Educating parents about the importance of early orthodontic intervention and encouraging them to take their children to see an orthodontist by age seven is part of the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) new Consumer Awareness Program campaign. “When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?” is the second video in the Straight Talk series. In the latest video, Dr. Larry Wang, an AAO orthodontist, offers his expertise, complemented by thoughts from the Tooth Fairy and a well-informed seventh grader.

It is recommended that children see an orthodontist by the age of seven, as this helps maintain their oral health. And it may help you avoid more costly or more invasive treatments down the road.

Get the inside scoop – watch our short video below.

What is the Importance of Age 7?

Palatal expander: Your child may be a good candidate for palatal expansion, which can widen the upper jaw and help 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 left uncorrected.

Early orthodontic intervention, such as wearing braces for a short time, can correct problems early on to prevent more severe issues later. 

An example of interceptive treatment is correcting an anterior crossbite.

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. Your orthodontist 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.

How Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Help – Even If There’s No Obvious Problem?

1. There may be no need for treatment recognized at that time.
2. Treatment may be necessary in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to develop.
3. A problem that would benefit from early treatment already exists, and you’re in the right place to get started!

Most orthodontists offer free consultations and early orthodontic evaluations for kids, so there’s no reason to wait.

Trust an AAO orthodontist.

You can work with an AAO Orthodontist 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. Find an orthodontist near you.

The post The Milestone Visit: Why Age 7 is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

This is actually a complaint our orthodontists hear with some frequency. And while it sounds too far-fetched to be true, just like the old “the dog ate my homework” excuse, it actually happens!

Some of our patients feel embarrassed to admit that their friendly family pooch mangled their very important orthodontic appliance beyond all recognition. However, this is a normal occurrence, and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s far more important that you keep up with your post-treatment regimen to maintain that beautiful smile you spent so much time and effort perfecting. But why does this keep happening, and what can you do to prevent it? These are the exact questions our expert orthodontists aim to answer in this exposé on why our beloved four-legged furry friends just can’t stop “hounding” retainers when they aren’t in your mouth.

Why Do Dogs Like Retainers So Much?

The current working theory holds that dogs are attracted to retainers for a handful of reasons, including:

• Scent: The smell of saliva and plastic may be appealing to dogs
• Taste: The taste of the plastic, mixed with saliva, may be appealing to dogs
• Texture: The soft, malleable materials share some qualities with dog chew toys
• Shape: Dogs may mistake retainers that have been left out for chew toys because of their shape
• Curiosity: Dogs may just be naturally curious to investigate something their owners have been handling so much

In some cases, dogs may also be experiencing teething or dental problems of their own, and try to relieve the pain by chewing on something. The flexible texture of retainers may make them a preferred option.

How Do I Prevent My Dog From Chewing on My Retainer?

While dogs are highly attracted to orthodontic retainers, some simple retainer care tips can help keep them out of paws-reach.

1. Place retainers directly into their case after removal
2. Never wrap up a retainer in a napkin and leave it sitting out, even for just a moment
3. Clean your retainer daily to wash away gunk and scents that dogs love

What Happens if the Dog Manages to Eat My Retainer?

If you’re reading this because your dog has already eaten your retainer, our condolences. We know that losing your retainer really bites, no matter how it happens.

After gathering the mangled remains of your retainer and discarding them, please notify your orthodontist immediately and schedule an appointment for a replacement. Retainers are effective devices that help hold teeth in their new positions following “active” orthodontic treatment. Wearing them as prescribed by the orthodontist is the most reliable way to preserve the placement of teeth that you and your doctor worked so hard to achieve.

Replacing lost or damaged retainers carries a cost. However, they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Schedule Your Retainer Follow-Up Appointment at an AAO Orthodontist

Whether your dog ate your retainer, you accidentally threw it away, or it no longer fits properly, it’s essential to see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial to keeping your dazzling smile after orthodontic treatment. Waiting too long after your retainer is damaged, or refusing to have it adjusted for a better fit, could cause your teeth to drift out of alignment.

Find an AAO orthodontist near you using our Find an Orthodontist tool, and book an appointment to get the retainer care you need today.

The post Why Do Dogs Eat Orthodontic Retainers? appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Well-aligned teeth are easier to care for and can help reduce the risk of uneven wear, gum problems, and jaw discomfort. Whether you’re guiding a child’s developing smile, helping a teen feel confident, or considering treatment as an adult, orthodontic care supports both oral health and everyday well-being.

Inside, you’ll find a clear snapshot of what to watch for, how early check-ins set kids up for success, ways teens can tackle common concerns, and why adults see benefits that go far beyond looks. We’ll also cover smart, lifelong habits for keeping the results of your treatment using retainers.

The Importance of Orthodontic Health at All Ages

Orthodontic health isn’t just about straighter teeth; it’s about a healthier bite, easier cleaning, comfortable jaw function, and confident speech and smiles. Well-aligned teeth reduce plaque traps, help prevent uneven wear, and support your chewing, breathing, and speaking. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an orthodontic check-up by age 7, and why it’s never too late for teens and adults to benefit from treatment.

Key Benefits

Children: Early evaluations can guide jaw growth, create room for incoming teeth, break harmful habits (such as thumb/finger sucking), and reduce the complexity of future treatment.

Teens: Address crowding, spacing, and bite problems during rapid growth for efficient, predictable results, with options like braces or clear aligners that fit busy schedules.

Adults: Treatment can improve gum health by making teeth easier to clean, balancing the bite to reduce abnormal wear, and enhancing overall comfort and confidence, often with discreet options.

The Holistic Health Impact

Orthodontic care supports lifelong oral health and everyday well-being. Examples include:

Oral Hygiene: Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, helping lower the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Bite & Jaw Comfort: A balanced bite can ease strain on the jaw joints and muscles.

Function & Breathing: Proper alignment supports efficient chewing and clearer speech and can promote healthier oral posture and breathing patterns.

