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Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but life with braces does come with an adjustment period. At Holt Orthodontics, we want you to feel prepared and supported throughout your journey. With a few simple tips and good habits, you’ll find that living with braces can be much easier than you think.

Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy!)

Braces are strong, but certain foods can damage wires or brackets. To keep your treatment on track:

• Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum.
• Skip hard or crunchy snacks such as popcorn, ice, nuts, and hard candies.
• Be careful with crunchy fruits and veggies—cut apples and carrots into bite-sized pieces instead of biting directly into them.

The good news? There are plenty of delicious, braces-friendly foods:

• Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons
• Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese
• Cooked vegetables, pasta, rice, and soft breads
• Protein options like eggs, chicken, or fish

Choosing the right foods will help prevent broken brackets and keep your smile moving in the right direction.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Braces create more spaces for food particles and plaque to hide, so oral hygiene becomes especially important. Here are some must-do habits:

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
• Angle your brush to clean around brackets and wires carefully.
• Floss daily with floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser for easier cleaning.
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Keeping your teeth clean will not only make your braces experience smoother but also ensure your smile looks amazing when treatment is complete.

Managing Soreness and Discomfort

It’s normal to experience some soreness when braces are first applied or after adjustments. Here are some ways to stay comfortable:

• Over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help with temporary discomfort.
• Orthodontic wax can cover any brackets or wires that irritate your cheeks or lips.
• Warm saltwater rinses soothe tender areas inside your mouth.
• Soft foods—like smoothies, mashed potatoes, or soups—are your best friends during the first few days after adjustments.

Discomfort usually fades quickly, and before long, wearing braces will feel like second nature.

A Smoother Journey to Your Best Smile

Braces are an investment in your health and confidence. By choosing braces-friendly foods, sticking to a strong cleaning routine, and managing soreness wisely, you’ll set yourself up for success.

At Holt Orthodontics, our team is here to answer questions and provide guidance every step of the way. If you ever have concerns about your braces—or just need a little extra advice—don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll make your orthodontic journey as smooth and rewarding as possible.

 

After winning the title of National Duathlon Champion last summer, Dr. Holt had the opportunity to represent the United States at the World Championship Duathlon in Pontevedra, Spain.

As a long-time endurance athlete Dr. Holt clinched an exhilarating victory in June 2025 when he crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 1 minute after a grueling multi-discipline race.

The championship course featured a 10 km run, 40 km bike, and a final 5 km run, attracting elite duathletes from across the globe. In a fiercely competitive field, Dr. Holt surged ahead in the final kilometers, edging out the top three finishers by less than one minute—a thrilling conclusion to an intense battle of stamina, speed, and strategy.

Dr. Holt has be dedicated to his training and nutrition and has overcome injuries to be able to participate in this race. He is honored and humbled by this win. He balanced his training with running a full-time orthodontic practice in Highlands Ranch & Littleton. It was at times a challenge, but also a huge source of motivation. This sport demands precision, discipline, and endurance—not unlike orthodontics!

Dr. Holt, known for his dedication both in the clinic and on the race course, has long been a respected figure in the Highlands Ranch community. His patients and staff often follow his races, inspired by his commitment to health, perseverance, and excellence.

This world title marks a milestone in Dr. Holt’s athletic career and brings international recognition not only to his achievements but to the Highlands Ranch athletic and professional communities.

Dr. Holt is back in the office and seeing patients, with his medal in hand, and is already planning for future competitions.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. HOLT FOR THIS AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a great smile? It’s often the first thing people notice, and it can light up a room in an instant. But beyond the Instagram-worthy photos and the confidence boost, having a straight and healthy smile comes with some pretty powerful benefits for your overall health and well-being.

If you’ve ever wondered why dental professionals are always emphasizing good oral care and alignment, here’s your answer. Let’s dive into the real perks of a smile that’s not just beautiful, but healthy too.

Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

This one’s a no-brainer. When you feel good about your smile, you're more likely to show it off — and that can have a huge impact on your confidence. Whether you're walking into a job interview, a first date, or a Zoom meeting, a confident smile can set the tone.

A straight smile often makes people feel more attractive, more approachable, and more self-assured. And hey, when you feel good, it shows.

Improves Oral Health

Straight teeth are easier to clean. When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s much easier to brush and floss effectively. No awkward angles or tight spaces for plaque and food particles to hide.

This means:

• Lower risk of cavities
• Healthier gums
• Less chance of gum disease or tooth decay

In other words, a straight smile doesn’t just look good — it is good, especially for your long-term oral health.

