Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to NationalGeographic.com, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

2011 Patient Appreciation NightThank you to everyone who joined us for our annual “Patient Appreciation Movie Night”! This year we watched Toy Story 3 under the stars at Mulberry Lake. We hope you had a great time and can’t wait to see you again soon at the office or any of our other fun community and patient events.

MONTHLYJOURNAL OF

BURLESON ORTHODONTICS SpectacularSmiles

Zona Rosa Shopping

Spree WinnerAdrianna E. and family won a shopping spree to Zona Rosa in Kansas City. Would you like to be entered in our monthly drawings? It’s easy- just refer a friend to our office!

Celebrate Your

Freedom

This month, we will celebrate

Independence Day and all

that our nation stands for.

Why not also celebrate your

freedom from a crooked

smile?

We’re Here to Help

If you have ever wanted to

show off a straighter smile,

we can help! At your

consultation appointment,

we will discuss treatment

options tailored to your

needs. Our friendly new

patient coordinator will

discuss payment options to

#t your budget. A straight

smile does not mean you

h a v e t o s a c r i#c e y o u r

summer vacation!

Stop Hiding Your Smile

No one should suffer a

lifetime of crooked teeth. A

complimentary consultation

may be all that stands in

between you and the smile

you have always wanted.

Please call our office today

and our patient coordinator

will schedule a convenient

appointment time to begin.

4151 N Mulberry Dr, Ste 210

Kansas City, MO 64116

T : 816.929.6916F : 866.253.1590www.BurlesonOrtho.com

Fact or Myth: The Truth About Braces

this issueFact vs Fiction: Braces Edition P.1

Baby’s First Teeth P.2

Quiz: All About Chewing Gum P.3

2011 Patient Appreciation Night P.4

ISSUE

July2011

07

Spectacular Smiles Issue 07 July 2011

For more photos, visit Facebook.com/BurlesonOrthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular – and strange – questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today’s smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult – almost impossible – to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any “attraction” felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set o! the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

4151 N Mulberry Dr, Ste 210Kansas City, MO 64116(816) 929-6916 phone (866) 253-1590 faxwww.BurlesonOrtho.com

How Much Do You Know About Chewing Gum?Test your gum-ption with this trivia quiz!

1. Swallowed gum remains in your stomach for:

A. 2 yearsB. 7 yearsC. 8 yearsD. None of the above

2. Forward-looking scientists believe a special type of gum may help prevent:

A. ArthritisB. CancerC. Broken bonesD. Blindness

3. Research suggests that chewing gum after ____ will help you heal faster:

A. Abdominal surgeryB. TonsillitisC. AppendicitisD. Lasic surgery

4. The Chewing Gum Action Group was created in England to:

A. Introduce preschool children to the wonderful world of gumB. Lobby Parliament in the interest of gum companiesC. Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage binsD. Provide free chewing gum to underprivileged families

5. A new type of gum claims to reduce bacteria in your mouth by:

A. 10 timesB. 50 timesC. 80 timesD. 300 times

Thank you for your referrals!

RECENT REFERRALS :

VIP MEMBERS(3 or more referrals)Riley McCrackenHannah LongMadison Hat!eld

TWO REFERRALSChristian DownsLandon BeyerMaddie SvobodaJennifer MirabileEmily NgoDeborah BosakAlison MunozMindy WarnerDonice YeaterKevin ChoeChelsey Purcell

ONE REFERRALYing WangMary Helber JamboretzKatie SmithKenneth DownsHattie MillerNatalia de la TorreLandon DonaldsonSam WhittyMelissa ParkHannah SmithClaire EverettJordan SaundersCameron StennerHeather ReedTanner PrendergastLia HolmanHannah CroseLauren HandleyCrystal CoaleTeresa HerbicCarrie HewittEmma HullingerLinda GockenTaylor KellyMichael MorrowAbby BurtonLisa Baker

DEAR DR. BURLESON...

“Everyone notices my smile now and says how great it

Patient Spotlight

Luci Conkling

Luci is a patient in our o!ce who uses her “Spectacular Smile” to help others!

L u c i c u r r e n t l y participates in “natural pageants”- pageants t h a t e n c o u r a g e contestants to let their natural beauty shine through. She has won many awards including Jr. Miss Sweethear t. Luci’s talent is dancing and she has recently taken up acting.

Luci also volunteers her time to help others in the community. She has helped in neighborhood projects, at Children’s Mercy Hospital and is a tutor for Kindergartners in summer school. Luci is a straight A student and participates in the STAGE program at her school.

