Happy New Year from the office of Dr. John C. White

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from the office of Dr. John C. White!

Season’s Greetings!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. John White and our team at Braces by White reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays from Dr. White and our entire team!

Ask Dr. White: “I’m 35 – am I too old for braces?”

No! Absolutely not! At the orthodontic office of Dr. John C. White, no one is "too old" for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21 and - not only that - but our staff recently read a statistic that the number of adults getting orthodontic treatment has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996!

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. White would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Dr. John White and our team at Braces by White want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Dr. White shares his story with braces!

I remember the day that I finally got the news that I would be getting braces. I was 4 months short of my 19th birthday and was going off to college. I had actually wanted them for a long time but had to wait my turn with two brothers. Funny thing was that both of my brothers were younger; they just had worse teeth.

I had broken front teeth from an accident at age 9, on overbite and badly crowded lower front teeth. I smiled a lot but was embarrassed by my smile.
Braces in those days were only $1200, but there was no insurance help and the price of a brand new Ford Mustang was only $1799. (My, how times have changed!)

I was fortunate that I had earned a full scholarship at Case Western Reserve and some of the money that had been put aside for my college suddenly became available. (The rest was shifted to my brothers' college funds). I showed up for college with a full set of full metal braces. Since I have been blessed with a very young looking face, I looked like a 14 year old. I spent all 3 years in college with braces on. Short time in college, long time in braces

Dr. John White

Giving thanks this holiday season

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Dr. John White and our entire team at Braces by White would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Braces by White will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however,
Dr. John White and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps! Dr. John White and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook.
Stay safe!

Happy Veteran's Day from Braces by White

Happy Veteran's Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thanks to all of you who have given us so much.

- Braces by White

Share your story with us! Why did you choose Dr. White as your orthodontist?

At Dr. John White's office, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. Serving Northfield, Hudson, Twinsburg, Brecksville and Macedonia, we believe in building strong relationships with our patients in order to create a more personal and rewarding orthodontic experience.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose Dr. White for your orthodontic treatment?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing (Hudson or Northfield Center locations).

Halloween TIPS from the American Association of Orthodontists

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Hudson, Northfield Center orthodontist, Dr. John C. White, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Trick-or-treating safety guidelines:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in
To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:
• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Dr. John C. White suggests looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Braces by White!

Dr. White discusses how his experience in the US Air Force and CE pursuits have shaped his practice

When did you decide to become an orthodontist and why?

Becoming an orthodontist is something that I chose even before I was in college, while undergoing orthodontic treatment myself. The combination of art and science, the impact on other’s lives, and the longterm relationships with patients and their families was just what I wanted in life.

Why did you decide to focus on orthodontics?

I chose orthodontics because it offered me the greatest fulfillment of my love of esthetics and design. As an orthodontic specialist, I can make a difference in people’s lives that affects those around them as well.

Who has inspired you?

My father John White (artist, engineer, and man of complete integrity), Gene Williamson (my first orthodontic instructor and consummate gnathologist), Milt Rabine (an instructor in my residency who was as passionate about orthodontics at 80+ as anyone I ever met), Ron Roth (discipline and focus on “the goal”), Uncle Ron Roncone (who taught me to view the bigger picture and set an example that I can only hope to emulate), Anoop Sondi (outstanding clinician and outspoken advocate for orthodontic excellence), Clayton Chan, Mike Mazocco, and Robert Jankelson (three geniuses who taught me neuromuscular occlusion), and Tony Robbins (nothing like walking on glowing red-hot coals barefoot [x4] to make you confident in any situation).

What is the most satisfying aspect of your practice?

Having the resources to purchase and utilize truly stateof-the-art equipment, and to attend the best courses taught by exceptional people to elevate the level of care that I provide.

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth From Dr. White

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Monday! For those who don't know, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month. Our friends at the AAO put together a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Dr. John White and our staff also recommend you check out the AAO’s website. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. White during your visit at our office in Northfield Center or Hudson!

Have a great rest of the week!

All about orthodontics, with Dr. John White

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. White took some time this week to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Dr. White. We'd love to hear from you.

Ask Dr. White: What is the Best Flosser To Use With Braces?

Patients often ask me how they should floss while they are in orthodontic treatment. There are lots of products on the market that offer advanced flossing techniques. The bottom line is finding something that works for you.

I have been asked about the Platypus Flosser. Many of my patients use this product and love it. Other patients prefer other products. With so many designs out there, it is best to try out a few and see what works best. Once you find something stick with it. It is so important to floss while you are wearing braces, that it really doesn't matter which product you go with. So long as it helps you floss regularly.

--From Dr. John C. White

Have more teeth questions? Let us know at Dr. White's office. We love to chat about your teeth!

24/7 access to your account!

