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.