Long-Term Stability: Retainers help protect your results, keeping your smile and bite on track.

Your Orthodontic Checklist: What to Watch For

Think your family needs orthodontic treatment? Here are some signs and symptoms to look for that indicate it’s time to schedule an appointment.

• Crowding, overlapping, or unusually spaced teeth

• Teeth that don’t meet evenly (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth; permanent teeth erupting out of place or not erupting

• Difficulty chewing or biting into foods; frequent biting of cheeks or tongue

• Mouth breathing, snoring, or lips not closing comfortably at rest

• Thumb/finger sucking or other oral habits past early childhood

• Jaw pain, clicking, popping, or the jaw shifting to one side

• Speech difficulties (e.g., lisp) related to tooth or jaw position

• Grinding/clenching, uneven tooth wear, or tooth sensitivity from bite stress

• Front teeth that protrude or are prone to trauma

• Trouble keeping teeth clean despite good brushing/flossing access

• Past braces/alignment shifting back; retainer no longer fits or is lost

If you notice one or more of these, schedule an evaluation with an AAO orthodontist. Early checks are helpful, but it’s never too late.

Orthodontic Care for Children

It is especially important to ensure children get access to the orthodontic care they need. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. By this age, children usually have a mix of baby and permanent teeth that allows an orthodontist to evaluate how teeth and jaws are developing, spot problems early, and plan care for the best results, often avoiding more complex or costly treatment later.

Common Bite Issues for Children

Early checks can catch crowding or spacing, bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), and teeth erupting out of position, issues that rarely self-correct and can affect chewing, wear, and jaw growth if untreated.

• Overbite: Upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth vertically.
• Overjet: Upper front teeth protrude too far forward horizontally beyond the lower teeth.
• Underbite: Lower front teeth bite in front of the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite (anterior): One or more upper front teeth bite behind the lower front teeth.
• Crossbite (posterior): Upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth.
• Open bite (anterior or posterior): Front or back teeth don’t touch when biting, leaving a gap.
• Deep bite: Extreme vertical overlap where lower incisors bite into the palate or gums.

Depending on the diagnosis, an orthodontist may recommend monitoring with periodic observation visits or early/interceptive options, such as a palatal expander or partial/limited braces, to guide growth and make later treatment shorter and simpler.

Orthodontic Care for Teens

Teen smiles are in a prime window for treatment because permanent teeth are in place and growth can still be guided. Common concerns include crowding or spacing, bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), impacted or ectopic canines, and alignment shifts after earlier treatment or lost retainers. Activity-heavy schedules, band or athletics, and even social confidence all factor into choosing the right approach, along with a solid hygiene plan to keep gums and enamel healthy around appliances.

Today’s options are flexible and discreet: traditional metal or ceramic braces, low-profile brackets, and clear aligners that fit busy routines. Most teens can expect regular check-ins to monitor their orthodontic treatment. If your teen plays sports, mouthguards are highly recommended. Orthodontic wax and soft or cold foods are highly recommended after adjustments to help manage any discomfort.

Orthodontic Care for Adults

Orthodontic care isn’t just for growing smiles; adults benefit, too. Aligning teeth can improve daily hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. A balanced bite helps distribute chewing forces, reducing abnormal wear and bite-related discomfort. Adult orthodontics also supports broader dental plans: moving teeth into ideal positions can simplify future restorative needs such as crowns, implants, or veneers and improve long-term stability and comfort, while boosting confidence in your smile.

Many adults seek orthodontic care for issues that either went untreated earlier or developed over time. The most common is crowding, which makes cleaning harder and can affect confidence. Adults also notice bite imbalances (deep bite, crossbite, open bite, underbite/overbite) that lead to uneven wear, chipping, or bite-related discomfort. Spacing and drifting can follow tooth loss or gum disease, while older restorations (crowns, bridges, implants) may complicate alignment if teeth have migrated. Some adults notice jaw joint/muscle strain, nighttime grinding, or headaches linked to an unbalanced bite.

Treatment is tailored to goals, gum health, and any restorative needs. Common options include clear aligners for discreet, flexible wear; ceramic (tooth-colored) braces for precise control with a low-profile look; and, in select cases, lingual braces placed behind the teeth. Orthodontists may use elastics, limited expansion, or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to fine-tune bite correction. Many adults choose limited (targeted) treatment to fix relapse or crowding, while others pursue comprehensive treatment to correct bite and alignment fully. Whatever the path, a personalized plan and consistent retainer wear help protect results for life.

Why Wearing Retainers is So Important

Teeth aren’t set in stone. Tiny, natural shifts can happen at any age as the fibers around teeth relax and remodel, chewing forces change, or wisdom teeth and restorations alter your bite. Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions while bone and gum tissues stabilize after treatment and help prevent the slow “relapse” that can undo your results.

Tips for Retainer Wear to Keep Your Beautiful Smile

• Follow your wear schedule. Nightly, long-term is common.
• Keep retainers clean (no hot water), and store them in a case, not a napkin.

• If it feels tight, that’s a sign of movement. Resume consistent wear and call your orthodontist.
• Replace cracked, warped, or lost retainers promptly; keep a backup if recommended.

Get Orthodontic Care for Your Family Today

From early check-ups around age 7 to teen treatment and adult smile tune-ups, your tooth alignment matters for much more than just confidence. Your health is intrinsically tied to your bite, and correcting your teeth can help with everything from promoting better bites to helping reduce conditions like sleep apnea. Protecting your family’s smiles helps to set them up for a life of healthy, happy living.

If you’re ready to straighten those pearly whites, use the AAO Orthodontist Locator to find a nearby orthodontist near you!

The post Your Guide to Orthodontic Health appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

In this guide, the experts at the American Association of Orthodontists are tackling the oral health of athletes. Read on to discover common issues, what to watch out for, and all-star tips for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy while playing your favorite sports.

Why Are Athletes at Greater Risk for Oral Health Issues?

