children dental health

National Orthodontic Health Month

October 6th, 2021


As we begin the month of October, pumpkin spiced foods and beverages are appearing everywhere, leaves are beginning to change colors on trees here in Georgia and quite a few of us are still settling into our back-to-school schedules. For many of our patients, this month means Halloween, which in turn equates to candy! For the dental health world, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. A whole month devoted to celebrating healthy smiles, learning more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and the importance of good oral health. Our SmilesForever Orthodontics doctors and staff are concerned with overall dental, oral and orthodontic health and are eager to share this awareness with our patients.

Orthodontic Health Awareness can be highlighted by a few key facts.
  • The recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic check-up is age 7.
  • Orthodontic health relates to dental health and overall health.
    • Crowded teeth make it harder to brush and floss.
    • Certain habits such as thumb-sucking may cause changes in your child’s oral structures which may in turn affect speech and feeding.
  • Orthodontists straighten teeth, they correct abnormal bites.
    • Abnormal bites are categorized as overbites, underbites, deep bites, open bites and crossbites.
    • Other problems that can be corrected by a board certified orthodontist are crooked and crowded teeth, impacted or missing teeth, extra teeth, gaps or spacing between teeth.
  • Teeth can be straightened and bites can be corrected at any age.Yes, ANY AGE! In fact, one in three orthodontic patients is an adult. 
  • Orthodontist spend an extra three years of specialty training to obtain their Specialty Certificate, after completing four years of Dental School.
  • Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells put in those hard earned extra miles and obtained their Board Certification status from the American Board of Orthodontists. Did you know only one out of every three orthodontists achieve their Board Certification?

The American Association of Orthodontists urges patients to choose braces-friendly treats at Halloween time. During orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s always important to remember that certain foods should be avoided in order to reduce breakage.  Any hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy candies or gum are on the “Foods To Avoid” list.  These types of foods and candies not only break braces and bend wires, but can potentially break healthy teeth too! Though we can always fix broken brackets and orthodontic wires, this may add up to additional patient appointments and time in treatment. Alternative sweet treats are recommended, and Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells encourage our patients to always brush and floss after enjoying any treats!  Check out our Ghoulishly Delicious Treats Pinterest board for those braces-friendly fun Halloween treats!


SmilesForever Orthodontics is ready to help you to achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you do have any unfortunate breakage, please call us right away to schedule an appointment to assess repairing brackets or wires. We want to get you back to smiling as quickly as possible! 

We hope y’all enjoy the amazing sights, scents and tastes of Fall this season. Stay safe and smile healthy!

Back To School With New Braces

August 11th, 2021

Where did the summer go? It’s hard to believe, but summer is fading away and a brand new school year is under way. Many of our patients’ new school attire includes braces and they are returning to school with a new experience. Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our staff want all of our school-aged patients wearing braces, to have a smooth transition into the classroom and new school year. At SmilesForever Orthodontics, our goal is to make treatment as easy and as enjoyable as possible. If your child is going back to school for the first time with braces,  we’ve put together some tips below for making this adjustment easier.

Keeping Lunches & Snacks Braces-Friendly

Foods that are sticky, chewy and crunchy must be avoided to prevent damage to wires and braces. While it’s easier to avoid at home, if your child buys their lunches at school, indulging in some of their favorite forbidden foods can be a pretty strong temptation. Simply checking the school’s lunch menu each week, and making sure it includes braces-friendly options like spaghetti, chili or mac and cheese, is a great start to making sure there’s something safe for your child to eat.

If you find the school lunch choices are limited, packing a lunch can make things easier for them. Healthier foods and snacks like chicken salad, cheese yogurt and applesauce are gentle on the braces and can help your child feel full throughout the day. Prepping the night before, by cutting foods into bite sized pieces, and thinly slicing fruits and vegetables, can be a time saver in the mornings and help make it easier to chew and eat for orthodontic patients. 

Take Along A Braces Care Kit

It’s ideal for patients to brush after eating since braces and wires can trap food particles. We  recommend patients carry a braces care kit with them at school. For any braces related issues that may pop up during the day, having a few common items on hand in their backpack or school locker can keep them prepared to handle them confidently. Some of the Items we’ve found best to include are:

  • Soft-Bristled Orthodontic Toothbrush
  • Dental Wax
  • Dental Floss
  • Floss Threaders
  • Lip Balm
  • Toothpaste
  • Orthodontic Elastics (If prescribed)
  • Mouthguard

A comfortable orthodontic patient equals a more focused student! For lips that become dry and irritated from braces and appliances, we find that lip balm is a definite must-have! A small amount of dental wax can be placed over dental brackets and wires that sometimes can cause mild irritation to lips, gums and cheeks. 

Have our orthodontists prescribed elastics for your child to wear during treatment? Keeping an extra bag of orthodontic elastics in their care kit, locker and backpack will make it much more convenient to replace worn bands after eating lunch and snacks.

Oh, Mirror, Mirror On The Locker Wall!

Admit it! We’ve all experienced that moment. THE MOMENT when we look in the mirror and realize we’ve gone about our afternoon talking, smiling and laughing - only to realize we’ve had a food particle stuck in our teeth, SINCE LUNCH! Many of us are too polite to point out when someone has food stuck in their braces or teeth. Encourage your student to carry a small mirror with them or place one on the inside of a locker.  Checking their teeth after eating can help them in avoiding feeling self-conscious. Even sticking to braces-friendly foods, eating with braces and wires can be tricky. Nooks and crannies can easily trap food debris, which can cause your child embarrassment when noticed by others. 

Have A Mouthguard On-Hand

Protect that smile! Whether you have a student-athlete or your child or teen has recess or gym class, investing in an orthodontic mouthguard while in braces is highly recommended. Sports and other physical activities can increase the risk of injury to your child’s lips, cheeks and mouths as well as damaging braces. Because they are specially designed to wear with braces, orthodontic mouthguards are the simplest way to ensure oral health and prevent injury. These specialized mouthguards do not form to the teeth and are NOT the take home and boil guards typically sold at sporting goods stores. Though sometimes available at stores, for our patient’s convenience, we also offer these for purchase at our front desk. We’ve pinned our recommended care kit list and reminder on our Taking Care Of Your Teeth And Braces Pinterest board. 

Starting The School Year Off Right

You may want to head over to our SmilesForever Orthodontics Pinterest page to check out our Braces-Friendly School Lunches board for nutritious and yummy ideas. While you’re there, be sure to also check out our Taking Care of Your Teeth and Braces board for our Braces Care Kit flier of recommendations!

