All the cool kids are wearing braces!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile and Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making 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 with Dr. Underwood, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Underwood Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Ask Dr. Underwood: How do I know if Invisalign® is right for me?

Invisalign is customized for each patient, which is part of why it is so effective, says Dr. Underwood. To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to 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 teeth should look.

Next, we use are able to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning to the end of your treatment. 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. Underwood is a certified Invisalign provider in Powell, OH and surrounding areas. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

SureSmile® 3-D imaging technology at Underwood Orthodontics

Our team at Underwood Orthodontics recently came across a very interesting New York Times article, which discusses the benefits of 3-D imaging technology. Dr. Underwood and our office uses 3-D imaging technology through the SureSmile® treatment. SureSmile technology is revolutionizing the orthodontic industry because it orchestrates clearer patient diagnosis, allows doctors to specifically tailor appliances to a patient's individual needs, and it gives the patient the ability to see exactly what their mouth will look like post-treatment. The treatment is estimated to be almost 40% faster than conventional braces. This allows for overall fewer office visits, less discomfort, and higher quality results.

For more information on SureSmile technology, check out our website or give our office a call! Dr. Underwood is a certified SureSmile provider and would be happy to meet with you to discuss treatment options.

Dr. Underwood presents the perfect braces-friendly summer dessert

Summer is finally here in Powell and Marysville, OH , meaning it's time for a fruity dessert recipe! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) summer treat 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 summer dessert and have a great week!

--From Dr. Underwood and staff

Summer fun with Underwood Orthodontics

It's summer here at Underwood Orthodontics in Marysville and Powell, Ohio, a season full of vacations, adventures, and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America's open roads or just having fun in the sun, Dr. Underwood and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our blog or Facebook page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos to our Facebook wall!

Have a fun & safe Independence Day weekend!

-Underwood Orthodontics