Make 2011 the year to improve your oral health

Many folks in Springfield, South Hadley, and Enfield consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Dr. R. Scott Smith, Dr. Raney and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Safety first this winter! From R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Smith, Dr. Raney and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics.

More smiling patients at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics!

Dr. Scott Smith and Dr. Jason Raney and team love getting patient reviews. And lately, R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, serving Springfield and South Hadley, MA, and Enfield, CT, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

"Very friendly atmosphere, my son feels very at ease with the practice." ~William

"EVERYONE is so friendly and immediately made us feel welcome. Besides, my son LOVED Dr. Smith and his tricks!" ~Vanessa

"Very friendly service, professional atmosphere, high quality outcome." ~John

"Very accommodating... goes above & beyond! Wonderful staff!" ~Kerry

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics supports Operation Elf and Operation Tribute this holiday season

Our Springfield, South Hadley, and Enfield orthodontic offices always try to give back to the community in some way, especially during the holiday season.

This year, Dr. Smith, Dr. Raney, and team are collecting coins for military families who have a parent deployed. Our staff and patients have been really generous and our jars are filling up in each of our three offices. We have a family at our Enfield office who has combined all of their "change" and plans to deposit it soon into our Enfield jar.

The funds will be donated to "Operation Elf" (Embracing Lonley Families), an organization that is collecting contributions to pay for a fleet of buses to ship our troops home and then back to their training camps during their break. Operation Home for the Holidays will allow for our troops to see their loved ones at no expense to the family.

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics also plans to make a donation to their partner organization, Operation Tribute, which was founded in Maine and offers services throughout New England and New York. The organization will be providing gifts to military children this holiday season.

Thank you for helping us support these great organizations this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Patient Question: Can I benefit from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

Gobble Gobble!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the Springfield, South Hadley, and Enfield areas!

Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney announce the lucky winners of our Halloween Contest

Our doctors and team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics are excited to share that we have determined the winners of our Candy Corn Halloween Contest. The winers are the patients from each of our offices that guessed the closest number of candy corn in the jar. Thanks to everyone who participated in our Halloween Contest.

Contest Winers:

Springfield- Eric
Enfield- Amber
South Hadley- Megan


Congratulations Eric, Amber, and Megan! If you haven't already, we encourage all of our patients to "like" the R. Scott Smith Orthodontics Facebook page, which is where you can receive all of the latest news from our office-all through the news feed. Have a great weekend everyone!

A few Halloween safety tips, from R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our doctors and staff at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

Invisalign® and your oral health, from R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with R. Scott Smith Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health.

Here’s how:
Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Smith or Dr. Raney the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Scott Smith and Dr. Jason Raney and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

What do you love about R. Scott Smith Orthodontics?

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, serving Springfield and South Hadley, MA and Enfield, CT, strives to provide our patients with one-of-a-kind smiles that last a lifetime. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. We encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there. Or, you can review us on Yelp if you'd like.

We look forward to hearing your story!

Thank you,

-R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give R. Scott Smith Orthodontics a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Drs. Scott and Raney get ready for the annual Big E - Eastern States Explosion!

Our West Springfield, Massachusetts community is gearing up for the annual Big E - Eastern States Exposition. Our team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics is excited for this very popular country fair, which runs for several weeks. People come from far and wide to see the animals, rides, the New England state buildings, unusual products being demonstrated and sold, and the craziest fair food! The country fair is famous for Cream Puffs, Baked Potatoes, the CrazE Burger (cheeseburg on a glazed donut!), and Fried Jellybeans!

What is your favorite thing about the Big E? We hope to see all of our patients at the country fair this year!

Thank you,

-R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Scott Smith for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Scott Smith to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Drs. Smith and Raney know that image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Have you seen all of the great "Show Us Your Smile" summer photos?

As the R. Scott Smith Orthodontics "Show Us Your Smile" summer contest finishes, Drs. Smith and Raney want to remind everyone to take a look at all of the great patient photo entries! Prizes will be awarded for the silliest, most imaginative, farthest away, and friendliest smile. We will be announcing contest winners in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back to our Facebook page.



Thanks to everyone that submitted a summer photo! We loved seeing your smiles, whether you were flying overseas, headed to the beach, or playing outdoors.

Have a great week!

- R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Drs. Smith and Raney support the Children's Miracle Network!

