We understand the health concerns the public has about being exposed to radiation. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has created this helpful guide to dental X-rays. Learn more about the different types of X-rays, their uses, why they’re necessary, what you can expect from an X-ray imaging procedure, what sorts of radiation you’ll be exposed to, and what types of precautions our orthodontists take.

Why the Radiation Dose from Dental X-Rays is Safe

• Avoiding radiation is impossible; on average, a person receives a dose of 1.7 millirem (a unit measuring the effective dose of radiation, equivalent to 17 microsieverts) from natural background radiation daily.
• Dental X-rays expose patients to .1-.8 millirem of radiation, a very small amount (equivalent to 1-8 microsieverts)
• In comparison, dental X-rays usually expose patients to less than a daily dose of natural background radiation
• The benefits far outweigh the minimal risks; orthodontists need dental X-rays to see below the gum’s surface and create a plan to provide treatment effectively

Radiation from dental X-rays is so minimal that in 2024, an expert panel with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs updated national recommendations to say protective gear like lead aprons and thyroid collars is no longer recommended. The amount of radiation is already so low that these extra layers simply aren’t necessary for your safety.

But Isn’t Radiation Harmful?

When someone mentions the word “radiation,” it can conjure images of atomic weapons, deadly invisible forces that can melt skin or give you cancerous growths, apocalyptic wastelands, and strange, abhorrent mutations.

While it’s true that ionizing radiation in very large doses can alter human cells, degrade DNA, increase the risks of cancer and other chronic diseases, and even lead to death, the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during a routine dental X-ray is negligible.

Additionally, over the years, X-ray technology has undergone significant improvements. These days, digital X-rays are used to reduce radiation exposure even further.

Digital Technology used in Dental X-rays:

• Require less energy due to computer image enhancement
• Use a narrower beam size
• Use monitoring equipment to measure and fine-tune radiation exposure
• Can be programmed to lower radiation dosages to the lowest possible required for a diagnosis

Finally, even though the amount of radiation you receive from your typical dental X-ray is minuscule, many dental professionals still elect to continue the use of lead aprons or thyroid shields as an additional precaution meant to give patients peace of mind.

How “Low” is a Low Dosage of Radiation?

If your orthodontist has asked you to get dental X-rays, it’s natural to be hesitant when either you or your child will be exposed to radiation.

Depending on which type of dental X-ray you receive, your average dental X-ray exposes you to between .1 and .8 Millirem of radiation, an extremely small dosage.

Did you know that you’re exposed to ionizing radiation from both the Earth and cosmic background radiation? Just existing, breathing in air, and eating food exposes the body to radiation. In essence, you or your child can’t completely avoid radiation exposure.  In fact, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates that Americans are exposed to 620 milirem (equivalent to 6,200 microsieverts) annually. That means that on average, you’re exposed to about 17 microsieverts a day just from background radiation. A dental X-ray emits less radiation than what you normally receive from living your daily life.

Minimizing Radiation Exposure

While radiation is not completely avoidable, the goal is to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure so that your body doesn’t need to absorb more than is considered healthy in a given time period. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has established that a person who does not work with radioactive materials as part of their job should be exposed to no more than 100 millirem (equivalent to 1,000 microsieverts) of human-made radiation in addition to the average natural background radiation exposure per year.

100 millirem may not seem like a significant amount when you consider that annual background exposure is about six times that. However, 100 millirem is a large amount of radiation. To put everything in perspective, you’d need to get more than 100 dental X-rays in a single year to max out your safe man-made radiation exposure limit. No orthodontist would ever need anywhere close to 100 dental X-rays to create a treatment plan.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Necessary for Orthodontics?

One question that many of our orthodontists often receive is whether a dental X-ray is necessary for orthodontic treatment. The answer is a definite yes.

You cannot receive orthodontic treatment without a dental X-ray, and our orthodontists will not offer treatment without patients first getting dental X-rays.

Dental X-rays are essential for orthodontics because they let the orthodontist see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, which a simple visual exam or even a 3D scan can’t reveal. Specifically, X-rays help orthodontists:

Assess tooth position & development: X-rays show the exact alignment of teeth, root development, and whether any teeth are impacted (stuck under the gums) or coming in at unusual angles.

Evaluate jaw growth & structure: X-rays provide insight into the bones of the jaws and face, helping diagnose skeletal issues like overbites, underbites, or asymmetries that braces or other orthodontic treatments need to address.

