Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us!

Cold and flu season is here! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that a common cold and its symptoms can last up to two weeks. To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Souris and his staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in both offices at all times. They follow all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces for the protection of their patients as well as themselves. They always ask that their patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others. Remember, constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill. Stay Healthy!

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!

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.

What's So Bad About Nail Biting?

We've all heard that nail biting is an awful habit, so we took the time to review an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your teeth and your oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit amoung various age groups including children, teens, and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress. That being said, it is unsanitary, unattractive, and unhealthy for your teeth. Here's why:

*It's unsanitary. Your nails are twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, they are a big source of unwanted germs and bacteria.

*It can have unhealthy effects on your teeth. Nail biting causes you to constantly chew with your teeth, and this excessive motion can wear your front teeth faster and cause unwanted movement of your teeth due to the constant pressure.

*Braces don't love it either. Nail biting can damage the appliances and put unnecessary pressure on your teeth beyond what the braces are already applying, resulting in increased discomfort and stressing of the roots.

*Finally, it can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one's lifetime according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Now is a good time to think about breaking your habit and helping with the long term health of your teeth. If you have any additional questions about your teeth, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-734-1146.

Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially if it is noticable to family and friends. It can, however, be prevented or at least controlled. Bad breath, or as doctors call it- "halitosis", is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and releases sulfur compounds which make your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils released by those foods. Smoking is another major cause of bad breath.

Here are some myths and truths surrounding bad breath:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. You will still need to brush and floss regularly, as mouthwash alone will not kill all the odor causing bacteria in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose come with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval!

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

Brushing your teeth can definitely help prevent bad breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth at least two times a day for about 2 minutes to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It's also very important to brush your tongue, which is where the 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, than my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption because the breath you exhale when you breath out is not the same as the breath that leaves your mouth when you talk. When you breathe, you are not using your throat as much as you do when you are talking. When you talk, more breath moves over the back of your mouth where the bacteria causing the odor are located.

TRUTH #1: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (for at least 2 minutes, and don't forget the tongue), floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist every six months...This way your breath stands the best chance of always being fresh!

Invisalign Teen at Braces by Souris: What Parents Should Know

Invisalign Teen has become an up and coming treatment for our younger patients because it provides an option for them to achieve a straight, healthy smile without anyone noticing! Unlike traditional metal braces, teens using the Invisalign Teen system can remove the aligners (they look like clear retainers), allowing them to eat just about anything without worrying about breaking their braces. This also makes teeth easier to brush and keep clean during treatment.

There are several things for parents to remember when considering their options for orthodontic treatment. For example, the cost of Invisalign varies depending on your teen's specific case, but can often be comparable to treatment with traditional braces. At our office we strive to make orthodontics affordable for everyone, and we can determine the cost for your teen during our initial complimentary consultation. We can also determine if your child is a good candidiate for Invisalign Teen and discuss our available interest free financing options if necessary.

Dr. Souris was one of the first certified in the Cleveland area and is a premier provider, meaning that we are one of the most experienced practices in the area with the Invisalign system. Please feel free to call and schedule a comlpimentary consultation with our office at 440-734-1146 or visit us at our website: www.bracesbysouris.com.

Mooooove Over Gum Disease from Braces By Souris!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology has found that regular consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese , and yogurt can lower your chances of getting gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that effects the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. Gum disease can result in loss of bone and ultimately loss of teeth, and it has also been linked to increased risks associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese or a glass of milk and remember you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, contact us at Braces by Souris!

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign from Braces by Souris!

Our office knows that people are curious about Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. We thought we would share a few of the more common questions and answers about Invisalign, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with all types of orthodontic treatment, the cost depends on the complexity of the case. Dr. Souris can discuss the treatment cost for your particular problem at your free consultation!

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: In short, yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic practices all over the country, Invislaign has proven to be effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Each patient should review their coverage since dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy. If a patient has orthodontic coverage, however, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as traditional braces.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look very similar to clear tooth-whitening trays but are custom made for a better fit. A new set is placed every 2 weeks and they slowly straighten your teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as "contact lenses for the teeth".

Q: What are the aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q:How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

A: Aligners, much like braces and wires, move teeth by proper application of controlled forces on the teeth. Invisalign, however, not only controls the forces but the timing of the force application. The result is an efficient force delivery system.

If you want to learn more about Invisalign, please feel free to contact our office at 440-734-1146 or visit our website at http://www.bracesbysouris.com/!