GOOFBALLS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT STEWART AND LABBE ORTHODONTICS! HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!

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Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holidays to our blog readers! All of us here at Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics hope that you and yours have a safe and happy season filled with smiles and a ton of love! We look forward to 2010 and the chance to continue providing you with our services...

Can you believe this is the same building?? WOW!! What a difference a few weeks makes!

Our Annapolis office is coming along just wonderfully. The outside colors are absolutely fantastic (great job to Drs. Stewart and Labbe for picking those out…) and the inside is shaping up nicely as well. The glass block was just put in last week and clearly defines our large clinic area. The whole layout is open and inviting.

The coolest part is that if you are in our adult treatment area, you get a very clear and exciting view of the Navy Stadium. The windows are so large and there is no obstruction… it’s very energetic looking out and seeing the “GO NAVY” painted on the stadium seats.

I was fortunate enough to see the lights that were selected and I must say that I LOVE them! It is going to give such a relaxed feel to our office… I think you will all be pleased.

So…about that gourmet coffee machine… and where exactly is my office? Mmmm…still going to have to work on that one.

Here are some more pics! Enjoy…and let me know what you think!

Faces of 2009 holiday season | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

Alright everyone…the Holiday Season has officially arrived! As we head into this glorious time, I ask that you make a simple decision. But first…please read this article:

Faces of 2009 holiday season | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

Posted using ShareThis

OK...the question now is what kind of Holiday Cheer are YOU going to send? Are you going to put that smile on and spread as much "Merry" as you can? Or...are you going to join the Grinch and be in a mad rush to start hunting for Whos? Me? I pushing for the smile!

New Annapolis Office

It’s really coming together now! Our new building in Annapolis is looking gooood! The exterior colors turned out great. Dr. Stewart met with a landscaping architect yesterday to get started on the plants and foliage around the building. The parking lot is even ready to roll (better parking than our current Annapolis location…we promise).

Inside is shaping up as well. The rooms are defined now with walls. There is a beautiful arch leading into the reception area that looks fantastic. We can see where the tooth brush station is going to go AND where our New Patients are going to have their examinations. Once again we will have the open forum in the clinic area allowing our parents to be with their kids and talk to the Doctors and assistants during regular visits.

It’s going to be absolutely wonderful and I can’t wait for all of you to see it.

Here is a slideshow of some of the pictures I took yesterday... ENJOY!

Smile Big!

CHEEEEESE!

Well Hello Hello to the cyber world! Can you believe the weather we are having here in Maryland right now? That’s enough to make you housebound looking for a blankie…That’s about the only thing that would make you smile when you look outside on a blustery day like this. So we know that the weather can have a direct effect on our smiles right? What else can?

I found this very interesting article on the “Language of Smiles”. It gives some insight on the natural way the language you speak can make you smile. Give it a read and let me know what you think.



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October 27, 2009, 9:30 pm
A Language of Smiles
Olivia Judson

Say “eeee.” Say it again. Go on: “eeee.”

Maybe I’m easy to please, but doing this a few times makes me giggle. “Eeee.”

Actually, I suspect it’s not just me. Saying “eeee” pulls up the corners of the mouth and makes you start to smile. That’s why we say “cheese” to the camera, not “choose” or “chose.” And, I think, it’s why I don’t get the giggles from “aaaa” or “oooo.”

The mere act of smiling is often enough to lift your mood; conversely, the act of frowning can lower it; scowling can make you feel fed up. In other words, the gestures you make with your face can — at least to some extent — influence your emotional state.

(The notion that facial expressions affect mood isn’t new. Edgar Allan Poe used it in his story “The Purloined Letter”: one character reports that when he wishes to know someone’s mind, he attempts to compose his face to mimic the expression of that someone — then waits to see which emotions arise. And the idea was developed, in different ways, by both Charles Darwin and William James. But telling stories and developing arguments is one thing. Showing, experimentally, that making a face can make a mood is harder; it’s only in the past 30 years or so that data have started to accumulate.)

Exactly how frowns and smiles influence mood is a matter of debate. One possibility is classical conditioning. Just as Ivan Pavlov conditioned a dog to associate the sound of a bell with the expectation of food, the argument goes, so humans quickly come to associate smiling with feeling happy. Once the association has been established, smiling is, by itself, enough to generate happy feelings. Another possibility is that different facial gestures have intrinsic properties that make them more or less pleasant, perhaps by altering the way that blood flows to the brain.

But here’s what interests me. As anyone who has tried to learn a foreign language will know, different languages make you move your face in different ways. For instance, some languages contain many sounds that are forward in the mouth; others take place more in the throat. What’s more, the effects that different languages have on the movements of the face are substantial. Babies can tell the difference among languages based on the speaker’s mouth movements alone. So can computers.

Which made me wonder: do some languages contain an intrinsic bias towards pulling happy faces? In other words, do some languages predispose — in a subtle way — their speakers to be merrier than the speakers of other languages?