Did you know that patients at our convenient Northfield and Hudson offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? It's true! You can look up your appointments with Dr. John C. White and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

We hope you had a great weekend!

September is Self-Improvement Month!

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Braces by White know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. White would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Connect with Dr. White on Facebook!

At Dr. White’s office, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook and other social networks?

By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive contest news, updates and announcements – all through your news feed! See you on Facebook - we hope summer is winding down nicely for all our patients!

Back to school with Dr. White

Now that many of the schools are back in session, Dr. White and team would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit our Hudson or Northfield office this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for all our patients!

Ask Dr. White: What’s the deal with coffee and tea?

We know a lot of people enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth – especially during orthodontic treatment – because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Dr. John White and team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, we encourage you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

And if you’re one of those folks who just needs their morning coffee or tea, Dr. White and our team suggest using a colored ligature instead of a clear or white one. If all else fails, ask us to use tie wires instead of elastic ligatures as tie wires do not stain at all.

We hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions below or ask us on Facebook!

Tell Dr. White about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. White and our team to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Braces by White!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Connect with Dr. White on Facebook!

At Braces by White, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis for your adjustments, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?

By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive contest news, updates and announcements from Dr. White and team – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Ask Dr. White: What are those white spots on my teeth?

You know those white spots that sometimes appear on teeth? Well we were curious and wanted to know, so we asked Dr. White to explain them. Here are his responses:

What causes white spots on your teeth? Some are developmental, like a flaw in a diamond called an inclusion. Some are related to different minerals absorbed during enamel formation. Some are caused by damage to the cells that produce enamel either by systemic infections and fevers or direct from a baby tooth infection or trauma.

Can they be cavity-related? They can be the initial signs of enamel decalcification caused by the acid produced by plaque.

What about fluoride in your water, can that cause white spots too? How do you know how much fluoride is in your water? Fluoride can also cause enamel discoloration and opacity but not usually the typical white spots. Call the local water provider or the local health department.

Can white spots appear after braces? How can you best prevent that from happening? The white spots after braces are decalcified areas from plaque acid not removed by good hygiene during braces. They can be prevented by good hygiene and fluoride.

What about white spots that appear in the morning and fade as the day progresses, what does that mean? Usually this means mouth breathing causing dehydration of the enamel on the front teeth.

Are white spots on your teeth genetic? Sometimes - see above.

Can nutrition and diet affect the white spots? Early in life yes, after teeth are erupted the changes are to the surface rather than internal.

What are the best ways to prevent these white spots from appearing? Proper fluoride levels in drinking water. Water testing for heavy metals in environment. Knowledge of which antibiotics and other chemicals that can damage developing enamel. And proper hygiene.

If white spots are already present, how are they treated? Recalcification with fluoride, microabrasion of shallow lesions, and restoration by the dentist.

Does Dr. White have your current contact info?

We hope you’re off to a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled adjustment appointment with Dr. John White, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Are you wearing your mouth guard this summer?

With summer in full force, our staff at Braces by White thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports – this summer.

Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit with Dr. John White, we encourage you to ask us for a mouth guard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

We hope you’re enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

This summer, smile with Invisalign Teen!

There’s good news for teenagers this summer at Braces by White! Dr. White and team are proud to offer Invisalign Teen, a popular choice for straightening teeth without traditional wires and brackets.

Much like Invisalign for adults, Invisalign Teen is an alternative to metallic braces and is undetectable when worn. Invisalign moves teeth at a pace that is faster than traditional braces and are:

-Clear
-Removable
-Super comfortable
-Customized just for you

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you’re swimming the 50 meter race, out on the field kicking the ball around, or playing the clarinet with the school’s band, you don’t have to worry about your braces getting in the way!

If you're considering orthodontic treatment, please contact our Northfield Center or Hudson OH orthodontic offices. Your initial consultation is complimentary, and includes a free dental CAT scan. We look forward to working with you, and your wonderful smile!

Happy Independence Day!

America turns 235 years old today! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers - past and present - who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Our team at Braces by White would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.

We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Dr. White and team proudly offer complimentary consultations!

At Braces by White, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. We believe in building strong relationships with our patients in order to create a more personal and rewarding orthodontic experience.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. John White, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call. Serving Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville and Macedonia, OH, Dr. White is your orthodontic specialist.

See you soon!

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. John White, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. Dr. White has over 30 years of experience in orthodontics as a student, teacher, and practitioner. He understands the needs of his patients, and treats patients with the same respect, compassion, and honesty that he would expect for his own family.

Whether you've visited our offices in Northfield Center and Hudson for weeks or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. White and our team on our Google Local page.

You may write a review here for our Hudson office or here for our Northfield Center location.

Thanks in advance and we hope you're having a great week! Dr. White & our staff look forward to reading your testimonials!

