Every October, orthodontists across the country pause to celebrate something worth smiling about. National Orthodontic Health Month is more than a calendar note. It’s a chance to talk about how healthy smiles shape confidence, well-being, and everyday life.
At Durham Orthodontics, we love this time of year. It gives us a reason to share what we do, answer common questions, and welcome new faces into our office. Whether you’re curious about braces for your child or considering clear aligners for yourself, this month is a great time to learn more.
What Is National Orthodontic Health Month?
National Orthodontic Health Month (NOHM) is an annual observance held each October by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). It raises awareness about orthodontic care, celebrates healthy smiles, and helps families understand the benefits of professional orthodontic treatment from a trusted provider like Dr. Durham.
The month also aligns with National Bullying Prevention Month. Through the #bullyingbites campaign, the AAO connects smile confidence with kindness and inclusion, reminding kids that no one should feel targeted because of their smile.
Here’s what NOHM looks like in action:
- Public education about the value of orthodontic evaluations
- Community events hosted by practices like Durham Orthodontics
- School outreach tied to anti-bullying messaging
- Social media campaigns using hashtags like #NOHM and #MyLifeMySmile
Starting in 2027, the AAO is moving the observance to March to expand its reach and connect with more families during a different season of the school year.
How National Orthodontic Health Month Works
Each year, the AAO releases a toolkit filled with resources for orthodontists, schools, and families. These materials include activity sheets, printable posters, sample social media posts, and press releases that help spread the word about orthodontic health.
Offices around the country get involved in creative ways. Some host Halloween candy buy-backs, trading sweets for cash or prizes and donating the collected candy to troops overseas. Others run smile contests, community giveaways, or educational school visits.
Here’s how families and practices typically participate:
- Book an orthodontic evaluation for kids, teens, or adults
- Share smile stories on social media using #NOHM or #MyLifeMySmile
- Attend community events at local offices
- Use classroom resources tied to the #bullyingbites theme
- Take advantage of virtual options to make care easier to access
At Durham Orthodontics, October is one of our favorite months to welcome new families. We offer a Free Consultation in our office and a Virtual Consult option for busy schedules. Dr. Durham and our team use this time to answer questions, review smile options, and help you understand what treatment could look like, with no pressure and no commitment.
Social sharing is a big part of NOHM, too. Patients post before-and-after photos, celebrate the day their braces come off, and encourage friends to schedule their own evaluations. It’s a fun way to spread awareness while showing off the results of a little hard work.
Benefits of Orthodontic Care Highlighted During NOHM
Orthodontic care does more than straighten smiles. It supports lifelong oral health, better function, and stronger confidence. During NOHM, the AAO and offices like Durham Orthodontics take time to highlight these benefits so families can make informed decisions.
Here are the key benefits worth celebrating:
Better oral hygiene. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss. When teeth overlap or crowd together, plaque hides in tight spaces and raises the risk of decay and gum disease. Aligned smiles are simpler to keep clean at home.
Improved bite function. A corrected bite means better chewing, clearer speech, and healthier jaw movement. Bite issues can make everyday eating tiring and may affect how you pronounce certain sounds.
Long-term protection. Misaligned bites can wear down enamel unevenly, strain the jaw joints, and increase the risk of losing teeth later in life. Orthodontic treatment helps distribute pressure across your smile the way it was designed to.
Confidence and well-being. A smile you love changes how you show up in the world. Kids and teens who feel good about their smile often speak up more, engage with classmates, and worry less about being teased, which ties directly into the #bullyingbites message.
Early guidance for kids. For younger patients, Early Treatment can guide jaw growth, create room for adult teeth to come in, and reduce the need for more involved care down the road. That’s why the AAO recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7.
Modern options for every lifestyle. Today, families have more choices than ever. Dr. Durham and our team offer:
- Invisalign clear aligners for a nearly invisible look
- Clear Braces using the Clarity Advanced system
- Metal Braces with 3M Victory Series™ Active Brackets
- SmileEXPRESS for shorter treatment when it fits your smile goals
At Durham Orthodontics, we help you and your family choose the option that fits your smile goals, your schedule, and your comfort level. Because your smile always comes first.
