What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics 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 Stone Oak Orthodontics

Top ten tips for keeping your braces clean this holiday season

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Patient Question: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Norris 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 orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Stone Oak Orthodontics supports our San Antonio community

Here at Stone Oak Orthodontics, it is very important to Dr. Norris and team that we support our San Antonio community, especially during the holiday season.

This October, November, and December our office donated to our local food bank. We also recently donated to the Bulverde Animal Humane Society and Guide Dogs of Texas. For more information on Stone Oak Orthodontics and our commitment to our community and charitable organizations be sure to visit the Community page of our website.

Celebrities wear braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? At 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. Norris.

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!

A Season to Give Thanks

Dr. Norris and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We'd like to know, 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!

Ask Dr. Norris: Why the Damon® System?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Here’s why Damon® is better:
With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months of treatment! After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are very precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Robert Norris is a certified Damon System provider. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Stone Oak Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Stone Oak Orthodontics Presents: Orthodontic Fun Facts!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• 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.

"Hey, Dr. Norris! Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why San Antonio, TX orthodontist Dr. Norris and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Stone Oak Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Norris can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Halloween safety tips, from Stone Oak Orthodontics

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

Dr. Norris invites patients to our 2010 Candy Buy Back!

Would you like to turn your Halloween candy into cash? Dr. Norris would like to remind all of our patients and their families to be mindful of how sticky treats can impact children's teeth and their orthodontic treatment. So, in an effort to promote a safe and healthy Halloween, Dr. Norris will buy back the candy you collect this year!

You're Invited to our 2010 Candy Buy Back

Who: All of our patients, friends and family

What: For every pound of wrapped candy that you bring in to our office, you will receive $1 and we will donate $1 to the Bulverde Animal Shelter. All candy will also be donated to our troops overseas.

Where: Stone Oak Orthodontics

When: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 from 5-7pm

Why: To earn cash for your Halloween candy, raise money for the Bulverde Animal Shelter, donate candy to our troops overseas, and avoid damage to your braces that could prolong treatment time!

Tell Stone Oak Orthodontics what's on your mind!

Week after week, Dr. Norris and team blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: 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 in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted 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!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Norris and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a few braces-friendly holiday foods with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. These treats are delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, these foods will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Orthodontic-Friendly Treats
• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
• Peanut butter cups
• Milk shakes
• Gelatin
• Peeled, thinly sliced apples
• Ice cream

Thanks to everyone who attended the Stone Oak Orthodontics 2010 Patient Appreciation Party!

Dr. Norris and our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics would like to thank all of our patients who attended our 2010 Patient Appreciation Party. The event was a huge success! We reserved the Palladium Theater to show two different 3-D films, and there was a juggler, face painting, a balloon artist, and caricatures for all of our patients.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out our Facebook page to view the complete event photo album. Thanks again to all of our wonderful patients and staff who attended the Patient Appreciation Party!

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From Stone Oak Orthodontics

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at Stone Oak Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Let us now what you think of this great fall recipe!




Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:
• ¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• ¼ cup sliced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
• Sea salt, preferably gray salt
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
• Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!

--From Dr. Norris and staff

A few Invisalign® tips from Dr. Norris

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Norris wants you to ask yourself the following questions:


1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Stone Oak Orthodontics, give us a call!

Why do you love Stone Oak Orthodontics?

Dr. Robert Norris and our highly trained orthodontic staff strives to create beautiful smiles one at a time, while maintaining a personal relationship with each patient. Stone Oak Orthodontics provides the most comfortable path to a better life through a pleasing smile and dental health.

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. We encourage you to tell us by heading to our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

-Stone Oak Orthodontics

Have you seen the sneak preview of the NEW Stone Oak Orthodontics office?

If you haven't had a chance yet, be sure to visited our Facebook page to see all of our photos from the NEW Stone Oak Orthodontics office! We're excited to open soon, so that we can start seeing patients at our new location.

Ask Dr. Norris: 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 Stone Oak Orthodontics 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. Norris 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.

Stone Oak Orthodontics announces our 2010 Patient Appreciation Party!