As far as I can tell, no one has looked at this. (It doesn’t mean no one has; it just means I haven’t been able to find it.) But I did find a smidgen of evidence to suggest the idea’s not crazy. A set of experiments investigating the effects of facial movements on mood used different vowel sounds as a stealthy way to get people to pull different faces. (The idea was to avoid people realizing they were being made to scowl or smile.) The results showed that if you read aloud a passage full of vowels that make you scowl — the German vowel sound ü, for example — you’re likely to find yourself in a worse mood than if you read a story similar in content but without any instances of ü. Similarly, saying ü over and over again generates more feelings of ill will than repeating a or o.

Of course, facial gestures aren’t the whole story of emotions; moreover, languages can potentially influence emotions in many other ways. Different languages have different music — sounds and rhythms — that could also have an emotional impact. The meanings of words may influence moods more than the gestures used to make them. And just as the words a language uses to describe colors affects how speakers of that language perceive those colors, different languages might allow speakers to process particular emotions differently; this, in turn, could feed into a culture, perhaps contributing to a general tendency towards gloom or laughter.

Separating these various factors will be difficult, and the overall impact on mood through the facial gestures of a language may well be small, if indeed it exists at all. Nevertheless, I’d love to know whether some languages, by the contortions they give the mouth, really do have an impact on their speakers’ happiness. If it turns out that there is a language of smiles, I’d like to learn it. In the meantime: have a giggle with “meeeeeee.”

So now tell me...what do you say to make yourself smile when in front of the camera?

Turn that Frown Upside Down FAST!

Well here is something VERY interesting for this dreary Thursday morning. Feeling down? Maybe it’s the weather! Perhaps you should try the “Happiness Hat”. That’s right…this little number is not only stylish BUT it will also help you to remember to keep a smile on your face…despite what you may be feeling inside.
How you ask? Well…there is a sensor arm that comes down from the hat (looks almost like a microphone) that can feel the muscles in your cheek. When those muscles are working and there is a smile on your face, then all is good. However, wipe that smile off your face and you will be poked with a metal prod in the back of your head.
Think I am kidding? Check it out….



For more information on the “Happiness Hat” and the artist behind this invention, click here.
One thing I can promise you is that at Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics you will NOT find our patients sporting this devilish hat. Having a beautiful smile is reason enough to…well…smile!

What do you think of this hat? Is this something that you would consider wearing or is this just an interesting artistic expression?

Have a great day, smile lots and don’t make us put this hat on you!

A Night for the Spooky and the Cooky!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Are you going to dress up tonight in a spooky, ghoulish, silly or crazy get up? If so, send us a picture! We would love to see you!! seemysmile@stewartandlabbe.com

Be safe and have fun this weekend. Eat lots of good candy…but PLEASE, if you have braces on or appliances in, stay away from chewy, gooey, overly crunchy and sticky treats.

For more pics of the Stewart and Labbe Gang having some Halloween fun, click here.

We hope to see you soon!

Goblin Good Munchies

Closer and CLOSER! It’s coming! Halloween that is…And here is another tasty treat for all you gorgeous tin grins out there… gobble up these Goblin Good Munchies! Brace Safe and YUMMY…

A mild and gently munchy instead of true crunchies from Teen Cuisine, A Cookbook for Young People Who Wear Orthodontic Braces

Makes: A bowl FULL
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:
• 1 small box rice cereal
• 1 small box corn or wheat cereal
• 1 small box of puffed rice cereal
• 1 stick of margarine
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce or Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon onion salt

Directions:
Line a cookie sheet or large baking pan with tin foil.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, putting margarine in the pan and the pan in the oven as the oven preheats so that the margarine will melt.
Remove the pan from oven and add sauce and seasoning to the melted margarine, stirring until well mixed. Gradually pour cereal into pan, stirring the cereal to coat it lightly in the margarine mixture.
When all the cereal is in the pan, put pan uncovered in oven and bake for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
Eat warm or store cool in airtight container for future snacks.
(Note: you many want to adjust seasoning to your individual taste.)

114 Forbes St., Annapolis, MD OUR NEW OFFICE

This is our reception area.

Here is the front desk! Can you believe that patients will be signing in here soon?

This is the front door.

Here is the view from the corner of Melvin Ave. and Forbes St.

And this is the view from across Forbes St.


Our new Annapolis office is coming along fantastically! Tell us what YOU think. Any suggestions or comments? And where do YOU think the gourmet coffee maker should go?

Have a absolutely fantastic day...and don't forget to smile.

Halloween Recipe

Halloween is just around the corner! YEAH! I still have no idea what I am going to dress up as… let me know if you have any suggestions. This glorious candy crammed day is wicked busy for orthodontists. Why you ask! It is because all that witchtastically chewy, ghoulishly gooey, scary sticky and gobbling goodness can be damaging to your braces. TRY and remember to stay away from the temptations of these treats and have “brace friendly” goodies.
To help you along, I am going to post some great looking recipes that we have found and KNOW are safe to have with your braces.

