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
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
Land of the free, because of the brave! Celebrating the red, white, and blue this Independence Day. Let`s honor the spirit of freedom that unites us all. Happy Fourth of July! #IndependenceDay #July4th #USA #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Don`t let your hard work go to waste – remember to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain that beautiful smile for life! #RetainerReminder #OrthodonticCare #retainer #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Stains are bad enough on our clothes; we especially don`t want them on our teeth. Nothing can tarnish the joy and accomplishment of Braces-Off day like discolored patches where the brackets used to be. Where do these stains come from and how can patients avoid them?
Braces-wearers are more susceptible to stains than they would be otherwise, but stains aren`t inevitable. They happen because effective brushing and flossing is harder with all that hardware in the way, giving food particles and plaque countless new hiding places out of reach of a toothbrush. When plaque builds up around brackets, it can leave decalcified patches on the tooth`s surface, which becomes very noticeable when the braces come off.
The best way to prevent white spots and other stains is with good oral hygiene habits. Brush thoroughly at least twice a day (ideally after every meal), floss daily, and keep up with regular dental appointments. This will keep plaque under control, and the hygienist can get rid of whatever plaque or tartar remains.
Also avoid foods and drinks that tend to stain, such as coffee, dark tea, and colas. The dark-colored compounds in them can stain teeth directly. Acidic drinks (like soda), sugary treats, and starch-filled snacks can stain indirectly by eroding enamel or sticking to it and contributing to plaque buildup. Tobacco and alcohol are also huge stain culprits! #StainedTeeth #BracesStains #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Early orthodontic treatment may help with proper jaw growth, positioning permanent teeth better, improving bad oral health habits, and prevent more serious problems from happening! #EarlyOrthodonticTreatment #OrthodonticCheckup #AAO #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Transforming smiles, elevating confidence – it`s our specialty! Trust us to bring out your best smile with expert orthodontic care. #SmileTransformation #ConfidenceBoost #OrthodonticCare #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Happy Father’s day to all the #1 dads who do the most. We hope you have a great day! #1Dad #HappyFathersDay #FathersDay #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Keep your breath smelling fresh and smile confident with these minty-fresh options! #FreshBreath #ConfidentSmile #MintyFresh #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems don`t set in overnight. That`s why it`s so important to have regular checkups and to be diligent with daily oral hygiene habits. If it`s been a while since the last trip to the dentist, here are the top 5 signs it`s time to schedule a quick visit:
1. Persistent tooth pain or mouth sores: pain is the body`s alarm system, so don`t ignore it! Tooth pain rarely goes away on its own and can become much worse without treatment. A mouth sore that isn`t healing on its own could also be a sign of infection or disease.
2. Bleeding gums could be the result of an overly aggressive flossing or brushing technique (this is why soft bristles are best), but it`s rarely a sign of good gum health. Most likely, it`s a symptom of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist.
3. If an old filling or crown becomes too worn out, damaged, or falls off, get to the dentist quickly so that it can be repaired before infection has a chance to set in.
4. A serious medical condition like diabetes or an eating disorder can impact oral health. So could a new prescription.
5. Chronic bad breath isn`t just a source of embarrassment, it`s often a sign of a more serious problem like gum disease or tooth decay. Bring that problem to the dentist for help! #DentalVisit #GumDisease #ToothDecay #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
From confidence boosts to improved oral health, straight teeth have many benefits! Your best smile is waiting. #StraightTeeth #StraightTeethBenefits #BestSmile #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Self-care isn`t selfish; it`s essential. Prioritize yourself today. #SelfCareMatters #SelfCare #PrioritizeYourself #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Having wisdom teeth removed can be like a rite of passage for young adults, even though some people don`t even get wisdom teeth and others have enough room to fit the full set. But how do wisdom teeth affect orthodontic treatment?
Wisdom teeth have minimal impact on dental crowding, so they usually won`t need to be removed just to improve the alignment of the other teeth. Luckily, if they do need to be extracted (whether because they`re impacted and endangering the roots of neighboring teeth or there isn`t enough room for them to come in), that doesn`t have to interrupt orthodontic treatment.
Many teenagers get braces well before the age when wisdom teeth removal would be considered, and there`s a persistent myth that wisdom teeth can cause a post-braces smile to become crooked again. Our teeth do naturally shift as we age, but that`s not because of wisdom teeth. It IS, however, a big reason to be diligent in wearing retainers! #WisdomTeeth #OrthodonticTreatment #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Honoring the heroes who served with unwavering dedication. This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice. #MemorialDay #LestWeForget #honor #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals
Hats off and cheers to the amazing Class of 2024! Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. Here`s to a bright future ahead! #ClassOf2024 #GraduationDay #CongratsGrads #braces #BenefitsOfBraces #StraightTeeth #orthodontics #healthysmile #aligningteeth #CAO #findorthodontist #orthodontist #CaliforniaAssociationofOrthodontists #braces #aligners #invisalign #straightteeth #smile #ClearAligners #smilegoals