Smile wider, live longer, from Baker Orthodontics

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Baker has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Baker Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Technology helps you relax at Baker Orthodontics

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Baker understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Dr. Baker uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Famous Couples at Baker Orthodontics

Do you know the name of Bart Simpson's lady, or Minnie's sweetheart? Don't forget to enter the Baker Orthodontics Famous Animated & Cartoon Couples contest the next time you're in the office! As always, please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Baker. Happy Valentines Day!

The Baker Orthodontics Valentine's Day Contest

At Baker Orthodontics we enjoy creating an enjoyable atmosphere, through not only providing the highest standard of orthodontic care, but also by offering creative contests and games. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our office would like to spread the love through our Famous Animated and Cartoon Couples contest.

Match 8 out of 10 animated and cartoon characters with their correct partner, and you could win a shopping spree at the See's Candies store. Patients may either select a Valentine's Day treat to enjoy for themselves, or give the See's Candies gift to that special someone.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

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.

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!"

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