Thank you Luci for all you do! We are so honored to have such talented and giving patients!

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! Are you prepared for the arrival of the f irst tooth? Follow these guidelines and your baby will be on his way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Caring for Gums

Even before your baby's first tooth appears (or, in dental jargon, "erupts"), her gums can benefit from your careful attention. After breast- or bottle-feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or piece of gauze and gently rub it across your baby's gum tissue. This practice both clears your little one's mouth of any fragments of food and begins the process of building a good habit of daily oral care.

Baby's First Tooth

When that first tooth makes an entrance, it's time to upgrade to a baby toothbrush. There are usually two options: a long-handled toothbrush that you and your baby can hold at the same time, and a finger-puppet-like brush that fits over the tip of your pointer finger. In each case the bristles are soft and few. A t th i s s tage , toothpaste isn't necessary; just dip the brush in water before brushing. If your little one doesn't react well to the introduction of a toothbrush, don't give up; switch back to a damp washcloth for a few m o n t h s , t h e n t r y t h e toothbrush again.

Brushing with Toothpaste

When a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste with your child's brush. However, for the first three years, be sure to choose toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, as it can be dangerous for youngsters. At this stage, use only a tiny amount of toothpaste. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing, to prepare him for fluoride toothpaste, which should not be swallowed at any age.

First Visit to the Dentist

It's recommended that your baby see the dentist within six months of the first tooth's eruption – usually around his first birthday. Since decay can occur in even the smallest of teeth, the earlier your baby begins regular dental visits,

the more likely he is to avoid p r o b l e m s . R e m e m b e r t h a t preparing for each dental visit with a positive attitude goes a long way t o w a r d m a k i n g y o u r c h i l d comfortable with regular check-ups.

Avoiding Cavities

Don't give your baby any sort of sweetened liquids such as flavored drinks or soda. Even the sugars present in fruit juice, formula, and milk (this goes for breast milk as well) can cause decay, so regular tooth and gum cleaning is vital. Also, make sure your baby never goes to bed with a bottle – sugary liquids in prolonged contact with her teeth are a recipe for early-childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.

Setting a Good Example

As part of the natural learning process, little ones are expert m i m i c s , a n d y o u c a n t a k e advantage of this talent.

Brush and floss daily while your child is watching, and she'll intuit at an early age the importance of your good habits. As soon as she

shows interest, give her a

toothbrush o f her own and encourage her to "brush" with you. (You'll find toothbrushes with chunky, short handles that are easy for her to grip.) Most children don't have the dexterity necessary to thoroughly clean their own teeth until they're about six or seven, so you'll have to do that part of the job for her. Try different tactics to make

brushing fun: flavored toothpaste,

a toothbrush with a favorite character on it, singing songs about brushing. The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits at an early age to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!

This Month’s Q&A Braces Tips

Q: I was told I needed to see my dentist before I

start treatment. Why?

A. Whenever a patient begins orthodontic treatment,

there are a lot of changes that will occur in their

mouth. This will include addition of attachments

where bacteria can hide without proper home

care and the location of teeth within the alveolar

bone.

For these reasons, it is very important that the health of

your mouth, teeth and bone holding your teeth in

place are all in tip-top shape. Ignoring cavities or

periodontal disease can actually make these problems

worse and contribute to a toothache or even

tooth loss.

Trivia Quiz Answers

1. D: None of the above. Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not set up shop in your stomach for years. While we don't recommend that you swallow your gum, we can assure you that the parts of gum that cannot be digested simply pass through your system, as would any other roughage.

2. B: Cancer. In Finland, a group of scientists have proposed that chewing gum containing an amino acid called cysteine may be able to prevent cancer of the digestive tract.

3. A: Abdominal surgery. A group of California doctors have announced research that indicates that chewing gum can help patients recover more quickly from abdominal surgery, thereby reducing their hospital stays by a day or more.

4. C: Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins. Gum litter in England is such a problem that gum manufacturers, local governments, and other interested parties have teamed up to form the Chewing Gum Action Group, which facilitates advertising campaigns to teach people to dispose of their gum properly.

5. B: 50 times. A German chemical company recently revealed its plans to manufacture gum that contains a bacteria found in yogurt. Supposedly, this gum would reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth by 50 times.

-Emily C.

