The Best and Worst Holiday Foods For Your Braces
We can all agree that one of the best parts of the holiday season is the delicious food. From turkey dinners with amazing side dishes to an array of pies and sweet treats, there is a lot to look forward to–but did you know that many holiday foods can be damaging to your braces? The good news is that lots of our favorite holiday foods ARE braces-friendly. Hoskinson Orthodontics has put together a guide of all the foods that are safe to eat with your braces, and which to avoid this holiday season. Read on to learn more!
We can answer any questions you may have about caring for your braces. In search of a trustworthy orthodontist in or around Scotia, NY? Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to schedule an appointment today!
The Worst
Let’s get the bad news out of the way: Whether you just got your braces or have had them for years, there are many types of food you should avoid. The main culprits are hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. If the food requires you to bite down forcefully, chew excessively, or gets stuck in your teeth, you shouldn’t be eating it with your braces.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
- Hard candies
- Candy canes (don’t bite into them)
- Caramels and toffee
- Licorice
- Corn on the cob
- Meat on the bone
- Crunchy fruits/veggies (whole apples, carrots)
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Crunchy pretzels, chips, or cookies
The Best
Time for the good news: lots of typical holiday foods are braces-friendly! Our main tip is to choose soft foods. You can’t go wrong with casseroles, mashed potatoes, soft bread, and steamed vegetables. If you’re eating meat like turkey or ham, just cut it up into small bites, as excessive chewing can damage your braces.
Don’t feel like you have to skip out on dessert, either. Soft sweets like pies, cakes, soft cookies, and eggnog or hot chocolate are braces-safe–just don’t forget to brush afterward! If you’ve eaten more sugar than normal, you’ll need to give your teeth some extra attention.
Holiday Foods That Are Braces-Safe
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Steamed or roasted veggies
- Stuffing
- Mac and cheese
- Applesauce
- Cranberry sauce
- Soft bread/rolls
- Meat that is cut into small bites
- Chocolate
Extra Tips
If you are eating at someone else’s house, it’s a good idea to let them know ahead of time that you may need to avoid certain foods. This way, they can be as accommodating as possible. If there aren’t many options for you, cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly.
If you’re traveling or visiting loved ones for the holidays, remember to pack your essentials. Bring a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to keep up your routine of brushing twice a day. Because lots of food and plaque can build up between the brackets of your braces, you’ll need to give each tooth some individual attention. Also, be sure to have dental picks, mouthwash, and extra rubber bands on hand should you need them.
Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics!
From all of us at Hoskinson Orthodontics, Happy Holidays! We want to make sure you enjoy all of the delicious foods while still taking care of your teeth. By following our guide on which foods to eat and which to avoid, you can prevent tooth damage or a braces mishap.
Have more questions about caring for your braces? Get in touch with us at Hoskinson Orthodontics in Scotia, NY, today!
Giving Thanks To Our Patients & Parents
November is giving season, and we here at Hoskinson Orthodontics want to thank our incredible community. Without our patients and their dedicated families, we wouldn’t be able to provide the care that we do. It is because of our patients that our staff can provide compassionate, top-quality orthodontic treatment. This Thanksgiving, remember that we are grateful for you!
If you are looking for a highly-rated board-certified orthodontist in Scotia, NY, Dr. H is the one for you. Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to schedule your first appointment today!
Our Promise to Our Patients
As a family-friendly, multigenerational, and patient-focused practice, we promise to:
- Provide a welcoming, comfortable environment
- Treat our patients with respect and courtesy
- Be ethical and honest in all treatment recommendations
- Be responsive to your questions and promptly provide answers
- Educate you on your oral health
- Provide treatment options with your lifestyle and goals in mind
- Ensure your concerns are respectfully heard and addressed
- Be accommodating from scheduling to finances to insurance
- Keep treatment fun with creative contests and great prizes
Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you!
Remember to Care for Your Teeth This Holiday Season!
The holidays are filled with joyous times and delicious treats–but with all of the pies, cookies, and other goodies that come with Thanksgiving, your teeth are at risk of damage. By following our tips, you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest extent and still keep your teeth healthy.
