All About you

Do You Need Braces?

Q - How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

A - It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. However, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex but will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is the focus of our practice. Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

Q - What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

A - The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Q - Can you be too old for braces?

A - No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 35% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

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Benefits of Braces

Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic, achieving beautiful smiles, improved dental health, improved self esteem and an enhanced quality of life for people of all ages. Orthodontics is such an awesome gift that will affect practically every aspect of your life.

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Your First Visit

We would love for you to come visit us! You will find a team of warm, friendly folks. First, we will make some measurements of your teeth and talk to you about how we might help you address your orthodontic concerns.

Please assist us by providing the following information before your first visit:

• Any panoramic or cephalometric x-rays you may already have
• Completed online or printed patient registration forms (we need this)
• Any medical/dental insurance forms to help you process any claims
• A list of any medications you are currently taking

If for some reason you cannot make it to your appointment, please contact our office at (210) 494-7660. If it is after hours, leave your name and number and a brief message on our answering machine and we will return your call the next business day.

Orthodontic Records to Plan Your Treatment

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, your treatment options will be discussed with you. Before you leave our office, convenient forms of financial arrangements will also be discussed with you. An appointment will be scheduled for fulldiagnostic records to verify the treatment plan. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and x-rays.


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About Your Treatment

Treatment Timing

Drs. Flanary and Hembree provide orthodontic treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending that an orthodontic evaluation take place at age 7 for all children. This early evaluation can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment. Usually treatment is not necessary at this early age but early orthodontic monitoring can troubleshoot some otherwise disastrous situations.

Some interceptive (Phase I) treatments may be necessary for patients 7 to 11 years of age that provide significant benefits, especially when jaw irregularities are present. These treatments may also prevent certain conditions from worsening.

Comprehensive treatment typically begins once all the permanent teeth are in and lasts from 6 to 30 months, depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem. Adults can have orthodontic treatment at any age with impressive functional and cosmetic benefits.

Length of Treatment

Treatments can be as short as 6 months or as long as 30 months depending on the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation in not breaking their braces, keeping appointments and consistently wearing their rubber bands, and the age of the patient. We want to be conservative about when we recommend the start of your treatment and discuss how efficiently we can get you out of braces. We think it is important for our patients not to be in braces any longer than they have to be in them.

Some interceptive treatments in adolescents may involve a Phase I and a Phase II treatment, creating a holding period in the middle.

Scheduling Your Appointments

We offer appointments ranging from 7:15am to 4:30pm. Our scheduling coordinator will help you to get a suitable appointment. We try to reserve our late afternoons for short adjustment appointments for our after school kids, when possible. The longer treatment visits, like taking diagnostic records, putting braces on and taking them off, are reserved for the longer morning appointments. We know we can find a good appointment time for you.

We try to stay on schedule to minimize waiting at the time of your appointment. From time to time, delays to the schedule can occur. Your understanding and patience are very much appreciated. Please let us know if we can help you with any particular needs or limitations that you may have. If you are in pain or an emergency situation develops, every attempt will be made to see you that day. After hours, you can also call the answering service at 210-258-5477, and the doctor will be paged.

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About Your Braces or Aligners

Damon Braces

Braces are the beginning, but the system makes the smile.

1. Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.
2. Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.
3. A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics - usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

See www.damonbraces.com for more information

Getting Your Braces or Aligners

Before any orthodontic appliances go on, your family dentist should make certain that all cavities have been treated and the health of the gums and underlying bone are free of periodontal disease. We would like to reinforce the need to keep your regular check-up and cleaning visits with your family dentist because we are only an aid to your family dentist and not a replacement. Avoid fluoride treatments one month before having your braces put on or this may cause your braces to not bond well to your teeth.

The day you get your braces, you will be given verbal and written instructions in the very important areas of brushing, flossing, using a waterpick, limitations to foods you may eat, medications to help you minimize soreness of teeth, and how to deal with broken braces and emergencies. If you are receiving your first aligners , instead of traditional braces, you will be given similar instructions and information on the care and wear of your aligners.

Subsequent Visits

At the beginning of your treatment with braces we will want to see you every 6 to 12 weeks. As your treatment progresses the time intervals will become shorter. During this time, you will need to keep your appointments, follow instructions and practice good oral hygiene. During orthodontic treatment regular dental checkups with your dentist are still a must!

Brackets(braces) of metal or ceramic porcelain which are on the teeth provide a handle by which the teeth are moved. The main archwires thread through the brackets. As these wires try to return to their original shape, they apply constant, gentle pressure to move your teeth. Picture your teeth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The teeth move. New bone fills in. That’s miraculous!

Elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth when attached to your braces. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn 24 hours a day and changed to fresh ones every day, preferably before sleep.

Getting Your Braces Off - Ta-Dah!

When you have completed your treatment, two separate appointments will be made to take the braces off. We place semi-permanent retainers bonded on the inside of both the top and bottom front teeth to ensure your teeth remain PERFECT! You will also receive a set of clear aligners to be worn at night, to ensure the stability of your back teeth.

This process will be followed by a post-treatment records appointment in which we will go over your spectacular results and instructions for maintaining your new smile!.

Care of Your Retainers

Permanent retainers require both thorough cleanings by your dentist as well as meticulous brushing and flossing by you. Your cooperation in maintaining and wearing your retainers may be the most important part of a stable outcome! You must wear your retainers as instructed or your teeth will relapse, possibly requiring retreatment at your cost.

There is always a possibility that the permanent retainer can loosen or break if you are not careful when biting into hard foods. If this happens it is very important to call us and make an appointment to come back and see us!

Removable clear aligners are more easily lost or broken, so be careful!. When you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safe keeping. Please also remember to keep your retainers clean with your toothbrush and toothpaste!



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About Payment Plans and Insurance

Convenient Payment Plans

Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to a beautiful smile. Our practice offers a wide range of payment options including financing with no initial payment and a monthly installment plan. Many orthodontic problems may require only limited treatment. The cost of treatment will vary, depending on the severity of the problem and length of treatment time to correct it.

Our treatment coordinator will work out a plan suited to your individual needs. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover and offer various orthodontic financing plans. We deliver the finest care at a reasonable cost to our patients.

Help with Insurance

Our office will make every effort to provide you with the most convenient financial options. While many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits, we will work with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures.

If you have any problems or questions, please ask our Financial Coordinator. She is well informed and up-to-date and can be reached by phone at (210) 494-7660 or emailed at info@yourorthoteam.com

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Common Orthodontic Problems

(Photos for this section coming soon!)


Cross bite
Open bite
Overbite
Over jet
Under bite
Impacted Teeth
missing Teeth
Crowded Teeth


Classifications of the Teeth

Class I
Class II
Class III


Classifications of the Face

Class I
Class II
Class III

All About Us | Dr. Flanary, Your Team & Office Map

Dr. Flanary

Dr. Megan Hembree

Dr. Megan Hembree, a native of the West Texas town of Muleshoe, began her career in orthodontics working as a chairside assistant throughout college. Dr. Hembree graduated first in her class at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, before completing her Orthodontic residency at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Hembree was the recipient of numerous awards during her educational experience at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, including:

• The award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry (2005)
• The William S. Kramer Award of Excellence (2005)
• The M. Franklin Dolwick Research award
(2004)

Dr. Hembree also served on numerous committees and served as a class officer throughout dental school. During her orthodontic training she received her masters degree conducting research with temporary anchorage devices used in orthodontics.

With an impressive list of educational achievements, Dr. Hembree continues to approach the study and practice of orthodontics with relentless enthusiasm. In September 2007 she joined the office of Dr. Carolyn Flanary, who has been a practicing orthodontist in San Antonio for over 20 years.

Outside the office Dr. Hembree enjoys activities such as snow skiing, working out, and reading. She met and married her husband, Ben Hembree, a San Antonio native, as a volunteer leader for Young Life while she was in dental school. Together they enjoy spending time with their three dogs Boomer, Bailey, and Sealy.

Your Team

These ladies are experienced and professional. All of the clinical staff are registered dental assistants, who attend the latest continuing education courses annually. While fun-loving, they are also technically savy. Overall, we would have to say they are the best orthodontic team this side of the Pecos River! Come see them in action!!

Alyson	Carolyn	Casey
Debbie	Debbie	Dee
Emily	Joy	Karla
Molly	Marina	Melissa
Shannon	Valerie

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Our Location

Phone: 210.494.7660

Fax: 210.496.3606

email: info@yourorthoteam.com

Map: online version

The Magic of Orthodontics

FAQ's

How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending that an orthodontic evaluation take place at age 7 for all children. This early evaluation can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment. Usually treatment is not necessary at this early age but orthodontic monitoring can troubleshoot some otherwise disastrous situations. It's good to have an orthodontic evaluation at any age, 7 or older.

Can you be too old for braces?

No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone, which support your teeth. About 35% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

Will it hurt?

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces just make your teeth sore for a few days, not sharply painful. This discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain relievers, like Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol. Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable and our wires are the more space-age resilient ones, minimizing discomfort.

Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?

Absolutely. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment will correct the alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth. With the use of temporary anchorage devices, almost any movement can be achieved.

Is orthodontic care expensive?

