What is your New Year’s Resolution?

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was for us at Salins Orthodontics! Today, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year’s resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

We hope all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in the San Francisco Bay Area have a safe and happy New Year!!

Smile wider, live longer, from Salins Orthodontics

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Our team has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite 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, no smile or partial smile). The players’ smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren’t smiling in the photos died at the 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.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile with Salins Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

Share your smile with the world

Check out this new link if you are thinking of getting braces!!

http://bracesbrigade.ws-wr.com/

Staying connected with Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

The common cold is back

Here we go again: it's officially cold and flu season, and once again time to remind our patients at Salins Orthodontics to try and steer clear of that cold that's been going around lately.

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

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Salins 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!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong 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
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Tongue piercings linked to gap between teeth

by British Dental Health Foundation
Playing with a pierced tongue stud could lead to a gap between the front teeth. A new study suggested that tongue piercings could be a major cause of unnecessary orthodontic issues. The report claimed that those with tongue piercings were likely to push the metal stud up against their teeth and consequently cause gaps and other problems to arise.
The research was carried out at the University at Buffalo in New York.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said the study highlighted the risks that tongue piercings have on oral health.
“It’s certainly something to think about before going out to get a tongue piercing. The temptation of playing with the stud in the mouth would be very high and in time this could lead to hundreds of pounds worth of corrective treatment,” Dr Carter said. “The results of this study stress the risks that are associated with tongue piercings. As well as causing an apparent gap, oral piercings can also lead to chipped teeth and infection.”
“In order to avoid such health problems in the future, along with the spiraling costs of any related treatment, I would advise people to stay clear of tongue piercings,” Dr Carter said.
Sawsan Tabbaa, lead author of the study, said that “force, over time, moves teeth” and that the results are caused by people playing with their studs crop up in a “very high percent of the cases.”
A professor of orthodontics at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Tabbaa, explained that tooth damage was common in both past and current case studies.
The current study featured a 26 year-old female patient and showed that a space between the upper front teeth had appeared during a period of seven years, as the metal bar was pushed against and between the teeth.
The patient provided researchers with photographs to show that she had no diastema before having her tongue pierced. It was strongly thought that positioning of the tongue stud between the maxillary central incisors caused the midline space between the front teeth.
The only solution was for the patient to wear a fixed brace for an extensive period of time.
The author concluded that tongue piercings could result in serious injuries, not just to teeth but said they have also been associated with haemorrhages, infections, trauma to the gums and, in the worst cases, brain abscesses.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics

Orthodontist uses brackets to treat injured tortoise

A tortoise in Charlotte County, Fla, has a local orthodontist to thank for its new lease on life. After getting clipped by a car, the tortoise was left with a cracked shell that left it in pain every time it moved its legs, according to WINK News.

Robin Jenkins, DVM, at the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, Fla, called his daughter’s orthodontist, Kay O’Leary, DDS, Port Charlotte, Fla, for help. Turns out, the acrylic used for retainers also sticks to shells.

“It took four of us to hold the pieces, there were four pieces, to get the pieces all lined back up so we could actually apply some brackets to hold some wires to pull those pieces together,” said O’Leary.

The brackets added stability and held the shell together, which should speed up the healing process. They also allow the injury to breathe so bacteria can be washed out more easily.

In honor of O’Leary’s help, the tortoise, who is still recovering, has been named O’Leary. Eventually the tortoise will be set free. According to O’Leary, the braces will fall off on their own.

How to brush your teeth

Most of our patients maintain a twice-daily brushing routine; however, not everyone knows the professionally recommended technique. Help to avoid cavities and gum disease by watching this short brushing video.

http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/How-to-Brush/video

What Is the Right Way to Brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the chewing surfaces
For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too
Click here for information on Colgate toothbrushes

Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. To find the right Colgate toothbrush for you, click here.

How Important is the Toothpaste I Use?
It is important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you. To find the right Colgate toothpaste for you, click here.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every six months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.

Researchers say the best teeth whitener is fruit

A recent study by Harvard University revealed that eating fruit daily is the best way to whiten teeth. Through a three-month clinical study, it was determined that strawberries, orange peels, and lemon juice are the most effective teeth whiteners in the world.

