterior crossbite: If the back teeth are affected, upper teeth sit inside of bottom teeth.
2. Anterior crossbite: If the front teeth are in crossbite, one or more top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth. Not to be confused with an underbite, when all the top teeth, or jaw, are behind the bottom teeth

When teeth are lined up correctly, the upper teeth are naturally wider because they lay on the outside of the bottom teeth.

What causes a crossbite?

A crossbite can occur from genetics, delayed loss of baby teeth or abnormal eruption of permanent teeth, even prolonged actions like thumb sucking or swallowing in an abnormal way can generate damaging pressure. Teeth can be pushed out of place; bone can be distorted.

Why does a crossbite need to be fixed?

A crossbite may reveal an underlying jaw problem that is best addressed at a young age, while the face and jaws are still developing. Possible consequences if not corrected include:

• the jaw shifting to one side
• lopsided jaw growth
• wearing down of outer layer of the tooth called “enamel”

How does an AAO orthodontist correct a crossbite?

Depending on the scope of the crossbite, treatment may involve the use of a palatal expander, a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance used to make the upper jaw wider. This would be used alongside an appliance designed to move the teeth, such as braces or clear aligners.

A trained orthodontic specialist knows when each method, or both, and can help you determine which is best for you.

See an AAO orthodontist

When you choose an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a highly skilled specialist. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Locate AAO orthodontists through Find an Orthodontist at aaoinfo.org/locator

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