On Sunday, September 12th, our team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics will be participating in the IT GIRL GALA at the 350 Grill at 350 Worthington Street in Springfield, MA. It's a great girl's night out to shop "All Things Body and Beauty" and a terrific way to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. The event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Join us along with Visual Changes Salon & Spa, Dr. Glen Brooks, Dr. Lisa Emerzian, Robert Charles Photography, Added Attractions, It's All About Me, Bling Blings, and more. Step outside the box and get a "Streak for Kids" or a "Glitz for Kids"! It's for a great cause.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the IT GIRL GALA, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing everyone at this great community event!

Thank you,

-R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with R. Scott Smith Orthodontics. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Your turn! From R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Week after week, Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

5 Reasons why you should visit R. Scott Smith Orthodontics this summer!

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. Scott Smith serving Springfield, South Hadley, MA and Enfield, CT and surrounding areas, we provide our patients with well-rounded orthodontic care in a pleasant atmosphere. Drs. Smith and Raney know that summer is often a time when folks are putting off scheduling their orthodontic consultation due to the nice weather and vacations. That being said, we have 5 important reasons why you should schedule an appointment with R. Scott Smith Orthodontics today!

5 Reasons to visit R. Scott Smith Orthodontics today:

1. Summer at Dr. Smith's office means extended hours. We start seeing patients at 7:00am, so you can get your appointment done nice and early and still have the whole day to play!

2. Summertime appointments mean you don't have to miss school.

3. Come in and share your vacation plans with the staff....and enter our SMILE contest to win Visa Gift Cards!

4. Along with everything else during the summer, our payment plans are more flexible. (Must be because we are in summer vacation mode, happy and relaxed :)

5. You'll get to see Dr. Smith wearing his Hawaiian shirt - now that's incentive!! Schedule soon, summertime fills up fast.

A few Invisalign® tips, from R. Scott Smith Orthodontics!

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Drs. Smith and Raney want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, give us a call!

What is new with Drs. Smith and Raney this summer?

Drs. Smith and Raney and our team serving Springfield and South Hadley, MA and Enfield, CT has been enjoying their Fridays off with their families. Long hot weekends in the summer, what more can you ask for?! It's even worth all the hard work Monday through Thursday!

Our team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics has been busy planning for the fall, which will include a "Back To School" Trivia Contest. We are also busy planning our semi-annual Invisalign Days. Watch for more information, which will be posted on the social networks in weeks to come!

We hope everyone enjoys August. Thanks to our patients who shared their smiles on vacation. Keep sending us your pictures. We will be choosing lucky winners in early September. All winners will receive a $25.00 Visa Gift Card to spend on something fun! For more details, visit our Show us your smile! blog entry.

Have a great week,

The team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics in Springfield, MA, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Drs. Smith and Raney will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

Show us your smile!

Our team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics knows that summer is the perfect time for families to travel and spend time together on vacation. That's why we would like to introduce our newest summer contest, Show Us Your Smile! Bring your smile on vacation and enter your photo for a chance to WIN.

Are you headed somewhere fun this summer?
Then don't forget to bring your smile with you! Whether you are flying overseas, going away to camp, or just hanging out with friends, Dr. Scott Smith & Staff want you to share a smile with us.

You may be wondering, how do I enter my smile?
To enter, take a picture and email it to us at lynns@gotsmiles.net. We'll post your picture on our Facebook page and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $25.00 Visa Gift Card. Prizes will be awarded for the silliest, most imaginative, farthest away, and friendliest smile.

May the brightest smile win!

-Your friends at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

What are patients saying about R. Scott Smith Orthodontics?

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, serving Springfield, MA and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Have you been considering orthodontic treatment at our office? Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Smith and Dr. Raney and our team!


