National Orthodontic Health Month, celebrated each year in October, has always been both a chance to have fun with your patients, staff and community and an opportunity to deliver information about orthodontic treatment to the public.

For NOHM 2017, the AAO is making available new tools to challenge common myths about orthodontic treatment. The “Debunking Orthodontic Myths” campaign addresses misconceptions about treatment that have reached some consumers, including the following:

Myth #1. Anyone who provides braces or clear aligners is an orthodontist.
Myth #2. Orthodontists are so expensive.
Myth #3. Office visits are not necessary to get straight teeth.
Myth #4. Orthodontic treatment takes years.
Myth #5. Orthodontic treatment is only cosmetic.
Myth #6. Orthodontists only offer braces.
Myth #7. Orthodontic treatment is just for kids.

Accurate information about these myths is taking center stage this month on AAO social media, on the AAO’s consumer website blog, and in a press release that has been distributed nationally. On AAO consumer social media pages, the myths are being posted via a series of seven infographics, each one linked to complete information.

Help the AAO Debunk Seven Myths about Orthodontic Treatment

AAO members are encouraged to help spread the NOHM information about orthodontics by sharing the AAO myth-debunking social media posts throughout the month on your practice social media pages. Learn more at:

facebook.com/AAOortho/
twitter.com/AAOrtho

In addition, visit the National Orthodontic Health Month page at aaoinfo.org to download the press release, which you may send to your local media outlets. You may also download a flier that can be distributed in your community.  (Log-in is required to access these and other NOHM materials because they are developed for the exclusive use of AAO members.)

National Orthodontic Health Month materials are developed and overseen by the AAO Council on Communications.