Wishing you a Happy New Year

Poser Orthodontics would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season as we approach the New Year! We hope that you are able to spend time with your friends and loved ones while enjoying full meals, big hugs, and lots of love and laughs.

If you are currently being treated and wear an orthodontic appliance, please be sure to make the proper choices when enjoying holiday treats that are sticky or chewy. Should you have any questions, please visit our website for common questions and answers regarding appliances.

Remember New Year's celebrations tend to have treats we don't usually indulge it, so be sure to brush and floss after your special countdown!

Happy New Year!

What are your holiday plans? Share your holiday activities with us by commenting below or by sharing on our Facebook page.

Holiday Hours

Please note our holiday hours are as follows:

December 24 & December 25

Closed

December 31

Closed at 1pm

January 1

Closed

Our regular office hours will resume on January 4, 2016.

Happy Holidays!

Do You Know The Benefits Of Straight Teeth?

There are several benefits of having properly aligned straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

We decided to highlight some benefits of straight teeth, check them out.

Improved Gum Health

• Lower risk of gum disease.
• Lower risk of tooth loss.

Better Overall Health

·         Less tooth decay.

·         Lower risk of heart disease.

·         Lower risk of high blood sugar.

Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Injury

• Misaligned teeth can push against soft tissues in the mouth.
• Cuts, sores, and infections are a result of crooked teeth.

Increased Confidence

• More self-esteem at work or school.
• Confidence leads to a more successful attitude.

Easier Eating

• Crooked teeth compromise chewing.

If you are ready to take advantage of the benefits of straight teeth, give us a call at (414) 476-2244.  Poser Orthodontics offers affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages. 

Let's Celebrate

They say to celebrate good times, right? Well we wanted to get into that phrase a little more by showcasing some of our patients who are celebrating their new smiles!  At Poser Orthodontics our friendly staff develops a relationship with our patients on a more personal level.  Our patients aren’t the only ones proud of their smiles, but we are too.

Meet some of our patients that are ready to ring in the new year with their new smile!

Congratulations Anna!

Congratulations Jordyn!

Congratulations Dawn!

Congratulations Ethan!

Congratulations to all of you for achieving such great results! Great results don’t just come from our efforts, but they are achieved by a team effort of our patients and staff combined. Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Request an appointment for a complimentary initial evaluation now by contacting our office.

Visit www.poserortho.com for more information.

What You Need To Know About Elastics

Braces are often the main line of treatment for most orthodontic problems and nearly always need to be augmented by elastic bands to help achieve perfect results. Elastics helps move your teeth so as to minimize the teeth gaps and cure the 'over-biting' complain.

Elastic wears are fitted by your orthodontist and may leave your teeth and gums slightly sore after the fitting. Do not worry though, this goes away in a few days. These elastic bands need to be worn 24 hours a day, for as long as your orthodontist advises. You may, however, remove them during meal times and when brushing your teeth only to wear them again as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to  wear new fresh bands after removing the previous ones.

At Poser Orthodontics we advise wearing the elastic bands in the following way:

From upper right canine to lower right first molar and from upper left canine to first lower left molar. You might face problems in placing these correctly initially, but don’t worry we will teach and help you accordingly.

You can follow this guide unless you are personally instructed  to do yours a little differently.

Elastic bands might get broken at one point, it is advisable to replace both jaws' elastic bands. This is because with time the bands' elasticity decreases, so when one jaw's band is changed, it will have a stronger elasticity than the old one. Also, replace your elastic bands routinely to make sure the traction they apply on their teeth remains of a good strength as elasticity is lost through wear and tear.

Depending on the quality of elastics you use, you may be instructed when you should change the elastic bands, but mostly we advise changing them twice a day; once in the morning and once before bedtime. Keep extra bands with you at all times as they might break unexpectedly. You may pick up as many elastic bands as you want from your our office, it would only make us happier as it means you would be using them regularly.

The most important thing you need to take care of when wearing elastics is the regularity. Do not wear them for a part of the day and then not for some other times of the day as it will greatly affect your results. This irregular use of elastic bands will it move your teeth adequately, resulting in persistence of your problem. Furthermore, your teeth and gums will remain tender and sore as they will not grow accustomed to the force of elastic bands, and it might actually move your progress a bit backwards each time you take the elastic bands off for a long duration.

So when you visit our office for the setting of your elastic bands, make sure you asks any questions that come to mind, and pick up a few extra bands to play it safe.

