This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? Everyone at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS believes the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS

The office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS wishes you Happy Holidays!!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year?

-Being with your loved ones?
-A clean slate for 2010?
-Opening presents by the fireplace?
-All the delicious food?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--Dr. Katz and Team

What do you love about the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz, DDS?

From your very first visit to the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS, we strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Katz work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!



Thank you,
from all of us at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz DDS

Ask Dr. Katz : Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz, DDS read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! 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 and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Katz 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, Dr. Katz would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Stay Healthy this Cold and Flu Season - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr.Katz will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at the office of Dr. Wendy J. Katz, DDS if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Katz & Team

Dr. Katz and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Staying connected with Dr. Katz & Team

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Wendy Katz, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, 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 we 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? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here in Marietta, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Marietta community. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Katz for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for our team to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Katz 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 our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Dr Shahrokh Bagheri Describes His Experience Working with Dr. Katz

As an oral surgeon in Marietta, GA, Dr. Bagheri requires close communication and coordination with Dr. Katz to ensure optimal orthodontic and surgical care. In this video, Dr. Bagheri describes how he and Dr. Katz are able to achieve long lasting results for our patients. Questions? Give our office a call today to set up an orthodontic consultation!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Katz and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here , feel free to give us a call.

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Ask Dr. Katz: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Katz or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.
Good luck!
Your friends at (Insert name of practice)

Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Katz will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Marietta, GA area!

What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with us than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Katz the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Katz will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At the Marietta, GA orthodontic practice of Dr. Wendy Katz, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

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 Dr. Katz.

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 us a call today!

What’s so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Katz started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Katz decided she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So she stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?
 

When should you call Dr. Katz?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Katz. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty of chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other oral habits
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

-Wendy J. Katz DDS

Share your summer adventures with us!

It’s summer here at Wendy J. Katz DDS, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is here for a couple of months. Whether you're headed to an afternoon in Atlanta, taking in a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the sun, Dr. Katz and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy and safe travels,

Dr. Katz and team

"Hey, Dr. Katz! What's so cool about braces, anyway?"

Dr. Wendy Katz will tell you that braces, are cool, hip and usually pretty “fun” these days. In fact, these were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign, In-Ovation braces and SureSmile, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning, to name a couple—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for kids here in Marietta.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, also provide exciting ways for our patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may also contribute to the success of your treatment.

The best advice Dr. Katz has for someone who is a prospective patient and not enthralled with the idea of getting braces, is to remember your brother, sister, friend, or teacher who had them and think to yourself, if they can do it successfully then so can I.

Has your child visited the office of Dr. Katz for a consultation? If not, please give us a call at 770-952-5255 and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile! There is no better time to start that journey than in the summer!

Heat wave safety in Marietta, from Dr. Wendy Katz

With the heat wave sweeping through Marietta and the majority of the East coast this week, Dr. Wendy Katz wants you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. This morning on Good Morning America, Dr. Richard Besser discussed the ways you can protect yourself from heat stroke and other heat-related issues this summer. Heat exhaustion or even heat stroke can happen when temperatures reach the 90s or higher - as they are this week.

Dr. Katz and team encourage you to watch this short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out!

Dr. Wendy Katz and team present: Patriotic fun facts!

This Sunday, Marietta orthodontist Dr. Wendy Katz and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, here are some fun facts about Independence Day we thought you might enjoy! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Invisalign treatment with Dr. Wendy Katz: How does it work? [Video]

Perhaps you've wondered recently how Invisalign treatment with Marietta orthodontist Dr. Wendy Katz straighten teeth without using those metallic traditional braces? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer. In fact, Dr. Katz has worn Invisalign before and absolutely recommends it for anyone!

We also have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 770-952-5255 to learn if Invisalign is right for you!

Happy Monday!

Dr. Wendy Katz, helping you save face this summer

Would you believe summer is officially three days away? At Marietta's Wendy J. Katz DDS, our staff knows that the summer months bring with them an increase in kids' outdoor activities, as well as a much greater chance of sports injuries, specifically facial injuries. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. Katz for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer and many, many others.

