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Happy Leap Day, Y'all!

2012-02-29T11:41:00.002-05:00

Well, here it is! The extra day we get to have every 4 years! Kind of exciting, isn't it? Disney World and Disneyland are celebrating Leap Day by having "One More Day of Disney" and staying open 24 hours! Sounds like fun to us! Are you going to celebrate the extra day?

We know people often think about who has a birthday on February 29th a.k.a. Leap Day! We looked up who some celebrity "leaplings" might be and there aren't very many which supports the fact that your chances of being born on a leap day are 1 in 1,461!

Celebrity Leaplings

1468 – Pope Paul III (d. 1549)
1792 – Gioacchino Rossini, Italian composer
1896 – Morarji Desai, former Indian prime minister (d. 1995)
1916 – Dinah Shore, American singer (d. 1994)
1924 – Al Rosen, Cleveland Indians baseball player
1924 – Carlos Humberto Romero, former president of El Salvador
1960 – Anthony (Tony) Robbins, American motivational speaker
1964 – Lyndon Byers, Canadian hockey player
1972 – Antonio Sabàto Jr, Italian-born actor
1976 – Ja Rule, American rapper and actor
1980 – Chris Conley, American musician and songwriter/composer

How many of those ring a bell?

Fun Facts About Leap Year:

Julius Caesar introduced Leap Year around 45 BCE.
Feb. 29 is traditionally a day where women are “permitted” to romantically pursue men. The tradition dates back to 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget lamented to St. Patrick about "women having to wait for men to propose." As a result, Patrick declared that Feb. 29 is the day that would be set aside when women can ask men for their hand in marriage.
On Feb. 29, 1860, Herman Hollerith invented the first electric tabulating machine – the forerunner to the modern calculator.
Hattie McDaniel was the first black person to win an Oscar. McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for her role as "Mammy" in Gone with the Wind. The awards ceremony took place on February 29, 1940.

ENJOY TODAY! And if you make any mistakes, don't worry, today it doesn't really count! ;)

Why Teens Are Cavity Prone

2012-02-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

We started talking about Teens and Oral Hygiene last week and we want to add a little more insight onto why teens are often more prone to cavities.

Mother nature is our first problem. As molars (the most cavity prone teeth) erupt slowly through the gum tissue, two problems arise. First, the flap of tissue over them restricts effective tooth brushing of the molar surface and decay can occur by the time the molar fully erupts into the mouth. Second, tissue areas over erupting molars are typically very sore, especially to brushing, and this creates a negative reinforcement to children’s brushing habits, especially their back teeth. Once molars do erupt into the mouth, children are programmed to avoid these areas, making these teeth very prone to decay. Third, molars vary with large and small grooves on the surface that put them in high cavity prone or low cavity prone categories.

During this most important but independent stage of dental development, teens often become disconnected from their parents about their oral hygiene habits. The ongoing question “did you brush your teeth?” fluctuates and feigns over time. A dry toothbrush immediately after a child has gone to bed is always a bad sign. At a time when coaching from parents is most needed, regarding the importance of brushing and the technique of flossing all their new teeth and utilizing their new level of dexterity, teens discourage parental help.

Another factor toward teens getting cavities is snacking habits that develop when they are old enough to choose the type and frequency of their munchies. Snacking throughout the day can increase the risk of developing tooth decay. Each time we eat, the bacteria in plaque produce harmful acids that attack our teeth for up to twenty minutes after you eat. Over time these acids can wear down tooth enamel putting them at a higher risk to decay.

Bottled water has taken away a lot of the fluoride intake that children and teens would receive from our regular water supply. This reduces the ability of enamel to resist bacteria as well and increases the risk of tooth decay.

Add braces to a teen’s already compromised brushing and flossing process and we now have insult to injury. Imagine the additional surface area and hiding places for plaque to accumulate. This translates to an increased concentration of bacteria in the oral cavity that greatly increases the risk of tooth decay, extending to areas that normally would not develop decay.

Source: http://www.fountainviewsmiles.com/why-are-teenagers-cavity-prone.html

Braces-Friendly SUPER BOWL SNACKS!

2012-02-05T12:33:00.000-05:00

Just because you have braces doesn't mean you can't enjoy the Super Bowl and all the yummy and fun foods that go along with it. We know that wings aren't very braces-friendly, so we've pulled together a few other options that will keep your tummy full, braces intact and the festivities fun!

Chili Recipes Here

Guacomole Recipes Here

Meatball Recipes Here

Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe Here

Lucky 7-Layer Dip Recipe Here

Oral Hygiene and Your Teenager

2012-02-02T11:47:00.002-05:00

Teenagers can be tough on their teeth. They may be so busy with school, jobs, sports and social activities that they don't find time to brush. They also tend to eat a lot of junk food. Combine the two and you've got a situation ripe for tooth decay. Not surprisingly, many teenagers develop a lot of cavities.

