Starr & Dickens Orthodontics - Blog http://www.starrortho.com/blog Orthodontists Gary Starr & Steven Dickens - Serving Charlotte, Weddington, and Matthews, NC Fri, 18 May 2012 22:09:21 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 The Clear Benefits of Invisalign http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/the-clear-benefits-of-invisalign/ http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/the-clear-benefits-of-invisalign/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 22:09:21 +0000 mynetworks0346@sesamecommunications.com http://www.starrortho.com/blog/?p=593
Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At Starr and Dickens Orthodontics, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• You don’t need to change your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
• Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great, but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

Invisalign can be used by teens and adults, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about your teen’s orthodontic options, contact our office to learn more.

]]> http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/the-clear-benefits-of-invisalign/feed/ 0 Ask Drs. Starr and Dickens: “What should I expect during my initial consultation?” http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/ask-drs-starr-and-dickens-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/ http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/ask-drs-starr-and-dickens-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:38 +0000 mynetworks0346@sesamecommunications.com http://www.starrortho.com/blog/?p=590
Great question! When you first come in for your initial consultation, Drs. Starr and Dickens will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. We will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, the Doctor will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that we can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand the doctor’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

]]> http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/ask-drs-starr-and-dickens-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/feed/ 0 May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month! http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/ http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 17:44:45 +0000 mynetworks0346@sesamecommunications.com http://www.starrortho.com/blog/?p=587
At our office, we know image can be everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at our office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

]]> http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/feed/ 0 Celebrating Earth Day by Doing Our Part to Help the Planet! http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/ http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:18:08 +0000 mynetworks0346@sesamecommunications.com http://www.starrortho.com/blog/?p=585 We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a ‘green’ office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

]]> http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/feed/ 0 Making Your Life Better with Orthodontics http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/ http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:38:10 +0000 mynetworks0346@sesamecommunications.com http://www.starrortho.com/blog/?p=583 The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain you teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, we can personalize your treatment to suit all your needs.

]]> http://www.starrortho.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/feed/ 0