"Very friendly atmosphere, my son feels very at ease with the practice." ~William

"EVERYONE is so friendly and immediately made us feel welcome. Besides, my son LOVED Dr. Smith and his tricks!" ~Vanessa

"My daughter had her orthodontics done in Dr. Smith's office. She just had her braces off recently and her teeth are beautiful. The whole staff is wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly." ~Anonymous

"Dr. Scott and his staff came highly recommended before we sought his services for our child's braces. A daunting decision was broken down in steps, and it made it easier to understand what we were undertaking. Feedback at each visit let know how we were progressing. Reminders are called in the day before, which is a nice touch... Dr. Smith and the staff understand how sports are part of many children's lives, and also helped us out with mouth guards. We are now on "phase 2", and are very satisfied." ~Daniel

Have you had a great experience at our office? Let us know by writing a review here. You may also post on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Have a great weekend,

-R Scott Smith & Associates

Drs. Scott and Raney present: Most Frequent Questions

At R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, we recognize that each orthodontic patient has unique needs, and wants treatment customized for them. There are many questions that new patients might ask, so how do you respond to some of the more common questions? Here are the answers to the most common questions Drs. Smith and Raney receive from patients:

“How will keeping my smile healthy keep me healthy as a whole?”

Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums, making them less prone to decay and injury.

“I have always been afraid of having work done to my teeth, what do you do to ease patients’ fears?”

Our office is set up with an "open operatory," one big room with the dental chairs arranged in a semi-circle. Since everyone is here for the same reason, no one is afraid. This makes it a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We do offer private rooms as well, but they are rarely requested!

“I don’t see a list of insurance companies on your website, so what is the best way I can find out if you work with my insurance provider?”

We are participating providers with most Delta Dental plans. Kelly, our financial coordinator will take care of the paperwork for all other plans so that the subscriber will be reimbursed.

Another very common question that we are asked is "What payment options does your office offer?" The answer is, in today's uncertain financial world we recognize that our payment arrangements need to be flexible. We do offer a discount for payment in full. We also work with both Care Credit and Chase Health Advance, offering no down payment and interest free payment plans. An additional option is to have our office do the financing. No finance fees are ever charged for this service. Our treatment coordinators will assist with creating a payment plan to fit individual budgets. We are "flex plan friendly" and will design a payment plan to allow the employee to take best advantage of benefits.

At R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, access to your patient account 24/7

Did you know that at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, patients have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week - all through our website. Patients can look up their appointments and all their account details at a time of their choosing and convenience, all from the comfort of their own home! Patients can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

If you're a recent patient of ours, you too may sign up for this convenient service known as Ortho Sesame on our website by clicking the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at our convenient Springfield, South Hadley or Enfield locations if you have any questions about getting started with Ortho Sesame!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Springfield, from R. Scott Smith Orthodontics

Drs. Smith and Raney want to know: Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly, or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.

If you notice one or more of the below symptoms. there may be a presence of sleep apnea. Please give us a call if you experience:

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

We hope you have a great rest of the weekend and Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

"Hey, Dr. Smith! What's the deal with retainers?"

Have you recently completed treatment at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics? Our entire team would like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Smith or Raney will provide—or have provided you by now—with retainers. After braces are removed, our staff will tell you that teeth may shift out of position if they're not stabilized.

Retainers, however, provide that stabilization, and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until your bones and gums adapt to treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by our team is the best way to make sure your treatment lasts a lifetime.

If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment at our office, please give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have.

Have a great week everyone!

This summer, bring your smile on vacation!

Headed somewhere fun this summer? Then don't forget to bring your smile with you! Whether you're flying overseas, going to camp or just hanging out with friends, our staff at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics want you to take a picture and send it to us!

There will be prizes awarded for the silliest, most imaginative, farthest away and friendliest photos!

We look forward to seeing your beautiful smiles!

Write a review of R. Scott Smith Orthodontics!

Warm, caring, professional - at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, we provide our patients with well-rounded orthodontic care in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Our practice works with patients of all ages and lifestyles to create one-of-a-kind smiles that last a lifetime.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help Drs. Smith and Raney create more beautiful smiles in Springfield, South Hadley, Enfield, CT and surrounding areas!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews!

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, bridging the gap between the myths and facts of braces

Trust us, we know there are lots of myths about orthodontics (and also orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, Drs. Smith and Raney think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Ask Drs. Smith and Raney: Am I just too old for orthodontic treatment?

At R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, nobody - and we mean NOBODY - is "too old" for braces. As a matter of fact, our staff read an interesting statistic not too long ago: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Of course, braces help make your teeth strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason more adults are getting braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Smith or Raney can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Smith or Raney would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

"Hey, Dr. Smith! Who benefits from Invisalign®?

One of the greatest features about Invisalign treatment is that its clear aligners are customized for pretty much anyone's pearly whites. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, the first thing Dr. Smith will do is take an impression of your teeth as they are now - and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth, and compare it to the way your pearly whites should look.

