Candy Buy Back Program

Halloween is right around the corner and Aspire Orthodontics’ “Operation Gratitude: Candy BuyBack” program for the troops is on its heels.

Patients and members of the community are asked to donate their leftover, unwanted or unneeded candy on Nov. 1. Aspire Orthodontics on Chambliss Avenue in Suite A will give $1 per pound of candy donated. There is a 10-pound limit per donor.

The program brought in 200 pounds of sweets last November.

“We would have been happy with 100 pounds, because it was our first year,” said Marlene Rogers, new-patient coordinator. “We definitely want to exceed 200 pounds this year.”

Aspire needs help from the community to reach that goal.

“We want the community to come to our event,” Rogers said. “We were really pleased with the outcome last year. If we could get an even greater turnout this year, then that would be wonderful.”

Patients at Aspire receive fliers for the Nov. 1 event. They are encouraged to spread the news to neighbors, friends and colleagues. Aspire’s doors will be open for candy drop-offs from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

“As responsible orthodontists, especially if it is candy they cannot eat, and as members of the community and U.S. citizens, we wanted to keep the fun while supporting our troops overseas,” Rogers said. “All the candy will be given and shipped overseas to our troops. We just feel it is a true way to lift their spirits.”

Rogers said she hopes children become excited about the program, as well.

“Our Candy BuyBack program is an opportunity to get children involved in a charitable act and allow them to truly show their support for our troops overseas in harm’s way,” Rogers said.

Collected candy will be sent to Operation Gratitude’s base at the California Army National Guard in Van Nuys, Cal. All candy will then be shipped overseas to the troops. A total of 125 tons (over 250,000 pounds) were collected nationwide through buy-back programs in dental and orthodontist offices.

Letters and notes of gratitude to the troops are also accepted with the candy.

“Contributors can write a note to show their appreciation to the troops by thanking them for everything they do. It’s a nice way to express gratitude to the soldiers.”

Any candy donated must be wrapped.

“We will not collect any open pieces of candy,” Rogers said. “Individual pieces are welcomed. They do not need to come in a bag, as long as they are in their original wrappers.”

Contributors may donate as much candy as they want. Compensation will stop at $10. This means an individual could donate a truck full of candy, but the compensation maximum would remain $10.

Rogers said she thanks patients and members alike and hopes they will come out again for this year’s event

Read more: Cleveland Daily Banner - It’s a sweet deal

What you need to know before getting braces

Feb 03, 2011 9:29 PM by Suzi Milovanovic

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Brace Face Who wouldn't want a great smile complete with sparkling white teeth all perfectly aligned in a row? Braces can help achieve this image, but ask anyone who wore dental braces as a teenager about the experience and many will shudder from the memory. Emblazoned in their memories are the endless taunts about their mouth full of metal brackets, bulky headgear and unforgettable terms like "brace face." If you're on the starting block of the brace race, there are things you need to know that will make the process easier and help you understand what to expect. How long you will wear braces Treatment periods for braces vary, but as a general rule, the more severe the problem, the longer it will take to correct. Some problems are corrected in just six months, while other problems can take several years. Once braces are removed, plan to wear a retainer that will help keep the newly aligned teeth in place. Visiting your orthodontist Frequent check-ups before, during and after the braces treatment period is to be expected. Braces work by gradually moving the teeth into a new and proper alignment, so gentle activations may be applied during your regular adjustment visits, usually every 6 weeks or so. Do braces hurt? There is really no reason to be anxious about getting the braces put on your teeth, but there may be mild soreness or discomfort after the orthodontic wire is engaged, lasting anywhere from a few days to a week. Most people experience some discomfort the first 4 days to a week after their braces, expanders and/or wires are placed and after a wire adjustment and/or an activation appointment. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces as well. The cost of braces Don't be frightened, but the typical cost of braces will be somewhere around $3,500 to $9,000 altogether, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. For those with very crowded or crooked teeth, you can expect to pay more towards the higher end of those numbers. Check with your insurance prior to venturing into braces for what is covered before, during and after treatment. If you are foregoing insurance, be sure to get an itemized quote from the orthodontist and remember that everything is negotiable. Cleaning braces You will need to be extra thorough with cleaning while you wear braces since the brackets and wires will attract and hold food particles. There are a lot more angles that you have to be mindful of in order to properly clean your teeth during the treatment period. We are not all born with great teeth, but dental braces can certainly help make it seem like we were, not only to look better but to have healthier teeth as well. More on braces Brace yourself: Braces for adults 8 Facts about braces 3 Ways braces have changed since you were a kid Tags: braces orthodontics

