Kids Getting Braces at a Younger Age

Calgary orthodontist, Dr. Corey Low will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at the AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Low to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give Icon Orthodontics a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

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.

Happy Summer!

-Dr. Corey Low and team

What do you LOVE about Calgary?

Dr. Corey Low, your Calgary orthodontist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Low and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Calgary? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Alberta?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Calgary, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Alberta on our Facebook page.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great weekend!

Icon Orthodontics Celebrates Canada Day 2011!

Last Friday, the Icon Orthodontics team celebrated Canada Day 2011!

Last year you might have seen Dr. Low and his staff at the Apple Juice table, but this year we hosted our very own Photo Booth offering complimentary memorable Canada Day pictures! The event was wonderful and was filled with good food, great weather, music, line dancers, balloon animals, and Canada Day temporary tattoos. We can't wait for next year!!

Check out more photos in our "Canada Day 2011" album on our Facebook page.

Why Are Retainers So Important?

If you recently completed treatment at Icon Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Corey Low will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always 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 by Dr. Low is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Low, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!