Protect Your Smile With Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Lach Orthodontic Specialists offering free mouth guard protection for children in the Central Florida community.

Local Orlando orthodontist, Dr. David R. Lach, of Lach Orthodontic Specialists, has announced that his office is providing free mouth guard protection along with practical tips and information on how to best protect a child’s smile during sporting and athletic activities, when accidents and injuries are most likely to happen.

Dr. Lach would like parents, coaches, and kids to understand the prevalence of sports injuries and know that many of these can be reduced and even prevented by wearing proper protective gear such as a sports mouth guard. Injuries to the face can happen at any age and skill level. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.

Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls’ athletics. In spite of all of this, 67% of parents say that their children do not wear a mouth guard during sporting activities, yet 70% say that their biggest fear when their child plays is that their child will get hurt. Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it’s because the league and/or coach does not require it.One out of three (31%) of parents say that their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing organized sports.

If the patient’s mouth is not properly protected, particularly with braces, soft tissue lacerations can readily occur, in addition to damage such as tooth fractures, subluxation and even total avulsion or complete tooth loss. Despite these risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection while playing sports.

Dr. Lach and the Lach Orthodontic Specialists team is encouraging kids and families to play it safe and consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear during competitions and practices for all sports including football, hockey, boxing, karate, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and lacrosse. Wearing a properly designed mouth guard has been proven to prevent injury to the face and teeth. Dr. Lach wants to ensure that orthodontic patients and their teammates are protected from sports related injuries to the jaws and mouth by providing NCAA regulation sports mouth guards that come complete with a $7500 dental warranty to the community student athletes. Contact Lach Orthodontic Specialists at 407-278-8119, or visit our website to receive your free sports mouthguard.

Dr. Lach Featured on the Madness of Motherhood Podcast

For those of you new to the idea of podcasts, think of them like an internet radio show. Dr. Lach was once featured on the Madness of Motherhood podcast to discuss the ideal time to bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation. While we see children as young as 7, we can treat patients as old as 70! Even better, we offer our consultations for free, so that prospective patients can learn a bit what we are all about. Check out the podcast episode here, and let us know what you think!

Orlando Orthodontist launches Smiles for Hope Foundation

Dr. David R. Lach, orthodontic specialist in Orlando, Florida, has initiated the Smiles for Hope Foundation in the Central Florida community as an effort to reach out to impoverished and underprivileged children and families in the immediate area who would not be able to afford braces. This program serves as a scholarship program in which children and families may participate and apply for complimentary orthodontic treatment, braces, and dental services. These children and families are carefully selected by a diverse and established board of directors in the community who review and oversee the application process and ultimately select the needy children for the pro bono services.

With average cost of treatment ranging from $4,000-$5,000 or more, orthodontic care can be financially challenging for many parents, especially during difficult economic times. Each year, the Smiles for Hope Foundation reviews applicants before selecting those who will receive the free orthodontic treatment based on financial need, letters of recommendation, community involvement and special circumstances.

Dr. Lach and Lach Orthodontic Specialists have been a recognized leader in assisting Central Florida families now for over 19 years, achieving beautiful teeth and healthy new smiles for nearly 20,000 families. Dr. Lach is renowned and credited for being the first orthodontist in Central Florida to utilize the revolutionary Suresmile braces system (both adult braces and children braces) which is the most advanced type of braces system available anywhere in the world. This highly sophisticated braces system can amazingly reduce treatment time in braces by as much as 1 year.

“I feel privileged and honored to be able to provide services that have the potential to greatly impact and change the lives of children in a very special way. Over the years , I have seen firsthand how a beautiful new smile can transform the life of an individual, giving them the confidence and courage to pursue their dreams. This opportunity isn’t so much about straightening teeth as it is about giving impoverished children a chance at a happier, more successful future than they otherwise would not have had without the benefits of a beautiful smile.”

What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Lach will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Lach.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Lach Orthodontics a call today.

The importance of retainers, from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

If you recently completed treatment at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Lach will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Lach is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with us, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!