Check for missing or extra teeth: They identify congenitally missing teeth or extra (supernumerary) teeth, which can affect the growth and development of the permanent teeth. Orthodontists may also use X-rays to assess the positions of wisdom teeth and predict how they will eventually impact treatment.

Monitor tooth and root health: X-rays can detect root resorption, cysts, or other problems that might affect long-term tooth health, movement, or stability during treatment.

Plan safe, effective treatment: Accurate diagnosis from X-rays helps orthodontists develop a treatment plan that minimizes complications and maximizes long-term results. This is the ultimate purpose of dental X-rays, and why our orthodontists insist on them.

Dental X-rays provide orthodontists with the full picture needed to move teeth safely, correct bite problems, and ensure your smile remains healthy and stable for years to come.

Trusting Your Oral Health to the Orthodontic Experts at AAO

It’s understandable to be concerned about exposing yourself or your family to radiation sources. After all, cartoons, movies, news reports, and popular media in general have hammered it into our minds that not much good can come from being exposed to radiation.

However, we live in a radioactive world. Everything we do, from breathing to drinking water, involves some level of radiation exposure. This isn’t a new phenomenon, either. Natural radioactive decay in the Earth’s elements or in food emits ionizing radiation, which we can’t avoid. And while it’s true that the harms of significant radiation exposure are well documented, the reality is that small doses of radiation are considered fine.

It is impossible to avoid radiation completely; the goal is to limit your exposure to only that which is necessary. In the case of evaluating orthodontic treatment, it’s completely necessary to obtain dental X-rays, allowing your orthodontist to view below the gumline and create an effective treatment plan that promotes a beautiful smile, healthy jaw, and better tooth positions.

Ultimately, with the latest advances in dental X-ray technology, we can limit patient exposure to such tiny amounts that it often doesn’t even equal the amount you receive from daily natural background radiation. Our orthodontists and their teams are trained to minimize your exposure to radiation while maximizing your improved health through personalized orthodontic treatment plans.

Ready to start your treatment? Find an AAO orthodontist today!

The post Is Radiation from Dental X-Rays Harmful? appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

If you are a Byte patient who has been left without a dentist to oversee your treatment, the AAO recommends the following steps: 

1. Schedule a Visit with a Licensed Orthodontist  
   Find an AAO orthodontist in your local area. For a searchable list of qualified orthodontists across every state, U.S. territory, and Canadian province, click here. 

2. Discuss Your Concerns and Treatment History
   During the appointment, openly discuss any concerns and previous treatments. Rest assured, AAO orthodontists have specialized training and experience to support patients in similar situations. 

3. Inquire About Financial Options
   If cost is a concern, ask about a complimentary consultation, a service many AAO orthodontists provide. 

4. Be Wary of New Mail-Order Orthodontic Providers
   The AAO cautions against starting orthodontic treatment with mail-order companies without a prior in-person exam and x-rays, as this can cause serious, long-term issues. 

5. Report Complaints if Needed
   If you experience unresolved issues or have trouble reaching your supervising dentist from Byte, the AAO suggests contacting your state dental board, which can guide you through filing a complaint.  

At the AAO, your health and safety are our highest priority. Our AAO orthodontists are highly trained, experienced specialists dedicated to supporting patients’ health. They understand each patient’s unique challenges and can provide support and solutions to meet your needs. We will navigate these challenging times together. 

The post Guidance for Byte Patients, During Uncertain Times from the American Association of Orthodontists appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Navigating dental and orthodontic care for young children can seem complex, especially when it comes to the question: Can children who still have baby teeth get braces? If you’ve heard that your child should have all their permanent teeth before visiting the orthodontist for the first time, you’ve been misinformed.

Despite traditional associations of braces with older children and teenagers, there are cases where addressing dental issues at a younger age is not only possible but also crucial for long-term oral health. In fact, putting off a first visit to the orthodontist until all of a child’s permanent teeth are in could do more harm than good.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

A child can get braces even if they still have baby teeth. In some cases, treatment may be initiated when a child has a mix of both. This is known as “interceptive orthodontics” or “phase 1 orthodontics.” The objectives of early intervention include:

• Guiding Jaw Growth: Ensuring sufficient space is available for permanent teeth to emerge correctly
• Correcting Bite Problems: Some overbites, underbites, or crossbites may be harder to correct if treatment is delayed until permanent teeth have erupted.
• Addressing Harmful Habits: Like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can affect teeth and jaw development.
• Improving Aesthetics & Self-esteem: by addressing noticeable dental issues at an early age.

