What’s the deal with all that sour candy?

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we understand sour candy is a part of any respectable goodie bag. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies this summer, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy’s acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.
If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us during your next adjustment appointment or your dentist about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth. Let us know if you have any questions!

Tell us: What’s on your mind?

By now, you probably know the drill: Week after week, our creative staff blog 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!

Meet Dr. Justin Jergensen!

Our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics are extremely proud to announce the latest addition to our team, Dr. Justin Jergensen!

I love not just the science of orthodontics, but also connecting to the patients. It is so rewarding to work with patients, and help them improve their confidence, overall appearance and dental function; all reasons why I love coming to work everyday.

Education

Bachelor's Degree Brigham Young University
Doctor of Dental Surgery University of California-San Francisco
Master's Degree in Orthodontics University of Maryland Baltimore

Professional Associations

American Association of Orthodontics
Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Board Certified in Texas, Maryland & Oregon

Outside the Office

When not perfecting smiles, Dr. Jergensen is with his wife, Sandra, and two kids, Carter and Lucy. He enjoys the outdoors, tennis, waterskiing, golf and trying to play guitar.

Do we have your current contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled adjustment appointment, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you.

Thank you! Enjoy your weekend!

Patriotic fun facts!

On Monday, we will be busy celebrating America's 235th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

We proudly offer complimentary consultations!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, it is our goal to provide the best treatment possible in a comfortable and supportive environment. For over 20 years, we 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 welcome you to join our family and achieve the smile you've always dreamed of.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with one of our experienced orthodontists, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call.

See you soon!

GOOOO MAVS!

Our spirited team celebrated our favorite team's win in the NBA finals by sporting Dallas MAVS gear in the office on Tuesday!

Go Mavs!

What's on your summer reading list?

With summer 2011 only two weeks 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!

Smile! June is National Smile Month!

Now that June is here, our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to one of our convenient offices, as well as your general dentist.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask us during your next visit or ask us on Facebook!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

The unofficial kickoff to summer—Memorial Day weekend—is a time Americans stop and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom over the course of American history.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of the summer, and for many of our patients, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom is sweet relief. At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories.

What about you? What are you and your family up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the open roads of Texas with family this weekend, we want to know all about it!

Dr. Birth and our entire team wish you a nice and relaxing (and safe) Memorial Day weekend!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

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, text messages and more!

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!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics at the 111th AAO Annual Session

To better serve our patients at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics with the highest quality orthodontic care available, Drs. Stewart, Birth and our entire team 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 later this week through next Tuesday, we will be in Chicago 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 Chicago trip, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively.

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we know image is 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 free consultation to our convenient offices in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and Weatherford. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation at our office?

We also proudly provide Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens and invite you to give us a call to schedule a free consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, dispelling the myths about braces

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics circulating around nowadays. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps! We hope you all had a wonderful & relaxing Easter weekend!

Ask Dr. Birth: “I’m 36 – am I too old for braces?”

Thank you for the question, and absolutely not! In fact, our dedicated staff at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 15 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!

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 your weekend!

Patient question: 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 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!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Birth

With spring here, many of our patients will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement.

So, today, Dr. Birth and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. 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.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Birth-Stewart Orthodontics.

Stay safe and have fun!

Get to know your braces!

We hope you're enjoying the weekend! Should you need to call Birth Stewart Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can 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.

--Birth Stewart Orthodontics

What have past patients said about our office?

Dr. Sheila Birth, Dr. Charles Stewart, and our entire team understand that orthodontic treatment is about more than just straightening teeth. It is also a social and emotional experience for patients and orthodontists alike.

Check out what past patients have said about our offices!

"The staff is friendly and very professional. They all really know their job and appear to enjoy it." -T.H.

"The professionalism and the awesome attitudes the employees have when seeing my children!" -M.O.

"The best thing about Drs. Birth and Stewart is that the appointments are always on time and you get treated the same, no matter what insurance you have!" -J.R.

"To All Staff: My satisfaction with you guys is beyond a "10". My kids are so happy to be patients of this office. The treatment physically & emotionally is excellent. Keep up the good work." -Trencia & TJ Amerson

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

Ask Dr. Birth: Any truth to those myths about braces?

Trust us when we say that we are well-aware there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around these days when it comes to orthodontics. But, before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first!

Our good friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call! Have a great week!

Presidents' Day Fun Facts!

Today marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined February birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents’ Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents we thought you might enjoy:

*Ulysses S. Grant, our 18th president, got a speeding ticket ... on a horse. Grant was given a $20 speeding ticket for riding his horse too fast down a Washington street.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*President Obama collects "Spiderman" and "Conan The Barbarian" comic books, and has even read every "Harry Potter" book.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called “20-year curse,” in which every president elected in a year ending in 0 died in office.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

*Not only was James A. Garfield the first president to be ambidextrous, but it was said he could write a sentence in Latin with one hand and write it in Greek with the other hand.

*Fourteen presidents served as vice presidents: J. Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Tyler, Fillmore, A. Johnson, Arthur, T. Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Nixon, L. Johnson, Ford, and George H.W. Bush.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents measuring 6’ 4” tall.

Your turn! From Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

By now, you probably know the drill: Week after week, our creative staff blog 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!

Complimentary Consultations at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, it is our goal to provide the best treatment possible in a comfortable and supportive environment. For over 20 years, we 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 welcome you to join our family and achieve the smile you've always dreamed of.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with one of our experienced orthodontists, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call.

See you soon!

February Marks National Dental Health Month

February is National Dental Health Month, as well as National Children’s Dental Health Month, and we thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• 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.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• 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.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing our team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' 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 or ask us on Facebook!

January featured patient reviews!

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

"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.

"The whole team is great. Very friendly and helpful, and at the office they get you in and out quick." ~ Heather B.

"Very knowledgeable and up-to-date technology. Office super friendly and helpful." ~ Steve S.

"Outstanding Customer Service This office has outstanding customer service. I work in the customer service industry and I would like to train my staff to be as friendly and professional as the staff at Dr. Birth's office. The front staff always greets me by name with a friendly smile. They are always asking about my kids--they really are interested in getting to know their patients. My orthodontic care is going very smoothly, the doctor is very kind and the staff is very friendly. I love this office and I recommend to all my friends." ~ Anonymous

More than just a day off from school

In the late 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races will spend their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to 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!

Dr. Sheila Birth and our entire team at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics are proud of your work in our community!

Why are regular checkups so important while undergoing orthodontic treatment?

If you're brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing during your treatment at Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit your general dentist every six months in addition to your visits to our office. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s definitely time to schedule an appointment! If you don't have a general dentist, just ask us - Dr. Birth and our staff know plenty of great dentists in Fort Worth, Arlington, Burleson and the greater Dallas area!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Birth-Stewart Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Dr. Sheila Birth and our entire team encourage you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at one of our convenient offices in the Dallas area if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment!

Happy New Year!