Athletes can live in conditions that keep the mouth in a high-risk state far more often than non-athletes. The biggest driver can be frequent sipping of sugary, acidic fuels (sports and energy drinks, gels, and chews).

Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria, while low pH softens enamel. When athletes “sip and graze” during practices and games, oral pH stays low for extended periods, accelerating decay and erosion. Even “zero sugar” drinks can be highly acidic and wear enamel down over time. Add mouth breathing and dehydration (less saliva to buffer acids and remineralize enamel), plus occasional exercise-induced reflux, and the chemistry tilts even further against teeth.

Layer on sport realities, and the risk climbs: clenching and contact raise the risk of chips, cracks, and jaw strain; travel and tournament schedules can disrupt brushing and flossing; and uncleaned mouthguards can harbor bacteria. For athletes with orthodontic appliances, brackets create plaque-retentive nooks, and clear aligners worn during workouts can trap sugary, acidic liquid against enamel. The result is a perfect storm (more acid and sugar exposure, less saliva protection, and more mechanical stress) that makes cavities, erosion, and gum issues much more likely.

How Do Athletes Protect Their Oral Health?

Knowing how hard sports can be on our teeth can be alarming, but don’t let that discourage you from playing sports! The good news is that athletes can dial down these risks with a few simple changes.

• Smart fueling choices
• Dehydration management
• Better oral hygiene routines
• Mouthguards

1. Smarter Fueling Choices

Fuel like an athlete, not a snacker. Prioritize water first; reserve sports/energy drinks and gels for actual high-exertion needs, finish them quickly (don’t sip for an hour), and follow with a quick water rinse. When possible, choose lower-acid options and carb sources that don’t stick to teeth.

Chew sugar-free gum after fueling to boost saliva, and wait 30–60 minutes before brushing so you’re not scrubbing softened enamel. If you wear aligners, don’t sip sugary or acidic drinks while they’re in. Remove them, fuel, rinse with water, then reinsert.

2. Dehydration Management

Saliva is your built-in mouthguard against acid and bacteria, and dehydration reduces its effectiveness. Carry a bottle of water and drink on a schedule, not just when thirsty; use electrolyte tabs or mixes with lower acidity during long sessions.

For dry-air or altitude sports, add brief nasal breathing during lower-intensity work when safe to cut mouth-drying. After practice, rehydrate before meals, then rinse with water to reset your mouth’s pH.

3. Practice Better Oral Health Routines

Protect enamel and gums with twice-daily brushing (at least 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste) and daily flossing or interdental brushes. Build a grab-and-go kit (travel brush, paste, floss, mini mouthwash) for tournaments and bus rides so hygiene doesn’t slip.

After drinking acidic beverages, rinse with water and wait 30–60 minutes before brushing. High-risk athletes benefit from fluoride varnish or prescription toothpaste. Ask your orthodontist for a plan that works with braces or aligners.

4. Use Properly Fitted Mouthguards

A good mouthguard reduces the chances of broken and chipped teeth, lip cuts, and jaw injuries. It can also reduce clenching during high exertion, thereby reducing overall wear on your teeth.

While boil-and-bite is better than nothing, custom-fitted guards offer the best protection and stay in place during play. Clean your mouthguard after every use, air-dry it thoroughly, and store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial or fungal buildup. Replace if cracked, chewed, or loose, and wear it in practice and games, not just on game day.

Tips for Athletes Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Braces and aligners raise the stakes during sports. Brackets, wires, and attachments may create sharp edges that can cut lips and cheeks on impact, and a blow to the mouth can bend wires, break brackets, or crack aligners, delaying treatment by weeks and increasing costs.

Appliances also trap sugars and acids more easily; frequent sipping of sports and energy drinks around practice can accelerate the development of white-spot lesions and gum inflammation. Clenching your jaw during exertion (sprinting, lifting) adds extra wear to already-stressed enamel and hardware. In short, injuries hurt more, damage is costlier, and everyday fueling habits can cause faster harm when you’re in active orthodontic care.

That’s why it’s even more important to protect your teeth during sports when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Follow these three tips to keep your mouth and your orthodontic appliances safe during practice and games.

Wear a Mouthguard at All Times

If you have braces, wearing a mouthguard is highly recommended. This is because the sharp edges of orthodontic appliances can cause serious injury if you are struck in the face or head. Custom or orthodontic-specific mouthguards fit over brackets and reduce the risk of cuts, fractures, and wire damage. You must wear them for both practice and games.

If you use aligners, remove them and wear a mouthguard for contact play.

Pack an On-the-Go Orthodontic Cleaning Kit

With orthodontic appliances, you need to take extra care to clean your teeth to prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, braces and aligners create all sorts of nooks and crannies where sugar from sports and energy drinks can get stuck and do real damage to your enamel.

Pack a travel kit with all the essentials: orthodontic wax (to cover pokey wires), a compact toothbrush, travel-size fluoride toothpaste, floss picks/interdental brushes, and a vented mouthguard case. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and consider prescription-strength fluoride if recommended. After any acidic exposure (sports drinks, reflux), rinse with water and delay brushing 30–60 minutes.

Take Care of Your Protective Gear

After practice, athletes clean and maintain the gear they use. This can be everything from jerseys to shin guards. Establishing this routine helps the gear last longer, ensuring it’s ready and effective the next time you need it.

The same is true of orthodontic protective equipment. After each practice, you should thoroughly rinse and air-dry your mouthguard. Inspect it to ensure there are no cracks or looseness. Always place it in a ventilated case after you’ve cleaned and dried it.

While you’re at it, take a look at your braces to make sure everything is where it should be. If a bracket breaks or a wire shifts, contact your orthodontist quickly. Never “play through” damaged orthodontic hardware. It can cause serious injury.