Have you had a chance to RSVP to the Stone Oak Orthodontics 2010 Patient Appreciation Party? If not, this is an event that you won't want to miss! We are reserving the Palladium Theater to show two different 3-D films. There will also be juggling, a balloon artist, and caricatures for all of our patients! Be sure to RSVP to the event with Ginger at ginger@stoneoakortho.com or by giving our office a call.

You're Invited to:

Who: All of our patients!

What: 2010 Patient Appreciation Party

Where: Palladium at the Rim

When: 10:00am on Saturday, September 25, 2010

Why: To celebrate all of our amazing patients!

Dr Norris at the 2010 SureSmile® Conference

Have you seen this great video of Dr. Norris at the 2010 SureSmile Conference? While learning about the new high-tech braces, which are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry through digital 3-D imaging, he was able to take a short break for some recreational activity!

Next time you're in the office for an appointment, be sure to let us know what you think of this fun video! Also, don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about SureSmile or orthodontic treatment options at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

Have a great week!

-Dr. Norris and team

Did you know that Stone Oak Orthodontics is eco-friendly?

At Stone Oak Orthodontics, our team makes a commitment to sustainable orthodontics. In 2007, our office began work to fulfill Dr. Norris’ commitment to make his office completely “green.” He signed up for the volunteer renewable energy option with CPS Energy, known as Windtricity. In April 2008, Dr. Norris completed a solar energy project at our practice by installing 80 solar panels.

Did you know that Dr. Norris has been featured in the Antonio Express-News numerous times for the eco-friendly practices of Stone Oak Orthodontics? For more information, just visit our website to learn more about our environmental values.

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

We have one important mission, here at Stone Oak Orthodontics: We strongly believe in developing a personal relationship with each patient, and providing the most comfortable path to a better life through a pleasing smile and dental health. Recently, our doctor and staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics 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 due to the fact that people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Norris 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. Norris would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

SureSmile® makes an appearance on ABC’s “The Doctors”

Last fall, on an episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. This treatment decreases treatment time and the number of necessary office visits for patients by nearly half! Did you know Dr. Norris is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Stone Oak Orthodontics present: Patriotic fun facts!

On Sunday, Dr. Norris and our staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics will be busy celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Speaking of patriotism, we invite you to head over to our Facebook page and check out our patriotic photos!!

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

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- 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.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- 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 this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

Dr. Norris and Stone Oak Orthodontics want to know: what are your summer plans?

It's finally summer here at Stone Oak Orthodontics, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is finally upon us. Whether you're headed to an exotic destination, barbecuing, hitting the open roads with family, or just having fun in the backyard here in San Antonio over the long summer, we'd like to hear all about it! Drop us a comment on our Facebook fan page and share your summer plans and adventures with our staff as the summer rolls along!

Happy (and safe) travels to all our patients and readers!

- Dr. Norris and team

Sleep disorders and treatment options in San Antonio, from Stone Oak Orthodontics

San Antonio orthodontist Dr. Robert Norris knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with some 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder. Some of these progress to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms of sleep apnea, and as the condition worsens it can lead to airway blockage, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Dr. Norris will tell you sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call at 210.402.3322, and our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist here in San Antonio.

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

We hope you enjoy the rest of Father's Day weekend!

At Stone Oak Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

Did you know that at San Antonio's Stone Oak Orthodontics, our patients enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You may 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!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Stone Oak Orthodontics want to know: what should we blog about?

As summer quickly approaches, our staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to braces and your treatment with San Antonio orthodontist Dr. Robert Norris.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the hot Texas summer, however, we'd like your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the next few months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Norris for a while and just haven't found the right opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great rest of the week!

Ask Dr. Norris: Are those rumors about braces true?

Trust us when we say Dr. Norris and our professional team know there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around these days when it comes to orthodontics (and orthodontists as well). But, before you buy into those myths, we think you should definitely get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we definitely encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at 210.402.3322!

We hope you're having a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!!

This Memorial Day, what are you up to? From Dr. Norris

Memorial Day weekend, a time for Americans everywhere to celebrate freedom and honor the servicemen and women who have paid for the freedoms we continue to cherish, is almost here. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many people, getting out of town for Memorial Day weekend after being cooped up in the office or classroom brings sweet, sweet relief.

At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s almost time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with family or friends. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the great open roads of Texas, Dr. Norris and team would love to hear all about it!