Our Tips:
- Brush regularly–the holidays can get busy, just be sure to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing routine!
- Enjoy sweets in moderation–you don’t have to miss out on your favorite apple pie on Thanksgiving, just don’t overindulge. Sugar leads to tooth decay which can cause cavities and gum disease.
- Avoid foods that can harm your braces–this includes crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and corn on the cob, chewy or gummy candy like caramels, and popcorn.
- If traveling, pack a braces care kit–you don’t want to be left without your essentials to care for your braces. Read our blog post to learn what to include in your care kit!
- Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!–the holidays are a time to be with loved ones and give thanks!
Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining tips for caring for your braces during the holidays!
Visit Hoskinson Orthodontics!
From everyone on the Hoskinson Orthodontics Staff, Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful to be able to serve our wonderful community.
Though the holidays are a busy time of year, don’t forget to keep up with regular dentist visits. Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to book your next appointment!
Dental Hygiene Tips for National Orthodontic Health Month
October is National Orthodontic Health Month, which means there is no better time to start thinking about your dental hygiene. If you have braces or other orthodontic care, it’s especially important that you take care of your teeth properly. Hoskinson Orthodontics has compiled some tips to help you improve your oral hygiene.
If you are looking for an experienced and caring orthodontist in Scotia, NY, or surrounding areas, contact Hoskinson Orthodontics!
1. Brush Regularly
You’ve heard it your whole life, but for good reason. To maintain proper oral health, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day. Even more so, make sure you are brushing right before bed. If you go to sleep without brushing your teeth, you are letting germs and bacteria buildup in your mouth overnight. Also, any sugar or acid leftover from a meal is going to be harming your teeth while you sleep.
2. Flossing is Key
Though many people leave this step out of their routine, flossing is just as essential as brushing. Your toothbrush can’t reach every crevice, but flossing can reach the plaque buildup that a toothbrush can’t. We recommend you floss once a day. There are a variety of floss options available today, so you are sure to find one that works for you. There are waxed or unwaxed floss, floss picks, and water picks you can buy over-the-counter.
3. Kick Any Chewing Habits
Many people have unconscious chewing habits that they don’t realize are damaging their teeth. If you have braces, this can also break the wiring. These fixations are likely carried over from childhood, so parents should do their best to stop any habits their child may have like thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. If you find yourself biting your nails, chewing on your pen, or putting random items in your mouth, do whatever you can to kick the habit. This might mean distracting yourself or using a fidget spinner. Also, you should NEVER use your teeth to open or tear packages.
4. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Did you know that diet plays a major role in your dental health? Preventing dental problems is better than treating them, so limiting foods that are detrimental to your teeth is extremely important. This includes sweets like candy, cake, and ice cream, coffee, citrus fruits, kombucha, and alcohol. If you are going to indulge in any of these foods, make sure to brush thoroughly afterward.
If you have braces, this is even more important! You are more limited in what you can eat in order to make sure your teeth and braces are protected. Avoid crunchy foods like nuts, potato chips, and popcorn; sticky foods like gum, Laffy taffy, gummy bears, and other candy; and hard foods like whole apples, corn on the cob, and other crunchy vegetables. Looking for a more complete guide to having braces? Read our blog post!
5. Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard is one of the best things you can do to protect your teeth. You don’t want to get hit in the mouth and risk breaking or losing any teeth. This is especially recommended for people with braces, as a blow to the face could damage the braces or cause the wire to cut your mouth.
Additionally, nightguards are beneficial to those who grind their teeth unconsciously.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the most important ways to maintain and protect your oral health is by attending regular appointments with your dentist. It is recommended that everyone see their dentist at least twice a year, or every six months. Your dentist will provide a checkup, professional cleaning, and solutions to any issues you may have.
Book an Appointment at Hoskinson Orthodontics!
Dental health begins with you and ends with your dental practitioner. This National Orthodontic Health Month, take some time to reflect on your habits and see where you can improve. When you need dental care, we’re here for you.
