Showing posts with label invisalign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label invisalign. Show all posts

Friday, August 11, 2017

Patient Profile: Kat Redner

At Legler Orthodontics, we love meeting and getting to know ALL of our wonderful patients and we are continuously surprised by the intelligence, determination, and talent that walks through our doors. Whether our patients are gaining fame in the Hollywood spotlight, winning medals, or saving lives we feel so incredibly lucky to have contributed on their path to success. A smile gives people confidence, leaves a lasting impression, and most importantly, is the boldest statement you can make without saying a word. After the 25th Anniversary of Legler Orthodontics, 25 years of creating smiles that are making an impact on this world, we felt it was important to share and feature the stories of some of our most influential patients.  
For our first Patient Profile, we are featuring…
Patient: Kat Redner
Occupation: Jet Girl

Kat Redner 20, was born in Vero Beach, Florida and a Legler Orthodontics patient at age 12. She is currently studying Multiplatform Journalism at the Florida Institute of Technology but, Redner is not the typical college student. She is also learning how to drive a jet dragster at Larsen Motorsports. Yes, we repeat DRIVING A JET DRAGSTER! You know, those fire breathing turbine powered cars that race down a ¼ mile track reaching speeds over 280 mph. Yep, Kat may actually be a real-life Wonder Woman!
When she first started her college career at 18 years old, Kat met Elaine Larsen (current boss) and her entire world was changed. She was inspired by Elaine who is not only an IHRA Jet Dragster World Champion but, a powerful business woman, wonderful mother and wife, and someone that embraces being a female that never backs down from a challenge. Kat immediately applied at Larsen Motorsports and jumped head first into the racing world. At first, she started doing the marketing and social media for The Larsen Motorsports Jet Dragster Team but in November 2016 she was given the opportunity to start racing these crazy jet cars.
     Sitting in part of the shop at Larsen Motorsports where they build the bodies of the jet dragsters, we asked Kat about her “12-year-old self in braces” and the impact it made on her life. Kat giggles, scrunching her nose and says “Well, at 12 years old that is ALWAYS the awkward stage in your life, you’re in middle school and you’re like, I do NOT feel confident in myself. But after I got braces I gained so much confidence once my teeth got straighter and my smile looked better. Now it is my favorite thing about myself!” Kat definitely has a dynamite Legler Smile!
     The best part of our day spent with Kat was talking about her girl power team and the young fans that look up to her. We asked her what it’s like to be in a primarily male dominated sport and the advice she would give to any little girl hoping to achieve their dreams. Kat responded enthusiastically, “When men see me at the track they are like, oh she’s just a girl she doesn’t know what she is doing but once they see you wrenching on the cars and doing the same job as them, they totally start to respect you and appreciate what you do. It’s almost better because I’m underestimated and I get to prove everyone wrong. I would tell little girls with high ambitions and dreams that you can do absolutely anything you set your mind to. Work hard and always pursue your dreams and no one, male or female, can hold you back.”

   We had an incredible experience listening and watching our very own patient display what it’s like to be a Girl Boss! Kat ended our convo with her favorite quote, “You have three choices in life:  you can give up, give in, or give it all you got. And a Jet Girl gives it all she’s got!” It’s all about girl power and Kat is the perfect example of a Legler Smile and we are thrilled to have had the chance to visit her! 

