This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Roos Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Roos Orthodontics

Season's Greetings from Dr. Roos & Team

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Roos Orthodontics reflects 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 2011? 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 Roos Orthodontics in Redmond, WA

At Roos Orthodontics, what puts you at ease?

Dr. Roos and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Roos Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Roos?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Top ten tips for keeping your BRACES sparklin’ clean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps!
Dr. Roos and Team

Avoid the cold and flu this season - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Roos will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Roos Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Roos Orthodontics

Dr. Roos and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Write a Review of Roos Orthodontics!

Has your experience at Roos Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?


Write a review on Google– it’s easy to do! Click the “Write a Review” button above to head to our Google Places page.

Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Access your account—any day, any time

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

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

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Roos Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment around Redmond and the rest of the eastside. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Roos Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Roos and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

The Roos Orthodontics Great Bike Giveaway!

We are excited to announce this year’s ROOS ORTHODONTICS GREAT BIKE GIVE AWAY!

You and a friend could win a brand new Mountain Bike from Roos Orthodontics and Gerks Ski & Cycle!


We've created an invitation to print out and hand to your friends (download here). You may print as many of these as you like! The invitations entitle your friends to a complementary orthodontic consultation with Dr Roos and an opportunity for one of them to win two bicycles - one for you and one for them!

All they have to do is get their parent/guardian to call us at Roos Orthodontics at 425-885-1642 to schedule their appointment, before the 15th December 2010.

On the day of the appointment they must bring their invitation with them and we will enter it into our draw.

On the Thursday 16th December 2010 we will draw ONE winning entry.

Your friend cannot be a current patient or family member.

Remember - the more friends you invite, the greater your chance of winning!

More invitations are available to download on our Website, or at our Practice – remember to pick some up at your next appointment! Thank you for your continued support of Roos Orthodontics.

With kind regards,

-Dr Roos and the Team

Don't Forget about the Summer Reading Competition

Tomorrow is the last day for the Summer Reading Competition! Email, fax or drop them off as soon as possible to be eligible to win! The total number of pages read is currently 136,579!

When should you call Roos Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call our office. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth


Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call to set up a consultation!

Hope this helps,

Dr. Roos & Team

Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Roos will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Roos Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Rewards for Oral Health at Roos Orthodontics

As we mentioned last week, oral health is so important during orthodontic treatment. To encourage patients to visit their general dentist and practice good oral hygiene habits, we have a form on our web site that we invite you to download and print. Take the form in to the cleaning appointments at your dentist, and have your hygienist sign it to bring in for your next appointment with us. When you submit this form, you earn an extra entry into our monthly "Great Patient Drawing". Your hygienist benefits too, as they are entered into a bi-annual drawing.

Be sure to print out your Roos Orthodontics Dental Cleaning Certificate today!

Regular Checkups are Essential in Maintaining Good Oral Health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references on the Eastside!

All the cool kids do it!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Roos, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Roos Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Roos Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Roos and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Roos Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Send us a photo, win a Roos Orthodontics tshirt!

Do YOU have a photograph of your toothbrush on vacation with you? Our Marketing coordinator, Miranda, sent us this one - taken while snorkeling this summer! Send us yours and you will be entered into a draw to win a NEW Roos Orthodontics T Shirt!

Give us a call or stop if you have any questions!

With Roos Orthodontics, patients have 24/7 access to their account

At Roos Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in downtown Redmond.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

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

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Summer Reading Contest at Roos Orthodontics

With summer in full swing, some of us at Roos Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the summer, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide”—and it's fun!

To encourage patients to read this summer, we are holding a Summer Reading Contest. Check out the entry form on our web site, where you can track the books you've read and the total number of pages.

Happy Reading!

--Roos Orthodontics of Redmond, WA

Where in the World is the Toothbrush Competition

If you've been on our Facebook page recently, then you know our latest contest at Roos Orthodontics has begun! We are teasing a few toothbrush travels there, but to enter the contest, make sure to fill out the form on our web site by clicking here.

Answer the easy questions about where our toothbrush went at your next appointment! And for an opportunity to win an EXTRA prize, send us a photo of YOUR toothbrush on vacation somewhere. Keep a close eye on our Facebook page for more details, or better yet- "Like" us on Facebook to get updates automatically!

Good luck!

Roos Orthodontics Wishing You a Happy Fourth of July!

This Sunday, our team will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, Independence Day is a time to celebrate, as well as commemorate, the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for most Americans to pay homage to all our soldiers - past and present - who lost their lives in battle - and those soldiers who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that Americans everywhere may celebrate our freedom.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue and Fireworks? Or headed on a family vacation?