This one is from the American Association of Orthodontics and is called “Scary Jigglers”:

Adapted from Kraft Foods Kitchen

SCARY JIGGLERS
Ingredients:
• 2 ½ cups boiling water (do NOT add cold water)
• 2 pkg. gelatin (any flavor, but we recommend Orange, Grape or Lime for Halloween)
• Halloween-shaped cookie cutters

Directions:
Stir boiling water into gelatin in a large bowl 3 minutes until completely dissolved. Pour into 13 X 9 inch pan. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm (meaning that the gelatin does not stick to finger when touched).

Dip bottom of pan in warm water for about 15 seconds. Cut into 24 decorative shapes using 2-inch cookie cutters, making sure to cut all of the way through the gelatin to the bottom of the pan. Remove from pan. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

We hope that you enjoy!
If you have any great recipe ideas for our many faces with braces out there, please feel free to share them. I would love to post them up here. email me at seemysmile@stewartandlabbe.com.
Have a happy day!!

A wonderful "Light the Night"!

On Sunday, October 4th, the Stewart & Labbe Gang headed out to the Naval Academy Stadium in Annapolis and participated in the “Light the Night” walk supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I must say that I am so proud of the turn out this event produced.
All of the walkers held illuminated balloons: white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost. It was a beautiful sight to see the balloons on a clear and gorgeous fall evening in the historical Annapolis town. In addition, as if ordered from the heavens above specifically for this night, a full harvest moon helped to light our way.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. In fact, LLS funds more blood cancer research than any other voluntary health agency. They are completely relentless in the pursuit of their mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
With the help of these efforts the survival rates for some blood cancers have doubled or even tripled. In fact, blood cancer survival rates rose by as much as four-fold from 1960 to 2000.
In an effort to support this cause as much as possible, our fundraising web page remains open. If you would like to help out LLS, please click below.

http://pages.lightthenight.org/md/Annapoli09/WireWalkersfeaturingORTHODONCHICKS

Enjoy these pictures of our wonderful team, the Wire Walker featuring the Orthodonchicks.
Take care, stay healthy and smile lots!

Sight restored by her TOOTH?!

That’s right! This is amazing and true. Talk about yet another reason you want to keep you teeth healthy. Check out this article and let me know what you think. Everyday I am amazed at the advances that science is making. What could possibly be next?

Blind Woman Sees With 'Tooth-in-Eye' Surgery
Doctors in Florida Restore Sharron Kay Thornton's Vision by Implanting a Tooth in Her Eye

Article from ABCnews.go.com

Forget about an eye for an eye -- doctors in Florida have taken a blind woman's tooth, and used it to help restore her vision.
A team of specialists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine announced Wednesday that they are the first surgeons in the United States to restore a person's sight by using a tooth. The procedure is formally called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (or MOOKP).
Sharron "Kay" Thornton, 60, went blind nine years ago from a rare disorder called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The disorder left the surface of her eyes so severely scarred she was legally blind. But doctors determined the inside of her eyes were still functional enough that she might one day see with the help of MOOKP.
"This is a patient where the surface of the eye is totally damaged -- no wetness, no tears," said Dr. Victor L. Perez, the ophthalmologist at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami who operated on Thornton. "So we kind of recreate the environment of the mouth in the eye."
The three-phase operation started with University of Miami dentist, Dr. Yoh Sawatari, who removed a tooth from Thornton's mouth and prepared an implant of her own dental tissue for her most severely damaged eye. The tissue would be used to make a new cornea to replace the damaged one.
Doctors then removed a section of Thornton's cheek that would become the soft, mucus tissue around her pupil. Finally, Perez and his team implanted the modified tooth -- which had a hole drilled through the center -- to support a prosthetic lens.
"We use that tooth as a platform to put the optical cylinder into the eye," explained Perez. Perez said doctors often use less risky and less invasive techniques to replace corneas, but the damage from Thornton's Stevens-Johnson syndrome ruled those out.
Using a tooth might sound strange, but it also offers an advantage. Because doctors used Thornton's own cheek and tooth tissue she faces less risk that her immune system will attack the tooth and reject the transplant. Patients getting a cornea transplant from a deceased donor, on the other hand, face chances that their immune system will reject the new tissue.
This Labor Day, Thornton was able to take off the bandages and she immediately saw the light.
"From the first day, she's been able to see 20/70," said Perez. "She cannot drive legally (yet), but she can see her hands, see TV, see the sky, see the clouds."
At the moment, Thornton has nothing covering the cheek tissue on her eye, an aesthetic drawback MOOKP patients must face.
"Her eye looks different but, the goal is once she heals more we can put on a cosmetic eye shield," said Perez.
The technique was developed in Italy in the early 1960s, but the original procedure has been modified over the years by doctors in Europe. Hundreds of people in Japan, England and Italy have regained vision through the technique, but most eye specialists in the U.S. don't foresee MOOKP catching on in America.
"It's a complicated and rare procedure that a few people use in desperate situations [and] some patients benefit when the alternative is blindness," said Dr. Stanley Chang, an ophthalmologist at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
While OOKP is used more often in Europe, doctors U.S. typically choose a less tedious technique called the Boston Keratoprosthesis, which is similar to MOOKP but uses a prosthetic cornea instead of one grown from dental tissue and does not require cheek tissue to surround the implant.
The Boston technique, experts say, can save patients time and give them a more natural looking eye.
Doctors may use MOOKP for some uncommon situations -- including people with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or who were chemical burn victims -- but not always.
"These conditions, although rare or uncommon, are still important because the patients may have little or no vision, and because there have not been very effective treatments to restore their vision," said Dr. James Chodosh, a cornea specialist at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
However, Chodosh added, "The [MOOKP] procedure is unlikely to be very commonly used because of the difficulty, length, and invasiveness of the surgery and the cosmetic appearance after surgery."
Dr. Uyen Tran, associate professor of ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, agrees that "these types of patients are not common" and says that "we probably see about 20 cases a year at our center."
Yet, while the number of patients for MOOKP may never reach the number of patients getting the Boston Keratoprosthesis, Perez said he hopes to perform more of these procedures for those in need.
"Absolutely there are a lot of patients like her (Thornton), and also patients with chemical burns… we also want to work with the Department of Defense to help with soldiers who are scarred," said Perez.
ABC's Courtney Hutchison contributed to this report.