Dental Development in Young Children

A child’s mouth is a busy place, and everything in the body is growing in the early years, including the bones in the jaw and face. Around age 6, the first permanent molars appear, followed by the loss of baby teeth as permanent teeth come in. Typically, this happens in a predictable, particular order, but problems with dental development can arise without warning.

The gums hide about two-thirds of each tooth and the bone that holds the teeth in place. This allows the gums to mask conditions that interfere with the emergence of teeth, making it important to schedule an orthodontic appointment before all permanent teeth are in.

Early or late loss of baby teeth can signal a problem and cause trouble with chewing, biting, or speaking. Not addressing these issues until a child has all their permanent teeth could complicate the treatment process. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a trusted AAO orthodontist right away.

The Importance of a Healthy Bite

A central goal of orthodontic treatment is to ensure the bite is aligned properly, meaning that the upper and lower teeth fit together like interlocking gears.  With incorrect alignment, your child may have difficulty chewing, speaking, or biting. By catching alignment issues early and correcting them with braces or other orthodontic appliances, you can avoid long-term oral health issues.

Some children can wait for braces until they have most or all of their permanent teeth, while others may benefit from early treatment even with some baby teeth still present. These children might need growth guidance for the bones in their upper and lower jaws to create sufficient space for permanent teeth and correct bite issues, ensuring proper coordination between the jaws. To achieve the best results, their treatment should be timed to coincide with predictable stages of dental development and physical growth.

Beyond the health benefits, proper jaw alignment can help give you a beautiful smile regardless of age. To learn more about bite alignment, explore this AAO article.

If your dentist has not referred your child to an orthodontist, you don’t have to wait to schedule an appointment; Orthodontists do not require a referral to see your child.

When Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children first visit an orthodontist no later than age 7. If a problem is detected and treatment is advised, the orthodontist can provide your child with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

To answer the question that headlines this article, you don’t have to wait until your child loses all their baby teeth to consult an orthodontist. Even if your child is younger than 7, they should see an orthodontist as soon as you suspect a problem with their dental development. Many orthodontists offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Regardless of your age, there’s no time like the present to talk to an orthodontist about creating a healthy bite and getting the smile you’ve always wanted. Locate AAO orthodontists through Find an Orthodontist and schedule an appointment today.

The post Can You Get Braces with Baby Teeth? A Guide to Early Orthodontics appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

It’s a common misconception that teeth straightening is purely a cosmetic procedure. It’s not. Braces serve several purposes beyond just improving the appearance of teeth. Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct various dental issues and achieve a healthier bite. Here are some reasons why braces are not just cosmetic: 

Alignment of teeth: Braces are commonly used to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth. Proper alignment enhances oral function, makes it easier to clean teeth, and improves overall oral health. 

Bite correction: Braces can correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. These problems can cause difficulty in chewing, speech issues, and excessive wear on the teeth. By aligning the teeth and jaws properly, braces help to improve the bite and prevent future dental problems. 

Jaw alignment: Braces can also address misalignment or discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. This is particularly important for individuals with skeletal malocclusions or jaw growth abnormalities. By guiding the growth of the jaws, braces can help achieve proper alignment and balance between the upper and lower teeth. 

Speech improvement: Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can affect speech clarity. Braces can help correct these issues and improve speech patterns, leading to clearer and more confident communication. 

Preventive care: Orthodontic treatment with braces can prevent future dental problems. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By straightening the teeth, braces make oral hygiene maintenance easier and reduce the likelihood of dental complications. 

While braces do have cosmetic benefits, their primary purpose is to address functional and oral health concerns. It’s important to consult with an AAO orthodontist to determine the specific orthodontic needs and potential benefits of braces for an individual’s unique situation. If you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, consult a specialist: an orthodontist. Find an AAO orthodontist near you: https://aaoinfo.org/locator/. 

The post More Than Aesthetics: The Comprehensive Benefits of Straight Teeth appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

It is recommended that children see an orthodontist by the age of seven, as this helps maintain their oral health. And it may help you avoid more costly or more invasive treatments down the road. 

What is the Importance of Age 7?

Palatal expander: Your child may be a good candidate for palatal expansion, which can widen the upper jaw and help reduce crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Ideally, a palatal expander is used when a patient is still growing. Expansion occurs when the growth plate or suture in the middle of the palate is stretched, and the two halves are pushed apart. As the two halves are spread, new bone is added. 

