Author: Dr. Keri Barrow

Braces 101. How Exactly Will Braces Straighten My Child’s Teeth?

Dr. Keri Barrow

ss-2508811smMany parents and patients that come in to our Sioux Falls, SD office ask us, “How do braces work to straighten teeth?” Believe it or not, we get a lot of questions about how exactly those little metal bands and wires work together to create the desired end-result; a beautiful, healthy, straight smile. Many patients are also curious as to why their braces have to stay on for so long. (Some patients can be in braces for up to three years.)

So, to answer those questions you might have about how exactly braces work, here are the basics:

Horner Barrow Orthodontics’ Braces 101
• The braces installation process starts when Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow attaches a bracket to each tooth using a special bonding product. Each bracket is specifically-designed for the structure and needs of its corresponding tooth. Once the brackets are placed on each tooth, they are then connected to each other using arch wire.
• The connection process begins with very thin, round wire, which will be replaced repeatedly at regular intervals until thick, rectangular wire is in place. We use this process because moving teeth and their roots is best done at a slow, gradual pace. Starting the orthodontic treatment process with hard wires would cause the patient a considerable amount of discomfort and pain.
• A more flexible wire will be placed once the teeth are better positioned, so that we then can fine-tune the alignment by bending the wires. For our orthodontic patients with under- or overbites, rubber bands may be utilized to move the jaw into a straighter bite position.
• Throughout the orthodontic treatment process, the pressure placed on the periodontal membrane shifts. The bone structure of the tooth roots changes, allowing for the continued movement of each tooth. It can take up to a year for this bone-changing, or remodeling, process to be completed. That is the main reason why so many patients wear braces and/or retainers for what seems like a long time.

We know that your child’s desire for a straight, beautiful smile is counter-balanced with your concerns for their overall comfort and safety. Our orthodontic team strives to make certain that all of your questions and concerns are completely addressed before planning for your child’s orthodontic treatment.

If you have more questions about how braces work, check our patient education or our treatment page to see if the answers you seek are there. Then, call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. We provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Happy Mother’s Day To Great Moms Everywhere!

Dr. Keri Barrow

ss-15043600smSunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we think it’s important to take some time to show your mom just how truly special she is. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we interact with our patients and their families every day, and we are very thankful to have the opportunity to meet and get to know all of you. So we thought it would be nice to celebrate all the amazing mothers out there, and all they do for our patients!

The History Of Mother’s Day
The origin of Mother’s Day goes back to the time of ancient Greeks and Romans. The roots of Mother’s Day history can also be traced to the United Kingdom where a “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated long before the holiday was observed in the United States. The modern Mother’s Day holiday is relatively recent; not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the efforts of the pioneering women of their times, today’s celebration of Mother’s Day spans 46 countries (on different dates) and is a very popular holiday.

Millions of people, globally, take the day to honor their mothers, and to say thanks for raising them and always being there to support and advocate for them. The earliest Mother’s Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival that the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses.

Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to recognize the hard work and sacrifices of mothers right here in Sioux Falls, SD. If it wasn’t for these moms, most of our young patients would have a difficult time keeping up with all of the care needed to achieve a great orthodontic result, and a healthy beautiful smile for a lifetime. Kids can’t wait to get their braces on, but, soon after, they can’t wait to get them removed. During orthodontic treatment, their moms are the ones who make sure the proper care is taken to achieve the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, sometimes mothers, and all they do for their children, are taken for granted.

What a Mother Does:
• Arranges and rearranges her schedule to accommodate her family’s appointments
• Runs the family “taxi service” to get to those appointments
• Encourages her child to brush and floss his or her teeth regularly
• Checks to make sure her child is wearing his or her orthodontic rubber bands (and picks them up from all over the house)
• Makes sure her child eats the right foods so his or her orthodontic appliances don’t get broken or damaged
• Teaches her child to be responsible for removable retainers that can easily get lost (or eaten by the family dog when left out within nose height)

Mother’s Day is the day once a year that we say thank you to great moms everywhere. Let’s all do something special to thank the mothers who have always been there for us, day in and day out. From Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team, happy Mother’s Day!

Celebrate Earth Day! April 22, 2016

Dr. Keri Barrow

Earth-Day-Images-1Earth Day is a globally recognized event held annually on April 22. On that date, events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The city of Sioux Falls, SD has partnered with certified green businesses and eco-minded individuals to offer several exciting events to help businesses and residents celebrate Earth Day 2016.

Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin, came up with the idea for Earth Day. He envisioned Earth Day as an environmental teaching moment. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, with a surprising 20 million people participating. Ultimately, it became the largest organized celebration in United States history.

Earth Day Through the Years
Over the course of many years, the recognition of the day, and the number of people celebrating it world-wide, turned Earth Day into a global celebration. Because it is celebrated throughout the world, it is the largest international environmental observation, and is also more widely celebrated than any other environmental event in today’s world. Presently, Earth Day is celebrated in 175 countries with over 500 million people participating in celebrations around the globe.

