Last Day

It's the last day of the year - the last chance for you to fit whatever you want into 2013. It's a time for reflection and a time for fun. It's a time to think about what's ahead. Right now, however, we can only see the past and present. So, let's live in the moment. Do something great right now.

When 2014 rolls around, continue to live in the moment. Of course, you should plan and prepare, but always live in the moment. Each day is your last day to do what you want that day. Don't forget it. If it's breaking a record, achieving a goal, making someone smile or doing something that scares you - do it.

The present is made for you to enjoy so you can look on the past with a smile.

Happy 2014!

Madison Root's Entrepreneurial Orthodontic Pursuit for Braces

A young entrepreneur spread her wings for an entrepreneurial cause in Portland this past week, all in the name of braces.There is a spark in young entrepreneurs that allows you to see the kind of drive they'll have as business owners when they are older.

There is also a spark in the eyes of those who know that they will have a healthy, happy smile. We love providing that spark every day, and we commend Madison (story below) for making things happen to make that smile happen. We love this story, because it makes us think about the success Madison would have here - and the ability that we have to provide braces for just $3,480. We're so glad for that - we're gonna make you smile!

Photo courtesy of wgntv.com

Here is the link to the story and the excerpt below:

Madison Root, 11, is becoming a celebrity for her work ethic. She started a business in Portland, Oregon selling mistletoe, to pay for her braces. But city officials say she can’t sell products without a permit. 

However, they told her she is allowed to beg for money because that’s protected under Freedom of Speech. Madison’s dad says they understand the law, but that Madison wants to work for her money. After her story went public she has been overwhelmed by orders for mistletoe. She even started a website where people can make donations. 

The money paid for her braces and will help support other entrepreneurial kids.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas

Today, we wish you a merry Christmas Eve!

We wish that the spirit of Christmas is exuding in everything that you do. We hope that you choose happiness over stress, joy over pressure and love over complacency. Our hope is that the spirit of the holidays fills these days so much that love overflows in every possible way.

Bottle up this Christmas cheer, and share it throughout the year. Give a kind word, a smile, an encouragement, a hug - whatever it is that passes on the loving spirit that this holiday brings.

As Hamilton Wright Mabie says, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

A Christmas for Boysville and Braces

Christmas is one of my favorite days and seasons of the year. Despite the rush, crowds and stress that can be seen or self-induced, it's easy to look past that to see the spirit of Christmas that resides in the love and cheer of so many.

We were given a gift on the first Christmas, so it's important to us at Texas Orthodontics to give to others with a spirit of holiday cheer. This season, we had the opportunity to do just that. Our friends at Boysville, a campus designed to help children in crisis who cannot remain in their own home, visited our office with a young gal named Crystal, one of the Boysville residents, so that we could surprise and treat her to a set of braces. 

It's our Christmas gift to her, and it was an honor to be able to serve such a sweet girl, and give her what we love to give every day - a smile. 

Christmas is about sharing smiles. It's about putting on love and giving it out. It's about being kind and good humans. It's about being a part of the spirit and the gift that was given to us thousands of years ago. It's about peace on earth and good will toward men. Embrace it. Live in it. Celebrate it.

Here's to you, Crystal. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and we look forward to that smile continuing to shine with each visit you come back to share with us. Merry Christmas to all!

Where do braces come from?

The term - braces - was coined in the early 1900s. The orthodontics industry saw significant movement and advances that led to the invention of modern day braces. Orthodontic advances between the early 1800s and 1890 include:

1819 – Christophe-Francois Delabarre invented the first wire crib. Wire cribs are an early model of the dental brace, and thought by many to be the first form of modern day orthodontics. The wire crib is a half circle device that can be placed directly on the teeth, with the hopes of having the teeth stay in alignment.

1843 – Dr. Edward Maynard was the first dentist to use gum elastics as a technique used to correct improper jaw alignment. An elastic material would be connected to wiring in the mouth to slowly move the jaw until it was in proper alignment.

1850 – E.J. Tucker elaborated Dr. Maynard‘s idea of using gum elastics to correct jaw alignment. Tucker took rubber tubing, and cut it into small bands that could comfortably fit into the mouth.

1864 – A New York dentist by the name of Dr. S.C. Barnum invented the rubber dental dam. Dental dams are latex sheets that keep teeth dry while orthodontists or dentists work on the teeth. The use of a dental damn is often used during the application process of the braces onto the teeth.

