Just do it!

Ah, the holiday season is here once again!  I don't know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.  I LOVE all the decorations, cozy clothes, excitement and anticipation that make the Thanksgiving/ Christmas / New Years season so special.  But I HATE the overwhelming feeling that hits about the morning of the Dallas Marathon, when I look at my to-do list and panic that it will never be done on time.  

Last week I was thinking about how I can approach the holidays differently, to improve the Love part of our relationship and reduce the other part.  My solution - I need to quit worrying about what won't get done and just do it!  Taking my mind off the worries and putting it on the preparation has done wonders to improve my mood this year.  

So how does this relate to orthodontics?  I have come to realize that many of my adult patients have a similar love/hate relationship with the idea of braces.  They love the idea of straight, healthy beautiful teeth but hate the anxiety they feel about braces as an adult.  As an orthodontist who has seen the great benefit that adults can receive from orthodontic care, I encourage anyone considering treatment to put the worries aside and just do it.  I have yet to have any adult tell me they wish they hadn't straightened their teeth - and have lots and lots tell me how glad they are that they did.

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.  Ellis Orthodontics is blessed to have so many wonderful patients and colleagues to work with.  We are grateful for your support this year and always.

Why braces? Esthetics or Function or Both?

Recently I've seen a number of patients who wanted straight teeth but were questioning whether they should get orthodontic care because they thought they were "just being vain".  In fact, the generally understood reason people get braces is for straight teeth, but that is really only part of the story.  Yes - braces will give you nice looking teeth, but more importantly, braces place your teeth in the position where they will best function.  Proper dental function can improve both dental health and dental longevity.  Although it is almost never too late to gain the benefits of improved dental health with orthodontic care, the earlier one obtains needed orthodontic treatment, the better.  Preventing detrimental wear and tear that can result from malpositioned teeth and certain bite problems with early orthodontic treatment provides a life long benefit. 

I often tell my patients that I cannot give them improved dental function without also improving their appearance.  Taking steps to ensure dental health is wisdom, not vanity.  I welcome the opportunity to help my patients obtain a fantastic smile - onethat is both beautiful and optimally functional. 

Even the Wall Street Journal knows that straight teeth are good for everyone

There is a nice article in the WSJ today about how more adults are getting braces now than in the past.  After many years of helping adults straighten crooked teeth, I know what a great service orthodontics is for my adult patients.  If you have always wanted straight teeth, but thought braces were just for kids, think again and then call Ellis Orthodontics for a consultation.  The first visit is free!

http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-more-adults-are-getting-braces-1444066342