The Earth Day Movement
The Earth Day movement is credited with fostering the idea that people should “think green”. It spurred Congress to enact laws, including one that resulted in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The passage of the Endangered Species Act also came about as a result of the Earth Day movement.

The Five “R”s of Earth Day
1. Reduce. Reduce by avoiding unnecessary purchases. Reduce your use of materials that just end up in landfills. Reduce the use of harmful chemicals in and around your home. Reduce your use of disposable plastic bags, plates, cups, eating utensils, and batteries. Choose toothbrushes made with eco-friendly bamboo to reduce the number of used plastic handled-toothbrushes that end up in our landfills.
2. Reuse. Instead of using those environmentally unfriendly plastic bags for your groceries or purchases, bring your own reusable bags. When you purchase coffee at your favorite coffee house, take a travel mug so you don’t have to get your coffee in a disposable paper cup. When storing leftover food in the refrigerator, use containers that can be washed and reused instead of using disposable containers. Don’t use regular batteries. Whenever possible, choose rechargeable batteries that you can reuse time and again.
3. Recycle. Most municipalities offer a recycling program to collect used bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard and newspapers. Recycling includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste; sorting and processing recyclables into raw materials such as fibers, and manufacturing raw materials into new products such as plastic water jugs turned into park benches.
4. Re-buy. Make an effort to purchase things that are made through recycling. When buying furniture, look for items that are made from reclaimed wood. When purchasing paper for kids’ school work, computer printer paper, holiday cards, or any other paper products, make a point of choosing recycled paper products. Instead of buying clothing at full retail price, shop for clothing at your local consignment shop. You can also save a lot of money by doing this!
5. Rethink. Rethink the way you do things so that you do them in an eco-friendly way whenever possible. Instead of commuting to work alone, consider taking the bus or going in a carpool. Walk or ride your bike when you’re only traveling a short distance. Plan your shopping trips and errands so that you can do everything in one trip, in a way that you can save time and gas.

Other ways to “think green” include gardening to grow your own food, composting food scraps and yard waste, or by participating in local recycling programs. Join an online group like Freecycle so you can share your unneeded and unwanted possessions with people who can use them. In return, you’ll be able to get things you need or want for free.

Earth Day reminds us that the planet belongs to everyone, so everyone is equally responsible for protecting it. Although Earth Day is a one-day annual environmental celebration, we at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to recommend you make changes that will allow you and your family to live a greener life each and every day.

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

Playing it Safe this Spring Sports Season

Dr. Keri Barrow

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It’s spring! That means the start of a new sports season. It also means it’s once again time to remind our patients at Horner Barrow Orthodontics to protect their faces, and their precious smiles while out on the field playing sports. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, young children, middle school and high-school athletes and adults have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events annually. That’s a LOT of displaced teeth.
If you are going to be participating in any spring sports, it’s very important to have a properly fitting mouthguard as part of your essential equipment. Mouthguards can prevent cracked, chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, jawbone fractures, mouth lacerations, and sometimes, even concussions.
Just remember, the only way a mouthguard will work is if you actually wear it, during practice and during a game! Wearing a mouthguard can make the difference between losing your teeth or not. One thing for our patients who play high school sports to keep in mind is this: your mouthguard from last year may no longer fit as it should because your jawbone is still growing and changing. Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would be happy to fit you for a new mouthguard.
To learn more about mouthguards, or for any other questions you may have about your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at our Sioux Falls, SD office!

Your Braces Rubber Band Color…What It Says About You

Dr. Keri Barrow

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Even if you’re not all that happy about having to wear braces, selecting the color of your rubber bands is sure to make you smile. Whether you want to coordinate your braces with your latest outfits, express your inner creative side, or show some serious school spirit, “decorating” your mouth with colorful rubber bands can take away some of the self-consciousness of wearing braces and replace that with some fun!
What do your rubber band color choices say about you? Check out this rubber band “horoscope.”

Red. You’re intense and forward-thinking. You don’t back down no matter how big the challenge that’s presented to you. Red is also the color of the heart, so red rubber bands indicate you’re a considerate, caring, loving person.

Orange. Orange may indicate you’re an artist or a drama student. You’re fearless, daring and wild, a little flamboyant and lots of fun. You have a big personality, and you’re not concerned what other people think about you. On the flip side, orange is also the color of balance and energy. And being flamboyant and fun definitely takes a lot of energy!

Green. A green traffic light means go, right? So you’re a person who’s always on the move. Go, go, go! Nothing slows you down. It also means you’re generous, compassionate and kind. Green is the color of nature and spring, so it says you love our planet. Maybe you’re passionate about recycling. Green is also the color of good luck…think four-leaf clover!

