Talkin' fluoride with Dr. Farina

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Farina 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? 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.

When choosing your own fluoride product, however, 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. If you have any questions about fluoride, we encourage you to ask Dr. Farina during your next visit. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Happy Friday and have a TERRIFIC weekend!

Dr. Mark Farina and staff, encouraging you to join the Braces Brigade

This summer, how would you like to blog about your experience in braces at Farina Orthodontics AND receive a $100 American Express gift card for your efforts? Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists and their Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide your:

* 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)

Here's how it works: In your weekly blogs, which you'll write for eight months if accepted, you'll answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get braces at Dr. Farina's office?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out this consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade! If you get accepted, let us know during your next visit with Dr. Farina or post on our Facebook page!

Have a great weekend!

Traveling this summer? Try these 5 tips!

At Tampa's Farina Orthodontics, our staff and Dr. Mark Farina know most people - including many of our patients - take a vacation during the summer, and often forget to pack the most important of things.

Recently, our staff came across this article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing – and the traveling/vacation itself – goes as smooth as possible!

Happy and safe traveling!

Ask Dr. Farina: what's the deal with Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen, the clear alternative to braces, can straighten your child's teeth without discomfort and embarrassment of traditional metallic braces. Invisalign Teen works much in the same fashion as Invisalign technology used for adults, and is quickly becoming the choice of treatment to straighten teen's teeth by nearly one million patients worldwide, including a lot here at Tampa's Farina Orthodontics.

For more info about Invisalign Teen, please give us a call! We hope you have a GREAT rest of your Fourth of July weekend!!