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. Lach and team!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Lach has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Lach Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Lach & Team!

Happy Holidays from Our Staff at Lach Orthodontic Specialists! Check out our Staff Holiday Party photo album from this past weekend on Facebook! We had a great time celebrating the upcoming holiday together! We wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday celebration!

Write a Review of Lach Orthodontics!

Has your experience at Lach Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?


Write a review on Google– it’s easy to do! Click the “Write a Review” button above to head to our Google Places page.

Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

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Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Lach will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Lach and team 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!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here for us at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, and now that Halloween is passed, we bet you and your families have begun to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today 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 within the Oveido and Orlando communities. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Staying connected with Lach Orthodontic Specialists

At Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, 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 we 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!

Orthodontic fun facts, from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

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 Lach Orthodontic Specialists 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.

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Lach Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Orlando, FL area!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Lach for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for us to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Lach Orthodontic Specialists to schedule an appointment.

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For Lach Orthodontic Specialists, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Protect Your Smile With Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Lach Orthodontic Specialists offering free mouth guard protection for children in the Central Florida community.

Local Orlando orthodontist, Dr. David R. Lach, of Lach Orthodontic Specialists, has announced that his office is providing free mouth guard protection along with practical tips and information on how to best protect a child’s smile during sporting and athletic activities, when accidents and injuries are most likely to happen.

Dr. Lach would like parents, coaches, and kids to understand the prevalence of sports injuries and know that many of these can be reduced and even prevented by wearing proper protective gear such as a sports mouth guard. Injuries to the face can happen at any age and skill level. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.

Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls’ athletics. In spite of all of this, 67% of parents say that their children do not wear a mouth guard during sporting activities, yet 70% say that their biggest fear when their child plays is that their child will get hurt. Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it’s because the league and/or coach does not require it.One out of three (31%) of parents say that their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing organized sports.

If the patient’s mouth is not properly protected, particularly with braces, soft tissue lacerations can readily occur, in addition to damage such as tooth fractures, subluxation and even total avulsion or complete tooth loss. Despite these risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection while playing sports.

Dr. Lach and the Lach Orthodontic Specialists team is encouraging kids and families to play it safe and consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear during competitions and practices for all sports including football, hockey, boxing, karate, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and lacrosse. Wearing a properly designed mouth guard has been proven to prevent injury to the face and teeth. Dr. Lach wants to ensure that orthodontic patients and their teammates are protected from sports related injuries to the jaws and mouth by providing NCAA regulation sports mouth guards that come complete with a $7500 dental warranty to the community student athletes. Contact Lach Orthodontic Specialists at 407-278-8119, or visit our website to receive your free sports mouthguard.

Dr. Lach Featured on the Madness of Motherhood Podcast

For those of you new to the idea of podcasts, think of them like an internet radio show. Dr. Lach was once featured on the Madness of Motherhood podcast to discuss the ideal time to bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation. While we see children as young as 7, we can treat patients as old as 70! Even better, we offer our consultations for free, so that prospective patients can learn a bit what we are all about. Check out the podcast episode here, and let us know what you think!

Orlando Orthodontist launches Smiles for Hope Foundation

Dr. David R. Lach, orthodontic specialist in Orlando, Florida, has initiated the Smiles for Hope Foundation in the Central Florida community as an effort to reach out to impoverished and underprivileged children and families in the immediate area who would not be able to afford braces. This program serves as a scholarship program in which children and families may participate and apply for complimentary orthodontic treatment, braces, and dental services. These children and families are carefully selected by a diverse and established board of directors in the community who review and oversee the application process and ultimately select the needy children for the pro bono services.

With average cost of treatment ranging from $4,000-$5,000 or more, orthodontic care can be financially challenging for many parents, especially during difficult economic times. Each year, the Smiles for Hope Foundation reviews applicants before selecting those who will receive the free orthodontic treatment based on financial need, letters of recommendation, community involvement and special circumstances.

Dr. Lach and Lach Orthodontic Specialists have been a recognized leader in assisting Central Florida families now for over 19 years, achieving beautiful teeth and healthy new smiles for nearly 20,000 families. Dr. Lach is renowned and credited for being the first orthodontist in Central Florida to utilize the revolutionary Suresmile braces system (both adult braces and children braces) which is the most advanced type of braces system available anywhere in the world. This highly sophisticated braces system can amazingly reduce treatment time in braces by as much as 1 year.