Why AAO Orthodontists Are an Important Part of Your Oral Health Team

AAO Orthodontists are uniquely trained to manage the intersection of sports, appliances, and oral health. They can fit sport-appropriate mouthguards over braces, set clear aligner “game-time” protocols, and tailor prevention plans, fueling guidance that won’t erode enamel, fluoride strategies for white-spot prevention, emergency playbooks for broken brackets, and check-ins timed to your season. The goal is simple: keep you performing (and your treatment progressing) without avoidable setbacks.

Ready to put a plan in place? Use the Find an Orthodontist Locator on the AAO website to connect with a nearby orthodontist and book an appointment to build your personalized sports orthodontic treatment plan.

The post Oral Health Tips for Athletes from the Orthodontic Experts appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

All of the additional nooks and crannies created by your orthodontic appliances are the kind of spaces that plaque and bacteria in your mouth dream of. If you’re not extra diligent, you can create all sorts of other problems for your smile when your braces finally come off.

In this guide, AAO expert orthodontists will share tips for maintaining your oral health and getting the most from your orthodontic treatment between visits.

Bite-Sized Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene

It’s important to put in extra effort to clean your teeth and maintain your toothcare routines to ensure you don’t develop cavities where parts of your braces meet your teeth.

Make sure to:

• Brush your teeth multiple times a day using toothpaste
• Use your interproximal brush you received from your orthodontist, to clean hard-to-reach spaces
• Floss at least once a day
• Use water to rinse your mouth if you’ve had a sugary beverage
• Avoid foods that get stuck in braces
• Call your orthodontist as soon as you notice something is broken or loose

Why is Oral Hygiene Such a Big Deal With Braces?

Once you have braces put on, it can create additional challenges for your normal tooth care routine. Aside from taking up extra space in your mouth, braces create extra hard-to-reach spaces and gaps near teeth where food, plaque, and bacteria like to hide.

It requires extra effort to keep these spaces clean, and you may need to brush your teeth more frequently. However, if you don’t keep your teeth clean, you may find when your braces come off that your teeth are full of cavities or have started to develop white marks.

What Are Some Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene with Braces?

While maintaining a good toothcare routine may be a bit more intensive with braces, it’s far from difficult. Good oral hygiene tips include:

• Brushing multiple times a day
• Flossing frequently
• Rinsing your mouth after consuming sugary substances

1. Clean your teeth multiple times a day

If you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance, such as braces or aligners, keeping your teeth clean is important regardless of the situation. Ideally, you should be brushing after every meal with toothpaste.

If you’re wearing aligners, make sure to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water, and give them a thorough cleaning too! If you have braces, use your interproximal brush to reach hard-to-reach areas.

2. Floss frequently

Just as important as brushing your teeth is flossing! It’s even more important to floss now that you have an orthodontic appliance in your mouth. Leaving bits of food stuck to and between your teeth and braces is a recipe for cavities.

Make sure you take dental floss with you wherever you go. You can easily get a pocket-sized container to bring with you.

3. Rinse your mouth

This tip is one that people often forget. After every sugary snack or drink, rinse your mouth with water. This clears out any lingering sugars that bacteria in your mouth thrive on.

Other Tips and Tricks for Effective Orthodontic Treatment

Keeping your teeth clean is essential, but you should also develop a few good habits to ensure your orthodontic treatment proceeds without complications.

Wear your elastics or retainers as prescribed

Follow your orthodontist’s recommendations to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Running low on rubber bands? Don’t worry. Call your orthodontist to devise a plan to get more.

Avoid hard, sticky foods and sugary drinks

It’s always important to handle your appliances with care. Avoid hard, sticky foods that could potentially break brackets. Skip or limit sugary beverages, such as sports drinks and soda. Water is best!

Pack an orthodontic travel kit

The most significant change many people experience when they first get braces is the need to brush, floss, and rinse their mouth on the go. For many patients, lunchtime occurs outside the home, at school or work. That means you’ll need to bring what you need with you to take care of your teeth while you’re out and about.

Make sure you pack your toothbrush, interproximal brush, dental floss, toothpaste, and extra elastics just in case.

It’s also a good idea to pack some orthodontic wax in the event your braces start making your mouth a little sore. This is especially recommended after an orthodontist adjustment.

Call Your Orthodontist if Anything Goes Wrong

Your orthodontist is still there for you, even between visits. Contact them if you have any concerns during this time.

Make sure to report any broken brackets or loose wires as soon as they happen. It’s important that all parts of your braces are functioning properly for your treatment to be effective. The sooner you schedule an appointment to fix your braces, the less likely you’ll need to add additional time to your treatment to get everything back on track.

Orthodontists are highly trained and experienced professionals who would be happy to help you.

The post Oral Hygiene Tips During Orthodontic Treatment appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Now is the time to book your orthodontic consultation. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, improve your bite, or finally begin the smile journey you’ve been waiting for, an AAO orthodontist can help you start the new year with confidence.

Book Your Consultation Before the Year Ends!

• Use It or Lose It: Most FSA dollars don’t roll over—schedule treatment before December 31.

• FSA Covers Orthodontics: From braces to aligners, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for care.

• Act Fast: Appointments fill quickly during the holidays.

• New Year, New Smile: Begin treatment now and make 2026 the year you love your smile.

• Expert Care: Orthodontists have received specialized training to offer the highest quality care

Use Your FSA Dollars to Pay for Treatment

An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is a special account you can use to set aside pre-tax money for qualified health expenses, including orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure whether you have an FSA, check with your employer or HR department. The most important thing to know is that FSA dollars typically do not roll over. If you don’t use them by year’s end, they disappear.

That means now is the time to put those funds to work for your smile. Don’t let your hard-earned money vanish! Book a consultation with an AAO orthodontist today and start planning your treatment before the holidays are over.

New Year, New Smile!

There’s no better way to step into the new year than by investing in yourself. Orthodontic treatment not only improves the appearance of your smile but also enhances oral health, boosts confidence, and can even make daily functions like eating and speaking more comfortable.