Friday, June 30, 2017

Summer of 7 Series Part 1

Welcome to the magic age of 7, where a child starts to gain independence, form opinions, asks questions, master basic skills, looks, talks, and acts older, and all the while still sees their parent as the shining light in the universe. The growth and development of a child during this transitional age is crucial for both their future physical and mental health. We know the many stresses of “proper parenting” can be extremely overwhelming as you raise your growing child but, we are here to take some of this stress away and inform you on what to expect in the mouth of your 7-year-old and the proper measures that need to be taken to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for your child. Dr. Legler from Legler Orthodontics and Dr. Reza from Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry in Port St. Lucie have teamed up in part 1 of this series to touch on the importance of Age 7.
What Happens at Age 7?
Dr. Reza:
“Hey everyone! Dr. Reza here from Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry. I wanted to take talk about one of my FAVORITE group of kids in the office… the 7-year old’s! There is a ton of action going on at this age and I wanted to go over a few things that you should expect to see and experience in the mouth of your 7- year old child.”
“To start, at Age 7, parents should expect their child’s mouth to be in the process of a transitional phase. This is the age where they start to lose their front teeth and new, rather large grownup teeth are coming in to replace them. Now, I know what you are thinking… there is NO WAY in the world that these big teeth are going to fit in the tiny mouth of my child, and you know something; sometimes and in many cases, you are absolutely correct. Although these very large teeth are coming into your child’s mouth, the width of these teeth never change and stay the same as they grow into adulthood. So, really big grown up teeth coming into a kid’s little mouth is not always the best combination. Age 7 is the perfect time to start evaluating your child’s dental growth and development.”
“In addition to the incisors (front teeth) coming in, patients are also typically getting their first permanent molars. I encourage parents to help with brushing to make sure that their child is able to get the toothbrush all the way in the back to take care of the permanent molars. I know, your child is this newly independent kid that can do everything on their own but, while we encourage kids to take an active role in their oral hygiene, they still need help from mom and dad. Let your kids brush their own teeth, just remember to go behind them and give it a little check to make sure they are doing a good job. As soon these molars are fully erupted, I also recommend placing dental sealants on their teeth. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of the back teeth which are the most common areas for kids to get dental decay. Sealants are a great way to reduce the risk of getting cavities and help to give your child a healthy smile.”
“With the permanent incisors and molars growing to replace smaller baby teeth, Age 7 is a crucial time to visit a dentist that specializes in dealing with the irregularities and correction of teeth. Therefore, I encourage parents to take their child in for an orthodontic evaluation. Some children will benefit from early orthodontic intervention in order to help guide their teeth and maximize their growth.” Below, Dr. Legler explains the importance of bringing your child to Legler Orthodontics for a complimentary evaluation.
Dr. Legler:
Thank you Dr. Reza for being a part of our Summer of 7 Series. To recap what Dr. Reza mentioned, Age 7 is an important age in dental development because permanent incisors and molars are erupting. When your child is evaluated at their first orthodontic evaluation, we can measure space requirements for unerupted teeth and how the bite fits together with the width and length of the jaws. These are all important determinants of whether your child is going to grow normally and have a good bite and nice looking smile, or there are going to be problems that need to be addressed at some point between the ages of 7 to 13.
On a positive note, if your child does require braces at Age 7, they are usually excited to get them. At Legler Orthodontics, we have colors for braces and have different designs for retainers. This makes it fun for our younger patients and they also tend to feel older and special. Another important benefit that you might not realize of Age 7 treatment is that it greatly improves your child’s self-esteem. Often times, kids are upset by the way their teeth look or the way their teeth protrude and are more susceptible to bullying and being picked on by their classmates. By correcting these imperfections and improving their smile, they gain self-esteem which can have a lasting effect on their personality.
Not all patients we see require treatment at Age 7. For these patients, we place them on our recall schedule and see them periodically to determine the best time to start their treatment. While they’re on recall, we enlist them in our Surf Bucks Surf Club program so they can feel free to participate in our monthly contests and play the awesome games that we have online.
 Another important thing that I have grown to learn is that when patients start dental visits at a young age in a fun, comfortable environment, they make excellent Orthodontic patients and have less dental phobias or anxieties.


In conclusion, great teamwork is so important in the dental care of your child.  Dr. Legler, Dr. Ardalan in Port St. Lucie, and Dr. Garcia in Vero Beach who you will meet in Part 2, are committed to providing the best dental care for your child.  We all agree that a comfortable and even “fun” office, staff that are gentle and trustworthy, and knowledgeable and experienced doctors, leave your child with a perfect smile inside and out!  

