Enjoy Halloween with Invisalign and Traditional Braces

Since most kids (and adults) are looking forward to Halloween at the end of the month, we’ve put together some tips so you can still enjoy the holiday while also being mindful of your orthodontic health! Avoiding some candy and enjoying others can help you stay on track with your Invisalign or traditional braces.

• Avoid anything high in sugar, like candy corn! The same goes for citrus sweets, soft drinks, and anything else highly acidic which can discolor your teeth.
• Be careful with popcorn and popcorn balls – the kernels and pieces can get lodged in your braces.

Read more on our website!

Need More Ideas?

We love to talk with our patients and want to help you enjoy the season while also taking care of your teeth. If you have questions or need tips, Drs. Stieper and Brust, and Dr. Khatib are happy to help! Call us today to schedule your next check-up, or your first free consultation.

Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by finally taking the plunge with Invisalign or traditional braces. We can’t wait to meet you!

Have a Happy Halloween While Taking Care of Your Teeth

It’s October, and we’re celebrating! No, not just for Halloween!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month?

According to Colgate, “more than 1.2 million U.S. adults currently sport braces.” Are you one of them? Maybe you’re a teen or you have a child who needs braces, or is currently receiving treatment.

Did you know you can still enjoy your favorite Halloween candies and treats while going through orthodontic treatment?

Better Orthodontic Health Means a Healthier You!

At Stieper & Brust, we love what we do. We love to help our patients get the beautiful smile of their dreams and help boost their health and their self-esteem.

According to MouthHealthy.org, “correcting [crooked teeth] can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and jaw problems.”

Read more on our website!

Braces-Friendly Options for Summer Party Treats

For some of us, summer is the best time of year. The summer sun, barbecuing, bonfires, and best of all; the food! Those of us with traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign know about the constant struggles that come with enjoying traditional summer treats.

We have some small tricks for you so that you don’t have to worry about those endless seeds stuck in your teeth!

• Toothpicks are your best friends! - Carrying around some toothpicks in your bag will be the most helpful thing for your smile. If seeds or food ever get stuck in your mouth, the toothpick is there for a quick pick-me-up!
• Choose what you eat wisely. Making small swaps to your diet will immediately help your teeth Switch from berries to seedless fruit, cubed to crushed ice, and choosing a veggie tray over chips are all small changes you can make! Click here to read the full article on our website!
• Keep up with brushing! - Brushing your teeth regularly will have your smile looking brighter than the sun itself!
• Don’t forget about your regular cleaning - Most people over look this task, but it is so important to fit this time in. Before diving into the pool, give your orthodontist a call for a quick check up.

At Stieper & Brust Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you enjoy summer and the delicious foods that come with it while keeping your smile healthy at the same time.

Enjoy all of your favorite summer foods even while having braces!

 Can’t seem to find the middle ground maintaining your beautiful smile while still enjoying yummy summer foods? Trying to find healthier options for summer treats?

Bring on the summer treats now that warm weather is here! Your mind is now overtaken with the thoughts of barbecuing, sweet fruit, and tasty cold treats to cool you off. However, this time of the year can be tricky for those of us with traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.

We’ve created some simple summer tricks to help you fulfill your summer treat needs while still caring for your teeth!

• Veggie over everything - According to the American Dental Association, carrots, celery and raw broccoli are like natural toothbrushes! Choose a veggie tray instead of chips and dip at your party to satisfy that need for a crunch, but stay away from the chips that often end up settling in the pits of your teeth
• More cheese, please! - Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are low in sugar but rich in calcium, which can strengthen and protect enamel.
• Go seedless - Try to stay away from seeds by going for hotdog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. For fruit options, try to stay away from raspberries, kiwis, and blackberries, which have small seeds that get easily stuck in teeth.
• Look out for ice - Crunching on hard foods like ice can cause broken teeth and can damage enamel. Crushed iced cubes are a better option for your guests.
• Stay away from soda! - Water is one of the best things you can drink, especially on hot days when it’s so important to stay hydrated. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try infused water!

Take care of your teeth and save money on the cost of braces in the long run with these tips and more! Our friendly team of orthodontists have the knowledge to answer any of your questions and will make sure you’re comfortable with your braces or Invisalign. Contact us today! We want to make sure your smile is as bright as ever!

Meet the Newest Addition to Our Team - Dr. Leen Khatib!

Stieper and Brust Orthodontics is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Leen Khatib to our practice! Leen is an Ann Arbor/Saline native and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to practice in the community where she grew up.

After graduating from Saline High School in 2008, she attended University of Michigan where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering.

 Dr. Khatib earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, graduating near the top of her class. Upon graduating, she attended Indiana University where she completed her Orthodontic Residency and obtained her Master of Science in Dentistry.

Dr. Khatib was born and raised in the Ann Arbor/Saline area. She was very active with the sports community, participating in basketball, tennis, and golf throughout her years at Saline High School. She enjoys being outside, water sports on the lake and cheering on the Wolverines (Go Blue!).

It takes significant effort to find someone who we know will uphold the high quality of care and service that patients experience in our practice. Dr. Khatib is passionate about creating a fun environment for her patients where they can come to realize their best smile. Our goal is to make our office visits the highlight of their day! Additionally, we are thrilled that Dr. Khatib’s addition will allow for increased availability and more flexible hours for our mutual patients.

Teeth Straightening Can Help with Chronic Pain!

Did you know straight teeth make it easier to clean and take care of your pearly whites?

Did you know that crooked teeth could be the cause of chronic pain you might be experiencing?

Seeing an orthodontist for teeth straightening could help you get back on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Visit our website to learn more about how straight teeth can improve your overall health!

We’ve got flexible options to help with the cost of braces, and we’ll help you get the straight, beautiful smile of your dreams. You’ll not only see physical improvements, but your self-esteem and confidence will skyrocket!

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to see you and get you on your journey to better health!

Having Straight Teeth Isn't Just About Looks!

Did you know having straight teeth isn’t just about looks?

Did you know that there are many health benefits to having your teeth straightened?

 If you’re wondering whether you should consider traditional braces or Invisalign, we know that it can be a tough decision, especially for adults. However, the benefits of having straighter teeth are more than just aesthetic!

Visit our website to learn more!

Braces or Invisalign Improve Your Overall Health!

If any of the symptoms listed above sound like issues you’ve been having, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Stieper & Brust! Our orthodontists are friendly and work hard to make sure you’re comfortable and at ease as they develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to see you and get you on your journey to better health!