Make 2013 the year to improve your oral health!

The beginning of a new year is often a time to reflect on the year that was, and to set personal goals for the upcoming year. Do you have ideas on how you plan to improve your health and happiness in 2013? It's never too late to think about New Year's resolutions, and we recommend making a commitment that benefits your oral health!

It's important that New Year's resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life. For example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent gum disease during your orthodontic treatment? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities while you are wearing braces. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

If your resolution is to attain a great looking smile, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would love to help! Please feel free to contact any one of our team members to schedule your appointment. Happy Holidays!

Winter officially begins....

The first day of winter for 2012 is tomorrow, December 21st. Some people can't wait for the snow, curling up by the fire, and the holiday spirit. Other people dislike the frigid temperatures, blizzards, and wild weather. Please remember that you may want to leave a few minutes early for your appointments this winter since weather conditions can cause traffic delays. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics wishes everyone to have a safe and wonderful winter season.

The importance of seeking an Orthodontist for your care.

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities. An Orthodontist is a specialist who has the same training and credentials as a general dentist, as well as an additional two to three years of graduate training in Orthodontics at an American Dental Association approved university. As specialists, Orthodontists limit their practice exclusively to orthodontic treatment. Dental practitioners who are practicing general dentistry and providing orthodontic services, are not approved "specialists" in Orthodontics. Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs are both certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Do you have a nickel allergy?

If you are allergic to nickel, have no worries; we offer  alternatives that are made without nickel properties. We can use ceramic, low profile Clarity Advance nickle-free brackets. Since wires sometimes contain metal that are made from nickel properties when a patient has a nickel allergy, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics also uses wires that are made from Beta Titanium, which is nickel-free. If you have a nickel allergy, please let us know and we will explain the options available to you for treatment in our office!

Permanent or Removable?

When it is time to remove your braces you are sure to  be very excited! Once the braces are removed it's time for retainers. It is important to know your new smile must be held in place, because the teeth naturally want to move back. You may have the option to choose between two kinds of retainers; removable or permanent. There are certain circumstances in which one is more beneficial than the other. It is always wise to know the options and benefits regarding your treatment.

Removable retainers offer the advantage of easy use. These are worn full time when the appliances are first removed. However, you will be able to enjoy some time with no appliances in your mouth. In some cases when there is a need to have the correction held constantly. A removable retainer must be worn responsibly, as instructed, to prevent relapse. Another major benefit to a removable retainer, is the ability to remove it to clean your teeth.

Permanent retainers work well for individuals who desire less maintenance. Once the permanent retainer is placed there is no need to worry about daily retainer schedules. Because teeth tend to shift as we age, a permanent retainer is typically a better long-term solution. One draw back for some patients is the extra effort of cleaning around a permanent retainer, which can sometimes become a "food trap" and does take a little more time to keep clean.

Some offices use a combination of the two; for example a removable retainer on the top, and a permanent one for the lower teeth. The lower teeth have a higher rate of relapse, so it is pertinent that they be held in place at all times. The most important thing to remember is that wearing your retainer as directed, is extremely important. Our doctors will recommend the retainers that are best for your situation. If you have any questions about retainers or the options that may be available to you, please contact anyone of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Riley Cancer Center Prom - May 2013

 

The Riley Cancer Center Prom is scheduled in May 2013. Many children battling cancer do not have the opportunity to participate in normal childhood activities, such as dances and proms. The Riley Prom is an evening set aside to forget about things like surgery and chemotherapy, and celebrate life with friends and family. Each patient is provided with a new party outfit, complete with accessories, to wear that night. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is collecting gently used items such as dresses, tuxedos, shoes and accessories for this event. We will be collecting items until January 17, 2013, for this event. If you have any items that you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please feel free to drop them off at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. Please contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members for more information.

How to start the process....

Are you considering orthodontic treatment? Your first step in the process is to schedule an orthodontic consultation, following which orthodontic records may be recommended. After our doctors review your x-rays and photographs, a treatment plan will be determined and shared with you at an upcoming conference appointment.

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics wants you to be educated and comfortable during your orthodontic treatment. Questions that will be answered during your consultation/conference appointments include:

• What different options do I have such as braces, Invisalign or retainers?
• What type of preparation is needed to begin the process?
• How long I will be in treatment?
• What foods do I need to stay away from?
• What is the estimated cost of my orthodontic treatment?

