Make 2011 the year to improve your oral health

Many folks in St. Petersburg 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. Bracy and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is 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? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call 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 (AGD). After all, your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-The team at St. Pete Smiles

Family Resources Holiday Collection

The St. Pete Smiles holiday collection for Family Resources was a huge success. They were thrilled to receive the much needed items. Dr. Bracy and our team hope to make this an annual event, thanks to the generosity of our staff and patients. Happy Holidays!

St. Pete Smiles Holiday Staff Luncheon

Dr. Bracy and our team at St. Pete Smiles had a wonderful holiday luncheon at Malio's Steakhouse in downtown Tampa. Great minds must think alike, because Dr Bracy got the staff e-readers as gifts, and that's the gift they got Dr. Bracy as well! There will be alot of reading going on at St. Pete Smiles this winter.

After our holiday luncheon, we had fun ice skating at the rink set up along the Riverwalk. Ice skating brought back memories for our former figure skater receptionist Susie. First timer assistant Michele was a good sport and tried ice skating. Dr. Bracy and his wife Donna held their own out on the rink.

This holiday season we would like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Spending time with loved ones? Winter activities, such as ice skating? All of the delicious holiday treats?

Please feel free to share your thoughts on our Facebook page. Happy holidays!

Michele is certified with the Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence

St. Pete Smiles dental assistant Michele was recently recognized by the Dental Assisting Board for the milestone of reaching 25 years as a Certified Dental Assistant. This certification is the "Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence", and reflects her commitment to the dental assisting profession and dedication to quality patient care. Her award includes a certificate, anniversary pin, and commemorative gift. Congratulations, Michele!


Be sure to ask Michele for more information about her certification the next time you're in for an appointment. We're all very proud of her achievements.

Dr. Bracy invites patients to join us in supporting Family Resources

St. Pete Smiles is a holiday collection site for Family Resources. We encourage patients to join us in supporting Family Resources, a private not-for-profit organization, this holiday season. The organization's mission is to "strengthen families and build better communities by providing prevention, support and counseling to children, teens and families."

A few donation ideas
• Non-perishable food items
• Sheet sets that are new or gently used
• Fast food gift cards, such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A

Our collection box will be available until Dec. 17 for dropping off donations. Gift cards can also be mailed to the St. Pete Smiles office.

Thank you!

-The team at St. Pete Smiles

Imagining your life with Invisalign® at St. Pete Smiles

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Bracy and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering the St. Pete Smiles Invisalign Special Event.

How exactly does Invisalign work?
Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

How do I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit St. Pete Smiles during treatment?
For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Bracy will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Happy Thanksgiving, from St. Pete Smiles

Dr. Bracy and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful to brush and floss after eating! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!