BurlesonOrtho.com

Your Child’s First Teeth:What You Should Know

How Much Do You Know About Chewing Gum?Test your gum-ption with this trivia quiz!

1. Swallowed gum remains in your stomach for:

A. 2 yearsB. 7 yearsC. 8 yearsD. None of the above

2. Forward-looking scientists believe a special type of gum may help prevent:

A. ArthritisB. CancerC. Broken bonesD. Blindness

3. Research suggests that chewing gum after ____ will help you heal faster:

A. Abdominal surgeryB. TonsillitisC. AppendicitisD. Lasic surgery

4. The Chewing Gum Action Group was created in England to:

A. Introduce preschool children to the wonderful world of gumB. Lobby Parliament in the interest of gum companiesC. Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage binsD. Provide free chewing gum to underprivileged families

5. A new type of gum claims to reduce bacteria in your mouth by:

A. 10 timesB. 50 timesC. 80 timesD. 300 times

Thank you for your referrals!

RECENT REFERRALS :

VIP MEMBERS(3 or more referrals)Riley McCrackenHannah LongMadison Hat!eld

TWO REFERRALSChristian DownsLandon BeyerMaddie SvobodaJennifer MirabileEmily NgoDeborah BosakAlison MunozMindy WarnerDonice YeaterKevin ChoeChelsey Purcell

ONE REFERRALYing WangMary Helber JamboretzKatie SmithKenneth DownsHattie MillerNatalia de la TorreLandon DonaldsonSam WhittyMelissa ParkHannah SmithClaire EverettJordan SaundersCameron StennerHeather ReedTanner PrendergastLia HolmanHannah CroseLauren HandleyCrystal CoaleTeresa HerbicCarrie HewittEmma HullingerLinda GockenTaylor KellyMichael MorrowAbby BurtonLisa Baker

DEAR DR. BURLESON...

“Everyone notices my smile now and says how great it

Patient Spotlight

Luci Conkling

Luci is a patient in our o!ce who uses her “Spectacular Smile” to help others!

L u c i c u r r e n t l y participates in “natural pageants”- pageants t h a t e n c o u r a g e contestants to let their natural beauty shine through. She has won many awards including Jr. Miss Sweethear t. Luci’s talent is dancing and she has recently taken up acting.

Luci also volunteers her time to help others in the community. She has helped in neighborhood projects, at Children’s Mercy Hospital and is a tutor for Kindergartners in summer school. Luci is a straight A student and participates in the STAGE program at her school.

Thank you Luci for all you do! We are so honored to have such talented and giving patients!

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! Are you prepared for the arrival of the f irst tooth? Follow these guidelines and your baby will be on his way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Caring for Gums

Even before your baby's first tooth appears (or, in dental jargon, "erupts"), her gums can benefit from your careful attention. After breast- or bottle-feeding, wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or piece of gauze and gently rub it across your baby's gum tissue. This practice both clears your little one's mouth of any fragments of food and begins the process of building a good habit of daily oral care.

Baby's First Tooth

When that first tooth makes an entrance, it's time to upgrade to a baby toothbrush. There are usually two options: a long-handled toothbrush that you and your baby can hold at the same time, and a finger-puppet-like brush that fits over the tip of your pointer finger. In each case the bristles are soft and few. A t th i s s tage , toothpaste isn't necessary; just dip the brush in water before brushing. If your little one doesn't react well to the introduction of a toothbrush, don't give up; switch back to a damp washcloth for a few m o n t h s , t h e n t r y t h e toothbrush again.

Brushing with Toothpaste

When a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste with your child's brush. However, for the first three years, be sure to choose toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, as it can be dangerous for youngsters. At this stage, use only a tiny amount of toothpaste. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing, to prepare him for fluoride toothpaste, which should not be swallowed at any age.

First Visit to the Dentist

It's recommended that your baby see the dentist within six months of the first tooth's eruption – usually around his first birthday. Since decay can occur in even the smallest of teeth, the earlier your baby begins regular dental visits,

the more likely he is to avoid p r o b l e m s . R e m e m b e r t h a t preparing for each dental visit with a positive attitude goes a long way t o w a r d m a k i n g y o u r c h i l d comfortable with regular check-ups.

Avoiding Cavities

Don't give your baby any sort of sweetened liquids such as flavored drinks or soda. Even the sugars present in fruit juice, formula, and milk (this goes for breast milk as well) can cause decay, so regular tooth and gum cleaning is vital. Also, make sure your baby never goes to bed with a bottle – sugary liquids in prolonged contact with her teeth are a recipe for early-childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.

