October is National Orthodontic Health Month

It makes sense that October is National Orthodontic Health Month. All those Halloween treats an trick-or-treating can cause havoc for patients with braces and Invisalign. It's okay to eat some Halloween treats.  Just be sure to brush and floss after you eat.

 Choose soft, candies and treats like chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, ice cream and cookies.  Avoid caramel, hard candies, licorice and popcorn.  At Defay Orthodontics, we want to keep your teeth happy an healthy.  It is no fun to fix a broken bracket the day after Halloween.  Wouldn't you rather spend time outside with your friends enjoying the last days of crisp fall weather?

If you are having a hard time finding some braces-friendly treats, here is a delicious recipe for

 25 big, yummy, soft Halloween Sugar Cookies. 

(makes 40-60 small cookies).

  -5.5 Cups Flour
  -3 Cups Granulated Sugar
  - 4 Eggs
  - 1 lbs (4 sticks) salted butter at room temp
 -2 Tbsp vanilla or almond flavoring

 1. Combine butter and sugar and mix until creamy.
 2. Add flavor and eggs and beat until fluffy.
 3. Add flour slowly, mixing at a low speed.
 4. Put dough in the refrigerator for a couple hours.

For large, thick cookies, cook at 375 for 10-14 minutes.  

  

For smaller cookies, cook at 350 for 8-13 minutes. 

Frosting:

 -1/2 Cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 Cups confectioners sugar

-2 Table Spoons corn syrup

-1/4 cup milk

-1 tsp vanilla extract

1.Beat butter for 3 minutes until fluffy.

2. Add in corn syrup, milk, vanilla and sugar. beat an additional 5 minutes until thick and fluffy.

3. Add food coloring as desired. 

The Defay Orthodontics team will be enjoying these yummy treats and brushing our teeth really well this Halloween Season. We hope you will too!

By David Defay

• 
  

Dr. Defay is a topDENTIST!!!

Congratulations to Dr. Defay on being selected as a topDENTIST in the field of orthodontics by area dentists!!!

Because topDENTISTS is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which dentist throughout Utah cast votes on the abilities of orthodontists and other specialists,  and because listings cannot be purchased, inclusion in topDENTISTS is considered a singular honor.

The Defay Orthodontics team is so proud of Dr. Defay and his accomplishments. He works hard to make sure every patient receives their best smile! Dr. Defay cares about each individual patient. He continues to stay up-to-date with the newest orthodontic technology.  He also strives to communicate specific patient needs and treatment options to their general dentists. This ensures every patient will have a happy, healthy smile they'll love. No doubt dentists in the area have recognized Dr. Defay's efforts to be an exceptional orthodontist.  That is why they have selected him as a topDENTIST in Orthodontics. Again, CONGRATS Dr. Defay!!!

We Like to Party!

We appreciate our patients and we like to show them a good time. That's why every year we throw a patient appreciation bash each year. This year we partied at the Surf N'Swim. We had a good time swimming, eating and giving away prizes. Hope to see you at our Defay Orthodontics party next year!

We were so excited to reveal the newest member of our team at the party. This is our tooth mascot. He doesn't have a name yet. We will be having a mascot naming contest in August. Be sure to enter your best mascot name idea for a chance to win a cool prize!

Why Choose Invisalign?

You may have wanted a straighter, more confident smile for awhile, but have been deterred by the possibility of wearing traditional metal braces.  You may be a candidate for Invisalign.  Invisalign is a option to straighten teeth with clear plastic aligners.  Dr. Defay is an experienced provider in Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. The Defay Orthodontics Team is proud to offer Invisalign to those patients who don't wish to interrupt their everyday lives with traditional braces. So, what are the benefits of using Invisalign?

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discreet and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• The aligners are made of smooth plastic so you don't have to worry about brackets and wires sticking to you. 
• You don't have to change your eating habits, because the aligners are easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, therefore ensuring a happy, healthy smile.
• Invisalign Teen is also available for potential teens who don't want to wear traditional braces.

Having straight teeth is more than just  having a beautiful confident smile.  Properly aligned teeth can greatly improve one's bite which reduces problems such as speech and chewing difficulties, TMJ, jaw problems and excessive enamel wear.  

Now teens and adults are great candidates for Invisalign.  If you would like more information or a free consultation regarding Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, please contact our office at 801-546-0892 or www.defayortho,com

Brush Brush Brush!

While you are a patient at Defay Orthodontics, it is important that you maintain excellent oral hygiene.  It is our job to give you a healthy, beautiful smile you'll love. In order for us to accomplish this goal, it will take some work on your end. Food particles are known for getting stuck in brackets, wires, bands and appliances. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily, is essential for preventing food and plaque buildup.

Here are six oral hygiene tips for keeping your mouth clean and healthy during orthodontic treatment.

