Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile and Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Wiggins, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Summit Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

There are a variety of foods Dr. Wiggins wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Summit Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Patients with autism and other special needs, conditions and disabilities deserve an orthodontic professional that is experienced and willing to work with them to create a comfortable, relaxing environment. Dr. Wiggins suggests that parents prepare for their child's initial consultation or treatment by communicating openly with Summit Orthodontics.

Prior to treatment, it is important that parents ask themselves how well their child will be able to handle dental procedures. For example, will the child be able to sit in the chair for long periods of time when the braces go on and come off? How well is the child able to handle having something put in their mouth? If your child might have some difficulty with these situations then maybe sedation could be an option for that child.

To help special needs patients feel comfortable at Summit Orthodontics, our office has the same assistant work with the patient, in the same chair, at each visit. This enables the patient to feel more secure with their surroundings, also allowing them to build a trusting relationship with one person. The key to successful orthodontic treatment of a patient with special needs is communication with the parents. Dr. Wiggins relies on guidance from patients' parents to ensure their child feels at ease in our office and with the procedures.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about our office, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wiggins!

One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That’s why Dr. Wiggins and team at Summit Orthodontics thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be a great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Summit Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!