What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics!

Season’s Greetings from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics reflects on the year that was, we’d like to know: What do you love most about this time of the year? Sledding or snowboarding with the family? Holiday baking? An annual event in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Pryor or Okmulgee?

We’d love if you shared your responses on our Facebook page. Happy holidays, from our entire team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics!

Access your account any time at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Why do you choose Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics?

Drs. Tom, Doug and Joe, your Tulsa orthodontists, strive to provide orthodontic care in the most gentle, efficient and caring manner. Our doctors and team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics are always willing to listen, accommodate and adapt to our patients' needs. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Please share your story!



Just select the “Review Us on Google Places” button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Fall into reading with Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics!

How better to spend the fall months than inside by the fireplace with a warm cup of cider and a book in hand? Drs. Thomas and Douglas Kirkpatrick and Joseph Lai encourage you to warm up your mind this season with a few great books. Sure it may be easy to put off reading when balancing a hectic schedule, but reading is vital to brain development. Besides, reading is fun!

This week, we thought we’d ask: What are YOU reading this fall? Do you have any suggestions for must-read books this year? Out of ideas for great fall reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these fall reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Amazon.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your fall picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Here at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

To promote a healthy and clean environment, our doctors and team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Stay healthy!

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly winter dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.

Apple Bombolini

Ingredients:

Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking
Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here for us at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Pryor and Okmulgee. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Halloween safety tips, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Drs. Joe, Doug, and Tom would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Drs. Joe, Doug, and Tom and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, a pursuit of excellence

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics we make every effort to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment. For us that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help our doctors do that. Some of them are:

1. Using the most up to date and proven technologies available, including ncluding invisible braces, clear braces, early treatment, facial surgery, adult orthodontic treatment, and other orthodontic braces and appliances.

2. Spending time and resources on continuing education to stay current and relevant

3. Training our entire team on new techniques

4. Employing an “open office” concept where patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions and take an interactive role with their treatment.

If you or a family member has been thinking about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Drs. Joe, Doug, and Tom.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces.


If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics a call.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontic would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular 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, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics asks: Are you wearing your retainer?

If you recently completed treatment at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, our doctors will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by our team at Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Staying connected with Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Your pal, fluoride!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Top ten tips for keeping your BRACES sparklin’ clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

-Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Thomas and Douglas Kirkpatrick and Joseph Lai to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

With Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

"Knowing we will be reminded of appointments is a BIG relief! We have missed many of our scheduled appointments in the past at K&L. Now, we have no excuse to miss anymore. THANK YOU!!" ~Doris

"I am constantly losing my appointment forms and it is so much easier to get on this site then to call the orthodontist." ~Kevin

"I am a very busy working mom. I am a highly organized person, but my calendar gets to full and the school rearranges it so often that it sometimes gets difficult to keep up with everything during certain times. I love knowing that I can find out everything I need to know about my account and my appointments online, from my home computer or any other, in a matter of seconds, whenever I need to do so." ~Christophe

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

What do you love about Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You may write a review here, here, here, here or here.Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai present: The perfect braces-friendly summer wrap!

Summer is finally here in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Pryor, and Okmulgee, and Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai would like to share a great summer recipe with you! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) summer dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Soy Simmered Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

• 3 boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 large onions, chunked
• Small flour tortillas (pkg. of ten) wheat or white
• (optional: 10-16 oz. of cooked chopped broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

In a slow cooker, or a large pan on the stove, layer the onions and the chicken breast. Allow at least three hours in the slow cooker on medium, or at least one hour on the stove—the longer the better, but you don’t have to do anything to it while it cooks. Spoon out the chicken onto a cutting board, and with a knife and fork, shred the chicken as finely as you’d like. In a small saucepan, stir all sauce ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling, then let it simmer for five minutes on low heat to thicken. In a serving bowl, stir sauce and onion into chicken; if you’d like, add cooked chopped broccoli. Makes about six to eight servings.

Enjoy this great spring dish and have a great week!

-Drs. Thomas and Douglas Kirkpatrick and Joseph Lai

Ask Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai, or visit this article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai

Cool kids have fun with braces, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Drs. Joe, Tom, and Doug, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Congratulations Oklahomans, you live in a great place for families!

Our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, loves how ideal Tulsa, OK and surrounding areas are for families with young children looking for a safe and environmentally friendly community. Family Circle agrees and voted Edmond, Oklahoma the best town for families in 2010. With a population of 82,530, the city is known for its spacious parks, walking and jogging trails, and lake fishing.

