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

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.

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!

Helping you prepare for cold and flu season, from Snow Orthodontics

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms Snow Orthodontics is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• 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 toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

--The team at Snow Orthodontics

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Snow will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Invisalign Tips

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 Invialign aligners, 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 a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a 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 easy: 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.
--Snow Orthodontics

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

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles, Dr. Snow Explains

We at Snow Orthodontics want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Snow Orthodontics regularly.

How To Stay Young & Healthy

Whether you’re 5 or 50, your health depends on your awareness of what’s good for you. But in a world filled with fad diets, blaring advertisements, and unintelligible ingredient lists, we at Snow Orthodontics know it can be difficult to determine exactly what is good for you – and what’s not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a long, healthy life, we recommend Brush Your Teeth! And Other Simple Ways to Stay Young and Healthy by Dr. David Ostreicher. The book sums up good health in six fundamental principles: hygiene, diet, attitude, exercise, sleep and personal safety.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher definitively answers age-old debates, like the best way to prevent colds and flu (your mom was right: wash your hands). He provides straight talk on a variety of diet choices including salt, fats, carbs and organic food, and he documents the importance of regular sleep, stress reduction and positive thinking to your overall health. His suggestions throughout are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

Dr. Ostreicher advocates a back-to-basics, common-sense approach to staying young and healthy. We at Snow Orthodontics couldn’t agree more, and we’d like to repeat the title of his book as our favorite piece of advice: don’t forget to Brush Your Teeth!

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" At Snow Orthodontics, we hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Snow started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Snow decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Snow Orthodontics- Patient Testimonials

Snow Orthodontics is committed to providing quality orthodontic care across California. Take a look at what some of our patients have to say!



Clean and friendly atmosphere. Appointments are always on time. ~ Lori W.

Very friendly and approachable. The Snow Orthodontics staff is always very professional. Everyone is smiling! ~ Ronald S.

Friendly service. Everyone I have met on the staff at Snow Orthodontics has gone above and beyond. I couldn't be happier! ~ Victoria R.

Dr. Snow has a nice environment that is comfortable, especially for the kids. ~ Terry D.

Everything! I love the environment, staff, and the way everything at Snow Orthodontics is organized! ~ Merissa M.

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.

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.

Gummy Tummy -- Snow Orthodontics

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Snow Orthodontics!

Dr. Snow Warns That Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

--Gums that appear red or swollen
--Gums that feel tender
--Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
--Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
--Persistent bad breath
--Loose teeth
--Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
--Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling Dr. Snow. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

$1.50 for a Cavity -- Dr. Snow

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options from Dr. Snow that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

--Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
--Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
--Bread
--Pretzels (low salt)
--Milk (low or non-fat)
--Cheese (low or non-fat)
--Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
--Sliced meat

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!

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!

Snow Orthodontics Organize Continuing Education Courses for Local Dental Professionals

Snow Orthodontics know how important it is to stay educated in the ever-evolving dental and orthodontic fields. So they have planned several upcoming events for local professionals.

The first one will be on March 30, 2009 at the AV Inn in Lancaster. Michael Imberman, D.D.S., will deliver a periodontal presentation from 6-8 pm. The cost is $30 and it includes dinner. Participants will earn two continuing education credits.

The next will be held on April 18, 2009 at the ROP Palmdale Campus. Local dental professionals will speak on various topics from 9 am to 3 pm. The cost is $40 if you pre-register. Participants will earn five continuing education credits.

Snow Orthodontics will be planning a Dental Law & Infection Control Seminar later in the year!

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?