Here are a few tips to help your child get through the teen years cavity-free:

Encourage your teenager to take good care of his or her teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Teenagers care a lot about how they look. Help your teen understand that bad oral hygiene can lead to stains, bad breath, missing teeth and many other dental problems. Do not hold them to perfect standards because they will not achieve them any better than a lot of adults. Do not scold them if they get cavities because as we learned above there are a lot of reasons for teens to get cavities.
Set a good example. If you take good care of your teeth, your teenager will see that good oral hygiene is important to you. Your talks and warnings will not seem hypocritical and will carry greater weight.
Have plenty of oral health-care supplies on hand. Keep soft toothbrushes, colored or flavored floss (or plastic flossers) and good-tasting toothpaste out in the bathroom. You can even keep them in the kitchen for quick use when teens are in a hurry.
Don't buy junk food. Instead, keep lots of fruits and vegetables in the house for snacking.

Source: www.colgate.com

Invisalign vs. Braces

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

Adults and Invisalign

At this stage in life, you understand the value of having a confident smile. Whether it's in a business presentation, or just an evening out with friends, you know that being self-conscious about your teeth will only restrict you from being yourself. But for you, braces are just not a choice you're willing to consider.

As an adult, you need to feel confident that you look your best. Invisalign allows you to feel that way throughout the entire treatment process. Even though the results would be the same with either process, you're just not comfortable with the thought of looking like you're back in junior high! Adults need a subtle remedy, and Invisalign aligners provide the best of both worlds - virtually invisible when you're wearing them, and removable when you need them to be. For these reasons, Invisalign could be the perfect solution for you. As you learn more about the treatment process, you'll discover that Invisalign has the flexibility and convenience to fit just about every aspect of your life.

Often adults feel that teeth-straightening is too much trouble, too embarrassing or too disruptive. While doing nothing might seem to be the easy choice, making the decision to get Invisalign treatment could benefit you in many ways:

Straightened teeth and a beautiful smile in a reasonable amount of time
No feelings of self-consciousness during treatment with the nearly invisible aligners
Minimal impact on your busy schedule

And while many adults look at straightening their teeth for cosmetic reasons, it's important to know that straighter teeth and a proper bite can be beneficial to your overall periodontal health. Whether you choose Invisalign or another form of treatment, we recommend you read Invisalign's section on Health Benefits. You'll realize that a perfect smile extends far beyond good looks.

Investing in yourself, particularly where your health is concerned, is an important proposition. However, if you're like most of us, you're already balancing a number of financial obligations in your life. There are many ways to make the cost of Invisalign more affordable through insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts, and many doctors even offer payment plans.

Invisalign v. Braces

Patients wear a series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners that are adjusted as the teeth shift into place without metal or wires. A series of custom-made aligners are worn each for a period of two weeks. Each aligner moves the teeth progressively into place. Average total treatment time: a few months to 1 1/2 years.

While orthodontists say Invisalign can be a good alternative to traditional braces, there are limitations:

Cons of Invisalign:

Invisalign may not be the best option for you if your teeth...

Are different heights
Are severely rotated
Are severely overcrowded
Have bite issues that need correcting.

Invisalign cannot predictably control any changes in back tooth bite relationships

Results and treatment time rely on patient wear and dedication

Because Invisalign is removable, its results, effectiveness and treatment times depend solely on patient wear. Patients must wear Invisalign for 22 hours per day - removing them only to eat, when drinking hot beverages that may cause warping or staining, or beverages that contain sugar; and when brushing and flossing.

Pros of Invisalign:

Excellent esthetics during treatment - cosmetically appealing.
Easy to use
Comfort of wear
Allow for superior oral hygiene

While Invisalign isn't usually the best option for new orthodontic patients or children and teens, it is more often a great option for adults who may have had braces as a teen and are looking for an inconspicuous fix as an adult. Invisalign is also great for adults who are new ortho patients with no bite or other severe issues looking to tweak their smile and maintain great esthetics throughout.

Take this self assessment test and see if Invisalign is right for you! And don't forget, BracesBracesBraces offers FREE CONSULTATIONS!

Sources: http://www.invisalign.com/Invisalign-For-Adults-And-Teens/Pages/adult-braces.aspx - http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults?page=2 - http://orthodontie-orthodontics.com/cms/assets/pdf/102.pdf

The Healthy Smile

2012-01-12T11:28:00.000-05:00

Dental professionals say there are also health reasons for having a correct bite.

"With teeth that are in cross bite, teeth that are misaligned, there is an increased chance of plaque buildup, food buildup in between your teeth, which is a trickle-down effect because the more food buildup, the more plaque; therefore, the more concern for periodontal disease and gum disease," Anglin tells WebMD. Improper bite also means you can't chew food properly, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems, he says.

So how do you get that Hollywood smile? There are more options than ever. With traditional braces, you can select metal or clear/ceramic braces, but there are pros and cons.

