Have You Had A Check-Up Lately?

Even if you brush and floss daily and maintain your braces 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 proper daily oral hygiene may not be enough to prevent cavities and gum problems.

*Frequent visits can allow your dentist to detect a problem early and prevent future complications.

During an oral examination, your dentist can check the health of your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue and do a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth. If you have not visited a dentist in the past 6 months, Dr. Souris would be happy to provide some great references in the area! Feel free to contact our offica at 440-734-1146.

When is it time to begin orthodontic treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. However, you are never too old for treatment! Here are some early warning signs for children and adults indicating it's time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

2. Difficulty with chewing or biting

3. Mouth breathing

4. Finger or thumb sucking

5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked out teeth

6. Jaws that exhibit a big overbite or underbite

7. Speech difficulty

8. Biting the cheek or 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 or your child? If so, please give Dr. Souris a call to schedule a free consultation at 440-734-1146.

Halloween Safety Tips

In the spirit of Halloween, Dr. Souris and his staff would like to remind all of their patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time:

* Young children should always be accompanied by an adult

*Carry a flashlight

* Wear a light colored or reflective costume (at least some part of it)

* Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can casue real problems for those of you going through orthodontic treatment. Remember to avoid really crunchy and gummy things when picking your candy (ex: choose chocolate with no nuts). We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Can you believe October is already here! October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and the event is organized by the American Association Of Orthodontists (AAO). It is meant to raise awareness of the importance of proper oral health through the orthodontic correction of tooth &/or jaw problems. We truly enjoy creating fantastic smiles that improve people's dental health and give them increased self-confidence and a big reason to smile! As we approach Halloween, however, there are many treats that can cause damage to braces and extend your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats or recipes with these ingredients:

* Caramel
*Nuts
*Popcorn
*Taffy
*Jelly Beans
*Hard Pretzels
*Licorice
*Bubblegum
*Chips
*Ice

For those of you still thinking about braces, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-374-1146 or visit us at our website- http://www.bracesbysouris.com/!

Keeping your mouth healthy with Braces by Souris!

We know that maintaining good dental health requires only a few minutes a day! We thought we would offer some practical advice on how to keep your child's mouth clean and healthy between visits with Dr. Souris.

First and most importantly, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. The braces provide many hidden areas for the food to collect since what you eat and drink does not wash away as easy as it does on a smooth tooth surface. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth with braces in order to prevent plaque build-up and possible gum disease (two minutes is a good brushing time to shoot for). Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque build-up between your teeth. Mechanical toothbrushes, water pics, and mouth rinses can certainly help, but effective and consistent brushing and flossing are the most important ingredients to a healthy smile during treatment. If you feel you need help, please don't hesitate to ask us for a review on proper methods of brushing and flossing at your next visit. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months or after an illness.

We hope this helps emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 440-734-1146.

What can Invisalign do for my oral health?

When considering treatment, patients often ask us how Invsalign differs from traditional braces. Invisalign involves a series of removable aligners (retainers) that are not only clear and comfortable, but they can also help you with your oral health during and after treatment:

Healthy Gums: Straight teeth allow for better oral hygiene and thus can lessen the chance of plaque build up with red and swollen gums which can lead to gum disease.

Easy Cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. This will help avoid any tooth or gum problems that may develop during treatment due to poor oral hygiene.

Improved speech and chewing: Invisalign allows for easier adaptation to the treatment, since each aligner is snuggly fitted to the teeth. This helps minmize speech difficulties and allows for easier adjustment of the lips and cheeks with minimal discomfort.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-734-1146 and schedule a free consultation!

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is in full bloom, and what's better on a hot hazy day than a delicious treat that will cool you down! Luckily we have discovered just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! Here is the complete recipe:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients

* 3/4 cup water

*1/4 cup sugar

* 1 teaspoon lime juice

*2-3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this syrup for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquify them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet. Serve and enjoy!

Happy Summer!

