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?