For more information check out our video below:


Friday, June 2, 2017

iTero Element Digital Scanner Versus Impressions For Invisalign



     Invisalign is a huge hit with patients at Legler Orthodontics. Patients of all ages are requesting Invisalign at record numbers. Whether you’re an adult seeking a smile transformation, a teen concerned about wearing brackets and wires, or a parent researching treatment options for your child, Invisalign clear aligners use the most advanced technology to uniquely design a treatment plan for each patient to reveal their best smile. If you are considering Invisalign, and want to know more about the treatment process, you are in the right place! Just when you think Invisalign’s benefits couldn’t sound any more convenient and comfortable, the iTero Element Digital Scanner was introduced and has taken Invisalign treatment to the next level.
     Before a patient receives their clear aligners, Dr. Legler must make a replica of your mouth to create the digital model. Dr. Legler can then move your teeth to the correct smile and bite relationship. Here at Legler Orthodontics, we use the iTero Element Digital Scanner. However, other Invisalign provider offices remain stuck in the stone age and take goopy impressions. Wondering what the process for both is like? Dr. Legler has provided an example of each to show you the significant difference between the two.
     The impression technique is bulky, awkward, messy, time consuming (about 30 minutes), inaccurate and retakes are often necessary. After the impression is taken, it is mailed to Invisalign and takes about a week or two to receive the digital model. Here is an example of the process:


Look at the goop! Ew!

     With the iTero Scanner, an orthodontic assistant uses a wand that is moved around your mouth recording the teeth and bite. This feels like a video camera and does not use x-rays. No bad taste, offensive goops, glues, powder, or any other foreign materials invading your mouth. Just 6 short minutes and you are done!

     To analyze the two options, we made a video showing you a side by side comparison with an Invisalign patient’s thoughts on both.


     The iTero Element Digital Scanner enables Dr. Legler to take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and bite and transmit the file wirelessly for processing within 15 minutes, not 2 weeks. Invisalign cases that start with an iTero scan have 7 times fewer aligner fit issues and 10 times fewer rejections than those started with traditional impressions.



     The iTero Element Digital scanner is extremely accurate so your aligners fit more comfortably and move your teeth and bite to the precise location as determined by Dr. Legler. He feels that his ability to successfully treat so many patients with Invisalign who previously were told by other providers that they were not candidates, is due in part to this exciting technology. Thank you iTero!

For more information, check out these sites below:

Friday, May 19, 2017

Healthy Smoothies For A Healthy Smile

                

                 Thinking about getting Invisalign or braces? Are you worried about pain and discomfort? Going through orthodontic treatment is a process that provides a lifetime of benefits however, requires not only patience, but a little effort too. But, not to worry, discomfort is minimal and disappears before you would even know it, you just need to put in a little extra effort!
               At Legler Orthodontics we know that nothing feels better than an ice-cold smoothie to ease any type of mouth or throat tenderness. We have researched and tasted several different smoothies that not only feel refreshing and cool for your mouth and throat but also, promote healthy teeth, gums, and an overall well-being for your body. These smoothies will definitely put a smile on your face! 
                Before we share these recipes, we want to stress that not all smoothies are created equally. It is very easy to overload a smoothie with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients without even realizing. While it may taste delicious, smoothies like this can contribute to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and an array of other problems. Therefore, you make a smoothie to relieve soreness to then create other issues that can easily be avoided. If you keep sugars and acids to a minimum and include other ingredients that are good for mouth health, you are in business! Some of these ingredients include:

Low Sugar Fruits- They add sweetness to smoothies without going overboard. Berries, apples, pears, and bananas are always great options. 
Yogurt with Little Sugar- teeth are essentially minerals so, the calcium and phosphates in yogurt help rebuild teeth and strengthen them. 
Tea- Polyphenols found in tea are good at controlling plaque and bacteria.

Coconut Oil- Potent antibacterial properties are found in coconut oil and as a result help to prevent cavities and other infections.

Ghee- This ingredient is a butter that is high in vitamins that helps strengthen and re-mineralize teeth.


