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JANUARY 2020
551 HARRISON BRIDGE RD., SIMPSONVILLE, SC 29680 | 864-336-2965 | WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM STRAIGHT TALK
5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SMILE (THAT YOU WON’T GIVE UP ON BY FEBRUARY)
Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution to lose a bit of weight, give up dessert, or go to the gym three times a week, only to give up on it before January ended? You’re not alone! I’ve been there, and so have most Americans. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of resolutions go out the window by February. So, what can a determined person do to make sure they follow through? The first step is picking resolutions that are realistic (don’t resolve to save half of your paycheck each month, for example, if your bills don’t allow it). The second step, in my experience, is to make sure the problems you’re solving confront you every day — which is why I advocate making resolutions to benefit your smile. If you’re treating your teeth right, you’ll see the results in the mirror, and if you’re not, your smile will remind you! Here are five resolutions I’d recommend to help you beautify your smile and avoid the post-resolution blues:
the answer is yes, it’s time for a new one. Do this throughout 2020 for the best results. RESOLVE TO SWITCH TO WHITENING TOOTHPASTE Most major toothpaste brands offer a whitening option, which typically comes with all of the same tooth- cleaning benefits as the traditional choice, plus this perk, for minimal extra cost. Make the swap today for a gleaming smile. RESOLVE TO EAT SMILE-FRIENDLY FOODS Not all foods are created equal for your smile. If you have braces, a retainer, or other orthodontia, then you know eating certain foods, like sticky candies or whole apples, can wreak havoc on your teeth. Resolve to stick to your approved foods this year and spare your wallet and smile! Even if you don’t have orthodontia, you can resolve to better your smile by avoiding high-acid foods (which can damage tooth enamel) or drinking too much coffee or tea (which can stain your teeth).
it off just because it’s difficult to navigate around the wires. Resolve to change that in 2020 to avoid tooth decay, inflamed gums, and other unsightly side effects! RESOLVE TO NEVER TO SKIP A SMILE APPOINTMENT This could be the most important resolution you make in 2020. Your dentist and orthodontist can spot potential problems with your teeth visible only to a professional eye, and, even if your teeth are in great shape, regular cleanings and check-ups will set you up for success in the long term. Not to mention, if you have orthodontia and miss an appointment, you’ll set back your improvement and potentially experience discomfort! Resolving to not let that happen is just common sense. If you’re ready to get started on resolution No. 5, call Marshall Orthodontics today! We can work with you to find a way around any issues that have kept you out of the office — whether they’re scheduling conflicts or financial worries — and help you toward a beautiful smile in 2020.
“If you’re treating your teeth right, you’ll see the results in the mirror, and if you’re not, your smile will remind you!”
RESOLVE TO REMEMBER TO FLOSS Many people have a difficult time remembering to floss even under the best circumstances, but, if you have braces or permanent retainers, odds are you’ve put
RESOLVE TO REEVALUATE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH Next time you’re in the bathroom, take a minute to check out your toothbrush. Are the bristles fraying? Have you had it for more than three months? If
– Dr. William Marshall
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HELP YOUR KIDS ACHIEVE MORE THIS YEAR WITH SIMPLE, ACTIONABLE GOALS
DON’T DO ALL THE WORK FOR THEM. While it’s important for you to help your kids formulate their goals, be sure that you aren’t taking over. If they’re ultimately responsible for their resolutions, they’ll feel more compelled to keep them. Instead, suggest different goal areas they could improve, such as home, school, or sports, and let them elaborate. When it comes to creating habits, nobody is perfect, so even if your kids falter on their goals in the middle of February, don’t worry. The important thing is that you continue to encourage them every step of the way.
With every new year comes an opportunity to reinvent ourselves or start down a new path toward self-improvement. Making resolutions is a big part of many families’ New Year’s traditions, and parents often have a desire for their kids to take part in that tradition when they’re old enough. Following through on resolutions is tough, especially for young children, but with your help, they can achieve their goals. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. You are your children’s role model for almost everything, including following through on New Year’s resolutions. So, ask yourself if you follow through on your own resolutions. When you proclaim that you will read more books or finally get a gym membership,
do you actually try to do it? Your kids will assign as much importance to New Year’s resolutions as you do, so by sticking to your own commitments, you can help them stay on track too. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE AND ACHIEVABLE. When your kids are forming their resolutions, their first attempts will probably be very broad. Statements like “I want to be more kind” or “I will try to help more around the house” incorporate good values but don’t include any actionable steps. Help your kids think of tangible ways to act on those goals. For example, if they want to be tidier, a good resolution might be for them to clean their room once a week or take responsibility for one household chore every day.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: ERIN OUR DEDICATED CLINICAL MANAGER
When she started dental assistant school, Erin had her eye on a big goal: to touch as many lives as she could. Patient by patient, she wanted to make the world a better place, and, after dipping her toes into multiple dental fields, she settled on orthodontics. “I really liked the fact that in all areas of dentistry, you are impacting people’s lives, and orthodontics is one of the areas you can have the biggest impact on someone by helping them feel better about themselves,” she said. “I also enjoy that, working in orthodontics, you get to work a bit more independently and see more procedures done. It’s not just the same routine fillings and crowns!” Erin had braces as a child, so she was familiar with both the complex process and life-changing results. After dental assistant school, she dove into her job as a dental hygienist and worked hard for five years. When she and her husband, Jason, had their youngest son, Jax, she decided to take a break from her career to work as a stay-at-home mom. Then, when Jax turned 6,
Erin took the job of clinical manager here at Marshall Orthodontics and returned to the field she loves.
