Sanborn Orthodontics

How to Prevent Tooth Decay During Your Orthodontic Treatment

2012-02-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

If you are brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Sanborn Orthodontics, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Sanborn Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decay away.

If you have any questions, please be sure to keep ask Dr. Sanborn or our team during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

2012-01-25T10:01:00.001-05:00

Even if you brush and floss daily, as well as maintain your braces and visit our office during your orthodontic treatment it is still important to visit your local dentist every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

• Your dentist can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.

• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.

• Frequent visits can allow your dentist to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.

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 visited a dentist in the past six months, please let us know! Dr. Robert Sanborn would be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!

-- The team at Sanborn Orthodontics

Damon System Braces Help Bethany Hamilton Smile Again

2012-01-18T17:48:00.000-05:00

Inspirational Pro Surfer and Damon System patient Bethany Hamilton Encourages Others to Smile through Adversity. There are not many people who don't know about Bethany Hamilton and her incredible story of her shocking shark attack as a young teen in 2003. Since then, Bethany has gone on to inspire millions due to her amazing determination and attitude. She shares her astonishing story in her bestselling autobiography Soul Surfer which in April 2011 was released as a major motion picture. Not only does Bethany continue to compete in the ASP World Professional Surfing Tour, but she tours the world to share her story of triumph and to prove that with faith and belief anything is possible.

“After being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence” – Bethany Hamilton

After the shark attack Bethany will tell you she struggled through many trials and tribulations, which took a toll on her confidence and self esteem. When asked, Bethany will tell you that "after being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence." Now, with help from Damon System braces, Bethany is able to smile through adversity.

Damon® System official endorser, Bethany Hamilton relied on the trans-formative Damon System to quickly and comfortably improve the health and beauty of her smile. Known for triumphantly overcoming a horrific shark attack, Hamilton now helps to promote the Damon System and encourage teens, children and adults of all ages to smile through adversity, regardless of the challenges life throws their way.

"Smiles are a blessing and an infectious tool for spreading happiness and bringing joy to others," said Bethany. "The Damon System transformed my smile, allowing me to confidently share my story of perseverance and encourage others undergoing adversity. I'm glad to be a part of the Damon System team and I look forward to sharing the positive changes and incredible results that I experienced with this unique orthodontic treatment."

Bethanys' Damon System Story

Bethany began orthodontic treatment at age 14 for a severe underbite with significant crowding and a narrow arch. She also had an open bite, which means there was open space between her upper and lower teeth when her jaw was closed. These types of cases are typically among the most difficult to treat and often require surgery. Bethany relied on the Damon System instead of traditional braces for her treatment.

The light pressure used in the Damon System stimulates broad, natural arch development and typically delivers results up to 25 percent faster than traditional braces, according to clinical studies. While traditional braces require elastic ties to hold wires in place, these ties can accumulate bacteria and often require "tightening" that can hinder tooth movement and prolong treatment.

In contrast, the Damon System combines "tieless" braces with high-tech memory-shaped wires that don't need to be "tightened." Damon System braces are easier to keep clean, which promotes better patient hygiene throughout treatment. Additionally, treatment with the Damon System rarely requires tooth extractions and frees patients from the use of headgear, rapid palatal expanders and other invasive appliances. The cost of orthodontic treatment with the Damon System is comparable to that of traditional braces.

Bethany is one of more than three million Damon System patients who have achieved incredible results over the last 10 years. From adults to teens, today's healthcare consumers want fast, comfortable and virtually invisible orthodontic care. With the Damon System, orthodontists can deliver on all three of these essential patient requests while also producing a remarkable smile. The Damon System continues to improve smiles and Bethany is an awesome brand ambassador. Her positive attitude, determination and character continue to inspire countless people.

To find out more about Bethany Hamilton and her amazing story visit her website here

If you have an inspirational story, we want to hear it. Visit Sanborn Orthodontics on Facebook.

To schedule your free orthodontic consultation or to get more information on Damon System braces, contact Sanborn Orthodontics today!

• Morehead City, NC 28557 Tel: 252-727-0020

Or Click Here NOW!

Download your Free Orthodontic App

2011-12-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

iBracesHelp

By The Dental Specialists

iBracesHelp is a FREE but informative smartphone App for people wearing braces or those who are interested in getting orthodontic braces in the near future. The application is full of useful information, pictures and videos on caring for your braces and what to do if you have problems with your braces.

This cool Orthodontic App is Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

There is also a orthodontic support website where you can find:

• helpful information about caring for braces

• how to take care of minor emergencies

• what to do for discomfort

• as well as links to other helpful websites

Be the first of your friends to Download the BracesHelp iPhone App from the iTunes store or visit the 24/7 virtual support site here for emergency orthodontic information. You can also get emergency information from our website here! For more information on caring for your braces, click here.

