Think Pink in October

Photo Provided by LaurenConrad.com

This month we are taking the time out to shed light on the importance of Orthodontic Health, but we also have to take to time to support a very special cause this month. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Photo Provided by Eurweb.com

Pink ribbons and accessories are appearing everywhere as support is shown nationwide for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness month happens annually every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention diagnosis, treatment and cure. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness is to offer information and support to those affected by breast cancer, whether it is a survivor or family members who have lost someone close due to breast cancer.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US, 1 in 8 women are be diagnosed

Photo Provided by Avonwalk.com

with breast cancer each year. However, breast cancer isn’t exclusive to women. Men are also affected by this life altering disease. Many of us know of someone who has been diagnosed with or has a family member that has been affected by breast cancer. It is important that we encourage those affected by raising awareness and show support for finding a cure. There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the US and we want to work to increase that number.

There are various ways you can help this cause

Donate

Join/Start a Fundraiser

Partner with a nationally recognized charity

And/Or Volunteer

Ortho-Friendly Treats

Orthodontic Health Month is about creating awareness about the importance of orthodontic health to patients and our surrounding community. We want our patients to understand the health and lifestyle benefits of orthodontics.

In honor of Orthodontic Health Month the American Association of Orthodontist, the official sponsors, have partnered with prominent Chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author John Besh. Chef Besh has provided recipes for ortho-friendly treats. These foods are easy to prepare and delicious alternatives to the sugary treats available this time of year.

(click the name of the dish for recipes)

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Photo provided by Foodnetwork.com

This dish only takes 30 mins to make and can serve up to 8 people.

Yogurt Fruit Pops 

These Popsicle treats will please any sweet tooth.

Drew’s Cake

This blueberry cake will have your taste buds thanking you.

There’s going to be candy everywhere this month and we want to make sure that our patients are enjoy the Halloween spirit, but also protecting their oral health. We want to remind our patient who are under orthodontic treatment certain foods like caramel, taffy and hard-candies are off-limits. You've worked hard along with Dr. Poser to achieve the smile you've dreamed of, don’t let Halloween threaten your progress. 

Know Your Ortho Terms: Bonding

Bonding is the process of attaching  brackets onto your teeth. This is done by special safe adhesive.

After consultation and the initial examination and you and your orthodontist decide that braces treatment is the appropriate option for you, once this is done you move on to the first step to getting your new smile.

Photo provided by byufan.net

The first step of apply braces in bonding the dental brackets to you r teeth. Before applying the brackets a cheek retractor is used to keep the teeth visible and dry during the procedure. To make sure

the brackets bond to your teeth correctly, the teeth are properly polished. To future prepare, a conditioner is used on the surface of the teeth.

Once the teeth are cleaned off and air-dried, an adhesive primer is placed on the teeth to enhance the bonding process. Finally, cement is applied on the back of the brackets which are applied to position predetermined by the doctor. Once the brackets are in excess cement is removed and brackets are hardened with high-intensity light. The cheek retractor is then removed and you move onto the next step, which is placing arch wire into place.

To learn more about braces treatments and the steps required, schedule a consultation appointment at our office. Visit our website or call us today!

Tis' the Season of Pumpkin Spice

Photo provided by Budgetbytes.com

We have entered the fall season. With this shift into autumn certain foods and ingredients are now in season. One of the most popular fall ingredients is pumpkin, specifically pumpkin spice.

This time of the year pumpkins are everywhere, as decorative and food dishes. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices. Warm spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and allspice.

Food and beverage makers are in the spirit as well, overloading the market with pumpkin spice products. From drinks to treats pumpkin spice flavors are available. Americans have bought into the pumpkin spice craze. It reported that in 2013 Americans spent $308 million pumpkin-flavored products.

