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!

Snow Orthodontics Around the Web

If you've ever visited us at Snow Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Snow and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Snow Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on our YouTube channel

* Become a "fan" of Snow Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Snow Orthodontics

Snow Orthodontics Rewards Patients When They Share Their Smile

At Snow Orthodontics, we know how important it is to smile. That is why we decided to practice orthodontics in the first place. We improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw knowing that it will improve your self confidence and lead you to smile more often.

It makes us feel good to see you smile, and we want you to share that smile with your friends and family. So right now, we are rewarding those shared smiles with the chance to win a Blu-Ray Disc Player!

For every person that you refer to Snow Orthodontics, we will enter your name in a drawing. We have six conveniently located offices and we will pick a lucky winner from each location. So get out there and share your smile!

Good Breath Gone Bad! - Dr. Gilbert Snow

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - Snow Orthodontics

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Why Is It So Important to Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 661-952-7861 to set up a consultation. Dr. Snow can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.