A great braces-friendly dessert recipe!

Spring is nearly here, and that means it’s time for some refreshing recipes! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Lime-Graham Cheesecake Nibbles

Ingredients:

Crust:
• 1½ cups graham-cracker crumbs (about 9 double-square crackers, crushed)
• 3 Tablespoons margarine, melted
• – or –
• 1½ cups gingersnap crumbs (about 24 to 30 gingersnap cookies, crushed)
• 3 Tablespoons margarine, melted
Filling:
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 drops green food coloring
• 2 Tablespoons lime juice
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°. Line two muffin tins with 24 cupcake papers. In a medium bowl, stir together the crumbs and margarine. Spoon 1 Tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each paper. Press down the mixture firmly with the bottom of a small juice glass. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together egg whites and the salt until the mixture forms soft peaks. Set aside. In a large bowl, use the mixer to beat together the cream cheese, sugar, food coloring, lime juice and flour, until fluffy. Add the yolks until well mixed, then use a spoon to fold in the whites. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the lime mixture into each paper. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool on the counter for 20 minutes, then keep refrigerated. Makes two dozen.

Enjoy this great dish!
--From Team SR

Team SR, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

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

Here at Team SR, 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. Sellke and Reily 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!

Ask Team SR: "What's so cool about getting braces?"

Braces, are in fact, “cool,” "hip" and, dare we say say “fun” these days. These were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose kids are going through or have had orthodontic treatment recently. New technologies such as SureSmile and iBraces, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces make orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child visited Team SR Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile this summer!

Team SR want to know: what's on your reading list this summer?

With summer only days away (it's true!), some of us at Team SR have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Specifically, summer reading. Sure it’s easier for today's teens to go play ball or kick back and watch some TV, but Drs. Sellke and Reily will tell you that reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for school in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us, and we'd be happy to provide a few book suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading lists from Barnes & Noble that we came across this morning.

Let us know if you have any suggestions! Happy reading!

What are happy patients saying about Drs. Sellke and Reily?

At Team SR, we deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, and make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what some of our patients have to say about their experience with Drs. Sellke and Reily!

"The service! When I go in I know I'll never wait long! The girls are wonderful, efficient meanwhile being as gentle as possible!" ~ Nancy U.

"Everyone is very friendly! They have been very helpful from the beginning! I especially appreciated the customized folder that was put together in the beginning that included everything that will happen while he has his braces." ~ Heather M.

"Everyone in the office is very courteous when I call or arrive. You have geared the office to the pleasure of your largest client base the children. They love it, and it really makes a difference in them wanting to do well with the braces and their attitude about braces. Our son couldn't wait to get his braces after seeing his sister do so well." ~ Bruce C.

"Everyone is SO VERY NICE...And seem to truly CARE! The staff and the doc's are the best of the best! Very professional, well educated, kind, courtous...A "well oiled machine"...It is truly amazing how everyone works together as a team, and everyone seems passionate about what they do...To make a difference in one's life! OUTSTANDING! AWESOME! FANTASTIC! EXCELLENT! TOP NOTCH! TRULY THE BEST! THANK YOU ALL!" ~ Tommy T.

"They are the best office on the face of the earth! I have been employed with them for approximately 5 years and just recently my father passed away. The doctors, as well as my staff members could not have been more understanding and supportive of the time I needed off. They are like my family and they treat me as if I were part of their family and I am so greatful to be a part of this amazing practice!" ~ Anne S.

Mother's Day is right around the corner!

Mother's Day - which falls next Sunday, May 9 - is special to all of us, isn't it? Everyone looks forward to this day to let our mom know how special she is to us. Tell Dr. Sellke, what are you planning on mom's special day this upcoming Sunday?

If you happen to be out of ideas, check out this helpful video about clever, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, courtesy of a recent segment on Good Morning America. We're sure mom will love whatever you come up with!

SureSmile on the Science Channel! From SR Orthodontics

Our staff showed you a video clip last week, and thought we'd go with a video theme again. This time around, however, we'd like to show you a neat video of SureSmile treatment that was recently featured on the Science Channel. At SR Orthodontics, we love working with SureSmile technology, as it is faster and produces as good if not better results. Our technology-driven orthodontic process offers several important benefits that make the whole "braces experience" much easier for patients than conventional orthodontics!

Take a look at the video, and be sure to let us know what you think! Have a great rest of the week!

Drs. Sellke and Reily present: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist!

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff loved it, and are pretty sure you'll get a laugh too. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know! Have a terrific weekend!

At SR Orthodontics, technology helps you relax

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Drs. Sellke and Reily understand that some patients (and parents) are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are long gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere - including ours at SR Orthodontics - to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and with certain new methods such as SureSmile, the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Drs. Sellke or Reily use state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask! Have a great weekend everybody!

Talking retainers, with Drs. Sellke and Reily

If you recently completed treatment at SR Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Sellke and Reily will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Sellke and Reily is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Sellke and Reily, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Tell SR Orthodontics: What's on your mind?

Week after week, Drs. Sellke and Reily blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontics and your well-being. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask: 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? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and Drs. Sellke and Reily will try to answer any questions you may have!

Ask SR Orthodontics: When can I start my treatment?

Drs. Reily and Sellke will tell you any orthodontic problem can be treated at any age. But, our doctors want you to know that the need to extract teeth, the amount of treatment time, the cost of treatment, the complexity of treatment required and the quality and stability (permanence) of the final result are very much determined by the age of the patient. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.

Children who aren't ready for braces will benefit from an early evaluation by having their growth and development monitored by a licensed orthodontic specialist at no charge. In the end, a spectacular smile, improved dental health, improved facial esthetics and a boost to self esteem should be the goal of everyone seeking orthodontic treatment at SR Orthodontics. Age should not be a factor in seeking treatment and achieving these goals. These benefits are available to anyone – young or old. Yes, adults can have beautifully straight teeth too!

Fun facts with SR Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our dedicated team at SR Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Have a great weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

SR Orthodontics, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

February may almost be over, but did you know this happens to be National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each February for the past 60 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Both Drs. Sellke and Reily are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited SR Orthodontics lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Have a fantastic weekend!

At SR Orthodontics, easy and convenient access to your account

Full access to your account, any time you want. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at SR Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Being able to visit the site and double check appointment dates/times is very convenient over having to call office; appreciate seeing account balance at a glance to help budget personal finances." ~ Sandy F.

"Easy and quick access to records." ~ Laura B.

"Very professional! Indicates that the office and staff are up to speed with technology." ~ Tommy T.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Age 7, the magic number, from SR Orthodontics

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Drs. Sellke and Reily, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Sellke or Reily 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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at SR Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

What puts you at ease at SR Orthodontics?

Drs. Terry Sellke and Don Reily understand not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about SR Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Drs. Sellke or Reily themselves?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

The advantage of SureSmile® at SR Orthodontics

A couple of weeks ago, Drs. Sellke and Reily posted a blog about SureSmile technology featured on the popular ABC show "The Doctors."

If the thought of having braces bring you down, remember Drs. Sellke and Reily specialize in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Drs. Sellke and Reily identify the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Drs. Sellke and Reily view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

And the results?

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, give us a call! Happy New Year from the entire team at Sellke Reily Orthodontics!

Happy Holidays from Drs. Sellke and Reily

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Drs. Sellke and Reily and their team at SR Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to
getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at SR Orthodontics

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Sellke Reily Orthodontics Explain

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – we at Sellke Reily Orthodontics want to share some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know at Sellke Reily Orthodontics if you have any questions.