When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. Many insurance plans now include orthodontics. Creative financing is available and our office offers many payment programs that are sure to meet your needs. Just ask us!

Can I have INVISALIGN treatment?

Check out this link for some great answers. INVISALIGN

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Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic Records to Plan Your Treatment

If it is determined that treatment is indicated, the treatment options will be discussed with you. Before you leave our office, various forms of financial arrangements will also be discussed with you. An appointment will be scheduled for diagnostic records to verify your treatment plan. These records usually consist of study models, diagnostic photographs and orthodontic x-rays.

Getting Your Braces or Clear Aligners

Be sure to get your dentist to give you clearance on any cavities or periodontal disease before you start orthodontic treatment. During orthodontic treatment regular dental checkups with your dentist are still a must!

Drs. Flanary and Hembree prefer to use a computer-aided bracket positioning program called Orthocad. This allows for more precise bracket positioning leading to more efficiency and a shorter treatment time. For more information visit: www.myorthocad.com

The day you get your braces, you will view a video and also be given verbal and written instructions in the very important areas of brushing, flossing, using a water pick, limitations to foods you may eat, medications to help you minimize soreness of teeth, and how to deal with broken braces and emergencies. If you are receiving your first aligners, instead of traditional braces, you will be given similar instructions and information on the care and wear of your aligners..

Your Brace Selection

Types of braces (pictures coming soon!)

• Metal
  
• Ceramic (porcelain)
  
  

Invisalign

Invisalign is a new system of straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces. A series of clear plastic aligners are utilized to create tooth movement. Moving teeth with removable aligners is not new. However, the computer program, which can generate a series of aligners with small changes is the new part. Invisalign is recommended for orthodontic situations with mild to moderate spacing or crowding. They are virtually undetectable, easy to use and comfortable to wear.

We would be glad to discuss this option with you. INVISALIGN is recommended for adults and mid- teens. Our office is fully Invisalign certified. To learn more, visit our page JUST FOR ADULTS AND TEENS or the Invisalign web site at www.invisalign.com

Your Subsequent Visits

Generally, we will want to see you every 6 to 12 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. As your treatment progresses, the intervals will become shorter. During this time, you will need to keep your appointments, follow instructions and practice good oral hygiene, and continue regular check-ups with your dentist.

Your Elastics Wear (rubber bands)

In the final stages of your treatment, you will be asked to wear elastics. This is critical for your spectacular result! FULL TIME rubber band wear is needed to make good progress toward your completion. Poor cooperation in this area can greatly slow your treatment!

Your Retainers

Once your braces are removed, permanent retainers are critical for stabilizing your teeth in their new position. We also ask that you wear a clear aligner at night. Retention cooperation may be the most important part of a stable outcome! Retainers work, when you follow instructions.

In some instances, the permanent retainers can break or loosen,so be careful!. Please contact us immediately if this happens if you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety. Never wrap then in a napkin or leave them on a table for mischievous pets to devour.

First Aid for Orthodontic Emergencies

If a wire is causing irritation, tuck the end of the wire inward using the end of a pencil eraser or the curve part of a spoon. If the wire cannot be tucked, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a piece of sugarless gum.

If the main wire has come out of the tube on your back molar tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area.  If the wire is sticking you and wax does not help, please call our emergency number given on our answering machine or the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable.

In case a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer, then slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. Once the bottom half of the spacer slips under the contact spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer will fit back properly.

If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire. Eyebrow tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation to your gum. Call our office so we can advise you what to do. If a piece of your braces breaks, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

If your retainer cracks, bring all the pieces to our office for a professional repair.

Take Alleve, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (unless allergic) if your teeth are sore after a monthly visit. Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing.

What's New?

Contests & Winners

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Recipes

RASPBERRY-CHIPOTLE SALSA

1 cup Mandarin orange segments
1 cup Diced red onion
1/2 cup Raspbery-Chipotle Sauce
3 Tbsp Lime juice
1/2 Bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

Drain and chop Mandarin orange segments and place in large bowl. Add diced onion, Raspberry-Chipotle Sauce and cilantro to the bowl and stir till blended.

Serve over beef, pork roast, or broiled fish. Great for dipping chips, too!

RAMEN ORIENTAL SALAD

2 pkgs Ramen noodles, broken, beef or pork
1 cup Salted sunflower seeds
1 cup Toasted slivered almonds
2 cups Green onions, chopped
2 pound bags of cole slaw
1 cup Oil
1/2 cup Sugar
1/8 cup Vinegar
2 pkgs Seasoning mix from the noodles

Mix all ingredients and chill over night. So easy but so good!

