Independence Day Facts, Tips, and Party Invitations!

It’s hard to believe, but July is already here and half of 2012 has already passed! As July 4th approaches, our team thought it would be fun to share some facts and safety tips for celebrating our country’s independence day.


Fun Facts:
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804. • And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents. Check out American Fact Finder.

Safety Tips: 
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• To prevent a trash fire, be sure to douse the spent fireworks with plenty of water from a bucket or hose after fireworks complete their burning and before discarding them.
• Make sure fireworks are legal before buying or using them. What are your plans this 4th of July? Share them with us! We’d love to hear what you and the rest of the community will be doing to celebrate! (Don’t forget to make sure there are no restrictions on fireworks! Check out this link to see if fireworks might be an issue for you this year.)

Also, check out these 4th of July party invitations, eGreeting cards, and delicious recipes! 
July 4th eCard inviations! 
Happy Independence Day eCards
Independence Day Recipes

 Photo by shawnajean

What's the difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" At the office of Dr. Jeffrey M. Stein DDS MSD, We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Jeffrey Stein started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Stein decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment.

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 such as 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. Stein, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited the office of Jeffrey M. Stein for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Stein.
In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give the office of Dr. Jeffrey M. Stein a call.

Play Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge!

Dr. Jeffrey Stein wants to know: Can you make someone smile in 30 seconds or less? If you're confident, we encourage you to check out Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge! Here's how it works:

Each month, a new challenge will be issued on the Make Me Smile Challenge website. It's up to you to record a video response to the challenge, and upload it on the site. Videos can only be 30 seconds long, but you can enter as many times as you like!

There are three total challenges, and the first has already begun! At the end of each round, a judge will chose a winner to receive an Apple iPad! A grand prize will be awarded at the end of the three challenges to send you and a friend to Hollywood!

Our staff has included the contest dates below, but be sure to check out Invisalign Teen's website for more information, and GOOD LUCK!

Challenge 1: August 17 – September 13, 2010 (only three days left!)
Challenge 2: September 14 – October 1, 2010
Challenge 3: October 12 – November 9, 2010

Have a GREAT weekend!

The importance of regular checkups, from Dr. Stein

Dr. Stein wants to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your treatment this summer? If the answer is yes, that’s wonderful! 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 New Port Richey or Palm Harbor office, of course). Regular dental checkups, after all, 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 Dr. Stein know during your next visit and we will provide a few great local references!

Tell Dr. Stein what’s on your mind!

Week after week, Dr. Jeffrey Stein and our staff blog about important topics pertinent to your orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer at our convenient offices in Palm Harbor and New Port Richey.

This week, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our amazing 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 in the coming months? 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!

Patriotic fun facts with Braces by Stein!

This Sunday, our staff at Dr. Stein's office - Dr. Stein included - will be celebrating our nation's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM! - here are some fun facts about Independence Day we thought you might enjoy! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Dr. Stein wants to know: what's on your summer reading list?

Traveling this summer? Heading on a camping trip? Lying on a hammock resting in your backyard? With summer only weeks away, some of us at Dr. Stein's office have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading.

Sure it’s easier to go play ball or lie back and watch some TV, but Dr. Jeffrey Stein will tell you that reading during the summer is a vital 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 (and Dr. Stein) would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Palm Harbor or New Port Richey for some ideas or check out some summer reading lists we came across recently.

Connect with Dr. Stein and team on Facebook!

At Braces by Stein, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Palm Harbor, New Port Richey, Tampa and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment every three or four months, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Stein and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JeffreySteinDDS. We share office news, updates and contest announcements on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you on Facebook and have a great week,

- the Braces by Stein team

Share your experience at Braces by Stein with the world!

As one of the best orthodontists in Palm Harbor and New Port Richey, Dr. Jeffrey Stein makes that smile possible. He combines the newest technology in orthodontic appliances, as well as expert training, all in a friendly, caring environment to give you or your child a straight, beautiful smile and the best orthodontic experience. Dr. Stein specializes in Invisalign invisible braces, as well as traditional braces.

Whether you've visited Braces by Stein for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office 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.

After all, reviews help Dr. Stein create more beautiful smiles in Tampa, Palm Harbor, New Port Richey and surrounding communities here in Hillsborough County.

You may write a review here or here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! Dr. Stein and team look forward to reading your reviews!

The social media adventure, with Dr. Jeffrey Stein

Isn’t social media great? Dr. Jeffrey Stein and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, we know that 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, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Stein and our dedicated team take a little time to research and decide 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 on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Dr. Jeffrey Stein, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

February may almost be over, but did you know this happens to be National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each February for the past 60 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Jeffrey Stein is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Talking mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Dr. Stein

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Stein for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Stein and our team are trying to achieve. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our office. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Stein may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at the office of Jeffrey M. Stein.