Hey Dr. Stein! What's Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

We've blogged about Invisalign before, but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at Braces by Stein is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Palm Harbor and New Port Richey offices. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call for a personal consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Jeffrey Stein is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Palm Harbor & New Port Richey, Florida.

Lastly, for those of you already wearing braces, Dr. Stein and our team want you to steer clear of gummy, sticky, nutty or chewy candy this Halloween!

Ask Dr. Stein: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great this Halloween season, but these treats can damage your teeth - and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Instead of all that unhealthy candy, try any of these delicious and braces-friendly Halloween recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists! Have a great week!

A couple of updates...

Please wish a warm welcome to our new orthodontic assistant, Heidi Plensdorf. Heidi is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan and has 19 years of experience in the dental/orthodontic field.

Welcome, Heidi!

And, don't forget - Refer a friend who starts orthodontic treatment at Braces by Stein until Monday, November 1st, and you'll receive 2 Tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream for you and the friend you referred! Ask us for more info!

At Braces by Stein, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

With October being National Orthodontic Health Month, our staff at Braces by Stein thought we'd remind Dr. Stein's patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month.

Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time at Braces by Stein!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. The American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for you to chew on.

Lastly, Refer a friend who starts orthodontic treatment from today until November 1st, and you'll receive 2 Tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream for you and the friend you referred! Ask us for more info!

What's your story? What made you choose Braces by Stein?

If you or your child ever dreamed of having a beautiful smile, then visit Dr. Jeffrey Stein today to make that dream a reality! As one of the top orthodontists in Palm Harbor and New Port Richey, Dr. Stein makes that smile possible.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment?

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. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Ask Dr. Stein: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Dr. Jeffrey Stein and our staff 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.

As one of the best orthodontists in Palm Harbor and New Port Richey, Florida, Dr. Stein will tell you 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.

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!