Have a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

SureSmile in the news again! From Stone Oak Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces for two whole years bring you down? Our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment. But you’re in luck, because Dr. Norris specializes in SureSmile, robotic braces that have revolutionized the industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

That means less time in braces, fewer office visits, less discomfort and ultimately greater results for you, the patient - all thanks to SureSmile's stunning technology.

This week, CNN's very own Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a short report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients. We encourage you to check out the video and let us know what you think! Give us a call to learn more about SureSmile or to find out if you might be a candidate.

Write a Review of Stone Oak Orthodontics!

Dr. Robert Norris and our highly trained orthodontic staff have one important mission. They strongly believe in developing a personal relationship with each patient, and providing the most comfortable path to a better life through a pleasing smile and dental health.

Whether you've visited Dr. Norris 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. Norris create more beautiful smiles in San Antonio and surrounding communities here in Bexar County.

You may write a review here.

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

Happy Mother's Day from Dr. Norris and Stone Oak Orthodontics!

Our entire staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics would like to take this time thank all the wonderful moms out there for being so great during your child's orthodontic treatment. Whether it's driving your kids to regularly scheduled appointments with Dr. Norris or for "being there" while your child is in treatment, the moms who come to our office are all great, and we'd like you to know that we appreciate you all! Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

And kids? Did you participate in our Mother's Day essay contest? You still have time to write an essay and email it to us describing what makes her so special to you. One winner will be picked to receive a $100 gift card to the Woodhouse Day Spa! Please email your essays to ginger@stoneoakortho.com.

Remember, all entries must be received by tomorrow! Get those laptops out!

Enjoy your Mother's Day, moms!

Stone Oak Orthodontics, reminding you about the importance of regular dental checkups

Our staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics wants to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also vital for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Dr. Norris, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Ask us for a referral to a local dentist - plenty of great ones here in San Antonio!

SureSmile works its magic on the Science Channel! From Dr. Norris

Our staff recently found a really interesting clip of SureSmile technology on Brink: Science Channel. In addition to shortening treatment times, the greater efficiency of the SureSmile system also helps reduce the number of wire changes and adjustments you'll need, and that means fewer trips to Stone Oak Orthodontics. The SureSmile system's 3-D software lets Dr. Norris analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. Through this software, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment smoothly and directly.

We'd love to know what you thought about the video! At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we love working with SureSmile technology. To learn more about SureSmile, please give us a call today.

Essay contest at Stone Oak Orthodontics!

With Mother's Day right around the corner, it's the time of year to celebrate our moms, aunts, friends or maybe a grandparent who has stepped in to be a mom to you.

Please write an essay and email it to us describing what makes her so special to you. One winner will be picked to receive a $100 gift card to the Woodhouse Day Spa. Please email your essays to ginger@stoneoakortho.com. Remember, all entries must be received by Saturday, May 8.

GOOD LUCK!

Help Stone Oak Orthodontics support America's troops

Our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics will be accepting donations for our troops during April and May. You may donate items such as disposable cameras, playing cards, trail mix, facial tissues, candy and much, much more. For a complete list of items, please head over to our Facebook fan page!

Please help Dr. Norris and our staff Support our Troops and enjoy the rest of your week.

This April, a reminder to play it safe! From Dr. Norris

Our staff has some good news to report this afternoon (and no, it's not an April Fools' joke!). A new study at Wayne State University reports that people with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t.

Dr. Norris has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The researchers then compared the players' smile ratings with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year. The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and, believe it or not, college attendance.

The results? They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big, happy smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting Stone Oak Orthodontics lately? If not, give our team a call today at 210.402.3322.

The importance of retainers, from Stone Oak Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics, we'd like to take this moment to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Norris will provide - or has provided you - with retainers.

After braces are removed the 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. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until Dr. Norris tells you otherwise.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practicing speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them quicker is a good idea.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Try to remember to bring your retainers to your appointments at Stone Oak Orthodontics.
* Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last for years!
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (lacrosse, soccer, etc.).
* Keep retainers away from hot water, your pockets and other places where they can get damaged.

We hope this helps! You can always contact our staff by calling (210) 402-3322 if you have any questions!

Patient question for Dr. Norris: Am I too old for braces?