Need some help taking care of your teeth? Dr. Hoskinson and the rest of our team members are here for you. Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics today to book your next appointment! And when you visit our Scotia, NY, office this month, be sure to thank our staff members for all that they do!
Open, Over, And Underbites: What’s the Difference?
Dental malocclusion, or misaligned upper or lower teeth, is one of the most common dental issues. In fact, the World Health Organization considers it in the top three dental problems facing adults and children. If untreated, it can lead to further health problems down the line. Hoskinson Orthodontics has put together a complete guide on the causes and treatments of open, over, and underbites. Read on to learn more!
Are you looking for a top-rated orthodontist in the Scotia, NY, area? If you’re dealing with misaligned teeth, there’s no time to wait. Contact us at Hoskinson Orthodontics to set up an appointment!
A Deeper Dive into Malocclusion
There are three classes of malocclusion:
Class 1: Class 1 is the most common type of misalignment and is usually not severe. This typically means that your upper and lower teeth overlap properly, but you have crowding or abnormal spacing in your teeth.
Class 2: Class 2 refers to teeth with a severe overbite. When this occurs, your upper teeth greatly overlap your lower teeth.
Class 3: Class 3 applies to teeth with a severe underbite. Your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth, and your jaw may protrude outward.
Open Bites
An open bite is a type of misalignment in which the top teeth and bottom teeth do not meet. This may mean that your overlap is normal, but you have large gaps or spaces between teeth.
What Causes Open Bites?
Open bites are primarily caused by external factors and behaviors. Thumb or pacifier-sucking, as well as speech impediments that cause tongue thrusting, are the biggest causes. Additionally, issues like TMJ or abnormal growth of the jaw can play a role.
Overbites
Overbites are the type of malocclusion in which your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than normal.
What Causes Overbites?
Overbites are often genetic, as the general shape and development of the jaw can be passed down. While many people are born with an overbite, it can also be caused by outside factors. Thumb or pacifier-sucking, tongue thrusting, and missing teeth can also cause this.
Underbites
Lastly, an underbite is when your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth and your jaw protrudes outward.
What Causes Underbites?
Like overbites, underbites can be caused by genetics. They can also result from an injury or traumatic event that alters the jaw. Like the other classes of malocclusion, underbites can develop from bad habits like thumb or pacifier-sucking and bottle feeding.
Why Should You Treat Dental Misalignment?
Because misalignment is an aesthetic issue, many people are content with leaving their teeth the way they are. What they don’t realize is that the impact of malocclusion goes beyond just appearance. If left untreated, complications can arise. Some include:
- Speech issues: gaps or improper spacing in the teeth can lead to speech impediments like a lisp or whistling.
- Difficulty chewing or eating: an improper bite can keep you from chewing your food correctly, making eating difficult.
- Damaged or fractured teeth: If your teeth overlap improperly, the friction on your teeth can lead to damage and even fractures
- Breathing issues: If your misalignment affects your jaw/face shape, it can cause difficulty breathing. It can even build up to sleep apnea.
- Pain and discomfort: the wear and tear of teeth that aren’t resting in a good position can lead to overall discomfort and pain in the mouth if it isn’t treated.
- Aesthetics: of course, the appearance of your smile is a major concern. Misalignment can contribute to lowered self-confidence. In severe cases, it can also cause changes to the shape of your face.
How Is It Treated?
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, the treatment options may differ. Some of the common dental treatments for misalignment are:
- Braces
- Retainers
- Tooth extraction
- Behavior modification (if the bite is related to oral habits like thumb-sucking)
- Jaw surgery
At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of orthodontic services for children, teenagers, and adults. We will work with you to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Visit Hoskinson Orthodontics
Having an open, over, or underbite is not a life sentence for your teeth. There are many treatment options available to help straighten your smile and alleviate any symptoms. If you live in or around the Scotia, NY, area and are ready to solve your misaligned teeth for good, you’ve come to the right place! Contact us today at Hoskinson Orthodontics!