Strawberries can be made into a puree and smothered on the teeth.
Strawberries have a natural enzyme that removes tooth stains, according to TeethWhitener.net. Orange peels can be used to remove tooth stains, just by rubbing the inside of a peel against tooth surfaces.
A little lemon juice and salt work very well to remove stains just wash your mouth out with this, or even rock salt and warm water will work at night to remove stains.

Baking soda has long been known to work wonders for smiles. It may taste awful, however adding baking soda on a toothbrush along with mouthwash can help alleviate the negative taste. Also a strawberry mixture added to baking soda/peroxide not only adds a sweet taste to the concotion, but is yet another effective whitener.
It is best to not drink coffee, tea, colas or red wine, which are all known to stain teeth and cause some decay of the enamel. Apples and potatoes can cause discoloration, but they also tend to clean off the teeth. Mouth washing is important after eating apples.

Also, stop or slow down tobacco use, as both dipping and smoking can cause tooth discoloration. Avoid mouthwash, as it sometimes will stain teeth. Finally, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Going to the dentist once or twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is strongly suggested.

Smoke Screen with Dr. Salins

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Salins Orthodontics We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

YUCK!? The GROSS Truth about Morning Breath!

Well doesn’t this article just want to make you brush your teeth…again and again and again. Written by Howard Bennett for “KidsPost”, it gives some insight as to why we all get “morning breath”. Don’t knock anyone over trying to get to the sink to freshen up tomorrow morning. Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Monday, June 28, 2010
It's a cozy Sunday morning as you sneak into your parents' bedroom for some snuggle time. You carefully slip between your mom and dad, feeling the warmth of their bodies. Then your mom turns over, smiles gently and pulls you close for a little kiss. However, instead of the inviting smell you normally associate with your mom, you are enveloped in the foulest breath that has ever left a human body!
How could someone who looks so good on the outside smell so bad on the inside? When you complain about your mom's breath, she tries to convince you that yours is just as bad. You're sure she's wrong. After all, when you exhale into your hands and sniff, your breath smells fine.
Is your mom right? Does your morning breath smell just as bad as hers? If it does, whose idea was it to turn the human mouth into a garbage can after a night of blissful sleep?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but your mom is right. It's a fact that people are unable to smell their own breath.
The human mouth is home to billions of bacteria. These microscopic organisms don't make you sick, but they grow like weeds on every structure in your mouth: tongue, teeth, gums, cheeks, etc. And like all living things, bacteria produce waste products. It is their waste products that give your parents (and you) such horrible breath in the morning.
People can have bad breath during the day as well, but something happens at night that makes the problem much worse when you wake up. Because you don't eat or drink when you sleep, huge numbers of bacteria that would normally be washed down your throat have the opportunity to "party" til dawn. And as those bacteria gorge themselves and reproduce, they foul the air around them.
However, instead of being mad at these invisible fiends, you should pity them. As soon as you wake up, eat breakfast and brush your teeth, most of them will be swallowed and killed by the acids in your stomach.
-- Howard Bennett

Howard Bennett, a Washington pediatrician and author of health-related books for kids, writes about gross things for KidsPost

Top ten tips for keeping your braces, and teeth clean!

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. - e.e. cummings

Salins Orthodontics Reminding You To Smile This June! National Smile Month

It’s June already! Where does the time go? We know our patients have plenty to smile about, with graduations, and summer just around the corner, but we are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month! This is a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! Congratulations to all the recent grads!

Salins Orthodontics supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Did you know the month of May is observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Reagan encouraged people to incorporate more activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more important today as kids are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can - and do - improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided some public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for children and teenagers to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Salins Orthodontics we encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Ask Dr. Salins: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Salins call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and, yes, even your appearance.

Dr. Salins will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Salins Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Smile now, smile later, smile often!

Great news! People with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Researchers there looked at photos of 230 baseball players who began their careers prior to 1950 - and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers of course then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, YES, even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old!

So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Salins Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Celebs get braces, too! From Salins Orthodontics

Yep, it's true. Back in 2002, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise had braces, and during this time he was 40 years old! During this time, Cruise filmed the films Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out Cruise's smile in Jerry Maguire, The Firm or Rain Man and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without help from orthodotnists

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this list of famous names, courtesy of ABC News. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please call Salins Orthodontics. We're waiting to have you LIVE LIFE SMILING!