We invite you to post your responses on our Facebook page! Please feel free to post photos as well!

Whatever you end up doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Additional Fathers Day Contest Entires!

My dad is one of the greatest dads you will find. He has been there for me and it is apparent that he really cares about me. He has had a hard life, and deserves a break. He had little help in getting to where he is now, and that shows me that he wants to make a better life for everyone in the family. He didn’t have a dad growing up, and his mom was away for much of the time. He had to live a great amount of time on his own, and had to make many decisions for himself. He needed to turn his life around in a difficult life. He made a decision to get good grades a make a better life for himself in the future. He now has a very demanding job and is working long hours to create a better life for those around him. He is sacrificing his own time and energy into giving me the childhood that he never had. If you were to help him to fulfill his dream and help him with braces, it would save him a lot of hard earned money that he worked for. He really wants me and my brother to get into good colleges, and saving money on braces would sure help. Giving him this break would be very appreciated by us.

Eric N


This is the lst thing I just HAVE to tell you about my dad. Not just for this but from the heart. I love him so much he is my nurse, my helper, my best friend, my brother and my dad. Not many kids let alone teens could say that about their fathers but I honestly can say that and would say that in front of anyone.

He’ll always be in my heart and I’ll always think of him as the cooliest man ever! He’s even taught me how to play the guitar, the one amazing hobby I dreamed of learning my whole life. He’s been my guitar teacher. I am literally blessed!
Now, I hope this letter to you will change your perspective of the best dads ever because to me and many others he’s ranked #1. When I heard of this task to write a letter about your dad I was so psyched to finally be able to tell someone about my dad!

Jessica B


I love my dad for many reasons, but one of the most important is that he supports me. Whether it is sports or my life-long dream to become a rocket scientist, my dad always reminds me to do my best and strive for my goals. My dad comes to all the games that he can and cheers me on. He also believes in my dream to become a NASA Flight Director and helps me by building mini rocket jets in the backyard or sending me to Space Camp this summer. I am extremely fortunate to have a dad that believes in the things I want to do.

Finally, my dad is the best because he works hard at his job, which in turn, keeps things in order for our family. Especially in the bad economy, my dad will work into the night to keep his job. My dad travels A LOT. He goes around to different Army bases. He even goes to South Korea and Germany! Without my dad working, my sister and I wouldn’t be able to play select sport or have braces for pretty smiles. I can’t even imagine all those hours on a plane. I love my dad so much for all the hard work he does to earn money.

My dad is very important in my life. He does all these things for me, so I would like to see him get orthodontic treatment in return. I would love to see this essay be chosen as the winner!

Happy Father’s Day Dad!!!! Love Always, Avery

Roos Orthodontics Celebrating Father's Day

You might have remembered our Mother's Day contest back in May, but Roos Orthodontics loves dads too! To celebrate Father’s Day in June and to show how much we appreciate their role in your orthodontic care, Roos Orthodontics is giving the
Father of one of our existing patients a free full orthodontic treatment!

We have included a few of the entries we have received so far, and the contest ends tomorrow, where we will be picking the lucky winner! We will be sharing additional entries next week, so stay tuned!


My Dad is the best! We do Cub Scouts together. He takes me to all of the fun activities even though he sometimes makes me “work” for it. My Dad is great at being my Dad because he tells funny jokes and listens to my troubles. The reason he should get orthodontia is his bottom teeth are crooked and I think it would make him feel better. He hasn’t smiled in a while. He’s still my Dad and I love him.
Thanks
Jack E


My Dad is the best. When he grew up his family was very poor. He works very hard so that we have everything we need, including helping my teeth grow in straight! He has always been a little self-conscious about his smile, because he has a gap between his two front teeth. But, he is so generous, he would rather spend money on giving me dance lessons or saving for college than on his own appearance. My dad does a lot of public speaking at his job and I think tha a new smile would really help his self esteem.
Morgan G

My dad did not come into my life until I was 8 years old, and my life has only gotten better since then. My dad works very hard at his job, is super helpful with my homework and takes wonderful care of me. He conducts lots of meetings and presentations at work, so he has a lot of face time with people all day. He was the only one of his siblings who never got orthodontic care and probably the one who needed it the most. He always puts himself last on the list and the kids come first - he should get to be at the top of the list too. He wants his children to have everything that he never did, he always tells me. My dad is making sure I have a nice smile with healthy, nice to look at teeth by the time I'm an adult and working and conducting meetings/presentations in my job.
He definitely deserves a nice smile too!
Nico K


We would like to enter our Dad in the Father’s Day contest for braces.