The iBracesHelp App gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from reviewers in iTunes.

If you like this free App share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter and let us know what you though of it in the comments field below.

Enjoy,

Sanborn Orthodontics Team

October Orthodontic Health Tips from Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-10-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

Happy October! For those who don't know, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Robert Sanborn and our smile team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Sanborn and other dental professionals in the Crystal Coast area.

We always stress a good brushing and flossing routine all year round, but it is especially important during the fall season because of the availability of Halloween candy. We want you to enjoy your candy while keeping your smiles clean and healthy! During your orthodontic treatment we caution you to stay away from very sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy candy and food because they can loosen or break your orthodontic appliances, which can add to 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

• Chips

• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give our Morehead City office a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask our smile team during your visit this month!

A Committment to Continuing Education

2011-10-06T12:13:00.000-04:00

"Our staff at Sanborn Orthodontics is committed to continuing education. We like to keep up with the latest and most effective orthodontic procedures. Not only does it aid us, but it also helps us educate our patients about their treatment.

This year our staff is traveling to Charlotte, NC for continuing education. We will be covering topics that include: treatment coordinating, improving records, scheduling, and much more!

I think continuing education is very beneficial. It helps our office keep up with all of the new procedures and technology that has become available. It also helps us educate our patients on their orthodontic treatment and reassure them at they are receiving the most up-to-date care."

Dr. Sanborn

Fall is in the Air at Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-09-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

Summer has flown by and now we are looking forward to the cooler weather and brilliant colors of fall here at Sanborn Orthodontics, serving the Morehead City and surrounding Crystal Coast areas.

“As usual, summer was a very busy time at Sanborn Orthodontics. We all worked hard to accommodate our patients' needs during their “off” time, and to fit everyone into the schedule before school started. The fall season is a great time to get things done that have been put off during the fun summer months, so we will be busy catching up here at the office! The holidays will be right around the corner and our office will be as busy as ever as we try to fit in treatment before the end of the year! Good luck with the beginning of the school year and we will see you at your next appointment soon!!!”

Dr. Sanborn

Is it time for you to call Sanborn Orthodontics?

2011-08-30T16:17:00.000-04:00

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should give Sanborn Orthodontics a call. Here are some early warning signs 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

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call!

Hope this helps,

-Dr. Sanborn and Ortho Team

The advantage of summer appointments at Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-08-08T13:42:00.002-04:00

Summer is the perfect time to get braces! School is out and schedules can be more flexible. Summer vacation allows for you to get used to new braces, so that you can feel confident when returning to school.

Sanborn Orthodontics is the only place to go for your orthodontic treatment. Our doctor and team are extensively trained in the latest technology. We always host games and contests that are awesome and fun for everyone. Where else can you go to the orthodontist AND enter a contest to win an iPod Touch or Nintendo Wii? All of this and we offer affordable payment plans to fit any budget. Check us out today!!!

Stay Cool With a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

2011-07-19T17:30:00.002-04:00

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

Sanborn Orthodontics Helping Tackle Summer Sports Injuries

2011-06-24T12:58:00.000-04:00

With summer here, there are many questions that patients have about preventing facial injuries. Summer is a very active time for many of us, whether that means sports or just fun in the sun. Here at Sanborn Orthodontics, we offer mouthguards to all of our patients that play sports. We have severeal colors to choose from, which makes it fun during school because patients like to choose their school colors. These mouthguards are very easy to insert, designed to fit over your braces and are very comfortable. We recommend these over the mouthguards you find in a retail store, as those tend to be the more rigid, less flexible kind that can damage or break your brackets.

We recommend mouthguards even for patients who are using the Invisalign aligners. This is because the trays do not offer as effective of protection as a mouthguard does. If you have a removable retainer that you were full time, we recommend that you remove it when playing sports as well. This way, if you are hit in the mouth, your retainer will not be damaged.

If you should get into an accident and a tooth is knocked out, you should call your general dentist right away. The tooth should be rised off immediately with water, but never scrubbed. It should be held by the crown (top of the tooth) and not the root to avoid damge to the ligaments. If you are comfortable with placing the tooth back in the socket, do so. If not, you can place the tooth between your check and gumline. This provides protection against bacteria. If you need to transport the tooth, place it in a glass of milk. This also protects the tooth by keeping it moist until you can receive medical attention. You should place a gauze or tissue in the socket to stop any bleeding.

If you should chip or break a tooth, you should call your general dentist or go to the hospitalo for medical attention. Your dentist can use bonding material that is tooth colored to repair the broken tooth. You can also call us here at Sanborn Orthodontics, even at night or on th weekend, and someone will call you back as soon as possible to assist in helping you.

Play it safe this summer and have some fun!!!

