Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Studebaker Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Studebaker Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Spring, Texas office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Studebaker!

Have a great weekend!

What is your New Year's Resolution?

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

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!

What helps you relax at Studebaker Orthodontics?

Dr. Studebaker and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Studebaker Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Studebaker Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Studebaker himself?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call! Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues!

See you all in 2011!

When should you call Dr. Studebaker?

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

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 as soon as possible! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Spring, Klein, Tomball, The Woodlands and surrounding areas!

Season's greetings from Studebaker Orthodontics!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Studebaker Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: 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 here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

- Dr. Studebaker & team

Ask Dr. Studebaker: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here, and so is the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our staff at Studebaker Orthodontics will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can 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!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

Back to school with Studebaker Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools are back in session, Dr. Studebaker and our staff would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Studebaker Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 281-251-9229 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

Have a fantastic weekend - we look forward to seeing you! :)

Protect your mouth this summer! From Dr. Studebaker

With summer in full swing for another seven weeks, Dr. Studebaker and our staff would like to take this time to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports this summer. Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you're in for a visit at Studebaker Orthodontics, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we will be happy to provide one for you!

We hope you're enjoying your summer! Let us know what you're up to on our Facebook page!

This summer, what's on your reading list?

With summer only two days away, our staff at Studebaker Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of summer reading for the teens and young people at our practice. Of course it’s easier for today's teens to go play ball or kick back and watch TV, but our staff will always tell you that reading during the summer is a key step in being prepared for classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level!

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (as well as Dr. Studebaker) would be happy to provide a few great titles for you. You may also ask a local librarian here in Spring for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists from Barnes & Noble that we came across on Friday.

Happy reading everyone and happy Father's Day weekend to all the wonderful dads who come to our office week after week!

Post a Review of Studebaker Orthodontics!

At Studebaker Orthodontics we know what it takes to achieve a great smile! We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves on the courteous and professional service we provide to each and every patient. Dr. Studebaker and team believe that orthodontic treatment should be a fun, rewarding experience.

Whether you've visited Studebaker Orthodontics for a week or a year, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp or on Facebook if you'd like. After all, reviews help Dr. Studebaker and team create more beautiful smiles in Spring, Klein, The Woodlands and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and have a great week! We all look forward to reading your reviews!

New videos! From Dr. Studebaker

If you've stopped by our YouTube channel recently, you probably noticed that we have four new videos for your viewing pleasure. The videos include information content about RPE (rapid palatal expander), the Quad Helix appliance, as well as the Forsus appliance.

We invite you to head over to our YouTube page and check out the different ways Dr. Studebaker can move your teeth into their final, perfect destination. If you have questions about any of these videos, or about your treatment at Studebaker Orthodontics, we invite you to give us a call at 281-251-9229.

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

How does Studebaker Orthodontics "Go Green"?

Dr. Studebaker and team were recently asked: what steps does Studebaker Orthodontics take to make the office more environmentally-friendly?

Great question!

* We are a paperless office (our charts are digital, which means no paper!)

* We use digital X-rays, no chemical, no developing film - great!

* We recycle magazines, phone books, card boxes, and we even recycle printed paper by printing our reports on the non-printed side. (We only recycle papers that contain nonsensitive information on it, of course).

* Wonder why we ask for patient’s email address? We send appointment reminders via email, communicate as much as possible through email and even send electronic statements if needed. We only send printed statements at our patients' request, and only send them if patients are 30 days past due.

* Dr. Studebaker often conducts meetings online with some of his patient’s professionals, so no printed paper is used for those meetings.

* Lastly, we are always looking for ways to go Green, and are always asking patients for feedback: How do you think our office could be more environmentally friendly?

What do you love about Studebaker Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Studebaker Orthodontics our dedicated team and Dr. Studebaker strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. At Studebaker Orthodontics we know what it takes to achieve a great smile! Our entire team is trained and experienced in using the most advanced orthodontic techniques. Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Studebaker? Did our amiable 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! Have a great weekend!