Happy New Year from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

The year is almost over, so Dr. Sheila Birth and our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most 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, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and surrounding communities.

See you all in 2011!

What puts you at ease at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics?

Dr. Sheila Birth and our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics understand not everyone is always thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

For over 20 years, the doctors and staff have been creating beautiful, straight smiles in a friendly and professional environment. We have been working together to serve the Fort Worth community for a long time, making our office more like our family.

We’d like to know: What is it about Birth-Stewart Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff? Dr. Birth? Dr. Stewart? Could it be our other top-notch doctors?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Happy Holidays!

December featured patient reviews!

For over 20 years, the doctors and staff at Professional Smiles have been creating beautiful, straight smiles in a friendly and professional environment. We have been working together to serve the Fort Worth community for a long time, making our office more like our family. Check out what a few of our patients have to say about their or their children's orthodontic treatment!

I have had friends, cousins and neighbors that went to your office and said that you all do great work. ~ Yolanda T.

The time and patience that everyone there has taken to accommodate our needs. The personal communication with us. ~ Amber S.

It has been a great experience for the whole family. Everyone has really been helpful and friendly. Smiling faces and a friendly gesture go a long way. Thank you all.
-Candace H.

I like the very short wait time. The staff and Dr. Birth are very helpful and friendly. But if you would ask my daughter she would say the Ortho Bucks!
-Michaela B.

Very knowledgeable up to date techs. The office is super friendly and helpful.
-Steve S.

They are a very caring and helpful place. I have 2 children with braces there, and the office is always so sweet to them. They remember their names and joke with them. They care about their lives, and what they are doing in school and with their friends. They ask about it, and they care about your answer. They aren't just talking because they think they have to.
-C.D.

Ask Dr. Birth: What's the deal with retainers?

If you've recently completed treatment at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, our staff would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Birth and Stewart will provide—or have provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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.

Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.

* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)

* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.

* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.

* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.

* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Food drive now through Dec. 23! Donate, and you could win a $50 gift card!

Remember, our offices in Arlington, Fort Worth, Burleson are holding a canned-food drive through December 23rd! For every two cans of non-perishable food you donate, we will enter your name into a drawing for a $50 gift card, a great gift for the holidays!

All of the food you bring in will donated to the Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange (GRACE). GRACE is a non-profit relief agency based here in Texas which provides food, clothing, financial assistance and other vital necessities to people who are struggling with a limited income or recent emergency.

Our drawing will be held on January 3rd. For questions, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dr. Sheila Birth and team, giving thanks this holiday season

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. What are you thankful for this holiday season? Do you have any Thanksgiving wishes you would like to share?

Dr. Birth and our entire team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

Justin Bieber wears Invisalign Teen!

Teen Idol Justin Bieber is improving his smile and most of his adoring fans have no idea! Why? Because Justin is using clear removable aligners called “Invisalign Teen” to move his teeth.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for your lifestyle, because aligners are:

* Clear
* Removable
* Super comfortable
* Customized just for you

Check out the video and give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Our office is an Invisalign Teen Elite Provider, serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson, Keller and Weatherford.

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics at the 2010 Invisalign Summit

Patients of Dr. Sheila Birth can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Dr. Birth’s goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. She is devoted to continuing education and furthers her learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2010 Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas, where Dr. Birth, Dr. Fletcher, Dr. Alger and Dr Couto headed this weekend.

The Summit is an always-educational event that is also one of the most important orthodontic conventions in the United States. It's also a time for Dr. Birth and our staff to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows us at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

Besides being a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Birth is a member of the American Dental Association, American Board of Orthodontics, Texas Dental Association, Fort Worth District Dental Society and Southwestern Society of Orthodontists. With her credentials, it has been her pleasure to be able to serve the Fort Worth community with excellent orthodontic care for over 20 years.

Isn't it nice to know you have a complete dental experts taking care of your perfecting your smile?

Food drive now through Dec. 23! Donate, and you could win a $50 gift card!

Happy Tuesday! Our offices in Arlington, Fort Worth, Burleson are starting a canned-food drive, which will continue through December 23rd!

For every two cans of non-perishable food you bring in, you will get your name entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.

The food will then be donated to the Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange (GRACE). GRACE is a non-profit relief agency based here in Texas which provides food, clothing, financial assistance and other vital necessities to people who are struggling with a limited income or recent emergency.

Our drawing will be held on January 3rd. For questions, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Happy Halloween from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

It's no secret that at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we love having fun! Just check out Stacey! Happy Halloween weekend everyone - we remind you to enjoy those candies, but please be mindful of your braces =)

For all of our patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, please give Birth-Stewart Orthodontics a call as soon as possible.