You're Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

Did you know that one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We're living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we're seeing braces on parents as well as children- and even celebrities such as Ton Cruise, Gwen Stefani, and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It's never too late to look and feel your best!

Can braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The physical process of moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it's never too late to address issues such as overbites, crooked teeth, or jaw problems.

How Do I Get Started?

If you're considering orthodontic treatment, you can set up a free consultation with Dr. Souris. At that time he will do a thorough examination, discuss treatment options with you, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss the fee, any insurance benefits, and all your financing options.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteeem, and your dental health. There are many advancements in treatment, including clear braces and Invisalign, that make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. The newer braces are more effective, more comfortable, and much less noticeable.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give us a call at 440-734-1146 and set up a free consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

All the Cool Kids are Doing it!

Braces today are cool and can even be fun! These were among the findings of a recent nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities- Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glovber, Serena Williams- sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, more fashionable, and even cool for today's teens.

The study, conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists, found that 86% of moms reported that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Also, 69% of moms said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81% reported their children's experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors provides an exciting way for young patients to customize their appearance and helps them feel good about their experience with braces leading to better cooperation and a better result.

If you would like to learn more about all the new exciting options for braces, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-734-1146 and set up a free consultation.

Tricky Nutrition Questions Answered- Part 7- What's the Best Junk Food?

If my options are a cheesburger, a hot dog, or a slice of pizza, which should I eat? There's a lot of room for debate about these American staples, since hundreds of varieties exist. It comes down to your choice of toppings. The more high fiber veggies you can include, the better. For that reason, your best option is probably a slice of pizza loaded with a combo of veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and other greens. It's not the perfect meal ( the carbs in the crust are probably of the refined variety), but the pile of produce on the top at least makes it a healthier choice.

Tricky Nutrition Questions Answered- Part 6- What's the Best Fruit Source?

Is a glass of fruit juice equivalent in nutrition to a piece of fruit? Not even close. Most prepared fruit juices contain not only natural sugar but large amounts of added sugar to cut the tartness of the drink. Even juices labeled 100 percent pure aren't necessarily made exclusively from the advertised juice. Superfoods like pomegranate and blueberry are often on the front of the container, but a closer look at the ingredient list reveals that pear, apple, and grape juices- cheaper to produce and supersweet- are usually among the included ingredients. To avoid a sugar surge, pick single fruit juices, pour half a glass, and fill the rest with water or seltzer. Even better, stick with whole fruit. A medium orange has just 62 calories, 12 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of fiber compared with the 110 calories, 24 grams of sugar, and zero fiber found in an 8 ounce glass of orange juice.

Tricky Nutrition Questions Answered- Part 5- Is There a Nutritional Difference Among Cheeses?

Are white cheeses better than yellow cheeses? When it comes to weight loss, yes. Yellow cheeses tend to have more calories because of their higher fat content. Cheddar has 113 calories and 9 grams of fat per ounce, whereas Brie comes with 94 calories and 8 grams of fat. Either way, though, all cheeses are calorie-dense foods. One ounce, which is roughly the size of four dice, has about 100 calories, which is more than twice as many as you'll find in the same size serving of salmon. So remember to use portion control.

Tricky Questions Answered- Part 4- Are All Proteins Created Equal?

Not really. While many plant foods, including nuts and beans, can provide a good dose of protein, the best sources are dairy products, eggs, lean meat, and fish according to Donald Layman, PhD and professor emeritus of nutrition at the University of Illinois. Unlike plant based proteins, animal protein is complete, meaning it contains the right amounts of the essential amino acids your body can't synthesize on its own. It is possible to meet complete protein needs with plant based foods by combining legumes, nuts, and grains, but you need to consume 20 to 25 percent more to reep the same benefits that animal derived sources would provide, says Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, who studies nutrition at McMaster University in Toronto.

Tricky Questions Answered- Part 3- Which Rice is Healthier?

