Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Bethany Hamilton


Damon Braces is proud to announce our newest ambassador,
Damon patient Bethany Hamilton.

There are not many people who don't know about Bethany and her amazing story after an unspeakable shark attack. Just a young teen in 2003 when attacked, Bethany has gone on to inspire millions due to her amazing determination and attitude. She shares her astonishing story in her bestselling autobiography Soul Surfer which in April 2011 was released as a major motion picture. Not only does Bethany continue to compete in the ASP World Professional Surfing Tour, but she tours the world to share her story of triumph and to prove that with faith and belief anything is possible.
After being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence.
After the shark attack Bethany will tell you she struggled through many trials and tribulations which took a toll on her confidence and self esteem. When asked, Bethany will tell you that "after being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence." Now, with help from Damon System braces, Bethany is able to smile through adversity.
If you are interested in improving your smile and outlook on life, take a tour through our website and ask your orthodontist about Damon System braces. If you don't have an orthodontist, that's ok, check out our Damon Doctor Locator you will be able to find one in your area.
To find out more about Bethany visit her website at http://bethanyhamilton.com/

Wednesday, December 14, 2011







What Can You Not Eat When You Are Wearing Braces?



What Can You Not Eat When You Are Wearing Braces?
Photo Credit candy image by cherie from Fotolia.com
According to BracesReview.com, people who wear braces not only have to be careful about keeping their teeth clean, they also have to avoid the many foods that can damage braces. Avoiding these foods can save time, money and unwanted trips to the orthodontist.

Warnings

BracesReview.com says that anything "sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy" is not advisable for people with braces. This includes jelly beans, corn on the cob, gum drops, carrots, all types of gum, taffy, nuts, chips and popcorn. Ice cream with candy mix-ins such as caramel chocolate bars is also off-limits. Biting into an apple can cause problems, but generally eating sliced and peeled apple is OK. Chewing ice is also not advisable if you have braces.


Significance

Brackets in braces can be broken and wires can be bent or pulled out of place by eating Halloween candy, says BracesReview.com. This means more unwanted trips to the orthodontist. Even if the braces are not broken, sugar gets behind the wires, where it is hard to remove and can cause tooth decay.

Expert Insight

The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that people with braces be extra diligent about brushing, flossing and rinsing because sugar and plaque can combine to make acid. This acid causes decalcification, which causes white spots on teeth.

Alternatives

Avoiding candy altogether is often not a reasonable expectation. It's far better to educate kids about what candy they can eat on special occasions. BracesReview.com recommends soft chocolates that melt in the mouth, like peanut butter cups and candy bars that do not have caramel or nuts. Apples can be peeled, sliced thin and dipped in chocolate for a special treat.

Holidays

Holidays like Halloween and Christmas are particularly problematic because eating candy is so much of a cultural norm. The American Association of Orthodontists recognizes this and in 2009 started a Halloween candy buyback program in which gift certificates, movie tickets and cash were given in exchange for Halloween candy. The association anticipates receiving almost 16 tons of candy in 2010. Places like Amherst Orthodontics have committed to paying $1 for every pound of candy they receive.