Happy New Year from Stevens Orthodontics!

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask 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, from Dr. Lucas Stevens and all of us at Stevens Orthodontics!

SureSmile technology at Stevens Orthodontics

Check out a mom of our patient describe her son's experience with SureSmile at our office. Average treatment time with SureSmile is almost 40 percent faster than conventional braces at Stevens Orthodontics.

With SureSmile treatment at our Tallahassee office, getting braces sure isn’t what it used to be. Dr. Stevens' patients get fantastic results in less time with this remarkable technology and typically spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits, experience less discomfort and ultimately greater results.

To learn more about SureSmile treatment with Dr. Lucas Stevens, we invite you to give us a call at 850-385-2822! Happy holidays!

Ask Dr. Stevens: “I’m 51 – am I too old for braces?”

Of course not! No one is "too old" for orthodontic treatment!

Recently, our staff at Stevens Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 15 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Stevens can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

Because of a lifetime of wear, it is not uncommon for adult patients to require some cosmetic dentistry after orthodontics is completed in order to gain the maximum esthetic result. Dr. Stevens likes to work closely with your family dentist here in Tallahassee to give you the most esthetic and healthy smile possible.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Stevens would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Staying connected with Stevens Orthodontics

At Stevens Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Stevens offers, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Stevens and our dedicated staff take a little time to research 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? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Happy Thanksgiving from Stevens Orthodontics!

Dr. Stevens and our entire team at Stevens Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

Did you know that patients at Stevens Orthodontics in Tallahassee enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Through our helpful website, you may look up your appointments with Dr. Stevens and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders via text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service - Ortho Sesame - on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at our convenient Tallahassee office if you have any questions about getting started!

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend everyone!

Stevens Orthodontics, honoring our veterans

Happy Veteran's Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Lucas Stevens and our entire team at Stevens Orthodontics would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, our national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veteran's Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values - red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veteran's Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veteran's Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania.

Thanks again to our veterans! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and abroad.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Stevens Orthodontics, a time when families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. But before you go celebrating, we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment here in Tallahassee and across northern Florida. We are interested in learning about what makes our unique community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call! Have a wonderful weekend!

Ask Dr. Stevens: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

As Halloween draws closer and closer, our staff at Stevens Orthodontics know a lot parents in Tallahassee are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Stevens as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Featured patient review for Dr. Stevens!

Wow, more fantastic reviews have come in during the past month! Check out what Elaine had to say about our office!

"Thank you all very much for the thorough exam and detailed explanation that you provided me yesterday. Being "treated" at your office was really quite a treat - What a wonderful, creative environment - I think it says alot about the care & detail that obviously attends your work. Makes me wish I had a house full of kids who needed braces!!! Seriously, Thank You, Elaine P."

When should kids visit Stevens Orthodontics?

It's best for Dr. Stevens to see children by age 7 or 8. This allows him to monitor growth and development and determine the optimum time for treatment. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, Dr. Stevens can sometimes guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment in select cases.

Dr. Stevens is conservative, and recognizes that some early treatment that can be done is of little long-term value to your child. He will gladly give you an honest assessment of the relative value of early treatment so that you can make an informed decision. He will use his ‘gold standard’ – what he would recommend for his own children. With over 25 years of treating patients conservatively he has found that employing early treatment on every child as a general practice is unnecessary and, in some cases, harmful. He will be as strategic as possible in order to give your child the best possible result with the least cost, inconvenience and treatment time at our convenient Tallahassee office.

"What do you like best about Stevens Orthodontics?"

Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Stevens and our team lately! Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

"Everyone at Dr. Steven's office treats each patient as a special individual. Everyone is so easy to work with!!!" ~ Christine B.

"He's very, very good!!!" ~ Vickie S.

"The friendly atmosphere of the office along with the professional staff." ~ Sandra W.

"The office and Dr. Stevens are so much fun. I told everyone about it. I can't wait to go back." ~ Letricia M.

