CINCINNATI, Aug 25, 2015 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) are treating more than 5.8 million children, teen-agers and adults in the U.S. and Canada. These orthodontic patients are paying close attention to an important aspect of their treatment: their oral hygiene home care. Crest/Oral-B and the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) are teaming up to raise awareness about good oral hygiene maintenance for orthodontic patients in addition to the benefits of getting professional services from AAO member orthodontists.
“Orthodontic treatment is a smart investment in good dental health,” according to Morris N. Poole, DDS, president of the AAO. “Good oral hygiene is especially critical during orthodontic treatment. Using the proper oral care products can help patients keep teeth and gums clean, and enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile when their treatment is complete.”
Crest + Oral-B's collaboration with the AAO will include a number of activities to build awareness among both dental professionals and consumers. These include the development of materials to help dental professionals communicate and engage their patients on oral hygiene techniques, compliance and making the right product choices for optimal oral health. On the retail front, in-store and other activities will allow the AAO to reach more consumers more often. Crest/Oral-B is one of the global leaders in oral care product technologies with the most comprehensive range of home care products like the Bluetooth-enabled electric toothbrushes, toothpastes, rinses, flosses and other specialty products. Its Ortho Essentials Kit has been scientifically shown to reduce plaque and improve oral health in patients who are having orthodontic treatment.
“Crest/Oral-B is very excited about the collaboration with the AAO and remains committed to promoting better oral health awareness and making it accessible to consumers,” said Bob Straka, Director of Professional Oral Care, P&G.
Frequent removal of plaque and food debris that collect around teeth and orthodontic “appliances” (the formal name for devices such as braces that move teeth and align jaws) contributes to successful orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing as recommended by one’s orthodontist during active orthodontic treatment will maintain the good health of teeth, gums and supporting bone tissue. The right tools enable patients to perform their oral hygiene effectively, which will help them finish treatment on time with great results.
The AAO helps its members provide the highest level of expert care to their patients by supporting orthodontic education and research, and by offering members world-class continuing education opportunities to stay abreast of innovations in clinical care. Orthodontists are dentistry’s experts in moving teeth and aligning jaws to create a healthy bite. After graduating from dental school, the future orthodontist must study orthodontics for an additional two-to-three academic years in an accredited orthodontic residency program. There they learn about tooth movement (orthodontics) and the guidance of dental, jaw and facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only after successful completion of this formal education may an individual be announced as an “orthodontist.” The AAO admits only orthodontists for membership. By selecting an AAO member for orthodontic treatment, the public is assured that the doctor is an orthodontist.
The AAO provides a Find an Orthodontist service at www.mylifemysmile.org. The public can also look for the AAO logo on a doctor’s website or in the office to confirm their AAO membership; only AAO members may display the AAO logo.
Anyone interested in improving the function and appearance of their teeth should consult an AAO-member orthodontist. Consumers can refer to a list of questions here to help them choose their provider.
For more information, visit:
www.crestprohealth.com, www.oralb.com, www.mylifemysmile.org, and www.aaoinfo.org.