Myths about braces, explained

There are quite a few myths about orthodontics circulating around. But before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any questions during your next visit with Dr. White or on our Facebook page!

--Dr. White

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

Now that we’re in June, Dr. John White thought this would be a great time to remind our patients that June is National Smile Month, and a great time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office. After all, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, according to our friends at the American Dental Association.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart) in addition to visiting Dr. White.

We hope these tips help! Have a great weekend!

Honoring our veterans and heroes this Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to the servicemen and women who died protecting our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids in Northfield, Hudson, Akron and surrounding areas, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school for nine months spells sweet, sweet relief.

At Dr. White’s office, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer 2011 and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the open road with your family, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if you're not scheduled for an appointment next week!

Ask Dr. White: When should my child come in for a consultation?

Great question. Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. White, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist 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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Braces by White to schedule an appointment.

Dr. White at the 111th AAO Annual Session in Chicago

Patients at Braces by Whiite can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Dr. John C. White's goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. He is devoted to continuing education and furthers his learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2011 AAO Annual Session in Chicago, where Dr. White is spending this weekend.

The AAO Annual Session is an always-educational event that is also one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It’s also a time for Dr. White to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Dr. White to give you, our wonderful patients at Braces by White, the best treatment experience possible.

If you’ve got an appointment for an adjustment or consultation scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask Dr. White about his Chicago trip, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively!

Flossing with Braces 101

Dr. White will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give us a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

Braces by White, using the best technology to put our patients at ease

Similarly to about 1/3 of orthodontists, Dr. John White routinely uses high tech memory wires and self-ligating braces (like Damon braces) that reduce friction, which improves patient comfort and is gentler to the roots of the teeth and adjacent bone. This has the added advantage of reducing the number of appointments by 3 or 4 over the course of treatment.

Braces by White also offers two technologies that are unique for this region. In both offices, we use the Sirona dental CAT scan. This cutting edge technology provides significantly better visualization than conventional x-rays at basically the same level of radiation exposure, so that we can better diagnosis and plan treatment. The 3D views also help parents and patients more easily view and understand exactly what problems exist in the mouth.

Our office is also the first and only SureSmile provider in our area. As documented by the World Journal of Orthodontics, SureSmile technology not only reduces treatment time by about 1/3, but also improves the quality of the result.

Using these three technologies in conjunction results in shorter treatment times, as well as the superior quality that our patients expect and deserve.

How do we "Go Green" at Braces by White?

My wife and I have always had the "green" mindset. She developed hers from living in Colorado during college and I was an avid backpacker in Arizona during my tour at Luke Air Force base in the 70's.

But the real push came when we realized that our children and grandchildren might not inherit the pristine world that we grew up in.

We personally have been recycling everything that we can for years, even before curbside pickup and local dropoffs. Both offices have containers for glass, plastic, metal, and paper recycleables.

When I designed the newer office location in Hudson, I intentionally chose a smaller space and hired a certified "green" architect to take care of the details. The carpeting is 40% post consumer recycled product and is designed to have the sections repositioned every few years to extend the useful lifecycle. The manufacturer also guarantees that they will 100% recycle all of their products when replaced. The wood flooring is rapidly renewable bamboo.
The plastic panels etc are 40-60% recycled. And we added 8 "sky tubes" to bring in natural light above the chairs. Water heaters are tankless demand units to save energy. The office is wired for solar panels on the upper deck in the future.

Both offices use digital x-ray equipment, eliminating the use of chemicals for processing.

During our computer upgrades taking place this May/June we will be reducing the use of paper significantly.

And finally, we contribute to several national environmental funds regularly since we believe that leaving the world a prettier and healthier place is more than just the smiles that we create for our patients.

- Dr. White

Dr. White is proud to treat patients with special needs

We have always been proud of our care for special needs patients. At some level it seems most of our patients would like to be treated as special. Often this means little more than taking the time to ask questions about feelings, listening to the patient and parent's answer, and responding.

Taking a little extra time to make sure everything is clear before we do anything seems to make a big difference.

We have had staff with children that had autism, so we are attune to their special needs.

And finally, anyone who has met Dr. White knows that he is intimately/personally aware of ADD / ADHD management.

Dr John White

Ask Dr. White: “I’m 35 – am I too old for braces?”

No - absolutely not. At the orthodontic office of Dr. John C. White, no one is "too old" for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21 and - not only that - but our staff recently read a statistic that the number of adults getting orthodontic treatment has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996!

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. White would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Ask Dr. White: What's the deal with retainers?

If you recently completed treatment at Braces by White, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. John White will provide you with retainers. After braces are removed the teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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 is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receiver your retainers from Dr. White:

* Wear your retainers full time, until Dr. White instructs otherwise.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practicing speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them quicker is a good idea.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Try to remember to bring your retainers to your appointments.
* Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last for years!
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).
* Keep retainers away from hot water, pockets, the washing machine and napkins.