Shopping Secrets You Need To Know For Black Friday

Everyone knows the biggest day for the best shopping deals is the day after Thanksgiving! Black Friday has become an unofficial holiday for smart shoppers looking to save on holiday gifts.  If you’re one of those smart shoppers, you’re in luck because we have a few secrets to help you in your hunt for the best deals this year.

Be Prepared

Many stores give early bird Black Friday ads to customers on their email list. Check out your favorite stores online and subscribe to their e-mail list so you can start finding the deals before the stores open!

Get Bonus Discounts

If you get a thrill from shopping at the crack of dawn, you will love the rewards that may come with it. Many stores do giveaways to those who are in line to shop on Black Friday. Last year, Sports Authority gave the first 80 customers to walk in gift cards worth up to $500.

Split Up

It’s fun to shop with family and friends, but with so many deals and so little time you can play it smart by dividing up the shopping. Compare your lists with your closest pals, and split up the stores and items!

Stay Within Your Budget

Make a list of what you need and a set budget on what you have to spend.   Make sure you stay strict to the list and don’t purchase items you don’t need.  Sometimes it’s the things that aren’t on the list that blow your budget. 

Thanksgiving Tips For Your Teeth

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family to show our appreciation of all things we are thankful for. It's a day we focus on the importance of those we care about most, and let's admit it, we're there for the food too!  With only a few days left before we feast, Poser Orthodontics wants to give you some Turkey Day teeth tips!

Tip #1

Avoid teeth staining foods - Did you know that cranberries and certain types of pies can stain your teeth? Try to limit yourself when eating foods with strong coloring to them.  These same colors will eventually end up on your teeth, so brushing after your meal is important to help avoid unwanted stains on your teeth. 

Tip #2

Drink plenty of water - Nibbling on food all day is a given when you celebrate Thanksgiving. This year, make sure you drink plenty of water between meals to help flush out bacteria that can come when constantly snacking.  Water can help flush out food particles that would otherwise lay stagnant on your teeth. 

Tip #3 

Just say NO to soda - With all the desserts and side dishes you will have to choose from, adding more sugar to the mix with soda is not a good idea.  Soda has sugars that are unkind to your teeth, and for those with braces those sugars can cause decay around your brackets.  We suggest drinking water and milk instead to spare your teeth stains and decay.

Try to keep these steps in mind before you feast this Turkey Day, and you can give thanks for more years of healthy teeth.  

Ageless Smiles

Trying to find ways to preserve your youthfulness as you age?  How about starting with your smile.

Although our teeth are extremely resilient, over the years all of the chewing and the overall natural aging process can take a toll on our smile. Here are three ways to make your smile looks as youthful as you feel.

Brighten Up
Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Whitening your teeth with custom whitening trays is the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.
Straighten Up
Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking old.
Keep it Up
Maintaining your oral health is important to making sure your smile is healthy and vibrant. You can do this by keeping up with your oral hygiene, this includes: brushing, flossing, eating foods that do not harm your teeth and visiting your dentist every 6 months.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve your greatest asset – your smile. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. At this time, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost. Contact us today and find out how we can help improve your smile.

W156 N11365 Pilgrim Road 

Germantown, WI 53022

Phone: 262-255-6255

  

8736 W. North Avenue 

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: 414-476-2244

Dr. Poser is Your Board Certified Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a post-doctoral graduate program accredited by the American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics. After a few years of experience, that orthodontist is eligible to become board certified through a voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). And according to the ABO…"involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.”

Orthodontists can’t practice without a license. However, they don’t have to seek certification from the ABO unless they want to show they are one of the top providers in the country. Board certification provides a gold standard against which any orthodontist can be measured. Ensuring that your orthodontist is board certified isn't just about making sure your treatment is effective, certification also signals something much more important than a beautiful smile…certification ensures your safety and peace of mind.

• Board Certified Orthodontists have had their cases reviewed by an expert panel of other Board Certified Orthodontists.

• Board Certified Orthodontists have passed all written, oral & clinical examinations to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

• Board Certification is the highest level of academic achievement that can obtain by an Orthodontist.

The ABO is the only certifying board recognized by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.

Don't trust your orthodontic health to anyone but the best of the best. When you're selecting an orthodontist for your orthodontic treatment, ask to see their certification credentials, and Dr. Poser is definitely one of the best. If you have an questions about our orthodontic services please feel free to contact us.