For more Halloween photos, head to our Facebook page and check out our 'Halloween' album! See you all next week!

GOOOOO Rangers!

Our entire staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics says GOOD LUCK to our RANGERS tonight as they look to advance to the WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in the greater Dallas area over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?

By “Liking” us at Facebook.com/BirthStewartOrthodontics, you will receive regular updates and contest announcements from our office – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a GREAT rest of the week!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Wednesday! Did you know October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics know many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and recipes for the Halloween Season that we encourage you to check out!

Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season!

Share your story with us! Why did you choose Birth-Stewart Orthodontics?

Serving Fort Worth, Arlington, and Burleson for more than 20 years, the doctors and staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics have been creating beautiful, straight smiles in a friendly and professional environment. We have been working together to serve the Fort Worth community for a long time, making our office more like our family.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose our office for your orthodontic treatment?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting us for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing.

For Arlington, write a review here

For our Fort Worth (Basswood) office, write a review here

For our Fort Worth (Crowley) location, write a review here

For the Burleson office, write a review here.

Thanks in advance, and enjoy the rest of the week!

Thanks to Invisalign at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, parents can have a great smile, too!

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Sheila Birth and our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics 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 complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Our office is an Invisalign Elite Provider, serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson, Keller and Weatherford. Dr. Birth offers Invisalign for both teens and adults.

All about cavities, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their general 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 dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your orthodontic treatment with us:

• 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
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

If you don't have a general dentist in Fort Worth, Arlington or nearby communities, let one of our experienced doctors or our staff know, and we can provide a few great references! Happy Wednesday!

Ask Dr. Sheila Birth: What makes orthodontics sooo cool?

Our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics 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 one of our experienced doctors to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Please give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment! We also hope you had a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Fun facts about braces with Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we know most of our patients love fun facts. Actually, who doesn't? Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our staff thought you might get a kick out of. Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to post a photo of your pet on our Facebook page for a chance to win a $25 gift card! Contest ends Friday, Sept. 10; We will have a winner from each office! :)

• 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.

Back to school with Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

Now that many of the schools are in session again, our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family/social functions to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit our office. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment. We hope everyone is enjoying classes so far!

The importance of mouth guards, from Dr. Sheila Birth

With the sweet Texas summer here for another six weeks, our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics would like to take this time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this month. After all, we know this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether kids are playing baseball in the park or getting ready for high school football.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit at any of our convenient locations, we encourage you to ask us for a mouth guard, and we will provide one!

We hope you're enjoying your summer so far! Stop by our Facebook fan page and join our Pet Contest!

Share your experience at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics with the world!

For more than 20 years, the doctors and staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics have been creating beautiful, straight smiles in a friendly and professional environment. We have been working together to serve the Fort Worth community for a long time, making our office more like our family.

Whether you've visited our office for weeks or months, we'd love to hear your feedback on our Google Local page. It only takes a moment!

For Arlington, write a review here

For our Fort Worth (Basswood) office, write a review here

For our Fort Worth (Crowley) location, write a review here

For the Burleson office, write a review here.

Thank you in advance and have a great weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews!

The Braces Brigade - be a part of it! From Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

How would you like to get a $100 American Express gift card for blogging about your experience with braces? Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, here's your chance! The AAO is proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, giving you the opportunity to share your orthodontic journey at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics with the world!

Through August 31st, the AAO is looking for current and former of ours, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the Braces Brigade and blog about their unique experience in braces. Just head to the AAO's Braces Brigade page to sign up and get started blogging.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade today! Have fun and GOOD LUCK!

Pet Contest at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

Our staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics is proud to unveil our new summer patient contest. Well, actually, pet contest!

Here’s how it works: Now through September 10th, submit a photo of your pet on our Facebook page and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!

Make sure to include the name of your pet and the office where you’re seen!

The staff will be judging the photos for:

Cutest dog/cat
ugliest dog/cat
biggest dog/cat
smallest dog/cat
Owner look alike
Most unique --example-- snake, pig, bird, lizard, etc.

Contest ends Friday, Sept. 10; We will have a winner from each office.

GOOD LUCK!

Ask Dr. Birth: How, exactly, does Invisalign work? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics manages to straighten your teeth without using traditional braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our offices. Dr. Sheila Birth is an Invisalign Elite Provider, serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson, Keller and Weatherford. Dr. Birth offers Invisalign for both teens and adults.