                Overall, smoothies help soreness, promote teeth and mouth health, and fill an empty belly with nutrients and of course deliciousness. Here are some recipes that are yum yum yummy and extremely healthy:

Healthy Mouth Smoothie
½ cup green tea
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tsp ghee
1 TBL of coconut oil
Banana, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
Ice


Frozen Smoothie for Soreness
 ½ cup vanilla yogurt
Frozen peaches and blueberries
½ tsp cinnamon
2 TBL Lime juice  
1 TBL honey
1 cup black tea
Ice

 
Citrus Smoothie
2 ½ cups low sugar pineapple juice
2 ½ cups orange and grapefruit slices
1 banana
3 TBL honey
½ tsp cinnamon


Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup chocolate yogurt
2 whole medium sized cored apples, yellow and red
1 banana

Organic peanut butter

Friday, April 21, 2017

Save The Sea Turtles


            One Wednesday April 21, 2017 in Vero Beach, FL locals gathered at the beach to watch the largest loggerhead sea turtle to ever be rehabilitated by Sea World, released back into the ocean. Nine months prior to Bertha’s release, this 350 pound turtle was found lethargic and covered in algae at the Tracking Station Park in Vero Beach last August.  When she arrived at Sea World’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Program the rescue team found a significant parasite problem in her blood work and many injuries to her front flippers. Bertha was treated with anti-biotics and anti-parasite medication to clear her system. Bertha spent 8 months being nursed back to health at the rehabilitation center and at a young 20 years of age, she will thankfully be able to live the rest of her long life in the ocean where she belongs! This incredible success story has filled our hearts with joy but has opened our eyes to the dangers our precious sea turtles face every day of their lives.


            Worldwide, 6 of 7 sea turtle species are classified as endangered due to human actions and lifestyles according to a non-profit organization SEE Turtles. Some of the largest threats these turtles face are oil spills, habitat loss due to human developments, entanglement in marine debris, and trash pollution floating around the ocean. Poor fishing practices are also a huge threat to sea turtles and one of these includes a daunting term called bycatch; when fishing gear captures sea turtles by accident. In 2010, a study by Duke University reported data on marine turtle bycatch for the past 18 years. The university found that approximately 85,000 sea turtles were reported as captured. This study however only took data from a mere 1% of the total fishing fleets around the world. Most likely, the numbers of sea turtles captured from over the 18 years are in the MILLIONS. This heart wrenching study only covers a small percentage of what these poor creatures face daily. Turtles also tend to mistake plastic trash for the food they eat. When ingested, the plastic can block the pathway to their stomachs and starve them, release poisonous toxins, and it can also puncture their intestinal systems all resulting in death. We could go on for days telling you everything these turtles endure but instead, it’s time to learn how we can help save these gentle animals.
            Sea turtles are important to the oceans ecosystem. They maintain marine habitats, help cycle nutrients and are part of a well- balanced food web and we as human beings, have the ability to change and improve their lives. Here is how YOU can HELP!

1.      Contribute to conservation organizations and rehabilitation centers.
a.      These programs need your financial support and depend on donors to fund their incredible cause.
2.      Make responsible consumer decisions.
a.      Know where your seafood was obtained and how it was caught.
b.      For more information check out http://www.seafoodwatch.org/

3.      Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
a.      Reduce your consumption (purchase products with less packaging).
b.      Reuse what you can and recycle what you can.
c.       A plastic water bottle is used for 5 minutes and stays on this Earth for another 500 years! One average, our oceans are littered with 47,000 pieces of plastic per square mile. Please people drink from canteens and not plastic bottles!

4.      Be a responsible boater
a.      Avoid seagrass beds and be aware of your speed.
b.      Always looks for floating sea turtles (they cannot dive down to escape an oncoming boat).
c.       “Slow and steady wins the race!”

5.      Dispose of fishing line properly
a.      Pick up fishing line if you see it.
b.      Do NOT throw away fishing line in the garbage, place it in the recycling bin instead.

