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