Cold season is here, from Baker Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Bradford Baker and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Escondido office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Baker Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Are you feeling lucky?

Is there a pot o' gold at the end of your rainbow? Do you have any good luck charms, or slight superstitions that you believe are associated with good luck? Here at Baker Orthodontics, we create our own luck! In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, however, we are hosting a Lucky Charms Contest to bring out the Irish in us all.

Now through March 31, we invite patients to stop Baker Orthodontics and enter our Lucky Charms Contest. The contest winner will receive $25 in gold coins.

Good luck!

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.

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 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.

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.

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!