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!

Sharing a Special Thank You from Braces by Souris!

We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all of our patients for passing along the word about us to your friends and family year after year. You're a big part of the reason we continue to work hard at what we love to do!

Unlike dentists, who often share a long term relationship with their patients, we complete our work in a relatively short time frame of about 2 years or less. In many cases, our new patients come from our old patients!

Many people come to us seeking treatment based on recommendations from people like you who know us and trust us after enjoying previous orthodontic experiences with our office! All health care professionals depend on the confidence of their patients, and referrals are the best illustration of our patient's satisfaction with our work.

Thank you for your continued support. We really appreciate it!

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/!

Is Sugar Bad for Your Heart?

Here is a brief review of an article I read at eatingwell.com. Americans consume 355 calories (22 teaspoons) of added sugars a day according to a recent study. Added sugars are those added to food by consumers or manufacturers. "Reducing added sugars will reduce cardiovascular disease risk", says Rachel Johnson, Ph. D., R.D., chair of the American Heart Association (AHA) writing group for the AHA scientific statement on sugars and cardiovascular disease. "High intakes of added sugars are linked with increased risks for high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels, risk factors for heart disease".

Recently the AHA recommended limiting added sugars, advising that women eat no more than 100 calories per day from added sugars, or about 6 teaspoons, and men should stick to less than 150 calories, approximately 9 teaspoons. A 12 ounce can of cola has about 8 teaspoons.

These recommendations apply only to added sugars which supply calories but no nutritional value, and not to sugars that occur naturally in healthful foods (fructose in fruits, lactose in dairy). It's fairly easy to keep track of sugars you add yourself, but added sugars in processed foods are more difficult to follow. "Sugars" on Nutrition Facts panels include natural and added sugars. Check the ingredient list for sugar and all its aliases: corn syrup, honey, molasses, etc. In general, the closer sugars are to the top of the list, the more the food contains. A list of added sugars includes: corn sweetener, fruit juice concentrates, high fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, malt sugar, molasses, syrup and sugar ending in "ose" (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose).

Invisalign Teen at Braces by Souris!

Image is everything, and Dr. Souris knows that! At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal braces and wires attached to the teeth can have a big impact on the already delicate confidence of today's teens.But....there is an alternative to traditional braces! Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free clear alternative to traditional braces that allows you to have straight teeth without loosing self-confidence!

How does it work? Invisalign teen works in the same way as Invisalign- you wear a series of clear plastic retainers (aligners) that are changed every two weeks and slowly straighten your teeth. However, there are a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers' lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen has compliance markers that are built into each set of aligners that fade from dark to light during the two week period to help indicate proper and adequate wear of the aligners. Also, each treatment comes with up to six free replacement aligners in case the originals end up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment time varies from 12 to 18 months and depends on the diffficulty of each individual case. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please visit our website at http://www.bracesbysouris.com/ or call us at 440-734-1146 to schedule a free consultation!

9 Foods That Reduce Stress

Thought you might enjoy this summary of a recent health article I read on MSN health by Marie Claire!

Oranges

A German study found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful incident. Vitamin C can also boost your immune system.

Sweet Potatoes

They are great for satisfying the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress. They contain a large amount of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps you process the carbohydratyes in a slow, steady manner.

Dried Apricots

They are rich in magnesium which is a stress reducer and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts

Almonds contain B and E vitamins for your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

Turkey

It contains the amino acid L-tryptophan which has a documented calming effect. It also triggers the release of serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical which makes you feel relaxed or even tired.

Spinach

One cup of spinach gives you 40 percent of your daily magnesium needs. A lack of magnesium can lead to migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue.

Salmon

A study has shown that omega-3 fatty acids keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking. Also, let's not forget that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids can protect against heart disease.

Avocados

They contain monosaturated fats and potassium which help lower blood pressure.One of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium, and avocados have more in them than bananas.

Green Vegetables

Broccoli, kale, and other dark vegetables are a valuable source of vitamins that replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Why Is It So Impotant 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 wonderful smile, 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.

Since they are easier to keep clean, straight teeth are less prone to decay and gum disease because they collect less plaque and tartar (calcified plaque). In some instances, progressive gum disease can result in tissue loss, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. Patients are often referred to our office to help them maintain the long term health of their teeth and not necessarily for cosmetic reasons. Recently, the inflammation associated with gum disease has even been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease!

If you're wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 440-734-1146 or visit us at our website at www.bracesbysouris.com. Dr. Souris can help you decide whether or not you would benefit from orthodontic treatment.