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It's been a busy Spring for us here at the office! We have had some great theme days to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, the Kentucky Derby and even threw in a pajama day! Below is a picture of our Kentucky Derby Day with Dr. Hughes, Jen and our new team member, Mia. We recently hired Mia as a new Scheduling Coordinator to help at the front desk a few afternoons a week. Next time you are at the office, please say "hi" to Mia.  She grew up here in Natick and in her spare time is taking college classes.

October is Orthodontic Health Month

We’re super excited over here at Lakewood Park Orthodontics for our favorite month of the year; October is Orthodontic Health Month! To us, orthodontics encompasses more than just putting brackets on teeth. Through orthodontics we bring confidence, health and joy to our patients. To help give someone the confidence to smile (a real, big smile) is irreplaceable. This confidence extends into our patients daily lives and enables them to feel comfortable with who they are. So yah, Orthodontic Health Month is a big deal around here ;)

There are many blog posts about the benefits of a straight, healthy smile (decreased risk of oral disease, tooth decay, injury, jaw problems, confidence…) this is not one of those posts.  If you’re reading this blog you likely have already researched the benefits or orthodontic treatment and are considering starting treatment. Today, I want to help you break down any barriers that are keeping you from moving toward your goal of a healthy, straight smile. So let’s discuss some common barriers that patients face when deciding to start treatment.

1. You don’t think you have time for appointments: It’s true, at the beginning of treatment, there is usually a longer appointment needed the day we put the braces on or get started with Invisalign. After the initial appointment you are usually in only every 6-8 weeks with braces and every 10 weeks with Invisalign. These appointments can easily be scheduled in advance in order to make sure they are convenient for your schedule. At Lakewood Park we also offer evening appointments on Tuesdays and Saturday morning appointments one Saturday a month. You are sure to find something that works with your schedule!
2. You don’t like the way braces look: Technological advances in orthodontics have come so far! Now we have clear aligners (like Invisalign) and ceramic braces that are just as effective as regular metal braces but with the advantage of being barely noticeable. Many adults and teens are taking advantage of these new technologies.
3. You think you are too old for braces: The number of adults pursuing orthodontic treatment is rising. In fact, it increased by 40% between 1989 and 2012. As of 2014 there were 1.4 million adults in orthodontic treatment and this number has likely risen. At Lakewood Park we have patients in there 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s! Adults are realizing the benefits of orthodontic treatment. A study conducted on behalf of the AAO found that 75% of adults who had orthodontic treatment reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved post-orthodontic smile. Citing their newfound self-confidence, 92% of survey respondents said they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. Many of our adult patients were not motivated by the aesthetic benefits of treatment but for the health benefits that come along with a proper malocclusion (bite) like the ability to keep your teeth clean, prevent decay, recession and gum disease! (for them, a dazzling, straight smile is just an added bonus!) Whatever your reasons are for pursuing orthodontic treatment as an adult, know that you are in good company.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment are far reaching. Improving your smile can bring you a new found confidence that will last a lifetime (no matter what your age)! At Lakewood Park Orthodontics, we believe that the benefits of a healthy smile outweigh any of the barriers that might be holding you back.

What do you think? You’ve been considering it for long enough – it’s time to take the next step. Come in and ask your questions, confront your barriers and learn what treatment options are right for you at your free consultation. Call us at (508) 319 1545 or email us at smiles@lakwoodparkorthodontics.com

We hope to talk to you soon!

Back to school is here! After a fun summer, it is time to get back into our routines. For some of our patients, they will be returning to school for the first time with braces! No need to be worried; these days, it seems braces are pretty much a ‘rite of passage’, so you’ll fit right in. However, we do have some tips to make sure the transition is a smooth and comfortable one:

• Bring a ‘Braces Care Kit’. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax and lip balm to keep your teeth clean and stay comfortable.
• Make sure you pack braces friendly foods for lunches and snacks. Stay away from the chewy, sticky and hard foods. (After all, no one wants to sit through class with an uncomfortable broken bracket or poking wire).
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help prevent the dry, cracked lips that sometimes come along with new braces.
• Always wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports (in gym class or on a team). Getting hit in the mouth hurts, especially when you have braces. Prevent injury and pain by wearing a mouth guard. (When in braces you need a mouth guard that is made to wear with braces. Pick one up at our office or at a sporting goods store).
• If you have a removable retainer or appliance always put it in the case at lunch. NEVER wrap it in a napkin – it can easily get thrown out. We see this happen all of the time.

Summer is in full swing …the sun is warm, the days are longer and we are enjoying being outdoors. Summer is a great time of year, not only for cookouts and beach trips, but it’s also a great time of year to start orthodontic treatment. With the kids out of school and many parents on vacation, appointments can be much easier to schedule. But there are other good reasons to start treatment in the summer too.

No missed school: The first orthodontic appointments are usually the longest (as well as when treatment ends). The initial exam is an hour. (This is your first visit to our office when we do a full evaluation and present your individual treatment plan.) If braces are in your future you can expect the banding appointment (placement of the braces) to be ab out 1 ½ - 2 hours. When starting in the summer there are no worries about missing school.

Time to adjust: The first few days of treatment may bring some discomfort as your teeth begin to move and shift. This discomfort usually lasts a few days and then subsides. Most people are fine to return to work and school immediately. However, those who are more susceptible to pain may like a few days to just stay home and relax.

Time to develop new habits: Beginning orthodontic treatment will require some changes. Brushing more frequently (about 4-5 times a day with braces) is a must. There may be dietary changes that need to be made as well. Some foods (hard and sticky) need to be avoided when braces or appliances are worn because they can cause damage. Starting treatment in the summer gives kids time to make these adjustments and form good habits more easily than when they are busy with school and sports.

Summer is the Season for Ice Cream and Smoothies: There is nothing more soothing than a cold treat after the braces go on. New braces are the perfect excuse to indulge.

For more information on orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment visit our website http://www.natickorthodontics.com/