Click here to see the original article on the ABC News Webpage

"Light the Night" Walk to fight CANCER

Hello Stewart & Labbe Friends and Family. We need your help to make a difference for people with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Please read below and consider giving us your support...

Despite a slowing economy, the need for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) services continues to increase. Just this past year, more than 138,500 Americans were diagnosed with blood cancers. LLS funds lifesaving research and provides information, support and financial assistance to patients and their families. Without the help of contributors like YOU, none of these services would be possible.

This year, Stewart & Labbe Orthodontics is forming a fundraising team for LLS’s “Light The Night Walk” campaign. Light The Night is an annual evening walk that raises funds for LLS’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Our local Walk will take begin at the Naval Academy Stadium on 10-4-09. We will start gathering around 5:00 pm for registration as well as the “opening ceremonies”. At 7:00 pm we will start walking! Each walker will have an illuminated balloon white for survivors, red for supporters and gold for those who have lost a loved one to blood cancer. It is a 2 mile walk in and around downtown Annapolis. We’re trying to recruit as many walkers as possible and raise at least $5000. We’re asking our patients, our families and our friends to join our team, the WIRE WALKERS featuring the Orthodonchicks.

If you would like to come on out on 10/4/09 and be a part of this magical night with us, please email Nikki at nikkid@stewartandlabbe.com. This will ensure that you get all the information necessary.
Can't make it that night? Please make a donation with your credit card to the Stewart & Labbe WIRE WALKERS featuring the Orthodonchicks on our homepage by clicking here.

If you would prefer to send cash or a check via mail, please send it to:
Stewart & Labbe Orthodontics
PO Box 642
Gambrills, MD 21054

Any amount that you give is so greatly appreciated. Together we WILL make a difference!

Could you imagine having a tooth that weighs 8 lbs?? That's how much an elephant tooth weighs. Amazing hugh? If you would like to learn more, check out this article from "CoolScienceFacts.com" on Jan. 31, 2007. I find elephants very interesting creatures and love the way they make me smile! What animals make you smile?

Whatever it is that makes you smile, I hope you do a lot of it this labor day weekend! Stay safe and enjoy...

Most mammals have a set of baby teeth that eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth, which they keep for their entire lives. Elephants are different, however. They go through six sets of large, brick-like teeth that grow in at the back of their mouths and slowly move to the front as they are worn down. The teeth then fall out and are replaced by fresh ones.

Consequently, elephants have no use for dentists, and have been known to laugh openly when they encounter dental hygienists on safari. There is evidence of elephants in the wild eating five hundred pounds of coconut macaroons in one day, without flossing.

Each set of elephant teeth that grows in is larger than the last. The final teeth are over eight inches long (21 cm) from front to back and weigh more than eight pounds (4 kg).

Using a mouse to market the MOUSE!

This is a pretty GREAT job if you ask me! Talk about sharing your SMILE! Orlando, FL has chosen 2 friendly folks to experience all that Orlando has to offer…with Orlando picking up the tab! WHY? HOW? Well…the trick here is that the dynamic duo have to share their experience with the world by tweeting, blogging, facebooking, and youtubing the entire experience…that’s the low down of the download. If anything, it gives followers the opportunity to live vicariously through them! And you gotta admit…they are pretty adorable. Here’s more:

Kyle Post and Stacey Doornbos are spending 67 days experiencing everything Orlando has to offer and sharing each amazing experience with you. As Orlando's Smile Ambassadors, they will visit more than 100 Orlando attractions including everything from roller coaster riding to hang gliding, swimming with dolphins, spa-ing, golfing, gator wrestling, museum exploring, theatre-going, dining and more.
Kyle and Stacey were selected as Orlando's Smile Ambassadors after the Orlando CVB conducted a worldwide search for an adventurous duo with great smiles that resulted in hundreds of submissions from more than a dozen countries.
Follow along as Kyle and Stacey take on the top social media job in the world.

Click here to go to the official "67 Days of SMILES website!