"Traditional metal braces -- if the patient has a significant bite problem or severely crooked teeth -- are slightly more effective at moving teeth than clear braces. If you came to me and said, 'I want my teeth as straight as fast as possible,' and you had really crooked teeth, then I'd say put metal braces on," Sebastian says.

He says clear braces work fine in most cases but there are some downfalls. The adhesive that holds the bracket in place can stain from dark drinks and smoking, and they cost more than metal braces.

Often, adults hoping to avoid "metal mouth" go the clear route.

"I'm not embarrassed about having [braces] at my age because you see a lot of people now, young adults, even older adults wearing braces," says Ivy Horn, a lawyer in Atlanta who is considering clear/ceramic braces after already wearing metal braces as a teen. "In my field I do a lot of speaking when I am in court a lot. I just think it would look better if I had the clear braces rather than the metal braces so people aren't focusing so much on what's in my mouth but the words that are coming out of my mouth."

Statistics from the October Journal of Clinical Orthodontics show that the average cost of an adult set of braces in the U.S. is $4,800.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults?page=2

Preparing for Braces as an Adult; Questions To Ask

2012-01-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Why should I get braces now? Maybe the reason is as an adult you can afford braces when your parents couldn't or you are simply more conscious of the cosmetic and health benefits of having straight teeth.

Most people want a great smile, and adults know that it can make a great difference not only in their personal but also their professional lives. Many say the payoff is worth the temporary inconvenience and expense of braces.

Here are some questions from Archwired.com that may be helpful to you when thinking about braces as an adult. Having all of your questions answered and your "ducks in row" will not only make you a more informed patient but you will also feel more comfortable about your orthodontic treatment.

Be Informed.

Questions to Ask Before Braces

If you don't already have an orthodontist, get recommendations from friends or your regular dentist.
Get at least two opinions, if possible, as a "sanity check." Orthodontists can vary in their treatment approach. If you don't like what one ortho says, get more opinions until you reach a consensus of opinion -- especially if extractions or jaw surgery may be involved. Consultations are FREE at BracesBracesBraces!
How much do braces cost? Typically, around $5,000 (US dollars) for braces on upper and lower teeth for two years of treatment. This cost may be slightly lower or higher, depending on where you live and what your insurance may cover - if at all.
Research your health plan (or your spouse's) to see if any of the treatment will be covered. Note that once you begin orthodontic treatment, many plans will not cover you! They only cover treatment that is not already in progress! So get your insurance straightened out before you begin! If you need any type of jaw surgery, this is usually covered under your medical insurance, not your dental insurance.
Be realistic about your own expectations, and the impact of braces in your daily life. Are you ready to have them in your mouth and deal with them 24/7?

Questions to Ask the Orthodontist

Will Invisalign or other "invisible" braces work for me? If not, why?
Can I have ceramic braces? On just uppers, or both uppers and lowers?
Do you treat with Damon brackets? (Often these are a good alternative if extractions might be necessary. Sometimes by using Damon-type brackets, extractions can be avoided).
(If you're interested in braces behind the teeth) Do you do lingual brackets ("iBraces")?
Will I need metal braces? On the uppers, lowers, or both?
Will I need to use rubber bands to correct my bite?
Will I need headgear or other appliances? If so, how long will I need to wear it, and how many hours per day? When, in the treatment process, would the headgear be introduced?
Will any teeth need to be extracted?
Will the treatment change my facial profile in any way? If so, how?
Will I need jaw surgery? If so, when (before or after?) Where would the surgery be done?
Will braces only straighten my teeth, or will they also improve my bite?
How long (how many months/years) will the total treatment take?
How often will I need to come to your office for adjustments? What do the adjustments entail?
If I had a poking wire, could I just call and then drop in to get it clipped, or do I need to make an appointment for that?
What is the total cost? Do you accept insurance? How is the cost broken down? What is your payment plan?
How much pain and discomfort will I be in?
Does the cost of my braces also include my retainers after treatment is finished? What type of retainers do you typically give your patients -- Hawley, Essix, or bonded?

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults; http://www.archwired.com/1-Questions_to_ask_the_orthodontist.htm

Braces Are for Adults, too!

2012-01-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Straight Talk About Braces for Adults

It's never too late to perfect your smile -- just ask the increasing number of adults who are rushing to the orthodontist.

Thinking about getting braces? Experts say it's never too late. These days, adults make up nearly half of orthodontic patients hoping to finally get the perfect smile they've always dreamed about.

What explains the increase in adults getting braces?

Braces have evolved considerably in the last 15 years...

The days of being a true "metal mouth" are virtually over thanks to higher-tech options
Braces are now more lightweight - smaller brackets and bands, more flexible arch wire
Cosmetically friendly options are available - clear, ceramic brackets, brackets on the backsides of your teeth, or Invisalign.
Less painful
Treatment times are shorter and fewer office visits are needed during treatment
More affordable because insurance coverage for orthodontic work is on the rise - the number of new patients with orthodontic benefits has jumped from 54% in 1996 to 73% in 2008
Ever-increasing pressure to look one's best

Studies suggest that orthodontic work helps people advance in their careers and personal lives. People have a tendency to assume that "attractive" individuals are more intelligent, are more qualified in job interviews and have happier marriages. A 1974 study in the Journal of Research Personality and a 2001 report in the Journal of Social Psychology found that physical appearance even influences the verdicts and sentencing of defendants on trial. A more recent study that is soon-to-be published suggests that there is a "modest social benefit" to having straight teeth.

