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!