6.      Help stop unregulated coastal development and non-sustainable agricultural practices.
a.      Sign petitions and encourage legislators to pass and enforce appropriate laws and regulations.

Take action to help save the sea turtles! We have only one ocean and one planet…it’s about time to start taking care of it!
For more information check out these sites below.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Save the Bees



     Every year in April, Earth Day is celebrated globally to raise environmental awareness and inspire individuals to take action in defense of environmental protection. The Earth is our most precious asset and Legler Orthodontics believes it is imperative to take care of it! While there are thousands of different ways to help protect our planet, we hope to educate and motivate the people of our community on an issue we find concerning.
     For the first time in United States history, the bumble bee species has officially been declared ENDANGERED. Over the past two decades, the United States once thriving bee population has plunged nearly 90 %. Speaking of statistics, according to USA Today, 90 % of our food supply is based on nearly 100 different crop species out of which, 70% require bees for pollination. In simpler terms, bumblebees are considered one of the most important species because 1/3 of crops worldwide need pollination. To put this in perspective, Rebecca Riley of the Natural Resources Defense Council stated that “One of out of every 3 bites of food you eat has been helped along in some way by bees.” Although scientists don’t know the specific reason for the decline in the bee’s population, they suspect loss of habitat, diseases, parasites, pesticides and climate change pose most serious threats.
     However, don’t fret! It is not too late to help these incredible mini-workers and we can make a difference. Here are 10 ways to take action and save the bees!

1.       Plant bee-friendly flowers and herbs in your garden or backyard.
a.       Always avoid chemically treating your flowers.
b.       Plant plenty of the same type of bloom, bees LOVE a high volume of plants to forage.
2.       Weeds are a GOOD thing!
a.       Wildflowers (many classify as weeds) are some of the most important food sources for bees.
3.       NEVER use chemicals or pesticides to treat your lawn or garden.
a.       This causes damage to the honeybee system and is one of the major causes of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder).
4.       Purchase LOCAL RAW honey
a.       Raw means NO chemicals.
b.       At the grocery store always read the labels and try to support local.
c.       A great place to purchase raw local honey is at your farmer’s market
5.       Bees get thirsty too!
a.       Put a small basin of water like a bird feeder outside of your home so our precious bees can quench their thirst.


6.       Buy LOCAL ORGANIC food from a farmer that you know.
a.       A huge challenge for bee keepers is to keep their bees in an area where there is no chemicals. Local organically grown food is chemical FREE.
7.       Learn to be an “at home” bee keeper with sustainable practices.
a.       Educate yourself on natural approaches in your community.
8.       Bees are NOT out there to sting you!
a.       Honeybees are vegetarians and are not interested in stinging humans.
b.       These little workers are only there to forage pollen and nectar from flowers up to 3 miles, to and from their hive.
c.       Keep out of their way!
9.       Share these solutions with others in your community!
10.   Let Congress know what you think.

#SavetheBees #BringBacktheBees #HelptheBees #SharetheBuzz #Bees #Pollinators


Throughout the Month of April, Legler Orthodontics will hand out Wildflower Seed baggies to our patients interested in helping save the bees. We encourage everyone to post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter planting their seeds, the growth of the Wildflowers and the arrival of the bees. Happy Earth Day 2017! 
Here is a video at the Bee Ring in Vero Beach Florida. To find out more check out their site at http://www.beeringhoney.com/







Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Home Remedies for the Healthiest Legler Smile

Tis the Season for sweets, sweets, and more sweets. We all deserve to take a break and divulge in our favorite guilty pleasures. Your taste buds may be smiling as you bite into that scrumptious piece of gooey, sugary, pie but, your teeth are thinking otherwise. Don’t fret… Legler Orthodontics is here to rescue your precious pearly whites from a decaying disaster. Store bought toothpaste and mouthwash can get pretty pricey so, why not make your own at home? It saves money (which we all love), gives a feeling of accomplishment, and allows you to leave out the harmful ingredients commercial products permit. Here are two simple recipes for DIY toothpaste and mouthwash concluding with some helpful tips to keep your smile bright, white, healthy and smelling fresh.

