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.