“I feel privileged and honored to be able to provide services that have the potential to greatly impact and change the lives of children in a very special way. Over the years , I have seen firsthand how a beautiful new smile can transform the life of an individual, giving them the confidence and courage to pursue their dreams. This opportunity isn’t so much about straightening teeth as it is about giving impoverished children a chance at a happier, more successful future than they otherwise would not have had without the benefits of a beautiful smile.”

What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Lach will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. 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? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

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

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Lach.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Lach Orthodontics a call today.

The importance of retainers, from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

If you recently completed treatment at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Lach will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Lach is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with us, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Trust us when we say Dr. Lach and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, feel free to give us a call.

You are Invited to our Summer End Party!

Live music! Great Food! Games! Hot Air Balloon Rides! Family fun!

Where: River Run Seminole Campus

141 River Run Point
Chuluota, FL 32766

When: Saturday, August 14, 2010

3:30-7:30pm

What: Come join Lach Orthodontics and the fun as a special thanks to our patients for being a valued member of our family. We will have live music, great food, hot air balloon rides, corn hole tournaments, and a lot more fun for the whole family. So bring your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to this wonderful community event. Go to the event page to pre-register for a chance to win over $10,000 in prizes!

Don't miss this summer's best event in Oveido, register today! We look forward to seeing you there!

Burning Invisalign® questions, with Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Lach and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Lach Orthodontic Specialists.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How do I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Lach will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Lach Orthodontic Specialists wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the summer, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide”—and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Lach) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Ask Dr. Lach: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Lach will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Lach Orthodontic Specialists Wishing You a Happy Fourth of July

This Sunday, our team will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, Independence Day is a time 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 and present - who lost their lives in battle - and those soldiers who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that Americans everywhere may celebrate our freedom.

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?

We invite you to post your responses on our Facebook page! Please feel free to post photos as well!

Whatever you end up doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Suresmile in Orlando, FL

John, a Basketball coach in Orlando, FL and a patient at Lach Orthodontic Specialists was kind enough to answer a few questions on camera about his experience with Dr. Lach and the SureSmile system. Dr. Lach was great and he explained every step of the way and was always there for me. It is pretty amazing to me to see just how far my teeth have come with the little discomfort that I have had. I know I have saved over a year of time with Dr. Lach's treatment over the regular braces. You just cant beat 13 months and 10 visits for my difficult case. I would recommend that to anyone!

Give us a call to learn more about how you can benefit from a shorter orthodontic treatment time with the SureSmile system!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontists). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Questions? Give Lach Orthodontic Specialists a call today!

Dr. Lach & Team Want You To Smile–June is National Smile Month!

It’s June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Lach and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

–Dr. David Lach, Orthodontist Orlando FL

Stevie Shares Her Experience at Lach Orthodontics

We asked Stevie to share her SureSmile story at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, check out the video above! Stevie also had the following comment to share

Thanks to Dr Lach I will have a perfect smile for my wedding day. If not for the Sure Smile process cutting down the time I need to be in braces I would not have gone forward with braces...thank you Dr Lach for my Sure Smile

SureSmile is a technologically driven orthodontic treatment applied to a tried-and-true system for moving teeth — the same bracket-and-wire configuration orthodontists have used successfully for more than 30 years.

SureSmile is the first and only orthodontic treatment process to combine:
* Digital imaging, with the handheld OraScanner, to map the exact position of every tooth in your mouth
* Computer simulation, allowing the orthodontist to precisely plan every step of your treatment and custom design your archwire
* Robotics to precision-bend the archwire in exact accordance with the prescription * Shape Memory Alloy, a high-tech wire material that works with your own body heat to make treatment more effective

Each component is important on its own, but the real value of SureSmile is the way they work together as a single system to revolutionize orthodontic treatment.

SureSmile brings the future of orthodontics to patients today.

So you can see, SureSmile is more than a single advance in orthodontic technology.

Its an end-to-end treatment process that combines several powerful leading-edge technologies to: * Shorten treatment time * Reduce the number of adjustments * Reduce the number of office visits * Reduce discomfort

In that sense, SureSmile technology offers the best of old and new: conventional bracket-and-wire braces plus technology that minimizes their inefficiencies and limitations.

