Consider These Important Points When Choosing Your Family’s Orthodontist

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Choosing an orthodontist in the Sioux Falls, SD area for your family is an important decision, and one that is not be made lightly. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. First, and foremost, you want to be certain that you and your child will be comfortable with your choice. Find an orthodontic specialist who is well-recommended, board certified, has successfully completed cases available for you to review, and is able to accommodate your busy schedule. Orthodontic treatment is a serious investment, so it should be treated as such.

Talk to your family dentist. Get feedback from the parents of your children’s friends. Word of mouth recommendations are typically the best place to start when looking for a new medical provider of any kind. Orthodontists know this, and good ones take care to foster good relationships with their patients and referring dentists.

Today, many general dentists have taken classes to offer braces or clear aligners (Invisalign®), but an orthodontist is still THE BEST CHOICE for orthodontic treatment. General dentists are experts in diagnosis of dental decay, preventative dentistry and restoring, replacing and repairing teeth, while an orthodontist is an expert in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontists should have two to three years of additional specialized orthodontics education accredited by the American Dental Association, and the best orthodontists are also board certified.

After finding a highly-recommended orthodontic practice, look at examples of their completed cases. Some practices have a gallery of smiles on their website, but the office will also have photos on display of patients who have completed treatment.

Call the office to get the basic information, find out if they are accepting new patients, discuss insurance and financing policies, and ask if they offer free consultations. Your initial consultation is the ideal time to discuss treatment goals, and to find out how much experience the orthodontist has in correcting specific problems.

Orthodontic treatment can be a lengthy process, and patients interact with the doctors and their staff on a nearly monthly basis, so make sure you are comfortable with and confident about the orthodontic practice you choose for your family.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Braces and Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is almost here. In case you don’t know, it’s Tuesday, February 14! That means lots of sweet goodies will be making an appearance this weekend and in the coming week. It’s also time, once again, for us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics, to remind all of our orthodontic patients in the Sioux Falls, SD area to use extra caution when choosing those tempting delights.

Sweet, sour, gooey and sticky candies and chocolates taste great, but they are also known to damage teeth and orthodontic appliances. Sour candies can be harmful to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them. This can cause tooth staining, tooth decay, and cavities.

If you do indulge, Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow recommend choosing softer treats, such as soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. After enjoying them, be sure to carefully brush and floss between your teeth, and thoroughly clean around your brackets and wires, as well as at the gum line.

Just for Fun…a little Valentine’s Day History

Valentine’s Day is known around the world as a celebration of love in all its forms. Red roses, cute little cherubs, pink hearts, and lovely greeting cards seem to be everywhere. But many people might not know that our modern Valentine’s Day celebration got its start from a religious holiday.

St. Valentine’s Day was originally celebrated as a religious feast day in honor of early Christian martyrs. Three martyrs were honored; all of them named Valentine…a priest in Rome, the persecuted bishop of a town in central Italy, and a saint martyred in Africa. This saint’s day was celebrated throughout Christendom, although in 1969 it was removed from the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints.

Valentine’s Day as a holiday for lovers is credited to Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1382 poem “Parlement of Foules.” He penned, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate,” and with those words the modern romantic holiday was born. William Shakespeare and other writers also mentioned Valentine’s Day as a day for love.

free-vintage-valentines-day-card-happy-couple-with-red-heart-and-pink-flowersFast forward to the early 19th century, which is when our modern-day Valentine’s Day came about. In Victorian England, printers began producing small numbers of cards with romantic verses, ribbons, lace, and other frilly adornments. Anonymous Valentine’s Day cards were a popular way for young lovers to exchange romantic sentiments in an otherwise conservative or “proper” era. As the 19th century progressed, printers began to mass-produce Valentine’s Day cards. Every year in the United States, we exchange an estimated 190 million valentines. In this age of technology, online Valentine’s Day cards have become very popular, with millions of e-cards sent each year.

