July 8th, 2011
At Kennell Orthodontics, we are always looking for ways to connect with our patients online. That’s why we’re currently hosting an iPad 2 Video Contest. We would love to hear about how much you love your new smile, why you chose Dr. Kennell’s office, your favorite thing about our office, or even what foods you can’t wait to eat after your braces come off!
You can film your video at Kennell Orthodontics using our Flip video camera, or email any video testimonials that are made at home to drkennell@kennellortho.com. Be sure to include your first and last name in the subject line of the email. We recommend that video entries are no longer than 2 minutes. By submitting your video, you are also giving us permission to share that video on our YouTube channel and other social networks.
The iPad Video Contest winner will be selected September 1st, so don’t delay in submitting your video entry!
We can't wait to see all of your great videos!
-Dr. Kennell & team
*One entry per person and you must be a patient of Kennell Orthodontics to enter.
July 1st, 2011
This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.
Dr. Kennell and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.
Whatever you plan to do, Kennell Orthodontics hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.
June 17th, 2011
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 Kennell 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. Kennell.
* 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.
June 9th, 2011
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. Kennell.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Kennell 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.
