Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Snow Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

All our doctors and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Staying connected with Snow Orthodontics

At Snow Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Write a Review of Snow Orthodontics!

Has your experience at Snow Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Write a review on Google– it’s easy to do! Head to our website and click the office which you have been visiting for your treatment. Then click the write a review icon over the map to head to our Google Places Page!

Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Snow Orthodontics, a time when families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. This month, we are celebrating fall with some great deals for INVISALIGN! Let your friends and family know to call and schedule a free consultation!

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment across Southern California. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Snow & Team would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

Invisalign® tips, from Snow Orthodontics

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, we want you to 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 necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky 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 simple: 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. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Snow Orthodontics, give us a call!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Orthodontic fun facts, from Snow Orthodontics

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Snow Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and yes, even Justin Bieber (who actually wears Invisalign Teen!)

Ask Us: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Snow Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Ask Us: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Snow Orthodontics is an Elite Premier Invisalign provider across Southern California. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

New Palmdale Office Groundbreaking Ceremony

We've just shared a few fun photos of our new Palmdale orthodontic office groundbreaking ceremony, check them out on our Facebook page!

Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge

Think you can make someone smile in 30 seconds or less? Then check out Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge! Here's how it works:

Each month, a new challenge will be issued on the Make Me Smile Challenge web site. It is up to you to record a video response to the challenge, and upload it on the site. Videos can only be 30 seconds long, but you can enter as many times as you wish!

There are three challenges total, and the first has already begun! At the end of each round, a judge will chose a winner to receive an Apple iPad! A grand prize will be awarded at the end of the three challenges to send you and a friend to Hollywood!

We've included the contest dates below, but be sure to check out Invisalign Teen's web site for more information, and GOOD LUCK!

Challenge 1: August 17 – September 13, 2010
Challenge 2: September 14 – October 1, 2010
Challenge 3: October 12 – November 9, 2010

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Encino, Phelan, Ridgecrest and Tehachapi areas!

Congratulations to our "Snow Us Your Smile" Winners

If you've been to our Facebook page, then you know we've chosen our three winners of the Snow Us Your Smile contest! Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated!

Sipora Shaolian, First Place

Danielle Desch, Second Place

Kim and Melissa Powell, Third Place

Dr. Azani Explains how Invisalign Teen Works

We at Snow Orthodontics know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! Dr. Azani and our team thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

A Fun Video from Champlin and Snow Orthodontics

Have you seen the latest video from Snow Orthodontics? We had a lot of fun making this one, hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too! From Snow Orthodontics

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Snow Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Snow Orthodontics: What can Invisalign do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Snow Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible. Besides straightening your teeth, did you know that Invisalign can improve your oral health? Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your beautiful smile:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask us the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page or give us a call! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Patient Convenience at Snow Orthodontics

At Snow Orthodontics, we strive to make your experience at our office an enjoyable and convenient one. Through our web site, we are able to communicate easily with all of our patients via email, text messaging, and our social networks.

Additionally, if you are an Invisalign patient, you can even watch your smile improve on our web site in your own secure patient login area. You can check the balance on your account. These are just a few of the steps we've taken to give you an extraordinary experience at Snow Orthodontics!

How Orthodontics can Improve Your Self Esteem

Besides giving you a beautiful, healthier smile, orthodontics can have a big effect on your self esteem, as Dr. Azani of Snow Orthodontics explains in this video. One of the most rewarding things about working with our patients is how we can change people's lives. It's amazing to see the transformation patients exhibit throughout treatment at our office.

For adults, a straighter smile can improve your self-confidence, especially in your career. For children, a straighter smile can help them avoid years of teasing or embarrassment from their peers. At Snow Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages, and would love to see you for an initial consultation at one of our convenient southern California locations.

Enjoy a Happy and Safe Fourth of July, From Snow Orthodontics

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page, and don't forget about our Summer Photo contest going on now!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. While Tom Cruise had metal braces as part of his orthodontic treatment, other celebrities, like Katherine Heigl, benefited from Invisalign to invisibly straighten their teeth.



The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like ours! If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, call Snow Orthodontics to set up a consultation!

Snow Orthodontics Reminding You To Enter the Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes!

We wanted to share this Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes information with everyone. The sweepstakes are from now until July 11th, and you could even win a trip to the Teen Choice 2010, along with several other great prizes. We encourage you to check it out!

