Emergencies

We want you to know that we are always available for you, available if you have a problem with your braces, feel discomfort or have questions. So feel free to give our office a call, yet if you have an emergency requiring immediate attention, you can reach Dr. Katz after business hours on her cell phone at (404)788-7656.

Most emergencies can wait to be addressed until your next appointment or until the office reopens. Below are some potential problems and what you can do to make yourself comfortable.

If you are in severe discomfort or an accident will be handled appropriately on an individual basis.

Become our friend on MySpace!

At our office we are running a contest for our current patients.

Win an Ipod Shuffle!!!

We are happy to announce that both Dr. Katz is now a part of one of the largest Social Networking community online: MySpace. With over 200,000,000 online members, that both Dr. Katz and her team feel that MySpace is a great venue to stay up to date with you, our patients, and your needs. Help us learn what makes you smile as we continue to create and improve yours!

Ask Dr. Katz to be your friend on MySpace by the end of the month and get entered to win a free iPod shuffle! Entering our MySpace SmileSpace Contest is Easy!

Simply find Dr. Katz ahttp://www.myspace.com/wendykatz

and request her to be your friend. Keep as your number 1 friend on MySpace for three months or write to us on MySpace or to our office about “Why I like my Orthodontist and you will be entered into our drawing!

Thanks!

Toothbrush Trivia

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

· Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color

· The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India

· On average, children smile about 400 times per day

· Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months

· The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Yum Yum - Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.