What are you reading this summer?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff and Drs. Thomas and Douglas Kirkpatrick and Joseph Lai would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

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

Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick voted "Best Orthodontist" in Oklahoma Magazine's "Best of the Best 2011"

Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics' very own Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick was voted "Best Orthodontist" in Oklahoma Magazine's "Best of the Best 2011." Congratulations Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick! It is very exciting for our office to receive this exclusive honor.

For more information about this award, we encourage patients to check out the latest issue of Oklahoma Magazine.

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

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

Did you know that patients at our office have 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, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can 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 or ask us on Facebook!

HOW TO: Floss with Braces

Drs. Kirkpatrick and Lai will tell you that 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 could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics Asks: What are your 4th of July plans?

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Drs. Thomas & Douglas Kirkpatrick and Dr. Joseph Lai and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.