Our Sondhi-Biggs team is prepared to answer all your questions and prepare you for the next steps ahead. Feel free to contact any one of our team members with any questions you may have about your treatment. Just one more example why Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles Above The Rest."

Email Reminders

 

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recently updated our computer management software. There are several updated features within this software, as touched on previously in our Blogs. In the process of converting our software, our Email/Text reminders have taken a little longer to convert. Please be aware that you may not receive the reminder as you would expect. We are doing our best to address this situation, and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Thank you for your patience as we go through this process.

Toothbrush Facts

Did you know that the first toothbrush was created around 3000 BC? Ancient civilizations would use a twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth to clean them. Taking care of your smile is nothing new; people have obviously been brushing their teeth for thousands of years.

The first toothbrush with bristles, similar to current toothbrushes, was invented in around 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bamboo or bone, with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog's neck.

It wasn't until around 1940 that the first nylon bristled toothbrush was introduced, and people quickly became more aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about toothbrushes and toothpaste:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color.
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India.
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day.
• Your toothbrush should be replaced about every two months.
• Crest was introduced in 1955 and Colgate in 1873.

Fingerscan Check-in

 

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics now offers Keyboard OR Finger scan check-in for our patients. Both enhance the security and identity for our patients and are HIPAA compliant. We look forward to setting your preference at your next visit.

Patience and Undivided Attention

 

Recognizing that all patients have individual needs, we are capable of handling patients with special needs. To enhance the care of all patients, our staff and doctors have had additional training to help with all types of special needs. The Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team has taken several different steps to ensure our patients will have the best experience possible, including private treatment rooms and special applications for communication on our iPads. If you have questions or any suggestions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members. Just another example of why Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles above the rest".

National Orthodontic Health Month

 

October is National Orthodontic Health Month. During this month we make a number of educational presentations to students and teachers at the local schools and try to enhance their understanding about recent advances in orthodontic treatment.

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would like to give you some tips to help keep your teeth and braces safe.

• Avoid sticky situations with your braces.
• Stay away from hard, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. This includes caramel, licorice, taffy and all types (even sugar free) gum.
• Also try to steer clear from nuts and popcorn.

Good alternatives include chocolates, peanut butter cups, or other melt-in-your mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, do so in moderation. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to cavity causing sweets. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.  Have a wonderful Halloween!

Cold Season is upon us!!

It's that time of year again -- Cold and Flu season. The folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, the entire Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff gives a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times. Remember to routinely wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Fall Newsletter

Did you receive your Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics Fall Newsletter in your email this morning? If you didn't receive your newsletter you are probably not signed up for our email reminders. By signing up, you can receive email reminders for your appointments, and/or text reminders as well and view all of your photos and x-rays online. If you need help setting up your personal online profile, let any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members know. Have a great start to your Fall.

Change is Good!

We would like to take a minute to let everyone know that there will be some changes taking place at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodntics. During the month of October, we will be changing our computer system to a new, updated system. We would like to ask for your patience during this process, as our schedule will be modified, and some appointment times will be unavailable for a few weeks. If you have any questions, please call any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members. Thank you for your understanding.

Go Horse

 

This week is the official start to a new Colts season. The balloons are up, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members are all in blue, and the banner is on the wall. Sunday is the first game of a new season. We would like for everyone to join us in supporting the Colts.

COMING SOON...

COMING SOON

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is developing a new Google Tour. Have you heard of Google Tour? It will give you a virtual tour of our office from the outside in. Check us out on the web at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics to see our Google Map location, and keep checking back for the release of the Virtual Tour.

Mouth Guard Check!

School football programs, and other school sports are gearing up for practice, so before a referee calls a time out because you've had your bell rung, ensure that your mouth guard fits properly. Wearing a proper-fitting mouth guard is imperative while playing football, and could prevent:

• Chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Lip and cheek injuries
• Jaw fractures
• Joint injuries
• Concussions
• Tooth root damage
• Mouth lacerations (particularly for players who have braces)

It is important that people with braces on their teeth use mouth guards designed to protect the teeth and braces. Never use the form-fitting mouth guards with braces, because that could loosen or break brackets. Also, the continual tooth movement, from the braces, would cause it to no longer fit properly.

The American Dental Association estimates that a third of all dental injuries are sports related. Fifty-eight percent of game injuries are the result of player-to-player contact. If you have any questions about a mouth guard you are currently using, or are in need of a mouth guard, please contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members, who will assist you with the proper type of mouth guard.

