What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Dr. Leonard would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Alpha Orthodontics!

Season’s Greetings from Alpha Orthodontics

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Alpha Orthodontics 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 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

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

--The team at Alpha Orthodontics

The benefits of fluoride, from Dr. Leonard

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Alpha Smiles. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

One patient expresses her gratitude to Dr. Leonard and team

Our team at Alpha Orthodontics would like to share a letter that was sent to our office from the winner of our "Refer a Friend" contest. Thank you for the kind words!

"How do I begin to express my gratitude? Putting aside the winning of the Apple iPad, I do want to thank you for taking such good care of my teeth. It was a real eye opener to see the before and after pictures of progress and what a specialty of treatment you provide.

As a patient, I felt comfortable with the level of professionalism and care you brought to me, as I am confident you do to all your patients. That is why Alpha Orthodontics comes so highly recommended in our community and I will continue to promote at all the chances given.

Winning the Apple iPad is wonderfully awesome, and so exciting to have such a piece of technology that I would never be able to have otherwise. I thank you so very much for all of your cares and for picking ME! You really know how to make a person feel GREAT from the inside out."