A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Snow Orthodontics

Drs. Snow and their team at Snow Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Snow Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Happy New Year from the entire team here at Snow Orthodontics!

Season’s Greetings from Snow Orthodontics

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Drs. Snow and their team at Snow Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay safe, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Snow Orthodontics

When should you call Snow Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together this helpful list for your advantage. Here are some early warning signs—courtesy of Dr. Snow—indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give Drs. Snow and his team a call today!

Patient reviews for Snow Orthodontics

Last week, the team at Snow Orthodontics asked our patients what they best liked about their treatment at our practice. We got some pretty good testimonials and thought we'd share a few with you! Happy Thursday!

"Dr. Snow has a long history in the dental field and orthodontics which, to my observation, makes him more in tune with the newer services like Invisalign. When I had a question he returned my call and helped me through a problem I was having with the Invisalign. It worked itself out but I appreciated his assistance. I also like that he is working in tandem with my periodontist to make certain everything is covered." ~ Virginia U.

"Very knowledgeable and helpful. Everyone in the office makes my girls feel very comfortable and they have a lot of fun going to their appointments. The coupon program is also great for them...they are really excited to get them and save them to get a prize." ~ Taylor N.

"Staff is pleasant and very helpful. They always answer my questions with a smile. Dr. Snow and associates take time to explain things and steps." ~ Allison W.

"Friendly service. everyone I have met on the staff has gone above and beyond. I couldn't be happier!" ~ Victoria R.

What do you love about Snow Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Snow Orthodontics, our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by the doctors? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for generations, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at Snow Orthodontics

Happy Thanksgiving, from Snow Orthodontics!

Dr. Snow and his team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile from Snow Orthodontics

At Snow Orthodontics we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Snow Orthodontics. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Snow Orthodontics.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

A Sour Smile Is Not A Happy Smile -- Snow Orthodontics

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Snow Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Snow Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Snow Orthodontics.

Upcoming Events at Snow Orthodontics

At Snow Orthodontics, we have activities for our patients and our community professionals coming up in April.

First up, all local dentists are invited to the ROP Dental Fair. It will be hosted on the ROP Palmdale Campus. It is a Saturday, and will start at 9:00 in the morning. Pre-register and it is only $40. AND you earn 5 Continuing Education (C.E.) credits!

And for all our patients who like to get in the Snow spirit, come to your orthodontic appointment wearing green on April 22. April 22 is Earth Day, and we want to show our love of Mother Earth by wearing all colors of green. Plus, you will receive double coupon points and they can be used toward any prize in our coupon cabinets!

Upcoming Fun Days at Snow Orthodontics

At Snow Orthodontics we love to have fun and we want ALL of our patients and parents to join us!!

If you have a scheduled appointment in any of our offices - we invite you come to your appointment and participate in that Fun Day . . . you will receive double the coupons that can be used towards any prize in our coupon cabinets!


SNOW FUN CALENDAR

March 17, 2009-- St. Patrick's Day - Wear Green
April 1, 2009--Pastel Color Shirt Day
April 22, 2009--Earth Day - Wear Green
May 13, 2009 --Wear Yellow Day
May 29, 2009--Crazy Hat Day
June 17, 2009--1980's Day

To check out pictures from some previous Snow fun days, check us out on Facebook and MySpace!

Dr. Snow Vistis Local Schools to Promote Good Oral Health

Dr. Snow knows how important it is to start taking care of your teeth at an early age. So, he teaches the proper techniques to students at local elementary schools. He talks to the students and even examines their teeth!


Developing good habits at an early age is critical to maintaining good oral health. To help students understand this, Dr. Snow regularly visits the local schools. What better way to make teeth brushing fun than to brush oversized chompers?

Wii Love you at Snow Orthdontics

That's right, at Snow Orthodontics, Wii love you so much that wii gave away some Wiis! We like to keep things fun and exciting for your orthodontic treatment, so not only do we offer the latest in technological advancements and a personable staff, but we have frequent contests and cool prizes! This Share-A-Smile brought Wiis all around. Stay tuned for our next contest. When you refer a friend, make sure they bring their Share-A-Smile Card. When they come in, we put the card in a drawing and you could be the proud owner of a Blu-Ray Disc Player! Check out our happy winners from this month, and the flyer for our next contest below!


Our Santa Clarita Winner


Our Encino Winner


Our Palmdale Winner


Our Ridgecrest Winner

Refer a friend today and you could be watching movies in style!

Thanks from Snow Orthodontics!

Snow Orthodontics Patient Reviews

With multiple locations serving California residents, Snow Orthodontics provides superior orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Just see what our patients are saying!Snow Orthodontics provides friendly service. Everyone on the staff goes above and beyond. I couldn't be happier!
-Victoria R.

I love the fact that everyone at Snow Orthodontics is very friendly, and that they always seem like they're having a good day. I also like that we are able to freshen up our mouths before they work on our braces.
-Kionna C.

I love the staff. All the girls are so sweet and gentle. Dr. Snow is so nice. Whenever I have an appointment, it always takes less than 5 minutes for them to call me, so I never have to wait.
-Bree M.

Everybody knows me by name at Snow Orthodontics and all are friendly.
-Linda D.

Dr. Snow and his staff are very concerned about my smile.
-Ashley L.

Dr. Snow is very caring and a perfectionist. He takes the time to explain what he is doing.
-Peter G.

Dr. Snow treats you like you are his favorite patient when you are in his office.
-Arash R.

Dr. Dan is one of the greatest orthodontists my son could have ever asked for. He always makes sure that my son is comfortable and that he is not in any pain. He is a gentle, patient, and most of all compassionate doctor. My son has had past experiences with horrible dentists since his dental accident when he was 10 years old. To have a doctor make my son feel as comfortable as he does, is just simply amazing and very much appreciated by both Zachary and myself. Thanks Dr. Dan! Keep up the good work!
-Zachary B.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth - Dr. Gilbert Snow

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!