By beginning treatment now, you’ll already be on your way to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted by the time 2026 unfolds.

Custom Treatment Options for Your Unique Smile

When it comes to creating your dream smile, AAO orthodontists offer personalized treatment plans that are so advanced, they might as well already be from 2026:

Braces

• Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
• They work around the clock to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve alignment for lasting results.
• Options include traditional metal braces and more discreet ceramic braces to match your lifestyle.

Clear Aligners

• A virtually invisible alternative to braces, clear aligners use a series of removable trays to move your teeth into place over time.
• Perfect for patients who want flexibility, aligners can be taken out for meals, brushing, and special occasions.
• With guidance from an AAO orthodontist, aligners are customized to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

No matter which treatment path you choose, your AAO orthodontist will help you decide what’s best based on your age, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs. Both options are eligible for FSA coverage, meaning you can put your pre-tax dollars toward the smile you’ve always wanted.

Getting Braces: What You Can Expect

The average procedure for placing braces typically takes about an hour. You may notice a few changes once your braces are on.

Moderate Discomfort: Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth into alignment. When you first get them, and sometimes after adjustments, it’s common to feel some soreness or discomfort in your mouth. This is normal and only temporary.

Slight Changes in Speech: The position of your teeth and the shape of your mouth affect how you speak. Because braces take up space, you might initially notice small changes in your speech as your mouth adapts. This is temporary and will improve as you adjust to it.

Soreness in the Cheeks and Lips: At first, your lips and cheeks may rub against the brackets and wires, causing irritation. As your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, the soreness will gradually fade.

Dietary Changes

When you first start treatment, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your diet. Some foods simply need to be cut into smaller pieces so they don’t damage your braces or get stuck. Others should be avoided until your treatment is complete.

Stop Eating on Day 1:

• Hard and sticky candies are off limits
• Refrain from foods like popcorn with small kernels that can get stuck in braces
• Avoid tough or chewy foods
• Do not chew ice cubes

For your first few weeks:

• Stick to soft or liquid foods like soups, oatmeal, and noodles
• Eat cold or chilled foods to help with swelling and irritation

For a more detailed look at what you can and can’t eat during treatment, check out our guide to what you can eat with braces.

Book a Consultation Now! Appointments Fill Fast!

The clock is ticking on both your FSA dollars and your chance to kick off your smile journey before the year ends. The holiday season is one of our busiest times, so schedule your free consultation now to ensure you can receive the care you need before 2026.

Book your appointment with a highly trained AAO orthodontist who specializes in creating custom orthodontic treatments tailored to your unique needs. With AAO members, you can feel confident you’re receiving expert orthodontic care.

Find your local AAO orthodontist today and make this holiday season the start of a healthier, more confident smile.

The post Use Your FSA Dollars to Pay for Braces Before Year End: Use It Or Lose It (UIOLI) appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

In early 2017, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) conducted an independent survey* that delivered a clear message: 99 percent of parents whose children play organized sports believed that youth should be required to wear mouthguards while playing. Yet 37 percent of parents said their child never wears a mouthguard while playing sports. This includes games, practices, and recreational play.

“While most parents support the concept of their children wearing mouthguards to protect their smiles, the reality is that many teeth are knocked out each year due to sports-related injuries,” says Nahid Maleki, DDS, MS, Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

This is an alarming trend. Athletes, especially athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, need to protect their mouths against the bumps, blows, and general roughhousing that come with athletic activities. That’s why in this article, the experts at AAO are taking a bite out of sports injuries and discussing why mouthguards are so incredibly important.

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a specialized dental appliance made of plastic that covers your teeth and extends outward to protect your cheeks as well. The primary purpose of a mouthguard is to form a barrier between your teeth and any object that might collide with them during sports activities. They are designed to prevent mouth injuries and reduce the risk of losing or chipping teeth while playing sports.

Mouthguards need to be tight over your teeth. While many mouthguards can be fitted at home, it is always recommended to have your orthodontist take a mold of your mouth to ensure the best, most protective fit, especially if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

The Costs of Sports-Related Tooth Injuries

A mouthguard is one of the most inexpensive pieces of protective gear available to young athletes, especially when compared to the high cost of restoring a knocked-out or broken tooth. According to a Sports Health study, parents estimate that it would cost $1,142 to replace a damaged permanent tooth; however, in reality, the costs to treat one knocked-out tooth over a lifetime can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Parents and patients often don’t realize that restorations may need to be repeated periodically, which can amplify repair or replacement costs.

But monetary costs aren’t the only thing you’ll pay for sports-related tooth injuries. A lost tooth or mouth injury can damage your smile and even alter your bite. It can also damage your orthodontic appliances. This can significantly delay your orthodontic treatment, requiring more extended time to straighten your teeth, or even a change in treatment plan if the damage is severe enough.

When Should You Wear Mouthguards?

As a general rule, mouthguards should be worn for most sports activities. The study revealed misconceptions about which sports pose a significant risk to the mouth. Most parents want mouthguards to be required for football (83 percent) and hockey (76 percent), sports that have long been associated with injuries. However, less than half of parents (49 percent) want mouthguards to be required for basketball. A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association ranked basketball as the sport at the top of the list for the highest rate of dental injuries for both men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletes.

In fact, just 40 percent of parents believe injuries to children’s mouths are most likely to occur while playing basketball, and only 35 percent think they will happen while playing baseball. A lack of knowledge about mouth injuries could affect how organizations or schools approach mouthguard use by young athletes. In reality, and according to mouthguard manufacturer Shock Doctor, one in four injuries on the basketball court occurs above the neck.

“What we learned from this survey is that some parents forget, or are simply unaware, that sharp elbows or a baseball to the mouth can cause serious damage,” says Dr. Maleki. “The AAO encourages all players to wear a mouthguard – no matter the sport.” Oral injuries can happen during high-risk contact and collision sports, as well as other activities such as gymnastics or skating.