Is brown rice really much healthier than white? Yes, and that includes all grains and breads. If you eat the carbs with the grain ( the label says "whole wheat") it will be full of fiber because it is made from the entire wheat kernel. Fiber takes up room in your stomach and sends a signal to your brain that you're full. But if the fiber is taken out, as is the case with refined carbs such as white rice and bread, fast-rising blood sugar triggers your pancreas to release a flood of insulin which not only lowers blood sugar, but also signals your body to store fat. A study from Penn State University compared how much belly fat people lost when they ate whole grains instead of refined grains, and the results were significant. The whole grain eaters lost 2.4 times more fat.

By avoiding refined foods, you also avoid foods that are high on the glycemic index, the scale that gauges the degree to which carbohydrates increase the level of sugar in the blood. Dining at regular intervals, eating some protein and fat at every meal, and choosing whole grains such as whole wheat breads and pastas will help manage your blood sugar level, your cravings, and your fat storage.

Smile Wider and Live Longer!

People with large smiles may actually live longer according to a study at Michigan's Wayne State University. We are all aware that positive emotions are linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity- ranging from big smile to partial smile to no smile. The players's smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occured from 2006 through 2009. They then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length, and even college attendance.

What the researchers found was that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at an average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

So smile often and you just may live longer! And remember, Dr. Souris is always available to give you that smile you've always wanted. Feel free to contact us at 440-734-1146 or visit our website at www.bracesbysouris.com and give yourself a good reason to smile big!

Fun Orthodontic Facts From Braces by Souris!

Everyone loves trivia. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts that we would like to share with you!





* There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States and 75% of them are younger than 18.





* The first mechnanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus in 23-79 AD.





* The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the US, Canada, and abroad.





* The time required to complete orthodonric treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.





* The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special flouride-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 dental health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment improves the smile and facial appearance.





* Some famous orthodonic 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 was treated with Invisalign Teen!

If you, a family member, or a friend think you can benefit from orthodontic treatment, please give our office a call at 440-734-1146 to schedule a free consulataion or visit our website at www.bracesbysouris.com.

How to Stay Young and Healthy!

Whether you're 5 or 50, your health depends on awareness of what is good for you. With all the fad diets, advertising, and ingredient lists, we at Braces by Souris know it can difficult to decide what is good for you and what is not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a healthier lifestyle, 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.

Using his three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher answers age old debates like, the best way to prevent colds and flu and many more. He offers 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 are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

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

A Sour Smile Is Not A Happy Smile!

It's no surprise that sugary candy and drinks have an adverse effect on the health of your teeth, but what about sour or tart candies? Dr. Souris thought you might want to know how eating or drinking something sour may impact your teeth.

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 some important facts and helpful hints on how to protect your teeth:

Facts

*Sour candies can be acidic enough to actually cause mild burns to the gums and cheeks while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

*It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid 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.

Protect Your Teeth

*Limit the amount of sour candies you eat, and when you do, remember not to suck on them for long periods of time.

*After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water or drink milk to 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.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions- 440-734-1146, or visit our website at www.bracesbysouris.com.

12 Surprising Things That Make You Tired

Something I picked up on msn health written by Stacey Colino that I thought you might enjoy!



1. All Work, No Play

All your routines can get tedious and exhausting, and the body registers boredom as tiredness. Build in pleasure throughout your day by taking mini-breaks and doing something relaxing or fun to break your routines.




2. Shunning the Sun

Without enough natural light, the body goes into sleep mode. In a recent study involving 600 adults at the University of Massachusetts, researchers found that feelings of depression, hostility, anger, irritability, and anxiety were highest in the winter and lowest in the summer. Try and sneak out for a 10 minute walk, even if it is cloudy, or spend a few minutes in a room that is filled with natural light.



3. Barely Breathing

When you take shallow breaths, your body does not get enough oxygen resulting in increased levels of carbon monoxide in your blood which can make you tired. Practice breathing from your diaphragm when your tired or need extra energy. As you inhale, focus on making your stomach and chest move.




