What makes braces sooooo cool?

Dr. Beth Faber will always tell you that braces, are cool, hip and usually pretty fun nowadays. In fact, these were among the findings of a nationwide survey last year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and SureSmile, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Serena Williams and Dakota Fanning, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

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.

Has your child visited Faber Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Faber help your child begin the journey to a beautiful new smile!

Ask Dr. Faber: When should my child be seen for a check-up?

Many parents just assume they should wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Beth Faber, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. But did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Ok, you're thinking, what’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for the team at Faber Orthodontics to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we call “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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

More than just a day off from school

Tomorrow, the nation will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races in Virginia and across the United States will spend their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Dr. Faber and our entire team are proud of all our patients, families and colleagues who continue to make a difference in our community!

Technology helps you relax at Faber Orthodontics

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Beth Faber understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

Dr. Faber specializes in orthodontics, offering gentle, effective, and state-of-the-art treatments; including SureSmile technology, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear braces. We'll take the time to educate you about each treatment option, so that you can choose the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions about how Dr. Faber uses state-of-the-art technology at our offices in Tappahannock and Kilmarnock, give us a call and ask!

What is your New Year's Resolution?

2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at Faber Orthodontics! Dr. Beth Faber and our staff thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Also, we’d like to wish a Happy New Year to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Tappahannock, Kilmarnock and surrounding communities!

See you all soon!