Mom's For Mouthguards

At Salins Orthodontics, we want you and your family to Live Life Smiling. I see too many front teeth damaged, broken and/or knocked out during summer sports such as basketball, football, and karate. We want all out families and children to have mouthguards to protect their teeth as they are growing in.

Please have your friends and children's friends contact the office for a Free Custom Made Mouthguard they can use. (this offer is only good for children between the ages of 9-14).

http://www.momsformouthguards.org/
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Facts About Kids and Sports Safety

Former football great and father of four, Emmitt Smith has teamed up with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to provide tips and information on how to best protect athlete’s smiles during recreational and organized sports.

* Injuries can happen at any age or skill level – More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. *

o Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.*

* Mouth guard use is very low – 67% of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard – yet, 70% say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.**

o One out of every four (27%) parents say their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room.**

* Most coaches and leagues are not advising the use of mouth guards – Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it's because the league or coach does not require it.**

* Hard hits occur no matter what the sport – The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car.***

o Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls' athletics.****

* Children with braces need to wear mouth guards – One out of every three (31%) parents say their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing an organized sport.*

o Lacerations can occur if an orthodontic patient´s mouth is not properly protected.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
** American Association of Orthodontists
*** eFastball.com
**** MSNBC.com

Retainers and You - By Salins Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Salins Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Salins will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth have the ability to shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Salins is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.) OUT OF YOUR FACE - IN YOUR CASE!
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

EARTH HOUR

Three years ago in Sydney, Australia, 2.2 million homes and businesses disconnected from the modern world by turning off cell phones, televisions, computers, video games AND the lights for one hour. This was a stand against climate change and marks the very first Earth Hour. One year later, Earth Hour became a global movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Major global landmarks such at the Sydney Harbor Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Rome’s Coliseum, all braved the darkness as a symbol of hope for our earth’s future.

In March of 2009, Earth Hour had grown and hundreds of millions of people participated. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries took a one hour time out to pledge their support for the planet. This was the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

This year Earth Hour is on Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 pm (local time). This is your chance to stand up, take responsibility, get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future for all mankind. So sign up now and make 2010’s Earth Hour the BIGGEST yet!

Dr. Salins Answers, "Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?"

No one is "too old" for treatment. A few weeks ago, we blogged about who benefits from braces and thought we'd get a bit more specific and discuss adult orthodontics. Recently, there was an article that reported adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest—rather wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our Manhattan Beach and El Segundo offices can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Orthodontic treatment at Salins Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and our staff knows adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Salins would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Ask Salins Orthodontics: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Salins will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment; whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Dr. Salins supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing traditional braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Salins is available to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited Salins Orthodontics lately? Give us a call!

Mouth guards and sports injuries, with Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. We also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Salins Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Salins may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Salins Orthodontics.

Wake Up!! It's Thursday! SMILE!

This is AWESOME - Some people are so talented!!! Hope you enjoy too...

NO SMILE FOR YOU!

Well here is something interesting! Can you imagine NOT smiling when you get your picture taken for you driver license? Sure…you just stood in a long line and more likely so than not brought the wrong paperwork with you to the DMV… BUT there is a camera in your face and for most, it’s impossible not to flash your pearly whites.

However, despite our natural need to say “CHEESE”, the authorities “Down Under” and now in four states are asking applicants NOT to smile! Such a change as we head into an even more technological world. Check it out…
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Why You Won't Smile For Your Future Driver's LicenseWhen Science Hits Your ID
Posted: Jan, 22 2010
by Jonathon Ramsey
To see the original article, please click here.

It seems that it won't be long before you'll find facial recognition technology when you apply for a driver's license. And as a result, you better wipe that smile off your face.

In fact, the technology is already in place in Australia. When Aussie drivers apply for licenses they'll have their pictures taken, and the new software will then measure three distances: the spaces between the eyes, nose, and mouth.

License applicants won't notice a drastic difference in the process, but they'll notice they are asked not to smile while the photo is being taken. The machines require a "neutral expression" in order to pick up the correct measurements. According to creators of the facial recognition software, two photos of the same person can be mismatched if there is a strong expression in one versus the other.

Why all the fancy technology? Australia is using the calculations in comparison to the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) database, and if it appears that an applicant is trying to get a license under a different name the system will flag the authorities.

Although it's stated that the "system is designed to prevent people who have had their license taken away from applying for a second one," stopping "license cheats" is only the skin-deep argument.