Check out the above video to see Invisalign's clear aligners in action! We also have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, and invite you to give our office a call if this revolutionary treatment option is right for you.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we love technology. LOVE IT. That includes our BRAND NEW website, the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer and our interactive Facebook page, where we encourage you to share your thoughts about your treatment at our office.

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/BirthStewartOrthodontics. We share office news and updates there, so check it out today! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on your Facebook news feed!

See you online and have a fantastic Fourth of July weekend!

From our entire team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

We launched a new website on Friday!

If you happened to be browsing through our website the last two days, you might have noticed our new design.

What's so new, you ask? The layout is patient-focused with a beautiful contemporary design. You'll also see we have patient testimonials, as well as before and after photos of past patients.

In addition, we have an entirely new "Meet Our Orthodontists" and "Meet the Orthodontic Team" feature, which contains mini-biographies, where you can get to know a little about us before you even visit our convenient offices, located in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and Weatherford!

What do you think about the new look and feel of the site? You may post your thoughts on our interactive Facebook fan page, or by giving us a call!

We invite you to stop by our new, beautiful site, browse around, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

When should you call Birth-Stewart Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have put together this helpful list that outlines when you should call one of our offices, conveniently located in Fort Worth, Arlington, Weatherford and Burleson and serving the greater Dallas area. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call as soon as possible!

- The Birth-Stewart Team

Dr. Birth wants to know: what's on your summer reading list?

Two weeks ago, you may remember, we asked about your summer plans. Well, with summer only a week away, some of us at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. More specifically, summer reading. Of course it’s easier to go play baseball with friends or watch TV, but reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for your classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

If you're out of ideas for summer reading material? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we found recently.

Happy reading!

June featured patient reviews for Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson, Weatherford and surrounding Dallas communities. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Here are our featured reviews for the month of June! Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

"The time and patience that everyone there has taken to accommodate our needs. The personal communication with us." ~ Amber S.

"It has changed my life and I love the staff!" ~ Magaly A.

"What I like best about my orthodontist is that they are all very friendly and not so rough on my teeth. My teeth are very sensitive and when they have to reshape them it hurts but they are nice about it. Thank You!!!" ~ Monty L.

"I like Dr. Birth because she always smiles. She is sooooooo nice to me and she makes me comfortable when I am scared." ~ Haley G.

Share your summer plans with Birth-Stewart Orthodontics!

Drs. Birth, Stewart and team would like to know: what do your summer plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting summer vacation with family or a camp you'll be attending? Does your family have a reunion planned that is a tradition?

Please feel free to share your exciting summer plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun summer!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics want to know: This Memorial Day weekend, what will you be doing?

Memorial Day weekend is a time for Americans everywhere to celebrate freedom and honor the servicemen and women who have paid for the freedoms we continue to cherish. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up at school for the past nine months is sweet, sweet relief.

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is also ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and a time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if we won't see you until next week!

Connect with Birth-Stewart Orthodontics on Facebook!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Fort Worth, Dallas, Weatherford, Burleson and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment every three- to four months, did you know that you can now connect with Drs. Birth, Stewart, Couto, Peters, Fletcher, Alger and Edwards on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Birth-Stewart Orthodontics on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BirthStewartOrthodontics. We share office news and updates there, so check it out today! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you online and enjoy the upcoming week!

From our entire team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

May 10 is Clean Up Your Room Day!

For parents, today - National Clean Up Your Room Day - is a day of opposition. As kids pile up the amount of stuff in their room over the course of a year (or, sometimes, years), parents everywhere are happy to see this day finally arrive (many even circle it on their calendars).

Today is a great day to grab those plastic bags and Febreze and clean those messy rooms! We came across a great article on parents working together with their teens to maintain a clean living environment and think you'll enjoy it as well!

Happy Monday and happy cleaning!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

The month of May is observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and was first declared National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by President Reagan in 1983 to encourage Americans to incorporate more activity into their lives. The reminder is even more significant today as kids are distracted by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for children and teenagers to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics we encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection - there are many - when playing sports. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics at the AAO Annual Session

To better serve Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and Weatherford with highest quality orthodontic care available, Drs. Stewart, Birth, Fletcher, Alger, Peters, Edwards and Couto are committed to continuing education into the exciting world of orthodontics.

One of the ways we improve our service is by attending conferences, meetings and seminars, and from today through next Tuesday, we will be in Washington D.C. attending the AAO Annual Session, an educational event that is one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world - and one that allows us to consult with orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, in turn, allows us to give you, our wonderful patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you've got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask us about our trip, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively.

Did you change the world today?

