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A custom smile created just for you by an AAO orthodontist

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Guidance for Byte Customers, from the AAO

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AAO Warns Against “Mewing” Trend

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Adult Orthodontics

Today, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult.

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Child Orthodontics

Your child should have a check-up with an orthodontist by age 7.

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Customized Treatment to Match Your Needs

The American Association of Orthodontists helps to connect patients with the right orthodontist. AAO orthodontists have the training, experience and treatment options to make sure you get your best smile.

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Orthodontic Treatment Options

  • Braces

    Braces

    Composed of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires that are threaded through slots in the brackets.

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  • Aligners

    Aligners

    Clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are formed to fit an individual’s teeth. Patients are responsible for insertion and removal.

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  • Retainers

    Retainers

    Removable, clear, thin, slightly flexible, and made of a plastic-like material. They fit the exact shape and placement of the teeth.

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  • Archwires

    Archwires

    Archwires fit into the slots in braces and actually move the teeth.

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  • Elastics

    Elastics

    Elastics are tiny rubber bands that apply extra force to a tooth or teeth in ways that braces alone cannot. This helps teeth move into their ideal positions.

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  • Mouthguards

    Mouthguards

    A mouth guard is used by athletes of all ages to protect teeth from trauma during competitive and individual sporting activities.

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  • Orthodontic Surgery

    Orthodontic Surgery

    Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew and speak.

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  • Gifted Smiles

    Gifted Smiles

    Gifted Smiles is a program of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) that provides necessary orthodontic treatments to children of families who lack access to care.

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Considering At-Home Treatments?

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. Working with the right orthodontist to determine a treatment plan can yield life-enhancing results.

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Why Orthodontics?

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment from the best orthodontists in the U.S. helps ensure proper function of teeth and create healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.
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Man smiling, showing off his new straight teeth and healthy bite.

Common Problems

There are a handful of common tooth, mouth and jaw problems that require orthodontic care. Some of the most common problems include jaw pain, crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, mouth breathing or speech difficulty. We recommend seeking care the moment you or your child starts to experience these or other dental problems.
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Woman in visible pain with dental issues, and it's time to see an AAO orthodontist.

How to Choose The Right Orthodontist

There are a lot of treatment options available, from clear aligners to modern braces. They each have their uses, but only an orthodontist has the specialized knowledge to identify and plan for all the variables involved. Just as each smile is unique, so is the treatment option. It’s important to choose the right orthodontist who has the knowledge and full range of tools to create a customized treatment plan to address your orthodontic needs.
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Straight teeth are more than a great smile, they must function properly too.

The Passionate Pursuit of Healthy Smiles

65%
of adults do not have well-aligned front teeth
4M
people in the U.S need or already have braces
3700
orthodontists have 3,700 hours of additional training in the science of moving teeth
Why AAO
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Blog

This may seem like an odd time of year to discuss HSA/FSA funds, but at the AAO, we think this could be the MOST appropriate time to talk about it. And more importantly, you do not have to wait.

1 Mar 2022 1 min read
Woman starting treatment with clear aligners.
Blog

As a part of looking healthy and with the understanding that on-camera meetings are here to stay, you may be curious about straightening your teeth.

4 Jan 2022 1 min read
Broken brackets and braces pain happen. See an orthodontist to help relieve your issues.
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