Of course not! Recently, our staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest—wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our San Antonio office can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. After the initial examination and diagnostic records, Dr. Robert Norris will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. At your consultation, Dr. Norris can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and financial arrangements. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset: THEIR SMILE!

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Norris and our team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

The SureSmile® advantage at Stone Oak Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces for two entire years bring you down? Dr. Robert Norris and our dedicated team at Stone Oak Orthodontics understand that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment. But you’re in luck, because Dr. Norris specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. Through the use of SureSmile's sophisticated 3-D imaging, treatment planning, and customized precision archwires, Dr. Norris can reduce treatment time compared to that of conventional braces. There are three steps. First, Dr. Norris identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Norris view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Fewer Office Visits

In addition to shortening treatment times, the greater efficiency of the SureSmile system also helps reduce the number of wire changes and adjustments you'll need, and that means fewer trips to the orthodontist. The SureSmile system's 3-D software lets your orthodontist analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. Through this software, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment smoothly and directly, reducing the number of maintenance visits.

Less Overall Discomfort

Anyone who has worn braces will probably tell you that wire adjustments and changes were the least favorite part of the process because they usually caused discomfort. Fortunately, the SureSmile system is engineered to maximize therapeutic efficiency of each wire, significantly reducing the number of adjustments needed. This means fewer episodes of discomfort over the course of your treatment here at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, or would like to learn more about SureSmile technology, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. Norris: When are two phases of treatment necessary?

Usually patients in treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Robert Norris and our team call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, Dr. Norris recommends that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit Stone Oak Orthodontics even sooner.

Getting social with Stone Oak Orthodontics

At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our interactive Facebook fan page. 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, our team knows they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Norris and our staff 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? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Sports and mouth guards, with Stone Oak Orthodontics

At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Robert Norris and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why we at Stone Oak Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Norris will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Norris is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

Dr. Norris wants to know: What do you love about San Antonio?

Stone Oak Orthodontics, located in San Antonio and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods. Each is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Norris and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about San Antonio or your community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Texas getaway? Do you love the relatively nice weather we get year-round?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in San Antonio, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might just might post your response on our social networks!

Ask Dr. Norris: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

It is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, Dr. Norris uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Norris is a certified Invisalign provider in San Antonio. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Stone Oak Orthodontics, please give us a call. Enjoy the rest of your week!

What are patients saying about Dr. Norris and Stone Oak Orthodontics?

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about Dr. Norris and our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Norris and team love getting patient testimonials!

"We were impressed with his vast knowledge and courteous personality and the friendly and efficient office staff. The time given to us and the detailed information made me feel very confident that we had made a perfect choice for our children's needs!" ~ James B.

"I am extremely impressed by everything at your office. When I walk in I am greeted by name and that really impresses me. The people who have worked on the adjustments, x-rays, molds etc have all been wonderful and Dr. Norris is amazing! I asked my dentist for a referral to a quality Orthodontist and she recommended several but stressed that she would choose Stone Oak Ortho first and I am pleased that I took her advice." ~ Lisa N.

"The office is fun to go to. Everyone seems to really like being there." ~ Angela A.

"Dr. Norris has a fantastic office with a fabulous staff (and they all have great smiles)!!!! I look forward to my visits and appreciate the great service. Thanks to all those who work so hard behind the scenes to make the doctor and the patients happy!" ~ Fawn V.

"ALWAYS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY!" ~ Tami G.

What do you love about Stone Oak Orthodontics?

From the very first you walk through the doors at Stone Oak Orthodontics, Dr. Norris and our team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We aim for developing a personal relationship with you, and providing you with the most comfortable path to a better life through a pleasing smile and dental health. We thought we’d ask you, our terrific patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Norris? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

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

A little bit about Stone Oak Orthodontics...

Dr. Norris and our highly trained orthodontic staff at Stone Oak Orthodontics have one important mission: We strongly believe in developing a personal relationship with each patient, and providing the most comfortable path to a better life through a pleasing smile and dental health. Each patient is greeted warmly, seen quickly and treated with the latest in orthodontic technologies, including Invisalign® "invisible braces", Damon® System self-ligating braces and SureSmile®. Dr. Norris invites you to call our office for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation at our San Antonio office.