With a little encouragement and patience, your child can conquer the school year with a healthy, shining smile! When braces are new, it’s completely normal to feel nervous returning to school. After all, it’s a brand new experience! Working towards a healthier and straighter smile takes time and effort, but it won’t take long for it to become familiar to your child and they will adjust and adapt quickly. To become and remain active in their orthodontic journey, it’s important for patients to stay informed. Knowledge often creates a strong desire to do our best! Our SmilesForever Orthodontics doctors and staff are ready to help you and your child navigate a new school year with braces and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. Our existing and new patients are always welcome to call or drop by our Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville, GA locations.

We wish all of our student-patients a happy, healthy and successful 2021-2022 school year!

Please take a moment to vote for your favorite 2021 Best of Gwinnett Orthodontic Practice here:

Vote SmilesForever Orthodontics Best Of Gwinnett 2021!

April is National Facial Protection Month!

April 6th, 2021


Spring is the time of year when many of us become more physically active and are excited to resume outdoor activities. Skateboarding and rollerblading along with baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis and other sports, once again become part of our active lifestyles. National Facial Protection Month is founded just by the American Association of Oral and Maxiofacial Surgeons (AAMOS), which encourages awareness on facial protection each April due to increased physical exercise during springtime. Diligent in educating our patients as they begin orthodontic treatment, National Facial Protection Month this month also brings our SmilesForever Orthodontics doctors and staff, the opportunity to remind our patients of the importance in wearing mouthguards during physical recreation in order to protect your face, teeth, and soft tissue.

Protect Your Mouth and Smile

Whether involved in recreational or team sports, children and adults alike spend a lot of time and money gearing up for an active lifestyle, but one important piece of equipment—a mouthguard—is often overlooked.

Mouthguards are often associated with extreme contact sports such as hockey, football and lacrosse. However, an accidental fall or physical blow to your jaw or mouth can cause serious damage to your smile and they are equally as important during outdoor activities. Without a mouthguard, you risk damage to your lips, gums, face, jaw or tongue. Without one, it’s also very easy to chip or even dislodge a tooth! Proper orthodontic care means taking the necessary safety measures in finding a mouthguard to protect your mouths and smiles from avoidable injuries, which Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells, both professional members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), take very seriously.

In fact, it’s such an important issue the AAO has joined the American American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Academy for Sports Dentistry as a National Facial Protection Month sponsor.

So Many Options!

Mouthguards protect your upper and lower teeth, tongue and gums by acting as a cushion for your face during accidental impact. There are quite a few varieties of mouthguards available including: orthodontist-recommended mouthguards, custom-made mouthguards, mouth-formed boil-and-bite mouthguards, ready-made stock or store-bought  mouthguards and with-straps mouthguards.

How To Choose?

While in orthodontic treatment finding the right mouthguard that is comfortable, fits over your orthodontic appliances and braces and does not prevent treatment progress is an important safety decision. It’s also extremely important that you do not boil and mold your mouthguard to fit, as your teeth still need to move into position.  A professionally recommended and fitted mouthguard, especially while in braces, is essential. Should you require one, Dr. Wells and Dr. Gilbert recommend a specific orthodontic mouthguard for our patients. Our orthodontists and team will aid in protecting your smile by making sure your new mouthguard fits properly in relation to your orthodontic appliance. 

What Can You Do?

 

Celebrate National Facial Protection Month by taking the necessary precautions to avoid sports injuries. Please contact SmilesForever Orthodontics on orthodontic care and if you need assistance in purchasing a proper orthodontic mouthguard. We’re available and look forward to helping you at any of our four practice locations in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville, GA.

SMILE and enjoy a healthy and safe Spring season! 

To learn more about National Facial Protection Month, visit AAOMS.org/SaveFace.

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

March 4th, 2021


Almost one third of our SmilesForever Orthodontics patients are adults. In fact tooth alignment can be achieved at any age! A bad bite and crooked teeth often contribute to tooth decay, gum and bone loss, headaches, abnormal wear of tooth enamel and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. A great smile can dramatically improve your self esteem and personal appearance, not to mention studies clearly show that healthy gums and aligned teeth have a positive effect on your health, and your heart in particular.

Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells are highly skilled in using new techniques which greatly increase comfort levels, while decreasing the frequency of visits and often shortening overall treatment time. New technology also provides discerning adults today with several lower profile treatment options, that may include clear braces with tooth color arch wires, mini metal braces and Invisalign. Drs. Gilbert and Wells specialize in blending treatment goals with outstanding results, and in many cases, work closely with your general dentist or other specialists to ensure that all treatment objectives are met.

Are you ready to discuss your options for a healthy, beautiful smile? We’re happy to help schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells at any of our four convenient locations in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville, GA. Give us a call today at (770) 963-3963 or simply click on the provided link to request your free appointment. We can’t wait to greet your smile!

TREAT Your Braces and Teeth Kindly This October!

October 21st, 2020

At SmilesForever Orthodontics we LOVE Halloween!! Did you also know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? As Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells tell our patients - that's not just a coincidence!

Many of our patients and families are opting not to trick or treat door-to-door this Halloween but the candy bags in every store sure are tempting this time of year. Dr. Wells and Dr. Gilbert feel it's still very important to educate both our patients and their parents of the potential risks to braces and teeth with some of the "treat" choices out there. Each of our patients are given a list of foods to avoid while in orthodontic treatment and are encouraged to avoid these hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy items even once the braces have come off. Any food item that may harm braces and appliances may also pose that same risk to permanent teeth!

In addition to our "Foods to Avoid" list for patients, which can also be found on our webpage under the Life With Braces tab, our SmilesForever doctors and team have put together a braces-friendly Pinterest Board of Ghoulishly Delicious Treats recipes. We're teaming up with The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) again this year to recommend FIVE TIMELY TIPS to protect braces and orthodontic appliances, while also protecting teeth from decay.

  1. Avoid sticky foods
  2. Brush up after eating to avoid cavities
  3. Just say "BOO" to hard treats!
  4. Spooktacular News - if your diet allows sugar, you can still indulge in soft chocolates, M&M's and Reeces Peanut Butter Cups WITHOUT NUTS, Muskateer Bars, etc.
  5. Make a commitment to avoid hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy foods all year round to increase your rate of success for worry-free orthodontics and healthy teeth
Fun Ideas to Treat Your Neighborhood Children

Know of any neighbors with braces? Consider handing out alternative treats instead of candy snacks this year. Bracelets, spooky rings, toy cars, coloring books, etc., make an awesome surprise! If your neighborhood opts out of door-to-door trick or treating this year, an option may be a surprise toy bag or ice cream gift card left at the front door for the recipients. We heard of one local subdivision that will be posting pictures of their children dressed in costume on their mailboxes for a fun drive-by Halloween night!

Remember to make good choices for your braces and teeth during and after treatment. We wish you all a safe, happy and HEALTHY Halloween!