Today, Erin makes sure our clinic runs smoothly. She helps patients schedule their appointments, works on projects in the lab (including getting our new 3D printer system up and running), and even assists chairside when necessary. “My favorite part about my job is getting to work closely with Dr. Marshall and the other orthodontic assistants. I feel like I’ve really developed a good relationship with them and can help act as a liaison,” she says. “I also like that I get to watch our patients evolve from the start of their treatments with us. Some of them are fairly young, and I like to watch them grow and their smiles change. Adults who are self-conscious develop a love of their smiles, and their self-confidence blossoms over their time with us.” When she’s not at the office, you can probably find Erin driving Jax to school and karate classes or with Jason working on a reclaimed wood project.
Erin, from all of us here at Marshall Ortho, thank you for all you do!
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LIGHT-UP BRACES? DIY ORTHODONTIA? 3 UNLIKELY ORTHODONTIC TRENDS FOR 2020
Just like the team at Apple is always brainstorming ideas for the next iPhone, tooth enthusiasts are constantly mulling ways to update and reinvent orthodontia. Some of these ideas are brilliant innovations that spur the industry forward, while others … aren’t. In the spirit of the new year, we’ve collected three of the wackier trends that could be coming down the pipeline. DIY ORTHODONTIA Over the last few years, companies have popped up offering to help people straighten their smiles at home. While the convenience of skipping the orthodontist’s chair in favor of 3D printing your own braces or using rubber bands to push your teeth together might be tempting, it’s not the best choice for your health. These treatments tend to focus exclusively on aesthetics, while a professional orthodontist will also prioritize the health of your teeth and bite. DIY strategies can also have painful side effects, which could end up costing you more in the long run! LIGHT-UP BRACES Back in 2017, researchers in Saudi Arabia proposed a new type of 3D printed braces with LED lights installed on every tooth! The lights aren’t visible to the naked eye, but according to All3DP magazine, “The researchers believe the braces offer light therapy to enhance bone regeneration. In fact, the researchers believe the braces alter the DNA in the teeth and increase their energy supply, moving them faster.” While this is an interesting idea to explore, it’s not standardized or fully tested — so, if you see it on the market, steer clear until you consult your orthodontist. FAKE BRACES This trend has existed for a while overseas, but it’s still worth mentioning in 2020. Teens in developing Asian countries consider braces a fashion statement because they signal wealth and status, which has made fake glue-on braces popular. According to Colgate, these are applied at home, by street vendors, or in salons — and they can have awful side effects. Lose pieces present a choking hazard, and cheap parts can cause mouth sores, tooth discoloration, tooth decay, and lead poisoning! If fake braces make their way to the U.S. in 2020, run the other way. If you’d like to beautify your smile in 2020, go for the safe bet and call Marshall Orthodontics today at 864-336-2965 — we’ll help you with orthodontic solutions that actually work!
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SAUERKRAUT
Inspired by NourishedKitchen.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs cabbage • 4 tsp fine sea salt
EQUIPMENT
• Jar • Lid with airlock
• Something to weigh down cabbage, ideally made of a nonreactive material like glass
DIRECTIONS
1. Remove outer leaves from cabbage. Slice very thinly. 2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage and salt. Let stand for 20 minutes. 3. Squeeze cabbage to release juices. Let the cabbage continue to soak and release juices for another 20 minutes. 4. Transfer to a jar and press down cabbage until completely submerged in its juices. Weigh down cabbage. 5. Seal jar with airlock. Let cabbage sit at room temperature and away from sunlight for one month. Once fermented, transfer to the fridge. Sauerkraut will keep for six months to one year.
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864-336-2965 WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM
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551 HARRISON BRIDGE RD., SIMPSONVILLE, SC 29680
5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SMILE THIS ISSUE INSIDE
1 2 2 3 3 4
HELPING YOUR KIDS MAKE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: ERIN
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SAUERKRAUT
WHAT’S NEXT IN ORTHODONTICS
MEET THE WORLD’S FIRST AIRPORT THERAPY PIG
MEET THE WORLD’S FIRST AIRPORT THERAPY PIG HOW LILOU AND ANIMALS LIKE HER CALM STRESSED-OUT TRAVELERS
Imagine you’re navigating a vast airport on a busy Saturday, shouldering your way through crowds
as of 2017, more than 30 airports across the U.S. employed therapy dogs, and these days, estimates land closer to 60. The San Jose and Denver airports have therapy cats, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport even offers passengers the chance to play with miniature horses before boarding their flights. Therapy dogs started appearing in U.S. airports after the 9/11 terror attacks, which changed American attitudes about flying. They did so well at helping passengers calm down that airports began implementing permanent programs. Some have pets on hand 24/7 to assist passengers, while others host animal visits every few weeks or months. These days, regular travelers have fallen hard for their local therapy animals, many of whom even have their own Instagram accounts and hashtags. So, the next time you’re traveling, keep an eye out for a friendly pup, cat, pig, or horse to pet. A bit of love from an animal just might improve your trip!
and struggling to hear the PA system over the clatter of 1,000 wheeled suitcases. Suddenly, you see a pig wearing a hot pink sweater waddling toward you on a leash. Do you stop in your tracks? Does your stress level drop? Do you laugh out loud when you see its pink nail polish? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you can sympathize with the passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and staff at the San Francisco International Airport. They get to enjoy visits from Lilou, the world’s first airport therapy pig, on a regular basis! As part of the Wag Brigade, the airport’s cadre of (mostly canine) therapy animals, Lilou wanders the airport with her humans, bringing joy, peace, and calm to everyone she meets.
Lilou may be the only pig of her kind, but airport therapy animals have been a growing trend for the last few years. According to NPR,
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