Tuesday, November 3, 2009

November Update

Remember to wear your BYU/UTAH team shirt to your appointment and recieve and extra ruble!


Thursday, October 29, 2009

HaPpY HaLLoWeEn!

HaPpY HaLLoWeEn from everyone at
Michael Richards Orthodontics!




Friday, October 2, 2009

Orthodontic Health Month

October is the official Orthodontic Health Month!

Why choose an Orthodontist?  An Orthodontist is a Dentist that went through at least two extra years of specialized training to learn how to treat dental and facial irregularities.  Orthodontists not only know how to straighten teeth, but also know how to deal with crowded or protruded teeth as well as jaw alignment issues which can be a contributing factor to problems with joint pain, clicking or locking of the jaw.  TMJ is a common, often overlooked, problem .This condition can be brought on by trauma, stress or the way your bite fits together. If you are experiencing neck or joint pain Dr. Richards may be able to provide relief.


Dr. Richards supports the American Association of Orthodontists' reccommendation that children should be seen for an Orthodontic Check-Up as young as seven, especially if a problem is suspected.
Dr. Richards believes in early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent more serious problems later on in life.  And while children and teens continue to make up the majority of our patients it may surprise you to learn that over 25% of our practice consists of adults from the ages of 18-65.  Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem.  Click here to see examples of the "Bracelift" Facelift. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

There are many reasons why more and more adults are pursuing treatment options to correct their teeth and jaw alignment.  Advances in orthodontics, specifically the Damon System, have made braces much more comfortable, affordable, and attractive in recent years.  Also, with recent break-throughs in brace technology your treatment can be done in less time with fewer appointments. 

If you are interested in finding out what options are available to you make an appointment for a complimentary consultation at one of our two offices.

For our current patients: Don't forget that sticky or hard Halloween candy can easily cause breakage to your brackets or appliances which may delay your treatment.  Instead, make one of these delightful, brace-friendly Halloween treats! 

Sensational Cinnamon Snickerdoodles


Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on low to combine the shortening, 1 ½ cups sugar and eggs. Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. In a separate, small bowl, stir together the 2 Tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to use later. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour. With well-floured hands, pinch bits of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar until coated. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°, being careful not to over bake. Makes about five dozen. Store in a covered container.
 
From “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You and Your Orthodontist Will Love” by Pamela and Brenda Waterman. http://www.bracescookbook.com/
 
Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar 1
 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer at medium speed, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one. Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, then water. Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes. Cool before removing from pan. Makes a moist and delicious cake—no frosting required.
 
Recipe courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists


For more fun facts and great recipes go here.



Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Welcome To Our Blog!

Michael Richards Orthodontics is thrilled to announce the creation of our team blog! Our office realizes the need to adapt to the ever changing world we live in and hope this will provide opportunities for you to find useful information regarding our office including patient information, ideas on how to care for your braces, contests and more. Check back often for important updates!

Quarterly Update

There are some exciting things happening at the office! Here is what's up and coming:


THE RIVALRY
Utah vs. BYU Saturday, November 28, 2009. Wear Utah/BYU team clothing to your office visit during the month of November and receive an extra ruble. Also, the contest for the month will be guessing the correct score of the game. The winner will receive a new team shirt from the team of their choice.