Cool kids have fun with braces, from Tidewater Orthodontics

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and the Damon System, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Drs. Dailey and Ashby, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Drs. Dailey or Ashby for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Tips for summer traveling with teens, from Tidewater Orthodontics

Hey, parents! Have you been making my plans for a summer family vacation? Here at Tidewater Orthodontics, we know that summer is the season when many families choose to hit the open road—or catch a flight—to make those memories together. That’s why we want to share a few tips for summer travel from our friends at Yahoo! Shine.

1) Have your teens set the pace—and even the itinerary. No teen wants to be dragged around a city that they have no interest in, by allowing everyone a voice in the trip itinerary, children and parents alike become more invested in the vacation.

2) Everyone offers up a playlist. A trip soundtrack isn’t complete without a hodgepodge of every family member’s favorite music tracks!

3) Set a limit on phones/electronics use. This decision has to be specific to your family, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re setting the rules for minute limits or check-ins that all family members should stick to them—not just teens and tweens.

4) Keep food and drinks on hand. Sometimes a snack is all you need to stay cheery- hunger can oftentimes create unnecessary arguments and tension between families.

5) Don’t make them clean the hotel room. While on vacation, the same rules that apply at home for cleaning don’t necessarily apply while staying in a hotel.

6) Set a gift shop budget. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to set limits ahead of time!

7) Give them a little freedom. When traveling with tweens and teens, it is important that they are able to have some areas, maybe a five-block radius or even the hotel lobby, where they are able to wander without the whole family.

We hope these tips are useful for helping you plan that perfect family vacation this summer! For more articles on parenting and for the parenting pick of the day, check out Yahoo! Shine. Also, if you have any great family vacation photos, feel free to post them on our Facebook page!

Happy travels,

-Your friends at Tidewater Orthodontics

Invisalign Teen™ at Tidewater Orthodontics

Our team at Tidewater Orthodontics knows how important image can be for today's teens. Even the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of many Virginia teens. But... not to worry! There is now a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Tidewater Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" beautiful smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another huge benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen. We are also happy to send you a free information kit from Invisalign or schedule you a free consultation. Just give us a call!

Drs. Ashby and Dailey, helping you save face this summer

With summer finally here, our staff at Tidewater Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind our patients to take care of their mouth and appliances when out on the field. After all, the summer months bring with them a greater chance of our athletes damaging their teeth since you are out and about and/or playing sports. If you are playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. John Ashby or Dr. Curtis Dailey for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised by our doctors and staff for playing summer sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many, many others.

In case of any accident involving the face, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment to see us immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—Drs. Ashby and Dailey will be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment!

Our team at Tidewater Orthodontics will tell you that only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your Independence Day weekend!