Fun fact Friday with Red Deer Orthodontics!!

At Red Deer Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that we thought you would enjoy. Happy Friday and enjoy a great weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ask Dr. Cram: What can I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your initial consultation at Red Deer Orthodontics, our staff and Dr. Cram will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

At your following appointment, Dr. Cram will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Cram can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Red Deer Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the consultation. Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

The importance of straight teeth, from Red Deer Orthodontics

People ask our staff and Dr. Cram all the time: "Why are straight teeth so darn important?" Well not only does it feel great to have perfectly-aligned teeth, but straightening your teeth can also keep them healthier. Straight teeth are also less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay. And, straight teeth are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are crooked, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Cram can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment at Red Deer Orthodontics.

Ask Dr. Cram: What is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Cram calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment at Red Deer Orthodontics may be necessary to correct the issue.

Untreated malocclusion can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, chipped and cracked teeth, as well as uneven tooth wear. The most common solution for malocclusion, however, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of the malocclusion. If overcrowding is causing the problem, Red Deer orthodontist Dr. Cram may need to remove one or more teeth as part of treatment.

At Red Deer Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results during your treatment. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.