1893 – Henry A. Baker was the first to combine many of the concepts used by previous dentists into one orthodontic treatment. Baker devised the method known as the "Baker anchorage." Baker anchorage combines the rubber tubing discovered by E.J. Tucker, with the wire crib. This technique eliminated the need to completely remove numerous teeth to help correct their alignment.

1894 – Eugene S. Talbot was the first dentist to incorporate X-rays into orthodontic procedures. X-rays were commonly used to discover potential teeth that were out of sight due to being impacted underneath the gum. Talbot believed discovering these teeth and extracting them could eliminate overcrowding within the mouth.

Now, you're educated about the background of braces. Go forth, and teach!

What Makes an Orthodontist Smile

We gave you a list last month of some signs that could tell you that you need to visit an orthodontist. Well, here are a few more. According to the AAO, if you recognize any of these signs or concerns in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist:

• You want a beautiful smile 
• You feel a great smile will improve your self-esteem and self-confidence 
• You want the best for your family 

While these are simple, they are also factual. We love making our patients smile. We love seeing the results that braces and Invisalign can provide. It's our pleasure every day to see the reaction of the smiles of our patients become contagious.

When you're ready to bring that smile to someone you love, you know what to do.

The Impact of Oral Health on Your Whole Body Health

You may not have known it, but oral health has a direct connection to the health of your body as whole. Caring for your teeth, gums and jaw is important. Even if you didn't realize it, there are key indicators that can point to signs of infection, osteoporosis or other diseases if you are not keeping your oral health in check. The American Association of Orthodontists explains in greater detail in this excerpt from its website:

In recent years, a growing number of oral health professionals including orthodontists, periodontists and dentists agree there are links between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body. Like all health science, the subject can be complex. But, in its simplest from, the message is that good oral health improves whole body health. 

 Every one of us has millions of oral bacteria naturally occurring in our mouths. But when oral bacteria go too far, they can form sticky plaque, which can lead to gum or periodontal disease. Researchers believe overall health risks arise when bacteria in the mouth reach advanced levels and move into other parts of the body. Some of the findings, so far, make a very strong case. A number of studies have found that blood sugar levels in diabetics with periodontal disease were significantly reduced when the patients’ gum disease was treated. A study done by the American Society of Microbiology identified genes in certain oral bacteria that allow the organisms to invade and infect human arterial cells, weakening the walls of the heart. Other medical scientists are concerned that excessive oral inflammation can contributes to clogged arteries. 

 Studies also show that osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become less dense over time as the body loses calcium, could be at the root of tooth loss. Though more research is needed to establish a link, osteoporosis and gum disease have been shown to cause significant tooth loss. One study shows that the risk of tooth loss is three times greater for women with osteoporosis than for women who do not have the disease.

Braces & Orthodontists: They Make the Celebs Smile, Too

Celebrities thrive off of their distinct and unique characteristics. However, the majority of them happen to have one thing in common; beautiful teeth. But not every celebrity is born with perfect, white, and straight pearly whites so they call upon their orthodontist to save the day. Here are some celebrities that you’ll recognize that once had braces. 

Angelina Jolie sporting white-colored bands as a teenager before she became the Tomb Raider.

Tom Cruise solved his impossible mission and wore braces in his early 40s.

Drew Barrymore had braces shortly after ET phoned home.

There’s no doubt that Gwen Stefani had beautiful teeth already, but she decided to get braces not because she needed them, but instead, as a fashion statement.

After her breakout performance in I Am Sam, Dakota Fanning got braces at age 12.

At the age of 15, Harry Potter’s own Emma Watson wore braces for 4 months.  

There are endless amounts of celebrities that once wore or are currently wearing braces. So maybe you and Emma Watson have more in common than you think besides being Harry Potter fans. In conclusion, having braces isn’t the end of the world but more like the beginning of a new chapter in your life. A new chapter that leads you to a perfect and beautiful smile and ultimately to a happier life. 

All the Colors of the Rainbow

If you’re finding that choosing the right color for your braces is harder than you thought, check out these tips and tricks to narrow down the search.

·         First, you should consult your orthodontists about a color wheel. A color wheel is a list of colors of bands that your orthodontist has available. It is suggested that you do this before you’re scheduled to put your bands in so that you can think about what colors to choose instead of having to make an impulsive choice.

·         Second, experimenting with different band colors will help you get a better idea of what your braces will look like. Test out combinations. People tend to choose their school colors, the colors of their favorite sports team, colors associated with current holidays, and of course, your personal favorites. If you end up regretting your color choice - don’t fret, just change the colors when you go to get your braces tightened.