Braces 101 with Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-05-17T14:03:00.001-04:00

If you ever have damage to your braces and need to call Sanborn Orthodontics, we can help more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here's a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Chain: Tiny rubber bands that are fit under the bracket to close spaces.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth into position. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Archwire Loop: Occasionally used for closing space left by an extraction. Most archwires don't have loops.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in placed. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Bracket: The main, small attachment that holds the archwire in placed. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube (Rarely used in our office): Round, hollow attachment on the back of bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwires to open spaces between teeth.

Ligature Ties: Fine wire that is twisted under the archwire or around brackets.

Hook: Welded or removable arms used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Elastics (Rubber Bands): Small rubber bands that hook between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to help move teeth.

Hope this helps. Give us a call if you have any questions!!!

Working With Patients With Special Needs

2011-05-10T10:42:00.001-04:00

At Sanborn Orthodontics, we work with patients of all ages and needs. These include patients with special needs, conditions and disabilities. Our team is experienced and willing to work with these patients, and strive to help create a comfortable, relaxing environment.

Just last week, we saw a child with autism. Prior to the appointment, we discussed with her parents the environment in which their daughter feels most comfortable. They mentioned she prefers quiet voices, minimal amount of excitement around her. She also loves dogs!!! We informed our team of these requests and one of our team members also made a DVD of her new puppy for the patient to watch, how awesome is that!!! We believe this patient's visit was a success.

At Sanborn Orthodontics, we do our part to accomodate ALL of our patient's needs.

Going Green at Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-05-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth day was April 22nd and we thought this would be a great time to discuss everything that Sanborn Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that our office is paperless? We offer convenient and secure online services with our patient login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the need for extraneous paper communications. We are also providing digital x-rays that do not require chemicals to produce and lower dose radiation, which is safer.

We're also always looking for new ways to go green - currently we are testing new, non-toxic cleaning supplies for use in the office. We also use recycled paper towels and other paper products. Our coffee bar also has a recycling bin for all your water bottles and cans. So our team here at Sanborn Orthodontics would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall. Thanks!!!

Orthodontic Fun Facts, from Sanborn Orthodontics

2011-04-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

Everyone loves fun facts, so the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Sanborn Orthodontics though you might enjoy.

There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States.

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 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.

Hope you enjoy these fun facts! Let us know of any other great facts you may know or find and give Sanborn Orthodontics a call if you have any questions about treatment!!!

Kids Getting Braces at a Younger Age

2011-04-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

In the past, braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as 7 are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because pre-adolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggest it could be a good idea to start early. Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young. Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 9 and 14, and the folks at the AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from 1 to 3 years, with 2 years being the average. It's important, however, that children be screened around age 7 for Dr. Sanborn to assess what the best age for their treatment is. I hope this helps! Give us Sanborn Orthodontics a call if you have any questions about your child's treatment!!!

Sanborn Orthodontics Offers 24/7 Access to Your Account

2011-03-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

At Sanborn Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Morehead City.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week - all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know that folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

If you have questions, give us Sanborn Orthodontics a call. Thanks and have a great week!!!

SCHOOL's OUT FOR SUMMER!!!

2010-06-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our first blog of 2010! June is here and so is summer vacation (and summer heat!) My team and I would like to personally congratulate all of our 5th grade, 8th grade, high school and college graduates. You have worked hard and now you are ready to move on to that next phase of life. Congratulations! We hope your next step helps make all your goals and dreams come true!

Last week someone asked me a very common question and I thought I might take a moment to address it. The question was: "My child is only 6 or 7, when should I bring him in to see you?" That is a great question because quite often there are only a few permanent teeth in and it might seem like an inconvenience to see a young patient when nothing may need to be done for years. The truth, however, is that I would ALWAYS rather see a child too early than too late. The American Association of Orthodontics actually recommends children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7.

In our office, roughly 40% of our new patient examinations go into an observation or "growth and guidance" system and do not need immediate active treatment and this is great.

Evaluating kids early is beneficial for several reasons:

1. I can monitor facial growth and dental development and be assured we are starting a your child at the optimum time (and this varies greatly among boys and girls).

2. I can have a chart started and partial records on file such as an x-ray, photograhs or exam notes in case your family dentist (or pedodontist) has an orthodontic question that may require an immediate answer (i.e. should we remove a problematic primary tooth?).

3. Should a traumatic accident occur (though we hope not!), your child is already a patient of record and I can be called upon in case the family dentist or pediatric dentist is not available.

4. It allows me to predict the timing, nature and costs for future treatment for your family (really important for those big families or those planning for FSA benefits!)

5. Seeing a child for several observation visits gives me a chance to get to know your child a little more, and more importantly:

6. It gives your child the chance to get to know us.

7. And lastly, it allows your child to be eligible for contest prizes and events and enrolled in our very exciting "Guppy Grinzs Club!"

So in other words, please never feel like you are asking me to evaluate your children too early...we prefer it this way!

Hope to see you soon!

Dr. Sanborn