Lach Orthodontic Specialists Reminding You To Enter the AAO Video Contest

We have some exciting news to share with all of our patients this Thursday. The American Association of Orthodontists, which Dr. Lach is a member of, is offering a $2,500 academic scholarship to two lucky winners of their "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" video contest.

All patients at Lach Orthodontic Specialists 18 years of age or younger are eligible to enter, and entries must be postmarked by July 15th! You can learn more about the contest on the AAO's web site, but here are a few subjects to think about while making your video:

• What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment? How have you changed?
• How proud are you of your new smile?
• When did you notice changes in yourself? What kinds of changes have you noticed?
• What does your new smile mean to you?
• What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?

This is a great opportunity and we encourage you to enter. GOOD LUCK!

May is 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. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. 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 Lach Orthodontic Specialists, 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.

Invisalign® Tips, from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Lach 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 Lach Orthodontic Specialists, give us a call!

A Patient Describes the Fun, Welcome Environment at Lach Orthodontic Specialists

We have been interviewing a few of our patients, and asking them about their experience with treatment at our office so far. This patient describes the welcoming atmosphere and the enjoyable experience so far working with Dr. Lach and the Lach Orthodontic Specialists. Do you have a story to share about your treatment with us? Leave a comment on this blog, or write one on our Facebook page!

--Lach Orthodontic Specialists, orthodontics in Orlando and Oveido, FL

Dr. Lach at the Orlando Magic Playoff Game

Dr. Lach recently attended the Orlando Magic playoff basketball game at the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL, and this photo is of him with the Orlando Magic cheerleaders and some of the Orlando Magic staff as well!

Kind Words From Alexis, 2009 Miss Mexico Florida 2009

Above is a photo we received from a former patient at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, Alexis Soto, Miss Mexico Florida 2009. Take a look at the letter she sent along with the photo below!

Dr. Lach,

Words cannot express my heartfelt appreciation for all your support that you have given me; the opportunity to make my dreams come true. With your kind words you give me the motivation to keep going and never giving up on my goals I wish to achieve. I thank you for giving me the confidence to appear in front of others on a daily basis feeling confident about myself, knowing that now I don't have to be shy and hide. I now have that radiance that allows me to smile to everyone and anyone as I am on stage; it's the most tremendous feeling in the world. You are a great inspiration to me because you have brought forth change in not just my life, but others as well. My achievements have been possible because of the support from the Lach Orthodontics family, and I enjoy sharing my joy with each and every member. I wish to work closely with you all, and spread word of just how incredibly you have impacted my life!

With Much love,

Alexis Soto

Video Patient Testimonials at Lach Orthodontics

If you've been on our Facebook Fan Page recently, you might have noticed that we have posted several patient testimonial videos! We love to interview our patients on their experience with orthodontic treatment, and with the team at Lach Orthodontic Specialists. Check out the testimonials, and share them with a friend! If you'd like to be in one of these fun videos, let us know at your next appointment!

This April, play it safe! From Lach Orthodontic Specialists

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Lach and our team at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

We hope the above video helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact us. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Ask Lach Orthodontic Specialists: Am I too old for braces?

Recently, our staff at Lach Orthodontic Specialists 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. Lach can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

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

The Lach Orthodontics Fin-Tastic Smile Club

At Lach Orthodontic Specialists, we like to reward our patients for taking care of their smile in between appointments. This includes caring for your braces, and properly brushing and flossing to keep your teeth healthy while in orthodontic care. As an incentive, we have started a new kids club to reward patients and parents! If you'd like to join the club, take a look at the requirements below:

*Wear Your Lach Orthodontics T-Shirt

*Excellent (A Grade) Brushing

*No Broken Braces

*On Time For Your Appointment

*Financial Compliance Current

*Good Elastic Care

The rewards are a free frozen yogurt for patients, and a free manicure for parents (limit 5). We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

-Lach Orthodontic Specialists, Serving Orlando, Oveido, and Winter Springs Florida (FL)

Access your account anytime at Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?
Patients at our office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

--Lach Orthodontic Specialists

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Lach started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Lach decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

When should you call Lach Orthodontic Specialists?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Lach. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with 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, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

-Lach Orthodontic Specialists

The advantage of SureSmile® in Orlando, FL

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? Lach Orthodontic Specialists understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Lach specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, we identify the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Lach view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in the Orlando area, and braces are on the horizon, please contact us today!