This week we will delve deeper into adult braces and share information on how to prepare for braces, having a healthy smile, braces vs. Invisilign and we'll share a few articles covering the topic, too! We want our patients to know that braces are for adults, too, and BracesBracesBraces happily welcomes any and everyone of all ages to come in and let us help you perfect your smile!

Sources: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/04/health/la-he-adult-braces-20110704; http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults

Meet the Orthodontist - DR. ABELL

2012-01-04T11:45:00.000-05:00

Meet our newest orthodontist, Dr. Anne Marie Abell who will be at our Jeffersonville office! We are so excited to have Dr. Abell as a part of our BBB family!

Doctor’s Full Name:
Anne Marie Abell

Hometown:
Springfield, Kentucky

Undergraduate College:
University of Kentucky

Dental School:
University of Louisville School of Dentistry

Dental Specialties:
Orthodontics, MSD from University of Colorado

Family:
Fiancé Andrew Payne (From Owensboro, Kentucky)

Pets:
None

Favorite Toothpaste:
Crest!!

Manual or Power Brush?
I like manual but power toothbrushes are great for braces!

HAVE YOU HAD BRACES? WHAT OTHER ORTHO APPLIANCES DID YOU HAVE? HOW OLD WERE YOU?
I had Braces and a TPA (which is an upper bar) when I was in middle school.

Favorite Food:
Pizza

Favorite Vacation Spot:
New York, San Francisco, anywhere tropical

Favorite Hobbies:
Currently my biggest hobby is wedding planning! We get married 7-7-2012 in Louisville. I also enjoy skiing, hiking, and traveling.

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:
Seeing patient’s beautiful smiles when they get their braces off is a very rewarding part of being an orthodontist. I love seeing the confidence that a beautiful smile can give.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK IT WOULD BE FUN FOR YOUR PATIENTS AND FANS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU!
I am a big UK fan. My fiancé and I are both from Kentucky, but met in Denver at a UK Alumni event, and recently relocated back to Kentucky to be closer to friends and family. We are so excited to be back!

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. ENGILMAN!

2011-12-20T09:55:00.001-05:00

Doctor’s Full Name:

William Darrin Engilman

Hometown:

Redlands, California

Undergraduate College:

Brigham Young University

Dental School:

University of Louisville

Dental Specialties:

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill / Ortho

Family:

Wife, Dena 2 Daughters: Brooke, 17 and Emma 13

Pets:

1 cat, Boo and 3 Coy that live outside in our fish pond.

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest

Manual or Power Brush?

Manual

HAVE YOU HAD BRACES? WHAT OTHER ORTHO APPLIANCES DID YOU HAVE? HOW OLD WERE YOU?

I had braces as a teenager in California until my parents got divorced and my mom couldn't pay for them any longer- so my orthodontist took them off. I understand how kids feel when they are trapped in adult issues; my heart really goes out to them.

Favorite Food:

Steak and Potatoes

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Alaska

Favorite Hobbies:

Computers, Reading, Collecting Trains

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

I caught myself on fire when making dentures for a patient.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK IT WOULD BE FUN FOR OUR PATIENTS AND FANS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU!

I love to read, read and read. I also like to always learn and enjoy watching the short educational videos on the KHAN Academy. Take a look at the KHAN Academy. It’s Great!

Dr. Will is very passionate about the KHAN Academy and we want to share a little bit about this great, non-profit organization with you as it can be a very helpful "homework helper" tool for you and your family that is completely free.

Khan Academy's Mission: The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. KHAN Academy is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.

Too many people around the globe don’t have access to good education materials, or they are forced to learn through a system that doesn't properly cater to their individual needs. The KHAN Academy thinks technology exists today to fundamentally change this, and they are trying to build the tools and resources every student deserves. All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.

The Khan Academy site has over 2,700 educational videos covering K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. The videos are each about 10 minutes in length, long enough for students, parents and teachers to get a good grasp of the content. Adaptive assessment exercises are provided to allow students to practice math they are learning at their own pace. Problems are randomly generated so students never run out of practice problems! Every time you work on a problem or watch a video, the Khan Academy remembers what you've learned and where you're spending your time. You get at-a-glance information about everything you've been learning and whether or not you've been hitting your goals. (We LOVE goals!) The KHAN Academy also provides a map of knowledge. The knowledge map shows all of the exercise concepts. You can zoom in and out and pan around all the different exercises, just like on a normal map. You can start working anywhere on the map, and the Khan Academy will suggest the best exercises for you to work on. We'll even remind you when you need a review! And the best part...rewards! As soon as you login, you'll start earning badges and points for learning. The more you challenge yourself, the more bragging rights you'll get.