"I like the atmosphere, they are very kid friendly, I like the way they also allow my son to be seen by himself, it makes him feel more grown up and in charge of this part of his life. The staff is great." ~ Kelly R.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Today marks the official start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Don’t eat foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy. Avoid candy, gum, nuts, hard chips and popcorn. For foods that you would normally bite into with your front teeth, you should cut or break it into small pieces and chew on your back teeth. Eating these foods can cause the brackets to become loose or broken. Keep foreign objects out of your mouth such as pens, pencils, and fingernails because these can also cause breakage. If you have excessive breakage, it will prolong your treatment time. Dr. Lucas Stevens and our team want to work with you to get to that spectacular smile we are all looking for as soon as possible, so let’s do what we can to take care of your braces properly!

Please give us a call if you have any questions! Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

What's your story? What made you and your child choose Stevens Orthodontics?

Dr. Lucas Stevens, who has been an orthodontist in the Tallahassee area since 1985, knows and understands the needs and expectations of his patients and is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Your teeth are an important part of your health, your appearance and your self-confidence. Why leave your oral health in the hands of anyone other than a skilled qualified specialist with years of experience?

Today, Dr. Stevens and our team are wondering: What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our convenient Tallahassee office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

"My son is seven years old - when should I bring him in for a consultation?"

Thanks for asking! Dr. Lucas Stevens will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Stevens and our staff to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps, and invite you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a wonderful weekend!!

September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month! From Dr. Stevens

This month, our staff at Stevens Orthodontics want you to be extra careful with your braces and appliances. After all, September marks the start of fall sports and an increased risk to mouth injuries. September also happens to be National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, and Dr. Lucas Stevens thought it’d be a good idea to share a few sobering facts about sports and facial injuries, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

*More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates—baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

*Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.

*Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84 percent say it's because the league or coach does not require it, according to the AAO.

*The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-to-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car!

We hope this helps you remember to wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports around Tallahassee! We encourage you to give us a call at (850) 385-2822 if you have any questions!

Ask Dr. Stevens: Why the Damon™ System?

Tallahassee orthodontist Dr. Lucas Stevens and our dedicated team are pleased to offer our patients The Damon® System. Damon braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces, and, thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

You're probably thinking, "OK, Dr. Stevens. Give me the specifics on how Damon braces are an advantage."

Time-Saving

Damon's innovative technology of self-ligating braces saves you time in orthodontic treatment. The Damon system allows for fewer trips to our Tallahassee office, as well as faster movement of your teeth than with traditional braces. The light forces applied by Damon braces are "biologically compatible" meaning that they work with your body for gentler and quicker tooth movement.

Comfortable

Damon System braces have a unique slide mechanism that allows Dr. Stevens to use far lighter forces to move teeth to their correct positions. That makes your treatment not only shorter, but it is also far more comfortable.

Because of its unique sliding door, the Damon bracket allows us to use high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This means less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment. Not every orthodontist uses Damon self-ligating braces. The reason Dr. Stevens does is simple: it means your experience in uncovering your radiant new smile will be more comfortable and convenient than ever.

To learn more about the Damon System, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stevens, please give us a call at 850-385-2822. We hope you're having a wonderful week!

Back to school with Stevens Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools here in Tallahassee are back in session, Dr. Stevens and our staff would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance in August and early September. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit our office this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 850-385-2822 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We look forward to seeing you all, and hope you had a wonderful summer!

Ask Dr. Stevens: What are In-Ovation® Braces?

Who wants ugly and uncomfortable ties or elastics that apply pressure and friction on the teeth? With the free-sliding technology of the In-Ovation lingual braces, your mouth is free of pain and discomfort. In addition, because lingual braces are fastened to the back of the teeth, the braces are completely hidden. In-Ovation braces are a great alternative for people concerned about the look of traditional braces.

Best of all, there’s no need to have your braces tightened! Using light, gentle forces, In-Ovation makes the path to that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted faster and more comfortable than you ever thought possible.

Did you know Dr. Lucas Stevens is a certified In-Ovation provider in Tallahassee and surrounding areas? If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, or would like to know more about In-Ovation, please give us a call at 850-385-2822!

Fluoride and your orthodontic treatment

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Stevens Orthodontics. 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 with Dr. Lucas Stevens? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong!

Fluoride used in the dentist or orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Dr. Stevens 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 Dr. Stevens' recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Dr. Stevens 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!

