Test Your American Idol Knowledge for a Chance to Win an iPad!

Every year, millions of Americans tune in to see who will be the next American Idol. To celebrate Season 10, Benkovich Orthodontics is asking patients to test their American Idol knowledge each week for a chance to win a 16gb Apple iPad! Click here to head to our Facebook page, and visit the American Idol Contest link on the left side of the page for all the details!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That why Dr. Benkovich and team thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact us. Stay safe and have fun!

Orthodontic fun facts, from Benkovich Orthodontics

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Benkovich Orthodontics in Annapolis and Kent Island, MD thought you might enjoy.

• 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.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

With Benkovich Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At John Benkovich Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Annapolis and Kent Island, MD.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You 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 if you have any questions about getting started!

When is the right age to see an orthodontist?

Our top treatment care is that of the adolescent. Dr. Benkovich places a high value on early treatment but only for selected patients and all children should be seen by age 7. There are many reasons for early treatment and Dr. Benkovich is particularly concerned with crowding and functional problems. But many other problems can wait.

Dr. Benkovich says "Far too many children are receiving early treatment when it is not absolutely necessary...specially in today's society with busy schedules why treat a child early for a problem that has been proven* can be treated equally as well at a later time involving only one treatment phase?"

The Orthodontic literature* and Dr. Benkovich's clinical experience shows that some phase one treatment may not be necessary for some patients because the problem has been shown to be corrected more efficiently later in early adolescent years with the same overall outcome.

Come see Dr. Benkovich to have him evaluate your child to see if they can wait.

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Benkovich Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment!

Happy New Year!

The year is almost over, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask all our patients:
what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you
have a New Year’s resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, from Dr. Benkovich and team!