Here’s a list of the most popular pumpkin spice products:

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte: It is reported that over 200 million lattes have been purchased since the seasonal drink debuted in 2003.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Pumpkin Spice M&M’s

There are tons of pumpkin spice recipes. Do you have any? Let us know how you use pumpkin spice during the holidays.

Safe Smiles

The kids are settled back into school and that means it’s time for extracurricular activities. When involved in extracurricular activities that are physical kids need to protect themselves, especially their teeth.

Photo provided by usafootball.com

Sports-related dental injuries are reported to be the cause of over 600,000 emergency rooms visits per year. We advise taking extra pre-caution to protect your teeth, during orthodontic treatment (ie, braces). You can take pre-caution by wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth. A mouth guard is a device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sporting activity. The use of a mouth guard is especially important to orthodontic patients.

Types of dental injuries that can occur without a mouth guard:

Fracture: Broken tooth or chipped tooth.

Avulsion: Entire tooth knocked out from the root.

Luxation: tooth mispositioned in socket.

A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. You can buy a standard mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury. Not matter the type of mouth you must wear one to protect your teeth.

Photo provided by Kartemart.com

Without a mouth guard injury can result in permanent damage. While involved with any physical activity under orthodontic treatment consultwith us for the choosing the best mouth guard for you.

Hollywood Smiles

Ever wonder how celebrities get those picture perfect smiles, here’s a hint..  it has a little something to do with orthodontics.

Whether you know it or not many of your favorite celebrities have worn braces from traditional metal to Invisalign. Braces treatment has helped many of your favorite celebrities correct their smiles when they were younger. Actress Drew Barrymore spent much of her adolescence in braces and credits it for her beautiful smile today.

However, not every celebrity started treatment at an early age. For example, singer Faith Hill, 45, has sported her braces on numerous red carpets. Even actress Faye Dunaway decided she wanted to tune up her smile, and she did at age 61!

Some adults report being embarrassed to wear braces in adulthood and think braces have a specific, younger, age range. But who can put a limit on a healthy smile? Adult orthodontics treatment has become increasingly more popular. Age really is not a factor for those considering orthodontic treatment. Good health, healthy gums and good bone support is all you need to worry about for orthodontic treatment.

Here are some of your favorite celebrities during there orthodontic treatment:

Tom Cruise

Emma Watson

Faye Dunaway

Faith Hill

(Photos provided by Elle.com)

Whether you’re in middle school, college or your 40s, braces can help boost your smile. To get more information on braces treatment for adults or braces in general come see us for an initial consultation!

Look Out Fall is Coming...

Photo provided by mygardenstolove.com

It’s September so you know what that means, Fall is approaching. Get ready for the weather to cool down and leaves to turn rusted colors as they turn into crackling pavement instruments. The smooth colors of orange, red and brown will fill the scenery. Now that the kids are getting back into school mode it’s time to show them that fall can be fun too. Here's a fun a activity to have ready for when Fall is here.

What you will need:

• Leaves
• Undecorated wreath from craft store
• Glue gun
• Markers/Paint

Once the leaves start turning it’s time to grab the kiddies and head outdoors. Whether it’s to a local park or you have a mountain of leaves building in your backyard, it’s time to gather the fall treasures. As you head out make sure the kids have bags, because you’re going to start collecting. Collect as many leaves as you can, even turning it into a game seeing who can get the most. Once you collect enough leaves it is time to take them in the house and inspect, pick the leaves that are not too small and not too crunchy.  You must have the best for what is next.

Now it’s time to get artsy! Grab the paint or markers and begin to draw designs on the leaves. After you have jazzed up those leaves let them sit and dry for a moment, then it time to decorate you wreath. Take your glue gun (caution it will be hot) and glue the leaves to the wreath. And there you have it your customized fall wreath. Once the glue dries you may hang your wreaths around the house and how them off to everyone.

photo provided by artfulparent.com

Photo provided by mykidaventures.com

Don’t forget to take pictures and post them to social media sharing your art and inspiriting others to do the same.