Other items closely associated with Valentine’s Day are chocolate and flowers. The tradition of giving chocolates has been around for decades. Almost 150 years ago, Richard Cadbury created the first box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. Today, consumers purchase over $1 billion in chocolates in the United States alone, with 35 million heart-shaped boxes sold each year. Loved ones also give flowers; often red roses, associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. On Valentine’s Day alone, florists sell nearly 200 million stems of roses.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

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

Now That I Have Braces, How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

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Braces can help you have that beautiful, straight teeth smile you’ve dreamed of, but you will need to practice good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Orthodontic treatment is most successful when paired with proper oral hygiene. It may take a little more time and effort than you are used to, but the end results will definitely be worth the extra work. Once the braces come off, you and those around you will notice that beautiful, healthy smile right away!

Plaque is a problem. Every day, plaque forms in your mouth, but with thorough cleanings several times a day, you can remove it. When you have braces, removing plaque is even more important because the wires give the plaque more places to hide in your mouth. Saliva, food, and bacteria combine to create the plaque that will deposit on the brackets of your braces, and if not removed, it can cause various dental problems, such as halitosis (bad breath), cavities, swollen gums and teeth staining.

How do I clean my teeth with braces? At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we have many teenagers ask us this question. You should still brush your teeth for a full two minutes each time you brush. Instead of replacing your toothbrush every three months, you should replace it sooner as the bristles tend to wear out more quickly due to the rougher surfaces of the brackets and wires.

The right toothbrush. Now that your child has braces, you will need to find the right toothbrush. You can still use a regular toothbrush, but there are different toothbrushes designed specifically for people with braces. These toothbrushes make it easier to clean around the wires and brackets, reaching those hidden places where plaque forms. When searching for toothbrushes that are more effective at cleaning around braces, keep these points in mind:
• Interdental toothbrushes. This is the best type of brush to use because it has an angled head and brush that fits around the braces with ease. Most of these cleaning instruments come with a replaceable brush that is triangular and can reach all sides of the teeth.
• Regular toothbrushes. If you choose this option, the bristles will need to be angled up as you brush upwards and downwards in order to clean the teeth thoroughly over the braces.
• Electric toothbrushes. The bristles can get caught in the braces, which will cause this cleaning instrument to wear down. This also makes an electric or sonic toothbrush hard to maneuver in your mouth due to the braces.

So, how often to brush? Now that you have braces, start brushing your teeth after every meal. If you are unable to brush, make a point to rinse your mouth with water. Thoroughly swish the water around your mouth before spitting it out. It is a good idea to take a travel toothbrush with you to help you clean your braces.

Practice good oral hygiene. Having braces will not damage your teeth, but poor oral hygiene can. This is why we stress to all of our orthodontic patients at our Sioux Falls, SD office, the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth properly with braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene will enhance the wonderful benefits of orthodontic treatment!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Ways to Pay for Orthodontic Treatment

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Paying for braces can be a significant financial investment for many families in the Sioux Falls, SD area. That investment becomes even greater when several family members need braces or orthodontic treatment. Also, some types of orthodontics can be more expensive than others. Understanding the various options available for paying for braces can help to remove some of the financial stress. Drs. Kevin Horner and Keri Barrow want you to have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about how your family will pay for orthodontic treatment.

Dental Insurance. Insurance is one of the most common ways to pay for braces. It is important to understand that not all dental plans offer coverage for braces, but the right plan can help to cover a significant portion of the cost for braces. In choosing a dental insurance package, it is important to focus on finding a package that specifically covers orthodontists. The precise coverage provided will vary from plan to plan, but many dental insurance plans will help to take approximately 50 percent off the total cost of braces. When shopping for a dental plan, it should be understood that most plans will not provide coverage if the patient is already undergoing orthodontic treatment. Also, some plans require a waiting (or grace) period, so it is important that you do not wait until orthodontic treatment is deemed necessary to begin shopping for dental insurance. Otherwise, you may find that treatment is not covered, or that you need to delay treatment until the waiting period has passed.

