While you already know October is the month to break out the fall sweaters, shop for Halloween candy, and enjoy pumpkin spice everything, you may not know this month also contains another important celebration. That’s right, October is National Orthodontic Health Month! A whole 31 days dedicated to celebrating orthodontics and raising awareness of the importance of orthodontic health.
Why Is Orthodontic Health Important?
Why should you get in the holiday spirit this month? There are plenty of reasons why raising awareness of the importance of orthodontic health is something to get behind.
For one, many people assume orthodontic treatment is all about getting a perfect looking smile purely for cosmetic reasons. While having a straight smile is the most visible benefit of getting orthodontic treatment, patients who straighten their teeth with Invisalign or braces enjoy other benefits as well. When you fix problems like crookedness and crowding, you make it far easier to clean your teeth while making it harder for food to get trapped in between. Overall, this greatly reduces your risk of tooth decay.
Patients who straighten their teeth with braces or Invisalign can also fix bite problems, like underbites and overbites. Not only does this improve the appearance of your bite, but it also means you can bite down more comfortably. People who fix problems like underbites and overbites often experience less jaw pain and find it easier to eat and speak.
And when it comes to the cosmetic benefits of getting braces, patients often find that they can smile with more confidence when they straighten their teeth. Overall, it’s a win-win for patients who choose to complete orthodontic treatment.
Ways to Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month
So how can you celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month? One way is to check with your local orthodontist to see how they are getting involved in the community. During October, many orthodontist offices participate in charity events, contests, and giveaways.
Another fun way to enjoy the festivities is to help make sure kids with braces get braces-friendly treats while they’re trick-or-treating. Consider handing out plain chocolate bars or even soft cookies or brownies to make sure kids in braces have a braces-friendly treat to enjoy on the spooky night.
The best way to celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month is to research orthodontic treatment options that could be right for you or your kids. If you’re an adult and think it’s too late to get braces, think again. There are plenty of reasons to straighten your teeth. Plus, there are more options than ever to create a straight smile, such as Invisalign Lite and ceramic braces.
The month of October is also perfect for getting your kids fun braces they’ll be excited about, such as Mascot Braces or different colors of elastics for Halloween.
To learn more about National Orthodontic Health Month and your options for orthodontic treatment, contact Smith Orthodontics today!