Top ten tips for keeping your braces, and teeth clean!

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

- Snow Orthodontics of Lancaster, Palmdale, Ridgecrest, Santa Clarita, Encino, and Phelan California (CA)

Snow Orthodontics Reminding You To Smile This June!

It’s June already! Where does the time go? We know our patients have plenty to smile about, with graduations, and summer just around the corner, but we are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month! This is a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, and congratulations to all the recent grads!

–Snow Orthodontics of Southern California

Adult Orthodontic Treatment at Snow Orthodontics

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Snow will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. For those of us who are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces, we offer Invisalign, an excellent way to achieve a straighter smile, invisibly! Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

-Snow Orthodontics - Invisalign, Invisalign Teen and Orthodontic Braces Across Southern California

When Should A Child See An Orthodontist? Dr. Champlin Explains

As Dr. Champlin explains in this video, its important to have children evaluated for orthodontic treatment early, even when they still have their baby teeth. This is important, because children are going quite differently than they were just 30 years ago. We recommend you schedule an initial consultation for your child about the time when their permanent teeth are just starting to erupt. Dr. Champlin demonstrates in this video how this works with his helpful assistant, Issac. Check out the video, and let us know what you think!

--Snow Orthodontics and Champlin Orthodontics of Lancaster, CA

Garrett Describes His Experience With Braces at Snow Orthodontics in Ridgecrest, CA

As you will see in the video, getting braces is a unique experience, because you start off with crooked teeth, and end up with a straight, beautiful, healthy smile! Garrett was excited about getting braces, and has learned from experience that soft foods are key while in orthodontic treatment! Do you have an experience you want to share about your braces, or your treatment here at Snow Orthodontics? Leave a comment!

Snow Orthodontics at the 2010 AAO Annual Session

At Snow Orthodontics, we strive to offer the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients across Southern California & Antelope Valley! Dr. Snow and some staff recently attended the 2010 AAO Annual Session, and we are looking forward to incorporating all the information and technologies we've learned about into our practice!

Snow Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for the whole family at eight conveniently located offices in Lancaster, Palmdale, Encino, Ridgecrest, Santa Clarita, Phelan, and Tehechapi California. We specialize in Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, and our doctors are some of the top Invisalign orthodontists in the nation!

Dr. Daniel Azani Explains the Pros and Cons of Invisalign in Lancaster, CA

As you will see in the video, Invisalign treatment poses many benefits, among them being:

Invisalign is clear- many people will never know you are in orthodontic treatment at all! While other types of discreet orthodontic treatment are available, such as lingual braces, these can often be difficult to clean, and can irritate your mouth.

Invisalign is removable- This allows you to eat most foods easily without fear of damaging your braces, and it makes it easy to keep your teeth and your invisalign trays clean.

Watch the video to get the inside scoop on Invisalign from Dr. Azani, and leave a comment on why you like your Invisalign trays from Snow Orthodontics!

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in our southern California community, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Tell us, what are you up to? Are you making a difference today? How long have you participated in helping our planet? You may reply here or on our Facebook fan page!

Happy Earth Day!

TMJ Treatment at Snow Orthodontics

Take a look at the video we filmed of Dr. Swartz explains what TMJ means, and how TMD, the disorder associated with the jaw, is treated at Snow Orthodontics. Watch the video, and leave a comment!

Snow Us Your Smile and Win a Flip Camera!

Wanna Win A Flip It Video Camera?! Enter our "Snow Us Your Smile" Contest. Make your own commercial telling people why they should come to Snow Orthodontics. Head to our fan page and click on the "Promotions" tab at the top. Submit your video there by April 30th. To win, you must get the most votes from your peers, so make sure to get your friends to become fans too! Voting will begin in May. Good luck!

Invisalign- How does it work? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign manages to straighten teen without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at all the southern California branches of Snow Orthodontics. We also have plenty of resources on our web site to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call today to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Questions to Ask During Your Invisalign Teen Consultation

Choosing to begin orthodontic treatment is a big step, and so is your complimentary consultation with us at Snow Orthodontics. If you and your teen are considering the Invisalign Teen system, keep the following list of questions in your mind during your consultation.