Here's an example of what you will find on KhanAcademy.org:

Basic Division 1

Check out http://www.khanacademy.org/ today and see their amazing database of homework help on every topic imaginable for all ages!

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. JENSEN

2011-12-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

MEET DR. JENSEN FROM OUR VALLEY STATION OFFICE!

Doctor’s Full Name:

Jean-Anne Jensen

Hometown:

Lexington, Kentucky

Undergraduate College:

Transylvania University

Dental School:

University of Kentucky

Dental Specialties:

Metal braces, Clear braces, Invisalign

Family:

Husband Mike and little one on the way

Pets:

Claude…french bulldog

Favorite Toothpaste:

Doesn’t really matter, but I find myself buying colgate more than anything else

Manual or Power Brush?

Power! I use a Sonicare toothbrush which I love!

HAVE YOU HAD BRACES? WHAT OTHER ORTHO APPLIANCES DID YOU HAVE? HOW OLD WERE YOU?

Oh yes! 5 years of treatment total which included phase 1 treatment and phase 2 treatment. It is the reason that I chose to go into this field…I LOVED going to see my orthodontist and dentist! I sucked my thumb and had a hard time quitting so I feel that I can relate to a lot of my patients. I also had a herbst appliance which is a lot like the MARA appliance that we use for Class II correction. Again, I feel that I can relate to my patients and tell them what to expect.

Favorite Food:

This changes from time to time, but right now it is mac and cheese…yum!!!

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Where my husband and I got married!!!! St. John US Virgin Islands

Favorite Hobbies:

I have played soccer most of my life. I have just started to slow down, so I haven’t played in awhile, but I played in college and high school and select soccer when I was younger. I love everything about the sport and love watching the world cup! I also love art…I like painting, drawing, mosaics, needlepoint, cross stitch, pottery, jewelry making…basically anything that I can make and be creative with! I was a studio art minor in college. Finally, I love playing with my dog Claude…he is just the sweetest dog ever!

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

I can’t remember anything in particular that was really funny…but I do cherish every hug that a patient has ever given me! I love helping people and making them feel better about themselves and their smile. One patient in particular when I was a dental student brought me a folder with a 10 page letter thanking me for the work I had completed on her and how I had really changed her life. I still have this letter and refer to it from time to time. I love what I do!

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. BAUGHER!

2011-12-05T10:30:00.002-05:00

Meet Dr. Baugher (Pronounced: "Bock-er") from our Shepherdsville and Middletown offices!

Doctor’s Full Name:

Eric Michael Baugher

Hometown:

Born in Columbus, OH but have adopted Murray, KY as my hometown…Go Racers!

Undergraduate College:

Murray State University; Majored in Engineering Physics

Graduate School:

University of Missouri-Columbia; Masters in Physics

Dental School:

University of Kentucky, home of the greatest program in college basketball!

Dental Specialties:

Orthodontics; University of Louisville

Family:

Married for 18 years to wife, Leslie. Three sons: Zach (12), Jake (10) and Nate (9)

Pets:

While we have had geckos, lizards, fish, turtles and multiple dogs in the past, we currently have just one dog, Ridley, who is a yorkie – poodle mix.

Favorite Toothpaste:

Colgate

Manual or Power Brush?

Manual

HAVE YOU HAD BRACES? WHAT OTHER ORTHO APPLIANCES DID YOU HAVE? HOW OLD WERE YOU?

I did not have braces until going through orthodontic residency at U of L. My malocclusion was minor, but I figured I should experience first-hand what I would be inflicting on others for many years to come!

Favorite Food:

It’s hard to beat a delicious pizza! And, I’ve almost never met a cookie I didn’t like.

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Outer Banks, NC. When you’re there, try the BBQ and hushpuppies at Pigman’s. For dessert, go to Kill Devil’s for a frozen custard…..yummmmmm! (Hey, I didn’t say I ONLY eat pizza and cookies)

Favorite Hobbies:

Keeping up with three kids! We like to go camping and hiking as a family.

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

I lived in Hawaii for 5 weeks for my senior summer externship in dental school. I worked at the Pearl Harbor dental clinic, so Pearl Harbor was literally right out the back door of the clinic. I learned a lot and met many great people during my time with the Navy, but this was the most memorable experience.

Meet the Orthodontist - Dr. Woods

2011-11-28T10:41:00.001-05:00

Doctor's Full Name:

Marcus Wilkcon Woods

Hometown:

Greenville, South Carolina

Undergraduate College:

Clemson University; Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Dental School:

University of Louisville

Orthodontic Specialization:

University of Louisville

Family:

Mother - Dorothy Woods; Father - John Woods Jr; Sister - Sonya Woods

Pets:

No pets

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest Pro Health

Manual or Power Brush?

Manual

Have you had braces? What other ortho appliances did you have? How old are you?