Better Digestion (Yes, Really)

Your teeth play a big role in the digestion process. Properly aligned teeth help you chew food more thoroughly, which makes it easier for your body to digest it.

When teeth are crowded or misaligned, it can affect how you bite and chew, leading to digestive issues over time. Who knew your smile could help your stomach out, too?

Reduces Jaw Pain and Headaches

Misaligned teeth can sometimes cause issues with your jaw — especially if you have an uneven bite or problems like overbite, underbite, or crossbite. This misalignment can lead to:

• Jaw pain or TMJ disorders
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder tension

Correcting your alignment with braces or aligners can ease this stress and create a more comfortable bite, reducing these symptoms.

Enhances Speech

Believe it or not, the position of your teeth can influence how clearly you speak. Misaligned teeth or gaps can lead to lisps or other minor speech issues. Straightening your teeth can improve your ability to pronounce certain sounds and communicate more confidently.

Helps Prevent Long-Term Dental Issues

When your teeth are crowded, overlapping, or spaced too far apart, they can wear down unevenly. Over time, this can lead to:

• Tooth damage or erosion
• Increased risk of tooth loss
• Costly restorative procedures down the line

A healthy alignment protects your smile now and later.

A Happier, Healthier You

There’s also a psychological and emotional benefit to smiling more often. Studies have shown that smiling — even when you’re not feeling 100% — can actually boost your mood. A healthy, confident smile makes you more likely to smile often, which can lead to reduced stress and improved well-being.

Smiling is contagious, after all and a straight and healthy smile is about so much more than aesthetics. It's a sign of good health, great hygiene, and personal confidence. Whether you're just starting your orthodontic journey or you’re keeping your teeth healthy post-treatment, every step you take toward a healthier smile is worth it!

Being an orthodontist is already a rewarding job — you get to transform smiles, boost confidence, and improve oral health every day. But imagine combining that with courtside energy, elite athletes, and a professional sports franchise. That’s the kind of next-level experience that comes with being the team orthodontist for the Denver Nuggets.

So what does it really mean to be the smile expert behind one of the NBA’s most dynamic teams? Let’s take a look behind the scenes.

More Than Just Straightening Teeth

When people hear “orthodontist,” they usually think braces, aligners, and teens in retainers. And while that’s definitely a big part of the job, working with pro athletes brings an entirely different focus. The goal isn’t just straight teeth — it’s performance, protection, and long-term oral health.

For athletes at the top of their game, even the smallest detail matters. That includes how their teeth come together, how they breathe during intense games, and whether their jaw alignment could be causing strain or discomfort. It’s all connected.

Custom Mouthguards for Elite Performance

One of the biggest roles a team orthodontist plays? Creating custom mouthguards. These aren’t your standard store-bought guards — they’re high-tech, precision-fit pieces that:

• Protect teeth and jaws from injury
• Support better breathing and airflow
• Help reduce risk of concussions
• Provide comfort during high-impact moments

Each guard is tailored to the individual player’s bite, smile, and playing style. The right fit can mean the difference between staying in the game or heading to the locker room

Preventive Care for Long Seasons

NBA seasons are long and physically demanding. The last thing a player needs is a dental emergency in the middle of a playoff run. That’s why the team orthodontist also focuses on preventive care — identifying alignment issues early, helping manage grinding or jaw clenching, and making sure smiles stay strong throughout the season.

Whether it’s adjusting retainers, checking for early signs of TMJ discomfort, or just making sure each player has a winning smile for media day, it’s all part of the job.

Building Trust With the Team

Being the Nuggets’ team orthodontist isn’t just about expertise — it’s about trust. These athletes are entrusting you with their health, comfort, and performance. That relationship is built on years of consistent care, attention to detail, and understanding the unique needs of professional athletes.

It’s not unusual for a quick courtside consultation to turn into a late-night mouthguard adjustment before a big game. That’s the kind of dedication the role requires.

Representing the City of Denver

To be the orthodontist for a major NBA franchise like the Nuggets also means representing the Mile High City in a unique way. You’re not just helping the players — you’re showing fans, families, and the community that high-level care and professional sports go hand in hand.

It’s a blend of passion for dentistry, love for the game, and commitment to excellence that makes the role so meaningful.

Being the team orthodontist for the Denver Nuggets is about more than fixing crooked teeth — it’s about keeping athletes healthy, protected, and performing at their best. It's about supporting the team from behind the scenes and making sure every smile that hits the hardwood is ready for prime time.

It’s a slam dunk of a job — and a true honor to be part of the Nuggets family.