When is two-phase treatment necessary? From Dr. Skibell

Typically, patients in orthodontic treatment at our Houston office already have their permanent teeth. But in some cases Dr. David Skibell has 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, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

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 Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit us even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call.

Have a great weekend!

What are patients saying about Dr. Skibell and staff?

If you know Dr. David Skibell and our professional orthodontic team, you know we love getting patient reviews. In other words, we LOVE hearing from our patients! Take a look at what a few of them have said about our office!

"Dr. Skibell is very kind and he actually gets to know his patients, he does not seem like the other drs that I have been to as of late, that are there to see as many patients as possible. I love the fact that he talks to me when I am there, I have been to doctors that spend more time talking to their nurses about me than actually to me." ~ Amanda V.

"I was in search of an orthodontist and my coworker had referred me to Dr. Skibell. i heard nothing but good things about him, that i was finally convinced and started my son's treatment with Dr. Skibell. Dr. and staff are very caring and great."

"Dr. Skibell and his staff were wonderful ... Dr. Skibell and his staff were wonderful. The treatment plan was carefully explained in a way I could understand. All my visits were close to on time and the work done was absolutely professional. His assistants are excellent, too."

Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Dr. Skibell's office, we know 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 staff 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 at our Houston office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Skibell!

Make 2011 the year to improve your oral health, from Dr. Skibell

Many of our patients and folks here in Houston consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Dr. David Skibell and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It’s important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum disease during your orthodontic treatment? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call at our convenient Houston office if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry. After all, Dr. Skibell and team know that your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

If your resolution is to attain a great-looking smile, we’d love to help! Please contact us and schedule your complimentary initial consultation. We look forward to working with you, your family and all of your wonderful smiles!

Happy New Year from all of us at Dr. Skibell's office!