Homemade Toothpaste
Each batch yields the equivalent of one 5.3oz tube of toothpaste. Use a mason jar with a lid or a plastic container and place somewhere near your toothbrush. When it’s time to brush, simply wet your toothbrush, scoop out a healthy amount of paste and begin brushing. Remember as Dr. Legler recommends, circular motions!

Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup baking soda 
  • 1 tsp of fine sea salt (optional- minerals from sea salt are great for teeth however can be left out if too salty.
  • 2 tsp of peppermint extract or 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (substitute with favorite flavor- spearmint, cinnamon, orange, lemon etc.)
  • Filtered water 



Making Paste in 3 Simple Steps
  1. Start with the ingredients 
  2. Mix together baking soda, optional sea salt (recommended), and peppermint. 
  3. Add water a little bit at a time, stirring consistently until paste is formed. 
  4. For future days, add a small amount of water if the paste begins to dry out.




**Cost Savings**
$3-$4 per tube!

Homemade Mouthwash  
Artificial sweeteners and chemical additives in conventional mouthwash are a No-No in Legler Orthodontic’s book. “Natural” DIY mouthwash is cost effective and prevents dangerous chemicals from entering your body. Store mouthwash in a mason jar with a lid or glass bottle (we recommend a used apple cider vinegar bottle).

Ingredients
  • 2 tsp of baking soda 
  • 2 drops of tea tree essential oil 
  • 1 tsp Xylitol 
  • 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (or favorite flavor) 
  • 1/2 cup filtered water 
Making Wash
  1. Pour water into mason jar or glass bottle 
  2. Add tea tree essential oil, peppermint essential oil and Xylitol 
  3. Add baking soda and stir 
  4. Shake before use (baking soda settles at the bottom) 



   
 Helpful Tips for a Brighter, Whiter, Healthy & Fresh Smile J


  Oil Pulling

      This oral therapy may be a growing trend however, it has been a practiced tradition for centuries, first originating in India. Oil pulling is the practice of swishing the oils from plants in your mouth to produce a wealth of health benefits.
     
      Coconut oil is incredible for oil pulling and is one of the best ways to whiten teeth, remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums! Other popular oils used in pulling include, sunflower and sesame oil. Many practioners have found these alternative oils to be equally beneficial.  
     
      This remedy is believed to cure tooth decay, kill bad breath, heal bleeding gums, soothe throat dryness, prevent cavities, soften cracked lips and strengthen the jaw.

How- To:
1.      Purchase coconut oil from the local grocery or health foods store.
2.      Store coconut oil in temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent solidification. Chunky oil is not easy to swish around your mouth!
3.      Make sure to pull first thing in the morning before brushing teeth or drinking.
4.      Gently swish 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil for 10-20 minutes. We recommend doing this in the shower and while you get ready. We know it’s a lengthy process!
5.      Spit the oil out in the trash (not the sink, so it doesn’t clog plumbing) and immediately rinse with warm salty water.
6.      Finally brush your teeth as usual, using your homemade toothpaste!



       Spice Up Your Life
      
      Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack or finish a meal with parsley, we find these to be invigorating breath enhancers!


      Sugarless Gum
      
      It is always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up. You never know who you might meet around the corner!

      Watch Your Drinking Habits

      The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey and beer. These beverages, that we tend to sip, contain acid causing the pH levels in the mouth to decrease and bacteria to fester. This leads to cavities and gum infections. We know…it’s hard to resist!


      Brush Frequently & Don’t Forget the Tongue

Carry a toothbrush and a small container of homemade toothpaste or mouthwash along with you when leaving home. Brushing after each meal may not be convenient, but it is refreshing! One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue so, give it a nice gentle brush-over too! Most importantly, keeping your teeth clean prevents cavities and dental problems from emerging down the road.


Our team at Legler Orthodontics strives to find new healthy and natural methods to keep dental health exciting. Check out these links below to learn more about at home dental treatments.