In younger patients, palatal expansion may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth. Cases not corrected in growing patients may require surgery for correction in adulthood and may lead to abnormal wear or bite problems if left uncorrected. 

Early orthodontic intervention, such as wearing braces for a short time, can correct problems early on to prevent more severe issues later.  

An example of interceptive treatment is correcting an anterior crossbite. 

Tooth removal: Sometimes, removing baby or impacted teeth can help permanent teeth emerge better and encourage them to come in closer to their ideal position even without an orthodontic appliance. Your orthodontist will suggest the best time for extractions to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Getting them into the orthodontist early allows you to receive the optimum  treatment for them. 

Not all early visits result in orthodontic treatment. 

How Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Help – Even If There’s No Obvious Problem?

1. There may be no need for treatment recognized at that time.  
2. Treatment may be necessary in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to develop.  
3. A problem that would benefit from early treatment already exists, and you’re in the right place to get started! 

Most orthodontists offer free consultations and early orthodontic evaluations for kids, so there’s no reason to wait. 

Trust an AAO orthodontist.

You can work with an AAO Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. 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. Find an orthodontist near you.

The post The Milestone Visit: Why Age 7 is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontics and White Spots: A Preventable Connection

Orthodontic treatment, designed to align your teeth and enhance your smile, can occasionally lead to the development of white spots. These spots typically emerge from plaque accumulation on teeth for an extended time while braces or aligners are in place. Taking proactive steps and preventive measures can help you avoid white spots during your treatment and maintain a healthy and radiant smile.

What Are These White Spots and How Do They Develop?

Orthodontic treatment is the pathway to achieving a straight, beautiful smile. However, it can sometimes present challenges in maintaining a pristine oral environment, which is needed to help prevent the development of white spots. 

These spots, known as decalcification, can be an aesthetic concern and are often an indicator of early enamel erosion. Below are three common ways white spots occur during orthodontic treatment, along with insights on how these situations arise:

1. Difficulty in Cleaning: Braces, with their brackets and wires, can make thorough cleaning more involved. Plaque can quickly accumulate around these structures, leading to decalcification if it is not removed promptly. Consuming soft drinks or other acidic beverages while in braces can also increase the risk of white spots!
2. Extended Wear of Aligners: If aligners are worn for extended periods without proper cleaning, they can harbor bacteria and food particles, creating a conducive environment for white spot formation.
3. Infrequent Removal of Aligners: Failing to remove aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water can also expose your teeth to substances that can lead to white spots.

Simple Steps to a Fully White, Spot-Free Smile

Keeping teeth clean and white during orthodontic treatment is easy with the right steps. Here are some simple daily habits to help prevent white spots on your teeth:

1. Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth as recommended by your orthodontist, morning, night, and ideally after each meal or snack, whether at school, work, or home.
2. Daily Flossing: Floss at least once daily to keep the spaces between your teeth clean
3. Mind Your Diet: Throughout your treatment, avoid or limit highly acidic foods and drinks (like soda, flavored carbonated waters, sweet tea, and sports drinks).
4. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your family dentist every four to six months or more often if recommended.

To make cleaning your teeth convenient and thorough, equip yourself with handy tools like interproximal brushes, floss threaders, floss holders, water irrigators, and power toothbrushes. 

White Spots Beyond Orthodontic Treatment

Some individuals may notice white spots on their teeth without orthodontic treatment. Acidic substances can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decalcification and cavities. Reducing the consumption of acidic drinks and promptly cleaning your teeth afterward can help prevent white spots.

Many patients experience enamel discoloration unrelated to decay. Hypercalcification, a prevalent condition among young patients, often results from excessive exposure to fluoride and antibiotics, which can disrupt tooth mineralization.

Consult With An AAO Orthodontist

By being diligent about oral hygiene and limiting sugary, acidic foods and drinks, you can prevent the development of white spots on your teeth. Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile is within reach with the right tools and a little extra time. Have questions? Your orthodontist and their team are always ready to help ensure your treatment results in a smile you’ll both be proud of.

Choosing an AAO orthodontist for your orthodontic treatment ensures you’re in the hands of a skilled specialist dedicated to giving you the best smile possible. Locate an AAO Orthodontist near you and start your journey towards a healthy, beautiful smile today.  

The post What Causes White Spots on Teeth After Braces? appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.