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

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.

With Underwood Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

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!

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

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

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

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!

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