In case of any accident involving your face this summer, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Katz immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—we'll be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in treatment!

Our team will always tell you that only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can people with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call at 770-952-5255 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with us.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

The importance of reading, with Dr. Wendy Katz

With summer 2010 just two weeks away, some of us at the office of Dr. Wendy Katz have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television, but reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for classes when school resumes and maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Katz) would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Marietta for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we came across.

Happy reading! Let us know if you enjoyed a particular book!!

Dr. Wendy Katz and team want to know: What should we blog about?

As the summer rapidly approaches, our team and Dr. Wendy Katz look forward to continue blogging about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment with us.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the summer, however, we'd love your help: We thought we’d step back a bit today and ask you, our patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Katz for a while? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a splendid weekend!

Dr. Katz and team, wishing you a fun, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend, just a day away, is a time for Americans everywhere to celebrate freedom and honor the servicemen and women who have paid for the freedoms we continue to cherish each day.

For many folks (and our patients) in Marietta and surrounding communities in Cobb County, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or office spells sweet relief. At the office of Dr. Wendy Katz, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, Memorial Day means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is on the way.

What about you? Whether you're headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the great Americans open roads, Dr. Katz and our entire team would love to hear all about it!

We hope you have a relaxing, safe and memorable Memorial Day weekend!

SureSmile featured on CNN! From Dr. Katz

We've blogged about SureSmile before, but today wanted to share with you a clip of SureSmile featured on CNN this week by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Dr. Katz and team will tell you that SureSmile treatment enables us to trim 20-24 percent off the time you're in braces - this really is a tremendous benefit for you, the patient. Patients come in to our office in 6-to-8 week intervals and the high tech SureSmile wires work continuously from the heat of the mouth. For you, this translates to fewer appointments (less missed work or school).

Check out the above video and give us a call at 770-952-5255 if you're interested in SureSmile at Wendy Katz Orthodontics! We look forward to hearing from you!

Write a review of Dr. Wendy Katz!

Dr. Wendy J. Katz has been serving her community since 1983, and was the first female orthodontist to practice in Cobb and DeKalb counties. Each of her patients receives the highest quality of care and they are all treated like family. Her practice offers a wide variety of treatment options to best suit her patients' needs.

Whether you've visited Wendy J. Katz DDS for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Katz create more beautiful smiles in Marietta, East Cobb, Sandy Springs and surrounding communities.

You may write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

We have a new website!

If you happened to be browsing through our website recently you might have noticed our new design, which has a refined, modern look that not only exudes warmth, but is also aesthetically appealing.

The website has many great features that we know you will enjoy and are very user friendly, innovative components including: patient testimonials, a welcome video, staff bios, before and after photos, in-depth information on the treatments Dr. Katz offers and links to our social networking sites. If you want to make your payment online, it’s a snap - just click on "Patient Login" at the top of the page.

The website was personally designed by Dr. Katz and our staff with you in mind. Each of her patients receives the highest quality of care and they are all treated like family. We hope that when you visit our website you will feel proud to be associated with our unique practice, which embraces all forms of new technology.

While visiting our site, please click on the link to our Facebook Fan Page and "Like" us. On Facebook you can get all the latest information about what’s happening at Wendy J. Katz DDS.

So... what do you think about the website? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Coming soon: Lingual orthodontic braces

There has been resurgence in interest of lingual braces. This is a cosmetic alternative to ceramic (clear) braces or Invisalign. Lingual means on the tongue side. We can place smaller sized braces (metal) behind the teeth so you can not see them. We used this approach about 30 years ago. Recently, they have made advances in the design of the brackets along with the SureSmile technology of customized wires. This combination is very promising for patients who do not want to show braces, but still have the precision, accuracy and speed of treatment.

We also offer lingual braces on a smaller scale if only alignment of the front teeth are required (both top and bottom). Please inquire by calling 770-952-5255 if you think this might be a good option for you or a friend.

SureSmile works its magic on the Science Channel!

This week, our staff at Wendy J. Katz DDS thought we'd show you a neat little video SureSmile treatment that was featured on the Science Channel. We love working with SureSmile technology, as it is faster and produces as good if not better results. Dr. Katz' technology-driven orthodontic process offers several important benefits that make the whole "braces experience" much easier for patients than conventional orthodontics!

