A few Halloween safety tips, from Dr. Talbot & team

Team Talbot loves to get in the spirit of Halloween. Our annual Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest is an 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.

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.

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

October is National Orthodontic Health Month at Dr. Talbot's office!

Did you know that October is not only a month of celebrating fall and the beginning of the holiday season but October is National Orthodontic Month. What does that mean? Celebrating National Orthodontic Month means taking one more opportunity to educate people on the importance of orthodontics and what it can do for you.

Many people think that orthodontics is just about braces and getting straight, pretty teeth. It is so much more than just “straightening teeth”. It is important to know that the “function” of teeth can be even more important than a beautiful smile. When you “bite” fits correctly it eliminates many problems in the future such as improper wear of the teeth and jaw joints, tooth pain, and potential problems with digestion caused by inability to chew your food efficiently. The position of your teeth and supporting facial structures also affects the way we age “gracefully”.

A beautiful, straight and healthy smile gives individuals a self-confidence to look up and smile at the world. National Orthodontic Health Month is a great time to explore the possibilities of orthodontics for you and your family. Come and see how we can help you plan your future of a happy, straight smile!

Year-end insurance reminder from Dr. Talbot

Do you have unused funds left in your flexible spending, or health savings account? Do you need to plan for your next year’s FSA? Call our office today and we can help you utilize your FSA to get the maximum benefits for this year and plan for next year.

Dr. Talbot & team tend to get busy towards the end of the year—don’t wait to give us a call!!

Don't skip those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Talbot wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Talbot's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

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!

October marks 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.