Setting a Good Example

As part of the natural learning process, little ones are expert m i m i c s , a n d y o u c a n t a k e advantage of this talent.

Brush and floss daily while your child is watching, and she'll intuit at an early age the importance of your good habits. As soon as she

shows interest, give her a

toothbrush o f her own and encourage her to "brush" with you. (You'll find toothbrushes with chunky, short handles that are easy for her to grip.) Most children don't have the dexterity necessary to thoroughly clean their own teeth until they're about six or seven, so you'll have to do that part of the job for her. Try different tactics to make

brushing fun: flavored toothpaste,

a toothbrush with a favorite character on it, singing songs about brushing. The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits at an early age to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!

This Month’s Q&A Braces Tips

Q: I was told I needed to see my dentist before I

start treatment. Why?

A. Whenever a patient begins orthodontic treatment,

there are a lot of changes that will occur in their

mouth. This will include addition of attachments

where bacteria can hide without proper home

care and the location of teeth within the alveolar

bone.

For these reasons, it is very important that the health of

your mouth, teeth and bone holding your teeth in

place are all in tip-top shape. Ignoring cavities or

periodontal disease can actually make these problems

worse and contribute to a toothache or even

tooth loss.

Trivia Quiz Answers

1. D: None of the above. Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not set up shop in your stomach for years. While we don't recommend that you swallow your gum, we can assure you that the parts of gum that cannot be digested simply pass through your system, as would any other roughage.

2. B: Cancer. In Finland, a group of scientists have proposed that chewing gum containing an amino acid called cysteine may be able to prevent cancer of the digestive tract.

3. A: Abdominal surgery. A group of California doctors have announced research that indicates that chewing gum can help patients recover more quickly from abdominal surgery, thereby reducing their hospital stays by a day or more.

4. C: Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins. Gum litter in England is such a problem that gum manufacturers, local governments, and other interested parties have teamed up to form the Chewing Gum Action Group, which facilitates advertising campaigns to teach people to dispose of their gum properly.

5. B: 50 times. A German chemical company recently revealed its plans to manufacture gum that contains a bacteria found in yogurt. Supposedly, this gum would reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth by 50 times.

-Emily C.

BurlesonOrtho.com

Your Child’s First Teeth:What You Should Know

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to NationalGeographic.com, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

2011 Patient Appreciation NightThank you to everyone who joined us for our annual “Patient Appreciation Movie Night”! This year we watched Toy Story 3 under the stars at Mulberry Lake. We hope you had a great time and can’t wait to see you again soon at the office or any of our other fun community and patient events.

MONTHLYJOURNAL OF

BURLESON ORTHODONTICS SpectacularSmiles

Zona Rosa Shopping

Spree WinnerAdrianna E. and family won a shopping spree to Zona Rosa in Kansas City. Would you like to be entered in our monthly drawings? It’s easy- just refer a friend to our office!

Celebrate Your

Freedom

This month, we will celebrate

Independence Day and all

that our nation stands for.

Why not also celebrate your

freedom from a crooked

smile?

We’re Here to Help

If you have ever wanted to

show off a straighter smile,

we can help! At your

consultation appointment,

we will discuss treatment

options tailored to your

needs. Our friendly new

patient coordinator will

discuss payment options to

#t your budget. A straight

smile does not mean you

h a v e t o s a c r i#c e y o u r

summer vacation!

Stop Hiding Your Smile

No one should suffer a

lifetime of crooked teeth. A

complimentary consultation

may be all that stands in

between you and the smile

you have always wanted.

Please call our office today

and our patient coordinator

will schedule a convenient

appointment time to begin.

4151 N Mulberry Dr, Ste 210

Kansas City, MO 64116

T : 816.929.6916F : 866.253.1590www.BurlesonOrtho.com

Fact or Myth: The Truth About Braces

this issueFact vs Fiction: Braces Edition P.1

Baby’s First Teeth P.2

Quiz: All About Chewing Gum P.3

2011 Patient Appreciation Night P.4

ISSUE

July2011

07

Spectacular Smiles Issue 07 July 2011

For more photos, visit Facebook.com/BurlesonOrthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular – and strange – questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today’s smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult – almost impossible – to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any “attraction” felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

4151 N Mulberry Dr, Ste 210Kansas City, MO 64116(816) 929-6916 phone (866) 253-1590 faxwww.BurlesonOrtho.com