W156 N11365 Pilgrim Road 

Germantown, WI 53022

Phone: 262-255-6255

  

8736 W. North Avenue 

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: 414-476-2244

Dinner & A Movie ...On US!

#FlashbackPost "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.

Show Off Your Poser Smile and You Can Win

(source: webtrends.about.com)

What's a Selfie?

Selfie: A picture of yourself, usually shared on any social networking website.That’s it, really. But there’s so much more meaning behind why we do it, and why it’s become such a massive trend.

Who Takes Selfies?

Everyone takes selfies, but the younger crowd seems to be especially involved in the trend – mainly because teens and the 18 to 34 demographic are heavier digital users than their older counterparts.

Be creative and have fun with this this contest and may the patient with the most likes win! Check out our Facebook page and see some of the great entries we have received.

W156 N11365 Pilgrim Road 

Germantown, WI 53022

Phone: 262-255-6255

  

8736 W. North Avenue 

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: 414-476-2244

School Is Now In Session

Parent it’s just about that time again. It is time to set the kids alarms and pack their lunches. Care-free summer days are over, school is about to be in session.

Going back to school can be a sad moment for kids. However, this is a moment most parents are very fond of. As they’re back in the classroom, you finally get back to your regular schedule. As the new school year starts there are things you can do to prepare your kids and make sure their ready for the new school-year.

Check Ups: Schedule appointments to check-up on your child’s health. Make sure your child visits the doctor, dentist and orthodontist. Regular health exams are needed to be sure your child’s body is tip-top shape.

Sleeping Schedule: Sleep is an important part of learning. Children between ages 5-12 need at least 10 hours of sleep to be ready for a full day of school. Two-weeks prior to the first day of school start getting your kids out of their summer sleeping habits. Changing sleep habits prior to the start of school helps kids get into the groove.

Clothes: Give your kids a new fresh feeling for the new school year. Whether your child’s school requires uniforms or allows for regular clothes, having new threads can boost self-confidence and which can provide a positive attitude. So take your kids to a trip to your favorite department store and catch some great back to school deals.

School Supplies: Send your kids back to school with everything they need to be prepared in the classroom. Pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.

Dr. Poser cares about his patients and wants to help provide them with the best orthodontic care as they head back into school. As the summer ends so will our Summer Selfie Contest, be sure to enter by August 31st to win a iPad Mini!

W156 N11365 Pilgrim Road 

Germantown, WI 53022

Phone: 262-255-6255

  

8736 W. North Avenue 

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: 414-476-2244

Snacking Healthy Keeps Your Smile Healthy

We know eating healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other activities. And as parents…we’re even busier. It’s OK to admit that sometimes it’s just easier to grab fast food on the way home from work or toss our kids a couple bucks to purchase lunch in the school cafeteria. But proper nutrition not only insures that our kids will grow into healthy adults, it also insures that the money we spent on their orthodontic care does not go to waste.

Did you know that a proper diet provides all the essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change? So, the healthier you are, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment.

Knowing this here are 3 delicious and nutritious snacks your family is sure to love.

  

Whole Wheat Bread – Whole wheat bread gives kids their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. So instead of making a sandwich on white bread for lunch…use Whole Wheat Bread instead. It’s a little change that will make a big impact.

Oatmeal - Instead of high-sugar, high-fat options from the grocery store, try baking a batch of low-fat oatmeal cookies. Raisins, cranberries, dried apricots and nuts can be great additions to the cookie dough because of their nutritional value & taste.

Yogurt - Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Consider Yogurt as an alternative to ice-cream for dessert. When mixed with berries and granola…yogurt is a tasty treat. 

For more information about which foods are best for keeping your kids and their teeth healthy check out our food list here, post a comment here on our blog or ask us on Facebook!

W156 N11365 Pilgrim Road 

Germantown, WI 53022

Phone: 262-255-6255

  

8736 W. North Avenue 

Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: 414-476-2244

Good Habits Start Young

Are you looking to get the kids in your household excited about oral hygiene? Well we have some great tips for you.

Although it is not recommended that children see an orthodontist until age 7, children should begin a oral health routine by age 3. If your child does need to receive orthodontic treatment when they are older is it best that we work on healthy teeth and gums.

Here are a few tips:

Listen to fun brushing songs: Kids love a catchy songs, search YouTube for fun songs like "Teach Me How to Brushy".