With an average 18 to 1 student to teacher ratio and an average great schools rating of 9, Edmond is perfect for families with school aged children. The three local high schools are recognized for raising nearly a million dollars for charity so far this year. It’s communities like these that make Oklahoma a wonderful place for families.

That’s why, our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics thought we’d ask you: What is your favorite thing about your city? Do you love all of Tulsa’s community programs? Or, does your family cherish the rich history of Tahlequah? Let us know by writing here or by posting on our interactive Facebook page. You can also give us a call at the office.

Five summer traveling tips, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Summer is a great time for vacations! Many of us here in Tulsa, OK take a vacation sometime during the summer, and although we usually write a "to pack" list, it is not uncommon to forget the most important of things. Recently, our staff at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics came across an interesting article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible!

Happy traveling! We hope that these tips are useful. Also, if you have any vacation pictures to share, remember you can always post those on our Facebook page! We always enjoy staying in touch with our patients between visits.

-Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics cares about your pearly whites, and we want to help protect you from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball, to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their kids’s smile from facial injuries.

In past entries, we’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection when exercising to prevent injury. Today, we at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics are inviting moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

-- Your friends at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

The importance of dental checkups, from Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai want to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day as recommended during their orthodontic treatment? If the answer is yes, we think that's phenomenal! But, don't forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing, flossing (and visiting Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics as recommended by our staff). Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an exam, your dentist usually will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

If you don't have a general dentist in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Pryor or Okmulgee, please ask and we'll be more than happy to provide a few names!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

What are our patients saying about Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics?

Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, serving Tulsa, Miami, Pryor, Okmulgee, Tahlehquah and surrounding communities, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. Drs. kirkpatrick and Lai make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what a few of our patients are saying!

"We had a good experience 12 years ago with our older daughter and chose to come back with younger daughter. Friendly, casual, environment is inviting." ~ Caye M.

"The friendly atmosphere. Very welcoming and friendly staff and the doctors are attentive and friendly. My daughter is no longer afraid of Dentist's since she started coming here. Thank you." ~ Doug R.

"1. He talked directly to my 14 year old son. Makes him responsible for his own actions and knowledgeable about his situation. 2. Honest about situation." ~ Kim P.

"Highly credentialed, very personable, great office staff." ~ Farrah G.

"Friendly and clean atmosphere. Quick in and out appointments. Very accomodating to our schedules." ~ Tim T.

Tell us: what should we blog about this summer?

As summer rapidly approaches, our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment at our office - and are busy planning out our summer blogging schedule.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the summer, however, we'd love your input: Today, we thought we’d step back a bit today and ask you, our patients and readers: What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Kirkpatrick or Lai for a while? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai want to know: What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend?

Memorial Day weekend, a time for Americans to remember all those who bravely fought and gave their lives for our country, is only a couple of days away. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in Tulsa and elsewhere, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or office spells sweet, sweet relief.

At Kirkpatrick & Lai orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and a time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you're headed to barbecues, a camping trip, or hitting the open roads of Oklahoma, we’d like to hear all about it!

Ask Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai: Which toothbrush should my kid use?

At Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics, our doctors will always tell you that brushing your teeth - even during your orthodontic treatment with us - is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But the question remains: which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for your child's small hands and mouth. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or as soon as bristles begin fraying.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't really matter, as long as it has fluoride in it. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, make sure to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call at one of our five convenient locations, and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Dr. Lai visits the AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C.

Patients at Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible and help you achieve a healthy, happy smile that gives you the look you want with the confidence you deserve.

One of those conferences includes the 2010 AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C., where Dr. Joseph Lai headed last weekend. The AAO Annual Session is an always-educational event that happens to be one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It's also a time for us to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

In addition to being a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Drs. Tom, Dr. Doug, and Dr. Joe are active members of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists and the Tulsa County Dental Society. Drs. Tom and Dr. Doug have both served as president of the Tulsa County Dental Society, and all three doctors are past presidents of the Oklahoma Orthodontic Society.

Isn't it nice to know you have complete dental experts in Drs. Tom, Dr. Doug, and Dr. Joe taking care of your perfecting your smile?

Fun facts with Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics!

Who loves fun facts? Everybody! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Happy Monday!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ask Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics: What can I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your initial consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Drs. Kirkpatrick or Lai will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).

At your follow-up appointment, one of our doctors will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Drs. Kirkpatrick or Lai can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand our recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

This Earth Day, did you make a difference?

