The Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics Blog http://www.braceinfo.com/blog The orthodontic blog of Drs. Michael Insoft and Rita Hurst - Orthodontists serving St. Petersburg and Seminole, Florida (FL) Fri, 18 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Why do I need a braces adjustment so often? http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/why-do-i-need-a-braces-adjustment-so-often/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/why-do-i-need-a-braces-adjustment-so-often/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=329 When you have braces, your wires will need to be replaced with new ones regularly. It is the slow, steady pressure placed on your teeth that move them into their desired positions, so these adjustments are a vital aspect of your treatment. Your Doctor has set out a specific treatment plan to achieve your optimal results, and keeping up with your appointments will allow your treatment to be completed in the predicted amount of time.

Scheduling your adjustments sooner than planned may result in more pain and discomfort, because your teeth haven’t been allowed to settle into their new positions properly. Skipping appointments or scheduling them farther apart will result in a much longer treatment time. Visiting us every four to six weeks will also allow us to answer any questions you may have, check for damaged appliances, and monitor your progress.

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/why-do-i-need-a-braces-adjustment-so-often/feed/ 0 Some great patient reviews at Insoft and Hurst Orthodontics! http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/some-great-patient-reviews-at-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/some-great-patient-reviews-at-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 18:29:20 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=325
Drs. Insoft & Hurst and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately we have been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we’d share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

“You Will Feel At Home!!!
Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst are amazing! As soon as you enter their office, you are greeted with friendly, smiling faces. The warmth and positive attitude of all staff make you feel very comfortable…you know your child/children are in good hands! As for the kids…the Doctors and Assistants make visits fun…my girls always enjoy talking to staff members, sharing stories, and laughing at Dr. Insoft’s jokes. Become a member of the family…you won’t be sorry!”
-Rebecca B.

“Outstanding service!
I go to Insoft and Hurst frequently and every time I go I’m always treated with kindness and always go out of the office with a smile. This makes having braces a fun and enjoyable experience. Thanks Insoft and Hurst for the great job!”
-Jared C.

“Great first visit and great staff
I loved my first visit, everyone was courteous and very attentive. I felt Karen and Dr. Insoft took the time to explain my situation and the steps for remedying the situation with great care and attention.”
-Stephanie S.

“Best dental experience ever
Staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I did not wait at all and I felt no pressure to buy anything or make a decision about my orthadontic needs right then and there . Nor did anyone try to sell me on anything I didn’t need. All the staff had an absolute wonderful attitude. The orthadontist there do great work..Would definitely recomend!!!”
-Anonymous

Thank you for all of your kind words! To learn more about our practice, give us a call!

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/some-great-patient-reviews-at-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/feed/ 0 May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month! http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month-2/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month-2/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 22:03:16 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=323
At our office, we know image can be everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at our office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month-2/feed/ 0 Celebrating Earth Day by Doing Our Part to Help the Planet! http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:05:25 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=321 We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a ‘green’ office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/celebrating-earth-day-by-doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/feed/ 0 Making Your Life Better with Orthodontics http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:17:05 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=318 The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew, and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain you teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, we can personalize your treatment to suit all your needs.

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/feed/ 0 What are patients saying about Insoft and Hurst Orthodontics? http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/what-are-patients-saying-about-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/what-are-patients-saying-about-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:29:41 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=315
Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics, serving St. Petersburg and Seminole, FL and the surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Drs. Michael Insoft & Rita Hurst and team!

“Friendly office and professional service!
The staff at Insoft and Hurst are extremely friendly and professional. I would be sure to recommend this office for treatment to friends and family.”

“Very professional and friendly
No wait time. Extremely friendly and professional. Very high end technology. I am very excited for my invisalign braces. Highly recommend.”

“Great practice. Makes customers feel at ease and relaxed.
You feel like you are getting honest advice and not being sold somehting that you don’t need. I would recommend to friends and family that are in need of great Orthodontists.”

Thank you for all of the kind words! We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/what-are-patients-saying-about-insoft-and-hurst-orthodontics/feed/ 0 April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:05:46 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=312

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

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

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/feed/ 0 Am I Too Old for Braces? http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:57:35 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=310 Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly

Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/feed/ 0 What do rubber bands do? http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:31:21 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=308
Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Drs. Insoft & Hurst have prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.

If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!

Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.

Additionally, keep your eyes right here on our social networks for our latest contest information:

Mother’s Day: Win a brunch for 2 to 400 Beach Drive
Father’s Day: Win 4 Rays Tickets
Summer: Win 4 theme park tickets of your choice

]]> http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/feed/ 0 Connect with us on Facebook! http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/connect-with-us-on-facebook/ http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/2012/03/connect-with-us-on-facebook/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:53:24 +0000 mynetworks0341@sesamecommunications.com http://www.braceinfo.com/blog/?p=305
We will be rolling out our new Facebook Timeline page soon and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout. When you Like us on Facebook, you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!

See you on Facebook!

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