·         Finally, keep your braces looking great by practicing good oral hygiene habits daily.

Regardless of the color you choose, we're gonna make you smile!

Five Things You Can Do To Spread Holiday Cheer

After reflecting on the goodness of Thanksgiving, I wanted to offer some thoughts on simple ways you can spread holiday cheer as we are about to embark on the cheeriest month of the year. Don't let the stresses and overwhelming nature of shopping, decorating and the tedious things that need to get done weigh you down. Take these ten things on to keep that smile on your face all month long. 

1. Hold the door open for someone any chance you get. Show that chivalry, regardless of who you are. People will be in a hurry during the holidays. This is a good way to help them on their way. 

2. Bake some goodies for your neighbors, officemates or old friends who may not be expecting it. Who doesn't like some delicious holiday treats? (Just don't use too much sugar - take care of those teeth!)

3. Celebrate the season. Tell your cashiers, customers or strangers you pass on the street, "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hannukah," and "Happy Holidays!" It will take the Scrooge out of people.

4. Buy coffee or a meal for the person behind you when you're out to grab your morning Joe or a quick bite to eat. The chain of paying it forward is an incredible one. Get it started.

5. Smile! Our goal every day is to make you smile, so take that smile out to the world and share it with others. You never know how much your beautiful smile could positively impact someone who needs a kick of holiday cheer this season. 

Happy December to all!

Give Thanks

With the holiday weekend about halfway through, I've reflected on the goodness that Thanksgiving brings. We have so many things to be thankful for in our lives. I'm thankful for my family, friends, our practice, patients and supporters. I'm thankful to be blessed with a wonderful staff and an environment that makes me happy every single day. I'm very thankful for smiles.

I'm also thankful for things like the Texas Hill Country, a great dinner, good hugs and memorable vacations. Even the little things like an extra kick of customer service or a simple thank you. There are so many things that we can be thankful for on a daily basis. The reason that Thanksgiving is so great is because it reminds us that we are to give and celebrate thanks for blessings of any shape or size. 

So, give thanks - not just yesterday or once a year, but rather, give it every day. Be thankful for what you have. When you feel gratitude for something that someone has done for you, show them that gratitude with a thank you, regardless of the form.

As W.J. Cameron once said, "Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." 

Reasons To See An Orthodontist

The American Association for Orthodontists provides a great explanation for all of the reasons to see an orthodontist. If you recognize any of these signs in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.

• Early or late loss of baby teeth 
• Difficulty chewing or biting 
• Mouth breathing 
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits 
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth 
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed 
• Speech difficulty 
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth 
• Protruding teeth Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all 
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face) 
• Grinding or clenching of teeth Inability to comfortably close lips

There are many reasons, so if one of these fits your mold, don't delay in contacting your friendly, neighborhood orthodontist.

 

Reasons to Smile

The act of smiling is more complex than most people give it credit for, and smiling can literally change your life and the lives of people around you. Here are three reasons why you should start to show off your pearly whites to start benefitting your mind, body and soul.

First, smiling helps your mind because it can change your mood. Psychologists have found that if you smile for a minimum of 60 seconds, whether the smile is forced or fake, that the body will begin to emit serotonin which is a hormone that can trick the body into making a person feel happy.

Second, smiling can help your body, because it boosts your immune system. Smiling has been proven to steady one’s breathing, lower the heart rate and relax the entire body, which contributes to a stronger immune system, and ultimately, better health.

Third, smiling can better your soul because it can help you live longer. Positivity is a direct result of smiling which means that smiling keeps everyone happier. A research team at Columbia University concluded that people who were happier were less likely to develop heart problems. So for the sake of your mind, body, and soul make sure that you smile and remember that, in the words of Dale Carnegie, “A smile costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.”

When in Rome: The Ancient Times of Orthodontics and Braces

Although orthodontic braces weren’t invented until the 1800s, cultures all over the world have been preoccupied with the idea of straight teeth and proper jaw alignment since the times of the Ancient Egyptians. Each culture adopted a unique way of manipulating people’s teeth and thus the world was left with a range of methods all solving the same problem of crooked teeth.

Archaeologists found a cord made from animal intestines wrapped along the teeth in many mummified remains which shows the Egyptian’s effort to close gaps in between the teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, archaeologists have also discovered Greek dental equipment that indicates humans began practicing orthodontics as early as 1000 B.C. The Greeks would use something resembling a mouth guard and place it in the mouth of the deceased in order to preserve the appearance of the teeth so that they would appear the same in the afterlife.

