What is the CAO?
The California Association of Orthodontists (CAO) is the California component of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)—the largest and oldest dental specialty organization. The CAO represents nearly 1,500 orthodontic members who practice in California. CAO members are specialists who have completed dental school and then successfully completed 2–3 years of additional training at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Our members are experts in diagnosing and treating all orthodontic problems in patients of all ages—from child to adult. Whether a patient is considering clear aligners or traditional braces, orthodontists have the expertise and the treatment options to make sure they get their best smile.
Become A Member
CAO is a component of the American Association of Orthodontists and Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. Members receive an abundance of resources to assist in building and maintaining their orthodontic practices. Orthodontists practicing in California join at the national (AAO) level and are automatically admitted to the constituent (PCSO) and component (CAO) organizations, gaining access to member benefits for each organization.
CAO on Social Media
In the pharmacy section of every grocery store, one side of an entire aisle is often dedicated to dozens of toothpaste options. We want to help our patients find the right things to look for to help narrow that selection down.
Whitening toothpastes are great, but remember that they can`t eliminate deeper stains or change a tooth`s natural color. The abrasive ingredients in whitening toothpaste can polish the teeth and the peroxide in them can break down some surface-level stains. Using it twice daily can lead to visible results after several weeks, but always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when choosing one!
Any braces-wearers should make sure to avoid whitening products, toothpaste included, to keep from ending up with discolored patches in the spots where the brackets were.
For tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste can help. It helps to rebuild and strengthen the enamel and reduce discomfort. The dentist can prescribe a stronger toothpaste if the over-the-counter options aren`t strong enough.
There`s been a lot of buzz around ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera despite there being little evidence to support the benefits they supposedly provide. Charcoal is very abrasive and might actually do more harm than good to the enamel. Toothpaste with these ingredients also tends to skip fluoride, which is essential for rebuilding tooth enamel. #toothpaste #ToothpasteIngredients #ADASealOfAcceptance #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Stay ahead of gum disease with these key signs to watch for. If you notice any of these symptoms, let us know. Healthy gums are crucial for a healthy smile! #OralHealth #GumDiseaseAwareness #GumCareMonth #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
We honor the hard work, dedication, and resilience of workers around the world. Your contributions make a difference every day. Happy Labor Day! #HardWork #dedication #resilience #LaborDay #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Keep your smile bright and your teeth healthy by repeating these simple steps daily for a winning grin. #OralHealth #BrightSmile #HealthyTeeth #WinningGrin #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
There are many benefits of having straight teeth beyond just looks. Studies show that when someone has a straight smile, others see them as more intelligent, successful, and likely to get dates compared to someone with crooked teeth. But why do so many people`s teeth grow in crooked in the first place?
Modern eating habits are one possible contributing factor. When we grow up eating processed foods rather than a tough, fibrous diet like our hunter-gatherer ancestors did, it doesn`t stimulate as much jaw growth, so our teeth have less room and end up crooked and crowded. (The trade-off is that a hunter-gatherer diet would erode the chewing surfaces of teeth much faster.)
Genes can also contribute to orthodontic problems. If a child inherits Mom`s small jaws and Dad`s large teeth, they`re likely to have crowding issues, and children whose parents needed braces will probably also need them.
Daily habits can also impact tooth alignment. These include vigorous thumbsucking or pacifier use past age 4, a tongue-thrust reflex, habitual mouth breathing, or even simply resting the jaw on the hand frequently. Daily habits have a cumulative effect on our teeth and the shape of our dental arches. #CrookedTeeth #CrowdedTeeth #ToothAlignment #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Happy Tooth Fairy Day! Celebrate with us by commenting a 🦷 for an extra sprinkle of good luck today! #ToothFairyDay #ToothFairy #GoodLuck #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
We`re dedicated to crafting smiles that radiate joy and confidence! Whether you`re considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic solutions, we`re here to transform your smile and boost your self-esteem. #BuildingSmiles #BuildingConfidence #TransformYourSmile #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
We only listen to heavy metal aka the sound of braces being put on and taken off! #OrthodonticJoke #HeavyMetal #braces #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Of course we smile when we feel happy, but there`s evidence to show that the link between smiling and happiness might go both ways — the simple act of smiling can make us feel a little better! Even a fake smile releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone), so it might be worth smiling in the face of a rough day; it might just improve.
That simple endorphin boost from smiling gives us a lot of other benefits far beyond a mood boost. Endorphins reduce pain and relieve stress because they function a lot like painkillers. Unlike painkillers, however, they don`t cause side effects!