Keeping your retainer clean

After your treatment is completed and your braces are removed, you will be fitted for a retainer to keep your teeth in their corrected positions. There are several different types of retainers, and they all have one thing in common -- they need to be kept clean. Along with brushing and flossing, wearing your retainer is an important step in maintaining your new smile. Be sure to clean your retainer and your teeth, to help to prevent any tartar build-up on both.

Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your retainer clean:

• Always rinse your retainer in water after you have removed it, as drying saliva can cause tartar build-up.
• Remember to clean your retainer case periodically.
• Brush your retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste every night.
• Wash your hands before and after handling the retainer.
• Never use hot water to rinse or clean your retainer, as it will distort the retainer.

While most people are aware of good brushing and flossing habits, the care of removable appliances is often overlooked. Make it a priority to keep your retainer clean as a part of your daily routine. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff members.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS

We know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! We thought providing a few steps would help our patients enjoy their time in school and make this another successful year!

• Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.
• Eat a healthy breakfast as it's the most important meal of the day.
• Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to limit the amount of junk food.
• Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.
• Stay active. Limit time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside for some exercise--go for a walk or ride your bike.
• Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher, parents or your peers for guidance.
• Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

Dr. Sondhi, Dr. Biggs and the entire Sondhi-Biggs team would like to wish everyone a successful, productive and fun filled school year!

Tips to help prevent decay while wearing braces

Having braces can present some new challenges when it comes to oral hygiene. Preventing tooth decay can be a challenge simply because of the tendency for braces to trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces:

• Eat food that is safe for your braces. Foods that are high in sugar or starch can cause more plaque, which is difficult to remove while brushing. There are certain foods that should be avoided while wearing your braces. First, sticky foods like caramel can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove while brushing. Next, hard foods such as nuts and candy could bend wires or even break the brackets off your teeth. Foods that are firm or hard to bite into, like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob, should be cut up into smaller pieces.
• Brushing is key. You want to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums in order to clean the whole tooth, and gently in the area between the wire and teeth. Use a softer toothbrush with fluoride paste for best results. Rinsing your toothbrush every time you brush will help as well. Rinsing is always important, but especially so when you have braces because you need to disinfect the entire mouth, including those spots under the braces where your brush can't always reach.
• Cleaning tools. Waterpik flossers, special brushes and other tools to get under the wires and clean around your braces are available. You can ask any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members to explain this further, or show you examples.
• Keep your regularly scheduled cleanings with your Dentist. It is important to keep your routine appointment with your dentist for a thorough cleaning approximately every 6 months, or as directed. The exact frequency of these visits is up to your dentist, as some patients require more frequent cleanings.

As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should have no problems keeping your teeth clean while you are in treatment. Feel free to visit our Sondhi-Biggs YouTube channel for instructional cleaning videos as well as much more helpful information.

Did you know....

Did you know that Rapid Palatal Expansion is proven to help with sleep apnea? The American Journal of Orthodontics has published information supporting that Rapid Palatal Expansion is extended to the nasal cavity. It is suggested that, with expansion, nasal width and volume is increased, which  helps improve nasal airflow in patients with narrowed airways. If you have any questions regarding palatal expansion or sleep apnea, please feel free to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs team members for more information.

Are braces for me?

Braces aren't just for kids anymore! Regardless of your age, if you have always wanted to smile with confidence, but held back knowing that your teeth were less than perfect, getting braces might be the solution you have been looking for. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, there are many dental health benefits as well. When your teeth and bite fit well, your teeth,gums, bone, jaws and jaw joints are more likely to remain healthy. This is no different when evaluating a child.

Signs that you or your child should schedule a consultation include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Sucking the thumb or fingers
• 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 teeth that don't meet at all
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close lips

If you have noticed any of the traits listed above, Dr. Sondhi and Dr. Biggs would be able to assess your orthodontic needs during a consultation and explain the benefits you could expect to receive from your treatment results.

How long will my treatment take?

One of the most common questions asked by patients when considering orthodontic treatment is "How long will I be in braces?". Unfortunately the answer for each individual is different. There are many factors to consider when setting up the timeline for treatment. Typically, our patients treatment times are much shorter than years ago. The best way to get the answer to this question is to schedule a consultation. At that time, Dr. Sondhi & Dr. Biggs will speak with you about all the details pertaining to your case and review your treatment plan. Please contact a member of our office at 317-846-1455 to schedule your consultation.

