The Underwood Orthodontics Blog

Regular checkups and your oral health

2011-12-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we wanted to ask - are you brushing and flossing daily 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 greater Powell and Marysville areas!

Dentists, orthodontists … what’s the difference?

2011-12-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Kent Underwood started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Kent Underwood decided to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a complete dental expert here at Underwood Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Happy Thanksgiving from Underwood Orthodontics!

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Kent Underwood and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Ask Dr. Underwood: "I just got braces. Now what?"

2011-11-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before prior to your orthodontic treatment.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Kent Underwood and our team at Underwood Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; just ask us for a recommendation!

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Dr. Underwood and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Underwood Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? Please let us know below or on our Facebook page. You may also give us a call!

Happy Veterans Day from Underwood Orthodontics

2011-11-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day! Today is a day to thank all military veterans and the men and women currently on active duty that put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Kent Underwood and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas!

5 ways you can avoid plaque

2011-11-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Kent Underwood. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Treats for Sweets at Underwood Orthodontics

2011-10-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

All of us at Underwood Orthodontics are excited to announce that we will be hosting a candy buy-back program! Treats for Sweets will take place on November 1st in our Marysville Office, and November 2nd in our Powell Office. We will give you $1 per pound of candy, for up to 10 pounds. Everyone is welcome to participate!

We will match what we give you and donate that money to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We are also going to donate all of the candy that we receive to the Dublin Food Pantry!

Thank you in advance for helping us support these wonderful causes!

First Annual Great Pumpkin Event!

2011-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Have you been to our Facebook page recently? If so, you have probably seen all of the great pumpkin pictures!

Right now at Underwood Orthodontics, we are hosting our First Annual Great Pumpkin Event! We asked local dental offices to decorate pumpkins that we displayed in our office. Next, we asked all of you to vote for your favorite by "liking" the photo on Facebook or by coming in to the office and voting at the front desk. The winning office will win a lunch on us! Additionally, all of the pumpkins will find a home at Abbington of Powell Nursing Home just in time for Halloween.

There is still time to vote for your favorite! Good luck, and thank you for all of the wonderful entries!

The advantage of SureSmile®

2011-10-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Underwood Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Underwood specializes 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, Dr. Underwood identifies 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 Dr. Underwood 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.

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, please call Underwood Orthodontics or contact us on Facebook today!

Helpful retainers tips, from Dr. Underwood

2011-10-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at Underwood Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Kent Underwood will provide—or has 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 Dr. Underwood is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Dr. Underwood

2011-09-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. Underwood and his team at Underwood Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Underwood Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. Underwood: What can I eat with my braces?

2011-09-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

You just got braces at Underwood Orthodontics and Dr. Kent Underwood has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

Orthodontic emergency? Dr. Underwood is here for you.

2011-09-15T15:42:00.001-07:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. Underwood and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. Underwood and team.

Common issues include:
*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Breaking bad habits

2011-09-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Underwood.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Underwood if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Underwood Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Underwood Orthodontics

2011-09-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

2011-09-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our team at Underwood Orthodontics found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kent Underwood. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Emergency Care with Underwood Orthodontics

2011-08-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. Kent Underwood and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. Underwood and team.

Common issues include:

*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Ask Dr. Underwood: What’s so bad about nail biting?

2011-08-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Underwood Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Underwood or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Underwood Orthodontics

Smile wider, live longer, from Dr. Underwood

2011-08-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Underwood has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Underwood Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Friday fun facts!

2011-08-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

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 team at Underwood Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• 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.

What do you love about Underwood Orthodontics?

2011-07-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

From your very first visit to Underwood Orthodontics, Dr. Underwood and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Underwood'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. You can write a review here for our Powell, OH office or here for our Marysville, OH office. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page!

Thank you,
The team at Underwood Orthodontics

Celebrities get braces, too!

2011-07-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Underwood.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the permafect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Underwood Orthodontics a call.

HOW TO: Floss with Braces

2011-07-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. Underwood will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Underwood Orthodontics a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

What's on YOUR summer reading list?