The earliest ancient Roman record of dental care came from a man named Aulus Cornelius Celsus. Celsus kept a detailed record of all his work and holds the first recorded attempt to straighten or move teeth by use of finger pressure. His hypothesis was that the teeth were slowly moving and realigning themselves due to the outside pressure of the finger.  

Similar to the Egyptians, the Ancient Romans remains were found with a small gold wire that was used to create a bracket like fixture inside of the mouth. Without these small steps in history, there would be no foundation for the invention of braces and the history of braces may have been completely different. If you or someone you know has braces, take a moment to be thankful about these unusual methods and how they set the foundation for future discoveries. 

Save the Teeth. Sip a Straw.

According to Medical News Today, the average American consumes almost 45 gallons of soft drinks per year. Along with causing health problems, this sugary addiction may also cause problems for the mouth and specifically the teeth.

Allowing sugary and acidic beverages to dwell in the mouth is one of the top sources for cavities among Americans. In a perfect world, we would not have the temptation of acidic sugary drinks and we could contently consume water all day, but as we all know, we do not live in a perfect world. However, we do in a world with straws.

Yes, straws! These small tiny liquid transporters will be a starting point in trying to reduce the amount of tooth decay due to sugary drinks. There  is a proper placement of the straw that will allow minimum amounts of sugar and acid to travel through the mouth (remember that your throat is thirsty not your teeth). If you place the straw directly in front of your teeth behind your upper lip then you are exposing too much of the front of your mouth, and you will find the decay there.

If you drink directly from a can then more than likely you will see eroding in back of the mouth area near the molars. Of course, it's always best to substitute water for one of those sugary beverages. Always remember that a clean mouth is a happy mouth! 

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Life

With all of the resources we have in this day and age, it isn’t hard to know what type of things are good and bad for your teeth. Everyone knows the healthy teeth routine: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and take regular visits to your healthcare professional. Yet even though this information has been reiterated to us since we were children, we still insist on consuming those delicious, yet harmful, drinks exposing our teeth to some nasty bacteria. Here is a brief list of beverages that you should consider cutting back on or even giving up completely to make your teeth healthier and even benefit your overall health.

·         Sugary drinks: These drinks contain so much acid that they bathe the teeth every time that you take a sip. Pick up some water instead!

·         Alcohol: Consuming alcohol causes the body to produce significantly lower amounts of saliva. The saliva made by the body acts as a natural cleanser, because it cleans out left behind food particles and acts as a shield against acids.

·         Coffee: You may not know it, but coffee can make your teeth sticky, and this stickiness allows for an increased amount of food to stick on and around the teeth, which unless you’re saving some for later, is never a good thing.

Cutting back on these three things may be more difficult than you think, but with a little determination and a lot of self-control, you’ll be on your way to healthier teeth and a healthier life. 

To Chew or Not to Chew

Choosing a brand of chewing gum may seem like a simple task, but you may be surprised to find out that it’s more than just the difference in price and flavor that distinguishes regular gum from gum you should be choosing. People tend to buy the brands that have the funniest commercials, the most appealing wrappers or the cheapest price tags, but there is chewing gum that is better and will benefit you and your teeth.

 According to Mouth Healthy’s website, chewing sugarless gum for at least 20 minutes has been clinically proven to prevent tooth decay. Mouth Healthy also recommends looking for a chewing gum that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance which means that it has been tested for safety and effectiveness.

So which brand follows the criteria above the best? Trident! Trident is a 5-calorie, sugarless, ADA-approved chewing gum and is highly recommended across the nation. Trident sugarless gum contains xylitol which is a natural sugar-free sweetener that not only tastes delightful, but helps to prevent tooth decay.

Trick or Treat

Was your kiddo on a sugar high last night? Do you have pounds of candy left to dig into? Well, if you have braces or if your child does, here are sweets to avoid to help stay on their proper orthodontic path:

Bubble gum: As much fun as it is to blow bubbles, this sticky candy can get caught on braces and pull them off. Additionally, the sugar in the gum can get behind braces and cause cavities or tooth decay.

Suckers: These candies don’t seem as bad as many others, but the temptation to bite and chew on these rock-hard treats can be too much for some children. Chewing on hard candies can dislodge braces.

Caramels, taffy or other chewy candies: Just like bubble gum, these kinds of candies can get stuck and pull braces out of their brackets.