Play oral health related mobile apps: Mobile gaming applications like "Toothsavers" promote healthy brushing habits as kids work to save a fairy tale kingdom.

DIY Home activities: There are many fun activities that you create with kids to promote habits like flossing. Click here to learn about fun activities.

Character themed dental products: Oral B has introduced new Frozen themed toothbrushes and toothpaste! This a great way to get kids excited about oral hygiene.

Lead by example: Brush with your child and show them exactly how they should be brushing and flossing.

For more information about oral health visit poserortho.com or give our office a call today!

3 Things that are Surprisingly Harmful to Your Teeth

We’ve warned you time and time about foods and drinks that are harmful to your teeth. We’ve even provided you with a food to avoid list, but in this blog you find out about 3 things are harmful to your teeth that you never even considered.

Here are 3 things that are surprisingly harmful to your teeth and the solution to preventing the damage.

Source: Hunington Post Healthy Living

Juicing

While bottles of the cold-pressed stuff may be chock-full of good-for-you nutrients, juices also have such high sugar content. This sugar is consumed by the bacteria in our mouths and converted into acid that wears away enamel and can cause cavities.

The solution: Sip juice through a straw to help keep it away from the surfaces of your teeth. And make sure to wait at least 45 minutes post-drinking to brush your teeth: Scrubbing them immediately while after acid has softened their enamel can leave them even more vulnerable to damage.

Chewable vitamins

They taste just like gummy candy--and they're not much better for our mouths. In fact, their sticky, sugar-y makeup adheres to teeth so well that they're just practically bound to cause cavities.

The solution: Take your vitamins in pill form. While that may not be as fun (or taste nearly as good), neither is a trip to the dentist for a filling.

Dried fruit

While some fresh fruits are actually considered good for teeth (think water-packed produce like apples and pears), dried fruits never are. This otherwise-nutritious snack is packed with non-cellulose fiber, which traps sugar on and around teeth the way gummy candies (and vitamins) do.

The solution: Get it off! Brush and floss teeth immediately after eating dried fruit to get rid of any stuck-on sugar.

Dr. Poser wants you to do the best to protect your teeth this means:

• Eating healthy foods
• Brushing and flossing twice a day
• and visiting you dentist twice a year

To get more oral health tips from Dr. Poser visit PoserOrtho.com.

The Natural Way to Pearly Whites

Been keeping up with your oral hygiene, but you’re looking for ways to make your beautiful smile just a little whiter?  Are you looking for a natural way to whiten your teeth?  Then you’ve come to the right blog post.

Everyone wants a pearly white Hollywood smile. However, some of us don’t have a sparkling white smile..which is normal. There are many factors behind the color of our enamel. Factors include genetics, age, environmental factors, oral hygiene and nutrition play a part in the shade of our teeth.

There are many whitening treatment options offered in dental offices and over the counter, but if you’re looking for a natural approach here are 3 natural ways to achieve a whiter smile:

Brushing After Eating or Drinking 
The simplest way to natural whiten you smile is just by brushing your teeth..that is after every meal or drink you consume. This can be a hard task, because it means that you must always have an oral hygiene kit on hand. Food and drinks can in fact stain your teeth, so if you’re looking for a simple approach to the smile you want this method may be for you.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of baking soda to make a paste. Brush your teeth as usual, making sure you brush those back teeth too. Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent and works great as a total mouth and gum cleaner and keeps the mouth free of germs.

Oil Pulling
A method that recently become very popular, oil pulling consist of using a oil (almost like a mouth wash) to pull toxin out of the mouth. For more information on oil pulling click here to check out one of our older blogs.


Pick one of our natural methods and give it a try! Share your results with us on Social Media. We can’t wait to see you all showing off your beautiful smiles.

Memorial Day Celebrations

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. (source: History.com)

Join us to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we enjoy. Being that we have two office locations we've listed events in both Germantown and Wauwatosa.

Germantown:

Monday, May 25, 2015,  MEMORIAL DAY 11:00am

Service at the Veterans Memorial on corner of Park & Freistadt Roads, Germantown. Twenty names will be added to the Wall; afterwards lunch will be available at the Legion Post #1 across the street. Everyone is welcome! N120 W15932 Freistadt Road, Germantown, WI 53022; 262-251-5470.