Waterford Elementary Field Trip

At Lach Orthodontics, we love our Orlando community, and host numerous community and outreach events throughout the year. Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of students from the local Waterford Elementary to tour our office, learn about orthodontics, and have a little fun along the way!

Students were able to hang out Sir Bends Alot, the Lach Orthodontic Specialists mascot, along with a frozen yogurt treat! Check out all the fun photos on our Facebook fan page!

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Lach is a certified Invisalign provider in Oveido, FL. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 407-278-8119.

Top Ten Tips for Keeping Your Braces Clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.

Hope this helps!

-Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Lach Orthodontic Specialists Host Dental Education Night

Dr. Lach sponsors local continued education for general dentists in the area, and our last event was on December 10, 2009 at the Tuskawilla Golf and Country Club in Winter Springs. We've posted a few photos of the event on our Facebook Fan Page, where local dentists were treated to a lecture by Dr. Charles Pankey, one of the world’s finest dental educators.

This event occurs every two months, and is hosted and sponsored by Dr. David Lach. The dental education nights are intended to help sharpen skills and learn the best practices in the field, and are also a social event with food, drinks and fun.

An Important Message from Lach Orthodontic Specialists

Over the past 19 years, it has truly been a privilege and a distinct pleasure to work with some wonderful and amazing families in helping create so many beautiful smiles in our community. However, over the past several months, we have been aware of some unscrupulous individuals who have been creating repeated false and misleading statements on the internet about our practice. Since that time, we have been monitoring the situation very closely and have positively identified the persons responsible for this criminal activity. Our research thusfar indicates that it is only 2 or 3 individuals that are actually responsible for creating all of these false statements and reviews about our practice. We are in the process of a complete and thorough investigation that will ultimately lead to full prosecution of these few individuals for the crimes they have committed.

As you know, we continue to request patient feedback on actual experiences with our office so that we will continue to monitor and improve our services to you. You may provide us your feedback via our website at www.Lach-Ortho.com . Just click on “Active Patient” on the center tool bar on our home page and go to the section under “Patient Satisfaction Survey” in order to submit your comments directly to us. You may also fill out a yellow patient survey slip at your next appointment visit with us or notify an office assistant that you would like to speak to someone and we would be happy to talk to you. Due to the extraordinary technological advances in the field of orthodontics over the years, we have grown very accustomed to creating high quality smiles in a fraction of the time, with far less discomfort and inconveniences than ever before. Along with these immense changes, we realize that your expectations of us as your preferred chosen provider of orthodontic services in our community have also changed. Our overall goal as an office is to continue to find ways to improve our services and deliver according to your evolving standards and expectations. As a result of some of your previously expressed concerns, we have recently implemented several office protocols which we feel will better address your needs.

Since treatment times are much shorter than in the past and appointments are much fewer, we realize that your opportunities for interaction with our staff and doctor have also been reduced. As a result, we would like to now offer routine progress review appointments with me for one on one discussion regarding any and all aspects of your ongoing orthodontic care with us. We believe that these added appointment times will create the optimum forum to foster quality communication between the doctor and patient which will lead to a greater understanding of the progress toward planned treatment goals.

In addition, we have developed community forum meetings which will take place on the first Monday of each quarter in order to address these and all of our office protocols in a closed panel format. At these meetings, we will ask our invited panel of patients and parents to provide us with valued input as to how we can better help serve the needs of our patients. We also are hopeful that this will also lead to greater understanding and awareness of some of our office functions and educate patients and parents on some of the resources that they may not be aware are available.

Our convenient office location allows parents many opportunities to patronize neighboring establishments such as Publix, Kiwi Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt, Blockbuster, etc. In order for me to address any and all of your concerns with treatment personally, please allow us that opportunity by meeting with me chair side at every visit. Our clinical staff are instructed to invite all parents back in the treatment area at every visit and will document your attendance and all questions in the patient chart prior to our important meeting time together. We would like to ask both parents, if at all possible, to be present at each visit in order to address all concerns at once and refrain from leaving the office until the appointment is complete.

As always, I am also available by phone anytime just in case an unanswered question or concern arises. You may also reach me via e-mail at info@Lach-Ortho.com.

We sincerely hope that these newly instituted office protocols will help better address your concerns and exceed your expectations from us. We thank you again for the opportunity and privilege we are given to work together with you.

--Dr. David Lach