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we support Earth Day, and know that whether you lend a helping hand to plant trees or get out to volunteer in your community, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Did you make a difference today? Were you involved with any cool Earth Day projects?

If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain Mother Earth, try these helpful tips, courtesy of courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

Oh no! Tulsa makes the ‘14 worst-teeth cities’ list!

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai will tell you regular dental visits, brushing and flossing, minimizing your intake of soda and coffee and not smoking, among other factors, will maximize a person's chances of achieving great oral health. Our friends at TotalBeauty in 2009 released their list of the “14 Worst-Teeth Cities,” and we are sad to report Tulsa was chosen among the fourteen.

Here’s an excerpt from the article: "Tulsa is also on the list of the smokiest cities, coming in at no. 9. That plus the area's hard water and low fruit and vegetable consumption don't help the situation either. Could explain why Oklahoma ranks no. 6 in teeth loss."

This is why Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai are here: to straighten teeth and encourage good oral health. Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics (as well as your dentist) regularly? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment! And don’t forget the old dental saying: “Be true to your teeth or they’ll be false to you!”

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai, reminding you to play it safe this spring

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Okmulgee and Pryor will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. After all, sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in 12- to 17-year-olds according to the Centers for Disease Control.

We hope the above video from the AAO helps you understand the importance of facial protection. Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai will tell you that protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff at Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics and have a terrific weekend!

The benefits of smiling, from Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai have some great news to report today! (And it's no April Fools' joke!) People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a new study conducted at Wayne State University in Michigan.

Our team at Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics knew that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009.

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity of life, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and, believe it or not, college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics lately? If not, give us a call today!

The importance of retainers, from Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Kirkpatrick and Lai orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai will provide—or have provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, the teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until Drs. Kirkpatrick or Lai instruct otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

Give us a call if you have any additional questions about retainers or your treatment at Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics!

What's on your mind? From Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai

By now, you're probably familiar with the drill: each week, we at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontics and your well-being. Today, Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai thought we’d step back and ask you, our amazing patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Ask Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Who’s afraid of the appearance of braces on their teeth? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Also, did you know ne of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21?

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

This March, what are you up to? From Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

Wouldn't you believe, it’s almost springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields across Oklahoma. Today, Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our social networks or by giving us a call at any of our locations!

Omega-3s and dental health, from Dr. Joe Lai

Recently, Dr. Lai read an article about the dental health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin. A new study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.

The study found that "the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and "may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation." Drs. Ebersole and Huang said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work in people’s mouths. While this is encouraging news, Dr. Lai wants to remind you that self–examination is another simple way of looking after yourself. If you are unsure about self-examining your mouth, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Lai!

Getting social with Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai and our dedicated team take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, access your account any day, any time

At Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Tulsa, Tahlequah, Miami, Okmulgee and Pryor.

Did you know that our patients have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service!

"I won't forget appointments now. No phone numbers to look up and offices to call. Convenient, can do anytime anywhere. Doesn't waste any paper. It's faster, more effecient to use verses phone calls. Very glad you have this service now." ~ Doris G.

"Usually you have to go in and wait for hours just to find out how much your bill is.. Here all you have to do id go online and your billing information is all online.. You also give a link right to my orthodontist's home page.. I went to my family doctor's web site and it was so hard to navigate I finally gave up. Your site is very user-friendly." ~ Joey M.

"I absolutely love the convenience of being able to look up info on my account/appointments, etc. online at my leisure. It allows me to fit whatever I need to do here into my own schedule and I don't have to feel badly about bothering the office by phone should I forget something. I hope that all of our family physicians/dentists soon implement this online system. I think it's wonderful." ~ Christopher P.

You may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call our professional team at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics, helping tackle sports injuries

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports.

Did you know mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available? Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as $5, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping kids safe on the field.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Be observant even as a spectator
• Use good judgment

All of these can reduce sports-related injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics.

Music at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics!

What's missing at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics? Music.

Dr. Joe and our team have been thinking about adding some tunes while you relax and let us take care of your treatment. But before we do anything, we'd like to know: What would you, our amazing patients, like to listen to? Are you a Pandora kind of person? Perhaps XM Radio suits you best? Would you like to us to stream music from an iPod? Or do you prefer good-old-fashioned radio stations?

We'd love to get your thoughts! Please let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in January?

It may still be chilly outside, but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai, as well as our team want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or give us a call at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

Ask Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics: When should my child get an orthodontic check-up?

Many parents think they must wait until their child has all permanent teeth to see Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. So, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so special about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.