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is here and in full swing! Kids and adults are spending more time outside; being active and enjoying the heat and sunshine. What's better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat to cool down after being outside in the sun? We know! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists(AAO) have shared a wonderful recipe for Watermelon Sorbet!

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups of watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions:

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this "syrup" for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender to liquefy. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer's directions. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

What do orthodontic rubber bands do?

Orthodontic rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care. Elastics help to align your bite by causing the teeth to move in a specific direction with greater efficiency. We will instruct you on how to hook up your elastics and the amount of time to wear them. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the teeth causing the bite to change, which helps with the correction of an underbite, overbite or crossbite.

Failure to wear your elastics as instructed could potentially lengthen your treatment time and make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. If you have any questions about elastics or instructions you were given with them, feel free to contact a Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff member.

Invisalign questions

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

--Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics

Summer Contest

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics wants to see where you are spending your summer. Wherever you go, take a picture of yourself while wearing your Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics t-shirt. Then upload it to our Facebook page, email it to the office at braces@indyortho.com or mail it in to the office.  At the end of the summer, we will draw from all the responses for a special prize. Good luck, and have a wonderful summer from Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics!

Should my child's baby teeth be falling out?

Parents always want to know what they should expect when it comes to their children losing baby teeth. They often worry that something is wrong when their child's baby teeth don't fall out as expected. One detail to remember is that everyone develops at a different rate.

The first primary teeth are usually lost around six years of age. The ideal age for an Orthodontist to see a child is age 7, to evaluate the space and growth pattern of the individual child. Some children need interceptive treatment at this time, to help with the eruption of permanent teeth, or to avoid the possibility of extracting any permanent teeth at a later stage of development. Reasons for delayed eruption include crowded teeth, missing permanent teeth or extra teeth that can block the normal eruption of the permanent teeth.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a staff member at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics.

YouTube

Did you know that more than 3 billion YouTube videos are viewed each day on YouTube? In keeping with the times, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics has a YouTube channel. We have many different videos, such as Brushing, Foods to Avoid, Emergencies and  more. Have you checked out our YouTube Channel? Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/user/SondhiBiggsOrtho

Happy Mother's Day!

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would like to wish all the wonderful Mother's a great day! From our office to you, we appreciate all that you do, not only today, but everyday, for everyone. Happy Mother's Day!

Coming Soon

MOBILE WEBSITE

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics

is going mobile!

             Keep checking your smart phone for a new MOBILE website. We are in the process of making it easier for our patients to find the information they need while on the go! We will let you know when the new site has been launched.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

While in Orthodontic treatment you still need to maintain your regular visits with your Dentist.  Visiting your dentist while in orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is oral cancer is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of our staff members at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics.

National Autism Awareness Month

Autism is a complex, life-long biological disorder of development that can result in social interaction problems, communication difficulties, and restrictive or repetitive interests and behaviors. Approximately 20 percent of children with autism reportedly experience a "regression"; that is, they have apparently normal development followed by a loss of communication and social skills. Boys are three-to-four times more likely to be affected by autism. In the majority of cases, no specific underlying cause can be identified as the cause of autism. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics has taken several different steps to make sure that our Autistic patients have the same pleasant experience as any other patient. We have integrated I-pads into our appointments which can help with communication, or in some cases, creates a calming experience for the patients. One more reason why Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest."

Dental Radiograph Exposure: What You Should Know!

You may have seen some of the recent news stories, on Channel 13 and in USA Today, in which there were some statements made regarding dental x-rays.

Please be reassured that the x-rays (radiographs) they were discussing are different from the x-rays that are taken for orthodontic purposes. Further, we only take x-rays when necessary, and our x-rays are now digital, with substantially lower radiation levels than anything that was available in the past. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics invested in digital x-ray for the safety of you and your family almost 10 years ago. Providing digital x-rays and concern for our patients is another example of why Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is “Smiles Above the Rest”!

This study specifically evaluated patients who had undergone the older, non-digital x-rays, and this data therefore has no bearing on the way x-rays are utilized during orthodontic treatment in our office.

If you have any questions about any of the recommendations made for your treatment in our office, please don’t hesitate to ask the doctors or the staff.

National Facial Protection Month

April is National Facial Protection Month. This is a good time to remind patients that it is important to use a mouthguard during recreational activities. Mouthguards, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard will stay in place making it easier for users to talk and breathe while they are wearing it. Special mouthguards are made to be used during orthodontic treatment. Special mouthguards are made to be used during orthodontic treatment. Please feel free to contact anyone on our Sondhi-Biggs team to find out what type of mouthguard would be appropriate for you. Have a safe Spring!