Take a look at the video, and be sure to let us know what you think! Have a great rest of the week!

The Dos and Don’ts of Facebook for parents, from Dr. Wendy Katz

Dr. Wendy Katz and our staff know parents tend to sign up for Facebook accounts and ‘friend’ their kids, often as a way to keep an eye on their online activities. But then what? Many parents in this digital age are still lost when it comes time to monitoring their kids online.

Last fall, parenting author Vicki Courtney wrote a helpful post on the things parents should and shouldn’t do while on Facebook. Dr. Katz and our team thought you might benefit from reading Vicki’s interesting piece.

Here is her list of the Top Ten Facebook No-Nos for Parents. We hope you find this article informational. Please let us know what you think!

GET UM, GOT UM, HAD UM - BRACES

For our socially-conscious teenagers and adults, the prospect of wearing metal braces for two years is mind boggling. Fortunately, today’s technology has changed the length of time that is required to complete braces. SureSmile enables the orthodontist to trim 20-24% off the time in treatment. This is a tremendous benefit for the patient. Patients come in to the office in 6-8 week intervals and the high tech SureSmile wires work continuously from the heat of the mouth. This translates to fewer appointments (less missed work or school). Recent improvements in cosmetic considerations are being addressed. The use of Invisalign (clear series of removable trays) and lingual braces (braces glued behind the teeth) and ceramics (tooth color) braces make orthodontic treatment acceptable to adults and teens today.

When my mother took me to see the orthodontist as a 4th grader I was excited. After all, my sister had them and her teeth looked beautiful! I was happy when Dr. Spiller (known among the community as Spiller the Killer), said I needed them. In those days, we had metal bands around every tooth, which were tapped (hammered) in place. I do remember thinking the whole time; a little pain is worth a lifetime of a beautiful smile. I was extremely curious about what they were doing in the office. Why did I need to wear elastics (rubber bands)? I remember seeing all the completed white casts of teeth displayed, before and after, on the wall. Dr. Spiller even had done braces on a dog to fix an underbite on a bulldog. (That wouldn’t fly in Georgia) That left an impression on me. I remember watching the lab technician bending wires, and soldering the retainers. I found it extremely interesting.

The best advice I have for someone who is a prospective patient and not enthralled with the idea of getting braces, is to remember your brother, sister, friend, or teacher who had them and think to yourself, if they can do it successfully then so can I. Sometimes you have to trust your parents that they know what is best for you. They have been around longer and know what is important for you to be successful in life. Studies have proven that candidates looking for a job with a radiant smile will be selected over another who doesn’t smile, or has crooked teeth. Our society places pressure to be attractive. Besides that aspect, improvement of self-esteem, displaying confidence in what you do, enables you to be comfortable in who you are, which shines through to others. You realize that you can accomplish any goals you decide are important to you.

April Fools!

Traditionally, April 1st is known as April Fool's Day. Dr. Katz would like if you shared a great story about a trick you played, or someone else played on you, on this foolish day.

Feel free to post them here or on our Facebook page, and have a great day!

Remember those retainers, from Dr. Katz

If you recently completed treatment with Dr. Wendy Katz, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Katz will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment at Wendy J. Katz DDS, please give us a call at 678-909-4902.

What's on your mind? From Dr. Wendy J. Katz and team

You're familiar with the usual drill, right? Each week, Dr. Wendy Katz and our professional team blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer.

This week, Dr. Katz thought we’d step back and ask you, our great 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!

Dr. Katz and team at the 7th Annual SureSmile Conference in Grapevine, TX.!

All of Dr. Katz' staff, including Dr. Darrel Gilbert (Dr. Katz' husband), just got back from a SureSmile Conference in Grapevine, Texas. The 7th annual gala was held from March 4-6. We all had the opportunity to tour the SureSmile plant, OraMetrix Headquarters, to see firsthand the technology that makes Sure Smile the leader in the orthodontic industry.

