Ask Dr. Ruff: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Of course not. In fact, our staff recently read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has climbed 24 percent since 1996! It's true that braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: folks want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ruff can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Ruff would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Dr. Ruff wants to know: What do you love about Waterville?

The office of Charles J. Ruff, located in Waterville and serving surrounding communities here in Maine, is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods. Each is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our great young patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Ruff thought he'd ask: What are your favorite things about Waterville or your community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps you have a favorite Maine getaway (there are lots of them!).

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Burnaby, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might just post your response on our social networks!

This April, play it safe! From Dr. Ruff

You may remember our team last week blogging about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard when participating in sports-related activities. Well, this week happens to be a great time for a follow-up. You see, April is National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

For Dr. Ruff and our staff, that's just not acceptable.

The above video contains five ways to ensure the safety of your mouth this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please give us a call at (207) 873-7425. Have a great rest of the week and remember to protect your mouth!

The importance of mouth guards, from Dr. Ruff

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Ruff for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our office. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Ruff will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

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 with Dr. Ruff.

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day (and night), from Dr. Charles Ruff

Dr. Ruff wants to know: Did you remember to dress in green when you stepped out this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Dr. Ruff and our team hope you stay safe and enjoy your night out tonight!

Orthodontic fun facts, from Dr. Ruff

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at the office of Dr. Charles J. Ruff 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, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Charles Ruff, reminding you about the importance of regular checkups

Is your child brushing his/her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great, says Dr. Charles Ruff. But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment! Lastly, if you have any questions about your treatment with Dr. Ruff, please give us a call at (207) 873-7425.