2011-07-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

With summer in full swing, all of us at Underwood Orthodontics wanted to remind all of our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff and Dr. Underwood would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Try this great Independence Day treat that the kids will love!

2011-07-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun treat that will impress the kids this 4th of July? Here’s a fun and simple recipe that our team at Underwood Orthodontics found from Disney's FamilyFun that’s sure to WOW the kids.

You will need:

• Red and/or blue fruit flavored beverage (Powerade, Gatorade, Kool-Aid…)

• Seltzer (flavored or plain) or clear soda

• Ice cube trays

Directions:

Fill the ice cube trays with the red and blue beverages and let them freeze solid. After they are frozen, place three or four cubes into a glass and fill the glass with seltzer or clear soda. As the ice melts, colored bubbles will swirl in the drink.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

-Dr. Underwood and team

Stay cool with a braces-friendly summer treat!

2011-06-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

With summer finally here, kids and adults alike will be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. And what’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

-Dr. Underwood and team

Orthodontic Emergency Care with Dr. Underwood

2011-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Underwood.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Underwood Orthodontics.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

June is National Smile Month!

2011-06-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Underwood Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Underwood.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call.

Underwood Orthodontics participates in the Powell Memorial Day Parade

2011-06-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

To honor and remember the men and women who have died serving our country, Dr. Underwood and our team participated in the Powell Memorial Day Parade. Our office had a great time walking with our community and giving away Underwood Orthodontics t-shirts during the event. Be sure to keep an eye out for us, possibly even giving away more t-shirts, at other community events in the upcoming months!

Why do you choose Underwood Orthodontics?

2011-05-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Underwood Orthodontics, serving Marysville, Powell and surrounding areas, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

Simply select the "Review us on Google Places" button above to write a review for our Marysville office or the button below to write a review for our Powell office.

Thank you!

The team at Underwood Orthodontics

Foods to Avoid During Your Orthodontic Treatment

2011-05-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of foods Dr. Underwood wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Underwood Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Dr. Underwood at the 2011 AAO Annual Session in Chicago

2011-05-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

To better serve our patients at Underwood Orthodontics with the highest quality orthodontic care available, Dr. Underwood and our entire team are committed to continuing education into the exciting world of orthodontics.

One of the ways we improve our service is by attending conferences, meetings and seminars, and this weekend, Dr. Underwood will be in Chicago attending the AAO Annual Session, an educational event that is one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world – and one that allows us to consult with orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the most cutting-edge technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, in turn, allows us to give you, our wonderful patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you’ve got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask us about our Chicago trip, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us serve you more effectively.

Dr. Underwood announces our New Discoveries in Paleontology Contest

2011-05-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

It seems as though paleontologists are always announcing these groundbreaking discoveries that change the way we think about dinosaurs and prehistoric life. In fact, the first nearly complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex was actually discovered right here in the United States! For our spring contest, Dr. Underwood would like to ask you, our amazing patients: what would THIS dinosaur look like when it was living? What would YOU name YOUR discovery? We encourage you to put on your thinking cap and share your creative ideas with our team!

Feel free to click the image blow to enlarge and print it at your convenience. You can use any materials or mediums to express your ideas, so have fun! Our only contest requirement is that we receive your entry by June 30, 2011. Contest entries may be submitted in person, by mail or by emailing morgan@underwoodorthodontics.com.

"Hey Dr. Underwood! What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?"

2011-04-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

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 Underwood 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. Underwood 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.

Underwood Orthodontics, taking steps to reduce our environmental impact

2011-04-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is today, April 22nd, and we thought this would be a great time to discuss everything that Underwood Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? We offer convenient and secure online services with our patient login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

Dr. Underwood and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

What Will YOUR Smile Look Like After Orthodontic Treatment?

2011-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Underwood Orthodontics loves to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Underwood, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment. Using the tool will also earn you a free orthodontic consultation coupon, which can be redeemed at our office by yourself, a family member or friend.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call Underwood Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!