Tips for Going Back to School With Braces
Starting a new school year is stressful enough on its own, so you don’t want to add to that by worrying about your new braces. When your child is away from their routine, it can be difficult for them to adjust to taking care of their teeth and new braces in a new setting. At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we want to ensure your child’s new school year is as stress-free as possible! We’ve compiled a guide to going back to school with braces so they always feel prepared.
If you live in or around Scotia, NY, and are looking for a highly-rated orthodontist for your child, look no further! Dr. Hoskinson is board-certified and has vast experience in both early intervention and adolescent orthodontic care. We’ll make sure your child’s braces are as comfortable and manageable as possible.
Our Tips to Rock the School Year with Braces
Be Prepared with a Braces Kit
It’s ALWAYS a good idea to be prepared for any situation that might arise. When your child is at school all day, you don’t want them to be left without their tools and resources. Put together a “braces kit” that contains anything they might need to freshen up or avert a crisis throughout the school day. Look for a small cosmetics or toiletries pouch like this one that they can keep in their backpack or locker for easy access!
Here are some braces-kit essentials:
- Soft-bristled travel toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Floss
- Extra rubber bands
- Cosmetic mirror
Pack Brace-Friendly Lunches
There’s nothing worse than not being able to enjoy your lunch because of your braces, and quite a few foods should be avoided. Eating a school lunch can be tricky without knowing ahead of time if it’ll be edible. To play it safe, pack your child their own lunches and snacks that’ll keep them energized throughout the day! Here are some brace-friendly lunch and snack options, as well as foods they should be staying away from.
What to Bring
Soft sandwiches
Tuna, chicken, or egg salad
Applesauce, yogurt, or pudding
Bananas
Rice or pasta
Avocado
Soft granola bars
What to Avoid
Whole apples
Candy like gummy bears, taffy, caramels, or gum
Popcorn
Carrots or other crunchy vegetables
Beef jerky
Crunchy chips, nuts, or pretzels
Keep a Water Bottle On Hand
Hydration is essential for everyone, but it is key for those with braces. Their lips can get very dry and cracked, and proper hydration will combat that. Drinking water will also help flush out any food or debris stuck in their braces. Additionally, sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are detrimental to your child’s oral health and can stain their teeth, leaving white spots where the braces are. Keeping a water bottle on hand might deter them from reaching for unhealthy options. Let your child pick out a cute and fun water bottle they love–this will help encourage them to carry it around all day and stay hydrated!
Get a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is essential if your child participates in gym class, recess, or is an athlete. Physical activity can put their oral health at significant risk–if they suffer a fall, a collision with another player, or are hit with a ball, they can face damage to their teeth, lips, gums, and the braces themselves. A sports mouthguard is inexpensive and the easiest way to protect their braces and mouth. You can find them at sporting goods stores, pharmacies, or on Amazon!
Schedule Your Orthodontics Appointments in Advance
With more obligations and time commitments during the school year, it’s easy to let routine dentist and doctor appointments fall lower on your priority list–but keeping up with your orthodontist is essential to ensure that your child’s braces are holding up and improving their teeth correctly. Try to schedule your child’s orthodontic appointments ahead of time so you don’t have to stress about fitting them in later. Contact us today to get your next appointment scheduled!
Choose Hoskinson Orthodontics!
When your child needs braces, our team is dedicated to providing the utmost care and comfort. We believe that braces should not be a cause for worry, especially with all the stressors of a typical school year. If you live in or around the Scotia, NY area and think your child might need new braces or orthodontic care, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at Hoskinson Orthodontics!
Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?
Many people don’t realize that not every orthodontist is board certified. In fact, only 58% currently are–which means there is little more than a 50/50 chance that your orthodontist is actually certified. At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we believe in providing the ultimate patient experience, which is why our own Dr. Hoskinson is proud to be board certified. But what does that mean exactly? We’re here to lay out all the info for you!
When you choose Hoskinson Orthodontics in Scotia, NY, you can be sure that you are getting the absolute best quality care. Contact us to set up an appointment today!