Did your Mom ever yell out “DON’T USE YOUR TEETH!” as you attempted to cut, gnaw, open or twist something off? For lack of a better tool, we jeopardize our pearly whites and sometimes utilize them as our handy dandy built in Swiss Army Knife.

It seems as though aerospace engineers have taken the structure of our teeth to a whole new level. Mimicking their natural strength may be the ticket to safer air and space travel for the future. Check out this article from Tel Aviv University.

And speaking of strong and healthy teeth…a straight and confidant smile is important too! Invisalign is a GREAT way to achieve that smile you have always wanted. Come to Invisalign Night on Sept. 16th and save $500 on treatment. Click here for more information.

Flying by the Skin of Our Teeth
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
TAU says that teeth give us clues for building lighter airplanes and space vehicles

It's been a mystery: how can our teeth withstand such an enormous amount of pressure, over many years, when tooth enamel is only about as strong as glass? A new study by Prof. Herzl Chai of Tel Aviv University's School of Mechanical Engineering and his colleagues at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and George Washington University gives the answer.
The researchers applied varying degrees of mechanical pressure to hundreds of extracted teeth, and studied what occurred on the surface and deep inside them. The study, published in the May 5, 2009, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, shows that it is the highly-sophisticated structure of our teeth that keeps them in one piece — and that structure holds promising clues for aerospace engineers as they build the aircraft and space vehicles of the future.
"Teeth are made from an extremely sophisticated composite material which reacts in an extraordinary way under pressure," says Prof. Chai. "Teeth exhibit graded mechanical properties and a cathedral-like geometry, and over time they develop a network of micro-cracks which help diffuse stress. This, and the tooth's built-in ability to heal the micro-cracks over time, prevents it from fracturing into large pieces when we eat hard food, like nuts."
News the aviation industry can bite into
The automotive and aviation industries already use sophisticated materials to prevent break-up on impact. For example, airplane bodies are made from composite materials — layers of glass or carbon fibers — held together by a brittle matrix. In teeth, though, fibers aren't arranged in a grid, but are "wavy" in structure. There are hierarchies of fibers and matrices arranged in several layers, unlike the single-thickness layers used in aircrafts. Under mechanical pressure, this architecture presents no clear path for the release of stress. Therefore, "tufts" — built-in micro cracks — absorb pressure in unison to prevent splits and major fractures. As Prof. Chai puts it, tooth fractures "have a hard time deciding which way to go," making the tooth more resistant to cracking apart. Harnessing this property could lead to a new generation of much stronger composites for planes.
Prof. Chai, himself an aerospace engineer, suggests that if engineers can incorporate tooth enamel's wavy hierarchy, micro-cracking mechanism, and capacity to heal, lighter and stronger aircraft and space vehicles can be developed. And while creating a self-healing airplane is far in the future, this significant research on the composite structure of teeth can already begin to inspire aerospace engineers — and, of course, dentists.
Creating a super-smile
Dental specialists looking for new ways to engineer that picture-perfect Hollywood smile can use Dr. Chai's basic research to help invent stronger crowns, better able to withstand oral wear-and-tear. "They can create smart materials that mimic the properties found in real teeth," he says.
In natural teeth, there may not be any way to speed up the self-healing ability of tooth enamel, which the Tel Aviv University research found is accomplished by a glue-like substance that fills in micro-cracks over time. But fluoride treatments and healthy brushing habits can help to fill in the tiny cracks and keep teeth strong.

Go On And Flash That Gorgeous Grin!

You know…in our business we push for people to smile A LOT! Show off your pearly whites and share a little bit of yourself. It doesn’t take much and WOW…what a difference it can make. So as you head into this muggy Maryland weekend, show us what you got! Smile it up! Encourage your family, friends and strangers you pass on the street to do the same. MAKE US PROUD! DO IT FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE! Here is a great article… And speaking of great…enjoy your weekend.

Smile aggressively to change your world
August 18, 3:15 PM LA Single Parenting Examiner Karen Reimer
Always on the lookout for ways to reduce stress and improve health on the cheap, one can find tons of articles on smiling all over the net!
Situations can be changed, moods can be altered and people can be disarmed with a smile. A smile can be communicated while talking on the telephone. It is a powerful weapon.
In Los Angeles, where life is definitely in the fast lane, taking the time to smile at people lifts your mood and spreads a little good will. Be ready, however, for the occasional individual that thinks you’re off your rocker.
Smiling at strangers can be considered an oddity. Being too joyful meets with suspicion; as if a generally happy attitude must mean one is mentally challenged. If the alternative is a depressed demeanor, because of all of the responsibilities and hardships of life, I’ll take a lighthearted approach to everyday living, thank you!
Smiling at your children has tremendous effects for everyone. The kids feel loved, welcomed into your presence and accepted. It builds tremendous confidence in the home. In a single parent home, smiling can be the soothing oil in all of the gears. It also boomerangs on the one who is smiling. It is an automatic improvement of the mood.
Poke your head around the corner and smile, lovingly, at your child. Initially, you will be questioned as to why you are doing it. But as you continue to frequently smile at them, just because you love them, they’ll get used to it and you’ll notice the happiness level rise in your family.
In the workplace or grocery store, smiles are actions for good in any environment. Life is too short to not find everyway possible to enjoy it. This is one part of your world that you can take control of and make better. Why not give it your best shot? Or should I say... smile!

