We’re honored to be your orthodontic care provider. Thank you for placing your trust in us. That beautiful, new smile that we’re working to create for you will serve you well throughout your life. Most of us don’t think too often about smiling or laughing—because they usually happen spontaneously. However, they both really do make us and those around us feel better, and studies continue to reveal more of their many benefits.
• Smiling Can Evoke Trust
A recent study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that people may be as much as 10% more willing to trust someone who smiles.
• Smiling May Increase Your Net Worth
Some economists suggest that smiles could actually have real, monetary value! Another study found that smiling waitresses earn more tips (which only makes sense, right?).
• Smiling Lightens Your Mood And Those Around You
We all know that life is full of ups and downs, good days and bad days. Smiling can help reduce those distressing emotions and be an invaluable tool in helping us to move forward with our heads held high. Equally important, smiles and laughter can help calm and comfort those around us.
• Smiling May Help You Look Younger! (And Who Doesn’t Want To Look Younger?)
That mystical, elusive fountain of youth may not be found in surgeries or potions, but rather, a study suggests that the key to looking younger may be found through our smiles.
We’re delighted to work with you on your awesome smile!
In addition to being your orthodontic partner, we at Horner Barrow Orthodontics are concerned about your total health and well-being. We know that some people don’t enjoy the benefits of smiling and laughing because they’re embarrassed or self-conscious about their teeth. Do you have a friend or relative who could benefit from a more beautiful, healthy smile? If so, we’d be happy to talk with them.
Thanks for sharing our practice (and our blog) with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We appreciate your kind referrals!
Month: May 2015
Retainer Bugs…Yuck!
Congratulations! You’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, and your braces have been removed. You have been educated about how important wearing your retainer is to ensure your teeth stay in place, and how often you need to wear it.
But there’s one other icky little thing you need to keep in mind is… BUGS! Yes, we said bugs. Tiny microscopic bugs that grow on the bacteria left on your retainer. Improper cleaning can lead to a build-up of microbes on orthodontic retainers (and appliances), as researchers at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute have discovered. Those researchers studied the types of microbes that live on retainers and found that microbes with the potential to cause disease were living on 50% of retainers!
Two microbes in particular were identified; candida and staphylococcus. The bacteria on the retainers live in biofilms; communities of bacteria living together covered in a layer of slime. Once these biofilms form they can be very difficult to remove, and they often have high levels of resistance to antimicrobials. The best advice would be to avoid the formation of the biofilm in the first place.
So what do you need do? To avoid infection of your retainer or plate, and, of course your mouth, be sure to thoroughly clean it before and after wear with your toothbrush and a retainer cleaner such as Retainer Brite or Fresh Guard, which is available at most retailers. You should also wash your hands before and after handling your retainer. Another important thing: Remember to also clean your retainer storage case.
By cleaning your retainer on a regular basis, you can help to eliminate these yucky bugs! If you have any questions about your retainer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for allowing Horner Barrow Orthodontics to take care of your smile!