Happy New Year

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Dr. Talbot & Team!

Season’s Greetings!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team
reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love
about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening
presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to
getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Don't forget to stick to the braces friendly foods this year!

--Dr. Talbot & Team

Ask Dr. Talbot: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Talbot can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

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

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff and Dr. Talbot can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, we will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• 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 your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at the orthodontic office of Dr. Richard Talbot are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make our each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments section, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Talbot and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here, feel free to give us a call.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here for us at Dr. Talbot's office, and now that Halloween is passed, we bet you and your families have begun to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Roseville and Citrus Heights communities. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Talbot & team would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

Getting Into the Spirit of Halloween

Team Talbot loves to get in the spirit of Halloween. We will be having our annual Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest. This is our opportunity to put our creative talents to work. We each choose our pumpkins (any size) and decorate it any way we choose. The only limitation on creativeness is there can be no carving or shaving of the pumpkin. We have had some very creative pumpkins in the past. Traditionally we have only been able to have patients and their families in during the week prior to Halloween be able to enjoy and “Vote” on their favorite masterpiece. This year we will take photos on Monday October 25th, post them on Facebook and invite all of our “fans” to vote on their favorite pumpkin!

As you know some traditional Halloween treats can wreak havoc on orthodontic appliances (and teeth!) so we’d like to share some healthy alternative treats: stickers, pencils, note pads, trading cards, or finger puppets. Ration the loot a little at a time. Always brush your teeth well after eating candy and before going to bed.

Celebrating the National Orthodontic Health Month

Promoting National Orthodontic Month is a treat in Dr. Talbot’s practice because it gives us another great reason to promote overall body health. Straight teeth look nice, but it is just as important to have teeth that function properly to maintain our nutritional needs.

Initial consultations are a great place to get a lot of information and plan for your orthodontic future. The AAO recommends that a child first be seen around age 7 or sooner if the general dentist makes a recommendation. October is also a great time to start for families, since it is a popular month for open enrollment for health benefits and health savings accounts for the upcoming year.

Braces and orthodontic appliances for children and adults are very easy to adapt to for all lifestyles. Many people feel they will have to deprive themselves of their favorite foods. We like to encourage patients that it is more about how you eat certain foods. It is important to avoid those very hard, sticky and chewy candies but someone with orthodontic appliances can have things like chocolate candy, Pirates Booty , cookies, ice cream, and brownies. There are still plenty of options for munchies and sweet treats .

Orthodontic fun facts

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Talbot & Team, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

We care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Talbot will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth and braces from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

Join Team Talbot in "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer"

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It’s that time of year again. This October our office will once again be participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We started our team, Team Talbot, eleven years ago.

In that time, unfortunately Team Talbot has been affected by a growing number of relatives, friends, patients and their families who are fighting this disease.

We are raising money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer because we know that the disease will likely touch someone we love in our lifetime, and we refuse to accept that without a fight. Our life is full of women who mean the world to us … mother, sister, wife, daughter, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, colleague … we care about them all. We hope you will find it in your heart to make a donation. Together, we will build a future where none of us will have to worry about breast cancer striking a woman we love.

This letter is your invitation to contribute to a wonderful cause in honoring the women who have been touched by this tragic disease. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible. All contributions, big or small will make a difference for millions of women. Enclosed is a self-addressed envelope for your convenience. Please make donations payable to American Cancer Society. You may also log on to the Making Strides website, http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/sacramento and donate online to Team Talbot.

Every step that you take, every dollar you donate will help the fight against breast cancer. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Kindest Regards,

Team Talbot

Ask Dr. Talbot: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Roseville & Citrus Heights, CA orthodontist Dr. Richard Talbot and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can increase your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Talbot can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

The importance of retainers, from Dr. Talbot & Team

If you recently completed treatment at either our Citrus Heights or Roseville offices, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Talbot will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always 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 us is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Roseville and Citrus Heights, CA areas!

Don't Forget About Our Summer Travel Contest!

Summer is here and it’s time to have some fun, So put on your Dr. Talbot t-shirt and get your camera ready! Our summer contest began in June, and we have been receiving some great entries so far! The contest ends September 2nd, so there is still time to enter-- but hurry! We've chosen a few weekly winners so far, but we will be giving away the grand prize in September, so stay tuned! You can email your entries to darlene@talbotortho.com

Straight Teeth for Happy Feet with Team Talbot

As we prepare for a new school year for many of our patients and their families, we reflect on how very fortunate we are. We all have places to go, people to see and things to buy as we prepare for school and the coming season.

We know there are many adults, youth and children in our community that do not have the “Luxury” of shoes that fit properly. So we are asking for your help in KICKING OFF our 2nd annual Straight Teeth for Happy Feet Shoe Drive. We are asking all of our families to donate new or gently used shoes. All donations can be dropped off at our Citrus Heights office (Richard Talbot, D.M.D., M.S. 8035 Madison Ave., Suite C. Citrus Heights, CA 95610).

Donations can also be left at Starbuck’s (Madison/Sunrise) or Starbucks at Madison/Date Ave.