School Tips For Patients With Braces

September 14th, 2020

At SmilesForever Orthodontics, we do our best to remind our patients about the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene at their appointments and appreciate the support you provide at home. Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever team are aware that the 2020-21 school year has been shaping up a little differently for many of our patients. Whether digital learning has been elected, as for many in Gwinnett County, or students are in the classroom this fall, we want to remind our patients of the importance of their oral hygiene care during the school year.

For parents, this means helping to prepare your child with the essentials they need to keep their braces clean at school and at home. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips to make caring for braces as easy as possible.

Keep Up With Oral Hygiene

Busy class schedules, homework, sports & extra curricular activities can make it hard to focus on oral health. However, failing to follow a regular oral hygiene routine may hinder orthodontic treatments and can lead to tooth decay. Remember to brush & floss as recommended for best results, whether at school or at home.

Pack a Braces Care Kit

Carry a braces care kit with you wherever you go. Your kit should include:

Orthodontic wax
Floss and threaders
Toothbrush
Small mirror
Proxy brush
Rubber bands if instructed
Toothpaste

The care kit should be small enough to carry around in a book bag, backpack, or purse. The kit can be easily kept next to the computer when digitally learning or completing school projects at home. We’re all about helping your child eliminate excuses for not being proactive about their oral health!

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Warning - hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy foods, along with foods high in sugar should be avoided while wearing braces! We have provided you with a list of foods to avoid at your initial braces appointments. These warning foods can potentially damage your braces by breaking your brackets of wires. This could delay the treatment process, and be uncomfortable before its fixed by your orthodontist. We’re always here to help if you have questions and will be happy to provide you with another list of foods to avoid if you need one.

Finishing Your Homework

If you are instructed to wear elastics, they are now a homework task! If you add them to your daily homework list you will be more diligent in making sure to complete the hours of wear directed, in order to progress your treatment.

Keep Your Orthodontic & Dental Appointments

The school year typically tends to get pretty busy. Whether busy at home or at school, just remember, your braces need to be tightened and checked regularly for best results. Also, regular visits to your dentist are necessary to spot cavities, and any early signs of gum disease, so don’t forget to visit your dentist this fall.

To schedule your fall appointment with us, please give us a call at (770) 963-3963 or any of our local offices in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville. When scheduling a new appointment you are also welcome to complete our online appointment request form. Please call us directly and we’ll be happy to help you make changes to your existing appointments if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy fall and school year! We hope you enjoyed learning about the best ways to care for your braces.

 

National Facial Protection Month

April 15th, 2020

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our team at SmilesForever Orthodontics, that means that it’s once again time to remind our patients to protect their pearly whites and shining faces.

We may not get back to organized sports for a little while yet, but even most at-home sports require appropriate protection. Backyard soccer, gymnastics or volleyball? Driveway basketball game or pitching practice? While choosing the proper gear for your child’s sport, we’d like to remind our patient’s about the importance of adding a mouthguard to your practice and game day uniforms and outdoor fun!

Did you know that according to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, adults, high school athletes and children have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events each year? That’s an awful lot of visits from the Tooth Fairy! Our SmilesForever team would like to encourage our patients to wear a properly fitted mouthguard and other forms of facial protection while engaging in any sporting activity. By taking this simple precaution, children and adults alike will greatly reduce their chances of traumatic facial injuries.

Are mouthguards cool?

Pro athletes are required to wear facial protection, including mouthguards!

Patrick Corbin, a pitcher formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks and now with the Washington Nationals team, has partnered with the American Association of Orthodontists to help bring awareness to the importance of wearing a mouthguard. In a recent interview with the AAO, Patrick was quoted,

“Wearing a mouth guard on the field is just as important as any other protective gear,” says Corbin. “In baseball, a line drive can come at you when you least expect it, and it’s crucial to be protected at all times.”

The Best Type of Mouthguard? The One That’s Worn!

There are many different types of mouthguards available today. Boil to fit, with straps, without straps, blocks, dual, custom shaped, and the most important for our braces wearing patients - an orthodontic mouthguard!

Why An Orthodontic Mouthguard?

It’s important that while in orthodontic treatment that our patients wear an orthodontic mouthguard. The mouthguard, while protecting the teeth and the insides of cheeks and lips from injury, should fit freely over the braces and appliances. With so much time spent at practice and during games and matches, our doctors like to stress the importance of choosing a mouthguard that will allow for the advancement of treatment and continued movement of teeth into their proper position.

Confused? Don’t get overwhelmed when trying to choose the best one for your child, we have orthodontic mouthguards for purchase in each of our four offices and we’re happy to help you choose the right mouthguard for your chosen sport!

Five Ways To Protect Your Child’s Face And Mouth This Spring

Our doctors and team have put together five simple ways to protect your child’s face and mouth this spring:

  1. Make sure you or your child wears a mouthguard for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, boxing and lacrosse
  2. Remind him or her to wear a helmet
  3. Protective eyewear is equally as important
  4. Wearing a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin will help
  5. Make sure your child is alert, even as a spectator

We hope these tips are helpful. Drs. Gilbert and Wells will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in contact sports or activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact us at any of our four Metro Atlanta locations in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville.

SmilesForever Orthodontics wishes you a SAFE and fun spring season, now at home and when school and team sports resume!

Alternate Spring Break Staycation Ideas

March 30th, 2020

While this is not a typical year, spring break is already upon us and many families have had to look toward alternate spring vacation plans. If you’re among those now planning a staycation, consider these alternative ideas from Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever staff to keep the family entertained safely.

Visiting Grammy and Granddad (Electronically, of course!)

Staying connected is so important when families can’t be together and a staycation allows ample time for sharing exciting news! Visiting with Grammy and Granddad over spring break is something both children and grandparents really look forward to. While traveling outside the home isn’t advised right now, video chats and phone calls certainly are!

  • Consider setting up an evening chat time throughout your staycation and the kids can share the fun they’ve been having or the adventures they’ll take next!
  • Have favorite recipes the family shares? Each family can cook the same meal and share pictures of their masterpiece!
Let’s Go Camping
  • Pitch a tent in the backyard and bring a sense of adventure. Make it as real as possible with traditional camping food like hot dogs or hamburgers and let’s not forget the s’mores! This is a great time to connect, tell stories and stargaze.
  • If rain is on the horizon, pitch your tent in the living room! Turn out the lights and tell stories around your fireplace or make a campfire out of flashlights or lanterns. Can you say finger puppet shadows? They're the BEST!
Science Camp