1. Brush after every meal and snack.

2. Rinse with mouthwash after eating to kill bacteria.

3. Use an inter proximal brush to remove trapped particles.

4. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

5. Floss daily.

6. Maintain regular checkups with your general dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment.

We hope you find these tips helpful. The Defay Orthodontic Team is sincerely concerned with your oral hygiene. For more information, please don't hesitate to call or ask at your next visit. Giving you a happy, healthy smile is our priority!

Lucky Lucky!

There are many reasons to feel lucky right now. First off, you have or are considering having braces or Invisalign! You are taking the necessary steps to gain a confident, healthy smile you'll love.

Secondly, when we straighten your smile at Defay Orthodontics, we make sure you have a good time while you're here.  Our in-office contests make visiting the orthodontist fun! Enter our Bucket O' Green contest during the month of March. Come into the office and guess how much cash is the bucket and win it all.  Good Luck!

We Love Our Patients!

Happy Valentines Day!

 We hope our patients and their families know how much we love them!  We love to see your smiling faces each day. We love to see your smiles evolve into a smile you love. We love to make you smile. Thank you for making our career in orthodontics a rewarding one!

Today at our Valentine staff meeting, we discussed whom we love to make smile. Here is what we came up with:

• Our Patients
• Their Families
• Our Community 
• Referring Dentist's Offices
• Schools whom we sponsor and support
• Each Other

Isn't it a great job when you wake up each morning with a goal of creating smiles?  We think so.  It was fun to discuss who we love today at staff meeting over a batch of (soft, braces-friendly) Valentines cookies. And just so you know, we brushed our teeth afterward. We always do!

Go flash those you love a bright smile and wish them a Happy Valentines Day!

LOVE TO WIN!!!

The snow keeps falling and falling AND falling...and falling. It's cold, the holidays are over and we all miss the sunshine. BUT there is still something to smile about--WINNING PRIZES!

We are playing the LOVE TO WIN contest in our office this month. Stop into Defay Orthodontics and guess how many conversation hearts there are in our giant apothecary jar and win a $25 gift card to Target. Buy something fun for yourself and SMILE! We'd LOVE to see you soon!

 Current patients only.

Baby, Oh Baby!

This weekend, Jacob and his sister have something to smile about: They won tickets to the Justin Bieber contest!

At Defay Orthodontics, we strive to make everyday family-friendly and fun! Each patient has the opportunity to participate in our exciting contests and win cool prizes.  We try to be best part of each patient's day when they are here for an appointment. We believe it is our job to foster a fun atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. So, stop in and see what the buzz is all about. ENJOY THE FUN AT DEFAY ORTHODONTICS!!!

Happy Holidays!

From the Rampton and Defay Orthodontic Family, to yours, Happy Holidays! 

 We love taking a little time during this holiday season to eat fabulous food, exchange gifts and enjoy our blessings. One of those blessings, is you, our patients! You give us a reason to smile each day.  Giving you a dazzling smile, makes us proud of the work we do.  We go home each day, happy to work in one of the world's greatest professions.  Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
As we reflect on this past year and prepare for the year to come, our patients are huge part of our focus. We hope that you and your families have a very happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Creating Smiles for Christmas

At Rampton and Defay Orthodontics, we are in the business of making people smile.  We recognize that there are many children in our community who may not receive gifts on Christmas morning without the help the others.  We would like to see all kids smile on Christmas morning. This year, like last year, we are a drop site for Toys For Tots. All donated toys go directly to less fortunate children in our community.

We invite all patients and members of our community to bring a new, unopened, unwrapped toy to our office. The drop box will be in our front office until December 15th. We hope you are as excited as we are to deliver a smile and toy to child on Christmas morning!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Rampton and Defay Orthodontic team has so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. During this time, with friends and family close to us, it is nice to reflect on the many wonderful things we have in our lives. A few of our team members commented on what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Sarah is thankful for health and strength. Ariel is thankful to live in nice home and to have food to eat for every meal. Cheryl is thankful for friends and family. Dr. Defay is sincerely grateful to have such terrific patients. Seeing his patient's smiling faces day after day, is what makes his job so awesome!

We recognize that so much joy and satisfaction in our lives comes from our patients. We are lucky to interact with such a friendly, diverse, fun group of people each day. We are truly happy when you sit in our chair and we get to know you! Thanks for being great! We hope you and your family have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Watch Out for those SPOOKY Candies that Stick to Your Brackets

It's ironic that October is National Orthodontic Health Month, considering that our patients will probably eat more sugar this month, than any other month of year! The Rampton and Defay Orthodontic Team would like to remind you to take care of your braces and your teeth while you are enjoying the spoils of trick-or-treating. 

Just because you have braces, doesn't mean you can't enjoy Halloween and all that yummy candy. There are many braces-friendly candies. Be selective in the candy you eat and be sure to brush brush brush!

