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.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment and Does My Child Need It?

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Thinking about early orthodontic treatment for your child? If so, you are not alone. As many as 20 percent of the patients in some orthodontic practices are ages 7 to 10.  The truth is, many developing orthodontic problems can be intercepted and corrected if diagnosed and treated at an early age. Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow, along with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and many other orthodontists and dental professionals, recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven, or younger if the front four permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth. Early treatment, also known as Phase I treatment (or interceptive treatment), provides timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.

You may want to consider early orthodontic treatment if any of the following issues apply to your child:
• Early or late loss of baby teeth (a child typically starts losing baby teeth around age five or six, and will have all their permanent teeth in by age 12 to 13)
• Sucking his or her thumb
• Difficulty chewing and/or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Speech impediment
• Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
• Crowded front teeth
• Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner, or even at all

Early intervention can reduce the severity of your child’s case, and therefore reduce the length of treatment time and cost for a second phase of treatment when all of his or her permanent teeth have erupted.  The orthodontists and the staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics can evaluate your child and determine if his or her dental and skeletal growth is proceeding properly, or if interceptive treatment is needed. In many instances, a more severe problem can be corrected using sophisticated removable appliances instead of traditional orthodontic treatment.

To schedule an appointment in our Sioux Falls, SD office, please contact us. We will be happy to  consult with you regarding any next steps deemed necessary toward caring for your child’s smile and dental health.

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.

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.

Breakfast Foods That Are Braces-Friendly!

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At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow understand how hard it can be to get your child to eat the recommended daily allowance of healthy grains, fruits and vegetables. As many parents already know, kids can be finicky eaters. How many times has your child hid their serving of broccoli under a dollop of mashed potatoes, or tried to sneak their green beans to the family dog?

The task of providing fun, nutritious meals becomes even more challenging when your child is wearing braces. It’s a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for all of us. A healthy breakfast provides our bodies with the necessary fuel to start our day off on a positive note. The following braces-friendly breakfast food suggestions are not only nutritious, but also delicious.

• A healthy breakfast provides energy to start the day and it also revs up the body’s metabolism. A smoothie can be a good source of fruit, protein and fiber, and it’s also gentle on braces. Plus, smoothies are fun to make. You can toss anything in the blender (plain, low-fat Greek yogurt, bananas, strawberries, and spinach to name a few) and create a drink that’s loaded with protein,  vitamins and antioxidants.

• Scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs are soft, and therefore, easy to eat if you have braces. If covered in ketchup (which many kids like to do), eggs become even softer. Minimal chewing is needed, and that’s the key to a braces-friendly recipe.

• Hard, crunchy cereals or granola for breakfast is not a good choice if you wear braces. Bite down on a hard chunk, and you could loosen a bracket, or break a wire. You can, however, get a serving of whole grains by replacing that crunchy cereal with cooked oatmeal. This soft, easy-to-chew breakfast treat has plenty of health benefits. The best option is quick-cook oats that you can add your choice of nuts and berries to, rather than those presweetened packets of instant oats. A time-saver for your busy mornings is to make the oatmeal ahead of time, in the evening. Do an online search for overnight oats; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all of the tasty suggestions that come up for easy-to-assemble recipes that will be ready to eat the next morning!

• Pancakes may NOT be the most healthy option for breakfast. However, this weekend breakfast favorite IS braces-friendly. Strive to make your pancakes healthier by adding blueberries in the pancake batter.

• All-bran, whole-grain (or multi-grain) pumpkin, banana, blueberry or apple muffins are another good way to start the day. Pull out your favorite recipe and bake a batch of homemade muffins on the weekend, and you’ll have a quick, handy breakfast for several weekday mornings. Just remember to omit the nuts!

• Toast (lightly-browned) is an acceptable option, but start by using healthy, whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. Up the protein factor by spreading your toast with a little bit of creamy (not chunky) peanut or almond butter, and just say no to that overly-sweet jelly. Instead, add a bit of a natural, all-fruit jam to cut down on the sugar. When wearing braces, the best course of action is to avoid foods that are hard or chewy. These types of foods can break wires. Some kids might think that toast isn’t the most exciting breakfast food, but it IS braces-friendly.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient in the Sioux Falls, SD area. 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!