What Does It Mean To Be Board Certified?
According to the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) itself, “achieving board certification is one step in a long and intensive educational experience to making a lifelong commitment to elevating the quality of patient care.” To become board certified by the ABO, a doctor must complete both a written and a clinical examination. Additionally, certification is not permanent–each member must take a renewal exam every ten years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on best practices and the latest technologies.
What Makes a Board Certified Orthodontist Different?
When an orthodontist is ABO board certified, they are that much more qualified to provide critical care with attention to detail. This will give you peace of mind that your doctor is committed to continuously bettering their practice, and typically means they have a positive bedside manner. Since they are re-evaluated every ten years, their skills remain fine-tuned and aligned with the latest technology. You are getting the best of the best!
Get to Know Dr. Hoskinson
Dr. Hoskinson has been a practicing orthodontist in the Scotia, NY, area for over 30 years. He is committed to providing the best possible care while maintaining a comfortable and fun environment for his patients. Dr. H takes extra time with each patient to discuss their smile goals, diagnostic testing results, and overall treatment plan. His patients are truly his family!
On top of his certification from the ABO, Dr. H has achieved many awards and certifications. In 2018, he was awarded “Best Dentist” by Capital Region Living, along with “Best of the Best Dental Office” by The Gazette. Visit our website to check out all of his fantastic credentials!
”My practice philosophy is not to meet our patients’ expectations but to exceed our patients’ expectations! For every patient, at each visit, we strive to provide the finest orthodontic care in an atmosphere that is both professional and fun. And boy, can we have fun!!”
Choose Hoskinson Orthodontics!
If you are searching for a board certified orthodontist at a highly-rated dental office, choose Dr. Hoskinson at Hoskinson Orthodontics! Located in Scotia, NY, we provide the highest quality care and always strive to remain aligned with industry trends. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Types of Braces: A Breakdown
With so many different braces available on the market today, it can be tough to decide which ones are right for you. The good news is, that’s what your orthodontist is here for! Hoskinson Orthodontics is here to break down the four main types of braces and their pros and cons to help you figure out which might be the best for you.
Are you in Scotia, NY, or a surrounding area needing orthodontic care? Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics for a consultation today!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Braces may be the right solution for you if you aren’t confident in your smile. Having straight teeth after braces doesn’t just improve your oral health and function of your mouth; it also boosts your self-esteem and makes you want to share your smile with the world!
Braces may be the right choice if you struggle with dental imperfections such as:
- Too much space between your teeth
- Too little space between your teeth, also known as crowding
- A gummy smile
- An overbite
- An overjet
- An open bite
Traditional Braces
Many orthodontic treatments exist, but there is a reason that traditional braces are the most common. They are created with high-grade stainless steel and held together with nontoxic dental cement and metal archwire. These are a fantastic, affordable option for the quickest results!
Pros
Most affordable
Comes in a variety of colors
Fastest treatment
Durable
Cons
Certain foods need to be avoided
Tightening and adjustments can be painful
Uncomfortable sores may occur if not cared for properly
Flossing may become more difficult
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces; however, they blend into the teeth more. These braces are made of transparent ceramic material and are less visible than traditional braces. This is the fastest discrete teeth straightening method. While they are less visible, they are more expensive than conventional metal braces.
Pros
Effective treatment for mild to severe cases
Clear and teeth-colored options to make them less visible
Faster than Invisalign®
Cons
More costly than traditional braces
The brackets can stain easily if not taken care of well enough
Less durable than traditional braces due to material
Lingual Braces
The invisible orthodontic market is growing–receiving orthodontic treatment without the look of traditional braces is possible! Lingual braces are a fantastic option for some as they are exactly like traditional metal braces, but they are attached to the back of your teeth. Below are some of the benefits and disadvantages of lingual braces.
Pros
Least painful option
Requires less adjustments from orthodontist
Invisible from the outside
Cons
Most expensive option
Speech impairment may occur
Difficult to clean
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is the only orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth unconventionally. These aligners are created using BPA-free plastic, which is far more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Adjustments come through multiple sets of clear aligners. Invisalign® braces are clear and virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for people who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their braces. Visit our website to learn more about Invisalign®!