Here are Dr. Defay's top 10 best Halloween Candy Picks:

1. Candy Corn

2. Hershey Bars

3. Kit Kat Bar

4. Hershey Kisses

5. Three Musketeers

6. Malt Balls

7. Sweet Tarts

8. Plain M & M's

9. Pixi Sticks

10. Junior Mints and mint patties

Try to avoid licorice, hard candy, taffy, caramels, gum balls and any other hard, sticky candy that will stick to your teeth and brackets. Trust us, it's worth having a beautiful smile to skip a few of those sugary treats. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

When Should I Bring My Child for a Consultation?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "When should I bring my child in for treatment?" The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by an orthodontic specialist by age 7, when they have a mixture of adult and baby teeth.  

Children have more formidable bone structures than teenagers and adults, and as they grow, orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw growth, which may prevent the development of an overbite or under-bite, as well as tooth crowding due to space limitations. Orthodontic treatment is also helpful for guiding newly emerging adult teeth into a proper alignment, which is not only aesthetically advantageous, but also helpful in preventing tooth decay.

Bringing your 7-year-old child to Rampton and Defay Orthodontics for an evaluation allows us to detect possible problems with the jaw and teeth, while they are still easy to correct.  Early detection means treatment may be simplified and more cost effective than delayed treatment.  If we identify a problem, our Doctors and team will discuss possible corrective options and present a treatment schedule.

If your child is approaching his or her 7th birthday, or it has passed, it is time to make an appointment at Rampton and Defay Orthodontics.

Summer Time!

We are getting close to those dog days of summer and it is pretty toasty! We hope you are staying safe and cool whether you may be swimming, boating, playing in the sprinklers or celebrating with fireworks.

Although the heat is rising we have some cool, refreshing treats that also don't harm our braces. Popsicles, ice cold lemonade, fudgesicles, snowcones, ice cream just to name a few. They all just happen to be delicious, braces-friendly and you can find them sugar-free as well! Lucky us!

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has also provided an excellent recipe for Watermelon Sorbet:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind
Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.



Enjoy! Have a fun and safe summer!

-Rampton and Defay Orthodontics

WebMD Features Adult Ortho

About a month ago we posted about adult orthodontic treatment at Rampton and Defay Orthodontics. The word about the popularity of adult ortho is spreading. A feature article on adult orthodontic treatment had been published on WebMD, a widely recognized Web resource and online community offering consumers information on many health topics. The article, which examines why adults seek orthodontic treatment and options for treatment, includes quotes from Dr. Michael Rogers, 2011-12 American Association of Orthodontists President. It also features why adults are choosing orthodontics and different orthodontic options. Check it out!

View the Article, "Braces? At my Age?*

Why Is A Healthy Bite Important?

We all want a stunning smile, but few of us realize that straight teeth also means a healthy bite.  Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they'll last.

Did you know that a healthy bite can also help improve health problems many of us face? If you recognize any of these signs in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consolation with our orthodontists.

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth Breathing
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
• Protruding teeth
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Headaches resulting from maligned teeth
• Teeth meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close lips

At Rampton and Defay Orthodontics we want the very best for your health and your self esteem. That's why our team is focused on the very best results for the overall health and beauty of your smile. 

It's Never Too Late for a Beautiful, Healthy Smile

Adult Ortho is becoming more and more common.  The number of adults getting orthodontic treatment has increased 24 percent in the past decade.  Adults are letting us know that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids!  Some of the reasons our adult patients visit us are:

• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease

• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly

Most of all our adult patients want a healthier mouth and more confident smile!  At Rampton and Defay Orthodontics, we understand that the needs of our adult patients differ from those of our younger patients. Our doctors and staff have worked with adults for years. We ensure that each patient is heard and treated with understanding and respect.

If you have been considering getting braces or Invisalign, we would love to see you for a free consultation. Our team understands you have a busy schedule. Call us and we will do our best to make an appointment that is convenient for you.   Now is a great time to invest in a terrific smile!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month!

At Rampton and Defay Orthodontics we understand the importance of feeling good about yourself.  May is Teenage Self-Esteem Month. Parents and adults are being asked to be positive role models, encourage positive self-esteem and instill confidence and security among teenagers.

A beautiful, healthy smile is one way to improve self-esteem and help teenagers build confidence. Parents, you can schedule a free consultation for your teen at Rampton and Defay Orthodontics.  Our team is dedicated to providing braces and Invisalign Teen in a friendly and fun environment. We love our teenage patients and enjoy interacting with them. We hope that we build their self-esteem as much as they help ours!

Dr. Rampton and Dr. Defay's favorite part of their job is interacting with their patients and revealing a stunning new smile.  Seeing a teenager's self-esteem sky-rocket when they see their new smile, is what we love.  So, come in and meet our team and learn about improving your teenager's smile an self-esteem.

Jackson Rocks the Rubix

Check out our patient Jackson "Rocking the Rubix" at his ortho appointment. Our patients have many talents, thanks for sharing yours with us Jackson!

Jackson Rocks the Rubix from Defay Ortho on Vimeo.