- Dr. Stevens and staff

Love your smile? Then we invite you to post your review of Dr. Stevens on Google!

Dr. Lucas Stevens has been an orthodontist in the Tallahassee area since 1985. He knows and understands the needs and expectations of his patients and is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Our practice is both professional and fun. We cater to people, not just teeth, so it is our goal to make your experience as comfortable, convenient and rewarding as possible.

Whether you've visited our office for weeks or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Stevens and our team on our Google Local page. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here. Thank you in advance and have a terrific weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews soon!

Summer fun with Stevens Orthodontics

It’s summer here at Stevens Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you've been to a barbecue, gone on a camping trip, hit the great American open roads with family or just had fun in the sun, Dr. Lucas Stevens and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos to our Facebook wall!

Happy and safe travels,

Dr. Stevens and team

Dr. Stevens wants to know: Will you be a part of the Braces Brigade?

If you're a current or past patient at Stevens Orthodontics, have we got a deal for you!

How would you like to share you experience in braces with the world AND receive a $100 American Express gift card for your work?! If that sounds reasonable, our staff at Stevens Orthodontics are looking for current, former and future orthodontic patients of ours, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the AAO's Braces Brigade and blog about their experience in braces.

To complete the 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)

If you're under 18, you should get your parents' permission and have them fill out this form along with your submission.

Dr. Stevens & staff encourage you to apply! GOOD LUCK everyone!

Heat wave safety with Stevens Orthodontics

With the heat wave sweeping through the majority of the Eastern Seaboard this week, we want you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. On Wednesday, Dr. Richard Besser appeared on Good Morning America and discussed the ways you can protect yourself from heat stroke and other heat-related conditions this summer. And, here are a few summer safety tips from our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Lucas Stevens and our team encourage you to watch this short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out!

Dr. Stevens and team want to know: what are your 4th of July plans?

One week from tonight - on Independence Day - Dr. Lucas Stevens and our staff will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, this holiday is a chance to celebrate, as well as commemorate, the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for most Americans to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen (and women) who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the great American open road with family? Will you be at Tallahassee’s Big Bend Freedom Fest?

If you're planning on using fireworks, Dr. Stevens and team want to stress that you be extra careful! We want you to exercise caution if you'll be out swimming, playing sports or lighting fireworks as well.

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! We encourage you to give us a call at (850) 385-2822 for more summer safety tips.

Featured patient reviews for Dr. Stevens!

Our team at Stevens Orthodontics recently received two testimonials from a couple of former patients, who reminded us why we do love doing the work we do: creating beautiful smiles for all ages in Tallahassee!

"I can't say enough good about Dr. Stevens! He has a reputation of making sure the patient is ready for braces and not putting them on until the appropriate time. My son, Andy, is living proof of that. We consulted with him for two years before he was ready for braces and did not pay a dime! Dr. Stevens was instrumental in repairing my son's mouth after an accident and I just you to know how much I appreciate all of the time and expertise you have given us. WE LOVE YOU!!!" ~ Selina (Andy's mom)

"(We like) the office staff members, including Dr. Stevens, are so welcoming and professional. Sydney was so excited when she left, she kept asking when she would return. I love the office set up, and this website is great." ~ Sydrene O.

At Stevens Orthodontics, easy access to your account information

Did you know that patients at Stevens Orthodontics in Tallahassee enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Through our helpful website, you may look up your appointments with Dr. Stevens and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders via text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service - Ortho Sesame - on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at our convenient Tallahassee office if you have any questions about getting started!

The importance of reading, from Stevens Orthodontics

Traveling this summer? Heading on a camping trip? Lying on a hammock resting in your backyard?

Whatever you're up to, summer is a great time for kids to continue learning, maintain the skill level and prepare for the school year. With summer only weeks away, some of us at Stevens Orthodontics have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading, which we encourage for all our patients.

Out of ideas? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Lucas Stevens and team would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a librarian here in Tallahassee for some ideas or check out these summer reading lists we came across this past week.

Happy Friday and we'll see you soon!

Ask Dr. Stevens: Any truth to all those rumors about braces?