And it’s not just negligence during games; the recommendation extends to sports practices as well. Forty percent of parents reported that their child’s sports practices are less structured than games, and generally have few or no medical personnel nearby. Parents also stated that they believe players are more likely to “showboat” during practice than at a game, which increases the risk of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthguards

Get Mouthguards at AAO

Athletes often underestimate oral health risks—mouthguards are essential. Not only do they prevent the unnecessary loss of teeth during play, but they also protect the overall health of your mouth. Additionally, for players undergoing orthodontic treatment, mouthguards are non-negotiable. They protect not only the appliances but also prevent further injury that wires and brackets can cause to the inside of the mouth.

We offer custom mouthguards specifically designed to protect the mouths of our patients. Use our Find an Orthodontist tool and schedule an appointment to get a custom-fitted mouthguard today!

*The American Association of Orthodontists commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the 2017 AAO Sports Survey among 1,000 U.S. parents whose children play organized sports. The survey was conducted in January 2017 using an email invitation and an online survey. The overall sampling error rate for this survey is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent level of confidence.

**Sports Health, “Common Dental Injury Management in Athletes,” vol. 7, no. 3, May-June 2015, p. 250.

***National Institute of Health, Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 22;17(12):4493

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But it’s also important to remember that the end of your orthodontic treatment isn’t the end of your orthodontic journey. Many unfortunate patients are shocked and dismayed to learn that their teeth can continue to move even after orthodontic treatment is complete. As orthodontists, one of the most heartbreaking things we occasionally see is patients who choose not to wear their retainers, resulting in them having to return to our office in a year with teeth that have moved. Without a concerted effort to maintain their current position, your teeth will naturally attempt to return to their original positions.

In this guide, the experts at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explain why teeth keep moving after treatment, and what you can do to keep your new smile from slipping away.

Why Do Teeth Move?

Change is a natural part of life. Just as our bodies change, so do our teeth. We start with no teeth, then get baby teeth, and eventually shed them for permanent teeth. Occasionally, issues arise with tooth placement and jaw alignment. That’s when the orthodontist steps in to fix misaligned teeth and jaws, creating a healthy and beautiful smile. However, after treatment, your teeth won’t stay in the position your orthodontist has moved them.

Tooth movements are the result of a lifelong natural process called bone remodeling. Bone remodeling occurs in all bones throughout the body, not just the teeth. It’s a cycle where new bone cells are created and older bone cells are reabsorbed. Our bones serve as both structural and functional components, forming the basis of our bodies, supporting our weight, and enabling movement. This requires them to be both rigid and flexible. Bone remodeling enables bones to adapt to our changing needs throughout life. However, it can also cause problems if bones are remodeled incorrectly. For example, if a broken bone isn’t placed in a cast or sling and allowed to rest at a certain angle while healing, the bone could be remodeled in a way that’s crooked and makes it more difficult for that bone to achieve its function.

Teeth are no exception. We apply force to them when we speak, bite, and chew. This force applied during bone remodeling causes the teeth to “drift” in the direction of the force. Additionally, misshapen jaws or gaps in teeth can further increase tooth movement because your teeth aren’t being supported correctly. This same process also enables orthodontic treatments to be effective. Braces and clear aligners move teeth by gradually applying controlled force in the direction your orthodontist wants to bring your teeth and jaws into alignment.

However, because tooth movement is a natural, lifelong process, your teeth will continue to move even after treatment.

How to Prevent Tooth Movement After Orthodontic Treatment

After spending so much time and money correcting your teeth and bite, it’s understandable you’d want everything to stay put. As orthodontists, we want your teeth to stay put, too. There’s really only one surefire way to keep your teeth from moving all over the place after treatment: Wear your retainer.

After your active treatment is completed, your orthodontist will take a mold or digital scan of your mouth to create a retainer. These orthodontic appliances are designed to “retain” your teeth in their current position, as their name suggests. Immediately after treatment, your orthodontist may instruct you to wear your retainer full-time, except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. This is because there is a “settling in” period right after treatment ends, where your teeth are particularly prone to moving back to their original positions. This is often because constant force is no longer being applied to keep them from moving.

Eventually, your orthodontist may allow you to start wearing retainers only at night. Keep in mind that skipping your retainers for even a few days could cause your teeth to shift significantly. In order to combat the constant changes brought on by the bone remodeling process and forces applied to your teeth, you will likely need to wear retainers for the rest of your life.

What To Do if Your Retainer is Lost or Doesn’t Fit

If this happens, contact your orthodontist immediately. You’ll be asked to come in for an appointment, where we’ll assess your mouth and retainer and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you can continue to keep your smile safe. In some cases, we may need to remodel the retainer to account for changes in your mouth.

If you lose your retainer, please contact your orthodontist right away, as every day you don’t wear it is another day your teeth shift away from their post-treatment position. Replacement retainers can be a bit costly, but they’re still much cheaper than getting orthodontic treatment a second time to correct your bite again. To prevent losing your retainer, AAO recommends placing it in a plastic protective case when not in use. Never put retainers in your pockets or fold them up in napkins or paper towels. This is an easy way to either accidentally throw them away, have them go through the washer and dryer, or lose them altogether.

What to Do If Your Teeth Have Moved A LOT After Braces or Aligners

Have you noticed you’re having trouble biting again, or your teeth are no longer aligned when you bite down? Does your smile look crooked or odd?

While we hate to see it, if you’ve gone a while without wearing retainers, your teeth will have shifted significantly, and you may need to take additional steps to prevent them from moving. In cases like these, we typically begin by adjusting your retainer to correct your tooth movements. This may entail creating a new retainer to accommodate shifted teeth, or simply readjusting the existing retainer if it still fits but is too tight. We may ask you to return for follow-up appointments to continue adjusting your retainer until your teeth are back in their proper position after treatment.