  • Original plans for a learning vacation can still be super fun at home! Simple outdoor scavenger hunts for a list of items to learn about are stimulating. On the list? Feathers, a maple leaf, butterfly, clouds, fruit…the list can be endless and offer a great learning opportunity on each item found!
  • Pinterest has loads of recipes for so many science projects like making bath bombs and gooey or glittery slime. A great FREE resource for at-home learning, including STEM crafts and everyday science experiments can be found online at Kiwico.com
Host a Family Film Festival
  • Popcorn and pillow time! Family vote for 2 movies will make it a double feature. This is a super fun way to cozy up with the whole family!
  • Feel up to a Film-fest challenge? Pair off and shoot some short videos and gather round to watch. You can even dress up & host your own Family Grammy’s!
Take a Culinary Vacation
  • Plan a day exploring the cuisine of another culture. Choose a recipe online and the whole family can work together to create a tasty meal.
  • Take your culinary adventure even further! Pick a few different countries and enjoy cuisines from around the world each night of your staycation!
Artists’ Retreat
  • Inspire creativity, gather craft items and art supplies and let your imagination run wild! Set up stations to keep organized while attempting different projects and a final station to display your finished works of art!
  • Google Arts & Culture offers online exhibits and virtual tours to some of the most well known museums and galleries around the world.
Picnic
  • Pack a delicious lunch or dinner and head out to the backyard for a sun drenched meal!
  • Raining or avoiding those pesky picnic ants? Don’t miss out on a family favorite-throw an old sheet or shower curtain down on the family room floor and picnic indoors!
Spa-cation
  • What family member DOESN’T love to be pampered? Robes required! Set up stations for nails and hair. Mix up a replenishing face mask. This can be relaxing but we’re betting this turns into tons of silly fun for the whole family, especially with Dad manning the “nail salon”!
  • Don’t forget the pets! Your furry friends have been cooped up too and are longing for a shampoo and puppy or kitty massage!

All of us at SmilesForever Orthodontics are looking forward to hearing about your awesome and adventurous staycations! We know you'll find loads to keep you busy and we wish each of you a relaxing, fun spring break. Stay well and we'll see you soon!

3 Ways to Prioritize Your Family’s Smiles This Year

January 16th, 2020

Prioritize your family's smiles this year with these three easy steps from the American Association of Orthodontists and SmilesForever Orthodontics.

1. Get your 7-year-old into an AAO orthodontist for his or her first checkup.

Don’t wait for a dentist’s referral. It might not come and orthodontists don’t require one. Dentists may not be evaluating the child’s bite, and by age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate if a problem exists or is developing. Most orthodontists take a panoramic x-ray and photos to evaluate any concerns or potential problems with permanent teeth getting ready to break through the surface – such as extra teeth, missing teeth or teeth coming into the wrong positions.

One of three things could result from the first appointment. 1) No treatment is expected to be necessary. 2) Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 3) There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment, and you are in the right spot to get it started!

2. Retainers – if you have one, wear it.

Set a good example for your children and make retainers part of your oral hygiene routine. Whether you’re 10, 30 or 50, it’s important to continue wearing your retainer after treatment. You brush your teeth for a lifetime, and you should wear your retainer a lifetime. Changes to the position of your teeth occur naturally throughout your life, so help make sure teeth stay put after treatment.

If your retainer no longer fits, your teeth have likely shifted, which brings us to point three.

3. Get a closer look. Set up an orthodontics evaluation to see how your smile can benefit with treatment.

SmilesForever Orthodontics offers complimentary first-visit consultations. Whether you’ve never had orthodontic treatment, or you think you need a touch up on what’s been previously done, stop in and see how doctors Brad Gilbert and Adam Wells can help to improve your smile.

What are you waiting for? Give our team a call to schedule your visit today!

Trust an AAO orthodontist.

Both Dr. Adam Wells and Dr. Brad Gilbert are members of the American Association of Orthodontists, helping patients to achieve healthy, beautiful and confident smiles at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile.

Orthodontic Tips for Summer Vacation

June 11th, 2019

Taking your braces and smile on summer vacation? We’ve got tips to get you prepared!

There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and realizing you’ve left something important behind. It's happened to many of us at SmilesForever Orthodontics! To help you keep your smiles and braces in good shape over the summer Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells recommend that you prepare an orthodontic travel kit to take along with you.

 What you’ll want to pack:
  • Dental Wax. In case anything becomes loose or “pokey”, wax can often be applied to ease the discomfort until you are back in town and can come in to see us.
  • Floss. You’ll want to keep your gums healthy by not breaking the daily flossing routine. Also, floss is handy to have on hand for some of our summer favorite foods like strawberries! You sure don’t want to flash your sparkly smile with seeds stuck in between your teeth and braces!
  • Toothbrush. Who wouldn’t take a toothbrush? Those who might forget to pack it! If you’re planning a vacation in advance, ask us for a travel toothbrush at your next appointment. You can add it to your travel kit and not worry if you’ve left the trusty orthodontic toothbrush home alone!
  • Homework. (AKA Rubberbands). Whether you’ve just started correcting your bite with rubberbands or are closing in on the homestretch of treatment and fine-tuning your bite with them, TAKE THEM & WEAR THEM. Not wearing rubberbands, or appliances as instructed may actually slow down your orthodontic treatment.
  • Retainer(s). Yes, you’ll need to take your retainers with you on vacation to keep your teeth from moving. Always remember to put it away safely in a retainer case when not wearing.
  • Invisalign® Aligners. Current Aligners will be in your mouth, but it’s a good idea to take your last set with you on vacation. If something happens to your current set, wear your most recent set and come see us as soon as you return.

Keep all of these items together in a separate “Braces Kit” and they will be easy to pack - and harder to leave behind!

To help keep your smile and braces in good health over vacation and the summer, remember to brush and floss daily, finish your homework (rubberbands & retainers) and avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods.

Our SmilesForever Orthodontics team and doctors wish you a healthy and fun summer!

Summertime Smiles

May 13th, 2019

Summertime Smiles For Kids, Teens and Adults

At SmilesForever Orthodontics, we simply love helping kids and adults achieve their healthiest, most confident and beautiful smiles! With the last days of school in summer countdown, it’s the perfect time to get started on an orthodontic treatment plan for summer! Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells feel this season is a great opportunity to start improving your child’s or your own smile with braces and here’s why:

Scheduling Made Easy

Many parents worry about scheduling consultations and initial orthodontic appointments near the end of the academic season. Though we make every effort to accommodate busy schedules, we understand your concerns.

When school classes are in session, it can be a bit hectic planning appointments between work, classes, sports, homework, dance and all those extra activities that keep us busy and running around. Summer usually brings a since of calm to the school activity storm. The added benefit to slowing down is that parents schedules become less hectic too, allowing more freedom in adding the occasional orthodontic appointment to the calendar!

Time To Adjust To Wearing Braces

Getting braces before the school bell rings in the fall children, and teens can use the additional time over the summer to get used to caring for and being comfortable with their new “bling”! Some things to adapt to with new braces for children and adults can include:

  • Learning proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • Speaking clearly with a new appliance (and new retainers)
  • Eating braces-friendly meals and snacks
  • Adjusting to instrument playing
  • Playing sports with a mouth guard
  • Feeling comfortable with braces on the teeth
  • Gaining confidence not just with braces - with blossoming smiles too!

