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!