If your teeth have shifted, wearing your retainer may no longer be sufficient to keep them in position. Some patients may be able to undergo a short treatment with braces or clear aligners to move their teeth again before reverting to retainers. In severe cases, a patient may be required to undergo another full round of orthodontic treatment.

To avoid having to undergo another costly round of treatment, it is advised to tell your orthodontist as soon as you start noticing significant tooth movement or your retainers don’t fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Movements and Retainers

Keep Your Teeth from Moving After Orthodontic Treatment with AAO

After months or years of careful treatment, nothing is more rewarding for an AAO orthodontist than witnessing a patient’s first glimpse of their new smile. We live for the joy on patients’ faces at that moment. But conversely, there’s nothing that makes us sadder than to see a patient struggling again after treatment because their teeth have shifted back.

We want to help you keep your teeth and bite where they are after treatment for the rest of your life. If you need retainers replaced or adjusted, or if you may require retreatment, reach out to your nearest AAO orthodontist. Use our Find an Orthodontist tool to locate your nearest AAO orthodontist today.

The post Will My Teeth Keep Moving Post Treatment? appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Your teeth naturally move and change position throughout your life, and even after orthodontic treatment, they can continue to shift. To maintain the results created by your treatment, you must wear retainers. While minor changes after treatment are normal, retainers help prevent teeth from reverting to their original positions.

Why You Need to Wear Retainers: An Overview

Your teeth may shift after treatment: Your teeth will attempt to return to their original positions after treatment, as no pressure is being applied to them.

Retainers keep your teeth from shifting: To keep your smile from moving, you’ll wear retainers. Your orthodontist will guide you on the best type and timing for your specific needs.

You may not be able to remove your retainer: If you had a significant malocclusion, your doctor may recommend a fixed or bonded retainer to provide your teeth with continuous support.

You will need to wear retainers for life: You’ll be required to wear retainers to some degree for the rest of your life to keep your teeth from moving.

The Importance of Post-Treatment Retainers

After the active phase of orthodontic treatment, retainers are prescribed for two reasons:

1. Allow the bone and soft tissue that hold the teeth to “remodel” after the teeth have moved
2. Maintain the healthy new positions of teeth

Your body changes your whole life, and your teeth change too. They have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions, even after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are custom-made devices that prevent this shift, ensuring your teeth remain in their new, correct alignment.

Braces and aligners exert force to move teeth into the desired positions, which means the surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to stabilize around this new alignment. Without a retainer, the teeth can revert to their previous positions, undermining the time, effort, and funds invested in orthodontic treatment.

Available Retainer Options

When you finish active treatment, your orthodontist will recommend the best retainer for your unique smile.

There are two general categories of retainers:

1. Removable: These are put in place by the patient and can be taken out.
2. Fixed: These are bonded in place by the orthodontist.

Both types of retainers hold teeth in their new positions after “active” orthodontic treatment is completed.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers come in two varieties: wire retainers and clear retainers. Each type has its own unique features and benefits:

1. Wire retainers, also known as Hawley retainers, are made of wire and a plastic-like material. The wire runs across the front of the teeth, and the acrylic base fits snugly on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower front teeth.
2. Clear retainers are transparent trays made of a plastic-like material that are exact replicas of the teeth. These invisible retainers are similar in appearance to clear aligners, and many patients find clear retainers more comfortable due to their smooth and snug fit. Besides holding the teeth in place, clear retainers can also act as a protective barrier for teeth grinding during sleep.

Choosing between wire and clear retainers is often a conversation to have with your orthodontist. It’s likely that your orthodontist will have specific recommendations. If you have personal preferences, make sure to discuss them with your doctor. Your orthodontist will also teach you how to insert, remove, and take care of a removable retainer, including cleaning tips and proper storage.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer consists of a thin, custom-fitted wire that is bonded directly to the inner surface of the upper or lower teeth. This wire stretches across several teeth and is typically made from stainless steel or titanium. The retainer is glued to the teeth by an orthodontist using dental adhesive, similar to the material used when braces are applied.

Since they are bonded to the teeth, fixed retainers provide continuous support, preventing them from shifting back to their original positions, they are also virtually invisible due to the wire being attached to the back side of the teeth, and you don’t have to worry about remembering to take them out.

These retainers are ideal for patients who have had significant alignment issues before orthodontic treatment or for those who don’t want the burden of remembering to take care of removable retainers. However, it’s essential to discuss your options with your orthodontist, as fixed retainers are a long-term commitment and may be harder to clean.

How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

Retainers are typically worn immediately after active treatment ends and then gradually reduced to nighttime wear, as instructed by your orthodontist.

As long as you want to keep your teeth straight, many patients wear retainers nightly for life. Ongoing retainer use is vital for preserving the aesthetic and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment, ensuring you enjoy a straight, beautiful smile for a lifetime. Luckily, wearing retainers can easily become part of your oral hygiene routine: brush and floss before bed and wear retainers at night.

Achieve Your Best Smile with an AAO Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of at any age, but to preserve the results, it’s essential to wear your custom-fitted retainers. An AAO orthodontist can help you find the right treatment plan and the best retainer for your unique teeth. When you choose an AAO orthodontist for treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a highly skilled specialist.

To take the first step toward a healthy, beautiful smile, find an AAO orthodontist near you and schedule your consultation today.

The post Are Retainers Necessary After Orthodontic Treatment? appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

There’s a common misconception that after your teenage years, your teeth will stay put. After all, that’s usually when people get orthodontic treatment. But the truth is, our teeth never stop moving. Depending on how severe the movements are, they can seriously affect your oral health and your smile. That’s why the experts at the American Association of Orthodontists are here to discuss how teeth change as we age, and when you should see a doctor to do something about it.

