A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Dr. Jeffrey M. Stein

Dr. Stein and his team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Braces by Stein, please give us a call.

Happy New Year!

Season’s Greetings from Dr. Stein and team

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Stein and his team 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!

When should you call Dr. Stein?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together this helpful list for your advantage. Dr. Stein and his team thought they'd pass on 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!

Have a great weekend.

What do you love about Dr. Stein and his team?

From your very first visit to our offices, Dr. Stein and his team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Stein? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love 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!

Happy Thursday!
Dr. Stein and team

Who benefits from braces? Everybody, says Dr. Stein

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore, Dr. Stein says. Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; 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 with Dr. Stein for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Happy Wednesday!

Facebook Contest Going On NOW!!!

Dr. Stein and team just started our fall patient Facebook contest! Here are all the details:

Become a Fan of our Facebook page and you will be eligible for a drawing for a $50.00 mall certificate. If you are not registered on Facebook, you will need to do that before becoming a fan.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

--Dr. Stein & the Braces by Stein team

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth? Dr. Stein Has the Answer!

Some people wonder why Dr. Stein and team work so hard 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!

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

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, from Dr. Stein

Dr. Stein knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. Check them out today!

Click here for the link.

Hope this helps. Give us a call if you have any questions.

Braces 101 with Dr. Stein

Should you need to call Dr. Stein in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Dr. Stein Explains

You just got braces and Dr. Stein has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Tomatoes? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
•3 cups flour
•2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
•1 tsp salt
•2 Tbl sugar
•4 cups milk
•4 eggs
•1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy! Dr. Stein and team

Invisalign, is it for everyone? Dr. Stein explains

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient? Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Stein. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Stein is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call today!

Meet Dr. Stein

Dr. Stein completed his undergraduate Pharmacology studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1984. This was followed by his BSD and DDS degrees at The Case Western Reserve University Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1986 and 1988 respectively, where he graduated in the top 5% of his dental class.

Dr. Stein was awarded the Frank M. Casto Memorial Award for the highest scholastic achievement from The Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity in 1987 and 1988 while attending CWRU dental school. Dr. Stein received his MSD in orthodontics from The St. Louis University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri in 1992. His Master's thesis from The St. Louis University Medical Center was published in "The Angle Orthodontist Journal" in 1992.

To stay updated on the latest advances in the field of orthodontics and TMJ disorders, Dr. Stein has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. He is also a member of many professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, and the Florida Dental Association. He also served as President of the West Pasco Dental Association from 2004-2005.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Stein has lived in Palm Harbor since 1993. He and his wife Kathleen have two children. When not creating beautiful smiles he enjoys fishing, boating, music, hockey (Tampa Bay Lightning fan), watching Nascar races, and spending time with friends and family. He's involved in community organizations including Temple Ahavat Shalom, St. Luke Catholic Church, Guardian Angels Catholic School and contributes to numerous youth athletic organizations throughout the area.