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!