Contests, Contests, Contests!

All of us at Ferry Orthodontics know that Fall is a very busy time of year for everyone - getting into the swing of school, crazy sports schedules, and making time to go see your favorite orthodontist. Well, we've got a lot going on too!

First, our Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt ended on Labor Day and we've received many great photos- the last day to submit entries is Friday, October 7th. We will be announcing the winner of the iPad and gift cards on Wednesday, October 12th. Make sure "Like" Ferry Orthodontics on Facebook to see the results.

Secondly, Ferry Orthodontics entered a contest with Sesame Communications. We wrote an essay on how technology has helped our practice. Many of you have commented about how great the e-mail reminders are and being able to pay online so we incorporated your thoughts in our submission. We would appreciate it if you took a moment to vote for our essay. To find our essay, go to www.facebook.com/sesamecommunications and click "Member Contest" on the left side of the page. The deadline for voting is Friday, September 30th at 12pm PDT.

Lastly, because of the great entries last year, we are having our Pumpkin Decorating Contest again this year! Any patient interested in decorating can come in and get a pumpkin (or decorate one you already have at home) and bring it back to the office. All pumpkins must be turned in by Friday, October 28th.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the office. We hope everyone has a happy and healthy Fall!

-The team at Ferry Orthodontics

Breaking bad habits, with Ferry Orthodontics

At Ferry Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Michael Ferry.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Ferry if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Ferry Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Ferry: Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces at Ferry Orthodontics and Dr. Michael Ferry has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

When should you call Ferry Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Michael Ferry. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth


Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

The team at Ferry Orthodontics