Holiday Hours

Please note our holiday hours. 

We will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. 

Regular hours will resume on January 4, 2016.

Parts of Braces

Our patients experience different emotions when beginning their journey with braces. Most are excited and eager to start the process of braces, while others may be nervous or intimidated about such a new experience. At Beim Orthodontics, we want to ease your mind about your treatment by breaking down different parts that make up braces, and explaining more about how they will help build your new, straight smile!

What are brackets?

The brackets are the little squares that hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets are attached directly to the outside surface of the teeth using a special bonding material, or glue.

What is an arch wire?

The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction in which the teeth move. You will have one wire connecting the top braces and one wire connecting the lower ones.

What are elastics, or rubber bands?

An elastic is a tiny rubber ring or band that attaches to specific hooks on the brackets. They are designed to correct the bite.

What are hooks for?

Hooks are small pin attachments that fit into the brackets. They are where your rubber bands attach to.

By giving you more insight about each appliance, we hope you can be less apprehensive about wearing braces. If you have any further questions, please give us a call at (407) 323-0600 or visit our website www.beimortho.com. We look forward to seeing you smile!

Your Dentist VS. Your Orthodontist

Recently there has been a lack of understanding about who should be providing your orthodontic care. Most patients contemplate on whether they should seek treatment for braces or clear aligners from their general family dentist, or a certified orthodontic specialist. Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment is an important one that will affect your dental health for a lifetime, so it’s important that consumers are informed of the significant differences in care between a certified orthodontist and a general dentist.

In reality, just like not all doctors are the same, the same fact is true when it comes to dentistry. Did you know that all orthodontists are dentists, but only 7% of dentists are orthodontists? This is determined by training, as all general dentists complete 8,000 hours of dental training for their dental degrees, orthodontists start with this same training and continue on with over 4,000-6,000 hours in an accredited residency program to learn orthodontic basics. A general dentist is wonderful for routine dental work, but the scope of their practice is preventive, cosmetic, and restorative. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are trained specialist and have the expertise in smile and facial esthetics, jaw function, facial growth and development, tooth movement, alignment of teeth and jaws, and straightening of teeth. Thus, orthodontists have the best experience, judgement, and certifications to give the best orthodontic treatment for all patients with braces.

You will notice today several general dentists are advertising orthodontic care such as Invisalign, as well as offering special discounts for these treatments. We urge you to recognize that these general dentists are not orthodontic specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

At Beim Orthodontics we understand that your smile is priceless and want you to be confident in knowing that our orthodontic office is the clear choice for braces.

Health Benefits For Your Teeth From Thanksgiving Food

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth.

At Beim Orthodontics, we want you to know you can now be extra thankful for turkey and pumpkin pie!

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

Pumpkin

Not only are pumpkins decorative and delicious, but they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel.

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

Say Good Morning to Breakfast

Photo Provided by livescience.com

We’re sure you have heard it a million times before…Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But why? 

Eating breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration in the classroom. In general, kids and teens who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in school and eat healthier throughout the day. According to pediatrician, Dr. William Sears, children who eat breakfast tend to participate more in class discussions, are better able to handle complex problems in class and get better grades. 

A developing brain needs a fresh supply of glucose after a night of fasting. Without glucose your brain doesn't operate as well. You will have difficulty understanding new information, you’ll have problems with visual and spatial understanding and you won’t remember things as easily. 

Tips on Eating a Quick and Healthy Breakfast Each and Every Day

• Eat at least one thing from each of the following food groups: Breads/Grains (cereal, toast, muffin), Dairy (low-fat yogurt, low-fat milk) and Fruits/Vegetables (bananas, apples, carrots). 

• Grab a portable breakfast. Fruit, low-fat yogurt, whole grain breakfast bars or granola bars will work in a pinch on those mornings when you have to eat breakfast on the go. 

• Get up 15 minutes earlier.  Did you know that you can prepare and eat a healthy breakfast in 15 minutes or less…especially if you plan ahead? You can save time by putting out the box of cereal or cutting up fruit the night before. 

If you aim for a breakfast that combines good carbs and fiber with a little protein each morning, you’ll have more energy and set the stage for smart decisions all day long.

Don't Try It At Home: DIY Braces

A popular trend has taken the internet by storm, but unlike a selfie challenge we don’t want you trying this at home. “Do it yourself” (DIY) orthodontic treatment is a new, dangerous trend.