4. Being a Desk or Couch Potato

Sitting in one position for long periods can drain your energy because your body equates stillness with going to sleep. Also, if you're staring at a TV or computer screen you tend to blink less frequently resulting in dry eyes and eyestrain which can put you in the mood for shut-eye. Take breaks to stretch, walk, and move, and relieve eyestrain by focusing on something distant every 30 minutes or during commercial breaks.




5. Sleep Inconsistency

Your body's internal clock needs consistency, so staying up late on weekends and sleeping in gives you jet lag without ever leaving town. A study conducted at Brigham in Boston found that even if you sleep enough hours, you're more likely to be irritable and downbeat if you wake up at a time other than what you're used to. Try to establish a regular sleep and wake-up schedule and try not to deviate too far from it, even on the weekends.




6. Mild Dehydration

When you feel thirsty, you've already lost 2 to 3 percent of your body fluid, therefore, a lot of people are walking around in a state of mild dehydration. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired or lethargic because your blood volume lowers and your heart has to pump harder. Try and aim for nine cups of water per day if you are sedentary and 12 if you are active. You can increase your water intake by eating more soup, fresh fruits, and vegetables.




7. Bright Lights at Night

Normal levels of indoor lighting can be enough to disrupt your brain's notion of night and day. Bright lights can reset your body's internal clock, making it hard to fall asleep when you want and wake up on time. Dim the overhead lights in your living room or bedroom a few hours before bedtime or turn on a reading lamp instead.




8. The Vitamin-Plus-Coffee Breakfast

This common meal is actually an energy drainer because vitamins are not a source of energy. Without calorie intake in the morning, your metabolic rate drops and your body functions slow in order to preserve energy, making you feel sluggish. To get a steady release of energy all morning, eat a meal that combines protein and carbs: peanut butter on a bagel, an energy bar, egg with whole wheat toast. You will burn the carbs quickly and feel a surge of energy, and the protein which stays in your stomach longer gives you staying power.


9. Overdoing Exercise

The body needs time to recover after exercise and allow muscles to repair and replenish energy stores. A good way to check if your body needs a break is to take your pulse first thing in the morning before you get out of bed: If it's more than 5 beats above normal the morning after a vigorous execise routine, exercise lightly or take the day off. You could get in the habit of working out every other day, but don't skip too many because you may fall out of your routine.


10. Carrying Around Extra Pounds

Gaining even 5 extra pounds can cause fatigue and put extra strain on your heart, which can make you tired. Exercise portion control and healthy eating habits with less junk food, sweets, and high fat foods.


11. Slouching

When the joints aren't aligned properely, the whole body has to work so much harder. The excess strain on your back and hips can make you feel tired and achy. A quick alignment check: Whether you're moving, sitting, or standing still, your head should be lined up over your body (not sticking out in front), so our ears are directly over your shoulders.


12. Too Much Noise

Noise is stress. Your pulse rate and blood pressure increase and your adrenaline surges. Anything that puts added stress on your nervous system eventually depletes your energy. It also causes you to work harder to comlpete tasks due to the added distraction and your constant effort to ignore the sound, resulting in increased fatigue. Make as much effort as possible to decrease unwanted and excessive noise in your work and home environment.

Helping You Through the Cold and Flu Season- Braces by Souris

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in the Fall, so it is a good idea to take extra precautions at this time of the year to help prevent the spread of germs. Dr. Souris and his staff promote a healthy and clean environment by giving a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in the office, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and the staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointment if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others. For your convenience, we even offer hand sanitizing solution and anti-bacterial soap at our reception room sink near the coffee area for those concerned about cross contamination. The key to preventing the spread of illness is to minmize exposure by proper sanitizing and hand washing.

Maintaining and protecting your toothbrush is also important to prevent the spread of bacteria. Some steps to follow that can help minmize contamination include:

*Wash your hands before and after brushing

*Allow time for your brush to air dry after each use. Harmful bacteria die after being adequately exposed to oxygen

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

*Replace the toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when the bristles appear worn.

Hope this helps! Stay Healthy!