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Our Smiles Forever orthodontic patients in Duluth, Dacula and Flowery Branch frequently ask us for fun information about their two favorite orthodontists. Though you can check out their posted bio's on our website at www.smilesforever.com, we put both of our orthodontists in the hot seat to answer a few fun questions to share with you!

Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells get along so well, we really shouldn't be surprised at how similar some of their answers were!

In answer to our questions, we learned that they have both straightened their teeth. Dr. Gilbert straightened with Invisalign ® (Yes, while in practice at Smiles Forever!), and Dr. Wells perfected his smile while in dental school with traditional braces.

Their favorite part of being orthodontists is the day the braces come off and being able to see the transformation of our patient's smiles. That new smile bringing such excitement and confidence is very rewarding to both of them.

Not too surprising is that the one thing that frightens each of them are the potential of crooked teeth from not wearing retainers. We pressed that answer a bit further and discovered that they are both very diligent in wearing their retainers!

If either of them were to be an animal, they both would have chosen to be eagles. Dr. Gilbert would like to be able to fly. Dr. Wells thought it would be great to be able to travel and to see everything from above.

When asked if they could travel anywhere in the world, they both responded with Italy, and Dr. Gilbert would love to see the Roman Ruins.

A few more fun pieces of information that we learned is that Dr. Gilbert's favorite color is white. Hmmm...he must be picturing pearly white teeth! He chose to pursue the field of orthodontics while in his third year of dental school. Georgia is Dr. Gilbert's home state and you can almost always find him on a golf course in his spare time.

Dr. Wells and his family have recently moved to our lovely state of Georgia. They have been having so much fun exploring and experiencing and he has already found a few restaurants to frequent. Two that have made it toward the top of the list for Dr. Wells are Luciano's and JCT Kitchen. Having moved to Georgia from sunny, Southern California, he has been enjoying our close proximity to the mountains, the abundance of lakes and the friendliness of the people!

If any of you know of any terrific golf courses for Dr. Gilbert or fun restaurants for Dr. Wells to try in our Smiles Forever neighborhoods of Duluth, Dacula and Flowery Branch, be sure to let them know!

“Am I going to get my braces off on time?”  This is a very common question among orthodontic patients.

Our Smiles Forever patients often ask us what they can do in between their adjustment visits to help them avoid delays in their treatment. Dr. Gilbert, Dr. Wells and our staff thought we would provide some tips on how you can stay on track in regards to   your treatment plan.

The first important step in avoiding delays in your treatment is to keep your adjustment appointments. Each orthodontic visit has been carefully planned to move your teeth in a specific way within a certain time frame. Missing an appointment can often add weeks or months to your treatment time.

Next, we want you to let us know right away if you experience any problems with your braces or appliances. A broken wire, loose bracket or appliance can delay your progress, so we ask that you please give us a call right away to report any issues rather than waiting until your next visit.

Always make sure to wear your rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells.  Most, if not all, of our patients will need to wear elastics or rubber bands at some point during their treatment. By not wearing the rubber bands or elastics or in not wearing them enough, treatment time can be slowed down significantly. If prescribed for you, rubber bands are critical in helping to align your bite and are an important part of your treatment.

Lastly, we want you to maintain good oral hygiene, just as you did before your orthodontic treatment began. In addition to flossing regularly, we encourage you to brush your teeth several times a day. Not brushing and keeping the gums healthy will elevate your risk of developing cavities and tooth decay, which will ultimately result in delaying or prolonging treatment time. Continue to schedule your six month cleanings with your general dentist. We are always happy to help by removing the arch wires for your cleanings if required by the hygienist.

Our doctors and Smiles Forever orthodontic staff are just as excited as our patients to see your gorgeous smiles when the braces are removed and want to help you avoid any delays in your orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about your general orthodontic treatment or any of these tips, please give us a call at our convenient Duluth, Dacula or Flowery Branch, GA offices or ask us during your next adjustment visit. We look forward to seeing your smile soon!

So you just got braces and are wondering what treats are safe to eat as your friends are gobbling up candy?

Whether attending a fall festival or knocking on doors for a treat, our Smiles Forever doctors and staff don’t want you to feel left out!

Orthodontists frequently remind their appliance and braces wearing patients to avoid sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy food items. Smiles Forever is proud of our patients diligence in avoiding brace breaking temptations.

During the nation’s largest candy consuming season, Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wells would like to remind our Smiles Forever orthodontic patients that there are many fun, tasty treat alternatives.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Junior Mints, York Peppermint Patties, Candy Corn, and Circus Peanuts are just a few of the “safe for braces” candies you might find in your trick or treat bags or at your fall/winter festivals this year.

Brother or sister not yet in braces and biting into an amazing looking caramel apple? Consider a softer apple and caramel approach by following the simple five minute recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1 Apple
• 1/4 Cup Caramel Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (may use Stevia or alternate sugar substitute)

Directions:

Peel and cut an apple into chunks. Heat caramel sauce in microwave until it thins in consistency and can be easily pored (usually about one and a half to two minutes). Remove caramel sauce from microwave and set aside. Place apple chunks into a microwave safe bowl and add two Tablespoons of water and stir. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Microwave apples on high for one and half minutes. Add caramel sauce. Return to microwave and cook on high for an additional one and a half minutes.

The apples are now soft enough for your braces with a tiny bit of a crunch and the caramel sauce is thin enough that it’s no longer sticky. Get ready to enjoy your warm, delicious apple caramel treat!

Your sweet smiles are our favorite treat! On behalf of Dr. Gilbert, Dr. Wells and our entire staff, we at Smiles Forever wish all our patients Happy Holidays!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. Have you ever had braces? Yes, I had them while I was in dental school.
3. When did you know you wanted to be an orthodontist?  My senior year of college.
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be? Italy
5. What do you love about Georgia? The proximity to the mountains, abundance of lakes, and the friendliness of the people.
6. What is your favorite part about your job? Seeing the transformation of our patients' smiles and the excitement and confidence it brings.
7. What is one thing that frightens you? Someone NOT wearing his/her retainers!
8. If you had to be an animal, what would you be? Hmm - I think an eagle so I could travel and see all of the sights from above.
9. What is your favorite local spot or restaurant? Luciano's and JCT Kitchen/Westside Provisions
10. Do you have pets? If so, what are their names? Yes, I have a Siamese cat named Norman