There are three of us – and we are all about to get braces from you, Dr. Roos. Our Dad needs braces too, but we know he will never do it now because he’s going to spend the money on us. Mom says that every dentist Dad has ever gone to says right away that he needs braces so his teeth are healthy when he is older. Mom thinks he’s cute no matter what.

Our Dad stays home part time to watch us and would do anything for our family. Our Mom says he would never put his own needs before the family’s. He is loving and strong and sweet – but he never smiles. Is that because he needs braces?

Thank you for having this contest. We hope our Dad wins.

Maddy, Jen and Jack C

P.S. Wouldn’t it be cool if all four of us had braces at the same time?

More happy patients at Roos Orthodontics!

At Roos Orthodontics, we just love getting reviews from current or former patients. Each testimonial reminds us why we do what we do: create beautiful smiles! Check out what our patients are saying about Dr. Bryan Roos and our team!

"Have only had one visit (initial) but staff were friedly and courteous. Having the e-mail/website is nice. Doctor seems very efficient, communicates well." ~ Daryl B.

"His practice is very state of the art. I also appreciate how friendly the staff is." ~ Melisha M.

"Friendly atmosphere - it really makes one want to be there." ~ Ken S.

"At Roos Orthodontics, I am a person and not just an income. I have input on my treatment, my questions are answered in a clear manner." ~ Jennifay D.

Roos Orthodontics Wants You to Smile this Month!

Can you believe that it is already June?

Dr. Roos and the team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients (whether in braces or not) to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call at 425-968-9247! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

-- Roos Orthodontics

A Huge Great Smile from Danielle who just got her braces off

Watch and listen as Danielle describes how excited and happy she is to have her braces off and show off her new smile! Do you have a story to share about your orthodontic treatment here at Roos Orthodontics? Leave us a review on Google, or refer a friend!

Jennifay's Great New Smile

Check out this short video of Jennifay, one of our patients at Roos Orthodontics. She explains why she chose Dr. Roos to handle her orthodontic needs. Do you have a story to share about your experience at Roos Orthodontics? Leave a comment!

Ask Roos Orthodontics: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Roos Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Roos would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

More Entries for Our Mother's Day Contest

Monika

My mom deserves to get the full orthodontic treatment because she grew up in Hungary, a poor country in central Europe. She grew up in a poor family and dental care was expensive if you wanted top quality. Dental care was not only expensive but it wasn't very good. If you had a cavity, your tooth would be pulled out: no anesthetic. The dentist wouldn’t even consider giving you a filling. Most children by the age of 15 would have several pulled teeth. She would brush her teeth every day twice a day. While other children and teenagers were rotting their teeth, my mother was keeping hers in the best condition compared to people around her. Although there are a lot of moms out in the world that deserve the treatment, I truly think my mom is the one.

The Best Mom Ever, By Nathan

My mom is the best mom you could ever imagine! She goes to work every Friday and Saturday night. From 8pm-5am she works at Overlake hospital in the emergency room. My mom always tells these weird and funny stories of how people got in the ER. When she gets home my mom sleeps for only 4 hours and still has a good attitude when she wakes up! Every day she makes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for me and my family. After dinner while my dad sisters and me play a game or watch TV my mom takes the time to wash the dishes and scrub the stuff off the table. After she washes the dishes me, my mom, and my dad usually play a game. She is a really good player and sport. Even if she doesn't win my mom will still cheer on other people that are playing. When it is time for me to go to bed, my mom will come to my room with me and read me a chapter of the chapter book that were reading. After she reads, she gives me a hug and then goes back downstairs with my dad and I fall asleep. n the morning, my mom makes me breakfast and then I go to school, except I never leave my house! I'm homeschooled. Although I do go to a school that is shared with a public school. The school is made for homeschoolers. But I mostly do school at home, my mom is my teacher she is the best teacher ever! My mom will take the time to answer my questions. I could not ask for a better mom, from working late nights, to being my teacher, she is truly the best mom ever!

Alexis

She’s always been self conscious about her teeth and she won’t fully smile because of it (how sad). Sometimes I feel guilty that my mom has paid for two phases of orthodontics for me and she didn’t use the money for her own her braces. She is giving me the chance to have perfect teeth and I think it would be cool to give that back to her. This would be the best Mother’s Day ever if I could give her the gift of a beautiful smile!

