Dallas texas orthodontist

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our office.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain your teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. We can personalize your treatment to suit all of your needs!

When you visit Geller and Cohen Orthodontics for your orthodontic consultation, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. We want you to be prepared for your appointment and feel in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind to ask when you come in for your appointment:

• How long will I have to wear braces?
• Will getting braces hurt?
• Will I have to wear additional appliances to correct jaw problems while I have braces?
• What can I eat when I have braces?
• Are there certain things, like playing sports or playing an instrument, which I won’t be able to do?
• How can I make sure my teeth stay clean and healthy while I have braces?
• How often will I need to come in for appointments?
• How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?

Geller and Cohen Orthodontics is here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. Your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling!

Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. Drs. Mark Geller and Glenn Cohen have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• You don’t need to change your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
• Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great, but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

Give us a call to schedule your consultation!

There are several reasons why some people's teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people's mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person's upper and lower jaws aren't the same size or are malformed. Most often, crooked teeth are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or hair. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury, or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.

Having crooked teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems as well. Crooked teeth can:

• interfere with proper chewing
• make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis
• strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth

There are several orthodontic procedures that can help correct crooked teeth, and at Geller & Cohen Orthodontics we have many services that we can customize to meet your needs. We want you to be proud to show off your smile!

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• <strong>Fluoride</strong> – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• <strong>Antiseptic</strong> – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• <strong>Combination</strong> – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• <strong>Prescription</strong> – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope

• Listerine

• Act

• Crest

• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)

• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)

• Breath Rx

• Orajel

• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)

• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

–Geller & Cohen Orthodontics

With summer in full swing, some of us at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff and Drs. Mark Geller and Glenn Cohen would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Plano, Texas will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Geller, Dr. Cohen and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.2. Wear a helmet3. Wear protective eyewear4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin5. Be alert, even as a spectatorWe hope that helps. 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 Geller and Cohen Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Our team at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics strives to provide the highest level of orthodontic and personal care in Plano and Dallas, Texas. Our expert orthodontists and talented staff work with you and your family to help you achieve that beautiful smile you deserve.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.Please contact our Geller and Cohen Orthodontics to schedule your consultation at our office. We look forward to meeting you!

There are a variety of foods Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen want you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.Foods you should avoid include: • Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips• Sticky foods: caramels, gum• Hard foods: nuts, candy• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrotsAlso, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Geller and Cohen Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen when examining your diagnostic records).At your second appointment, Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early. To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

If you recently completed treatment at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Geller and Cohen Orthodontics 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 Drs. Geller and Cohen 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 Drs. Geller and Cohen, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Geller, Dr. Cohen and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics.How exactly does Invisalign work?Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.Will I experience pain during treatment?Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.Can other people see that I'm in treatment?One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.Can I smoke during treatment?We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.What about chewing gum?We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.How often must I wear my aligners?Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.Will my speech be affected by the aligners?As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.How do I clean my aligners?The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.How often must I visit Geller and Cohen Orthodontics during treatment?For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Drs. Geller and Cohen will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Geller and Cohen Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Drs. Geller and Cohen the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Do you love trivia? Do you love winning prizes? Our doctors and team at Geller and Cohen Orthodontics are pleased to announce something that you should find enjoyable, Winter Wonderland Trivia! During your next appointment, answer trivia questions and you just might become the proud owner of a brand new iPod touch. The contest runs until February 28, 2011, so make sure and schedule your next visit right away!

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact our office, or you can always comment on the Geller and Cohen Orthodontics Facebook page.

Trick-or-treat! In celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

Geller and Cohen Orthodontics will be supporting a local food pantry again this year. We hope to help out as many families as we can for the upcoming holiday seasons. Please join in and help us by donating whatever you can between now and November 17th. All donations can be dropped off at our Plano, TX office.