Next, Dr. Smith uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment all the way to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Smith is an Elite Premier Certified Invisalign Provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant today as kids are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these helpful public health guidelines for your information. The guidelines call for children and teenagers to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection - there are plenty - when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Happy Wednesday!

Ask Drs. Smith and Raney: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why our team at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth with Drs. Smith or Raney can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! We are pleased to offer a variety of treatment options, including clear brackets, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, as well as traditional metal braces. Our practice works with patients of all ages and lifestyles to create one-of-a-kind smiles that last a lifetime.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Smith or Raney can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Meet Dr. Raney!

You had the pleasure of "meeting" Dr. Smith a couple of weeks back. Today, our staff thought we'd introduce you to Dr. Raney!

Dr. Raney is passionate about his work as an orthodontist. He has years of training and experience, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his patients. Dr. Raney strives to maintain a professional office atmosphere, while creating a fun, comfortable, unique experience for each individual patient.

Dr. Raney completed his undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in business. He continued his education at The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he was near the top of his graduating class which ranked #1 in the nation among all dental schools based on national board scores. With orthodontics being a highly specialized and competitive field of dentistry, Dr. Raney was chosen to attend Nova Southeastern University in Florida where he received his orthodontic certificate. After years of hard work and training, Dr. Raney is able to provide you with the best and most advanced orthodontic care.

Dr. Raney is an active and upstanding member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Northeast Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, as well as the Middlesex Dental Society where Dr. Raney recently served as vice president.
In 2007, Dr. Raney received the highest honor given to an orthodontist when he became board certified by The American Board of Orthodontics. Currently, only about 20% of all orthodontists are board certified.

Dr. Raney has earned many honors such as the Gustave Pearl Award which he was awarded for outstanding original research while in dental school. He also received a community service award for his volunteer help with the Connecticut Special Olympics. Dr. Raney is continuously trying to stay current on all the latest technology by attending multiple continuing education courses throughout the year.
Dr. Raney grew up in Durham, Connecticut and has a large family in the area. While not in the office, Dr. Raney enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, golf, and saltwater fishing.

A little bit about R. Scott Smith Orthodontics...

R. Scott Smith Orthodontics, serving Springfield, South Hadley and and Enfield, Connecticut, Drs. Scott Smith and Jason Raney provide our patients with well-rounded orthodontic care in a relaxed, comfortable setting. We are dedicated to making sure that you and your family receive the treatments and care that you deserve. Seeing your smile is the most important part of our day!

We are pleased to offer a variety of treatment options, including clear brackets, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, as well as traditional metal braces. Our staff at R. Scott Smith Orthodontics works with patients of all ages and lifestyles to create one-of-a-kind smiles that last a lifetime. If you've been thinking about getting that perfect smile, please contact one of our convenient practice locations to schedule a complimentary consultation. Drs. Smith and Raney look forward to working with you!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. R. Scott Smith grew up locally. He attended schools in the Springfield area and graduated from Longmeadow High School. Dr. Smith received his Bachelors of Science degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University where he was inducted into Beta Beta Beta Biologic Honor Society. He graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He received his certificate in orthodontics upon completion of a residency at Tufts University.

While in high school, Dr. Smith attained the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America, qualified as a Distinguished Expert Rifleman with the National Rifle Association, won the Massachusetts Junior Rifle Championship, and placed twelfth in the United States Junior Rifle Championships. Dr. Smith is still currently a member in good standing of the National Eagle Scout Association.

Dr. Smith has held a position as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Tufts University and has been the Director of Orthodontics at the Tufts Facility for the Handicapped in Palmer since 1982. Dr. Smith has served on the Advisory Board for Springfield Technical Community College School of Dental Hygiene in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is a Premier Provider for Invisalign and frequently conducts round table discussions, sharing his knowledge of Invisalign with fellow orthodontists.

Dr. Smith is very active civically. He serves on the Executive Board of the Pioneer Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Board of Trustees of City Stage, the Membership Board of the Springfield Library and Museum Society and is a member of the Society of William Rice and the President's Foundation for Springfield Technical Community College.

Most importantly, Dr. Smith is the proud father of two sons, Scotty age 16 and Spencer age 14. Together they enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, golfing, tennis, baseball, basketball and just hanging out together!