Delaney

Carrie, not the name one would usually think of as a superhero…but it’s true. I know the saying “my mom’s a superhero” is pretty cliché, but she truly is. She’s ferried me around to all my wants and whims, and is my rock in a world of swirling seas. She’s the nurturer, the most loving (and sometimes frightening!) person I know, my best friend, and the one I can tell anything too. A superhero has to have SOME of these qualities, right?! She’s a beautiful person on the outside, but even more amazing on the inside. I know braces aren’t going to sum up how much I love her, or come even close, but hopefully they’ll show her at least a little bit. It’ll take a lifetime to convey how much she means to me, but maybe this can give her a small inkling. Pretty cheesy, but what can I say, I’m a big wheel of Gouda when it all comes down to it. I love you mom.

Annie's Entry to the Roos Orthodontics Mother's Day Contest

My mom is deserving of this opportunity to receive straight teeth because she is the most sincere, giving person I know. She is always willing to give of time, and effort to benefit someone else, including me. This includes volunteer work at school, accounting work for the Issaquah School’s foundation, my church youth group etc. As a mom she makes huge sacrifices for her family and friends. Lately my dad has been out of work due to the fact he is a self employed person and my mom has not complained or been unkind to my dad. Instead she has been supportive and encouraging.

The best thing about my mom is how she radiates love and beauty. Whether her teeth are straight or not, whether she is 10 pounds too heavy or in the best shape ever she always seems to radiate. This is mostly due to that selfless way of life I described earlier but also her personality. My mom is so positive and she teaches me all the things I need to know to be successful. Recently at a high school varsity tennis match I was losing pretty badly but she still stuck by me and encouraged me. She is encouraging of everyone not just me. I always know even if I lose at something or bring home a not so good grade on a test that she loves me! She has never pushed me to be someone I am not and she allows me to be who I am. For example my mom was a drill team person, but naturally I love sports therefore she could have chosen to push me into drill team but instead allowed me to play tennis and soccer. Overall I want my mom to be remembered by three things, loving, radiant, and incredible!

Logan F. Tells Us About His Mom, and Why She Deserves to Win

As a reminder to all our patients, we are currently holding a Mother's Day contest at Roos Orthodontics, and we are asking patients to write and tell us about the Mom in their life, why she is so great, and why she deserves to win a full orthodontic treatment from Dr. Roos. Take a look at one of our patient's responses below, and submit an entry soon to our Redmond orthodontic office, the contest ends on May 8th! We will be posting additional responses throughout the next few days, so be sure to check back!

I think my mom deserves a free treatment. The reason is because: She has gone through 6 kids with ortho and she has paid so much money, she has been working around the house really hard, she takes us places when ever we need to go somewhere. She has taught me to always try my best, to treat everyone equally, to not give up when things get hard. She tells me to at all times be honest because in the end, lies always hurt more. She instills the importance of family and of doing well at school in me. When I make decisions and she doesn’t always agree with them, she makes sure that I know that she is behind me all the way because she wants me to always be happy.

She has taught me right from wrong and the significance of self-respect. She takes care of our family and loves us very much. She used to do everything, but now our whole family has to help out. She teaches me respect, manners, and has to clean. Then she makes me do my homework. She always asks if I have a lot of homework. If I do, she makes me do all of it before I can go over to my neighbors house to play. She has had problems in her back a lot and this free treatment will make her really happy. There are many people that have had an impact on my life and influenced me in many different ways. My mother, however, has had the biggest impact on my life, and influenced me more than anyone else. She has had an impact on me since the day I was born, and she still does today.

Before I could even talk, I am sure she had an impact on me by the way she took care of me as a baby. My mother has always been a Mormon. That has influenced me throughout my whole life. Even though my mother did not see it, she did have an influence on me throughout my life. As a baby, my mother had an impact on me. I was little, but I know she still did. When I would cry, she would come and see what I needed. She would change my diaper if it needed changed, or she would feed me if that is what I wanted. If there was something else wrong with me, she would definitely find it out. She would not stop trying until I stopped crying.

-Logan F.

Reminder: Mothers Day Contest at Roos Orthodontics!

At Roos Orthodontics, we wanted to remind all our patients that our exciting Mother's Day Contest has begun! Show the Mom in your life how much you love her and enter today! Call our office for more details, or stop by!

More About Orthodontics From Roos Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Roos took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Roos Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

Your turn! From Roos Orthodontics

Week after week, Dr. Roos and team blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Congratulations to our recent Great Patient Winners at Roos Orthodontics!

Congratulations to our recent Great Patient Winners! We just posted the photos of our six winners on our Facebook Fan Page, check them out and become a fan while you are there!

We love to have a fun and relaxing environment at Roos Orthodontics, including fun contests like these that all our patients can participate in. Call our conveniently located Redmond orthodontic office today to schedule a complimentary consultation, and learn more about what makes Roos Orthodontics different!

The Roos Orthodontics Great Bike Giveaway!