Believe us when we say Dr. Lucas Stevens is well-aware that there are a lot of myths and half-truths flying around these days when it comes to braces and orthodontic treatment. But, before you buy into those myths, Dr. Stevens thinks you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of braces, and we encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Stevens Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call this upcoming week at (850) 385-2822.

We hope you have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend! We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Mouth Guard Q&A with Stevens Orthodontics

Wouldn’t you believe it, summer is just around the corner! The 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. Lucas Stevens for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many others.

Q: How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

Please wear an orthodontic mouthguard, designed for braces. Ask us for one during your next appointment if you do not already have one.

Q: If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

Call your dentist immediately.

Q: Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?

Absolutely - dentists can fix teeth that need to be repaired.

Q: Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

H20 is always the best, but if you like drinks with sugar, please be sure to brush or rinse with water when you take your last sip.

Q: If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

Always use a mouthguard while playing contact sports.

Q: Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?

Keeping your retainer in is best, but if it needs to come out - please remember to put back in your mouth ASAP! We don't want those straight beautiful teeth to shift.

Q: Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Yes, please ask us for one if you need it. We have special ones just for braces that allow your teeth to move while you wear them. Please don't buy the mouthguards that you boil yourself - they will not allow your teeth to move because they mould to your teeth.

Please let us know if you have any other questions about mouth protection or your treatment at Stevens Orthodontics!

SureSmile lands on CNN! From Dr. Stevens

We've blogged about SureSmile treatment in the past, and today wanted to share with a clip of SureSmile being discussed by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN this week!

In the video, Dr. Gupta spotlights a Maryland teenager named Jessica Thompson, who wasn't particularly thrilled about traditional braces, and chose SureSmile as her treatment. Jessica is not alone - more and more people are choosing SureSmile as their treatment option.

With SureSmile treatment at Stevens Orthodontics in Tallahassee, getting braces sure isn’t what it used to be. Dr. Stevens' patients get fantastic results in less time with this remarkable technology and typically spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits, experience less discomfort and ultimately greater results.

To learn more about SureSmile treatment at Stevens Orthodontics, we invite you to give us a call at 850-385-2822!

Stevens Orthodontics share pool safety tips

Spring is here and summer is rapidly approaching, and with summer comes lots of swimming! Our team at Stevens Orthodontics found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Pediatricians.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

Stevens Orthodontics, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Stevens Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

When should you call Stevens Orthodontics?

Happy May Day!

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call the team at Stevens Orthodontics. If you experience the following symptoms or conditions, it may be time to check in us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

2. Difficulty of chewing or biting

3. Mouth breathing

4. Finger sucking or other oral habits

5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude

7. Speech difficulty

8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

9. Protruding teeth

10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all

11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry

12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call!

Featured patient reviews for Dr. Stevens!

Ok, we've shared patient reviews for Stevens Orthodontics with you in the past, but we received the following two reviews recently, and both made us proud.

"The best aspect of going to my orthodontist is that it doesn't seem like I'm going to an orthodontist...it's almost like going into a Beach Boys amusement park, which is awesome...being an adult adolescent. I truly appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, and all the nurses are cute." ~ Nicholas O.

"Dr. Stevens is very nice and fun!!!!" ~ Lisa W.

If you have a testimonial about your experience at Stevens Orthodontics that you'd like to share, you may post them here or on our Facebook fan page!

Stevens Orthodontics on Facebook!

Did you know Stevens Orthodontics is on Facebook? Our fan page, which keeps growing with each day, provides you the latest news from Dr. Lucas Stevens and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things orthodontics.

Our goal, before the end of summer, is to have 500 fans! Invite your friends!

The benefits of smiling, from Dr. Stevens

Great news to report this Monday! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t. That, according to a recent study conducted at Michigan’s Wayne State University.

Dr. Stevens knows that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at close-up smiles of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 by studying their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile).

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with life longevity, such as body mass index, career length and, interestingly, college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be at least 75. Those with big, wide smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

Our take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting Stevens Orthodontics lately? If not, give us a call at 850-385-2822 and have a great week!