Pros
Practically invisible
Removable aligners let you floss and brush your teeth easily
You can take them out easily, allowing you to drink or eat whatever you’d like without worrying you’ll break them
Cons
Costly option, very expensive to replace
The treatment can take longer than traditional braces
Clear aligners cannot help a serious dental problem
Choose the Braces for Your Lifestyle
As technology improves, so do options for orthodontic treatment. Hoskinson Orthodontics created a list of the types of braces available on the market today and explored the benefits and disadvantages of each of them. Consult an orthodontist when it comes time to obtain the smile of your dreams!
Happy Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Month!
June is Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Month, and we want to recognize our wonderful staff for all that they do. Our team is so important to us because they are the foundation of our practice. Without them, we couldn’t provide our patients with the high-quality care that we do!
Since we began our practice, we have continuously functioned like a well-oiled machine. Our staff members have been with us for many years, and this has allowed us to truly embody what it means to be a team. Every single task, from booking appointments to cleaning teeth to taking X-rays, is completed thanks to a crucial member of our team. They go above and beyond to assure each patient has the best orthodontic experience at every visit.
We truly believe that our staff is our greatest asset. Today and every day, we thank our skilled, caring, and hardworking team for everything they do to make Hoskinson Othordontics the great practice that it is. When you come in for an appointment at our Scotia, NY, office this month, make sure to thank our team members for all of their hard work!
Visit Our Office
If you are in search of a compassionate dental office with decades of experience, you’ve come to the right place! Hoskinson Orthodontics in Scotia, NY, provides state-of-the-art dental and orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. When you visit our office, you will see for yourself just what puts our staff members above the rest. For quality dental care you can count on, contact our office today to learn more about what we can do for you!
How Crooked Teeth Could Affect Your Child
Do you think your child might need braces? We understand that beginning orthodontic care is a big decision–it’s a big cost and commitment. However, there are many risk factors that are associated with crooked teeth in children. The longer you leave their misaligned teeth untreated, the more likely they are to have issues down the road. Read on to learn more about some of the risks as well as treatment options!
If you live in Scotia, NY, and are looking for a trustworthy and experienced orthodontist for your child, look no further! Dr. Hoskinson and the rest of the team at Hoskinson Orthodontics are highly knowledgeable and skilled in both early intervention and adolescent orthodontic care. No matter how old your child is, you can be sure they will receive personalized care!
Risks Associated With Crooked Teeth
Poor Oral Hygeine
It is very easy for your child to fall into poor oral hygiene habits if they have crooked teeth. This is because having misaligned or crowded teeth makes it difficult to give each tooth the attention it needs while brushing and flossing. Developing subpar oral hygiene habits as a child can lead to a wide array of problems down the line.
Pain & Discomfort
It should be no surprise that crooked teeth can cause discomfort and even pain. When a child’s jaw is developing, misaligned and overlapping teeth can put a lot of pressure on the jaw. This can also cause regular headaches and even ear pain. Save your little one from the pain and get their teeth fixed!
Gum Disease
One common issue that stems from poor oral hygiene is gum disease, or periodontitis. This is a very common infection and is caused when proper care is not given to the teeth and gums. But the good news is that it is preventable. If not treated, periodontitis can cause teeth loss and destruction to the jawbone since it damages the bones that support the teeth. Children who deal with teeth misalignment are more likely to develop serious gum disease.
TMD
Leaving your child’s teeth crooked can put them at risk for TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. This is a disorder of the jaw and the joints and nerves associated with it. TMD causes pain, discomfort, and impaired movement of the jaw. It can be difficult to deal with and may require physical therapy. It is often caused by consistent grinding or clenching of the teeth or stress on the teeth and jaw, all of which are correlated with crooked teeth.
Speech Impediment
Did you know that leaving misaligned teeth untreated can cause speech impediments in children? When teeth do not develop properly, the gaps, overlapping, and spaces actually cause changes in tongue placement which can lead to speech difficulties. Additionally, spaces between teeth can cause whistling when speaking.
When to Begin Treatment
At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we begin early orthodontic treatment between the ages of 7 to 10 years old if it is deemed necessary. Since early intervention is not always the right direction, we perform a proper evaluation to determine if it is in your child’s best interest to continue. If so, we provide expansion treatments to allow for normal development of their adult teeth and jaw.
If your child is older, from pre-teen to teenager, we will perform traditional orthodontics that accounts for their rapidly developing and changing jaw structure. Adolescence is the prime time to perform orthodontic treatment as it allows us to work with their changing mouth and correct the misalignment as they are growing.
Visit our website to learn more about our services and treatment options for children of every age!
Choose Hoskinson Orthodontics!
Our trusted team is dedicated to making the dentist’s office a safe and comfortable space for your child! If you live in the Scotia, NY area, and think your child might need braces or orthodontic care, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at Hoskinson Orthodontics! We look forward to treating you and your family.
5 Tips & Tricks to Caring for Braces on Vacation
A vacation; how exciting! Vacations are a time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the sun. It can be easy to forget about essential routines and enjoy yourself, but it is imperative to care for your braces! Hoskinson Orthodontics made a list of 5 tips and tricks to care for your braces on vacation and ensure that they stay clean and healthy during your trip!
If you are in Scotia, NY, or surrounding areas, contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to achieve the smile of your dreams!
1. Schedule an Orthodontic Appointment Before Leaving
Having a checkup before leaving town is a great way to ensure that your vacation doesn’t have any orthodontic mishaps. At your appointment, your orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments and check your brackets and wires to ensure they are firmly in place.
2. Pack the Essentials
Hoskinson Orthodontics recommends packing a dental travel kit to ensure that your teeth stay as clean and healthy as they can on vacation. Carrying this dental travel kit will help you be prepared for dental emergencies without panicking in the middle of a break. We recommend bringing:
Toothbrush
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride Mouthwash
Orthodontic Wax
Interdental Picks
Small mirror
Over-the-counter pain medication
Pro Tip!
When packing your toothbrush, make sure it is in a ventilated case or bag. This case prevents bacteria from building up! If you don’t have a ventilated bag, have no fear; make sure that your toothbrush is dry before putting it away.
3. Maintain your Oral Care Routine
You’re thrust out of your routine and into relaxation when you’re on vacation. While exciting, it is crucial to maintain your oral care routine. Brush and floss regularly, even when it seems tempting to skip it. Neglecting your dental care routine for even a few days can negatively impact your oral health in the long run.
4. Watch What You Eat!
Avoid orthodontic catastrophe by keeping away from crunchy, sticky, and hard foods on your trip. We understand that eating foods you don’t typically consume on vacation are tempting, but it is essential to continue eating foods approved by your orthodontist. Foods we recommend avoiding include:
Crunchy foods – nuts, potato chips, popcorn
Sticky foods – gum, Laffy taffy, gummy bears
Hard foods – apples, corn on the cob, crunchy vegetables
5. Use a Mouthguard
A vacation typically contains fun physical activities. To prevent a bracket or wire from popping loose, Hoskinson Orthodontics recommends using a mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you are interested in creating a custom mouthguard for your child, contact us to learn more!
What if an Emergency Arises?
When emergencies happen, it can be hard to know what your next move should be. Do you need an orthodontist right away, or could you wait until home? The best advice we can offer is to call (518-372-3424) your orthodontist! During the call, explain the problem, and your orthodontist will know the best next step.
Most Importantly, Enjoy Your Trip!
Braces are a great way to improve your smile, but they require extra care and attention. If you’re planning a vacation, it’s essential to keep your braces in mind. Keep these five tips and tricks in mind when planning a vacation with braces. Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to learn more about braces, benefits, and treatment options today!
Address:
Hoskinson Orthodontics
207 Mohawk Ave #1A
Scotia, NY 12302
Hours
Monday -Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
We are open during school breaks and non-major holidays.