How Teeth Change as We Get Older

There are five common ways your teeth can change as you age, and many people will experience these changes to some degree. These include:

• Teeth looking longer or shorter, or changing shape
• Teeth crowding
• Teeth gapping
• Bite deepening or misalignment
• Post-orthodontic treatment shifting

All these changes can cause serious health issues if the problem is severe enough, making it essential to keep an eye out for symptoms. If you’re not sure how severe your tooth problems are, make an appointment with an AAO orthodontist.

1. Teeth Looking Longer or Changing Shape

Lengthening teeth is a common issue reported by many people as they get older. However, this one is a bit of a misnomer. While it is true that your teeth will “look” longer as you age, the truth is that your permanent teeth do not grow after coming in. Instead, the gums around the teeth may recede over time, revealing more of the tooth and giving the appearance that your teeth are longer than they were before. Gum recession may be a perfectly normal part of aging, and in most cases, there is nothing to worry about. However, poor dental care, overbrushing, smoking, and genetics can all contribute to the severity of gum recession.

The opposite problem—teeth appearing shorter as you get older may be caused by normal wear and tear as you use your teeth over a lifetime. Essentially, your enamel (the material your teeth are made of) breaks down, causing your teeth to appear smaller. Teeth grinding, poor brushing habits, smoking, or a diet filled with acidic foods and beverages can also contribute to this by wearing away enamel faster.

2. Teeth Crowding

As we get older, our teeth naturally shift, which can lead to crowding in the lower front teeth or gaps in the upper teeth. Bite problems can also worsen over time, as they don’t resolve themselves.  If you are having trouble biting or swallowing, are experiencing tooth or jaw pain, or notice teeth protruding, it’s time to see an orthodontist.

3. Tooth Gaps

Space between the two front teeth can develop for a variety of reasons. Swallowing, with the pressure of your tongue pushing against your front teeth, rather than positioning itself at the roof of your mouth, can also cause teeth to separate over time. Gum disease is another trigger for spacing because of the inflammation.

You may also experience tooth gaps if you lose your permanent teeth, if permanent teeth never come in because they are stuck below the gum line (impacted), or because you never developed permanent teeth to replace the baby teeth (hypodontia). Although rare, these conditions can cause issues with the way your tooth and mouth structure develops over time. Both impacted teeth and missing teeth require intensive orthodontic care to resolve.

Gapped teeth can change your smile; therefore, it’s highly recommended to see an orthodontic specialist to resolve tooth gaps, whether it’s to shift and shape teeth into their proper positions or to use orthodontic appliances to reshape your bite as a whole.

4. Worsening Bite Problems

A bite disorder, called malocclusion, and as mentioned earlier, it won’t go away on its own. If you had a subtle issue with jaw alignment as a kid, but are now experiencing major problems, it’s likely the issue has been worsening over the years, and you may not have noticed the change until serious symptoms appeared.

One of the most common ways malocclusions manifest later in life is as a deep bite, sometimes referred to as an overbite. This occurs when your top teeth bite significantly over your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed. Occasionally, a deep bite can be so bad that some of the top teeth protrude outside of the mouth. This kind of bite problem responds well to traditional orthodontic treatments.

In fact, the number of adults receiving orthodontic treatment is at an all-time high, with an estimated 1.61 million adults undergoing treatment in the U.S. in 2018. That’s one in four adults! So, if you notice your smile is starting to look different because you’ve developed an overbite, consider scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist to restore your dazzling smile.

5. Teeth Shifting After Treatment

These are the patients who don’t commit to wearing their retainers. At the very beginning of this post, we mentioned how our teeth continue to move throughout our entire lives. The same is just as true after treatment as it is before. Your teeth naturally move back to their original positions after treatment, but you can prevent this from happening. That’s why we stress how extremely important it is for our patients to keep wearing their retainers. Ideally, patients will wear them for the rest of their lives, and their teeth won’t move at all.

However, if it’s been a while and your teeth haven’t moved too much, you may need to get fitted for a new retainer. In cases where teeth have moved a lot after not wearing retainers, you may need another round of orthodontic treatment.

4 Ways to Keep Your Smile Stable

While some shifting is natural as you age, there are a few ways you can minimize the changes:

1. Keep Wearing Your Retainer: A properly fitted retainer worn overnight locks teeth in place and prevents the slow drift that naturally occurs with age.
2. Protect Against Grinding: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a custom night guard. Cushioning the bite reduces enamel wear, gum recession, and shifting caused by excess pressure.
3. Schedule Regular Gum Health Checks: Regular periodontal exams and cleanings catch early recession and inflammation, keeping the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth firm and healthy.
4. Replace Missing Teeth Promptly: Implants, bridges, or partials fill the space left by a lost tooth so neighboring teeth do not tip or rotate into the gap, preserving your bite and smile line.

When to See an Orthodontist

Even if you brush and floss faithfully, certain changes signal it’s time to bring in a specialist. Make an appointment with an AAO orthodontist if you notice any of the following:

• Crowding you can feel or see: When floss starts shredding or you catch food between teeth that used to feel smooth, new crowding is likely underway.
• Gaps that weren’t there before: A space forming between front teeth (called a diastema) or elsewhere can indicate drifting or gum issues that need attention.
• Retainers no longer fit: If your clear tray or wire retainer feels tight or won’t seat fully, it’s likely because your teeth have already shifted.
• Teeth that look noticeably longer or shorter: Rapid gum recession or enamel wear suggests underlying problems such as grinding or periodontal disease.
• Difficulty biting or chewing: Struggling to bite into foods cleanly, or feeling a sudden “off” contact between upper and lower teeth, is a red flag for bite misalignment.

Schedule an Appointment with an AAO Orthodontist

Whether your bite problems are small or large, or whether you are eight or eighty, it’s never a bad idea to see an orthodontist if you start noticing your smile begins to change too much as you age.

The American Association of Orthodontists boasts a network of thousands of orthodontists across the United States and Canada who have the experience, knowledge, and special expertise to restore your smile. Use our Find an Orthodontist tool to locate professional orthodontic services near you, then book an appointment.

Achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age with AAO!

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