Sports and Orthodontics

If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

Rate Your Smile

An American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey reveals that 92% of respondents say an attractive smile is an important social asset, while 74% believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive improvements, your dentist can help.

Please print out and complete the following survey to rate your smile. Bring this with you to your first appointment.

1. Rate your smile on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being perfect:
   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
   HELP! ------------ PERFECT!

2. If you feel your smile is less than perfect, how does this affect you?

   • __ I rarely smile.
   • __ I smile less than I would like.
   • __ I smile a lot even though my smile is less than perfect.
   • __ My imperfect smile hurts my self confidence.
   • __ My imperfect smile does not bother me.
   • __ Other, please explain: __________________________________________________

3. Are you ever worried what other people think about your smile?

   • __ Yes, I always worry about what others think about my smile.
   • __ Yes, I sometimes worry about what others think about my smile.
   • __ Yes, but I rarely worry about what others think about my smile even though my smile could use improvement.
   • __ No, I don't worry about it.

4. How do you think that having a perfect smile would improve your life? (check all that apply)

   • __ I would smile more often.
   • __ I would feel better about myself.
   • __ I would have more confidence with friends, family, and on the job.
   • __ My oral health would improve and be easier to maintain.
   • __ Other, please explain: __________________________________________________

5. What would you like to improve about your smile? (check all that apply)

   • __ I would like whiter, brighter teeth.
   • __ I would like to get rid of gaps between teeth.
   • __ I would like to repair chipped or broken teeth.
   • __ I would like to replace missing teeth.
   • __ I would like to straighten my teeth.
   • __ I would like to improve my oral health routine.

6. Do you ever have any tooth pain or discomfort?

   If yes, please explain? __________________________________________________

SureSmile

Graber Orthodontics has always provided the best of care by way of personal service, advanced dental and medical concepts and technology to our patients. Since 1946, our practice has been proud to be on the cutting edge of orthodontic technological advances. We were one of the first practices to incorporate computers, digital photographic and radiographic records as well as low-force higher comfort braces systems. In our orthodontic specialty office we combine the available technologies with individualized treatment approaches to provide customized care for each patient.

The latest bio-technological advances in orthodontics integrate 3 dimensional computer advances with abilities to translate these into improved patient care…similar to the most recent changes in medicine. We are thus pleased to add “SureSmile” to the other services we provide for optimal patient treatment. Using virtual imaging and tooth movement simulations, Drs. Graber provide customized orthodontic braces using computerized robotic assistance to enhance precision and comfort.

How can SureSmile benefit me, my child or my friends? In over 7000 SureSmile patients studied to-date, treatment time has been reduced on average in excess of 30%. By building more precision in to your braces patients have fewer trips to the office, less lifestyle disruption and increased convenience to patient care. Bottom line, you get to show off your perfect smile faster with more comfort! Go to www.SureSmile.com for more information.

Am I a candidate for SureSmile treatment? We will be evaluating all current and new patients and offer the opportunity to use this treatment adjunct where it is most appropriate. For those who qualify and elect the procedure, added costs for care will usually approximate 2-3 monthly payments. Please let us know if you are interested by way of e-mail to info@GraberOrthodontics.com.

We continually strive to give you the best of orthodontic health care and are happy to be able to integrate these further advances in to quality orthodontic treatment options for you, your family and friends.

Baby Teeth – and Gums! – Need Special Care

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?” In fact, you should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast- or bottle-feeding, use a clean, damp washcloth to rub your baby’s gum tissue – gently. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in, you can switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, give us a call at 847-984-0838.

Getting Married? Smile Bright!

It’s September and you know what that means – it’s one of the most popular month of the year for weddings! If you are gearing up for a wedding this summer, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Graber Orthodontics we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring at 847-984-0838 and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!