THE BEST DEEP SOUTH SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

1/2 cup Sugar
2 lbs cooked, drained, diced Sweet potatoes
1/2 cup Sour cream
1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
3 Tbsp Butter

Mix all ingredients together with mixer. Cover with topping below.
Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Unbelievable! Enjoy!

Topping
1 cup Brown sugar
1/3 cup Flour
1 cup Pecans, chopped
4 Tbsp Butter, melted

APPLE CRISP (too easy!)

4 cups sliced Apples, Granny Smith
cup Sugar
tsp Cinnamon
1 cup Flour
1 stick Butter, softened to room temp

Slice apples, toss with 1/2 of the sugar and all of cinnamon.
Cut butter into flour and add remaining sugar.
Put apples into well greased baking dish and cover with
flour mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Other fruit may be substituted such as peaches, strawberries,
or kiwi for a varied effect.

TRILOGY BAKED POTATOES (from the former Nashville restaurant owned by the Judds)

Pierce skin of a baking potato with a fork several times. Rub with olive oil. Roll in chopped parsley and chives. Sprinkle with ground sea salt. Microwave on high 8 minutes for one potato, 10 minutes for two potatoes. Cut down middle and add butter to taste. Mmm, Good! (Note: Times may vary with different microwaves. May wrap in foil after preparation and grill instead.)

Now for two crazy recipes that will leave a lasting impression on your friends!

DIRT CAKE (great for kids parties)

8-inch diameter Clay flower pot
1 large pkg Oreo cookies, crushed
8-oz. Cream cheese, softened
1/2 Stick butter, softened
1 cup Powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups Milk
2 small pkgs Instant chocolate pudding powder
12-ozs. Cool Whip
1. Clean flower pot and line with plastic wrap. Put cardboard Cool Whip lid
in bottom.
2. Crush oreo cookies.
3. Mix well: cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar.
4. Mix well, using package instructions: pudding mix and milk.
5. Combine cream cheese mixture with pudding mixture.
6. Fold in Cool Whip.
7. Put some crumbs in bottom of pot and alternate remaining crumbs with
pudding mixture, covering top with reserved crumbs.
8. Put gummy worms in the "soil", add an upright silk flower and spoon for serving.

KITTY LITTER CAKE (great for kids parties)

A new kitty litter pan and litter box scooper
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 box white or yellow cake mix
1 large pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
1 pkg vanilla cream cookies
Green food coloring
1 pkg Tootsie Rolls, small ones
1. Bake cakes and crumble.
2. Prepare pudding and mix it into cakes.
3. Grind cookies in blender.
4. Remove 1/3 of cookie crumbs and toss them with green food coloring.
5. In microwave, slightly soften Tootsie Rolls, round and elongate shape,
roll in green crumbs.
6. Sprinkle 1/2 remaining crumbs on cake.
7. Place reshaped Tootsie Rolls on top of cake.
8. Sprinkle most of uncolored crumbs on cake.
9. Sprinkle green crumbs or remaining uncolored crumbs on a newspaper
under the box.
10. Serve with litter box scooper.

Brag Book

Coming soon...

Just for kids!

Adults & Teens

Ask a Doctor

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Invisalign | link to Invisalign Website

How does Invisalign work?

Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign translates your doctor's instructions into a series of nearly undetectable aligners. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually week by week, millimeter by millimeter until you've achieved the desired results.

Is Invisalign effective?

Thousands of doctors are treating patients with Invisalign. It works for a wide range of people whose teeth are too crowded or who have gaps between them, as well as those whose teeth may have shifted after having worn braces in their youth. It can also work with an overbite or a deep bite.

How often will I have to wear my aligners?

IInvisalign only works when you are wearing your aligners. It's recommended that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush and floss your teeth or as directed by your doctor.

How long does Invisalign take?

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your case, which determines the number of aligners you need. However, treatment time is the same as traditional braces between 6 and 18 month. Only your doctor can determine the length of your treatment.

How much does Invisalign cost?

As with traditional braces, the cost will be based on the complexity of your case and the length of trreatment. Invisalign is close to or only a slight bit more than the price of traditional braces. Also, if your dental insurance plans covers traditional braces, it will typically cover Invisalign to the same extent.

Are there restrictions on eating and drinking?

No, the aligners are removable so you can enjoy your favorite foods.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

IInvisalign may temporarily affect your speech for a day or two, until your mouth adjusts to the aligners.

Does Invisalign hurt?

There may be some mild soreness each time you start a new aligner in the series. This is a normal sign that the aligners are working sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. The soreness subsides within a few days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

Does Invisalign work for teenagers?

Yes, if your teeth, including 12-year molars, have grown in fully.

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