The Bellaire Family Orthodontics Blog

"Hey Dr. Wadler! What's the deal with retainers?"

2011-04-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Wadler and Wadler-Bloome will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After your braces come off, teeth may shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, Dr. Wadler will tell you, 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 our doctors and staff is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your treatment at our office, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth.

Or, you can ask us on Facebook!

Play it safe this spring, from Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2011-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring 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. David Wadler and Dr. Melissa Wadler Bloome 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 others. Be sure, however, 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 Dr. Wadler. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Wadler 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 with Dr. Wadler.

See you soon!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Wadler

2011-03-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we make every effort to earn our patients' trust by providing quality orthodontic care and exemplary service. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of our patients and give them the smile of their dreams.

Speaking of smiles, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation. Our friendly staff looks forward to meeting you and helping you begin your smile transformation.

Love your smile? Tell the world about it!

2011-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Has your experience at Bellaire Family Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Write a review on Google– its easy to do! Click the “Write a Review” button above to head to our Google Places page. Have a google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message. Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–its easy and takes only a minute or two!Write a Review on Google!

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

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

2011-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Bellaire, TX.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

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

Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]

2011-03-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Drs. Wadler and team came across this video recently and realized that it's just what folks considering Invisalign need to see. Invisalign gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign. We always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else.

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call to set up an initial consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Have a great week!

Presidents' Day Fun Facts!

2011-02-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined February birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Bellaire Family Orthodontics.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents we thought you might enjoy:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in 0 died in office.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

*Fourteen presidents served as vice presidents: J. Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Tyler, Fillmore, A. Johnson, Arthur, T. Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Nixon, L. Johnson, Ford, and George H.W. Bush.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

March Madness contest at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2011-02-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ask us for more info! Good luck everyone!

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, February marks National Dental Health Month

2011-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we celebrate February and National Children's Dental Health Month, and today thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to visiting Dr. David Wadler and Dr. Melissa Wadler-Bloome during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment at our Bellaire office, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Do you know where your mouth guard is?

2011-01-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Spring sports are just around the corner, and our staff at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, including Drs. Wadler and Wadler-Bloome, would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Our team will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our convenient Houston office.

What are patients saying about Bellaire Family Orthodontics?

2011-01-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about Drs. Wadler and Wadler Bloome and our staff at Bellaire Family Orthodontics lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone!

"Dr. Wadler and Staff #1 I was referred to Dr. Wadler by my sister Tonya Wallace...I was fitted for a retainer and received it the exact same day. The entire staff is very welcoming and friendly. I will send my friends and family to Dr. Wadler if they ever need orthodontic treatment."

"The Bellaire Family Orthodontics are awesome! They have comfortable appliances and few check-ups and they work! My teeth are getting straighter and I get to earn waddler bucks which I can get prizes with."‎

"My 2 sons have been monitored for the last two years, waiting to begin treatment. One has had a preliminary bite guard treatment. The entire office is amazing at keeping us very well-cared-for and informed. We love Dr. Wadler and Dr. Wadler Bloome."

"Dr. Wadler himself came in on a Saturday to help a couple patients (including myself), even though the office is closed on the weekends. He fit me for a retainer that they made for me at the last minute (since I have to leave town for college). Even though I forgot to make an appointment, the receptionist was really friendly and helped squeeze me in their schedule. The staff is very friendly and the office is also very-kid friendly. Highly recommended."

For more great patient reviews that speak highly of the work we do, check our our testimonials page on our website.

By the way, Facebook is a great place to tell us how we're doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help us pbuild more beautiful smiles!

Valentine’s Contest at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2011-01-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we are celebrating with a FAMOUS ANIMATED AND CARTOON COUPLES CONTEST now through Feb. 14! Please enter the next time you are in our office! The winner will receive a a dinner and movie on us! You must get 8 couples correct to be entered:

Fred & ______, Lilo & ______, Woody & ______, Popeye & ______, Shrek & _______, Tarzan & _______, Homer & _______, Donald & ________, Mickey & ________, WallE & ______.

