So, our recommendation is the following: If you use sports drinks when you work-out, drink them quickly and rinse your teeth with water, or just choose water instead. It keeps you hydrated while protecting your smile from disfiguring white scars. Stay away from sodas, as the citric acid or phosphoric acid contained in them will dissolve your enamel. Remember, even sugar-free sodas have these damaging acids as their main ingredient.

If you have any questions about how you can further protect your enamel, feel free to contact the orthodontic practice of Dr. Louis Anderson, 281-578-0008. We’ll be glad to advise you.

The consumption of “Acid/Sugar Containing” drinks are the main cause of enamel decalcifications (white scars) on the teeth of orthodontic patients. Of course, food left on the teeth can lead to these scars as well, but more about the drinks.

A recent article in WDhealth Magazine cited a study conducted by the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. The study revealed that energy drinks and sports drinks were very abrasive on enamel, even more so than sodas. “Drinks that are sugary or acidic are the worst drinks for your teeth”, says Dr. Matt Messina, Consumer Advisor for the American Dental Association. According to the study, while all drinks eroded tooth enamel somewhat, the most damage occurred with citrus-flavored drinks, lemonade, energy drinks, sports drinks, fitness water, iced tea and sodas. “Having a beverage every now and then isn’t the problem”, says Dr. Messina. “It’s when you sip it continuously that you get the constant breakdown of enamel.”

Check back next week for our recommendation or call the orthodontic practice of Dr. Louis Anderson, 281-578-0008 with any questions you might have.

So, all of these considerations and more, need to be evaluated by the consumer when “comparing” fees of different orthodontic practices. There is much to think about, but you should be able to recognize the “vision” each orthodontist has for his patients by spending some time asking questions and observing how thorough he is when he presents his “Problem List” and “Treatment Plan”. You’ll know what to do. Your intuition will help you find the right orthodontist for your family. Just ask yourself if the orthodontist is as motivated to deliver excellence as you are to receive it. My personal experience has been that people usually “end up” in an orthodontic practice that reflects their own core values.

If you want to know what we stand for, feel free to give us a call at Anderson Orthodontics, 281-578-0008. We’ll answer any questions we can for you.

Another factor to consider is whether or not you are receiving orthodontic treatment under conditions put forth by “Insurance Plans”. Orthodontists can contract with insurance companies to treat patients covered under that plan for a significantly lower fee than he would normally charge. In order for the orthodontist to remain profitable in these cases he must treat patients on a “high volume” basis in a short period of time. Also, he may elect to forego certain types of treatment or appliances that would give the patient a more beautiful result, ie. better facial proportions, better lip fullness, increased smile breadth, etc., because the amount paid to him by the insurance company is insufficient to cover his costs in providing these services. Unfortunately, the focus in these “Insurance Plan Contract” cases can become “what can be done in the shortest amount of time” or “how many needed services can be ‘left out’ of the treatment plan” instead of “what can be done to give every patient the very best orthodontic treatment possible”.

There are many different insurance companies contracting with orthodontists. A few provide more funds for the orthodontist to work with than others. Also, some will work more closely with the orthodontist when made aware that the patient needs more than just a “set of braces”, ie. early treatment, soft tissue surgery, orthognathic surgery, dento-facial orthopedics, etc.

Orthodontic Treatment Fees – Part 3 will conclude this discussion next week. In the meantime if you have any questions about orthodontics and its related costs give us a call at Anderson Orthodontics, 281-578-0008.

First of all, the most obvious reason for fee disparity would be the amount of experience, knowledge and talent possessed by the orthodontist. Years in practice, yearly continued education hours, activity in study groups and awards won for clinical excellence are things to look for when choosing an orthodontist. Usually, an orthodontist’s fees are a reflection of his commitment to excellence.

Secondly, you must consider “what orthodontic issues are being addressed”. Are the teeth just being aligned or is an effort being made to do more? Are early intervention treatments being initiated to improve facial proportions, lip posture and fullness, profile aesthetics or to prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions later? Is the fee quoted for a specific amount of treatment over a specific number of months? Or, is the fee quoted for the Final Result? The consumer must compare “Apples to Apples” to accurately evaluate fees quoted to them.

Orthodontic Treatment Fees – Part 2 will continue this discussion next week. In the meantime if you have any questions about orthodontics and its related costs give us a call at Anderson Orthodontics, 281-578-0008.

It goes to show that any obstacle that compromises communication can adversely affect all of us, regardless of our line of work.

If you are an adult considering orthodontics give Dr. Louis Anderson a call today. Dr. Anderson has been recognized by his patients and peers as one of the most skilled and experienced orthodontists in the Houston area. So, call or stop by our Katy or Houston offices. We look forward to meeting with you and providing you the very best of care.

You’d be amazed at how an attractive smile can affect your life, personally and professionally. Just think about where your eyes are directed when you meet someone new.  If you’re like most people an unattractive set of teeth will “catch your eye” first. Conversely, a beautiful smile will “draw you in”! Like the saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a good first impression”. Now, obviously, there is much more to a person than his or her smile, but if you could add a wonderful feature like a beautifully aligned set of teeth and magnetic smile to your other strengths, just think about the impact you’ll have on others.

For more information about adult braces call 281-578-0008 today.

1. Disproportionate growth of the upper and lower jaws;
2. Excessive crowding preventing the eruption of permanent teeth;
3. Cross-bites, where the upper teeth are fitting inside of the lower teeth;
4. Open bites in the front of the mouth;
5. Severe deep overbites where lower front teeth are pressing into the palate;
6. Early or asymmetric loss of baby teeth;
7. Congenitally missing teeth;
8. Cheek biting, thumb sucking or mouth breathing;
9. Difficulty in biting or chewing; and
10. Clicking, popping or pain in the jaw joints.

Many of these issues are best treated before all of the permanent teeth erupt, as often times problems can be prevented and/or made far less severe. Also, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later. The alignment of the jaws (equal growth in all directions) is a very important problem to note early, as a sound bite cannot be constructed, with good stability or proportional facial features, if it is ignored. These types of problems can be corrected as an adult, but often times require a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery.

So, bring your child into Anderson Orthodontics to see Dr. Louis Anderson, one of Houston’s premier orthodontists. Call him at 281-578-0008 and schedule an examination today.

For more information about braces for children call 281-578-0008 today.

Chewy foods like hard breads, bagels, hard rolls, beef jerky, etc.;

Crunchy things like popcorn, taco chips, ice, pretzels, granola, hard cookies, etc. (If you dip the cookies in milk to soften them up first that’s alright!);

Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramels, taffy, “gummies”, “Sugar Daddies”, toffee, “Tootsie Rolls”, etc.;

Hard foods like raw apples, raw carrots, hard candy, lollypops, ice, nuts, etc.; and

Acid/Sugar Liquids are probably the most damaging items on the list. They don’t damage the appliances, but worse, your teeth! The phosphoric or citric acid contained in sodas, sports drinks, etc.  causes severe white decalcifications on your teeth. Sugar free drinks containing these acids are just as damaging. Even milk and juices must be rinsed off the teeth within ten (10) minutes to avoid enamel removal.

Now, this seems like a lot of restrictions, but there are many safe and still tasty foods you can enjoy while undergoing orthodontic treatment. How about soft crust pizza, “mac and cheese”, spaghetti, pastas, hamburgers, scrambled eggs, pringles, sugar-free pudding, jello and ice cream, mashed potatoes, burritos, sugar-free yogurt, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, fruit smoothies, peanut butter/jelly and grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.

With any questions about your orthodontic diet, feel free to call Dr. Louis Anderson’s office at 281-578-0008 for advice.