Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is here!

Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:  

Watermelon Sorbet  

Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind  

Directions In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

Kids getting braces at a younger age

Dr. Gregory Scott will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and fourteen, and the folks at the AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Scott to assess what the best age for treatment is.
Hope this helps! Give Scott Orthodontic Associates a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Scott Orthodontic Associates, a Pursuit of Excellence

At Scott Orthodontic Associates we make every effort to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment. For us that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help Dr. Scott do that. Some of them are:

1. Using the most up to date and proven technologies available

2. Spending time and resources on continuing education to stay current and relevant

3. Training our entire team on new techniques

4. Educating our patients about the pursuit of excellence

If you or a family member has been thinking about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you.

What parts make up your Braces?

If you ever sustain damage to your braces, you should call Scott Orthodontic Associates right away. We will be able to help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.


Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.
Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.
Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.
Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.
Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.
Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.
Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.
Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Carmel, Candy Canes, and Chocolate..Oh MY!! Tips to Keep your BRACES Sparklin' Clean This Holiday.

With holiday candy around every corner, Scott Orthodontics knows that it can be particularly hard this time of year to keep your braces clean. But, you should remember that 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 10 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!

We hope this helps. Happy Holidays!

Dr. Scott and Team

Staying connected with Scott Orthodontic Associates

Dr. Scott and our team at Scott Orthodontic Associates love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind.

Although social media is hugely popular these days, Dr. Scott knows it is unpredictable and ever-changing. Today, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts on Facebook or give us a call!

Dr. Scott wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why we are helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Gregory Scott will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please 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 Dr. Scott and team are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Dr. Scott or ask us on Facebook.

Ask Dr. Scott: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Great question. With fall season upon, we know the dreaded cold and flu season is, too. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Gregory Scott and our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush.

Germs can 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!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call Scott Orthodontic Associates at (863) 709-1941 if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Facebook Halloween contest through Nov. 8!

Okay guys, Halloween is officially one week away, so don't forget to post a picture of yourselves in your Halloween costume so you can be entered in the contest to win the iPod touch or some gift cards!! Post your pic by November 8th!!!

We're looking forward to seeing those creative costumes!

Scott Orthodontic Associates, helping you understand cavities

Dr. Gregory Scott and our team at Scott Orthodontic Associates know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach (this is especially important since you're wearing braces)
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Hope this helps! Questions? Give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

At Scott Orthodontic Associates, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and we wanted to remind our patients in braces to be careful when they bite into their treats. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time at Scott Orthodontic Associates!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists put a great deal of effort into creating some delicious (and braces-friendly) recipes you can enjoy this Halloween season! Enjoy!

- Dr. Scott and team

"My daughter is seven years old - when should I bring her in for a consultation?"

Great question! Dr. Gregory Scott will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Scott and our staff to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Tell Dr. Scott what’s on your mind!

Week after week, Dr. Gregory Scott and our creative team at Scott Orthodontic Associates blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer.

This week, though, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

Fall is almost upon us, which means it's a great time for Dr. Gregory Scott and our staff to remind our patients (especially you athletes) to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports, as well as leisure sports this fall. Let's face it: this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're playing soccer in the local park or preparing for high school football.

With September being National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, our entire staff at Scott Orthodontic Associates want you to know that only by using a mouth guard can athletes with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient Lakeland office, we encourage you to ask Dr. Scott for a mouth guard, and we will provide one! For more info on sports injuries and how to avoid them, check out this article.

We hope you've had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!

Invisalign and your oral health, from Dr. Gregory Scott

When considering treatment options here in Lakeland, patients often ask Dr. Gregory Scott how Invisalign treatment is so different than wearing traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health.

Here's how:

*Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

*Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

*Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, please give us a call at (863) 709-1941. We look forward to hearing from you - have a great weekend.

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Scott Orthodontic Associates, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Lakeland and surrounding communities. Well, hey, we also enjoy connecting with them online. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Scott and staff on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/LakelandOrthodontics. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so be sure to check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!

National Smile Week at Scott Orthodontic Associates

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Scott Orthodontic Associates to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment! This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting your general dentist as recommended.

There are two main reasons to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment:

• To keep the teeth and gums clean so the teeth won't rot and the gums won't recede away (you'd want to keep your teeth clean for this reason whether or not you are having orthodontic treatment).

• Clean teeth and healthy gums will promote better tooth movement with a healthier result. It may sound absurd, but your body has only so much energy to spend on your mouth so when it is busy fighting decay and periodontal disease, tooth movement slows down considerably.

Another great reason to smile is this: smiling can actually help you live longer according to a new study! So keep smiling and have a great rest of the summer!

“Hey, Dr. Scott! Any truth to those rumors about orthodontics?”

Lakeland orthodontist Dr. Gregory Scott and our team know there are many myths circulating about orthodontics lately. However, before you buy into these myths, we think you should get the facts! Our staff came across a great site recently that helps set the record straight - literally. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Scott Orthodontic Associates, please feel free to give us a call at (863) 808-0126!

We hope you had a relaxing weekend!

Tell us: what's on your reading list this summer?

With summer 2010 in full swing, Dr. Scott and staff wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading and keeping your mind sharp. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, reading is always fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we'd be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Lakeland for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! We encourage you to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

The Braces Brigade - be a part of it this summer! From Dr. Scott

Calling all past and current patients of Dr. Scott's! Have you ever thought about sharing your experience in braces in writing, then we've got the perfect opportunity for you! This summer, the American Association of Orthodontists is proud to offer its first annual Braces Brigade campaign, where you can blog about your experience in orthodontic treatment with millions of people and come away with a $100 American Express gift card!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide the AAO with your:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off your writing skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, you may answer questions such as:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Scott Orthodontic Associates?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient at Scott Orthodontic Associates or the parent of a patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are fine). If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade today! GOOD LUCK and have a GREAT weekend!