It is unfortunate that so many people have to go without these basic necessities. Team Talbot would like to make a difference by partnering with you in helping out our community. THANK YOU so much for your support and participation in our community outreach project.

~Team Talbot

A Wonderful Patient Testimonial

Dr. Talbot and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, we have been receiving some great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share one of our favorites with you today! Happy Tuesday!

Dr. Talbot and Staff…

I was so overwhelmed at Lisa’s appointment yesterday I am not sure I gave all of you a proper thank you!!

All of you have been so good to us through out the years of treatment for Lisa, we can not thank you enough for always making Lisa feel like she was the most important patient in your office. From the smiley welcomes from the front desk to the assistants in the back, Lisa and I always feel welcome and important when we visit your office.

As for Dr. Talbot….Oh my gosh, we love you!! Thank you so much for giving my daughter the most amazing smile. We can not say enough how much we appreciate your amazing talent!!

Thank you too for the referral to Dr. O’Ryan, she is the most amazing surgeon and incredibly personable doctor, we couldn’t have asked for a better team to take care of our daughter!!

Thank you again ALL OF YOU, you are AMAZING!!

Lori B.

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm 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 orthodontists like Dr. Talbot.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Dr. Talbot a call!

What are patients saying about Dr. Richard Talbot & Team?

Dr. Talbot and team, serving Citrus Heights and Roseville, CA, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

Dear Dr. Talbot & Staff - Our daughter's teeth look GREAT! Thank you so much for your work-- it has made a great difference in her smile and life. Your knowledge, business ethics and flexibility are refreshing and much appreciated.

I can't express enough how wonderful it has been working with you. You are a great orthodontist and I'll always feel comfortable referring patients to you. Your warm, generous and outgoing personality has been a joy to work with. Again, thank you for taking care of our son.

Do you have an experience to share? Leave a comment here or on Facebook! Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Office Tour Video

Thank you for visiting Dr. Talbot's office. We would love to show you around!

Happy Independence Day from Dr. Talbot & Team

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Dr. Talbot and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page!

Getting Your Braces Off

Getting your braces off is an exciting moment! All the visits to our office and the months of hard work to care for and clean your braces has finally paid off! At Dr. Talbot's office, we believe your deband day is a big step, so we wanted to share a few videos of patients who recently got their braces off too!

Flossing and Braces Tips from Dr. Richard Talbot

Flossing is a must for patients with braces, we encouraging flossing at least once a day, in addition to brushing three times a day. There are plenty of ways to floss around your teeth and braces, but many people will find it difficult to get into all the nooks and crannies with the floss thread alone. 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. Finally, we recommend the Waterpik Power Flosser for patients who don't like to floss.

If you are having trouble flossing between your braces, ask us! We can show you how on your next appointment!

--Dr. Richard Talbot, orthodontist Citrus Heights & Roseville, CA

Dr. Talbot and Team Celebrating the National Smile Month

Did you know that June is National Smile Month? According to the American Dental Association, a person’s smile outranks their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature.

One of the many benefits in correcting your bite through orthodontics is the end result of a beautiful and healthy smile. Clean teeth and braces along with healthy gums definitely helps orthodontic treatment progress faster and creates a better smile. Good dental habits such as daily brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist are a must while you are in orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Talbot and his staff encourage you to be nice to your smile this summer. The change of season is a great time to start something new. We recommend that all of our patients use a Sonicare toothbrush. Sonicare has a new “orthodontic kit” that includes 6 replacement brush heads and has a 2 year guarantee. This new “orthodontic kit” is not available in stores but is available for you in our office, please ask us for details.

Our goal is to set you up for a beautiful lifelong smile. A Sonicare habit is a healthy habit. Celebrate National Smile Month and treat your family to a Sonicare.

We want to travel, too!

We are excited to announce our summer contest. We don’t all get to travel during the summer or get to do as many fun things as we hear you (our patients) talking about, so this year we thought it would be fun if you’d share your experiences with us and each other. So send us a photo of you wearing your Dr. Talbot t-shirt while you are enjoying your summer.

We want to see when and how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, great! If you are going camping, awesome! Even if you are staying at home, that can be fun, too. This is a contest for everyone. You can email it, facebook it, mail it, or bring it in at your appointment. We will have a weekly drawing for fabulous prizes beginning June 10th, then on September 2nd we will have a Grand Prize drawing.

So put on your Dr. Talbot t-shirt and get your camera ready. Summer is here and it’s time to have some fun. Email entries to darlene@talbotortho.com.

Putting Patients At Ease

Here at Dr. Talbot’s office we like to do everything we can to make our patients and their parents comfortable. We talk to parents at every visit, explain what we did today and we will be doing at the next visit. We send progress letters to both the general dentist and the parents every 6 months. This keeps parents informed even if they can’t come in for the appointments. We have a lot of patients who ride share with friends or grandparents and other family members who bring them in for appointments.

To make the “waiting” a little more pleasurable for those who bring our patients to their appointments we have installed a coffee bar and offer wireless internet access. We also serve snacks and drinks after school because we know patients often come straight from school and they are hungry!