Monday, May 25, 2015, 11:00am-1:00pm

Memorial Day Free Admission Location: Old Courthouse Museum 320 S 5th Ave West Bend.  The old Courthouse Museum will be open following the 11:00am program on the Veterans' Memorial Plaza, located at 5th and Poplar. No Museum admission will be charged.

Wauwatosa:

MONDAY, MAY 26, 2014 MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE 10:30 A.M.

LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL

7600 W. NORTH AVE.

Featuring: The Wauwatosa Community Band

Featured Speaker: T.B.A 

Let us know how you plan on spending your Memorial Day Weekend. 

Share photos with us:

Post pictures on our Facebook wall 

Tag us on Instagram @Poser_Orthodontics

or Tweets Us @PoserOrtho

Sunday Brunch a Mother Will LOVE!

One of your Mom’s favorite holidays is only 4 days away! Have you figured out how you’re going to show appreciation for the number 1 lady in your life? Mother’s Day is the when we take time to say “Thank You Mom” in an extra special way. Cards and flowers are just fine, but how about a new way to show Mom you care. They say the easiest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so it’s time to get in the kitchen a cook a great meal. Brunch is a best way to combine your favorite breakfast and lunch items.

Here are 3 delicious Mother’s Day brunch recipes: (click on the name of the food for recipe link)

Mixed Over Oven Pancake

Omelet and Potatoes Bites

Cranberry Almond French Toast Casserole

Good food will be great way to show Mom appreciate her. We want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to our patients and parent of patients, we appreciate you all! Let us know how you spent your Mother’s Day share your photos on our Facebook page!

Why Aren't You Smiling?

Did you know humans can recognize a smile up to 300 feet away!? Smiles are the universal sign of happiness, but studies have also shown smiling has positive effects on your life in general.

5 Benefits of Smiling: (Source: lifehack.org)

• Endorphins are released when you smile naturally: Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Smiling lowers stress and anxiety: Smiling isn’t always the natural reaction to stressful situations, but a study showed participants who were smiling had lower heart rates than those with a neutral facial expression.  
• Smiles are contagious: Ever started smiling because someone smiled at you? This is because of complex brain activity that occurs when you see someone smiling, smiles are contagious. Smiles are positive expressions. Spreading positivity can be self-rewarding and good for others to receive.
• Boost immune system: Smiling decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Smiling can lead to laughter: Laughing has its own benefits including physical, mental and social benefits. 

Whether your smile is flashing metal or pearly white, it’s important to smile to boost your mood and feel great. We want to also make sure your showing off a healthy smile. Visit our oral hygiene page to make sure your take the proper steps to having a healthy smile.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd. This day is used to spread environmental awareness and show support for environmental protection. The Earth and its natural resources are important to allowing all living organism, from plants to humans, to thrive in the world. However, the environment isn't going to protect itself. We must take action to make sure Earth is in a clean and healthy state. Since Earth Day was launched in 1970 we have made process with legal acts being put in place to support environmental safety. Let’s celebrate this Earth Day by getting the entire family involved.

There are 3 easy ways to "Go Green" by recycling, reusing and reducing. (source:http://www.nrdc.org)

Reduce:

Reduce. "Reduce" means using fewer resources in the first place. This is the most effective of the three R's and the place to begin. It is also, I think, the hardest because it requires letting go of some very American notions, including: the bigger the better, new trumps old and convenience is next to godliness. But you don't need to let go completely or all at once. "Reduce" is a comparative word. It says: cut back from where you are now. 

Reuse:

Before you recycle or dispose of anything, consider whether it has life left in it. A jam jar can store leftovers. Food scraps can become compost. An old shirt can become a pajama top. An opened envelope can become a shopping list. A magazine can be shared. DVDs can be traded. A dishwasher can be repaired. A computer can be upgraded. A car can be resold. A cell phone can be donated. Returnable bottles can be, well... returned. 

Recycle:

Recycling is the "R" that has caught on the best. Partly, this is because there are so many curbside recycling programs today (8,660 as of 2006, according to the EPA), which makes recycling so easy. 

Learn more about Reducing, Reusing and Recycle at nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0802.asp

Just like all good habits if you start young it is more likely these habits will last a lifetime. Children are the future, so teaching kids to go green is investing in the longevity of Earth. Every little action you take to protect the Earth helps, start today and help save the planet. To learn more about Earth Day visit Earthday.org

Can Your Name the Parts of Your Braces?