Halloween Treats: Braces-Safe vs. Off-Limits
Halloween and braces can coexist beautifully with a little planning. The key is knowing which treats are safe and which ones can loosen brackets, bend wires, or damage aligners.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Braces-Safe Treats | Treats to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Soft chocolate bars | Caramel and taffy |
| Peanut butter cups | Gummy bears and worms |
| Melt-in-mouth candies | Licorice |
| Ice cream and pudding | Jelly beans |
| Soft cookies (no nuts) | Chewing gum |
| Peanut butter treats | Jawbreakers |
| Marshmallows | Hard-shelled candies |
| Chocolate-covered snacks | Nuts and popcorn kernels |
| Ice cubes |
A few extra tips for Halloween success:
- Sticky candies are the biggest culprits for pulling off brackets or getting stuck in wires
- Hard candies can crack brackets and even chip teeth
- Aligner wearers should always remove trays before eating, then brush or rinse before putting them back in
- Damaged brackets or wires need prompt attention, so call the office right away if something feels off
Dr. Durham and our team want you to enjoy the season. Trading a handful of off-limits candies for safer favorites keeps your smile results on track without missing out on the fun.
Making Orthodontic Treatment Work for Your Family
Every smile is different, so the right treatment plan depends on a few key factors:
- Treatment type (metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign)
- Length of treatment based on your smile goals
- Age of the patient (early treatment vs. teen or adult)
- Severity of crowding, spacing, or bite concerns
- Appliance choice and any additional tools needed
Whatever combination fits your smile, Durham Orthodontics helps make it manageable. Many families use dental insurance, HSA or FSA funds, and flexible in-house payment plans to fit treatment into their routine.
We call our approach you-first financing, because it’s built around your family, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Your Free Consultation with Dr. Durham walks you through your options clearly, with no surprises and no pressure. For the full details, visit our Financing & Insurance page.
Who Should See an Orthodontist During NOHM?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That may sound early, but it’s the age when Dr. Durham can spot growth patterns and catch small concerns before they become bigger ones. Not every 7-year-old needs treatment right away, but the visit itself is valuable.
Common signs it’s time for an evaluation:
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Crossbite, overbite, or underbite
- Protruding front teeth
- Jaw clicking or shifting when biting
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Speech concerns tied to tooth position
- Thumb-sucking habits that continue past age 5
Teens are excellent candidates for orthodontic care. Their jaws are still developing, which often means smoother, more predictable results. Discreet options like clear braces and Invisalign Teen let them stay confident throughout treatment.
Adults are welcome, too. It’s never too late for a smile you love. Modern tools like Invisalign fit right into busy work and family routines, and shorter options like SmileEXPRESS and Invisalign Touchup are perfect for adults with specific goals.
Durham Orthodontics offers a smile solution for every age. Dr. Durham and our team treat kids, teens, and grown-ups with the same neighborly care for your family that our office is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions About NOHM
When is National Orthodontic Health Month?
National Orthodontic Health Month is observed every October. In 2026, it will run through the full month of October. Beginning in 2027, the AAO is moving the observance to March to reach more families during a different point in the school year.
When is Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Day 2026?
Orthodontic Staff Appreciation Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday of June each year. In 2026, that falls on June 10. It’s a day to recognize the assistants, coordinators, and team members who make every visit smoother for you and your family.
When is National Dental Health Month 2026?
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association. It focuses on the importance of oral hygiene habits for kids, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. It pairs nicely with orthodontic care, since aligned teeth are easier to keep clean.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Durham can see how permanent teeth are coming in and whether early guidance could help. Most kids won’t need treatment right away, but early visits catch small concerns before they grow.
How can my family participate in NOHM?
There are lots of easy ways to join in. Book a Free Consultation or Virtual Consult, share your smile story on social media using #NOHM or #MyLifeMySmile, join a local candy buy-back event, or use AAO classroom resources to talk with kids about smile confidence and kindness.
Can I still enjoy Halloween candy with braces?
Yes, with a little planning. Stick to braces-safe treats like soft chocolate or ice cream, and skip sticky or hard candies that can loosen brackets or bend wires. If something feels off after Halloween, call our office and we’ll get it sorted quickly.
National Orthodontic Health Month is a great reminder that a confident smile has the power to transform lives. If you’re in Madison, Huntsville, or the surrounding Madison and Limestone County areas, we’d love to meet you and your family this October. Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Durham to explore your smile options.