I got braces my senior year of high school when I was 16 years old and I wore them for 2.5 years.

Favorite Food:

Sweet potato pie

Favorite Vacation Spot:

South Carolina and going on cruises

Favorite Hobbies:

Anything athletic (sports, running, outdoor activities)

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

When I was working at the University of Louisville hospital during my general practice residency, it was during my on-call emergency rotation that I was paged to the burn unit of Kosair's hospital. A young boy had been severely burned and he was intubated with only an endotracheal tube allowing him to breath. The tube, which is usually taped down to the face, was ligated with small ligature wires to his lower teeth because the tape would have pulled the skin from his face. Even though the ligature wire was stabilizing the ET tube, his tongue was hitting the wire and had sliced half his tongue into two pieces. I was pages to remove the ligature wire from his lower teeth to the upper teeth so that the wire would not split his tongue any more. This had to be done without disturbing the endotracheal tube for this was the only thing allowing him to breath and because of the severe swelling, I was told that it would virtually impossible to place the tube back into place. TALK ABOUT SCARY because I never thought with dentistry, someone's life would be in my hands. Two hours later the wire was removed from the lower to the upper teeth with complications and the young boy went on to make a nice recovery.

Anything else you think would be fun for your patients and fans to know about you!

I played high school basketball with NBA great Kevin Garnett

I was selected to play on a baseball team that toured Russia and Siberia for 3 weeks.

Braces Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Pie

(Serves 8)

Ingredients
1 9-inch pre-made graham cracker crust
1 15-ounce can of pumpkin filling
1 5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin filling, pudding mix, milk and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until blended (about 45-60 seconds). Fold in 1½ of the whipped topping. Spoon the pumpkin mixture into the graham cracker crust. Place the pie in the freezer for two hours or until firm. Move the pie from the freezer to the refrigerator; store there for another hour before serving. Top the pie with the remaining whipped topping. If you’d like, garnish with fresh fruit (such as raspberries) or shaved chocolate.

Overnight Salad

1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 red onion sliced and separated into rings
1 small head cauliflower broken into florets
1 bunch broccoli cut into florets
1/2 C. chopped celery
1 C. frozen peas
1 lb. bacon cut up and crisply fried
1 C. cheddar cheese
2 C. mayonnaise
1/3 C. sugar

In a serving bowl add the lettuce. In layers add onions, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and peas. Spread the mayonnaise on top. Sprinkle with the sugar. Add the bacon and cheese. Cover and chill over night.

Green Bean Casserole

2 cans green beans
1 can cream of mushroom
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package of French Onion Toppers

Mix first 6 ingredients and half of the French Onion Toppers.
Bake on 400 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove and add the rest of the French onion toppers.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Meet the Orthodontist - Dr. Bednar

2011-11-21T11:00:00.002-05:00

Meet Dr. Bednar, our orthodontist at our Crestwood and LaGrange offices!

Doctor’s Full Name: Eric Bednar

Hometown: Fayetteville, AR

Undergraduate College: Brigham Young University (BYU)

Dental School: University of North Carolina

Dental Specialties: Orthodontics – University of North Carolina

Family: Wife (Francine) and 5 kids

Pets:

We have enough mouths to feed already without any pets!!

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest with Scope

Manual or Power Brush?

Definitely power

HAVE YOU HAD BRACES? WHAT OTHER ORTHO APPLIANCES DID YOU HAVE? HOW OLD WERE YOU?

My big secret is that I have straight teeth but never had braces… Shhhhh, don’t tell!

Favorite Food:

Steak

Favorite Vacation Spot:

The Beach or Disney with my wife and kids

Favorite Hobbies:

Playing with my family, watching college athletics, working outside

with my kids

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

At my first visit to see an orthodontist, the doctor wanted to get some impressions of my teeth to make study models. I think the orthodontic assistant taking the impressions wasn’t experienced, so I ended up gagging and throwing up on myself and the orthodontic assistant … and even though I got a T-shirt out of the experience, I swore that I would never be an orthodontist!!

PS - I’m really glad our orthodontic assistants are a lot better than the one that worked on me!!

Anything else you think would be fun for your patients to know about you!

I speak Finnish – hyvää päivää!! (He didn't translate for us, so we think we got it! How about...Good day!)

2011-10-17T10:17:00.005-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner! We know there is LOTS of candy out there, too! We want you to be able to enjoy it - without hurting your orthodontic appliance! Here are some tips for you to think about when eating candy and things to look for and avoid when trick-or-treating!

Very Sticky, Chewy, Hard or Crunchy

The AAO urges patients to steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

All hard candies
All chewy candies
Caramel
Nuts
Licorice
Taffy
Jelly beans
Hard pretzels
Bubblegum
Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
Taco chips
Ice

Of course, Halloween doesn't have to be treat-less! What CAN you eat?

Reese's peanut butter cups!
Soft chocolates - like Hershey's Kisses or Chocolate Bars
M&Ms
Twix
Any candy that can melt in your mouth!

