Operation Smile & Strathcona Orthodontics

Strathcona Orthodontic patients' are able to not only redeem their well-earned 'coins' for gift cards and novelties, they can choose to donate all or some of their coins to our current fundraising project:  Operation Smile.  'Operation Smile provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe'.   Our staff has also adopted this charity and we will be hosting a fundraising event later in 2010, details will be announced here on our blog and also on our website.

Since 1982, Operation Smile's dedicated medical volunteers have donate their time and expertise to travel to areas in the world where the need is greatest and these services are unavailable.  Through their website they state that there are more than 200,000 children born each year with facial deformities. In some areas of the world these children not only face physical challenges, but also social barriers and emotional trauma.  Operation Smile provides hope for a better future for each child that they are able to treat.  You can read Operation Smile's blog on the wonderful work they are doing in Haiti and around the world.

Other charities that we support through the coin club are the Strollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton Alberta Canada, The Hope Mission, and Santa's Anonymous.  We are proud to be able to support these worthwhile charities and we thank our patients for their generous donations.

Certified Orthodontist Is Your Best Choice

With so much choice out there, it's no wonder that people can be unsure about who to see for their orthodontic needs.  At Strathcona Orthodontics we believe that a Certified Orthodontic Specialist is your best option by far.

Certified Orthodontic Specialists have their degree in dentistry, as well have trained an additional 2 to 3 years at university to receive their specialization in orthodontics.   Most orthodontists ONLY do orthodontics, and provide a needed focus and committement to patients orthodontic and oral health well being.  Certified orthodontic specialists like our doctor, Terry Carlyle, take many hours of continuing education accreditation each year to stay current with new technology and emerging trends.

Certified Orthodontic Specialists work closely with other specialists such oral surgeons, prosthodontists, endodontists, ear - nose & throat specialists, and speech therapists.  Orthodontists also keep in close contact with the patient's dentist to ensure a continuum of care during treatment.

At Strathcona Orthodontics: 'Orthodontics is our passion and patients are our priority!'

Best of Bridge Going Bananas Banana Bread

A 'Braces Friendly Recipe' from the ladies at The Best of Bridge!

This recipe is a tried and true favorite of one of our team members.  She doesn't like raisens so she just doesn't add them!  When her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease she substituted gluten free sugar, oil, baking soda, cinnamon and allspice, and used 1 3/4 cups of Celimix instead of 2 cups of flour (Celimix is a gluten free flour substitute you can find at almost any grocery store in Edmonton).

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

3/4 cup oil

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 cups mashed bananas
1/2 cup raisins

Instructions:
Set oven at 350 F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or two loaf pans. Beat sugar and eggs until creamy. Mix in oil. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and allspice. Add to creamed mixture. Mix in bananas and raisins. Pour into bundt pan and bake for 1 hour or until done. (Test with a toothpick - it should come out dry.) Turn out of pan when cool It's so moist it doesn't even need butter.

Here is a reader comment for a slightly healthier version:
Great recipe, HOWEVER, I reduce the sugar to one cup and the oil to one quarter cup plus one half cup apple sauce to make up the difference. FABULOUS and so much better for you! Try it and you will never go back!

BRACES AND ADULTS, ARE THEY AN OPTION FOR YOU?

As an adult, have you ever wondered about getting braces?  Has it been a life long question, or did you have braces as a child or teen but the results didn't last?  Do you question whether other people have to chew on only one side of their mouth, or if that space between your teeth was really important enough to close? These questions and many more are presented to us every day at Strathcona Orthodontics.  There is no one answer for everyone as each person's situation is unique. But, when you are searching for answers be sure that you are looking at the most current technology available from a Certified Orthodontic Specialist.

One thing you should know is that orthodontic technology has changed considerably over the years.   With technology that is available today including Damon Braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, there is no longer the need for outdated head gear and unnecessary tooth extractions. By using this current technology patients can expect braces that are more comfortable to wear, shorter treatment time and modern, comfortable retention appliances.

For non growing patients who require only mild to moderate orthodontic correction one option may be Invisalign or Invisalign Teen.  These are a series of clear removeable aligners that gradually move your teeth into place.  You just need to book an initial examiniation to see if you are eligible for this amazing technology.