If you’re ready to start or have your child get started on their orthodontic journey toward a beautiful, confident smile, we’re happy to help! Give us a call at any of our Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville locations or request an appointment online for your FREE consultation to meet with Dr. Wells and Dr. Gilbert! After a thorough exam, our orthodontists will let you know whether you or your child can benefit from orthodontics at this time and their recommended treatment. We look forward to seeing you soon to get you started on your BEST smiles over the summer!

 

 

Make Every Day Earth Day!

April 22nd, 2019

Earth Day is observed worldwide on April 22nd and with it brings an important reminder that our planet belongs to each and every one of us. It takes all of us equally doing our part to preserve it! As Earth Day rolls around each year, we’re reminded of the importance of being environmentally friendly but you don’t have to wait for Earth Day to start protecting the planet or look for big ways to make an impact. Every small step you take leads to a  more sustainable planet and SmilesForever Orthodontics strives to reduce our carbon footprint every day!

 

 

There are Clean Teeth and there are CLEAN Teeth

What’s the difference? Brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Both are very important in maintaining good oral and dental health, in and out of braces. We can all make wiser choices regarding the products we use to maintain our sparkly teeth and healthy gums. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. The standard toothbrush is made of a hard plastic handle and a set of soft nylon bristles which are bad for the environment. Most come in plastic packaging which greatly impacts our landfills.

While taking care of your oral hygiene you can make a difference in helping the environment by:

  • Going Natural: Choosing a toothbrush made from recycled and renewable materials.
  • Recycle your old toothbrushes. The Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program accepts old toothbrushes, used toothpaste tubes and dental floss containers as well. As these items are each made from multiple types of materials, they can't be processed by your city’s regular recycling plant.
  • Turning off the water: You’re diligently brushing, paying careful attention to technique and time - but wait! You’re in the zone and zoning out - by leaving the water running? It’s time to turn that water off while you brush!

What we’re doing:

  • We strive to limit our SmilesForever Orthodontics carbon footprint by minimizing our paper usage and keeping digital records and charts for our patients.
  • Our insurance coordinators make every effort to handle claims for our patients, using secure and HIPAA compliant protocol.
  • Our patients can receive their appointment reminders through e-mail or text messages.
  • The toothbrushes at our brushing station are made from recycled products!
  • Our ligature ties (the cute colors holding the arch wire into the brackets) and our rubber bands are BPA free!
  • We minimize radiation for our patients by providing in-house digital cephalometric and panoramic x-rays.

Take a moment to consider how you can help save our beautiful planet. If you’re concerned with making changes, rest assured that when it comes to your orthodontic treatment and care, Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever team are striving to make a difference with products carefully selected to ensure our practice complies with reducing our carbon footprint!

We're celebrating National Pi Day!

March 14th, 2019

How many of our SmilesForever Logos do you see? 314 in celebration of National Pi Day!

 

Our SmilesForever Orthodontics doctors and staff are SO excited it's National Pi Day!    No - not THAT kind of pie - we're talking about pi or π!

What is Pi?

Written as 3.14, pi is a number representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. We calculate the circumference of a circle by multiplying its diameter by pi. Pi is thought to be a special number because it is an irrational number, meaning that it can't be expressed as a simple fraction. Mathematicians, scientists and other curious people have been fascinated by pi for hundreds of years trying to determine whether there is a pattern to its digits or whether they are completely random.

Well, to be a bit more exact, the number is 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510
58209749445923078164062862089986280348253421170679... we can TRY to be MORE precise but pi literally goes on forever!

Why do we celebrate National Pi Day?

National Pi Day came about in 2009 to promote mathematics. Our SmilesForever Orthodontics staff loves Pi Day because many businesses celebrate with pie deals. Yes - THAT pie! Pizza, fruit, cream, pumpkin, sweet potato, chicken, yummy, braces-friendly PIE!

Yummy Local "Pi" Deals we found online:

 

"Pies don’t have to be round. On National Pi Day (Thursday, March 14), visit Bojangles’ to experience three rectangular-shaped Sweet Potato Pies for the fitting price of $3.14."

 

Kroger logo
"For Pi Day this year, Kroger grocery stores will offer fruit-based, sweet potato, pumpkin and no sugar-added pies for just $3.14, which is over 30 percent off their regular retail price."
bostonmarket's profile picture 

"If you love Boston Market's Pot Pie - click on the link below or go to their website to download a coupon for a Buy 1 Pot Pie & A Drink - Get 1 Pot Pie FREE!"
Coupon Link 
Five Fun Pi Facts
  1. Albert Einstein was born on pi day in 1879.
  2. Pi is the number of times that a circle's diameter will fit around a circle's circumference.
  3. Without knowing the true value of pi, it's impossible to find the circumference of a circle.
  4. The first 31 digits of pi contain NO zeroes.
  5. In the first 6,000,000,000 numbers of pi:
  • 0 occurs 599,963,005 times
  • 1 occurs 600,033,260 times
  • 2 occurs 599,999,169 times
  • 3 occurs 600,000,243 times
  • 4 occurs 599,957,439 times
  • 5 occurs 600,017,176 times
  • 6 occurs 600,016,588 times
  • 7 occurs 600,009,044 times
  • 8 occurs 599,987,038 times
  • 9 occurs 600,017,038 times

However you choose to celebrate - we wish you Happy National Pi Day from Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever Orthodontics Team!

New Braces and a Sparkling New "Bestie"!

February 5th, 2019

Wondering How to Get Along with Your Braces?

You've taken steps toward gaining a healthier, more confident smile by choosing orthodontic treatment. Now you're wondering how the heck you're going to get along with these life-changing sparklers over the course of your treatment. Don't worry - you and your braces will become good friends over the coming months or years. In fact, they'll become your sparkling new "bestie" by getting your relationship off to a good start!

Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells aren't only your orthodontists, they've been through treatment too! They, along with our SmilesForever Orthodontics team, have a few tips to help you avoid a rocky relationship with your braces:

  1. Remember to floss! We understand it’s difficult to floss around your braces, but it’s the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. Ask our staff for floss threaders to make the chore easier - we'll happily show you how to use them! Unhealthy gums turn red and often bleed when brushing. Just a few minutes of flossing each day will help keep your gums and teeth healthy while in braces.
  2. Avoid those hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy foods - your braces and your orthodontists will thank you! These foods can break wires, brackets and your teeth too and Dr. wells and Dr. Gilbert believe it's best to avoid them altogether. We have several boards with yummy braces-friendly recipes on our Pinterest page. Start with our Braces-Friendly School Lunches board.
  3. Try chewing foods with your back teeth, especially if you’re used to taking large bites with your front teeth. Try instead, breaking or cutting smaller pieces of food and placing them into your mouth to chew using your back teeth instead of biting into foods with your front teeth. Taking large bites of food with your front teeth can break a bracket off!
  4. Do your homework and always wear your rubber bands, headgear and other orthodontic appliances as instructed! Wearing these may seem annoying at first but that will quickly change once you get into the habit. Besides, it's proven that not complying with wearing them can increase the length of your treatment.
  5. Check out our Pinterest page Taking Care of Your Teeth and Braces and always feel free to call us with any concerns or questions - we're here to help you LOVE your braces and smile!