Your braces are made up of intricate pieces of metal attached to your teeth to get you the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. However, can you name all the parts of your braces?

Photo provided by Solutions by Design ScreenPlay software

Each piece serves a special purpose, all working together cohesively to correct your smile. Learn about the key components of your braces with our list below:

Bands
Bands are a ring of metal that fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest-fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets
The brackets hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

Archwire
The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of the movement.

Elastics
An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.

Hooks
Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Coil Spring
The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire

Here's a diagram to show show you where everything is located:

The more you know about your braces the easier your experience will be, If you have any questions feel free to contact us today!

Save Face. Wear a Mouth Guard! #NFPM

Each year during the month of April the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Orthodontists sponsor National Facial Protection Month.

National Facial Protection Month focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children and adults from oral and facial injuries. Many injuries that do occur during sporting activities could have been prevented had the proper protective gear had been worn. An estimated 12 million people between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually.  A recently published study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of injuries treated at hospital emergency departments, for the period 2001-2008. Researchers found the five most common causes of childhood injuries were, in order of frequency, basketball, football, bicycling, playgrounds and soccer.

Dr. Poser wants to remind you that it is important for you to protect your mouth during treatment. For protection you must wear a mouth guard. 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 stock 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.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advise that you to take five, and take in these five simple safety tips:

Mouth Guards are a Must. Mouth guards are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury, and dentists and dental specialists can make customized mouth guards that hold teeth in place and allow for normal speech and breathing.  

Helmets are always Helpful. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact and help prevent damage to the head.  

Have 20/20 Vision with Protective Eyewear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable to damage, especially when playing sports.

Face Shields Save Skin…and more. Hockey pucks, footballs and racquetballs can cause severe facial damage at any age.

Cheer and Shout Out Your Support for Mandatory Protective Gear. Athletes who participate in football, hockey and boxing are required to wear mouth guards. If mouth guards have been proven to significantly decrease the risk of oral injuries, why is it not mandatory in every sport for kids to wear them?

To learn more about National Facial Protection Month please visit AAOMS.org

DIY Easter Fun!

With the spring colors arising you may have seen bunnies and eggs popping up everywhere, well that’s because Easter Day is coming. Easter is this Sunday, April 5th and with the beautiful weather that spring has brought on it is a perfect time to get outside with your family and get involved in Easter themed activities.

Easter Day activities are fun for kids, but can bring joy to the family as a whole. And the great part about these activities is that you can pick up supplies at your local store for a round of DIY fun!

Here are 3 EGG-cellent Do It Yourself activities:

Dying Eggs
Traditionally eggs are off-white, but with beautiful colors blossoming from nature why not add a little life and color to our eggs on this holiday. The main things you need are eggs are food coloring. For detailed instructions on dying eggs click here.

Easter Egg Hunting
The day of Easter is the perfect time to invite family and friends over so kids can enjoy a fun-filled Easter egg hunt. What you’ll need is plastic eggs and mini treats. You’ll need to put the treats inside the plastic eggs, after you fill the eggs it is time to strategically hide the eggs in your yard. Let the kids run wild and find the hidden eggs. To make the hunt more fun you can pick a grand prize for the child who finds the most eggs!

Bunny Crafts
Since Easter is synonymous with bunnies having your kids create bunny crafts can be fun! Here are some ideas for bunny crafts.

Paper Plate Bunny

Click here for more fun ideas

Share your Easter day fun with us on Social Media:

Post pictures on our Facebook wall 
Tag us on Instagram @Poser_Orthodontics
or Tweets Us @PoserOrtho

Keep Teeth Healthy While On The Road

It's Spring Break season so this means vacation traveling. Even when you are not in the comfort of your own home don’t let your healthy teeth habits fall to the wayside. Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Brushing and flossing removes a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

The best way to keep your teeth healthy while on the road you must keep a kit with you to make sure everything you need is on hand while under Orthodontic treatment.

Here are some of the items that need to be in your kit:

• Travel Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Threader floss
• Rubber bands
• Mini Mirror

& in case of a dental emergency

• Dental wax
• Cold pack
• Over the counter pain killers

Putting together a mini dental travel kit is the easiest way to support your healthy habits while on the road. Get a small bag that can easily fit in your carrier and fill it with all the items you need. Also, make sure you keep a contact card with Dr. Poser's information inside your kit just in case you have an emergency and need to contact our office.