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!