GOOD LUCK!

Enter our Wristband Contest

2011-01-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

If you've received a Bellaire Family Orthodontics wristband, did you know by wearing it between appointments, that you are automatically entered to win a monthly $100 cash prize drawing? All entries are also entered into our Grand Prize Drawing for a flat screen TV. The contest goes from now through June (when the grand prize will be drawn), and each monthly drawing will be held the first Wednesday of each month. GOOD LUCK!

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

2011-01-07T14:03:00.001-08:00

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment!

Happy New Year from Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2010-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Bellaire Family Orthodontics would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d 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!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

2010-12-22T13:19:00.001-08:00

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. We at Bellaire Family Orthodontics 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 us at Bellaire Family Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

And the Winner is....

2010-12-17T10:08:00.001-08:00

We selected the winner of our iPad contest! Watch the video to learn who won!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

2010-12-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, we 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 at Bellaire Family Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Holidays Around the World Contest

2010-11-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

People around the world celebrate holidays in December, but while some say "Merry Christmas", or "Happy Hanukkah", the one phrase we can all agree on is "Happy Holidays!"

For this month's contest, pick up a multiple choice entry form from our office, and have a little fun learning five new ways of saying "Happy Holidays" around the world. You only need to get one answer correct to qualify for a chance to win the grand prize, a $25.00 Visa Gift Card. The contest ends December 31st, 2010, pick up your form today, and feel free to call if you have any questions.

GOOD LUCK!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-11-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

Our team at Bellaire Family Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We'd like to know, 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!

Top ten tips for keeping your smile sparklin' clean, from Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Kelsey Visits Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-11-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

We had an exciting morning here at Bellaire Family Orthodontics. We were serenaded by our very own talented Kelsey. Check the video out above!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

2010-11-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

Trust us when we say our doctors and 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 Bellaire Family Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

A few Halloween safety tips

2010-10-29T15:38:00.001-07:00

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Bellaire Family 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!

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

2010-10-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

We want to thank all that came out to support Shelly on October 2nd at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We appreciate everyone who got up early for the run- an awesome time was had by all! If you'd like to learn more about the Susan G. Komen For the Cure program, check out their official website.

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

2010-10-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, 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!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

2010-09-24T14:39:00.001-07:00

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 Bellaire, TX area!

The importance of retainers

2010-09-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, we will provide—or have 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. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

The Newest Addition to Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-09-10T08:10:00.001-07:00

We are please to welcome Conner Harrison Bloome who arrived on September 8, 2010. Dr. Melissa and baby are doing great! He weighed in at 7.5 oz and was 19 inches long. Congratulations Dr. Melissa and family!

Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge

2010-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Think you can make someone smile in 30 seconds or less? Then check out Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge! Here's how it works:

Each month, a new challenge will be issued on the Make Me Smile Challenge web site. It is up to you to record a video response to the challenge, and upload it on the site. Videos can only be 30 seconds long, but you can enter as many times as you wish!

There are three challenges total, and the first has already begun! At the end of each round, a judge will chose a winner to receive an Apple iPad! A grand prize will be awarded at the end of the three challenges to send you and a friend to Hollywood!

We've included the contest dates below, but be sure to check out Invisalign Teen's web site for more information, and GOOD LUCK!

Challenge 1: August 17 – September 13, 2010
Challenge 2: September 14 – October 1, 2010
Challenge 3: October 12 – November 9, 2010

Reality TV Star and Bellaire Family Orthodontics Patient Erica Rose

2010-08-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

Erica, one of our patients at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, has recently found success in the reality TV world, having been recently featured on The Bachelor: Rome, and her newest show "You're Cut Off". Erica was interviewed by Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, and you can check out the full article on their web site.

Bellaire Family Orthodontics is no stranger to famous patients! Besides Erica, we have also had the pleasure to treat Chandler Canterbury, a talented young actor. We love to see our patients in the news!