Invisalign Night

On Wednesday, September 16th, we will be hosting an Invisalign Night! For one night only, we will take $500 OFF Invisalign or Invisalign Teen Treatment! Call us at 410-451-7202 to RSVP. Attendees will receive:

• Thorough examination from one of our orthodontic specialists
• $500 OFF Treatment
• Enter to win GREAT prizes

This event will be held at our Crofton/Gambrills location: 2630 Brandermill Blvd. Gambrills, MD 21054. Enjoy the evening with us and learn more about the clear alternative to braces. Appetizers and refreshments will be available. Don’t forget to RSVP by calling 410-451-7202. $500 OFF is good for 9/16/09 ONLY and cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount.

We hope to see you there! If you would like to find out more about Invisalign, please visit our website at www.stewartandlabbe.com. We are Elite Premiere Providers of Invisalign and are therefore ranked in the top 1% of providers worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to get that smile you have always wanted…without changing your lifestyle.

Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics is LOOKING GOOD!

I wandered over today to the construction sight and was BLOWN AWAY! This new office is going to be incredible! It’s coming together so fast…



Our new neighbors were even commenting on how quickly it all seems to be happening as well as how professional and tidy the crew is! Speaking of our new neighbors, I met Joan, the accountant whose office is right next to ours. She has a black lab named Angus that comes to work with her everyday. What a cutie! I am sure that our team is going to love getting to know him!

If you would like to see more pictures, please click here. We hope that you are as excited as us! This is your office too remember…There are going to be so many beautiful smiles created in this place.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Crazed by the Beauty!

Well if this isn't the most interesting thing I have read in a long time. Check it out... a woman was admiring the "Mona Lisa" in Paris's Louvre when she suddenly felt the urge to throw a teacup at Leonardo da Vinci's Magnum Opus. Luckily, the timeless art and master of mysterious smiles is well protected and was therefore unharmed. The woman however may be suffering from "Stendhal Syndrome"... a psychosomatic condition in which a person becomes dizzy, confused or even hallucinates when exposed to beautiful artwork or immense beauty. WOW!

Well...if you have a beautiful Stewart and Labbe smile...don't be surprised if someone throws something at you!

Here is the article if you would like to read more click here.


Have a fantastic day!

Help Your Teen Put Their Best Smile Forward
Posted by eGruve.com on August 2, 2009

For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn’t just for school photos, it’s an everyday accessory that’s seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It’s no wonder today’s tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?
First, understand that technology has made a big difference in teeth straightening for teens. Metal braces are gradually being replaced by more advanced, subtle options that are an ideal fit for kids’ active, social lifestyles — good news for teenagers who are already self-conscious about their appearance.
“Braces are dramatically different today compared to 10 years ago because today’s teens are far more socially aware, technologically savvy, face a greater degree of stress as they work to achieve educational goals and are involved in a variety of active sports and performing arts,” says Calif.-based orthodontist, Dr. David Boschken. “There’s no room for them to be sidelined with broken braces, or to even be distracted by the discomfort sometimes associated with fixed braces of any kind.”
Boschken explains that removable braces, like Invisalign Teen, are fast becoming a popular choice. The system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, kids can eat, brush and floss as they would normally. Teens can smile with confidence while straightening their teeth since this treatment, unlike traditional metal braces, is virtually invisible.
Over one million people have made Invisalign their treatment of choice for achieving a beautiful smile. The new teen system adds special features that give parents peace of mind, like a blue dot wear indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge whether their teen is wearing their aligners as much as they should be. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the time savings can be invaluable for busy parents and teens with fewer office visits, no emergency trips for broken wires and shorter appointments.
Boschken offers some additional oral care tips to help active teenagers achieve and maintain a healthy smile:
1. Practice good oral hygiene now to reap long-term health benefits.
Help educate your teen about the risks of poor oral hygiene and gum disease, which has been linked to a range of serious general health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and low energy levels (not to mention bad breath). Make sure your teen brushes at least twice a day. Flossing is also important — especially in cases where teeth are crowded — to remove the plaque between teeth that is not removed with regular brushing. Finish with a fluoride mouthwash to help kill germs and keep tooth enamel strong.
2. Care for your braces.
No matter what type of braces your teen has, make sure they clean their teeth regularly to achieve the best possible results. Remind them to brush often and floss once daily between brackets for those with metal braces, or simply remove the clear aligners to brush and floss.
3. Visit the dentist regularly.
Even for today’s busy teens, it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and teeth cleanings. Like adults, children and teens should visit their dentist every six months for a check-up. If your teen is experiencing any problems, more frequent visits may be necessary.
4. Visit an orthodontic specialist early.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 16, but some problems may be easier to correct if treated early.
“Between school, sports, social media and friends, teenagers today want a great smile so they can make a lasting impression,” concludes Boschken. “From new choices in braces, to advanced oral-care products, today’s teenagers have more lifestyle-friendly options than ever before.”

Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics is an Elite Premier Provider of Invisalign AND Invisalign Teen. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and give you a thorough examination to find out if these options are right for you. Visit our website at www.stewartandlabbe.com learn more. Have a GREAT Friday!

Hang on...let me double check your SMILE?!

Check out this article from azstarnet.com. Would you like to be able to have your smile "rated" before heading out to work or school? I wonder what my rating would be on a MONDAY vs. a FRIDAY...

Japan to workers: SMILE OR ELSE!
08/03/2009 05:42 AM
Kim Matas
Train workers check grins with smile meter.

——-

By JAY ALABASTER
Associated Press Writer

TOKYO (AP) — Her uniform looks good, with striped scarf and blue cap in perfect order, but railway employee Mitsue Endo has one thing to do before she faces the masses — pass the smile test.

Endo, who works at hectic Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo for Keihin Express Railway Co., sits in front of a laptop computer with a digital camera mounted on top. At first she is a bit grim-faced, and the verdict from the company’s smile-rating software is instant and candid.

“Smile: 0” pops up on the screen.

She breaks into a broad grin and the computer responds cheerfully, giving her a score of 70.

The company has installed the system to help employees check their smiles before heading out to face customers. The test is optional, but at major stations like Shinagawa, the 250,000 riders who pass through per day can be rushed and agitated, and a happy face can go a long way.

“Smiling helps our interaction with the passengers. I think the atmosphere becomes more relaxing with a smile,” says Endo, whose job includes helping lost customers find their way and dealing with ticketing mishaps.

Keihin uses the software at 15 of its 72 stations, concentrating on the busier locations.

Taichi Takahashi, who works in public relations at the train operator, says it gives employees a chance to examine themselves before they go to work.

“I don’t think that we have had much opportunity to stare at our faces that close and for that long to check our facial expressions until now,” he said.


HAVE A GREAT MONDAY!!

So Exciting!

WOW! Things are moving fast and on schedule! The new Annapolis Office is going to be spectacular! Has anyone out there in cyber space driven by it yet? It is on the left as you are headed down Rowe Blvd. towards downtown Annapolis…a perfect location. To see more pics of the construction, please click here. Don’t forget to search us out on Facebook… look for “Stewart & Labbe”. We would LOVE to have you as a FAN. We are hoping to start pushing some traffic to this blog sight, our facebook page and get some followers on Twitter. If you have ideas on things that we can share, funny thoughts you may have or ANYTHING that makes you smile, let us know! Email it to Nikki at seemysmile@stewartandlabbe.com. Have a super weekend and check back next week!

Fiddler on the...

Wow! In just 2 weeks there has been significant progress in our building. They started with the ROOF this week and the place is starting to take shape. We are all looking forward to next spring when we can open the doors! The best part of our new Annapolis office?? I am sure that our patients would definitely say the PARKING! We promise to have more accessible parking for everyone. Me? I’m just hoping for a fresh coffee maker. What do YOU want? Let me know…I’ve got some connections! Click here to see more photos taken 7-24-09.
Have a incredible weekend everyone!

New Annapolis Office

All of us here at Stewart & Labbe Orthodontics are pleased to announce that construction on our NEW ANNAPOLIS OFFICE has officially begun! We will do our best to keep you informed on the exciting progress. The new address will be 114 Forbes St., Annapolis, MD. This office is going to be spectacular! Here you can see the interior plans, a computer generated picture of the final product AND the proposed project schedule.

We estimate opening the doors to the new office in Spring 2010!

Let us know what you think…

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICS OF OUR CONSTRUCTION FROM 7-9-09

With all this social networking, people aren’t getting the amount of “face time” that they used to. And for those of us that may have BAD BREATH… this could be a good thing for everyone! Many people have bad breath without even realizing it. This can decrease the likelihood of having a healthy social life, finding a significant other, and even moving forward in your career. The absolute most important aspect of having good breath is to have proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help ensure that your breath is always fresh:

• Open up and say “AHHHH”! Brush your teeth and don’t forget your tongue first thing every morning. Foul-smelling bacteria have had a chance to take over your mouth while you are asleep, and are most likely causing yucky "morning breath." The surface of your tongue accumulates an incredible amount of this foul-smelling bacteria throughout the night and during each day.
• A splash of cold water isn’t just for your face… After you brush your teeth and your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly and gargle with fresh, cool water. This is a very important step, one that many people overlook. This will help to soften the hard smell of your minty toothpaste.
• Bottoms up! After completing steps 1 and 2, make sure you drink a significant amount of water, and avoid eating or drinking anything else for at least 30 minutes. This completes the cleansing process of your mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach, which is extremely important for fresh breath after you sleep.
• Watch what you eat… Out for a night on the town or prepping up for that important meeting? Maybe today’s the day you are going to finally ask them out… on these days avoid foods such as garlic, onions, sugary foods, meats, fish, poultry, and eggs. All of these foods are notorious for causing bad breath. Fresh fruits and vegetables actually help to cleanse your entire system, and the result is improved breath. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, are well-known for assisting the body in maintaining fresh breath. Try chewing fresh peppermint, spearmint, parsley, or basil instead of gum. Remember to drink fresh water after every meal and throughout the day.