They key? Use your own common sense. If you think it might damage your appliance, it probably will. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call!

2011-02-08T17:41:00.003-05:00

All our BracesBracesBraces offices are kicking off our annual Smiles for Life fundraiser. Here's how it works:

Each BracesBracesBraces office is having a "Change War"! Next to each clinical chair you will find a collection jar and when you make a donation of any amount , you get a silly band and/or a tooth-brush as a thank you and you get to sign the "Official" office donation board. There are no limits to how many times you can donate to sign the board. Every time you donate and sign, you will be entered to win a $25.00 gift card to your local Target store.

Every penny of your donations goes to a very worthy cause locally and nationally...helping uninsured and underprivileged children have beautiful healthy smiles...for life! To learn more about Smiles For Life and how you can further help visit www.smilesforlife.org.

To schedule a free consultation, please visit our website at www.bracesbracesbraces.com or call us at 502-502-254-8585.

Join Your Friends From BracesBracesBraces On foursquare and Explore BracesBracesBraces From A Whole New Angle!

2011-01-25T07:24:00.004-05:00

Foursquare is a mobile app that makes the BracesBracesBraces group more interesting to explore. It’s a friend finder, a social guide and a game that challenges users to experience new things and rewards them for doing so. Players can compete with friends to become “mayor” of our various locations.

If you check in more frequently than anyone else, at your BracesBracesBraces office you claim bragging rights as the “mayor” of that office. You also can earn extra points by being the first to post a visit to a new location, by making frequent visits or by sharing new information and tips about your BracesBracesBraces locations or activities at that location. As an added bonus, foursquare users receive tips and specials when they check in to any of our 8 area locations!

Get great tips at your BracesBracesBraces locations and all the participating locations surrounding us, including restaurants, shopping centers, etc.and see where all your friends are checking in too! You also get the chance to unlock specials for freebies and discounts. Earn points and badges, or become the mayor of your favorite BracesBracesBraces location by checking in often!

It’s a Game, Have Fun!

Foursquare is currently available for the iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Palm. For more information on how foursquare works, see the searchable FAQ on foursquare.com. Be sure to check your privacy settings so that you control who can see your information.

With BracesBracesBraces and foursquare, you are always connected!

Once you get started, start checking in at your BracesBracesBraces office. You never know what each check-in may get you!

Why Straighten Teeth?

2011-01-17T23:59:00.001-05:00

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.

There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.

If you would like to have straighter teeth, give one of our 8 convenient locations a call by visiting our website at www.bracesbracesbraces.com and clicking on the location near you for contact information.

Why More and More Adults Are Getting Braces

2011-01-12T12:51:00.002-05:00

I just decided, in my mid-thirties, to go see one of the wonderful orthodontists at BracesBracesBraces to see what options I have as an adult to straighten my teeth, and apparently, I'm not the only adult choosing to do so. According to the AAO, approximately one in five orthodontic patients is an adult and the trend appears to be accelerating.

"Braces" doesn't necessarily mean the mouthful of metal you may remember from your teens, and today lower costs and speedier treatment (less than two years start to finish) are luring more and more adults to the orthodontist’s office. Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., president of the American Association of Orthodontists, attributes the trend in part to the fact that so many adults are concerned about how they look, especially those in the business world, coupled with a more affordable price tag. “Having your teeth straightened used to cost as much as a Buick,” says Dr, Graber, who notes that while orthodontic treatment remains something you have to budget for, some health insurance policies cover at least part of the cost as may health savings accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.

Age isn’t necessarily a barrier, either. Dr. Graber has treated patients in their eighties. True, some older patients may have gum and bone health issues to be dealt with first, but for some seniors who have always been dissatisfied with their crooked teeth or those who are uncomfortable with their bite or the way they chew, orthodontics can be a realistic solution.

For more information on orthodontic treatment, call 502-254-8515 for a free consultation, or visit our website at www.bracesbracesbraces.com to find a Braces location near you.

- American Association of Orthodontics

The Right Time For Orthodontic Check-up

2011-01-06T11:03:00.002-05:00

The American Association of Orthodontics recommend that all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist, like your nearest BracesBracesBraces orthodontist no later than age 7.

Here's why:

BracesBracesBraces orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present
While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there may be a problem that your BracesBracesBraces orthodontist can detect.
A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, your BracesBracesBraces orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, your BracesBracesBraces orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may give your BracesBracesBraces orthodontist the chance to: Guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, correct harmful oral habit, improve appearance, guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position, create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile. If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up! Call 502-254-8525 to schedule a free consultation or visit our website at www.bracesbracesbraces.com for a location near you!

- The American Association of Orthodontics

Myths And Facts About Braces

2010-12-15T07:08:00.001-05:00

Myths and Facts

MYTH: Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FACT: Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

MYTH: My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT: An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

MYTH: Braces are for kids.
FACT: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

MYTH: If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FACT: Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

MYTH: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.

FACT: It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile.

