Will braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

* The lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.  You are cleared for take-off.

Can braces rust?

* Absolutely not!  Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials… and will not rust!

Can a musical instrument be played while in braces?

* Yes… just be sure that you do not get them on or have them removed on theday of a concert.

Can sports be played while in braces?

* Yes… an orthodontic mouth guard is a must for any contact sport.

Will braces interfere with radio signals or other electrical devices?

* No.  Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

* It would be extremely difficult (almost impossible) with today’s types of braces.Also, braces are not magnetic… if you feel an “attraction”… it is not the braces

During the Halloween season, the most frequently asked question of people in braces is, “What candy am I allowed to eat at Halloween?”
To avoid breaking the braces, steer clear of the following treats, or recipes  with these ingredients, as they could lengthen treatment time:
•    All hard candies
•    All chewy candies
•    Caramel
•    Nuts
•    Licorice
•    Taffy
•    Jelly beans
•    Hard pretzels
•    Bubblegum
•    Popcorn (including unpopped kernels
•    Tortilla chips
•    Ice
For alternatives, look for foods that are softer, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups.  Candies that are not sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy are generally OK.  Check out the brace friendly recipes for yummy Halloween treats from the AAO:  http://www.braces.org/nohm/braces.htm
Of course, as usual, it is vital to keep your teeth, gums, and braces clean in order to maintain good oral hygiene.   Remember to floss and brush after any Halloween treats!

One of today’s popular forms of “body art” is PIERCING.  If you are thinking about getting a piercing…. or you already have one…. there are some health risks you should be aware of.
Your mouth a lot of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing.  Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection.  Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them—which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites.  Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.
Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing.  The most popular piercing site in the mouth is the tongue, which could swell large enough to close off our airway!  Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage.  Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.
The hoop ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder ones ability to talk and eat.  Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth.  There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.
Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one.  Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life; and will need regular upkeep.  Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing  period and beyond.
If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it.  Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth.

Life is full of missed opportunities.  Luckily, life is full of second chances.  Many adults who missed out on braces when they were younger are choosing to correct and improve their smiles.
It’s never too late to straighten teeth!
Many people think that if they didn’t have braces in junior high, they’ve missed the only chance to straighten their teeth.  But more and more, we see a strong trend in orthodontics:  adults who realize that the time is now.
Chicago resident Sally Thompson, retired and in her 50s, didn’t dream she’d ever wear braces.  After treatment, she couldn’t imagine why she hadn’t started earlier.  “I’d always related braces to young people, but I guess I’m living proof that it doesn’t matter how old a person is, “Thompson said.  “When I look in the mirror, I can hardly believe that the smile looking back at me is mine.”
And because orthodontics closes up spaces between teeth or eliminates crowding, patients have found it’s easier to keep them clean.  John Smith of Loveland, Colorado, said he noticed fewer problems with tartar buildup since braces had realigned his teeth and jaws when he was in his late 20s.  “I do believe my teeth will last a lot longer,” said Smith, now in his 30s.

Bob Struck of Tampa, Florida, was 81 (“and a half,” he’d add) when his braces came off.  Struck said his smile was a source of pride until one of his teeth began to slip behind its neighbors when he was in his late 70s.  When his family dentist told him that his teeth, gums and supporting bone were in good shape – and his son, an oral surgeon, concurred – he said, “Why not?”

Why not, indeed?  One out of every five people in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 18.  A couple great options to straighten teeth are: In-Ovation C by GAC (clear self ligating braces)… they look great and create a beautiful smile and of course, Invisalign.  So if your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like, and you find yourself jealously eyeing your pre-teen’s braces, call your orthodontist.  There is no age limit on a perfect smile.