A series of YouTube videos have appeared showing users how to create their own braces. We want you to know that anyone trying this is putting their teeth, gums and bones of the jaw at risk for serious damage. This quick fix offers rubber bands as the DIY orthodontic solution.  Consumers are being told that by simply putting a special rubber band around teeth their spaces or gaps will close. Because of the known risks, orthodontists consider the unsupervised movement of teeth using just elastics to be below the standard of care, and it can result in permanent tooth loss.

Any time a dental procedure is undertaken by an untrained, unsupervised individual there is a substantial risk for irreparable damage. For the health and safety of the public The American Association of Orthodontists is urging anyone considering any type of teeth straightening procedure to see an orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Beim is a trained, qualified specialist who can diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. If you are seeking orthodontic treatment please contact our office and never consider do it yourself dangerous short cuts.

Beim Orthodontics 

345 Waymont Court

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

 407.323.0600

Smile Safety

Sports-related dental injuries are reportedly the cause of over 600,000 emergency room visits per year. You can take precaution to prevent dental injury during sporting activities by wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards help protect the teeth and jaw from injury while participating in sporting activities. In fact, studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth if they’re not wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth from hard hits.

• Types of dental injuries that can occur without a mouth guard:
• Fracture: Broken tooth or chipped tooth.
• Avulsion: Entire tooth knocked out from the root.
• Luxation: Tooth mispositioned in socket.

If you are involved in sporting activities, you must take extra precaution to protect your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.

Without a mouth guard injury can result in permanent damage. Need a mouth guard? Consult with Dr. Beim about choosing the best mouth guard for you. We offer to our patients complimentary orthodontic mouth guards that are designed to fit over your braces.

Beim Orthodontics 

345 Waymont Court

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

 407.323.0600

Say Cheeeesssee!

The first day of school is an exciting time! You’ve had the whole summer off and now it’s time to get back in the classroom. Social media is starting to be filled with first day of school photos. Whether you’re in middle school or college, back to school selfies are everywhere! To get you in the back to school spirit, we're giving away 4 tickets to see Disney On Ice at the Amway Center in Orlando, FL on September 5, 2015! To enter our new contest, all you have to do is share a photo from your first day back to school.

We want to see big happy smiles from all of our patients in their back to school photos! While you’re under orthodontic treatment you should still be proud of your smile. Smiling naturally may not come as easy for some people as it does for others. But just like with anything we do in life, the more we practice, the easier it gets!

Helpful Tips for a Photographic Smile

1. GET IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR - Take time to practice your smile in front of a mirror. See how it looks when you hold your shoulders back and strike a natural, unforced smile. Play around with turning your head and finding your best angle. Figure out which smile you like best, then practice, practice, practice 'til you get right. Remember how great that smile feels so that you'll be able to replicate it without looking in a mirror.

2. SMILE WITH YOUR EYES...or as Tyra Banks would say, Smize - A genuine smile will naturally draw in the eyes. And a natural smile is not something you can fake. The eyes are essential for a genuine, warm smile. When you are practicing your smile in the mirror, focus on your eyes and which muscles are working and how.

3. MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE - One thing that can cause you to fear flashing your pearly whites, is when they might not be that pearly. Be sure to brush your teeth after each meal and carry floss with you...just in case. We all know that good oral hygiene is important...but the fact is, a healthy mouth will make you feel more confident about your smile.

You can submit your pictures to entries@beimortho.com or upload it to Instagram. Be sure to tag us @Beim_Ortho and use our hashtag #BeimBack2School. All entries must be submitted by Thursday, August 27, 2015. The winner will be selected at random and notified on Monday August 31, 2015. Good luck and have a great first day Back2School!

Beim Orthodontics 

345 Waymont Court

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

 407.323.0600

The Clear Alternative

Looking for an alternative to traditional braces? Well we have an option for YOU. ClearCorrect is the clear and simple alternative to braces.

What’s ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect is a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them, each aligner moving your teeth just a little bit at a time. These aligners are practically invisible, so most people won't even know you're in treatment, they fit you perfectly, so they're more comfortable than regular braces, and they're removable, so you can eat whatever you like and clean your teeth normally.

What are the benefits of ClearCorrect?

Easy process: Dr. Beim establishes that ClearCorrect is the right treatment option for you, we will take impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses to make your custom aligners.

Discrete: Basically only you and Dr. Beim will know you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. ClearCorrect is a discrete alternative to traditional braces for image-conscious adults who are worried about the stigma attached to traditional metal braces.