We have recently changed our “incentive program” a little bit. We give patients tickets at each appointment to a drawing. Patients can earn tickets for arriving to their appointment on time, getting an A on their brushing, nothing loose or broken, wearing appliances as instructed, wearing their Dr. Talbot t-shirt, and/or answering the trivia question. We draw on of these tickets out monthly for a pair of movie passes and then another one out at the end of each quarter for an iPod Nano. Patients LOVE this program!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Talbot for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Talbot to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Going Green in Citrus Heights and Roseville, CA with Dr. Talbot!

At the orthodontic offices of Dr. Richard D. Talbot, we care about making the world a better, happier place, and we know that you do too. So we’d like to take this opportunity to let you know what our office is doing to help preserve our planet and its resources.

We are a mostly paperless office. We switched to electronic charting about 4 years ago and have been moving the direction of using less and less paper ever since. We have been using digital x-rays for about 6 years now and anytime we share x-rays or any treatment information we transmit that information electronically using a secure site rather than printing and mailing. We have recently sent out a survey to you, our patients, asking if you prefer to receive correspondence from us electronically, by mail or both. We are finding that more and more people are communicating via the computer, whether it is via our web site, email, or even these social networks! This makes communication faster and greener, because we aren't using paper!

We have also recently installed a recycle bin for all our cardboard boxes, plastic containers, etc. Finally, we re-use paper and print on the back side whenever possible. What efforts have you taken in your own life to be greener and more sustainable? We'd love to hear about them!

Invisalign® Tips, from Dr. Talbot

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Talbot wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment with Dr. Talbot, give us a call!

The Braces Cookbook: Kid Tested, Orthodontist Approved!

The wisdom of the ages tells us that necessity is the mother of invention. Brenda Waterman, age thirteen, offers new proof of this proverb. When getting braces mandated cutting a list of foods out of her diet – including her much-loved treat of caramel apples – she devised a work-around recipe that let her indulge her craving. This clever replacement for caramel apples was the inspiration for The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love, which Brenda created along with her mom, Pam Waterman.

Anyone with braces knows that it's important to avoid sticky foods, crunchy foods, hard foods, chewy foods, and so on. It's easy to look at the list and think, "What can I eat?" The Watermans' new book tackles that question with creative and thorough answers in the form of 50 braces-friendly recipes, plus additional tips and advice – enough to reassure any doubter.

Neatly divided into chapters such as Definitely Deserved Desserts and Be-Nice-To-Me Beverages, The Braces Cookbook offers a broad assortment of recipes from main courses and sides to breakfasts and snacks. An all-around guide, the book also offers suggestions for packing lunches, preparing quick meals, and handling parties and restaurants, where the food selection isn't under your control. There's even a section of tips for dealing with the soreness that can arise in teeth and gums when braces are adjusted.

Purchase The Braces Cookbook for your kitchen, and pick up an extra copy or two – they make great gifts!

--Dr. Richard Talbot, Orthodontist Citrus Heights and Roseville, CA

Ask Dr. Talbot: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Talbot 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, as well as your life!

-Dr. Richard Talbot, Orthodontist in Roseville and Citrus Heights, CA

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Talbot

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Talbot took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call! We'd love to hear from you.

The Benefits of Smiling

Great news to report this Friday afternoon! People with big, happy smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a recent study conducted at Wayne State University.

Dr. Talbot & team know that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something interesting: they used the Baseball Register to review close-up smiles of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 by studying their smile intensity (ranging from wide smile, no smile and partial smile).

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with life longevity, such as body mass index, career length and, believe it or not, college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling only lived to the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big, wide smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

Our staff's take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting us? If not, give us a call and have a great weekend!

New Smiles!

Dr. Talbot and the team love to celebrate when our patients have their braces put on, and when they have them removed too! We post photos of each patient's big day on our facebook page, check them out today!

March is National Nutrition Month!

It's March, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. This March, Dr. Talbot and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.
Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area.

• Make every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.
• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Easy, 24/7 access to your account information

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

--Dr. Talbot

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Talbot started out in dental school and earned a DMD (dental degree). After dental school however, Dr. Talbot decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Imagining your life with Invisalign®

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Talbot and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Talbot will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Richard Talbot and his staff are committed to excellence in orthodontics. Our goal as a practice is to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment available in a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Talbot looks forward to helping you achieve the healthiest and most attractive smile possible.

Since 1984, Dr. Talbot has been serving Citrus Heights, Roseville, and the surrounding communities. He is a California native, and he understands the needs and expectations of his patients. Before becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Talbot received many years of training and experience. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO; then, he was selected for an additional two years of graduate training and received his Masters of Science (MS) Degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Talbot is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He is an Invisalign® Certified Provider and is recognized for providing surgical, adult, and child orthodontics.

Dr. Talbot is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the Sacramento District Dental Society, Seattle Study club, and the Sierra Study Club. Through these organizations, Dr. Talbot is given the opportunity to participate in continuing education in all aspects of orthodontics.