What was your favorite part of Summer 2011?

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Dr. Robert Cram and team

Yummy Braces-Friendly Recipes!

You just got braces at Red Deer Orthodontics and Dr. Cram has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

20 things that can ruin your smile

At Red Deer Orthodontics, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Bottled water
- Tobacco
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Cram and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Red Deer office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Cram during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Breaking Bad Habits

At Red Deer Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Cram.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Cram if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Red Deer Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

Our team at Red Deer Orthodontics found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cram. Have a great week!

How to Freshen Bad Breath, from Red Deer Orthodontics

Dr. Robert Cram, your Red Deer orthodontist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Red Deer Orthodontics, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

Ask Dr. Cram: "How long will my orthodontic treatment last?"

Your treatment time at Red Deer Orthodontics typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of your mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Dr. Cram will tell you that patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. Diligent use of any prescribed elastics or appliances is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

If you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment at Red Deer Orthodontics, please feel free to ask Dr. Cram during your next visit or give our office a call!