Here are some candies that they can enjoy (in moderation) after trick-or-treating:

Chocolate bars without nuts: Hershey bars, Kit Kat Bars and Three Musketeers are all on the safe list for kids with braces. The chocolate is soft and the “melt in your mouth” quality won’t have any effect on your child’s braces.

Small, soft chocolate candies: Plain M&Ms or Malt Balls pass the test because they are small enough that kids can pop them in their mouths without biting down and disrupting appliances.

Read my full article in the Express-News at: http://bit.ly/1aradgd. 

Braces Rookies

If you or someone you know just got braces then you know the changes that come with it. In the beginning, you may experience minor pain, discomfort and most experience confusion about how braces change the simplest daily activities. Not until you have them for a lengthier period of time can one familiarize themselves with their braces and how their teeth react to different situations. But there are some things that you should know that will certainly support you in your rookie season with braces.

When and if you are feeling pain, orthodontists recommend eating or drinking something cold. This is because hotter liquids or foods will tighten up the wires of the braces, which may cause discomfort and unwanted pressure. Colder drinks and foods allow the wire to become looser and allow you to have instant pain relief.

For travelers, braces will not set off any metal detectors! For some this may seem obvious but surprisingly, it is a concern for most people who are getting braces. The metal that is used in making modern-day braces is a nonmagnetic alloy. So, although you may have to remove your belt and shoes, you won’t have to worry about your braces.

Braces may cause gaps in your mouth. But aren’t braces supposed to close those gaps? Yes, they eventually will but braces are made in a specific way so that they can rearrange your teeth slowly but surely. So don’t be shocked to see that your braces are causing new gaps. Know that it’s all happening for a reason.

For all you braces rookies out there, realize that remembering the tips (along with time and practice), you will turn into a braces veteran in no time. Braces aren’t always a walk in the park, but ultimately, you, your friends, and your family will love your beautiful smile.

            

Brushing Made Easy

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 28 percent of children (2-5 years old) and 52 percent of children (6-11 years old) have at least one cavity. Treatment for cavities can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars depending on the amount and severity of the cavities. One of the easiest ways to prevent cavities and to potentially save hundreds of dollars is to ensure that your children are brushing their teeth. Yes, it is that simple. But what may not be so simple is getting your child to want to brush their teeth. So, if you’re running out of ways to get your little one to brush his or her teeth or just looking for something to spice up the morning and evening routine, look no further.

Here are a few tips to get you and your family on the right path:

First, change the time when they brush their teeth. Children tend to be either grumpy or defiant when it comes to bedtime. Instead of brushing right before bed, try brushing in between dinner and bedtime. Just make sure that there is no post-dinner snacking.

Second, make brushing teeth a family activity. Children love to imitate their parents, so brush your teeth with them instead of supervising them while they brush.  Take this opportunity to chat about how their day was or something they may be looking forward to in order to keep them engaged.

And finally, make it a party! Something as simple as playing music while brushing makes it seem like less of a chore. Let your child choose a song and you can let loose while brushing your teeth. Use this time not only to improve your family’s brushing routine, but also, to bond with your child.

Make an effort to ensure that your child is taking care of their teeth and that you are taking care of yours, because a little change can help in a big way. 

Fact or Fiction: Caring for your teeth

The statements below are some that we hear with consistency from our patients. Some are true, some are false. Today, we'll clear up the differences between fact and fiction.

It is okay to whiten your teeth at home.

Fiction.

Although over-the-counter whitening products are safe, they won’t always work. If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings, the teeth whitener will not affect the color.

If you never have tooth pain or pain in your mouth, you don’t need to go to the dentist or orthodontist.

Fiction.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment. If you wait, you put yourself at high risk for not being able to treat a cavity or gum disease. It is encouraged that you visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly in order to prevent this from happening.

Tooth decay is something you can outgrow.

Fiction.

Tooth decay doesn’t affect just the young or the old, it affects everyone. For this reason, developing good dental habits is essential to living a healthier life.

You are supposed to floss daily.

Fact.

Although it might seem silly to take time out of your busy schedule to floss, it will help your mouth to stay fresh and clean. If flossing isn’t something that you normally do, try putting it by the TV remote and floss during commercials.

If your teeth are white, they are healthy.

Fiction.

White teeth aren’t clean teeth. In order to have a clean mouth you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss daily. In addition to that, make regular appointments to ensure that your mouth is clean and healthy.

Taking care of your teeth is just as important as taking care of your body and mind. Always remember that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!