Brown Family Orthodontic present: Fun facts about braces!

Who loves fun facts? Most people. Who loves orthodontic facts? Everyone we know here at BFO! The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our BFO staff thought you might enjoy. Have a terrific rest of the week!

• 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.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Brown wants to know: Are you ready for the Braces Brigade?

Our entire staff at Brown Family Orthodontics are looking for current, former and future orthodontic patients, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the AAO's Braces Brigade and blog about the unique, heartwarming and - let's face it - sometimes hilarious experiences that come with orthodontic treatment. All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient here at BFO or the parent of an orthodontic patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are just fine).

To complete the Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100 word minimum)

If you're under 18, you must get your parents' permission and have them fill out this form along with your submission.

As a part of the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade you'll have the chance to share the journey to your healthy, beautiful smile with the world AND receive a $100 American Express gift card for their work! Dr. Ed Brown and our team encourage you to apply! GOOD LUCK!!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Brown Family Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading for kids and teens. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading and play video games or watch a movie, but our staff will tell you reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development - and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian in Metairie, Covington or Franklinton for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across recently, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us some of your all-time favorite reads on our Facebook page!