As Phyllis Diller once said, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” Making someone smile brightens their day and is one of the most generous things which you can do. Smile has a rippling effect that touches the whole community. Imagine if you spilled coffee on your dress or you are stuck in the traffic jam. Whatever may happen, you must never lose that pretty smile on your face. One great benefit of smile is that it chases the blues. So, all you need to do is smile at someone and make them happy. This activates the serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn fights stress and cause you joy. This article mainly focuses on some of the hidden benefits of smiling, which is the key for a happy and healthy life! So, read on…
Smile Your Way to Better Health!
Below are some of the health benefits of smiling, which most of us are aware of, but fail to practice:

• Makes You Feel Better
  When you smile, it does create positive vibes and makes you feel better. You can experiment it yourself by smiling for about a minute. See and feel the difference. Your mood shifts towards more happiness. These means that even if you are not happy and still fake a smile, you will actually start feeling a lot better.
• Reduces Blood Pressure
  Research has shown that smiling does bring a huge difference in the blood pressure. You can also experiment this by having your blood pressure checked. Ask your doctor to let you smile for a minute or two after the first readings. Now you will know the difference in both the reading! So, all you need to do is say cheese!
• Boosts the Immune System
  The immune system helps you to stay healthy by keeping all the infections at bay. Studies have stated that a smile can boost your immune system by reducing your chance of getting infections. So, here is another reason for you to smile!
• Busts Stress
  Now one of the ten-point Scout Law for the Sea Scout troop was “A scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.” Now, I understand why Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the scoutmaster made this rule for all the scout boys and girls. The next time you are low, tired, despondent, or overwhelmed, have that beautiful smile on your face for some minutes and feel the change! It is an excellent method to uplift one’s mood and energy. So, why don’t you try it yourself!
• Releases Happy Chemicals
  A happy smile can actually make you feel happy by releasing serotonin, endorphins, and other biochemical substances in your body. So, release these ‘happy smile chemicals’ and feel the difference!
• Smiling Eases Pain
  So, the next time you have a pounding headache, take some aspirin and call a fun loving friend. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Pain, people who put on a happy face during any uncomfortable situation or procedure felt less pain than those who grimaced. So, isn’t it easy to fight pain smiling?
• Makes You Live longer
  This simple act of smile can make a huge difference between life and death. Have you ever thought about it? I don’t think so… Researchers from the University of Illinois have studied that positive people lived more on an average of about four to ten years longer than their peers did. However, the key to good health is to have a genuine smile, but not a fake one. So, don’t bury your emotions and force a grin. Instead of it, start thinking of things that makes you happy and start smiling for a longer life!

So, these are some of the benefits of smiling. Make it a point to practice giving a happy smile whenever you can. Here’s a small smiling homework for you:

• When you get up in the morning, make it a point to wake up with a smile. Hold the smile for a minute.
• Next, when you make you talk to someone, make an eye-to-eye contact and offer a happy smile. This does lift the mood of both you and the recipient.
• As soon, as you feel negativity creeping you, smile for a while and watch the difference!
• Decide this very minute that you would start smiling as often as you can to reap all the above-mentioned benefits.

I hope that this would surely change your life at home, work, and socially. So, start smiling and open the doors for a happy and healthy Life!

Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, starts when the bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums and cause infection. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious conditions...

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What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, starts when the bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums and cause infection. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious conditions.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup.
Other factors that may contribute to gingivitis include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use.
The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums and cause infection. When your body launches an immune response against these invaders, the gums become inflamed. People with gingivitis usually experience little or no discomfort. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms, such as gums that are red, swollen or bleed easily.
Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis.

National Cheeseburger Day

When : Always September 18th National Cheeseburger Day is today. Top off America's favorite sandwich, with a piece of cheese. The food industry makes it a point to celebrate a wide variety of foods. We believe the Cheeseburger certainly earns a special day. Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day by firing up the grill, and cooking cheeseburgers. You can do so for lunch or dinner.... or both! Any kind of cheese will do. Try a different cheese, if your adventuresome. For the carb conscious, eat your burgers without the buns. Watch for....... luncheon and dinner specials today at your local restaurants. Tops on the specials board certainly should be cheeseburgers!

Book Lovers Day

When : August 9th and/or first Saturday in November.

Book Lovers Day encourages you to find a place in the shade to relax with a good book.

Book reading is a great hobby. It's an important one, too. Employers look for it on resumes. Reading is educational, informative, and relaxing. It makes us both smarter, and happier people.

Book Lovers Day is a great day to celebrate. Just grab an interesting book, find a quiet, cozy place, and crack open the cover. Celebrating Book Lovers Day in August is pleasurable on the deck, under a shady tree, poolside, or in a cozy hammock. If you fall asleep while reading, that's okay. It's all part of the relaxing benefits of being a book lover.