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."

The benefit of lingual braces, from Dr. Leonard

Dr. Leonard, your Albert Lea, Mason City, Waseca, and Blue Earth orthodontist, is pleased to offer our patients a new kind of invisible braces to make you smile. With Incognito lingual braces, formerly known as iBraces, we are able to entirely customize your treatment using state-of-the-art technology.

Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, rather than in a visible area. Hence, you can improve your smile efficiently and effectively in a discreet new way. This treatment option is perfect for adult professionals, musicians, athletes, and anyone who doesn't want their braces to be visible.

To learn more about Incognito at Alpha Orthodontics, please give us a call today! Dr. Leonard can determine if lingual braces are the right treatment option for you.

A Season to Give Thanks

Dr. Leonard and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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 Albert Lea, Mason City, Waseca, and Blue Earth areas!