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.