Our Affordable Payment Plans. The cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. The staff here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics will gladly discuss with you the cost of your treatment, and each available payment plan option, so that you can make the best choice for you and your smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, and that you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.

For your convenience, we are flexible on our payment plans and we accept payment from insurance companies. Payments are also accepted on Visa and Mastercard. We are happy to assist you and your family whenever possible to choose the best payment plan for you.

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

Braces-Friendly Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff

It’s mid-January here in Sioux Falls, SD. That means cold, snowy weather. Maybe you like to go skiing, cross-country or downhill, snowboarding, tubing, sledding or ice skating. Any of these winter activities can work up a good appetite. Time to pull out your slow-cooker and make some hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food for you and your hungry family! This recipe for Beef Stroganoff (once a weekend or special-occasion dinner) is just the thing to warm everyone up, and can now be served on a weeknight, thanks to this easy slow-cooker recipe.  And, since it’s slow-cooked and tender, it’s a braces-friendly recipe that your favorite orthodontic patient can enjoy, as well!

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Bon appétit from Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

Beef Stroganoff 

 (15 minutes prep time • 5 hours, 15 minutes total time
 • Serves 8)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3×1/2×1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
1 package (8 ounces) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (from 8-ounce package)
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice

Directions:
1. In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
2. In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
3. Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Source (recipe and photo)

A New Year, A New Smile, A NEW YOU!

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Happy 2017 from all of us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics! Every January, millions of people resolve to change their lives for the better in the new year. Often, those resolutions involve losing weight, exercising more, or similar healthy habits. But there is one resolution that could truly improve your health and your life in many ways, with no costly gym membership required. It’s a resolution for good oral health.

The new year is a great time to reevaluate yourself, and make those changes you’ve been thinking about, like a beautiful, healthy smile. Orthodontics can be a solution for many aesthetic dental issues, such as crowding, spacing, or teeth sticking out. A healthy mouth can improve your physical well-being, and it can also give you more confidence to help you achieve other positive changes in your life.

Adults will often ask themselves these questions when they think about traditional orthodontic treatment: “Am I too old?” “What will other people think?” “How will I look?” Remember, it’s never too late to get the new smile you’ve been dreaming of. Thanks to today’s technology, there are more alternatives to traditional braces than ever before. Clear brackets and Invisalign® are less visible, but effective, options to meet your orthodontic treatment needs.

An improved smile is just one of the many benefits of orthodontics; there are also many health benefits. Aligning the teeth makes them easier to clean, thus reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontics can also give you a more balanced bite for overall improved function. Last, but certainly not least, orthodontics can enhance your overall well-being. You may feel more stressed when you are embarrassed to smile because you’re self-conscious about your teeth. Others may view your behavior as aloof or standoffish when you don’t intend it to be. On the other hand, if you are happy with your smile, you’ll feel relaxed and confident when talking with others in professional and personal settings. You’ll be comfortable in business meetings, making a presentation, going on a date, or taking a class. Having a confident smile can mean the difference between achieving positive goals in your life and just sitting on the sidelines for another year.

Don’t wait another day for your new smile! Call our Sioux Falls, SD office today to schedule an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.

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

Here’s to a great 2016, and an even better 2017!

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Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the entire staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

As 2016 comes to a close, we reflect and look back, and we offer our heart-felt thanks to all of our patients. You have put your trust in us to help you with improving your smile and dental health. We don’t take that lightly. We know there are many options to choose for orthodontic treatment here in Sioux Falls, SD, and it means so much to all of us that you have chosen Horner Barrow Orthodontics! We look forward to seeing you in our office in 2017.

A new year usually holds the promise of better things to come. If you or a family member is thinking about improving their smile in the coming year, or considering orthodontic treatment, please feel free to recommend our office to them.

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

Have a happy and healthy 2017!

 

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas

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It’s the season for getting together with family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are a current patient, a past patient, or a future candidate for orthodontic treatment — the entire staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to wish you and your family the very best during this holiday season.