Share a Smile with family and friends and win an iPad from Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2010-08-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

We wanted to remind you of our fun fall patient contest, and how you can win the grand prize- a brand new Apple iPad!

How to enter you ask?
-Refer a friend (2 entries)
-Post a Facebook video testimonial on Bellaire Family Orthodontics Wall (2 entries)
-Write a Facebook testimonial at Bellaire Family Orthodontics (1 entry)
-Write a review on Google, Yahoo, Bing and/or Yelp (1 entry each)

We will draw 1 name ‘sometime’ in December and post the potential winner on Facebook, that person will have only 2 weeks to claim the iPad. If not claimed, one additional name will be drawn and under the same terms and have an opportunity to claim the iPad!

Have fun and GOOD LUCK! Let your friends know too!

Summer Fun With Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-08-13T14:38:00.001-07:00

Things have been very busy here at Bellaire Family Orthodontics as we take braces off before school starts! We wanted to let everyone know that our latest contest begins September 1st, and there is a chance to win an Apple iPad. Keep checking back here and on our Facebook page for more information, and be sure to "like" us on Facebook to automatically receive updates from Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

Congratulations Meryl!

2010-08-04T13:58:00.001-07:00

We wanted to congratulate patient Meryl Gibbs, who won the Wet Seal Modeling Contest. Thank you to everyone who watched her video and supported her! We've included her winning video entry above in case you missed it!

Write a Review of Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2010-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ask Bellaire Family Orthodontics: Am I too old for braces?

2010-07-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, our staff at Bellaire Family Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! 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 and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with our office 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!

What’s on your summer reading list?

2010-07-09T10:48:00.001-07:00

With summer in full swing, some of us at Bellaire Family Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development—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 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!

With Bellaire Family Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

2010-06-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Meryl, One of Our Invisalign Patients

2010-06-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Look at that great smile! Meryl is an Invisalign patient here at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, and she is currently in a model search contest for Wet Seal (a teen clothing retailer). We love to share the successes of our patients, and Meryl is one of 100 national finalists for this model search. Please watch the video above--the more views of this video, the better her chances to advance to the finals!

Smile--June is National Smile Month!

2010-06-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

The Bellaire Family Orthodontics team is 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 at 832-460-5782!

Don't Miss Dr. Wadler with Midlife Crisis and the Hot Flashes This Sunday!

2010-06-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Rock'n Rollers,

Our engagement at the Gallant Knight is this Sunday, June 6, 2010. This is the first time that our band, Midlife Crisis & The Hotflashes will be performing at this venue and it is a really nice club, you will truly enjoy yourself. Doors will open at 6:00pm and the band will start playing at 7:30pm. Wear your dancing shoes and come ready to Rock’n Roll.

I hope to see you there.

-Dr. David Wadler

Welcome to Our New Bellaire Family Orthodontics Team Members!

2010-05-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Please join us in welcoming Tracy and Lyn, the two newest members of Bellaire Family Orthodontics. Be sure to say hello on your next visit to the office!

Deband Days at Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-05-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

At Bellaire Family Orthodontics, we like to have fun, and part of that fun is when you get your braces off! Check out our latest patient deband day videos, and view all the past ones on our YouTube channel!

Where in the World Are Our Patients?

2010-05-14T13:42:00.001-07:00

We can’t go with you on vacation but we would love to see where you’ve been! Mail us your favorite postcard and we’ll enter it in our Postcard Contest! Winners will be selected within four categories:

- Furthest Location

- Most Creative

- Most Adventurous

- Funniest

Each winner will each win a great digital photo frame to store all their vacation pictures! Contest ends on 09/01/10, call our office for more details!

--Bellaire Family Orthodontics

Two New Team Members at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2010-04-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bellaire Family Orthodontics Would Like To Introduce Two New Team Members

Tracy Chaskin

Tracy graduated from high school in Houston, and attended the University of Houston and Sam Houston State University. She went on to graduate from Memorial City Nursing School, and became an Emergency Medical Technician Instructor.