Play it safe this spring, from Underwood Orthodontics

2011-04-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Powell and Marysville, OH will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Underwood and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Underwood Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Underwood Orthodontics says goodbye to Jenny!

2011-03-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

This week, Dr. Kent Underwood and team are saying our goodbyes to Underwood Orthodontics' Clinical Assistant Jenny. We hope that she has a great time moving down to Georgia. Jenny has been a valued member of our staff, and we will miss her upbeat personality and sense of humor. All of us at Underwood Orthodontics wish her the best!

Ask Dr. Kent Underwood: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

2011-03-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Some people wonder why Powell and Marysville, Ohio orthodontist Dr. Kent Underwood and our team 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 at Underwood Orthodontics 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!

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. Dr. Underwood can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss, from all of us at Team Underwood!

2011-03-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love for children and learning. Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." This month, our team at Underwood Orthodontics is celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday with creative poetry. We invite all of our patients to submit their poetry for a chance to win!

Although Dr. Seuss' birthday is Wednesday, March 2, our team is accepting contest entries through March 31. Submit your rhyme for a chance to win a fabulous prize, fame, and glory (maybe even a Pulitzer)!

Braces 101 with Dr. Underwood

2011-03-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

If you ever sustain damage to your braces and need to call Underwood Orthodontics, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly winter dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

2011-03-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.

Apple Bombolini
Ingredients:

Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking
Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

What puts you at ease at Underwood Orthodontics?

2011-02-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dr. Underwood and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting 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 Underwood Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Underwood?

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

Parsing through the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Underwood

2011-02-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Trust us when we say Dr. Underwood and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light 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 Underwood Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Join the Braces Brigade!

2011-02-11T10:11:00.001-08:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Underwood Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Underwood!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

2011-02-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That why Dr. Underwood and team at Underwood Orthodontics thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be a great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Underwood Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Underwood Orthodontics celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss with a poem!

2011-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss once said, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” In celebration of our beloved Dr. Seuss' birthday, Dr. Underwood and our team would love to read your creative poetry. We encourage our patients to write their own poem for a chance to win a fabulous prize, fame, and glory (maybe even a Pulitzer)!

Will you be visiting our office before Wednesday, March 2? If so, we encourage you to work your magic and show us your poetic talent!

National Cheese Lovers Day

2011-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Dr. Underwood wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give Underwood Orthodontics a call.

Cool kids get braces at Underwood Orthodontics!

2011-01-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

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 the 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.

With Underwood Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

2011-01-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

At Underwood Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Powell and Marysville, OH.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Tuesday Tooth Trivia, from Dr. Underwood

2010-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

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 team at Underwood Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• 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.

Ask Dr. Underwood: Can I benefit from braces?

2010-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Underwood 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!

Dr. Underwood's top ten tips for keeping your braces clean and cavity free

2010-12-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

Our team at Underwood Orthodontics understands that with holiday goodies everywhere you look, keeping your braces clean is exceptionally difficult this time of year. Keep in mind, however, food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Underwood and Team

What are patients saying about Underwood Orthodontics?

2010-12-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

Dr. Underwood and team, serving Powell and Marysville, OH, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients had to say when they were asked, "What do you like best about our practice?"

"The great quality that Dr. Underwwod delivers." ~Melissa

"Friendly staff & online access" ~Michelle

"Timeliness of appointments, the practice stays on schedule." ~Chris

Patient Question: Does Dr. Underwood customize Invisalign® for each patient?

2010-12-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Underwood. To find out if you are the right 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 special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment 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. Underwood is a certified Invisalign provider in Marysville and Powell. 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.

A Season to Give Thanks

2010-11-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

Dr. Underwood and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We'd like to know, what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Underwood Orthodontics Candy Buy Back was a huge success!

2010-11-20T13:45:00.001-08:00

Underwood Orthodontics recently held our 3rd annual Treats for Sweets Candy Buy Back Program. We are pleased to share that we collected over 305 pounds of candy! The collected candy will be donated to The Dublin Food Pantry. We will also be making a donation to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Thanks to everyone for your support of Treats for Sweets!