Removable: Unlike traditional braces, ClearCorrect is removable for cleaning and eating. Cleaning metal braces after eating is difficult, but with ClearCorrect maintenance is easy.  You can easily remove ClearCorrect aligners to brush and floss your teeth normally.

Beautiful Results:  ClearCorrect improves your smile’s aesthetic by correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems. From crowding, to spacing, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. ClearCorrect is your versatile treatment option.

Healthier Results: A crooked and overcrowded smile creates hiding places for bacteria and decay from daily oral hygiene habits. After ClearCorrect straightens your smile, your teeth will be easier to clean and have better defenses against plaque buildup.

ClearCorrect invisible braces are the clear & simple way to straighten your teeth, so you can show off your smile! Want to find out if ClearCorrect is good option for you? Schedule an appointment today.

Beim Orthodontics 

345 Waymont Court

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

 407.323.0600

History Behind The 4th

Every year on the 4th day of July we celebrate a great American holiday, Independence Day. This comes as summer is just heating up. Flags of bright red, white and blue appear everywhere you go. But, beyond fireworks and good food the 4th of July has a very rich history expanding back over 200 years ago.

Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th of July because it was on July 4, 1776, that members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. Following its adoption, the Declaration was read to the public in various American cities. Whenever they heard it, patriots erupted in cheers and celebrations. While the Fourth is celebrated across the country, historic cities like Boston and Philadelphia draw huge crowds to their festivities.

What is the Declaration of Independence? Source: infoplease.com

Declaration of Independence, full and formal declaration adopted July 4, 1776, by representatives of the Thirteen Colonies in North America announcing the separation of those colonies from Great Britain and making them into the United States.

Need help explaining the meaning of this holiday to younger kiddies? Here’s a fun video for them to watch

We hope all of patients have a great 4th of July weekend, share your fun with us by posting photos on our Facebook wall and we'll be sure to share with everyone! 

Observation Patients Win While They Wait

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Our younger patients who have been seen by Dr. Beim, but are not quite ready to start treatment are called "Observation Patients". These patients are asked to return to our office every 6 months to monitor their progress. As a "Observation Patient", when you return to our office every 6 months to monitor your progress you are entered for a chance to win special prizes. Observation patients who visit our office from July-December will be entered in a drawing to win 2 tickets to Disney Quest! 

For more information about early orthodontic treatment please visit Beimortho.com or contact our office today.

Say to NO to Sticky and Chewy and Crunchy... During Treatment

Now that it's summer time sweet treats are everywhere, but remember if your under orthodontic treatment there are foods you have to avoid.

Braces are used as a treatment to bring out your best smile, and with that comes a lot of changes to your mouth including your daily oral hygiene activities and eating habits. While you have braces you will want to avoid certain types of foods. You basically have to steer clear of anything sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy.

Here’s a list of treats you will need to avoid during your braces treatment.

• Gum
• Hard Candy
• Sticky Candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Ice
• Taffy
• Hard Chips
• Carrots
• Apples
• Hard/Thick Bread
• Large/Hard Pretzels
• Corn on a cob

It is important to not consume these foods, because eating anything sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy can damage your braces which could make your treatment longer than expected. We want you to have the best experience during your treatment. So here’s a list of great foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.

• Dairy - pudding, soft cheeses
• Breads – sliced lunch bread, soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins w/o nuts, biscuits
• Grains – noodles, pasta, soft-cooked rice
• Meats/poultry - soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood - fish w/o bones, tuna, salmon, crab and crab cakes
• Vegetables - potatoes, peas, yams, steamed spinach, beans
• Fruits - applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
• Treats - ice cream w/o nuts, milkshakes, smoothies, Jell-O, cake
• Other – eggs, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, beans and much more

Remember with braces, always be mindful of what you are eating, the wrong food can lead to a sooner than expected visit to our office.

Play and Win!

Have you been earning points? If not, what are you waiting for? You can start today! 

As a patient of Beim Orthodontics you are automatically eligible for tons of awesome rewards and prizes. Patient Rewards Hub is a unique program that offers rewards to our patients through our website and Facebook Page.

It’s super easy and accessible. When you visit our office you can pick up a patient rewards card. Once you activate your card you can start earning points instantly through staying on top of your oral hygiene, playing games and participating in our monthly contest.