The deeper issue is identity theft. According to David Borger, the state of New South Wales' assistant transport minister, "Identity fraud costs Australia more than $3.5 billion a year." That's about a third of a percent of the nation's entire gross domestic product, almost as much as New South Wales spends on its entire road system in a year.

If it sounds like things are getting all Minority Report in the land Down Under, well, that's nothing compared to what could potentially happen in the U.S.

In fact, four states already implement the "no smiling" rule, including Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. Over 30 in the U.S. have a digital photography capture for their identification cards.

Between the security measures states are adding, the trials of Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs), the federal government's Real ID program, and corporations actively planning for higher security, a mere RFID chip is going to look like the 19th century when you could just write an "X" to sign your name.

And unsurprisingly, a number of people aren't exactly happy about it.

To be honest, though, this isn't just about gathering information. Just with the records currently stored by your driver's license, cell phone and wireless carrier, Internet Service Provider, credit card companies, Facebook, and even your Amazon Kindle, the authorities only need a few phone calls to build a good profile and history on you.

Wisconsin started comparing digital driver's license photos to those in its database back in 2005. In 2008, New Mexico began comparing photos to its own database and to a national database called the Problem Driver Pointer System. Last year Virginia began taking photos at the beginning of the application process so it can figure out if you're who you say you are before any paperwork gets shuffled. It also began issuing licenses from one central location instead of passing them over-the-counter at regional DMV offices.

On the national level, the Department of Homeland Security's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is encouraging institution and study of Enhanced Driver's Licenses that will allow border crossings in North America. More than an ID but less than a passport, it is currently available in some border states and only to U.S. citizens. In fact, even the people who issue the EDL must be American citizens. The EDL must contain an RFID chip, and some, like New York's EDL, have additional machine readable zones (MRZs) that contain license information.

But the grandaddy is the Real ID, another Homeland Security program, which has been delayed a few times as individuals, states, and even Congressional representatives have fought it. Final nationwide implementation set for 2014 or 2017 depending on when you were born, and while there is no reason it couldn't get pushed back again, there is every reason to believe that its adoption is inevitable.

The Real ID, effectively a national identity card, will require issuers will go through background checks and all information will be centrally stored.

The expected pockets of opposition to all of this come from various corners, from those worried about privacy to those worried about gun rights, terrorism, and even identity fraud.

Thankfully, there is an out: about a dozen states still allow you to get driver's licenses that don't even have photos on them.

10 Reasons to Smile:

Hello faithful Salins Orthodontics friends and fans! A very happy New Year to you and yours. All of us here at Salins Orthodontics hope that you had a warm and happy holiday season and are as excited about 2010 as we are!

Optimism is in the air and it smells good…

So this is just a note to all of you… and those curious folks in cyber world that have stumbled upon our fun little blog… a note that will hopefully make you smile now and encourage you to do so each and every day of the year that lies ahead.

I found this article on the website about.com. Here is the link if you would like to read it in its entirety: http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongbeauty/tp/smiling.htm

1. Smiling Makes You More Attractive
People are drawn to other people who smile. It is instinct to want to know a smiling person and to try and figure out what’s so good.

2. Smiling Changes Your Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile! Chances are your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious
Don’t spread germs…spread smiles! When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others and make things generally happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them!

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress has a habit of showing up on your face. Smiling can help to prevent you from looking tired, worn down and overwhelmed. When you feel the stress coming on, put on a smile!

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling can help the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves. This could possibly be because you are more relaxed and surrounded by happy people. Prevent the cold and flu and by smiling!

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try! If you have a blood pressure monitor at home take a reading. Then smile for about a minute and take another reading while you are still smiling…do you see a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Smiling is a natural drug that will make you feel good!

8. Smiling Lifts Your Face And Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face and therefore can make you look younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day! It’s a great way to look younger and feel better!

9. Smiling Makes You More Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted and more approachable. When the doors to your bright future open, great it with a smile! Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this simple test: Smile. Now, try to think of something negative without loosing your smile. It’s a difficult thing to do. When our mouths are smiling, our brain is sending out the message “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by simply smiling.


So as 2010 makes itself comfortable in your life, remember this: You can be a super hot, happy, stress free, healthy, successful, positive person that spreads good cheer, enjoys a natural high and generally rocks if you just SMILE!

Read more: http://smilesaroundthebay.blogspot.com/