Our Blog

It’s Holiday party time!  Parents, you are now officially entering the “School Break Zone.” This time of year, of course, brings family gatherings, parties, and treats! It’s hard to turn away from the ooey-gooey treats which is why Dr. Holt wants you to be prepared if an orthodontic emergency happens in your house.

Most importantly, he would like you to understand that accidents can happen during orthodontic treatment. When they do happen, it can result in a call or unplanned visit to your orthodontist – this is what you would consider an “emergency visit.”

Most times, “it’s not a big deal,” but Dr. Holt would like to remind you to make the call–don’t wait. He is your partner in creating a HEALTHY smile. If there is an urgent need during this time–for example if you are in pain, or an injury has occurred–your orthodontist should be notified and you should call for an emergency appointment.

In the meantime, stock up with supplies to help discomfort. Essential items to keep in your medicine cabinet are:

• Orthodontic wax
• Dental floss
• Tweezers
• Interproximal brushes
• Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)
• Over the counter pain relievers (such as one taken for a headache)

Plus, a warm salt water rinse can be soothing, as well. The recommended mixture is 1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water.

Ultimately, an important part of successful orthodontic treatment is communicating with your orthodontist. If an emergency arises, it’s okay. Don’t panic. We have a phone number you can text.  We will take good care of you.  Given the situation we will work hard to get you back on your treatment plan. Don’t forget, you play an essential role in your treatment. All you have to do is follow your orthodontist’s directions. With holiday fun on the horizon, now is the time to have a plan in place in case you eat too many ooey-gooey treats.  Enjoy the Holidays!

You know I love sweets—take a look around my pantry and you would see a who’s who of the candy world! :)  But it is all about moderation, especially with braces in place.

Worried your braces might ruin your Halloween fun? Spooky thought – but never fear! Enjoying good candy with braces is still an option. But first, avoid damaging your braces and risking your successful orthodontic treatment by learning which candy might loosen the brackets attached to your teeth.

Candies to avoid with braces

These candies may damage orthodontic appliances and can really set your orthodontic treatment back. Steer clear of:

• Caramels
• Taffy
• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Jellybeans
• Licorice
• Bubble gum
• Suckers
• Sour candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts

Candies you can eat with braces

Softer, melt-in-your-mouth candies tend to be less risky when it comes to keeping your braces intact. Enjoy these treats in moderation:

• Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
• Peanut butter cups
• KitKats
• 3 Musketeers
• Marshmallows
• Cookies

Be mindful, that in excess, candy of any kind can accumulate around your braces and lead to permanent white marks (decalcification), cavities or gum disease (gingivitis). Make sure to brush thoroughly around your braces especially after indulging in sugary snacks!

No need to miss out on the trick-or-treating fun but enjoy candy in moderation and snack wisely! If you do find a bracket not attached to the tooth, call me (Dr Holt)  as soon as possible to make an appointment to repair the loose bracket so your treatment is not delayed.  Now get out there and have a spooktacular Halloween! :)

As Fall approaches we get a lot of people asking if they can use their HSA / FSA account for orthodontic treatment at Holt Orthodontics.  The short answer is yes . . . so get on your way to a better smile!

What is an HSA or FSA account?

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), often offered by your employer, allow you to set aside money for qualifying health care expenses for yourself, your spouse and eligible dependents.

Can I use my HSA or FSA for orthodontic treatment? 

In most cases, yes, you can use your HSA or FSA for eligible orthodontic treatment. Only the portion of your orthodontic payments(s) not paid by your dental insurance or any other plan may be considered an eligible expense.

How can my HSA or FSA help save me money?

HSA and FSAs are types of savings account that let you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in an HSA or FSA to pay for your orthodontic treatment, you save money.

Contact your HSA or FSA provider or your HR specialist for specific details.

Trust Holt Orthodontics

You can work with Dr Holt to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Start smiling now! 

Much like laundry, orthodontic health can be more manageable if you get ahead of it.

You wouldn’t skip a well-check at the pediatrician, and you shouldn’t skip an early trip to the orthodontist either. A visit to your orthodontist by age 8 will help keep your child’s oral health in check. And it may help you avoid more costly or more invasive treatments down the road.

How so?

Palatal expander – Your child may be a good candidate for palatal expansion, which can make the upper jaw wider and help to reduce crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Ideally, a palatal expander is used when a patient is still growing. Expansion occurs when the growth plate or suture in the middle of the palate is stretched and the two halves are pushed apart. As the two halves are spread, new bone is added.

In younger patients, palatal expansion may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth. Cases not corrected in growing patients may require surgery for correction in adulthood and may lead to abnormal wear or bite problems if not corrected at all.

Early interceptive treatment–Sometimes a short time in braces can correct problems early on to prevent larger problems later.  An example of interceptive treatment is correcting an anterior cross bite or severe crowding or severe buck teeth.

Tooth removal – Sometimes removing baby or impacted teeth can help permanent teeth emerge better and encourage them to come in closer to their ideal position even without an orthodontic appliance. Dr. Holt will suggest the best time for extractions to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Getting them into the orthodontist early allows you to receive the optimum treatment for them.

Not all early visits result in orthodontic treatment

One of three things could happen following your child’s first appointment at Holt Orthodontics. 

• There may be no need for treatment at that time. We are thrilled when we can pat the kiddo on the back and tell them they will go on observation for another year or so. 
• Treatment may be necessary in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to develop.
• A problem already exists that would benefit by early treatment, and you are in the right spot to get started!

Holt orthodontics offers free consultations, so there’s no reason to wait. We are very conservative and ONLY recommends treatment when it is clinically indicated and when it is the best time for your child.  Hope to meet you soon! :)