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 Baker 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 Baker Orthodontics

Season’s Greetings from Baker Orthodontics

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Baker 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 on our Facebook page.

Happy Holidays!

--The team at Baker Orthodontics

Baker Orthodontics "Happy Holidays Around The World!" Contest

Here at Baker Orthodontics, we know that people around the world celebrate special holidays in December. While some may say "Merry Christmas" and others "Happy Hanukkah," everyone can agree on "Happy Holidays!"

Be sure to pick up one of our multiple choice entry forms and have some fun learning five new ways to say "Happy Holidays!" You only need to have one correct entry to qualify in the contest. As always, please give us a call if you have any questions about our Holiday Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at our office. Thank you!

Why do you choose Baker Orthodontics?

Baker Orthodontics, serving Escondido and San Diego, CA, is committed to the health and comfort of each and every one of our patients. We strive to provide our patients with the highest standard of care in a comfortable and kid friendly atmosphere. Have you had a great experience with Dr. Baker and team?

Share your story with the world!

We encourage patients to participate in our YouTube Video Contest. Here are a few ideas for video topics:
• Why I Like My Braces
• The 3 Best Things About Baker Orthodontics
• 3 Great Ways to Use Your Smile
• What I'm Most Looking Forward to When My Braces Come Off
• How My Smile Has Changed My Life

All video entries can be submitted by cd or emailed to drb@bakersmiles.com. Camera shy? You can also write a review for Baker Orthodontics on our Google Place Page.

Thank you!

-Dr. Baker and team

Baker Orthodontics partners with SDSU for the Healthy Smiles program

Dr. Baker and his orthodontic team are currently partnering with the San Diego State University (SDSU) Healthy Smiles program to help educate and promote healthy lifestyles and habits for teens. The two-year program provides positive reinforcement to young kids in effort of increasing their healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco avoidance.

Donna, our registered dental hygienist, was recently quoted in a SDSU article, saying “We have had nothing but positive feedback from both patients and their parents.”

As an orthodontic office, Dr. Baker and our team appreciate the opportunity to talk with our patients about important health issues. For more information on the Healthy Smiles program, and orthodontic treatment options at our office, be sure to give us a call!

Dr. Baker announces our contest winners!

At Baker Orthodontics we are committed to serving each and every one of our patients in a comfortable and kid friendly environment. Today, we would like to announce the winners of our "Know Your Icons" and Halloween contests. Be sure to check our Contest Board at your next appointment to find out about upcoming contests and the cool prizes you can win.


Halloween Contest
Congrats to Navi V.! She made a perfect guess and won a jar full of 72 candy bars in our Halloween contest. Don't forget to share, Navi!


Know Your Icons!
It's not hard to find computer savvy kids these days. Almost all of our patients correctly guessed the contest icons. Hailey S. is the lucky $25 winner of our "Know Your Icons" contest.

Baker Orthodontics wishes you a happy Thanksgiving!

Here at Baker Orthodontics, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

Gobble Gobble!

Orthodontic fun facts, from Dr. Baker and team

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Baker Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Have you been getting your Baker Bucks?

Baker Orthodontnics, serving Escondido, CA and surrounding areas, strives to provide our patients with the highest standard of care in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. “Baker Bucks” is a program that rewards you, our wonderful patients, for doing your part toward successful and timely treatment.

At each appointment, up to 3 “bucks” can be earned for:
-Being on-time for appointments with teeth brushed
-Good home hygiene and following instructions
-No broken wires or brackets

As you accumulate Baker Bucks, you can use them to “buy” items from our prize case. The prize case is constantly being re-stocked, including items from Claire's, Jamba Juice, Rubio's, In-N-Out, iTunes, Regal Entertainment, and more!

Contact our office today if you have any questions about Baker Bucks, or if you are ready to schedule your next appointment, with Dr. Baker. Have a great weekend!

Dr. Baker thanks all of our patients who supported his Jail Bail for MDA

Dr. Baker would like to thank all of our generous friends who contributed to his Jail Bail for MDA! He made his $800 goal, which will make some special children very happy. Everyone should be proud that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.

Our team at Baker Orthodontics had a fun time in the lock-up at "On the Border" in Escondido. Good food, good friends, great cause!

Thank you,

-Dr. Baker and team

Baker Orthodontics supports 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 is 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
• Potato chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Baker 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 you can come into our office.

Baker Orthodontics announces our YouTube Video Contest

Are you a budding filmmaker? Dr. Baker would like to invite all of our patients to participate in our YouTube Video Contest.

In conjunction with our website launch, we are having a contest of videos created by and starring our fabulous patients.

To enter, just submit a fun and unique home-made video or slideshow addressing one of the following subjects:
• Why I Like My Braces
• The 3 Best Things About Baker Orthodontics
• 3 Great Ways to Use Your Smile
• What I'm Most Looking Forward to When My Braces Come Off
• How My Smile Has Changed My Life

We can't wait to see what our friends come up with! All video entries can be submitted by cd or emailed to drb@bakersmiles.com.

Dr. Baker gone fishing!

Helping people to achieve their greatest potential for a healthy, successful future is Dr. Brad Baker's professional passion. You might be wondering, other than creating beautiful smiles, how does Dr. Baker enjoy spending his free time?

