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The Foster crew were on the road again this summer! As the Editor of Orthotown Magazine (the largest orthodontic publication in the US) Dr. Foster was invited to visit the 3Shape Headquarters in Copenhagen for a private tour of the facility. 3Shape is on of the world's foremost innovators in regards to dental imaging. While in Copenhagen the Foster's visited one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens.

After Copenhagen, the Fosters visited Oslo, Norway to attend the EOS international orthodontic meeting. Dr. Foster was quite busy during the trip meeting with other orthodontists from around the world but the family found a little time to explore the city by bike!

We are proud to be the highest rated and most referred to orthodontic practice in Arizona! Please come visit us and find out why!

In April, Dr. Foster spoke at the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Chicago. He delivered a scientific lecture that was attended by over 300 people. The topic of his presentation was on a conservative approach to early treatment. Dr. Foster also brough along Natalie, Calvin, and Sadie. They had an awesome time exploring the city and Dr. Foster also spoke about how family marketing is a crucial piece to how orthodontic marketing should be performed.

As an orthodontist, people will sometimes ask me if in my everyday life, am I constantly aware of and evaluating the teeth of those around me. The truth is that outside of the office, my perception of people’s teeth is no different than yours or anyones.

When it comes to casual social awareness of other people’s teeth and smiles, there is a very simple but remarkably accurate rule of thumb.  That is, people notice and remember teeth that are on the extremes of the spectrum- they notice exceptionally beautiful teeth and they notice exceptionally unattractive teeth.

So what that means is that the for the far majority of people, who fall in the middle of the bell curve with "average" or even "good" teeth, their smiles don’t really stand out as esthetically significant or memorable.

So my question for you is this....if you are considering orthodontic treatment, including braces or Invisalign, for yourself or your child, shouldn’t the goal of that treatment be to end up with the most outstanding, most exceptional smile that can be achieved?

One of the most important things that I tell new patients is that not all orthodontic offices, doctors, and treatment plans are the same.  In our office, there is no one size fits all treatment plan.  Settling for improvement or a "good" result is never the goal.  With every one of our patients we seek the best that is possible so that your result is in that exceptional and life changing category.

This was written by Dr. Chad Foster and if you are interested in a free orthodontic examination I invite you to contact Butterfly Orthodontics at our one and only Phoenix, Arizona location.  Thanks!

You know the school day’s over when you hear these seven little words: “I’m home! Is there anything to eat?”

And before your child got braces, you had the answer: simple, tasty snacks that provided not only an energy boost, but nutritional elements to help build strong teeth and strong bodies. But now whole carrot sticks and unsliced apples are out. Nuts and crunchy peanut butter? Not in your pantry. Hard cheeses and crunchy whole grain crackers? Also off the shopping list.

Because any foods that are crunchy, chewy, or hard to bite into can damage brackets and wires, it’s time to freshen up your go-to snack list. Luckily, Dr. Jones can recommend many healthy and braces-friendly choices when children need something to tide them over until dinner.

• Fruits and Vegetables for Vitamins and Minerals

Soft fruits like berries, melon, and bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals while going easy on your child’s braces. Make it a blended smoothie for a cool treat—you can even add a healthy handful of spinach or kale without interfering with that fruity taste. If your child still loves apples and carrots best, keep them on hand—but remember that thin slices are the only way to go.

• Dairy Delivers Calcium

Cottage cheese, string cheese, and other soft cheeses provide essential calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt in all its many flavors is another great option.

• Meats Provides Protein

Lean meats such as thinly sliced ham, chicken, or turkey provide flavor and protein, and don’t require the chewing that bologna, roast beef, and salami do. And nothing packs a protein punch like eggs—hard boiled, deviled, or diced up in egg salad.

• Grains, Legumes, and Vegetables for Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates—the “good” carbs—are important sources of energy for our bodies. Snacks such as hummus with soft whole grain pita wedges or blended black bean dip and soft crackers are a delicious, energizing option.

You are constantly looking for ways to make your children’s lives better. Mix and match any of these foods for a snack that’s not only good for their braces, but good for their teeth and bodies! Let us know your child’s favorite snack the next time you visit our Phoenix, AZ office!