Thank you,

-Dr. Geller and Dr. Cohen

Today, our team at Geller Orthodontics is celebrating Shelby's 25th anniversary here at the office! She is the Scheduling Coordinator and has been a long time fixture in the practice since 1985. Drs. Geller and Cohen and our team would like to thank Shelby for her hard work, dedication and for always wearing a smile.

If you didn't know already, Shelby is often the smiling voice that answers the phone and assists with appointment scheduling. Shelby has 4 children and 7 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys walking, church activities, and traveling.

We love you, Shelby!

-The team at Geller Orthodontics

At Geller Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. With fall sports, there is often an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Drs. Geller and Cohen also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why Geller Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Geller and Cohen will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Drs. Geller and Cohen are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Geller Orthodontics.

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Geller wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Geller Orthodontics, give us a call!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Geller, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Geller Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Our team at Geller Orthodontics would like to congratulate patient Allie for correctly guessing the number of ants that were invading the summer picnic! There were 286 ANTS! We had a few people that guessed the exact amount so we had a tie breaker drawing.

Allie won a $100 Visa gift card for back to school shopping. For everyone who didn't have a chance to enter our "Picnic Invasion" contest, our Trivia Contest will begin September 2, 2010! More details will be posted on the Blog and Facebook page in the upcoming weeks.

Have a great weekend,

-Dr. Geller and team

Our team at Geller Orthodontics, serving Plano and Dallas, TX and surrounding areas, is excited to announce a new trivia contest that is beginning Sept. 2, 2010. The winner will receive four tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game! To enter, check out our Geller Orthodontics contest board (beginning Sept. 2, 2010) for Super Bowl trivia questions.

The contest will end Nov. 12, 2010, so don't hesitate to schedule your fall appointment today! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule your appointment with Dr. Geller. You won't want to miss your opportunity to win Dallas Cowboys tickets!

Have a great week,

-Geller Orthodontics

Drs. Geller and Cohen serving Plano and Dallas TX , is pleased to offer our patients Lingual Braces. Our team is always receiving questions about Lingual Braces, which is why we wanted to discuss today a few of the unique benefits of this new orthodontic treatment. To begin, the braces are placed behind your teeth, rather than in a visible area. Because of this, no one will ever know that you are wearing braces! This unique type of braces is created using state-of-the-art technology and is entirely customized to the shape of your teeth. Hence, you can improve your smile efficiently and effectively in a discreet new way.

Who especially benefits from Lingual Braces?

• Athletes
• Models
• Actors
• Musicians, especially those who play wind instruments
• Adult professionals

For more information on Lingual Braces and treatment options at Geller Orthodontics, please give us a call today to schedule your consultation!

Have you entered the Geller Orthodontics "Picnic Invasion" contest? If not, Drs. Geller and Cohen want to remind everyone to stop by our office and count how many ants have invaded the picnic! The contest ends August 18th, so don't wait to enter!

If you guess correctly, you could win a $100 Visa gift card for back to school shopping! We encourage you to visit our Plano, TX office and play!

- Dr. Geller and team

Who loves fun facts? Most people. Who loves orthodontic facts? Everyone we know. Our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Drs. Geller & Cohen and our staff thought you might enjoy. Have a terrific rest of the week, and we hope you're enjoying your summer so far!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ever thought about sharing your experience in braces in writing? Well, thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, here's your chance! The AAO is proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, where you can blog about your experience in orthodontic treatment with millions of people and come away with a $100 American Express gift card!

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient here at Geller Orthodontics or the parent of a patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are fine).

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, we encourage you to answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Geller Orthodontics?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out this form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We encourage you to apply today! GOOD LUCK everyone!!

As summer 2010 quickly approaches, our staff at Geller Orthodontics strives to continue blogging about topics related to braces and your treatment with Plano orthodontists Drs. Geller and Cohen.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the long, hot Texas summer, however, we're very interested in your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog this summer? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Geller for a while about your treatment and just haven't found the right time or opportunity? This is your chance! Give us your ideas by posting here on our blog or on our interactive Facebook page!

Our entire staff would also like to wish Dr. Geller a happy, happy birthday!