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!