Blue. You’re relaxed – cool as a cucumber. Nothing gets you upset. You stay calm, even when your mom says you can’t chew gum or eat popcorn because of your braces.

Purple. Purple says you’re the creative type, without a doubt. You march to the beat of a different drum, and you tend to think outside the box. It says you’re mysterious. Purple is also the color of royalty, and when you’re wearing your purple rubber bands, you are royally, creatively cool.

Color Combinations
With so many color options, it can be hard to pick just one color. Well, you don’t have to choose! You can decorate your teeth with several colors. Pick the colors of your school, your favorite sports team or go with holiday colors like red and green. If you’re still having a hard time deciding which colors to choose, ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow or one of the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team. We can let you know all of the trends our patients here in Sioux Falls, SD are sporting!

It’s Almost Spring…Time For Your New Beautiful Smile!

Dr. Keri Barrow

ss 35344219 smGoodbye winter! Spring is just around the corner. We’re all ready for that wonderful seasonal change from cold, blustery, dreary days to blue skies, blooming flowers, singing birds, and warmer weather. This spring could also be the start of a straighter, healthier, more beautiful smile for you!

Have you ever thought about how your mouth would benefit from orthodontic treatment? With spring just days away, we here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics hope that you’ll see the new season as a fresh start for your dental health!

If you’ve been curious about how your smile could benefit from braces, wonder no more! Braces have the ability to positively impact all aspects of your life; your social life, your career, and your overall feeling of inner confidence. Spring is THE BEST TIME to take that first step towards feeling better about yourself!
If you’re interested in learning more about how your life will benefit from seeking orthodontic treatment, call today to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.
We are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient that comes to our Sioux Falls, SD office. We provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmostphere that will ensure you feel relaxed and confident about placing your orthodontic care in our hands.
At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we look forward to making your dreams of a beautiful new smile come true, starting this spring!

The Connection Between Orthodontics and Whole Body Health

Dr. Keri Barrow

In the last several years, many links have been established between orthodontic treatments and whole body health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, researchers have observed that people who have gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, or experience difficulty in controlling their blood sugar levels than people without gum disease. While studies continue to find associations between oral health and the overall health of the body, it has not yet been determined whether gum disease could be the leading cause of these health conditions. What can be determined, however, is that good oral health isn’t just about maintaining a healthy smile; it also has an important impact on the health of your entire body.

The connections between gum disease and whole body health.

The connections between the health of your mouth and the health of your body are too many to ignore. Is it a coincidence that gum disease and other health problems occur together? Researchers don’t think so, despite the lack of definitive proof.

Here are four possible connections between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body.

  • Excessive oral inflammation has been linked to a greater incidence of clogged arteries.
  • The American Society of Microbiology has revealed that certain types of oral bacteria can infect the arterial cells and weaken the wall of the heart.
  • Loose teeth are often thought to be a warning sign for osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become less dense.
  • Some studies suggest that women with gum disease are more likely than those without gum disease to deliver pre-term, low-weight babies.

The connection between orthodontics and gum disease.

So what does undergoing orthodontic treatment at Horner Barrow Orthodontics have to do with gum disease? Braces do so much more than just give you a nice-looking, straight smile. Quite simply, straight teeth are easier to keep clean than crooked or misaligned teeth. Your toothbrush is able to remove more plaque-causing bacteria, and your floss is more effective at removing tiny particles between your teeth.

Despite the lack of hard facts in these findings, the message is clear: if you improve your oral health, you will also have a greater chance of maintaining the health of your entire body. That’s a chance Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics believe is worth taking. For more information regarding this topic, please give us a call at our convenient Sioux Falls, SD office, or ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow about it during your next visit!

Could braces be right for me?

Dr. Keri Barrow

It’s estimated that 50 percent of people around the world have teeth that are crooked, misaligned, or irregular. Fortunately for us, today’s orthodontic technology has advanced to the point where corrective devices, such as braces and retainers, are less noticeable, much more comfortable, and can be worn for shorter periods of time than ever before.

That being said, how do you know if braces are right for you? Normally your dentist would be able to point out any potential problems with your teeth at your regular six-month cleanings and refer you to an orthodontist.

Here are a few other points to keep in mind when deciding whether or not braces could be in your future:

Crooked Teeth. As children grow, so do their teeth. And more often than not, certain teeth will come in crooked. That’s not uncommon, as the majority of children will require some sort of teeth correction, whether that’s achieved with braces or retainers. Retainers are custom-made devices that work to either hold the teeth in place, or correct tooth alignment. They’re usually worn all day (except during meals) at the start of the treatment period and then eventually are scaled back so they’re worn only at night. Braces, on the other hand, are worn for at least a year and work to help straighten or position teeth.

