Geller Orthodontics

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

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

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.

Have you had a chance to enter the Geller Orthodontics Super Bowl Trivia Contest? Drs. Geller and Cohen, serving Plano and Dallas, Texas, strive to provide each and every one of our patients with the very highest level of orthodontic and personal care in a communicative and enjoyable environment. Our team works together with you and your family to help you achieve that beautiful smile you deserve. To keep that team spirit alive at our office, we are currently hosting a Super Bowl Triva Contest. The winner will receive four tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game! To enter, visit our Geller Orthodontics contest board for Super Bowl trivia questions.

The Dallas Cowboys game is Sunday, Nov. 12, 2010, so don't miss your chance to win tickets! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule your appointment 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!

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!!

With summer already in full swing, our staff at Geller Orthodontics wanted to remind our patients about the importance of reading. We know it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the summer, especially with the nice weather and all those family events! But reading during the summer is a vital step in our brain development and warding off that dreaded “summer slide”— plus, reading is fun!

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 Drs. Geller & Cohen - and our staff - would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a librarian here in Plano for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across this week, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

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

Happy Thursday!

Our staff at Geller Orthodontics will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you're in orthodontic treatment. 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 shorter treatment time. You can keep plaque at bay this summer with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxy brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps! We hope you had an AMAZING Fourth of July weekend!

Dr. Geller and Team

One week from today, our staff at Geller Orthodontics - like most Americans - will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most folks, Independence Day is a time of celebration, and a time to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. It's also a time to pay homage to past, present and future soldiers - brave men and women who continue to place themselves in danger around the world every day so that Americans may celebrate our freedom.

Tell us: what are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the great open roads of Texas with family? Are you planning on using fireworks to light up the night sky?

Whatever you and your family end up doing over Independence Day weekend, we hope you have a phenomenal upcoming week and a safe (and happy) Fourth of July weekend!

Did you know that patients at Geller Orthodontics have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our helpful website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just take a look at what our patients are saying about this service!

"I most appeciate seeing our account without having to telephone the office and wait to have the information mailed." ~ Robert C.

"Saved time and assured me I had correct appointment times." ~ David C.

"I am able to view my appointment, my pictures and treatment sequence." ~ Ahmad T.

"Paid my bill at my convenience with no check to write, no stamp to buy, etc." ~ Jonathan S.

"I work in information systems at work and use the computer frequently throughout the day. The OS service allows me to check on information without having to make a phone call. This is much quicker and more convenient." ~ Cathy P.

You, too, can 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 at (972)596-4502 if you have any questions about getting started!

Happy Monday!

Geller Orthodontics, located in Plano and serving surrounding communities around Dallas, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each community is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Mark Geller and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Plano? What do you love most about Dallas? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Texas summer getaway?

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

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!

We're excited to tell you about "Picnic Invasion," an exciting new contest at our office! Now through August 18th, come in to our office and count how many ants have invaded the picnic!

If you guess correctly, you could win a $100 Visa gift card for back to school shopping! We encourage you to stop by and play!

-- The team at Geller Orthodontics

According to our pals at the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranks their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Geller Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

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 to come!

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

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (972) 596-4502! We hope you all a fun and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

It's no surprise Dr. Mark Geller is your most experienced and respected Orthodontist in Plano and North Dallas. At Geller Orthodontics, work with you and your family to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve - in a supportive, comfortable, and caring environment.

Whether you've visited Geller Orthodontics for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring during your treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help Drs. Geller and Cohen create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

It is with great pleasure that our team at Geller Orthodontics introduce our new associate, Dr. Glenn T. Cohen.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Dr. Cohen is Dr. Geller's former student at the Orthodontic Residency Program at Baylor College of Dentistry. He has lived in the Dallas area since 2007 with his wife of three years, Staci and their two dogs, Murdoc & Samson.

A proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Cohen is also a member of the Southwestern Association of Orthodontists, Texas Association of Orthodontists, the Texas Orthodontic Study Club, Greater Dallas Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, North Texas Dental Society, Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, Psi Omega and the Dallas Study Club.

Dr. Cohen is an avid sports fan, and also enjoys fitness, cooking and eating.

And now, a word from Dr. Geller:

"For some time, I have been searching for just the right person to join me in practice. I had the the privilege to teach Dr. Cohen in the Orthodontic Residency Program at Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Cohen posseses qualities I find extremely important in providing the highest level of orthodontic care. He is extremely conscientious and hard working with superior intellect and excellent clinical skills. He posseses great communication skills and truly cares about his patients' overall health and well being. I look forward to working with Dr. Cohen for many years to come." Dr. Mark Geller

Our team at Geller Orthodontics will tell you there are many, many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment?

Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Drs. Geller or Cohen how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

If you know Dr. Geller and our team at Geller Orthodontics, you know we embrace continuing education and adding innovative treatments to our repertoire. That includes reading and being up-to-date on all the latest treatment options and attending important seminars and conferences. One of those important conferences was this weekend's AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C.

Dr. Geller attended this all-important conference, meeting with orthodontists and dental experts across North America and discussing effective treatment options. After all, Geller Orthodontics strives with each and every patient to be the orthodontic team that provides the highest level of orthodontic and personal care in Plano and Dallas.

In addition to being a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Geller is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has served as president of Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, Texas Association of Orthodontists, Greater Dallas Association of Orthodontists and the Plano Dental Society. Dr. Geller is also an active member of the Texas Orthodontic Study Club, Dallas County Dental Society, Baylor College of Dentistry, Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity and is a Fellow at the International College of Dentists.

Isn't it comforting to know you have a complete dental expert taking care of your perfecting your smile? Happy Monday!

By now, you're probably familiar with how our blog process works. Week after week, Dr. Mark Geller and our creative team write about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including the innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Geller Orthodontics.

This week, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Geller for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

What a great question! When you come in for your consultation at Geller Orthodontics, we will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you. Then, at your next appointment, Dr. Geller will discuss your orthodontic options with you.

Our staff feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Geller and our team can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment. If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, we ask that both you and your child attend the consultation. Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you and have a great weekend!!

You may not know it, but eight years ago, Tom Cruise - yes, THE Tom Cruise - had braces. At the time, Cruise was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Just check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise dazzling smile in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, people need to look their best, and it wouldn't be possible without people like Plano orthodontist Dr. Mark Geller.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of Hollywood names. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Geller Orthodontics a call at (972) 596-4502.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!!

You may remember that back in February, our staff blogged about the importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports. Well, as it happens, April is National Facial Protection Month, and a great time to remind our patients about the importance of protecting their pearly whites. After all, nearly 60,000 people injure their faces annually while participating in sports activities, and teenagers account for 80 percent of all sports-related trips to the emergency room.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact Geller Orthodontics. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Dr. Geller wants to know: is your child brushing his or her pearly whites twice a day? If yes, that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Dr. Geller of course).

If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

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

If you have any questions about your little ones' dental health, or about your treatment at Geller Orthodontics, please give us a call at (972) 596-4502.

If you recently completed treatment at Geller Orthodontics, our entire team would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Mark Geller will provide—or has provided 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 receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until Dr. Geller 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.
* 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.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team by calling (972) 596-4502 if you have any questions!

Dr. Geller and our staff will tell you braces aren't just for kids anymore. Recently, our staff read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Geller Orthodontics offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups, including adults.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches, and jaw joint pain.

The new techniques and appliances Dr. Geller uses greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. The days of metal bands wrapped around each of your teeth individually are long gone! During the initial examination, Dr. Geller and team will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs.

Don't worry - a large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset: their smile. If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Geller would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Social media great, and our team at Geller Orthodontics recognizes that. In fact, Dr. Geller and our entire team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.

For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Geller and our team take a little time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Geller for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Geller Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Geller will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Geller Orthodontics.

Dr. Geller and our team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Geller Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our professional and amiable staff? Dr. Geller himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Dr. Geller knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! Dr. Geller and our team 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 orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Geller Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

It is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at Geller Orthodontics, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, Dr. Geller uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Geller is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at (972) 596-4502.

Dr. Geller and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Mark S. Geller DDS, serving Plano and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! Part of it is because we asked you last week what you most liked about our office. We thought we'd share a few with you today!

"I love the personal caring and individual attention I receive. I am always impressed how welcome everyone in Dr. Geller's team make me feel. I have no pain and very comfortable." ~ Ahmad T.

"He is a perfectionist. You can see it in the way he works on you and in his organized office." ~ Rick G.

"The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Very seldom have to wait, usually appointment time is right on schedule. Dr. Geller's expertise, professionalism and caring attitude is very much appreciated." ~ Jeri C.

"Dr. Geller explains everything to us so that we understand. The staff is very polite and helpful. I will always refer anyone to Dr. Geller. You're the best...." ~ Susan B.

"Everyone is so incredibly kind!!!!" ~ Kathie E.

From the very first time you walk through the doors at Geller Orthodontics, our amiable team and Dr. Geller strive to provide you superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Geller? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

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 on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Some people wonder why Dr. Geller and our team work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Geller can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from treatment at Geller Orthodontics.