Save face this April, from Stevens Orthodontics

Our staff has blogged about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, and we thought a reminder wouldn’t hurt. You see, April happens to be National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

Not only do mouth guards save teeth and protect jaws from breaks, but they also may protect against neck- and central nervous system injuries. In addition to mouth guards, Dr. Stevens says it’s a good idea to wear a helmet, face shield and protective eyewear when playing sports this spring. 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 Stevens Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

The importance of retainers, from Dr. Stevens

If you've recently completed treatment with Dr. Lucas Stevens, our professional team at Stevens Orthodontics would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Stevens will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, 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, Dr. Stevens says. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment here at Stevens Orthodontics, please give us a call at 850-385-2822. Our staff would love to hear from you!

Tell Stevens Orthodontics: What's on your mind?

You know the drill: each week, Dr. Stevens and our staff blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask: 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? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask Dr. Stevens for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… ask away and enjoy the rest of the week!

Ask Dr. Stevens: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Who’s afraid of the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Stevens Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Stevens can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

Because of a lifetime of wear, it is not uncommon for adult patients to require some cosmetic dentistry after orthodontics is completed in order to gain the maximum esthetic result. Dr. Stevens likes to work closely with your family dentist to give you the most esthetic and healthy smile possible.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Stevens would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

This March, what are you up to? From Dr. Stevens

It’s almost springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, fresh Rhubarb is ready to be picked, the birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball field nearby. Today, the team at Stevens Orthodontics thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports this year? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

P.S. While you’re on our Facebook page, become a fan of Stevens Orthodontics!

SureSmile at work at Stevens Orthodontics!

Remember awhile back when we posted a blog about Dr. Stevens being featured on WCTV's "Health Links"? Well, here's the video! Let us know what you think! Stevens Orthodontics operates one of the most state-of-the-art offices in the Big Bend area and focuses on SureSmile and Damon System technology.

If you have any questions about the video, or about your treatment with Dr. Stevens, please give us a call! Have a great weekend!

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Stevens Orthodontics

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. Stevens 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 us. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Stevens 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.

More patient reviews for Stevens Orthodontics

Last month, the team at Stevens Orthodontics posted some patient reviews our office had received. We have been receiving them left and right lately, so we thought we'd share a few more!

"Knowledgeable, great with the children, great staff, conservative." ~ Martha S.

"Very kid-friendly and extremely efficient office." ~ Joy P.

"The way (Dr. Stevens) puts you at ease. Happy attitude." ~ Amy A.

"Extremely competent doctor and staff; lovely office - very friendly. Impressive equipment." ~ Anne H.

"Seems he always offers the latest technology and services." ~ Margaret M.

If you have any testimonials you'd like to share with us, we'd love to see them! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Dr. Stevens wants to know: What do you love about Tallahassee?

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

Today, Dr. Stevens and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Tallahassee? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Florida getaway? Do you love the nice weather we get year-round?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Tallahassee, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Florida. And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Stevens Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing in January?

The calendar hanging on your wall (or office) may still say January, but we’re only a couple of months away from spring! Dr. Stevens and our team at Stevens Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great weekend!

A few helpful Invisalign® Tips, from Stevens Orthodontics

We've blogged about our Invisalign treatment in the past, and today the team at Stevens Orthodontics thought we'd pass along some helpful tips for all our patients with Invisalign.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Stevens 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 a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a 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 easy: 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 Stevens Orthodontics, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

What are patients saying about Stevens Orthodontics?

A few weeks ago, the team at Stevens Orthodontics asked you, our wonderful patients, what you liked most about our practice. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we'd share a few with you today! Dr. Stevens and team love getting patients patient testimonials, and would appreciate your feedback. Have a great weekend!

"Dr. Stevens and his entire office staff are just like a big family and it makes me feel like I am stopping by to visit family each time I go for a visit. They are awesome!" ~ Karmen H.

"Dr. Stevens runs a very efficient office. His staff is kind and helpful. You can tell that the staff has had a lot of training to make the practice run smoothly." ~ Lynn M.

"The entire staff is friendly and makes sure that you don't have any questions when you leave. My daughter likes the staff and atmosphere very much." ~ Dennis O.

"Very kid-friendly and extremely efficient office." ~ Joy P.