Go For Gold!!

When it's easy to quit, Alexandre Bilodeau is an example of where dedication can take you.

Not only is Alexandre an Olympic Gold Medal athlete, but an excellent student and mentor. He has probably had many challenging moments in his life that have made him consider giving up on his dreams. But he persevered and stayed the course.

We know that wearing braces can sometimes present challenges that make you think of giving up, or not starting orthodontic treatment. Don't let minor annoyances stop you from having a Gold Medal Smile! Focus on the end goal and remember that you can achieve great results.

Thanks Alexandre for giving Canada it's first Gold Medal on home ground, and showing us that perseverance always wins!

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Allissia C. who has won our Valentine Contest.

Allissia had the closest guess, of how many Valentine candies were in the jar, with 823. There was a total of 825........good going Allissia!!

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Family Day long weekend. Have fun cheering on our Canadian Olympians and have a Happy Valentines Day.

Healthy, Smart Food Choices

80% of teenagers in North America wear braces. This attention to healthy teeth and a great smile means having to make some smart food choices while wearing braces.

So, here's a quick reference of foods that you should avoid. But don't dwell on what you can't eat - focus on what you can eat and you'll have way more fun during your orthodontic treatment. Avoid the foods below, but don't deprive yourself of healthy treats!

Ice....Definitely NO!!
Nuts
Peanut brittle
Hard pizza crust
Corn on the cob
Ribs
Doritos, corn chips, hard tacos, cheetos, fritos
Popcorn
Hard pretzels
Hard rolls and bagels
Raw carrots
Bubble gum
Carmel candy
Beef jerky
Suckers

This is just a small list. Remember, nothing hard, sticky, or sweet!

We're Still Smiling...

We love what braces can do for people....and not just their teeth!

Braces can give someone not just a beautiful smile, but a dental system that is healthy and works.

How can someone chew their food properly when their teeth are not in correct alignment, their teeth don't touch and/or jaws are misaligned? To chew food adequately, so that nutritional value is being attained, teeth and jaws have to be working so that function is not compromised.

Maybe the indigestion that you, or someone you know, is experiencing has less to do with spicy food and more to do with not being able to chew your food? Imagine being able to eat whatever you want and not experience tummy troubles....well the mouth is the start of the digestive system, so when that is working well the entrie system works efficiently.

Make 2010 A Year Of Smiling

When you have a smile that you're proud of life just seems a little bit sweeter. Studies show that people who are happy with their smile are more confident and have better connections with people around them. But there are not just psychological benefits to having a great smile, many potential dental concerns can be addressed when teeth are in correct alignment.

Imagine how hard it is for someone to keep their teeth impeccably clean when crowding and misalignment of teeth exists in their mouth. When teeth are straight, routine tasks like brushing and flossing become so much easier and therefore decrease the risk for developing decay. Gum tissue health also suffers due to crooked teeth; resulting in recession, inflammation and general discomfort.

Check back with us next week when we'll chat more about the many advantages, both physical and emotional, of having a great smile.

Happy Holidays from everyone at Cory Liss Orthodontics

We are happy to announce the winner of the 'Name the Christmas Bear' competition.

Jarret C. has won with the name 'Peppermint'.

Thanks to everyone who entered the competition. Check back with us in the New Year to find out about the latest competition!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season - don't forget to keep brushing!!

Happy Holidays from Cory Liss Orthodontics!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Liss and his team at Cory Liss Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Cory Liss Orthodontics