* What condition does my teen need treated?
* Will Invisalign Teen be effective for that condition?
* How long will the treatment take?
* How many aligners will it take? How often will they need to be switched?
* How long does it take to get aligners after impressions are made?
* How often will my teen have to come for checkups?
* How long will they take?
* How much will treatment cost?
* What payment options are available?

Hope everyone had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

Invisalign Teen at Snow Orthodontics: What Parents should know

Invisalign Teen has become a popular treatment here at Snow Orthodontics because it provides an option for younger patients to achieve a straight, healthy smile, without anyone noticing! Unlike traditional metal braces, teens using the Invisalign Teen system can remove their aligners, allowing them to eat just about anything without worrying over damaging or breaking their braces. This also makes teeth easier to clean than with traditional braces. There are many advantages to using this revolutionary new system, but there are several things for parents to remember when considering their options for orthodontic treatment.

For example, the costs of Invisalign vary depending on your teen's specific case, but can often be comparable to treatment with traditional metal braces. At Snow Orthodontics we strive to make orthodontics affordable to everyone, and will determine the cost for your teen during the initial complimentary consultation. We will also assess your teen's eligibility for treatment with Invisalign Teen at this time.

Snow Orthodontics is an Elite Premier Provider of Invisalign, meaning that we are one of the most experienced practices in the country with the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen systems. Call any one of our seven conveniently located offices in Southern California to set up your complimentary consultation with our office.

Invisalign: Will it Work For Me?

While you might be considering orthodontic treatment, you are probably wondering whether Invisalign, the invisible braces alternative, is right for you. Will it fit for your situation and your needs? What many people do not realize is that Invisalign is versatile for many different cases. Overly crowded teeth, spaces between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites can be treated with Invisalign. When you choose Snow Orthodontics, you can rest assured that you are receiving the highest quality treatment available by an orthodontic practice that specializes in the Invisalign system.

Dr Snow is an Elite Premier Invisalign provider, placing him in the to 1% of Invisalign providers across the country. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if the Invisalign system of clear, removable aligners is right for you! We have 8 convenient Southern California offices located in Lancaster, Palmdale, Ridecrest, Santa Clarita, Encino, Phelan and Tehachapi.

Invisalign Days Next Month!

Its almost March, and we are gearing up for the Snow Orthodontics Invisalign Days. We will be providing Invisalign treatment consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, ask the scheduling coordinator to schedule you for an appointment for this special event.

Palmdale March 22nd
Lancaster March 23rd
Ridgecrest/ Encino March 24th
Tehachapi March 19th
Santa Clarita March 26th

So what makes an Invisalign Day special? Eligible patients can receive down payment matching up to $500.00, FREE X-Rays ($250 value), FREE teeth whitening with Invisalign treatment, and a FREE consultation. To determine if you are eligible, give any of our convenient offices a call.

Space is limited, so call today! 661-952-7861

Frequently asked questions about Invisalign®, from Snow Orthodontics

Our doctors and staff at Snow Orthodontics know people are curious about Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Today, we thought we'd share with you a few popular questions people have about Invisalign treatment, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of a patient’s case. The team at Snow Orthodontics can determine your treatment cost at your complimentary consultation appointment.

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: In short, yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Each patient should review their coverage since medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy. If a patient has orthodontic coverage however, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as traditional braces.

Q: What are aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Q: How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

A: Invisalign aligners, much like brackets and archwires, move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The difference? Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Want to know more about Invisalign? Visit Snow Orthodontics at one of our convenient locations or give us a call at (661) 273-1750.

Snow Orthodontics, reminding you to stay safe this weekend!

Would you believe the crazy weather we're having lately here in southern California? What have you been doing throughout the stormy week? Do you have pictures of the snow or the torrential rains you'd like to share?

If so, you can post them here or on our Facebook fan page. If you're not sure how, please give us a call at any of our six offices! Here's to better weather next week!

The team at Snow Orthodontics remind you to stay dry this weekend! Stay safe!

Invisalign Teen™ at Snow Orthodontics!

Image is everything, and Dr. Snow knows that. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... there is a clear alternative to traditional braces! Last week, we reminded you about our Invisalign service. Today, we thought we'd discuss Invisalign Teen™, which offers teens a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please give us a call and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Ask Dr. Snow: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Snow. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, the team use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Snow is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Snow Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.