It’s the season for giving — and a great gift to give yourself or your loved ones is the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile! A smile is so important to who you are, and it’s a FACT that others feel better when those around them are smiling. If you are considering braces or orthodontic treatment for you or your family, please consider contacting our Sioux Falls, SD office for a consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To 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 Holidays to you and yours!

Orthodontics for Adults Are More Popular Than Ever Before

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With today’s advances in orthodontic technology, a beautiful, healthy smile can now be achieved at any age. Adults, especially, appreciate the benefits of orthodontic treatment. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we have a large number of adult orthodontic patients. National studies reveal that one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) estimates that approximately 1,000,000 adults in the United States are currently receiving treatment from orthodontists. Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable choice for almost any adult.

One area you might not think of where adult orthodontics can be helpful is in the job market. The current job market is very competitive, especially for young adults, and recent college graduates. Creating a good first impression is extremely important. Serious job hunters know this fact, and many are giving themselves the added bonus of an improved new smile to promote their success. Many hiring professionals will tell you that a confident, beautiful smile during the interview process, no matter what your age, makes a difference when interviewing for a new job. It also helps to bolster your confidence when communicating with others, both professionally and personally, thereby helping you to perform better throughout your life and career.

Orthodontic treatment for adults has several benefits, which can also include:
• Improved health of the teeth and gums
• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
• Reduction in unwanted wear of the teeth
• Decreased potential jaw joint problems or pain (TMJ/TMD) See our blog article to learn more about this condition.
• Development of the proper bite relationships for long-term function

Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow specialize in the latest in orthodontic care for patients of all ages. It is never too late to have a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Call our Sioux Falls, SD office to schedule your orthodontic consultation and examination, and find out how we can help you have the smile you’ve always dreamed of having!

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

Could Braces Be Causing My Sensitivity To Cold?

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An orthodontic patient in our Sioux Falls, SD office asked us this question:
“I have braces, and for the past several weeks, I’ve noticed that one of my upper right molars has become quite sensitive to cold things, such as food, drinks, and even the cold air. I’ve heard that for some people, braces can make teeth more sensitive. Is this what’s causing my sensitivity issues? Maybe I have a cavity? I brush and floss my teeth faithfully every night, and I’ve never had any cavities before, so I’m really concerned about what is going on with my tooth.”

Here’s our answer:
When you have braces, some tooth sensitivity CAN be normal, but an extreme amount is NOT normal. There are several different things that could be causing the problem. The only way it can be diagnosed is to see your general dentist. Some of the issues that may be causing the cold sensitivity are:

Demineralization. Demineralization is a condition that can occur when orthodontic patients don’t take proper care of their teeth while they are wearing their braces. Food that is left on the teeth can turn to acid, which eats into the teeth, leading to a weakened area or even a cavity. When this happens, your teeth can become very sensitive.

Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition where the gum tissue around your teeth becomes inflamed. This should not be ignored because it can lead to serious gum and teeth problems.

Recession. Recession is also a gum-related condition that can lead to tooth sensitivity. Gum recession is when the gum tissue has pulled away from the crown portion of the tooth, which often leads to exposure of tooth surfaces (tooth roots) that are normally covered, and therefore protected, by the gum tissue. This can be caused by brushing too hard, or by a bacterial infection in the gums. When this happens, your affected tooth or teeth may become sensitive to cold.

Overall Sensitivity. Some people have sensitive teeth because their tooth enamel is thinner. Since this patient has just developed the problem, and it is only affecting one tooth, this is probably not the cause of their sensitivity.

The best way to protect your teeth from sensitivity is to take proper care of them. Brushing your teeth once a day is not enough. You need to be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use mouthwash, and floss thoroughly every day. This is very important when you have braces because it is much easier for food to get trapped on the brackets, and therefore, on your teeth and gums.

If you have consulted with your general dentist, practice good oral hygiene daily and are still experiencing serious sensitivity in just one tooth, it is a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow. We will make very effort to determine the source of the sensitivity and get the issue fixed before it causes you more discomfort and problems.

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