Tracy decided to change to dentistry, when she came to Bellaire Family Orthodontics and experienced the friendly environment. She wanted to work with BFO’s upbeat, energetic and passionate Doctors and Staff. The feeling has been mutual…Tracy has been a very friendly and smiling addition to the Administrative Staff.

Tracy has been married to her wonderful husband, Marvin, for over 26 years. Her oldest child, Kelly, attends the University of Texas San Antonio, and is majoring in education. Her youngest child, Kyle, will be attending Texas A&M University on a scholarship for baseball.

Tracy enjoys watching her son play baseball, having dinner with friends, working in the garden, taking Maggie, their dog, for walks and most of all, spending time with her family.

Lyn Hunter

Lyn has been in dentistry for over 12 years. She worked for a pediatric dentist for over 7 years, then switched to orthodontics.

Lyn has always had an interest in health with a special focus on teeth. She loves seeing patient’s transformed into beautiful smiles. Lyn loves patient interaction and orthodontics is the perfect place for this.

Lyn has been married for over 13 years and she is the mother of 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. She enjoys reading, baking, playing volleyball, camping and spending time with her family. Lyn is tall and with her competitive nature, you better watch out on the other side of that volleyball net.

Invisalign Teen at Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-04-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

Invisalign Teen corrects a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues and is a cool way for teens to straighten their teeth without anyone having to know. The aligners are comfortable, easily removable, easy to clean and nearly undetectable by their friends. More teenagers are taking the step to straighter teeth because they can now do it a lot more comfortably and less noticeably.

An average course of treatment with Invisalign takes about a year. Invisalign Teen was designed to meet teenagers needs and you can begin treatment even if all your permanent teeth have not erupted. The best part about Invisalign of course, is the fact you can remove the aligners for special occasions (Prom, Graduation anyone?)

After your Invisalign treatment, you may find your self-confidence boosted by your new smile and the change in your appearance. As you know, smiling has many benefits. It can help you make a strong impression in lots of different social situations-at school, at work, or at a party.

Learn more about Invisalign Teen on our web site, or give us a call at 832-460-5782.

Bellaire Family Orthodontics Helping Kids Want to Smile

2010-04-16T16:40:00.001-07:00

Ask any child with less-than-perfect teeth about teasing and nicknames and you'll no doubt hear a sad story. We hear them every day – Goofy, Bugs Bunny, Fang. Some fun. There is real substance to such a child's social pain.

One study on childhood harassment found that misaligned or protruding teeth were the single most common target of name-calling among children. Further, children with orthodontic problems are more subject to bullying than their luckier peers.

We've all experienced the hostility of childhood epithets – it's part of growing up. But for some of us, the bad memories don't "go away." Early and persistent humiliation can become an adult's psychological baggage.

Part of our task as orthodontists is a social one. We know how a child with a problem bite feels. And we know that it's a preventable situation. We have the means to correct every "bad bite" out there – and with it, the social brutality so devastating to young self-esteem.

We want every child in our community to have the advantages of a normal, healthy countenance. Orthodontic evaluation is the first step. Call us for a consultation. The payback for your child lasts a lifetime!

--Bellaire Family Orthodontics

We Have A Winner at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

2010-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our patients got their game face on for this contest! We asked them questions about sports played with balls. So many people qualified but only one lucky person won a $50 gift certificate to Sports Authority!

Congratulations to Elyse, who was selected as the winner of the Lets Play Ball contest at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

Fun and Games at Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-04-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

We like to have fun at Bellaire Family Orthodontics, and our patients can even play video games while at the office! We also hold patient contests every month, so be sure to check our web site for the latest fun events at Bellaire Family Orthodontics!

Serving Houston & Bellaire, TX (Texas) Dr. David Wadler and Dr. Melissa Wadler Bloome are your orthodontic specialists, offering Invisalign® and braces for children, teens, and adults. We go the extra mile for your smile!