Over time, endorphins can have cumulative positive effects on our health. The simple habit of smiling more can lead to long-term health benefits such as increased resilience against illnesses and a decreased risk of getting cancer. The better we are at managing our stress, the fewer stress-induced mutations our cells will go through, making cancer less likely.
Studies show that people perceive smiling faces to be younger and more attractive, but a lifetime of regular smiling and the benefits it brings can actually contribute to living longer. And it`s easier to smile confidently with healthy teeth and gums! #smiling #endorphins #HealthBenefits #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Keep your smile in place! After braces, retainers maintain your teeth`s new alignment. Consistent wear is key to preventing shifts and preserving your straightened smile. #retainer #StraightTeeth #AlignedSmile #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Conquer your brace-face fears! Our latest blog has the answers. Check it out on our website. 🦷 #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
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Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent more severe dental problems later and improves oral health. Orthodontists can guide the growth of a child`s jaw and teeth while they are still developing, which can help prevent issues like misaligned bites, overcrowding, and protruding teeth. #EarlyOrthodonticTreatment #DentalProblems #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
We’re here to help you make a good impression as you head back to school so here’s a back to school tip for you! 🚌 Keep your braces and teeth fresh by cleaning them with an interdental brush or orthodontic floss threader. #CleanBraces #BackToSchoolTip #BracesTip #BackToSchool #tip #OralHealth #braces #InterdentalBrush #FlossThreader
With a winning grin like yours, you deserve a gold medal! #olympics #WinningGrin #GoForGold #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Orthodontists understand the transformative power of a confident smile. Let`s work together towards a brighter, healthier smile that radiates joy and confidence! #OrthodonticCare #ConfidentSmiles #TailoredToYou #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Anyone who has had braces knows that feeling of pressure that gradually pushes teeth toward their correct positions, but what`s really going on? Orthodontic treatment is fascinating all the way down to the cellular level, and we want to bring our patients in for a closer look.
Teeth don`t simply move when pressure is applied. That pressure triggers a response from two types of specialized cells within the jaws. Osteoclasts break down the bone cells that are under pressure, allowing a tooth to move into that space. Behind them, osteoblasts build new bone cells to keep the socket tight around the shifting tooth. This bone remodeling process takes time (which is one of the reasons it`s so important to be diligent in wearing retainers once treatment ends).
Each part of the orthodontic appliance plays its part in encouraging this process. The archwires are the guiderails making sure the teeth are heading in the right direction. Brackets connect the archwires to the teeth to keep that pressure going. The colorful ligatures or O-rings hold everything together. Sometimes extras are added, like elastics, which guide poorly aligned jaws into the right position for a healthy bite. (They can only do this when patients exactly follow the orthodontist`s instructions on how to wear them.) #StraightTeeth #HowBracesWork #OrthodonticAppliance #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Maintain that perfect smile! Remember to wear your retainer and store it safely in its case. #RetainerCare #reminder #InternationalRetainerDay #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Healthy gums, healthy heart! Flossing daily can help prevent gum disease and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. Take care of your smile for a longer, healthier life! #HealthyHeart #flossing #LiveLonger #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Anyone who swims or scuba dives frequently could encounter some unique dental issues if they aren`t careful. Let`s take a closer look at the big ones.
The longer teeth are exposed to acidic chlorine ions in pool water, the more likely they are to develop brown or yellow stains. These are called swimmer`s calculus. As good as chlorine is at keeping a public pool sanitary for all swimmers, it can become acidic enough to affect tooth enamel. Swimmers can minimize this effect by swimming with their mouths closed as much as possible and drinking plenty of water to rinse traces of pool water off of their teeth.
Scuba divers have a different set of concerns, particularly "tooth squeeze" or barodontalgia. That feeling of pressure building up in the ears when diving to the bottom of the pool is very similar to what happens inside each tooth, especially teeth with untreated cavities or ineffective dental treatment. The pressure can build to such a degree that it can even fracture teeth, which is why we strongly encourage divers to visit the dentist before starting a new diving season.
Divers often also deal with ill-fitting scuba mouthpieces, which can lead to jaw strain and even TMD symptoms. We recommend getting a custom-fitted mouthpiece to protect the teeth and jaws. #swimming #ScubaDiving #SwimmersCalculus #barodontalgia #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Where do your eyes tend to wander while in the dental chair? We’re curious to know! #DentalChair #WanderingEyes #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals