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April is National Facial Protection Month, and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics want to remind parents, coaches and athletes to play it safe as they prepare to suit up for recreational and organized sports. Whether at practice, at a game, or simply enjoying some fun in the neighborhood, a sports-related injury can happen in an instant. That's why it's important to take precautions to protect your face and teeth from injury. Dr. Godwin suggests you take these simple steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports; if you have braces, make sure you use a mouthguard designed specially for orthodontic patients;
• Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce of risk of head injury by absorbing the energy of an impact.
• Wear protective eye wear. According to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries, protective eye wear designed specifically for the sport can prevent more than 90 percent of all eye injuries;
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin;
• Be alert - as a player or spectator!

Did You Know? . . .

• Athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. Mouthguards are particularly important if you are in orthodontic treatment.  A minor blow to the face can be uncomfortable if you don't have braces; but add metal to the mix and a minor blow to the face can leave you with abrasions and cuts inside your mouth from your soft tissue being pressed against the brackets and wires on your teeth;
• Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in children ages 12 to 17 according to the Center for Disease Control;
• Whatever your sport, the right protective gear can save your teeth, your face, and even your life. If you or your child suffers dental trauma such as a knocked-out or broken tooth, Dr. Godwin suggests that you contact your dentist for immediate attention. For those in braces, it's also important to contact our office to schedule an appointment for repair since damage to braces can lengthen treatment time and affect treatment results.

About National Facial Protection Month: Every April, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Society, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry team up to remind parents, coaches and athletes about the importance of taking precautions to preserve their teeth and protect them from facial injuries.

Impressions Just Got Easier Thanks To Our Latest Technology . . . The iTero Scanner

Bel Air Orthodontics is always looking for ways to provide our patients with the latest cutting-edge technology. With that in mind, we’re excited to announce that our practice is now using the iTero Element Digital Impression Scanner. This technology makes it possible to create digital impressions in just a few minutes, without the need for messy putties or the gooey discomfort associated with other traditional impression techniques.

The iTero Element Scanner ensures a more accurate impression from the first appointment, resulting in a more efficient and comfortable experience for our patients. Digital impressions also give us the benefit of seeing the teeth instantly in 3D, so that patients can watch first hand as their model is generated on screen. From this scan, we create digital study models, formulate an orthodontic treatment plan, and generate Invisalign® aligners and other orthodontic appliances.

How Does The iTero Scanner Work?

The iTero Element scanner digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums at 6,000 frames per second using break-through optical technology. The scanner is a small, hand-held wand that is connected to a portable computer screen. The scanner is simply held over the teeth, where it quickly and comfortably scans all sides to create a 3-D image that is digitally saved. The scanned image is instantaneously displayed on the computer screen, improving communication during the consultation and treatment process.

Ultimately, this new technology makes the all-important impression process quick, convenient, precise and comfortable. With the iTero Element digital scanner, we hope to make a great first “impression” with our patients!

To learn more, visit www.itero.com or watch their latest video.

The fact is, most of us aren't born with a red carpet smile; and that's where Dr. Stephen Godwin and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics can help.  It's no secret that braces make your teeth strong, healthy and beautifully aligned,  but did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted without traditional braces?

We're proud to offer a clear alternative option for straightening teeth called Invisalign®, which uses a series of nearly-invisible, removable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. Today, we thought we would answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about Invisalign®.

Q: How is Invisalign® treatment different than traditional braces?

A: Not only does Invisalign effectively straighten teeth, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and durable, and provide patients the opportunity to enjoy their favorite activities such as sports and playing instruments, activities that can be challenging while wearing braces. Also, Invisalign's near-invisibility is a popular feature. Treatment is very inconspicuous, making it easier to fit in rather than call attention to treatment. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can remove them at meal times, as well as properly brush and floss to maintain healthy hygiene during treatment. Finally, Invisalign treatment has fewer emergencies because there are no wires or brackets to break.

Q: How does Invisalign® work?

A: Using proprietary 3D computer imaging technology, Dr. Godwin will to map out a precise treatment plan from start to finish.  Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear BPA-free plastic aligners is created specifically for you. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. Approximately every two weeks you will begin using the next set of aligners which will continue the teeth straightening process and ultimately give you the smile you've always wanted.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A:  The length of treatment depends on the severity of each case and can only be determined after an comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Godwin. Choosing to straighten your teeth with Invisalign is an important decision. That's why we'd like you to take the time to learn everything you need to know before making that decision. For more information, call our office to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.

It goes without saying that straight teeth are attractive, but there are many other reasons why you should care about straight teeth. Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew and speak. They also contribute to healthy teeth and gums, and may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better - a nice "side effect" of orthodontic treatment.

An Attractive Smile Is A Wonderful Asset

Think the way your teeth look doesn't really matter? Survey says: think again. According to a study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists, people often make snap judgements about an individual based solely on the condition of their teeth. The study also confirmed that a healthy, attractive smile contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image which are important qualities at every age. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings the teeth, lips, and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person's general attitude towards life.

Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, so they are prone to more plaque, a colorless, sticky film composed of bacteria, food and saliva. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feed on carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink to produce acids that can cause cavities. Plaque can also increase the risk of periodontal (gum) disease.When teeth are properly aligned, these risks decline, resulting in better oral health.

Properly Aligned Teeth = Better Physical Health

Studies show that properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Aligned teeth create a better bite, which can reduce stress and strain on your supporting bone and gum tissue. When left untreated, many minor orthodontic problems may become worse, contributing to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing, and misalignment of the jaw joints. This can lead to speech difficulties, digestive issues, chronic headaches or pain in the face of neck.

According to the American Association, straight teeth may also reduce injuries to teeth. Protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident. Proper tooth alignment reduces the risk of tooth fracture.

For many, treatment by an orthodontic specialist is less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years. So, no matter what age you are, it is never to early or late to enhance your smile. To learn  more about how orthodontics can enhance your smile and dental health, call to schedule your complimentary initial exam.