If you find yourself with chronic bad breath, please consult your regular dentist. Bad breath could be a side effect of a more severe underlying condition.
At Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics, we will work closely with you and your Dentist to ensure that you overall oral health and hygiene is in tip top shape! Your beautiful smile deserves the very best!

Making the News!

Our very own Dr. Akash Pandya made his television debut on ABC Baltimore Channel 2 Morning News.

He discussed the different options of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, as well as the many benefits of straight teeth and a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dr. Pandya...you did an outstanding job!!

What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are qualified dentists who further their education after dental school and go on to an accredited orthodontic residency programs. This training lasts at least two additional academic years and sometimes more. An orthodontist specializes in tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics) and is a uniquely trained expert in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws. In a partnership with your dentist, an orthodontist will help to provide optimal oral health.

Orthodontists are devoted to building beautiful smiles for not only children, but adults too! It’s never too late to get the smile you have always wanted. Great looking smiles contribute to a strong self-esteem, build self-confidence and strengthen self-image. These are important qualities at every age! Orthodontic treatment and the achievement of a beautiful smile can benefit social and career success as well as improve a person’s general attitude towards life.

So with something this important, wouldn’t you want a true specialist? Much like trusting your heart with a cardiologist, an orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry.
At Stewart and Labbe Orthodontists, our specialists are amongst the best! Dr. Lamon Stewart has been practicing orthodontics in Maryland for over 40 years. He is always on the cutting edge of orthodontic technology and continues his education through multitude seminars and courses. He delights in seeing previous patients now bringing in their kids to get the same outstanding service that they did.

Dr. Stephen Labbe has been working with Dr. Stewart for 20 years. He graduated first in his class from Howard University’s orthodontic program. Dr. Labbe is passionate about beautiful smiles and the effects that providing these smiles has on our patients.

Dr. Akash Pandya has been with Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics for about 3 years. He graduated with honors from the University of Maryland. Ironically enough, Dr. Pandya had his first taste of orthodontics right here in our office! He was a patient of Dr. Stewart’s back in 1988!

We have a great team of Doctors here at Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics. Orthodontic specialists that are here to provide the BEST care possible in a fun and friendly environment.

Call us today at 888-828-8558 and set up a FREE consultation! Find out what we can do for you and start creating your beautiful smile NOW! Why wait? We work with most insurance plans and have an array of payment options to fit most any budget. All 4 of our locations: Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie and Greenbelt are extremely convenient. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

What is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth. Through a series of custom-made, removable and nearly invisible aligners, Invisalign Teen will gradually move your teeth and create a beautiful smile!

It's easy! Just wear these custom fit aligners for approximately 22 hours a day and watch your beautiful smile emerge. You only need to take them out when you are eating or brushing your teeth.

The best part about Invisalign Teen are the compliance indicators. These small blue monitors are located on the upper aligners. The more time your aligners are worn, the more these indicators change color from blue to clear. This will help parents and doctors ensure that the aligners are being worn often enough...and allow YOU to prove it!

Because Invisalign Teen is removable, you can brush and floss just like normal! This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease…as well as keep your confidence high! In addition to keeping your mouth healthy, you can also eat whatever you want. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your aligners preventing you from playing sports or an instrument…or asking out your cute classmate!

The Invisalign Teen aligners are virtually invisible too. You can always feel confidant showing off your smile even while wearing your aligners. They are custom built just for you and generally works without anyone else knowing you are in orthodontic treatment.

Give us a call at 888-828-8558 or drop us a line at seemysmile@stewartandlabbe.com. We offer FREE consultations and can work with almost any budget. In addition, we accept most insurance plans. Come on in and get that gorgeous grin…without the tin!

When should I bring my child in for their first orthodontic exam?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This will allow your orthodontist to identify any problems that require early treatment. By this age, your child’s teeth have developed enough to where subtle problems can be diagnosed. Treating these problems early on can help to guide proper jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, direct permanent teeth into a more favorable position and help to avoid the extraction of healthy permanent teeth.

Some things you can look for in your child that may indicate that a trip to the orthodontist is necessary are: early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty in chewing or biting, breathing through the mouth, thumb or finger sucking, crowded or blocked-out teeth, jaws that are too far forward or too far back, protruding teeth or an unbalanced facial appearance.

At Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics, we provide FREE consultations at any one of our four locations. The appointment takes approximately one hour and includes a thorough examination from one of our orthodontic specialists. You will also have treatment coordinator assigned to you that will help to guide you through and answer any questions you may have about orthodontic treatment. We accept most insurance plans and offer several payment options to fit most any budget.

If you have questions or would like some additional information, please call our office at 888.828.8558 OR email us at seemysmile@stewartandlabbe.com.