Today, Dr. Baker would like to share one of his most recent fishing trips with all of our patients. He is one of three generations of men that went on a fishing trip earlier this month. In the photo above are Dr. Brad Baker, his dad, Dr. Guy T. Baker, and son, the future Dr. Alex Baker!

Have you ever spent an afternoon fishing in the great outdoors? Dr. Baker and our team would enjoy hearing about your "catch of the day!"

Dr. Baker and team want to get "BOOED!"

This fall, Dr. Baker and team want to see your Halloween spirit! Now through Halloween, we will be hosting a contest on our Facebook page and our Blog, asking our patients to "BOO" us for a chance to win a pair of movie tickets.

There are two ways to enter our BOO! Contest:
1) "Like" the Baker Orthodontics Facebook page and write "BOO" on our Facebook page wall
2) Comment on this, or one of our other Blog entries with "BOO!"

The contest ends Oct. 31, so don't hesitate to enter for your chance to win movie tickets! We will also be celebrating the public launch of our website and social networks this week with balloons and cookies. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the contest, public launch, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker.

Patient spotlight: What is it like to get your braces off?

Every orthodontic patient eagerly awaits the big day when they are finally able to remove their braces and see their new smile. In this short video, Lexi shares her big day at Baker Orthodontics. "It's so weird! It doesn't look like me at all," says Lexi. Thanks to Dr. Baker and team, Lexi has a beautiful new smile that she can share with her friends and family.

For more information on Baker Orthodontics and orthodontic treatment options in Escondido and San Diego, CA, visit our website, or give us a call today!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Baker

Trust us when we say Dr. Baker 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 Baker Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Baker for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Baker to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Baker Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

The importance of retainers, from Baker Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Baker Othodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Baker will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Baker is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Baker, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

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

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 Baker 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.

A Pursuit of Excellence at Baker Orthodontics

At Baker Orthodontics we make every effort to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment. For us that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help Dr. Baker and team do that. Some of them are:

1) We use state-of-the-art techniques and materials, including self-ligating In-Ovation & reg braces in metal and clear ceramic, invisible lingual braces, and Invisalign treatments.

2) Dr. Baker uses indirect bonding for placement of braces which increases accuracy and patient comfort and shortens appointment times.

3) We offer occasional early (7am) or late (6pm) hours, and Dr. Baker is available for after-hour emergency visits if needed.

4) Baker Orthodontics is a small practice with one doctor. We focus on providing very personalized care for each patient.

Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your consultation.

Thank you,

Baker Orthodontics

How are you spending your San Diego, CA summer?

Summer is finally here in Escondido and San Diego, CA, and the team at Baker Orthodontics thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the warm weather? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

Dr. Baker and team would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Baker: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Baker 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. Give us a call to set up an appointment for a free consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Ask Dr. Baker: How do I know if Invisalign® is right for me?

At Baker Orthodontics, there are several steps that we take to determine if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment with Dr. Baker. First, we 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. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Baker is a certified Invisalign provider in Escondido, CA. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Social media adventures with Baker Orthodontics

Are you excited about the possibilities of social media? Dr. Baker and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook page. For social media to work, 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 we’re taking 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!

-The team at Baker Orthodontics

What have patients been saying about Baker Orthodontics?

Last week, we asked you, our amazing patients, what you most liked about your experience at Baker Orthodontics. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Baker and team love getting patient testimonials!

"Dr. Baker does a great job in explaining and showing how the treatments will work. He's also a really nice guy." ~Tom

"You always get in on time and the office is so comfortable, clean and fun. We also like the drawings and contests. All the staff is always so happy and friendly." ~Renee

"Dr Baker is good at what he does. He's friendly and approachable. He is good with the children." ~Laura

"He's come highly recommended by others and we have not been disappointed. Dr. Baker is very nice to Zac and takes times to explain things. We also love his office staff." ~Kevin

Have a great week everyone!

-Your friends at Baker Orthodontics

Why do you choose Baker Orthodontics?

From your first consultation at Baker Orthodontics, our team strives to provide you with the very best orthodontic experience. From our state-of-the-art techniques to our extended office hours, our team wants to go the extra mile to ensure that you receive superior treatment at Baker Orthodontics. We thought we'd ask you, our amazing patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Baker? 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. You can write a review here. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
Your friends at Baker Orthodontics

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Baker is an Escondido native, and has been professionally serving the people of his home town since 1988. He is also a second-generation orthodontist, whose father, Dr. Guy T. Baker, founded Baker Orthodontics in 1978. Dr. Brad graduated from San Pasqual High School, and then attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelors degree in Zoology. He loved his college experience, and received two academic scholarships during his time at BYU. As an undergraduate, Dr. Baker participated in research studies on the affects of smoking and alcohol on fetal development.

In 1988, Dr. Baker joined his father in his orthodontic practice in Escondido, where they had the great pleasure of practicing together for five years, until his father’s retirement. During this period, he met and married his sweetheart, Angie, and they now have three beautiful children, Julia, Alex, and Shannon. Angie is very active at the school that the kids attend: the San Pasqual Union School.

The Bakers are very active in church service and youth programs. Dr. Baker has, for many years, been active in the Boy Scouts of America. An Eagle Scout himself, he loves the scouting program, and the impact it has on the lives of the youth it serves. He is excited to get on the scouting trail with his own son, Alex. Dr. Baker also enjoys camping, water sports, fishing, woodwork, travel, and just hanging out with his wife and kids!