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

How important is your smile? From Dr. White

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. John White, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. We believe in building strong relationships with our patients in order to create a more personal and rewarding orthodontic experience.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment, please contact our Northfield Center or Hudson OH orthodontic offices. Your initial consultation is complimentary, and includes a free dental CAT scan. We look forward to working with you, and your wonderful smile!

Get to know your BRACES

Should you need to call Dr. White in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

--Dr. White

Access to your account any day, any time!

Did you know that patients at our convenient Northfield and Hudson offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? It's true! You can look up your appointments with Dr. John C. White and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Have a great weekend!

Dr. White visits the SureSmile Users Conference

Dr. White is off to Orlando tomorrow for his first SureSmile Users Conference. He is really excited to spend time with old friends and new technology - Dr. White has about 30 cases using SureSmile technology so far as we gear up to use this for all patients by 2013. Really excited!

Learn more about SureSmile on our website or from our previous blog posts:

http://bit.ly/ezLN6N
http://bit.ly/e0xk3V
http://bit.ly/i4QXTn

Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]

Happy Monday! We recently came across this video, and realized that it’s just what folks considering Invisalign in the greater Cleveland area might be interested in watching. Invisalign sure gets a ton of promotion online (including here on Dr. White's blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At Braces by White, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign, and always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else!

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at our Hudson or Northfield Center office to set up a complimentary consultation, so Dr. White can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

We hope you had a wonderful Presidents’ Day weekend!

Complimentary Consultations at Braces by White

At Braces by White, our greatest goal is to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more confident smile. We believe in building strong relationships with our patients in order to create a more personal and rewarding orthodontic experience.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. John White, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call. Serving Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville and Macedonia, OH, Dr. White is your orthodontic specialist.

See you soon!

February contest!

How about ANOTHER CONTEST !?!? 2 Lower Bowl Tickets (my seats) to see KOBE and the LA LAKERS play the Cavaliers Wed., February 16th @ 7:30.

To enter just post a picture on the BracesByWhite Facebook page by 6:00 PM Tuesday the 15th. Winner will be notified by 8 PM. Good Luck everyone - have a great weekend.

Dr. White & team, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

At the office of Dr. John White, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. White thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. White at our Hudson or Northfield office during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. Specializing in orthodontics for children, teens, and adults - our office is your state-of-the-art, family-friendly orthodontic practice serving Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville, and Macedonia, OH.

If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. White, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

At Braces by White, we know spring sports are just around the corner, and we would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Dr. John White will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our Hudson or Northfield Center orthodontic office.

More happy patients at Braces by White!

Once in a while, our staff at Braces by White receive patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do every day: creating beautiful smiles for our patients in Northfield, Hudson, Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities. Check out what a few of our patients are saying!

"He is very nice. Most importantly, he treats my kids like human beings. Dr. White and his staff address my children directly, honestly, and kindly. He also produces very good results." ~ Andrew B.

"Love, Love, Love him. Dr. White knows what he is doing. He answers questions with no hesitation and makes you feel very welcomed and at home." ~ Alexiz Z.

"He is very knowledgeable, thorough and accommodating. Also, if one office is booked for an after-school or no school time, the other office may have an opening." ~ Robert C.

"The staff is always so nice and cordial , and the good Doctor knows how to run an office. My teeth have never been healthier and I get comments about them."‎ ‎

"Dr. White is friendly. He makes all of us feel at ease. I like his approach in that he isn't overly aggressive and is not only concerned about the health of my children but also understands the financial impact of his recommendations. EVERYONE on the staff is helpful and friendy too!" ~ Abby M.

"Dr. White is very professional and up to date with the newest techniques. The girls in the office are very pleasant and everyone makes you feel relaxed." ~ Tracie V.

Dr. John White, your local Invisalign Elite Provider

While you probably know that we offer Invisalign treatment at Braces by White, did you know that Dr. John White is an Invisalign Elite Provider?

You're probably thinking: Ok, so what does this certification mean?

It means Dr. White is specially trained in the Invisalign system of clear removable aligners, and has had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Providers like Dr. White have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the entire country!

If you are considering the Invisalign system, give us a call at our convenient Northfield or Hudson locations to schedule a complimentary consultation. During this appointment, we can work with you to determine if the Invisalign system is right for you! We also proudly serve Cleveland, Akron, Twinsburg, Brecksville and Macedonia, OH.

Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?

At Braces by White, we know all too well the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. White and our entire team!

The importance of visiting your dentist during treatment, from the staff at Braces by White

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing? If yes, that’s terrific! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day (and coming in to see Dr. John White, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your dentist can also:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam Dr. White will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Happy New Year!