February 20th, 2012
Today marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined 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 Dr. Borgen's office.
Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:
*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.
*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.
February 13th, 2012
Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At the office of Dr. Kari Borgen we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.
Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Dr. Borgen will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Has your child or teen visited Dr. Borgen's office for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!
February 7th, 2012
Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Kari Borgen. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.
Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to office of Dr. Kari Borgen. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Kari Borgen says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at office of Dr. Kari Borgen, please give us a call today.
February 1st, 2012
One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That’s why Dr. Kari Borgen and team at the office of Dr. Kari Borgen thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be a great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:
- 1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
- 2. Wear a helmet
- 3. Wear protective eyewear
- 4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
- 5. Be alert, even as a spectator
We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact the office of Dr. Kari Borgen. Stay safe and have fun!