The SureSmile Conference is an opportunity for SureSmile practitioners and their staff to participate in continuing their education in orthodontic techniques, SureSmiles’ advances and the invaluable networking that takes place throughout the four day meeting. All of Dr. Wendy Katz’ staff participated in this year’s conference and in our office we work hard and play hard. Friday evening Sure Smile hosted the Wild West Party. All attendees we urged to come in costume, related to the Wild West theme. The Katz Gang, notorious bank robbers, led by Doc Katz was made up of Debby, Diana, Dorothy, Kris, Lisandra, Regina, Subrenia and the unfortunate Banker was none other than Dr. Gilbert.

We stayed at the beautiful Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center. During our last evening there, SureSmile hosted a party for all our hard work during the conference. Everybody had a great time,good food, dancing, and of course the mechanical bull.

Have you stayed at the Gaylord Hotel? If you haven't, it has several five-star restaurants inside a huge atrium with jewel tone koi swimming along the river walk pond and beautiful landscape throughout. The hotel represented the old saying, "Everything is bigger in Texas." The conference was informative, motivational and fun! Now, we will put what we learned to practice and make our patients experience even better.

-- The team at Wendy J. Katz, DDS

This March, what are you up to? From Dr. Wendy Katz

It’s almost springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, fresh Rhubarb is ready to be picked, the birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields nearby here in Marietta. Dr. Wendy Katz and team 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 this year? 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 Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

Some fun facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Wendy J. Katz

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Wendy Katz and our staff thought you might enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Katz is on Facebook!

Did you know the orthodontic office of Wendy J. Katz is on Facebook? Our fan page provides you the latest news from Dr. Katz and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things orthodontics.

Become a "fan" today and have a great rest of the week! From Dr. Katz our entire team! On a different note, if you have concerns or issues about your treatment with Dr. Katz, please give us a call!

At Wendy J. Katz DDS, access your account any day, any time

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients of Dr. Katz enjoy 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, all 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 innovative service:

"My time is very limited and very busy all the time. With two teenagers and a toddler and 4 hr commute every day is nice to be able to check the kids account and specially be remind of the appointments in the comfort of my house or office." ~ Tere C.

"It shows me that they are on top of things staying up with technology!" ~ Dean K.

"When I tell others about this additional service that Dr. Katz's office offers, they are impressed and find it patient friendly and professional. It speaks to her commitment to provide the highest level of service (in and out of the office). I have referred numerous friends and family members and will continue to do so, as I am confident in the service she provides." ~ Karen B.

"This was a wonderful service to complement the already exceptional service that Dr. Katz and her staff already provides." ~ Kesha R.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Dr. Katz talks sports and orthodontics

We're almost there... The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Katz for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports such as basketball, football and soccer. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our office. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. At Dr. Katz's office, we actually prefer a larger stock variety of mouth guards that will still fit even though your teeth are moving. We sell some in the office or you can go to any sporting goods store to purchase a stock mouth guard. Beware of a custom fit type, which will stop your teeth from moving as these are counterproductive to orthodontic work.Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at the office of Wendy J. Katz, DDS.

What are patients saying about Wendy J. Katz DDS?

Dr. Katz and team, serving Marietta and surrounding communities here in Cobb County, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. At Wendy J. Katz DDS, we make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Dr. Katz is very good and thorough. But I love her staff. Sabrina and Diana are a highlight to see and joke around with while getting treatment." ~ Bruce H.

"Dr. Katz is highly skilled and has the geniune grace to deliver services in a professional, yet personable manner." ~ Karen B.

"Relaxed atmosphere for kids." ~ Doulas G.

"I love the things that come along with my treatment, like the website. I love that you guys have a larger staff with real talent!" ~ Amber R.

Dr. Katz and team want to know: What are you up to in January?

BRRRR! It may still be chilly outside, but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Dr. Katz and our team want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

Some intriguing orthodontic webisodes, from Dr. Wendy Katz

Dr. Katz would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment at our office, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

What puts you at ease at Wendy J. Katz, DDS?

Dr. Katz understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But she wants you, our wonderful patients, to know that the entire team strives to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each of your visits. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Katz herself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!