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For many of us, October can mean fall weather and the excitement of Halloween. However, for orthodontists, October is also a very special month because October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a month to celebrate and recognize the beautiful, healthy smiles that orthodontists create.

Here are some fun facts about orthodontics in celebration of Orthodontic Health Month from Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. Braces and invisible aligners are some of the more commonly used appliances to straighten teeth during orthodontic treatment.

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The headline of this blog post is pretty shocking isn’t it? Many people are unaware of the link between asthma and tooth decay resulting from a dry mouth. Here is some more information from Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics.

You may be wondering what does asthma have to do with cavities. When people aren’t easily able to draw in their breath, most people compensate by breathing through their mouths. This causes your mouth to dry out. Insufficient saliva leaves you more vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria because saliva helps to protect and clean your teeth. Moreover, asthma and allergy medications themselves can cause even more dryness on top of mouth breathing. In short, it’s not a good combination.

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We know that having metal in your mouth doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing. Fortunately, after you get your braces on and have your initial adjustment, most people don’t even notice their braces are there. However, sometimes a pesky wire will escape and remind you that your braces are there. Have no fear though, most of the time you can fix rogue wires on your own without having to make an extra trip to the orthodontist. Loose or pokey wires are the most common problem people experience while in braces, so if that happens to you, here are some steps to follow from Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics:

1. See if you can push it back into place

If a wire pulls loose a little it might not be completely out of the bracket. If this is the case, you can use a finger to push it back into place. In other instances, you can guide the wire back into the tube.

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With many of us transitioning to the “new normal” of homeschooling our children, the change can be tough. Balancing work and home life can be challenging for any parent. But how can you make learning fun and engaging while social distancing? Don’t fret! Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics has 5 activities you can do at home that are educational and fun.

Science Experiments

From Bill Nye to YouTube, DIY science experiments are a fun way for kids to learn while using resources from around the house. Check out this video for 10 fun DIY experiments you can do at home. Read More

Virtual orthodontic appointments are nothing new, yet have become more common practice since the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to meeting in-person, virtual orthodontic consultations are a great way to stay healthy while social distancing. If you or someone you know is considering braces or clear aligners, Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics shares 4 benefits of virtual orthodontic appointments to keep in mind:

1. No Need for Waiting Rooms

Virtual appointments remove the need to sit and wait while being exposed to others who may carry the virus. In many cases, your appointment will start with you entering a virtual waiting room until your appointment begins. Once ready, you will be taken out of the “waiting room” and into the main call to start the appointment. Read More

With the spread of COVID-19 rapidly changing our “new normal,” mail-order orthodontic is on the rise. From social media ads to TV commercials, the convenience of mail-order orthodontics becomes more appealing when you’re stuck at home. At Hidden Valley Orthodontics, we understand that everyone wants a smile they can be proud of. For this reason, we will explain why mail-order orthodontics isn’t the way to achieve this goal.

Orthodontic Treatment Starts with an Appointment

We strongly suggest that orthodontic treatment start with an in-person appointment with a professional, not mail-order. While a virtual consultation can give a brief overview of what your oral issues may be, it is always best to be examined in-person. Starting treatment without this step could result in serious problems to your oral health and more money to fix the damage.Read More