If you require a more classic approach to orthodontics, then consider seeking out an office that uses Damon Braces, which we at Strathcona Orthodontics consider the most up to date and preeminent technology available.  Damon Braces reduce the need for removal of healthy teeth (extractions) and bulky outdated head gear.  These low-profile braces are more comfortable than conventional braces and deliver faster treatment time with fewer visits to the orthodontist. Through the latest technologies, Damon Braces ensure that through more gentle tooth movement you get the smile you have been dreaming of!  For more information on the Damon Difference™ just click on this link: www.damonbraces.com/qo2.php. 

At Strathcona Orthodontics, our doctor is a Certified Orthodontic Specialist, a Certified Damon Specialist and a Qualified Invisalign Provider.  We'd be delighted to chat with you about any of these amazing technologies and how they could help you achieve a wonderful, functional smile.

SPRING BREAK

Hurray! Spring break is finally here. If you aren't skiing or in a sunny southern spot, here are some fabulous spring break activities right here in Edmonton!

For young and old alike, there is the world famous Telus World of Science. Star gaze at the Margaret Ziegler Theatre or see what's playing at the IMAX Theatre. There are also daily Science Demonstrations. There is also so much to do and see at the Royal Alberta Museum during spring break. They are showing daily movies, puppet theatre, crafts and so much more! Why not visit our new Art Gallery of Alberta, check out their website to see the family programs available. While it is so beautiful outside, try to get out for a family walk or bike ride in our beautiful Edmonton River Valley.

It is easy to get out of the routine of brushing & flossing during a change in your schedule. If you are out and about try putting a toothbrush, paste and some floss in your backpack (use the Strathcona Orthodontics oral hygiene bag you received when you 1st got your braces on). It's even more important to be aware of foods that might loosen or remove a bracket while you are on the go. Choose your foods just as you would at home to avoid loose wires or broken brackets. Most of all remember to have a fun, safe & healthy spring break!

Braces Friendly Recipe, Easy Lemon Cake from Kraft Kitchens

Easy Lemon Cake
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
Makes: 16 PIECES

What You Need!
1 pkg. (2-layer size) lemon cake mix
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding
1-1/2 cups cold milk
3 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

Make It!
PREPARE and bake cake mix as directed on package for 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake layers. Cool completely. BEAT milk and pudding mixes with whisk 2 min. Immediately spread over tops of cake layers. STACK cake layers. Frost with Cool Whip. Keep refrigerated.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Garnish cake with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
Variation
Bake cake in 13x9-inch pan; cool. Spread with pudding mixture, then Cool Whip.

A Health Drink for your Teeth by RealAge

A Health Drink for Your Teeth
By RealAge©

"Search Which is better for your teeth -- orange juice or tea?"

"Turns out that OJ ranks right up there with soda in terms of its enamel-damaging potential. But tea's effect on teeth is like water's: It leaves enamel unscathed."

"Guard Your Teeth"
"Think of enamel as armor for your teeth. Once that armor gets worn down or damaged, it can't repair itself. That's why acidic beverages -- soda, citrus juice, sports drinks -- are so bad for your pearly whites: They contain enamel-stripping acids (phosphoric, citric, malic, and tartaric acids, to name a few). But green and black teas don't attack enamel, and they even have a bit of tooth-friendly fluoride to boot."...

"Drinks That Do No Wrong"
"Save wear and tear on your teeth with these other smart sipping strategies:
Use a straw with acidic beverages. This minimizes contact with your teeth. Or swish your mouth with water afterward.
Drink brewed tea -- and drink it straight up. If you load it up with sugar and lemon, your teeth will feel it. You might want to skip the milk, too.
Snack on natural stain removers, like apples, celery, and carrots. Here's a sweet treat that may actually be good for teeth." Strathcona Orthodontics reminds our patients to always cut up fruit and vegetable into small bites and be very careful when eating carrots, it is easy for a bracket to come loose or pop off when chewing carrots! Refer to our 'Eating with braces' link for more ideas of what foods to eat & avoid while you have braces on.

"Get the YOU Docs' advice on how to take care of your smile. Watch this video."

"RealAge Benefit:
Flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger."

References Published on 02/19/2009 Topographic and radiographic profile assessment of dental erosion. Part III: Effect of green and black tea on human dentition. Bassiouny, M. A. et al., General Dentistry 2008 Jul-Aug;56(5):451-461; quiz 462-463, 495-496.