Here are a few ways you can earn points on your Smile Rewards card:

• Great Brushing
• Nothing Loose or Broken
• Attending our Annual Skate Party
• Referring Friends and Family
• Being on Time
• Wearing Orthodontic Appliances As Instructed

It’s that simple, all you have to do is continue to be a great patient and log onto rewards hub via our website. As you earn points you can then cash in your points to redeem prizes such as gift cards to popular retailers.

We value our patients and want to provide them with best experiences they can get from an orthodontic office. The program is geared towards encouraging healthy habits and making your experience with us fun. So log on and earn those points! If you don’t have a card…ask someone in our office about getting one during your next office visit.

April is National Facial Protection Month

Each year during the month of April the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Orthodontists sponsor National Facial Protection Month.

National Facial Protection Month focuses on spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children and adults from oral and facial injuries. Many injuries that do occur during sporting activities could have been prevented had the proper protective gear had been worn. An estimated 12 million people between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually. A recently published study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of injuries treated at hospital emergency departments, for the period 2001-2008. Researchers found the five most common causes of childhood injuries were, in order of frequency, basketball, football, bicycling, playgrounds and soccer.

Dr. Beim wants to remind all of our patients that it is important for you to protect your mouth during treatment. For protection you must wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. You can buy a stock mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury.

For more information about National Facial Protection Month visit ADA.org, and for questions regarding mouth guards please contact our office. 

Urgent, Urgent, Urgent, Urgent...Emergency

OK...so you're home from your orthodontic adjustment appointment. Your next appointment is scheduled for six weeks from now, but what do you if your mouth is sore, you feel a wire poking your cheek, your teeth are tender. Did you know that many things we consider an emergency are really things that are simply causing us temporary discomfort and can be resolved at home? It's true. Most orthodontic concerns, like, poking wires and mouth soreness can be fixed without scheduling an emergency appointment.

Here's How...

Poking Wire - Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, pencil eraser or Q-Tip. Orthodontic wax can always be used to cover any archwires that might be sticking out. Also...nail clippers can be used to clip a broken archwire that may be poking out if wax doesn't ease you comfort.

Loose Wire - Use Tweezers to re-insert archwires that have slipped out of the molar bracket. Place wax over it if there is any remaining discomfort.

Soreness - Warm salt-water rinses are helpful in relieving soreness. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil as you would for a headache or similar discomfort. Carefully chewing on a half piece of sugarless chewing gum will help alleviate the pain and help your mouth feel "back to normal" much more quickly.

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances. We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office.

Please Remember:  If you are involved in contact sports, a regular mouth guard can be fitted over your braces for added protection. April is National Facial Protection Month so be aware that facial and oral injuries are common, but preventable. Visit aaoms.org for more information.

Braces, Braces and More Braces

Orthodontic technology has brought us many options with regards to braces. These days, there are many types of braces, from metal braces to ceramic braces…even clear braces. But what braces are right for you?

Metal Braces 
When it comes to braces, metal braces are the most commonly used. Metal braces involve brackets that are glued onto the front side of each individual tooth.  You may have heard the words “self-ligating" when people talk about metal braces. Self-ligating is an innovative technology that uses high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement with less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment.

Ceramic Braces
Like metal braces, ceramic braces are glued onto the front of each tooth but are crystal-clear and blend with the natural color of your teeth so they are not as visible as metal braces. They are made of a strong, polycrystalline alumina that is more comfortable on your lips and cheeks.

Clear Aligners 
A series of alignment trays are created from molds and can be removed for brushing and flossing. Each aligner works to straighten your teeth in small incremental movements until the desired results are achieved. Clear Aligners are made of lightweight, clear plastic in the shape of your dental arches and are virtually invisible.


Basically…when you get right down to it, there are 2 basic types of braces. Those that are attached to the teeth and those that are removable.  The type of braces you will need will be dependent on your specific orthodontic problem. Because each individual’s case is different, we cannot use the same treatment or braces on every person.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment and have a specific type of bracket in mind, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. You never know what braces will be right for you until you ask, to find out give us a call today for your consultation!

Welcome To Our Blog

We want to welcome everyone to our new blog! We are super excited to finally have an outlet to keep our patients, their families and their friends up to date on all of the new and amazing things happening at Beim Orthodontics! 

Here, within this blog, we will do our best to keep you posted on office news, contests and events, education information…and just the fun things that happen along the way. So be sure to check back often.  

We hope you enjoy getting to know Beim Orthodontics. Please feel free to leave comments here or on our FaceBook Page…we would love to hear from you!