Play it safe this spring, from Caponera Orthodontics

April - which is National Facial Protection Month - is almost gone, but not before we remind all our young athletes in treatment to play it safe when out on the field. After all, nearly 60,000 people injure their faces annually while participating in sports activities, and teenagers account for 80 percent of all sports-related trips to the emergency room.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope these tips help. Dr. Caponera will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Caponera Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Ask Dr. Caponera: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Plantation, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach orthodontist Dr. Rinaldo Caponera and our team at Caponera Orthodontist work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Caponera Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! Our staff is dedicated to working with you every step of the way. We take extra time explaining all of your options to you, and help you to choose the most effective treatment option for your smile. Whether you wear traditional metal braces with fun, colorful bands, or Invisalign, your new smile will be spectacular.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Caponera can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.