Summer Smiles!

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Well here we are…finally enjoying a little taste of warmer weather. 

Summer vacation is the best time of year for most kids. Slumber parties, staying up late, playing video games, visiting the orthodontist. Yes, you read that right…we did say visiting the orthodontist.  

Healthy teeth do more than provide your child with an opportunity to show off their smile. Healthy teeth enable your child to be more confident, allow for easier social development and help to promote over-all good health. 

Most orthodontic problems are inherited, and therefore cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Lenz can often guide facial development and tooth eruption, and thereby prevent more serious problems from occurring. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.  

The upcoming school year is like a clean slate just waiting to be filled with good memories and opportunities for growth and adventure. So…embrace the summer months and give your child a happy, healthy smile!

 

Just the Facts:

According to surveys taken by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

• 9 out of 10 Americans agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset.

• 3 out of 4 Americans agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.

• 1 out of 2 Americans are satisfied with their smile.

Mamma Mia

Mother's Day is just 3 days away! Have you decided how you are going to pay tribute to the woman that means the most to you in this world? Flowers and candy are nice...but why not show Mom exactly what she means to you by making her something from the heart? We've said it before...the best gifts (especially for Mom) are handmade.

We have a few great ideas for Mom that she will be able display year round...and every time she catches a glimpse of these special gifts out of the corner of her eye, she will think of you and know just how much you care.

Black and White Photo Collage

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Mom loves pictures...especially when they are pictures of her family. Make Mom this special photo collage that she can hang and admire for years. Make black and white photo copies of pictures you know Mom will just die for and glue them to a large wooden block letter...maybe M for Mom or the first letter of her last name. And presto...you have a special Mother's Day gift unlike any other.

Eye Chart Printable

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Now this one is darling...Mom is sure to love it. You can make it in a snap and say just about anything you want to say. Think of something meaningful and type it out using the template of every optometrist's eye chart on the planet. You know...one really big letter first, then shrink the size of the letters down for each line that follows. Get any frame that is large enough to fit your special statement...best Mother's Day gift ever!

Mother's Day Jewelry Box

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This gift might take you a little bit more time to make, but we think its well worth it. You just need a hinged wooden box (which can be found at any local craft or hobby store), some Mod Podge, paint and really pretty paper. You know your mom the best, so be sure to create a jewelry box using colors and patterns Mom will love. This custom, handmade jewelry box is the perfect place for Mom can keep all of her favorite things...you know she'll just love it.

Now get to work and show Mom just how much she means to you this Mother's Day!

Yuck Mouth

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You just got your braces on and you have been keeping your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments, so why oh why would you still need to visit your Dentist?

Orthodontists and dentists specialize in different things, but work as a team for you and your oral health. Your orthodontist is not in charge of cleaning your teeth or checking for cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. And because it is much more difficult to keep your mouth clean while appliances and wires are in place…you still need to see your dentist at least twice a year. 

Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide. Plaque and tartar can form around your brackets and bands which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure that plaque and tartar are removed. 

Visiting your dentist regularly will also help protect your teeth from decalcification. Decalcification is a condition in which white spots form on your tooth surfaces and decalcification is irreversible.

So without regular dental examinations and necessary treatment, it is possible to end up with straight teeth and good bite, but with decayed teeth and unhealthy gums. And who wants that?

Remember…You can still get cavities when you are wearing braces so always brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. 

Regular dental exams will keep your mouth healthy for life.