Congratulations to Ryan and Emma– recent winners of brand new Hardrock Sport Mountain Bikes in the Roos Orthodontics Great Bike Giveaway! Pictured here with Dr Roos, and Vinnie from Gerks Ski and Cycle in Redmond. For more fun contests and events at Roos Orthodontics, check out our Facebook Fan Page, or call the office at 425-968-9247!

Roos Orthodontics Named Seattle Metropolitan Top Dentist for Second Year in a Row!

Dr. Roos and our entire team at Roos Orthodontics are proud to announce our office was named for the second year in a row by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine as one of the top practitioners in King, Snohomish, Kitsap and Pierce counties.

To create the 2010 list, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine sent ballots to dentists asking, “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” Presented with the names of nearby practitioners and the opportunity to write in nominations, each dentist evaluated specialists and each specialist evaluated general dentists whose work she or he is familiar with "based on years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and results." Thank you, also, to our dear patients, for recommending us and writing such great reviews over the last year! Our team is extremely honored to be named among the best!

Roos Orthodontics Participating in the Hopelink March Can Madness Tournament in Redmond

How does it work?
Each week participating business are matched up in “games” in which the object is to collect more donations than the other team in their bracket
(there are 2 teams per bracket)

Where and how do we donate?
Bring your donation to your next appointment at Roos Orthodontics,
or drop if off at our offices any time—Monday to Thursday!

You can check out all the details on the Hopelink web site too!

What Do You Love About Roos Orthodontics?

Because February is the month of LOVE we put up signs all around our office saying what we love most about our patients –

We love our patients

We love clean and healthy teeth

… healthy gums
… happy patients
… big smiles
… straight smiles

Then we asked them to tell us what they loved about Roos Orthodontics and we put them up on our in house noticeboards – here are some of the replies…

I love Roos Orthodontics because… Suzi’s awesome

… They are fun
… of my assistant Suzi
… they care how I feel
… now I have a perfect smile
… it really extremely rocks forever
… I love my smile
… Dr Roos is cool
… Invisalign is making my teeth so straight

What helps you relax at Roos Orthodontics?

Dr. Roos perfectly knows not everyone is thrilled to visit the orthodontist. But at Roos Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, Dr. Roos and team thought we'd ask: What is it about Roos Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Roos himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Happy Thursday!

Social media at Roos Orthodontics

At Roos Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it's through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site, our modern office in Redmond or our social networks. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook fan page. For social media to work, we understand conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Roos and our team are taking a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Enjoy your long weekend!

T-shirt Design Competition at Roos Orthodontics!

Happy Friday! Would you like to WIN A $50 GIFT CARD for AMAZON.COM and possibly see your design on our next Practice T-Shirt?

It is time to redesign our Roos Orthodontics T shirts, and we would love to have some bright and imaginative ideas from you!

So – put a pen or sharpie to paper and give it your best shot!
• All entrants will receive a free redesigned T-Shirt.
• Entries should be on white, letter sized paper or card, in color.
• Please make sure that you accompany your entry with a piece of paper containing your name and contact information.
• Don’t worry about the logo - just remember to leave space for it in your design – we can drop it in electronically later!

Ask Dr. Roos: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

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

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

At Roos Orthodontics, your comfort is very important to us. All of our chairs are made with memory foam to help you feel relaxed and stress-free. And, we are always available – someone will be on-call 24/7 for emergencies!

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

Have a great weekend!

What are patients saying about Roos Orthodontics?

Last Wednesday, the team at Roos Orthodontics asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about Dr. Roos and our office. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today.

"Everyone is very, very friendly. We feel welcome in your office." ~ Caslon D.

"The staff and Dr. Roos is very nice. Also the staff really look like they love there job and that is very hard to find :)" ~ Alena T.

"He's just a great guy. But wait! There's more! He's a great softball player too!" ~ Ryan A.

"The price, locations, and friendly knowledgeable staff!" ~ Shawn A.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! We love getting patient testimonials!

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Bryan Roos wants to know: What do you like most about our office?

From the very first time you walk through the doors at Roos Orthodontics our team and Dr. Roos strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Roos? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

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

Our New Web Site!

Have you visited our web site recently? You may have noticed that our beautiful new web site has launched at www.RoosOrtho.com. Not only are you able to access all of your patient information and check your appointments online, but you can learn about all the treatment options we offer at Roos Orthodontics, including Invisalign and the In-Ovation system.

Pick the color of the bands on your braces with the Braces Painter, learn about each member of the team on our Meet the Staff page, check out the frequently asked questions about orthodontics on the "Ask The Orthodontist" page.