Monday, March 29, 2010

Race For the Cure

We would like to thank all those who participated with us in the Race for the Cure. This is an inspiring event that we look forward to every year. Once again we had an outpouring of support from our patients, family and friends. On behalf of our survivors, Jeanie and Cathy, and the rest of us here at Michael Richards Orthodontics we say:


THANK YOU!

Information regarding the race can be found here.
 
 






























Thursday, February 25, 2010

Slideshow from Haiti

Here are a few of the photos Dr. Richards took while in Haiti.  He returned safely from his trip early last week and is grateful for everyone's support.


Haiti from Michael Richards on Vimeo.

Monday, February 8, 2010

More Updates on Haiti



Dr. Richards is being featured by "Our South Valley" for his volunteer work in Haiti.  To see the full story click here.

Update on Dr. Richard's Haiti Trip

Dear Patients and Families:

Since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th we have all been shocked with the suffering, injury, loss of life and incredible destruction we have witnessed on television, the internet and in the newspaper. But we have also witnessed amazing stories of survival and a general sense of determination and resiliency in the Haitian people. I have especially watched this drama unfold since I was planning to go to Haiti for a routine humanitarian trip on February 6th with the group International Aid Serving Kids (IASK).

Given the uncertainty of the situation, the members of our team have been anxiously waiting to hear if we would go as scheduled, or if the trip would be postponed. We learned this week that our trip is on, with necessary modifications to meet the current priorities following the earthquake. We will still leave on February 6th, re-routing to the Dominican Republic and then traveling by bus to Port-au-Prince. Originally we were to have gone to a remote village to provide medical and dental care (mostly to children). Now our plan is to go to Leogand, a hard-hit suburb of Port-au-Prince, where we will work and stay at an LDS stake center that survived the quake. We will return on February 13th.

I appreciate all the support from those of you that have contributed to IASK or have simply expressed interest in our trip. The funds contributed will go directly to earthquake relief. I am sure that many, many of you have also contributed generously to other wonderful earthquake relief organizations. Thank you for doing what you can. Hopefully I will have something useful to offer to the suffering but resilient people we will serve.
Best Regards,

Dr. Richards

Friday, January 15, 2010

IASK and Helping in Haiti

Dear Patients and Parents:

In about four weeks my 16 year-old son, Drew, and I will join with about 30 other healthcare providers on a medical/dental humanitarian trip to the impoverished country of Haiti. For years I have wanted to get involved with a humanitarian aid volunteer organization, but like many others, let the busyness of life get in the way of that goal. When this opportunity to participate with International Aid Serving Kids (IASK) presented itself, I just couldn't let it pass by.

I wanted to let you know about my involvement with IASK because I believe that many of you might be interested in being involved in such a worthwhile cause. While we have all been affected by these tough economic times, for the most part, we are all very blessed with food, clothing, shelter and good health (not to mention luxuries like straight teeth!). Many of the children of Haiti are malnourished, live in squalor and are lucky if they even have healthy teeth. There are so many ways to serve others and we certainly can't support every cause that comes our way. You may feel however, you have a few dollars to spare that could go a long way in helping the children of Haiti.

Everyone that is involved with this upcoming aid mission is gladly covering their individual expenses for the trip, as well as additional contributions to the support the needs of the mission. However, in order to adequately provide free medical and dental care, provide medications, vitamins and needed hygiene, medical, dental, school and newborn kits, and sponsor orphan children by placing them in foster care and providing for their costs of living, we are in need of additional on-going donations. One dollar a day can sponsor three well-balanced meals, and another dollar a day will pay for a child's tuition, books, school uniform and other clothing and medical needs. Think what we could do for these impoverished children if we as a practice "family" could each contribute as little as $2!

If you feel able to contribute to this humanitarian mission, please include a separate check for any amount you desire made out to "IASK". If you would like to learn more about IASK and have an interest in more substantial involvement, you can visit www.iask4kids.org.

I look forward to doing what I can to serve the children of Haiti and am excited to share my experiences with you when I return in mid-February. May you each be blessed abundantly this new year and experience great joy as you look for ways to serve others.

Best regards,

Dr. Michael F. Richards

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.