End-Of-The-Year-FSA-Reminder!

November 7th, 2018

Reminder To Use Your Flex Spending Accounts!

Can you believe the 2018 year is quickly coming to an end? As the calendar winds down toward 2019, we know many of our patients are anxiously keeping an eye their flexible spending balances, and trying hard not to squander any of their hard-earned dollars which has accumulated for medical and dental expenses over the past year.

That’s why Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever Orthodontics team would like to give those patients with Flexible Spending accounts a friendly end-of-the-year reminder that it is time to schedule a visit so that you can optimize your benefits! Whether you are currently in treatment with an active payment plan or are thinking about starting orthodontics for yourself or a family member, it isn’t too late to take advantage of available funds.

Orthodontics Are Covered

Did you know that orthodontics are covered under these FSA and Health Savings account plans? Yes, we get that question a lot and are so happy to let our patients know that the orthodontic services we offer including, orthodontic appliances, traditional braces, clear braces, diagnostic x-rays and Invisalign are all allowable expenditures under these plans. Consultations are also covered under FSA plans but you don’t need to worry about budgeting for first time consultation fees because they are always complimentary with our doctors at SmilesForever Orthodontics!

Our Friendly Staff Can Help Plan Your FSA Budget

At SmilesForever Orthodontics, we work hard to meet your needs, while in the treatment chair and when it comes to payments and insurance. Our doctors and team never want financial obstacles to keep anyone from receiving the orthodontic care they need and our treatment and insurance coordinators take pride in helping our patients budget and save! We’re here to help if you have any questions regarding planning your 2019 FSA and Health Savings open enrollment, your orthodontic insurance, your treatment and your accounts, just give us a call!

Contact SmilesForever Orthodontics Today

Our practice tends to be quite busy during the holidays when schools are closed and many adults have free time away from work. By calling any of our four locations in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville, GA soon, we can help you budget your FSA dollars toward your treatment so that you can “use it before you lose it” and also help you in planning for your and your family’s gorgeous smiles next year!

Parents - Don't Take the Fun Out of Halloween!

October 30th, 2018

Surviving Halloween with Braces!

If you are the parent of someone with braces - or a kid at heart with braces yourself, you won't need to worry about taking the fun out of Halloween with our SmilesForever Orthodontics survival tips!

Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells would like all of our patients to enjoy this SPOOKTACULAR  holiday. Because really, all anyone wants to do on Halloween is dress up, watch a spooky movie or two, eat some yummy Halloween candy and most of all - HAVE FUN!!

In following our tips you'll make this a ghoulishly fun event!

Keeping Teeth & Braces Healthy
  1. Stay away from hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy candies. Choose soft and creamy candies instead. Examples are candies without nuts, caramel and taffy. Plain M&M's and Three Muskateer's Bars are just two braces-friendly candies!
  2. Remember to brush well after eating any candy! The sugar remaining on teeth for any length of time can cause tooth decay.
Trick or Treating With Alternative Choices to Candy

Given the choice between a fun toy or candy - consider passing up the sugar in favor of a treat that will last longer and will be more fun!

  1. If you're planning to hand out treats in the neighborhood, have some fun alternatives on hand. Necklaces, rings, stickers, glow-in-the-dark tattoos, coloring books - these all make fantastic treats and are super affordable at the dollar store. You'll soon have a line of little ninja's and ballerina's lining up to knock on your door!
  2. Many communities and churches are hosting fall festivals on Halloween. They often have fun booths and games to enjoy, which help to take the focus off the candy!
  3. Check out our Ghoulishly Delicious Treats Pinterest board for fun meals, snacks and treats. They're all braces-friendly recipes!
No Trick!

Setting a healthy Halloween habit now, will help not only help protect your child's braces, the habit will help them keep their teeth healthy long term! Your children may be more inclined to heed your warnings about the effects of sugar on teeth if they know about the continuous tug-of-war taking place inside their mouths. Colgate has a great article, What Are the Effects of Sugar on Teeth?

Helping them understand how teeth react to sugar can have a lasting impression, and you know, we want you all to have beautiful, healthy SmilesForever!

A Safe Halloween for Smiles and Trick or Treaters!

Keep your smiles and selves safe by always make sure to walk well-lit paths while out on Halloween to avoid trips and falls.

In the unfortunate event that a bracket or appliance becomes loose or broken, please call us so that we can evaluate how to help get you comfortable. Broken braces may also slow down expected treatment time if left too long. By making us aware that something needs attention, we can help keep your treatment progressing toward your perfect smile!

From all of us at SmilesForever, we wish you all a safe, healthy and fun Halloween!

School Lunch-Packing With Braces

August 21st, 2018

New Back Pack - ✓ CHECK
Pencils, Marker, Notebook, Erasers - ✓ CHECK
Toothbrush, Wax and Floss - ✓ CHECK
Braces-Friendly Lunches - Oh. Oh-no! HELP!

If your child started orthodontic treatment over the summer and will be returning to school with a sparkling new set of braces this fall, packing lunches that won’t be too difficult to chew and won’t damage their braces may be YOUR biggest back-to-school challenge.

Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our team have made it easy to navigate packing braces-friendly lunches with tips and menu ideas to make it less challenging.

So what to actually pack?

By simply remembering our number one rule avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy, your braces-wearing child will still think you’re the BEST school lunch-packer in your family! Accidents happen, but they are much easier to avoid by following this simple rule.

You'll find many resources on the Internet and Pinterest for fresh ideas. Check out our SmilesForever Pinterest board Braces-Friendly School Lunches.

There are also some great books out there for cooking braces-friendly meals. We particularly love The Braces Cookbook by Pamela Waterman and Brenda Waterman.

A Few Braces-Friendly Items To Choose From:
Sandwiches

Any sandwiches with soft bread (cut off the crusts if necessary) or try using Pita Bread or a wrap as an alternative.