Spring Break Travel Tips for Braces

Spring Break is coming up, and that often means vacation time! Whether it be a ski vacation, a trip to visit family or a getaway to the beach, be sure to think about your braces when you are packing. A few items you should be certain to take with you are:

• Toothbrush
• Orthodontic Wax
• Floss & Threaders
• Proxy Brush
• Rubber bands (if required)

Should you experience a problem with your braces while you are gone, please feel free to check out our YouTube Channel for some easy repair suggestions. If you are in need of anything while you are gone please feel free to contact anyone on the Sondhi-Biggs staff and we will guide you in the right direction. Have a wonderful Spring Break!!

Facebook Update

Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics has revised our Facebook page to have the new, updated Timeline layout. Have you checked it out? The same information is available, but in a new, updated format. We would love to hear feedback from you about your experience in our office. Feel free to "Like" us on Facebook, and you'll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!

2012 Best Buddies Ball

Dr. Biggs, his wife Amy, and several of our staff members attended the 2012 Black and White Ball! Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This event raises almost 15% of the annual operating budget for Best Buddies Indiana. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is a proud supporter of the Best Buddies Indiana program.

Daddy & Daughter Dance for Dollars

On Saturday, April 28th from 6-11p.m. Jeff, and his daughter, Savannah Saturday, are hosting Dance for Dollars. This is a wonderful event for dads and daughters age Kindergarten through 15. All proceeds benefit local families living with breast cancer through the Sharon L. Bassett Breast Cancer Foundation. This event will be hosted at the Robert Irsay Pavilion, and dinner will be provided by Sullivan's Steakhouse and cupcakes by Vanilla Bean Bakery. If you are interested in attending this wonderful event, you can register at www.sharonbassett.org/events/dance or contact a staff member at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics.

It's never too late...

As an adult, you may think you're too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment, but truth is, you are never too old. We often hear "Do you have many adult patients?" and the answer to that question is "Yes". Adult patients make up a significant percentage of our patient base. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. There are many options available today that can minimize the appearance of braces. New techniques and materials make wearing braces more comfortable now than ever before. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is on the cutting edge of new technology, just one more reason why we are "Smiles Above the Rest".

Say "No" to Headgear

Patients at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics never have to wear headgear! Not many offices can say they NEVER use headgear. There are several types of headgears, but none of them are convenient, comfortable or inconspicuous. A headgear slides into tubes on the braces, and is kept in place using a neck strap that wraps around and hooks to the other side--very uncomfortable.

Early treatment, using a new generation of appliances, is a much more comfortable alternative to wearing a headger, and provides a superior final result. This is just one more reason why Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is "Smiles Above the Rest".

Growth Appliance

There are several different types of "Growth Appliances" that can be used in young children. The Twin Block has separate upper and lower bite block components that work together as one. These two appliances interlock together to set the bite at an angle which postures the lower jaw forward into the ideal bite position. This enhances the growth of the lower jaw. For further information about the different types of growth appliances please feel free to contact a Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics staff member.

Rapid Palatal Expander

Have you ever heard of a Rapid Palatal Expander, also known as an "RPE"? The palatal expansion appliance is used to widen the upper jaw. This assists in developing space for crowded teeth in the upper jaw, and also widens the upper jaw when a growth discrepancy is present between the upper and lower jaws. The palatal expander is a fixed orthodontic appliance, and is cemented to the teeth. The expansion is accomplished by turning a small key, which is a part of the appliance. The key is turned by the parents. The expander is only worn for a period of approximately 3 months to allow bone to fill in to the expanded area, following which the expander may be removed and replaced with a retainer.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and many people are unaware of the imporant role early dental care plays in children's overall health. The ADA recommends that parents take early action for the health of their children's teeth because attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout their life. Each week in the month of February, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics will be featuring a patient-friendly appliance that may be used in our office as early as Age 7. Please check back each week to view our feature appliance.

Waterpik

Waterpik's have improved over the years. For example, most models include the interchangeable orthodontic tip. We recognize that flossing can sometimes be awkward and time consuming while in orthodontic treatment; however, it should still be part of your daily routine. Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recommends the Waterpik Water Flosser. If you have any questions or need any help with how to use your Waterpik, please feel free to contact our office or view our oral irrigation video on our YouTube link.