Overbite or Underbite. The other main oral issue that orthodontics helps to correct is an uneven alignment, such as an underbite or an overbite. Orthodontists refer to this as a “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Braces can help to rearrange your alignment so an overbite or underbite is less of a problem. After the braces come off for this sort of treatment, patients will usually need to wear a retainer to finish the treatment.

While braces are still most commonly associated with dental issues in children, more adults are now wearing the devices. About one in every five braces wearers are adults; a sign that it’s never too late to correct any oral issues. Part of this trend is due to the advancements in orthodontic technology. Today’s new braces feel much more comfortable and come in a variety of styles — including clear — so they’re far less obvious. Plus, the wires now used on braces are made from advanced metals, which are stronger and lighter, so they get the job done much more quickly and efficiently. With so many people wearing braces these days, nicknames like “metal mouth” and “brace face” will soon be a thing of the past. In addition; insurance plans are increasingly covering orthodontic treatment, making braces a much more affordable option for families on a budget.

When deciding whether or not braces are in your future, it’s important to research all of your options about the types of braces and what treatment option is best for you. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to see what costs are covered and what will need to be paid out of pocket. It might take a few years of treatment, but braces can give you that winning smile for the rest of your life. Call us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics with any questions you might have!

Some Fun Ways To Count Down Your Time In Braces

Dr. Keri Barrow

Wearing braces can straighten your teeth, giving you a more attractive smile for life. The entire process can take 18 months to two years (or more). This can seem like a very LONG time away when you first get your braces put on. Counting down your time in braces can help you pass that time more quickly, and build the excitement for that day when you finally get your braces removed.

Calendar-Clip-Art-Free

Create a Calendar

Crossing off each day on a calendar is a common  way of counting down the days. You can make this more personal by designing your own calendar to help you count down. Use one of the many online customization services to upload photos or designs for each month of your calendar. Each month’s picture could also show the number of months remaining until you expect to have your braces taken off.

Plan Rewards For Yourself

When you receive regular rewards for continuing to wear your braces, they can seem less bothersome. Plan to give yourself a reward every month that you wear your braces for the duration of the treatment. The time will pass much more quickly when you are earning rewards for your patience.

Make a Fun Paper Chain

Use strips of colorful paper to create the links of your chain, and add a new link each week to lengthen the chain. Before sealing each new strip of paper into a circle, write a reason on the paper strip of why you are getting your teeth straightened, or an event in the future when you will appreciate your straight teeth as you smile, such as having your senior pictures taken.

Make a Simple Wall Hanging

Purchase a large pad of blank white paper. Write a “0” on the bottom sheet and a “1” on the next, and continue until you reach the number of days remaining for your orthodontic treatment. Tear off the top sheet each day to see how many days are left and remind yourself of the progress you are making.

Find a Braces Buddy

If any of your friends get braces around the same time as you, share the experience. Make a pact to celebrate each trip to our Sioux Falls, SD office when one of you receives news about your progress.

Having braces doesn’t have to be a tedious, boring process. Have some fun with it…you’ll be glad you did. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we’re happy that you’ve chosen us to help you create your new, beautiful smile for life!

Preparing For Your Orthodontic Consultation

Dr. Keri Barrow

Start Preparing For Your Consultation Now

When you start thinking about going to the orthodontist for that all-important first consultation, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous or apprehensive. You may be wondering what your orthodontic experience will be? Whether you have been referred to us by your dentist, or decided on your own to seek orthodontic care from our office, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation at Horner Barrow Orthodontics.

One of the best ways to prepare for your orthodontic consultation is to understand your options. With so many treatment choices available today, orthodontic care is a lot more versatile than in years past. You can start preparing now by researching  and understanding those different options. Armed with a few specific points in mind, you can be totally confident and prepared for your consultation.

Good Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

As you consider orthodontic care, a few questions will likely come up. Don’t be afraid to ask any of those questions you might have. Our orthodontic team is here to help you fully understand the entire process. Here are just a few questions you might want to ask at your consultation here in our Sioux Falls, SD office.

How much can I expect to pay for my treatment? What are my payment options?

Is there an estimated length of time that I will need to wear my braces?

Will it hurt to get my braces put on? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize the pain or discomfort?

Are there any specific foods I will need to avoid once I get my braces put on?

Will having braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument?

Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems?

How can I keep my teeth clean while wearing braces?

How often will I need to come in for checkups and other appointments?

If any other questions arise after your consultation with us, please, don’t be afraid to ask. Our orthodontic team will be here to help you throughout the entire process.

Feel Confident Throughout Your Orthodontic Experience

With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatments. From your initial consultation to that wonderful day when your braces come off, your orthodontic treatment can be a smooth, simple process and a great experience. That moment you see your dazzling, beautiful new smile, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Thank you for placing your trust in Horner Barrow Orthodontics.  We truly appreciate it!