Dr. Underwood asks: Is your child nearing their seventh birthday?

2010-11-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Underwood 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 Underwood Orthodontics 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 Underwood Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Toasty Toes, Warm Hearts!

2010-11-02T11:47:00.001-07:00

Help Powell and Marysville, OH orthodontist Dr. Underwood and our team warm the toes of needy families this holiday season. Your donation of new socks will be delivered to the Welcome Warehouse in time for the holidays!

Now through Dec. 4, Underwood Orthodontics encourages our patients to drop off new sock donations at either our Powell or Marysville office. We are accepting both children and adult size socks.

Together, we can help area families stay warmer this winter. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Trick-or-treat, and then visit Dr. Underwood for Treats for Sweets!

2010-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October's sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Underwood would like to remind all of our patients that our 3rd annual Treats for Sweets is next week!

The Candy Buy Back event begins next Wednesday, Nov. 3rd in our Powell office and next Thursday, Nov. 4th in our Marysville office. For every pound of candy that is donated, we'll give you $1 and donate $1 to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. All candy will be donated to the Dublin Food Pantry.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Candy Buy Back program, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Underwood. We look forward to seeing all of our patients next week. Happy Halloween!

Underwood Orthodontics supports National Orthodontic Health Month

2010-10-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe October is already more than halfway over? 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 Dr. Underwood and our staff 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 you can come into our office.

Underwood Orthodontics attends this year's Chicago Invisalign Training

2010-10-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Underwood Orthodontics offers excellence in orthodontic treatment for children and adults, which is why it is important that our doctor and team attends regular educational conferences. Dr. Underwood and two of our clinical assistants, Jamie and Nicole, recently attended an Invisalign Training in Chicago. Jamie and Nicole enjoyed the speaker, Dr. Mark Perelmuter, and they were able to learn several new techniques. We are all very excited about the new products that will be available soon.

For more information on Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Underwood.

Patient spotlight: Why one patient recommends Underwood Orthodontics

2010-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit the orthodontist? Now you can see for yourself! In this short video, Deanna shares her experience at Underwood Orthodontics with the world. You can also visit the Underwood Orthodontics YouTube channel for more video testimonials about our doctor and team.

Dr. Underwood and our team are committed to creating a beautiful smile for every one of our patients. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment at our office, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Underwood.

Dr. Underwood thanks all of our patients who attended the 2010 Patient Appreciation Picnic!

2010-09-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Dr. Underwood and our team would like to thank all of our patients who attended the 2010 Patient Appreciation Picnic. Be sure to visit our Facebook page, so that you can see all of the event photos, videos, and comments about the event! You can also visit our YouTube channel to watch a few of the videos from our Hula Hoop Contest.

Did you attend the Underwood Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Picnic this year? We would love to hear your feedback about the event!

Thanks to everyone who helped make the picnic a huge success!

-Dr. Underwood and team

Dr. Underwood asks: Can you hula hoop on one leg? Many of our patients can!

2010-09-21T14:34:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, Dr. Underwood and team hosted our Patient Appreciation Party at the Powell, OH Coffman Park Shelter House West. The event was a huge success! There was a Hula Hoop Contest, as well as a magician, three bounce houses, and face painting. Check out this short video, and visit our YouTube channel to see more great videos from the Hula Hoop Contest this year. Congratulations to our contest winners Hannah, Jaymie, Margaret, Shashana, Brian, Lena and Isabella!

For more information on Dr. Underwood and orthodontic treatment in Powell and Marysville, OH, feel free to give us a call. Thanks to everyone who attended our Patient Appreciation Day!

-Dr. Underwood and team

Underwood Orthodontics invites patients to our 3rd annual Treats for Sweets!

2010-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

No tricks here! Kids, for each pound of Halloween candy that you bring to Underwood Orthodontics during our Treats for Sweets Candy Buyback Program, we’ll give you $1.00 and donate another $1.00 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We'll also donate the candy to The Dublin Food Pantry.