Win Justin Bieber Tickets In October!

2010-10-14T08:57:00.002-04:00

U smile.....I smile! We'll ALL smile when "U" win tickets for you and a friend to go see Justin Bieber in concert in November! How, you ask? Post a a picture of your best Brace Face - or if you don't have braces, just your beeeautiful smile - and tell us what makes U smile to be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to see THE BIEB! We'll be announcing the winner on October 31st on the Facebook Fan Page.

Watch his totally cool video by clicking here!

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

2010-10-14T08:51:00.003-04:00

Would it surprise you to know that most people do not have naturally straight teeth; in fact, the AAO estimates that up to 75 percent of people could benefit from orthodontic care.

Heredity and environmental factors are the two causes of crooked teeth and bite problems. Crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, and upper teeth that don't match lower teeth when biting down are usually inherited. But jaw-jolting accidents, as well as habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking, can cause crooked teeth too.

Tongue thrusting is the abnormal tendency to push the tongue onto the back of the front teeth during swallowing, causing the teeth to protrude over time.

Thumb sucking is normal in young children and isn't an orthodontic problem unless it persists when the permanent teeth come in. However, If a child is still thumb sucking at about age 7 when the upper front teeth start to erupt it can not only affect the teeth, but the shape of the jawbone.

BracesBracesBraces can rescue you from crooked teeth, no matter how old you are, or how you came about them. Visit our website at www.bracesbracesbraces.com to find a location near you and give us a call to schedule your free consultation today.

We're Giving Back To Our Patients, Fans, Tweeps & Blog Followers!

2010-09-08T10:30:00.003-04:00

EVERY month BracesBracesBraces will give away a FANtastic prize to a Fan, Tweep or Blog follower.

This Month You Can Win a $100 Gift-Card To Pure Salon & Spa!

It's EASY to win. All you have to do is:

Be a Fan on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow our Blog Page
Or all of the above!

One lucky Fan, Tweep or Blog Follower’s name will be drawn on September 30^th at 6:00 p.m. to win the gift card.They will have 30 minutes to claim their prize in a post on the page. If they don’t claim the prize, another name will be drawn until the prize is claimed. You have to be watching the Fan Page, Twitter page or Blog page to see your name announced!

Hit the “Share” button and invite your friends, family and coworkers to join the page. We’d love to see you here!

WELCOME!

2010-09-02T11:21:00.002-04:00

Hello world! We're excited to launch our first official blog for BracesBracesBraces!

We hope that this blog provides you with a deeper insight into our team of docs and staff, who we are, what we do and why kids love us and parents trust us! We're very excited to be out here talking to you! At the end of each post, feel free to add all your thoughts, opinions, comments and suggestions. We can't wait to hear from you.

BracesBracesBraces make better faces, faces faces!

BracesBracesBraces.com

Happy Leap Day, Y'all!

Why Teens Are Cavity Prone

Braces-Friendly SUPER BOWL SNACKS!

Oral Hygiene and Your Teenager

Here are a few tips to help your child get through the teen years cavity-free:

Invisalign vs. Braces

Adults and Invisalign

Invisalign v. Braces

While orthodontists say Invisalign can be a good alternative to traditional braces, there are limitations:

The Healthy Smile

Dental professionals say there are also health reasons for having a correct bite.

So how do you get that Hollywood smile? There are more options than ever. With traditional braces, you can select metal or clear/ceramic braces, but there are pros and cons.

He says clear braces work fine in most cases but there are some downfalls. The adhesive that holds the bracket in place can stain from dark drinks and smoking, and they cost more than metal braces.

Often, adults hoping to avoid "metal mouth" go the clear route.

Statistics from the October Journal of Clinical Orthodontics show that the average cost of an adult set of braces in the U.S. is $4,800.

Preparing for Braces as an Adult; Questions To Ask

Braces Are for Adults, too!

Straight Talk About Braces for Adults

*Meet the Orthodontist* - DR. ABELL

*MEET THE ORTHODONTIST!* DR. ENGILMAN!

*MEET THE ORTHODONTIST!* DR. JENSEN

*MEET THE ORTHODONTIST!* DR. BAUGHER!

*Meet the Orthodontist* - Dr. Woods

Braces Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

*Meet the Orthodontist* - Dr. Bednar

Join Your Friends From BracesBracesBraces On foursquare and Explore BracesBracesBraces From A Whole New Angle!

Why Straighten Teeth?

Why More and More Adults Are Getting Braces

The Right Time For Orthodontic Check-up

Myths And Facts About Braces

Win Justin Bieber Tickets In October!

Watch his totally cool video by clicking here!

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

We're Giving Back To Our Patients, Fans, Tweeps & Blog Followers!

WELCOME!

Meet the Orthodontist - DR. ABELL

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. ENGILMAN!

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. JENSEN

MEET THE ORTHODONTIST! DR. BAUGHER!

Meet the Orthodontist - Dr. Woods

Meet the Orthodontist - Dr. Bednar