WHAT: Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
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For kids that wear traditional braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.
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WHY: If the health of the teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Parents that are often investing between $4,500-$7,000 -- depending on the severity of the case, want to protect that investment. (Note: The cost of braces typically is similar for treatment options using traditional wire and brackets and plastic or clear aligners such as Invisalign).
Orthodontist Dr. Margo Brilliant is available to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during braces treatment. Dr. Brilliant has tips to help parents get their kids with braces to regularly brush and floss. She also has visuals that show what can happen when oral health is neglected during braces treatment. Dr. Brilliant will:
WHO: Orthodontist Dr. Margo Brilliant received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. She attended Emory Dental School and returned to the University of Maryland where she received her certificate in orthodontics. She has been in private practice in the North Miami Beach and Aventura area since 1985. Dr. Brilliant has a state-of-the-art orthodontic office that features the latest in technology. Professionally she is a member of several organizations: the American Association of Orthodontics and its component societies, as well as the American Dental Society and its component societies. Dr. Brilliant was the first woman president of the North Dade Dental Society and served as the Vice President of the South Florida Academy of Orthodontics.
Dr. Brilliant has also been giving back to the community for many years through her partnership with Our Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring at-risk children grow up in safe environments. Once these kids reach 18 yrs. old, they are no longer covered under state welfare, so she donates her time and services to provide five patients per year with orthodontic care to give them the smile and confidence they need to go out into the world.
Additional resources:
American Dental Association: http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp
Invisalign Teen: http://www.invisalign.com/teen/ForYou/Pages/ForYou.aspx
Dr. Margo Brilliant: http://www.brilliantortho.com/index.html
-- Demonstrate the proper technique to brush and floss during braces treatment based on the treatment option -- Show examples of hi-tech and low-tech tools that will help kids keep their teeth clean and free of damage-causing food particles (removable clear braces, floss threaders, kitchen timers, electric brushes with timers) -- Explain the potential serious and expensive consequences of inadequate oral hygiene while in braces treatment (with visuals); potential problems include: decalcification (white spots/marks), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and periodontal disease (inflammation leading to bone loss). -- Underscore the importance of visits to the general dentist for examination and cleaning during braces treatment
SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.