Take out your favorites, that’s okay! Bring the rest of your bounty to our Powell, OH or Marysville, OH office and trade it in for cash. We hope to see all of our patients at this great community event!

You're invited to Treats for Sweets!

Who: You and your family!

What: Treats for Sweets Candy Buyback Program

Where: Our Powell, OH and Marysville, OH offices

When: 7am - 4:30pm Wednesday, Nov. 3rd in Powell, OH
7am - 4:30pm Thursday, Nov. 4th in Marysville, OH

Why: To raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, donate candy to the Dublin Food Pantry, and earn cash for your candy!

Ask Dr. Underwood: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

2010-09-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the Underwood Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Party!

2010-08-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

This September, Dr. Underwood and our team will be hosting our Patient Appreciation Party! We will have a magician, contests and prizes, three bounce houses, and face painting! City BBQ and Dairy Queen will both be served. Please RSVP by September 5th. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Patient Appreciation Party!

Underwood Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Party

Who: All of our patients and their families & all of the DDS we work with and their staff and families!

What: Underwood Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Party

Where: Coffman Park Shelter House West

When: Sunday, September 19 from 1:00-4:00pm

Why: To have a great afternoon with all of our amazing patients!

Moooooove over gum disease!

2010-08-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Underwood Orthodontics, supporter of the AAO Style 'N Smile fashion show!

2010-08-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Style 'N Smile fashion show, sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, promotes self esteem, while displaying the newest back to school fashions. Most importantly, the fashion show emphasizes how beautiful and healthy smiles never goes out of style. To learn more about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, take a look at this short video clip from 90210 pop culture icon Jennie Garth. In the video, she shares how being self conscious is a rite of passage, and that’s why giving younger (and older) people the opportunity to improve their smile goes hand in hand with improving self esteem.

With SureSmile and Invisalign treatment options, Underwood Orthodontics has what it takes to make you smile! Give us a call today if you have any questions about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, or if you would like to schedule your complimentary consultation!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Underwood

2010-08-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Trust us when we say Dr. Underwood and our professional staff knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light 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 Underwood Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

The importance of retainers, from Underwood Orthodontics

2010-08-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at Underwood Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Underwood will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always 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 Dr. Underwood 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 Underwood Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

All the cool kids are wearing braces!

2010-07-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

Invisalign® tips, from Underwood Orthodontics

2010-06-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

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, Dr. Underwood wants 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 Underwood Orthodontics, give us a call!

Underwood Orthodontics Celebrating the National Smile Month

2010-06-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

It's June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Underwood and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call!

What do you love about Underwood Orthodontics?

2010-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

From your very first visit to Underwood Orthodontics, our dedicated staff and Dr. Kent Underwood strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Underwood? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

Our staff at Underwood Orthodontics is committed to creating a beautiful smile for every patient. Our goal is to provide you with the highest level of orthodontic treatment and an enjoyable experience. We offer excellence in orthodontic treatment for children and adults, and has what it takes to make you 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. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

SureSmile makes the rounds on ABC’s “The Doctors”

2010-06-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Dr. Underwood is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Meet Our Orthodontist

2010-05-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, Dr. Underwood learned at an early age the importance of family and community. He works hard to incorporate his personal values into his work as an orthodontist. As a patient of Dr. Underwood's, you'll be treated like family, because he feels that every person he treats deserves the same respect and level of care that he would give to his own spouse and children.

Dr. Underwood is pleased to welcome you and your family to his practice, and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with you as you work together toward achieving a beautiful new smile.

Originally from New York, Dr. Underwood enjoys living, and raising his family, in Ohio. When he's not at the practice, Dr. Underwood and his wife, Amy, are very involved in their church and with the PTO organizations at their children's, Annie and Ricky, school. In his free time, Dr. Underwood enjoys running, fly fishing, kayaking, and spending time outdoors. He is also a long-time member and board member of the Dublin A.M. Rotary Club.