Bellaire Family Orthodontics at the 2010 Damon Forum

2010-03-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wadler, Dr. Bloom and Dr. Soh are excited to have just returned from a Damon System Meeting they attended with 1000 other orthodontists from all over the world. Technology changes so rapidly and these meetings are a great experience to collaborate and share ideas with other doctors to bring the latest in orthodontic technology back to our patients.

The doctors at Bellaire Family Orthodontics want to stay abreast of all the new state of the art materials and procedures to better serve the patients of our practice. The next time you are in the office, feel free to ask us about what is new and exciting in the field of orthodontics.

Fun Contests and Events, Only at Bellaire Family Orthodontics

2010-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been to Bellaire Family Orthodontics, then you know our office loves to have fun, and have plenty of fun events and contests for our patients. Our Rodeo contest ended yesterday, and the winner was Sunshine W, who guessed the correct number of rodeo figures in the jar. Sunshine won two rodeo tickets to see Toby Keith!

From now until March 31st, we will be holding the Let's Play Ball contest, where contestants answer a set of questions about sports that are played using a ball. Get at least 6 of the 10 questions correct and you will be entered to win. On the 31st we will draw two winners randomly to receive a $50 gift certificate to Sports Authority! Be sure to mention the contest on your next appointment!

We have also announced a teaser for April's contest, which you can see on our Facebook Fan Page. Join the conversation by becoming a fan today!

Join Us Online!

2010-02-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

We at Bellaire Family Orthodontics love staying at the forefront of technology, whether it is with our orthodontic treatments, cutting edge web site or email and text message reminders. Now our practice is on a variety of social networks to connect with you online!

Learn about news at our office on this blog, become a fan of our practice on Facebook, or view our videos on YouTube. Feel free to asks us a question on these networks, leave a comment on your experience at our practice, or refer our social networks to a friend!

See you online,

--The Bellaire Family Orthodontics Team

Meet Our Orthodontists

2010-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Wadler is a native Houstonian. He grew up in Bellaire and graduated from Bellaire High school in 1963. Dr. Wadler attended Tulane University in New Orleans where he met his wife Dede. After graduating from Loyola College of Dentistry in Chicago, Dr. Wadler did a two year residency at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, and received a certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters in Oral Science. In 1973, he started his Orthodontic practice in Southwest Houston.

Dr. Wadler is a leader and innovator in the orthodontic community. He lectures on Orthodontics, SureSmile and Invisalign to various dental groups and is a guest lecturer at the Orthodontic department at University of Texas Dental Branch, in Houston. Dr.Wadler is a Counsel Member (Consultant) for Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen™, and he is an Educator Consultant for the Meilora Group (SureSmile). His proudest accomplishment, however, is his family: daughters Melissa, Lindsay and Elizabeth and son Jarrett.

Dr. Wadler spent much of his leisure time coaching his children’s sports teams. He now enjoys hanging out with his grandchildren. One of his biggest thrills is having his oldest daughter, Melissa, practice with him. When not with his family or at the office he can be seen playing lead guitar with his band "Midlife Crisis and the Hot-flashes." This is very evident when you visit his office in Bellaire - You can’t miss all the music memorabilia on the walls throughout the office!

Dr. Melissa Wadler Bloome joined Bellaire Family Orthodontics in September of 2003, but has been with the office assisting and learning the ropes since she was in middle school! From a very young age, she learned the importance of a healthy smile and has made it her priority to help others improve both their dental health and self-confidence. Dr. Wadler Bloome strives to treat each one of her patients with kindness and the highest quality of care.

Dr. Wadler Bloome graduated from the Kinkaid School in 1992 and from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996 as a Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She came back to Houston to attend the University of Texas Dental Branch and graduated second in her class. She practiced general dentistry in beautiful New Mexico before doing a residency program and receiving her Master’s Degree in Orthodontics from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston.

Dr. Wadler Bloome enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. David Bloome, their son Jackson, and their daughter Ashley.