Whether lending our helping hands to plant trees or grasses or getting out to volunteer in various projects around Dallas or Fort Worth, today was our opportunity to get involved in making our year-round impact in the community. Our staff wants to know: Did you make a difference today? Tell us, what Earth Day-related activities did you accomplish? How long have you participated in helping our community and planet?

Earth Day, which today marks its 40th anniversary, is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment and ecosystem. If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, we encourage you to try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Have a great rest of the week (and weekend) everyone!

10 Facebook tips for parents, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, our staff knows parents tend to sign up for Facebook accounts and ‘friend’ their kids, often as a way to keep an eye on their online activities. But then what? Many parents in this digital age are still lost when it comes to monitoring their kids online.

Last fall, Vicki Courtney, who happens to be a parenting author, wrote a helpful post on the things parents should and shouldn’t do while on Facebook. Our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics thought you might benefit from reading Vicki’s interesting piece.

Here is the list of the Top Ten Facebook No-Nos for Parents, designed specifically for those moms and dads who aren’t sure whether they’ve crossed the line in monitoring their kids’ presence online.

We hope you find this article informational. Please let us know what you think!

The importance of retainers, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, our staff would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Birth and Stewart will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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 Drs. Stewart and Birth 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 at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Save face this spring, from Drs. Birth and Stewart

April is almost upon us, and for Drs. Birth and Stewart and our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics that can only mean one thing: it’s time to remind our young patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Can you believe that?

By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries. The above video from our friends at the AAO outlines five ways you can protect yourself this spring. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our team. And remember to stay safe and have fun!

Tell Birth-Stewart Orthodontics what’s on your mind!

By now, you know the drill: Week after week, our creative staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics blogs about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to one of our doctors for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

So, give us your best shot, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

Our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics want to know: Did you remember to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day we know you will enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Ask Birth-Stewart Orthodontics: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our dedicated staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago!

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with children and teenagers, adult orthodontics and braces at our Fort Worth, Arlington, and Burleson orthodontic offices can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign® and ceramic braces, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Stewart, Birth or our other fine doctors at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics 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, Drs. Birth and Stewart, as well as our entire team, would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

What are patients saying about Birth-Stewart Orthodontics?

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, serving Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and Weatherford and surrounding communities, 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! And, please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office and staff!

"Very professional feel and ahead in the technology uses for her practice." ~ Eileen H.

"Very short waiting time, staff and Dr. very helpful and friendly. But if you would ask my daughter she would say the Ortho Bucks!" ~ Michaela B.

"They are a very caring and helpful place. I have 2 children with braces there, and the office is always so sweet to them. They remember their names and I are joking with them. They care about what they are doing in their lives, with school and friends. They ask about it, and you can tell that they care about your answer. They aren't just talking because they think they have to." ~ Anonymous

"The time and patience that everyone there has taken to accommodate our needs. The personal communication with us is great." ~ Amber S.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics thought we'd promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you're going to drink one of these beverages, don't sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing us, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, tries to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at any one of our locations!

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult any one of our knowledgeable doctors for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Birth Orthodontics.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Birth Orthodontics.

With Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we embrace modern technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices located in Arlington, Fort Worth, Burleson and Weatherford.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what our patients have to say!

"Quick view of what and when my insurance made payments. Very helpful!!!" ~ Johnny E.

"I was able to see my balance, I know when my next payment is due and I can make the payment online." ~ Vickie M.

"It's easier for me to check all the info I need at any time without making a call." ~ Veronica W.

"It has all the current financial info. and current appointment information." ~ Marcus P.

"I'm able to keep up with the appointments and my payments without calling the office or asking when I go into the office. I have 4 daughters and to have email reminders for dentist appointments is a very handy thing to help remind me when they are. We have alot of appointments and it's not easy to keep up with all of them, but now with these reminders, that's one appointment I don't have to keep up with." ~ Anonymous

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call us at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Ask Birth-Stewart Orthodontics: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Birth Orthodontics, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. But did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Ok, you think to yourself, what’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Birth or Stewart 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.

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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, please give us a call at Birth Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Remember, we have two offices in Fort Worth, as well as locations in Arlington, Burleson and Weatherford.

Have a great week!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics want to know: How did you spend MLK Day?

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to bring about social justice, strengthen America's communities and move the nation forward. Today, thousands of people of all ages and races in Texas spent their day giving, building and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Did you have the day off? If so, what did you do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

The team at Birth Orthodontics would love to know about your work in the community. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

We're proud of your work in our community! Happy MLK Day!

What puts you at ease at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics?

The team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Birth-Stewart Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff? Dr. Birth? Dr. Stewart? Could it be our other top-notch doctors?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

Happy Monday! The team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, please give us a call.