  • Peanut (or Almond) butter & banana, Peanut butter & jelly or honey (remember to only pack smooth, creamy peanut or almond butter and avoid super sticky and crunchy peanut or almond butter)
  • Soft lunch meats
  • Hummus and thinly slices cucumber
  • Tuna salad
  • Egg Salad
  • Chicken Salad (We found great braces-friendly recipe by Tracey over at The Kitchen is My Playground Traditional Southern Chicken Salad)
  • Sandwich Wraps and Pinwheels
  • Kabobs
Soft Foods
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Thin Cheese Slices
  • Mock Crab Meat
  • Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Deviled Eggs
  • Cold Cuts
  • Cold Pasta Salads
Fruits
  • Oranges
  • Kiwi
  • Star Fruit
  • Strawberries
  • Melon
  • Grapes
  • Bananas
Sweet Treats
  • Applesauce
  • Marshmallows
  • Smooth or creamy chocolate
  • Pudding
  • Muffins
  • Cupcakes
  • Yogurt (avoid yogurts that come with hard crunchy granola or toppings)
  • Jello
Adaptable Lunch Favorites
  • Soft Tacos
  • Pizza cut into manageable bites (No thick crust)
  • Apples and Carrots cut into thin slices and wedges
  • Lunchables - make your own with thinly sliced lunch meats and cheese and soft Ritz crackers

Do you get bored having the same food for every meal? So will your child! Try mixing it up a little. Add pineapple to applesauce, dried cranberries to chicken salad, sliced olives to deviled eggs or hummus. Cut lunch meat, fruit and cheeses into fun shapes!

All of us at SmilesForever Orthodontics wish you fun and healthy lunch-packing this school year, just remember the number one rule - "Nothing hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy", and you'll keep those braces sparkling and do great!

 

 

 

April is National Facial Protection Month

April 3rd, 2018

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our team at SmilesForever Orthodontics, that means that it’s once again time to remind our patients to protect their pearly whites and shining faces.

We may not get back to organized sports for a little while, but even most at-home sports require caution and proper protection. Backyard soccer, gymnastics or volleyball? Driveway basketball game or pitching practice? While choosing the proper gear for your child’s sport, we’d like to remind our patient’s about the importance of adding a mouthguard to your practice and game day uniforms.

Did you know that according to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, adults, high school athletes and children have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events each year? That’s an awful lot of visits from the Tooth Fairy! Our SmilesForever team would like to encourage our patients to wear a properly fitted mouthguard and other forms of facial protection while engaging in any sporting activity. By taking this simple precaution, children and adults alike will greatly reduce their chances of traumatic facial injuries.

Are mouth guards cool?

Pro athletes are required to wear facial protection, including mouthguards!

[caption id="attachment_1442" align="aligncenter" width="214"] Photo courtesy of American Association of Orthodontists[/caption]

Patrick Corbin formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks and now with the Washington Nationals team, has partnered with the American Association of Orthodontics to help bring awareness to the importance of wearing a mouthguard. In a recent interview with the AAO, Patrick was quoted,

“Wearing a mouth guard on the field is just as important as any other protective gear,” says Corbin. “In baseball, a line drive can come at you when you least expect it, and it’s crucial to be protected at all times.”

The Best Type of Mouthguard? The One That’s Worn!

There are many different types of mouthguards available today. Boil to fit, with straps, without straps, blocks, dual, custom shaped, and the most important for our braces wearing patients - an orthodontic mouthguard!

Why An Orthodontic Mouthguard?

It’s important that while in orthodontic treatment that our patients wear an orthodontic mouthguard. The mouthguard, while protecting the teeth and the insides of cheeks and lips from injury, should fit freely over the braces and appliances. With so much time spent at practice and during games and matches, our doctors like to stress the importance of choosing a mouthguard that will allow for the advancement of treatment and continued movement of teeth into their proper position.

Confused? Don’t get overwhelmed when trying to choose the best one for your child, we have orthodontic mouthguards for purchase in each of our four offices and we’re happy to help you choose the right mouthguard for your chosen sport!

Five Ways To Protect Your Child’s Face And Mouth This Spring

Our doctors and team have put together five simple ways to protect your child’s face and mouth this spring:

  1. Make sure you or your child wears a mouthguard for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, boxing and lacrosse
  2. Remind him or her to wear a helmet
  3. Protective eyewear is equally as important
  4. Wearing a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin will help
  5. Make sure your child is alert, even as a spectator

We hope these tips are helpful. Drs. Gilbert and Wells will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in contact sports or activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact us at any of our four Metro Atlanta locations in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville.

SmilesForever Orthodontics wishes you a SAFE and fun spring season, now at home and when school and team sports resume!

2017 Best Orthodontic Practice!

February 12th, 2018

 

It is with great honor and our heartfelt gratitude we announce SmilesForever Orthodontics has been voted Best Orthodontic Practice by our valued patients and Gwinnett Magazine readers! Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our entire SmilesForever Orthodontics Team thank you for helping us win the coveted “Best of Gwinnett Blue Ribbon” for 2017! You have voted us Best Orthodontic Practice NINE years in a row!!!

We are sincerely humbled and honored to receive this award. Our doctors and many of our staff live, work and play in Gwinnet County where we enjoy actively participating in and supporting our community. Partnering with local schools, sporting and academic teams, and community festivals, bring to focus that this is truly our home.

Being voted Best Orthodontic Practice in the largest county in the state of Georgia is quite special to us. 36 years ago, SmilesForever Orthodontics opened our doors and became part of the Gwinnett community. Today, as we celebrate our 36th anniversary, we are proudly providing orthodontic excellence with four office locations. Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells, along with every one of our SmilesForever team are committed to helping create beautiful, confident smiles. We enthusiastically participate in extensive training and continuing education to treat our patients with the utmost skill, technology, care, and compassion. We simply love bringing smiles to Gwinnett!

Thank you to Gwinnett Magazine and to all who voted for SmilesForever Orthodontics in “Best of Gwinnett”, making this notable award possible. We appreciate your support and your votes of confidence. Your votes let us know that our dedication to providing our patients the quality care and treatment are appreciated. They let us know that the families, schools and businesses we are so proud to work alongside recognize and value our services. They let us know that we are always welcome at home!

We look forward to helping our community smile for many many years to come!

Spooktacular News!

October 31st, 2017

Spooktacular News for our orthodontic patients! If you enjoy a treat or two on Halloween there are treats and candies that are safe to eat with braces. We even have a Pinterest board for our patients if you need some ideas here Ghoulishly Delicious Treats

At SmilesForever Orthoodntics we love Halloween!! Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? We don't think that's just a coincidence. Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells feel it's important to educate our patients and parents of the potential problems that might happen if patients celebrate Halloween without following our foods to avoid list.

Our orthodontists, along with The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) are recommending FIVE TIMELY TIPS to protect braces, and orthodontic appliances while also protecting teeth from decay.

