What Is the Best Age for Braces?

Below is an article written by by Steve Auger and found on Colgate.com 

Responsible parents always want what is best for their children, even if the kids don't see it that way. That means yearly physicals, regular dental checkups and an orthodontist appointment if you suspect your child needs braces. While you're preparing for the visit, brush up on the best age for braces.

What Do Braces Do?
Orthodontic treatment solves multiple mouth issues. Some of those issues include teeth crowding, missing or extra teeth, tooth spacing and improper bites. Orthodontic issues are referred to as malocclusions. Malocclusions that aren't fixed can cause problems down the line, including worn enamel, tooth decay and issues with chewing and speaking.

First Visit to the Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a child's first orthodontist visit by age 7 or at the first visible sign of a malocclusion. At that age, the child's teeth and jaw are still developing, making orthodontic issues, such as tooth crowding, easier to address.
Your child might be a bit apprehensive about the visit. A good orthodontist will take measures to put your child at ease, like giving them an office tour and introducing them to the staff. Once your child is more relaxed, the orthodontist can conduct the initial exam to determine if treatment is needed. Photographs and X-rays of the mouth and teeth will be taken to help the orthodontist decide how to proceed.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Types of Misalignment
• Adapting to Braces
• Not Just for Children

Palm Beach Smiles 
Michael Barr, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426
(561) 736-2377
http://palmbeach-smiles.com/

The Truth About Dental Insurance

Who REALLY cares about your dental health?

Here's the news that inspired me (Michael Barr, DDS) to write this article...

It was recently reported that the CEO of Delta Dental of California ("dental insurance" company) earns more than the CEOs of Apple (the maker of iPhone and Mac computers) and Anthem (medical insurance).  It's worth noting that this is the CEO of just CALIFORNIA's Delta Dental.  Here are the numbers:

Click image to read article.

Bear in mind that Delta Dental is a "non-profit" corporation.  So, the CEO of Delta Dental, a "non-profit," makes 64% MORE than the CEO of FOR-PROFIT Apple.  

Here's what your dental premiums
pay for.

Also consider that insurance company names most frequently adorn the tallest buildings in major cities across the U.S.  They make their huge profits (or "non-profits") by collecting premiums and then paying out as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE in patient benefits.  That's simply the reality of the financial equation.

The "take away message" here is that the insurance company doesn't care about your dental health.  They care about paying the CEO of a non-profit corporation over 14 million dollars.  Meanwhile your dentist is jumping through hoops trying to help you get a 50% benefit for the crown to restore your broken molar.  And, if your dentist is successful with that, you will have blown most of your annual benefit, which hasn't been increased in over 60 years!  No kidding.  The annual maximum dental benefits have not increased in 60 years.  We have a euphemism for today's dental plans:  "The Tooth of the Year Club."  😒

But, you can bet the CEO's compensation has been increased every year.  And, those tall, shiny buildings are kept up to date, too.  

There are two parties that DO care about your dental health:  You and your dentist.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at Palm Beach Smiles (561-736-2377).  We offer an in-house membership savings plan that is better than any so-called "dental insurance."  Ask about it!

6 MouthHealthy Holiday Snacks (That Are Almost Too Cute to Eat) (3 of 3)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.

Pita Tree Appetizers

The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
Get the recipe >> 

Grinch Poppers
 












Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana. 
Get the recipe >>

To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org

Palm Beach Smiles 
Michael Barr, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426
(561) 736-2377
http://palmbeach-smiles.com/

6 MouthHealthy Holiday Snacks (That Are Almost Too Cute to Eat) (2 of 3)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.

Black Olive Penguins

These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium. 
Get the recipe >>

Cheesy Reindeer
 












Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
Get the recipe >> 

To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org

Palm Beach Smiles 
Michael Barr, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426
(561) 736-2377
http://palmbeach-smiles.com/