Fun fact Friday with Dr. Poggio!

At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Poggio and team thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).

• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today’s braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Gwen Stefani, Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Serena and Venus Williams, Katherine Heigl, Justin Bieber, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Who benefits from wearing braces?

Ask, and Dr. Valeria Poggio will tell you braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile at Dr. Poggio's Chula Vista, CA office. Set up an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Poggio and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Would you believe we're almost in October? Dr. Poggio and our staff know October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists - or AAO- have provided a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Poggio and our staff definitely recommend you check out the AAO's website for information about keeping your braces in tip-top shape. Also please feel free to give us a call at (619) 482-2412, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Poggio during your visit!

Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe this Halloween season!

Dr. Valeria Poggio, helping you save face this fall

Last week, Dr. Poggio and our staff discussed the importance of wearing your retainer after completing your treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Today, however, we thought we'd talk about another important appliance you should always have handy: your mouth guard.

The fall months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Chula Vista orthodontist Dr. Poggio for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing fall sports such as soccer, basketball and especially football.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. 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!