  1. Say “Boo” to hard treats
  2. Avoid Sticky foods
  3. Brush up to avoid cavities
  4. Spooktacular News – you can eat soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, M&M's without nuts, Muskateer Bars, etc
  5. Make a commitment to avoid hard and chewy food all year round to increase your rate of success

Remember to make good choices for your braces and your teeth while in treatment. We wish you all a happy & safe Halloween!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October 2nd, 2017

When October comes around most people typically think about Halloween, trick or treating, Fall festivals and pumpkins. Did you know that October also National Orthodontic Health Month?

The goal of National Orthodontic Health Month is to create awareness about orthodontics as it is such an essential part of your overall dental and physical health.

A lot of people think of bulky metal braces when they think of Orthodontics, but today’s braces are typically smaller and more comfortable to wear than braces of even ten years ago. At SmilesForever Orthodontics, we have many more options available including clear ceramic braces with tooth colored arch wires and clear removable braces (Invisalign).

The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite — straight teeth that properly meet opposing teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak.

Also, when your teeth are not evenly spaced and straight there will be hard-to-reach areas that aren't receiving proper cleaning treatment. As a result, plaque and tartar can build up unnoticed. Over time, improper cleaning can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even possible tooth loss. Healthy bites equal strong, beautiful and confident smiles!

Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells understand that orthodontics does take a commitment from both patients and their parents, but having braces doesn’t have to be a burden physically or financially.

Braces and even Invisalign are affordable. SmilesForever Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans & we offer interest free payment plans, offering no down payment to help you get started.

Now is the perfect time to celebrate orthodontics in your family. You can easily do this in a few ways:

  • Come in to see Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells for your complimentary consultation!
  • Avoid the treats that can play tricks on your braces and don’t scare our orthodontists! For Halloween give out healthier treats. Sugar free candy is still yummy and a fantastic alternative. Handing out braces-friendly candy means following Dr. Gilbert’s and Dr. Wells’ rule of nothing hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy!
  • Carve a braces-wearing pumpkin!
  • Make a silly scarecrow wearing braces.

If you have questions about orthodontics you are welcome to come into our office for a complimentary consultation. Simply call us or click here to request an appointment. We will be more than happy to discuss how we can assist you and your family with your orthodontic needs. Also, we have found that October is a great month to get started on a new beautiful and confident smile before the busy holiday season is upon us!

Summer Contest

June 28th, 2017

April is National Facial Protection Month!

April 10th, 2017

National Facial Protection Month focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children and adults from oral and facial injuries. Many injuries that do occur during sporting activities could have been prevented had the proper protective gear been worn.

As we return to outdoor sports and other activities, it’s a great time to remind you about the importance of taking a few precautions to preserve your teeth and be protected from dental and facial injuries. Whether at a practice, at a game, or simply enjoying some fun in the neighborhood, it's important to play it safe.

To prevent dental and facial injuries, remember these four important tips:

  1. Wear mouth guards to help prevent injuries to the teeth, mouth and jaws when you’re practicing or playing team sports, or when skating or riding a bike.
  2. Wear a helmet. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact.
  3. Wear protective eye wear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable.
  4. Be alert even as a spectator. Alert spectators can avoid foul baseballs and flying hockey pucks. Watch your step when climbing bleachers.

A single traumatic injury to the teeth may never heal completely, and it can create a lifetime of expensive problems.  Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective gear available, and they can prevent or minimize dental and jaw injuries.

Game, Set, Match — SmilesForever Orthodontics has great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment!

If you do play sports Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells recommend that you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Not only do you want to protect your investment, you'll want to protect your mouth and teeth too! Whether wearing braces or an orthodontic appliance you will need to wear a special mouth guard that will allow your treatment to progress and not be held in place with a formed mouth guard.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.

April is the perfect time to get into the mouth guard habit.  Wear one at every practice and every game.

For more information about National Facial Protection Month visit ADA.org, and for questions regarding orthodontic mouth guards please contact our office.

2016 Best of Gwinnett!

February 6th, 2017

SmilesForever Orthodontics has been chosen "Best" Orthodontic Practice!

As large as Gwinnett County has become, with so many options, you may wonder how you can trust that you are choosing the best businesses, service providers and health, medical and dental professionals for your families.

Each year, the readers of Gwinnett Magazine vote for their favorite businesses in a number of categories. The result of this voting is Gwinnett Magazine’s “Best of Gwinnett” awards. A list of the best places to dine, relax, work, play and get the qualified healthcare you are looking for. The 2016 votes were cast and tallied as thousands of voters logged online to share their thoughts.

The Results Are In

With your confidence and trust in us - we’ve been chosen “Best” 2016 Orthodontic Practice and have received the Best of Gwinnett award the past EIGHT years running! This is one of the awards we are most proud of! Why? Because our patients, have voted for us!

As we have for the past 30+ years, we remain committed to providing the highest quality of clinical care and personalized service. We truly enjoy getting to know each of our patients and your families. Along with beautiful, confident smiles, we love creating relationships that last multiple generations.

Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells along with our entire team THANK YOU for taking your valuable time to cast your votes, and most especially, for your continued confidence and trust in us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 4th, 2017

Happy 2017! Can you believe the New Year is already upon us?

It's common for people to make New Year's Resolutions at this time of year as a way to make improvements going forward. The new year is a great time to become a "new you" by adding positive changes to your normal routine.

OUR NUMBER ONE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

If you're like our staff at SmilesForever Orthodontics, you've already been busy writing up your lists of New Year's Resolutions aimed at improving your life, or the world around you. And like our staff, you may have started making yourself promises about organizing, healthy eating or exercising yourself to a new you, but have you considered improving your smile with orthodontic treatment? A new smile is an investment in the health of your teeth, gums and bones while aesthetically improving your best feature! Our orthodontists keep up with all advances in orthodontic treatment and technology, making orthodontic treatment more comfortable and progressing as quickly as your teeth will allow. With all of these advances, it's never been easier to achieve a new smile.

MANY BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Orthodontic treatment is a solution for many dental problems including crooked teeth, crowding and spaces between teeth. Crooked teeth and a bad bite often lead to bone loss, jaw joint pain, headaches and extra wear on tooth enamel. Braces can help to reduce these these risks. Properly aligned teeth are much easier to brush and floss which decreases risks of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Braces aren't just for kids anymore - teeth can be moved at any age. A beautiful, confident smile not only boosts self-esteem it will last a lifetime!

GIVE THE GIFT OF A SMILE

Giving the gift of a new smile will quickly become the best gift you've ever given - to yourself or to a loved one! Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells offer many orthodontic treatment options including traditional metal braces and clear braces with "invisible" arch wires. Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells are also Preferred Invisalign® Providers to give you an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. Straightening teeth with Invisalign® is a popular choice among our adult patients. Get ready to give the best gift of the New Year and call us today or click here to schedule your FREE consultation!

Best of Gwinnett
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