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Good dental care with routine maintenance can be costly, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. The American Dental Association (ADA) and Dr. Lisa P. Howard DDS MS recommend you see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.Read More

Children are born with a natural sucking reflex that often evolves into a comfort behavior. It is not at all unusual for an infant or child to find a thumb or finger to calm them when tired or upset as a coping mechanism. Ultrasound scans have revealed that thumb sucking can start before birth, as early as 15 weeks from conception. Even though a sucking reflex disappears at about four months of age, some infants will continue to suck their thumb or fingers as a voluntary habit to soothe them. It helps provide a sense of security and relaxes children as they fall asleep. Thumb sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood.Read More

It is no secret that dogs chew on anything and everything…. including retainers. They are fair game for “Man’s Best Friend” both in and out of the case if left out in the open. If you have a dog, never leave your retainer or Invisalign aligners on tables, bathroom counters, night stands, or any where they can jump up and snag the appliances. They will distort or eat them up in a few chews and thoroughly enjoy it without you even noticing. And if they swallow the sharp pieces of plastic, it can cause serious health issues for your beloved pet!Read More

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment. But for Dr. Lisa P. Howard DDS MS, the correct function of your bite is far more important. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause serious problems over a lifetime if left untreated. Loss of tooth structure, TMJ problems and even bone loss can occur if a malocclusion is not corrected before permanent damage occurs.Read More

This Valentine’s Day, falling in love with your smile has never been easier. There is no way to measure the magnitude of a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are looking for that special gift to treat yourself that allows you to become the best possible version of yourself, orthodontic treatment is a great way to love yourself.Read More

The American Association of Orthodontics recently completed a study that reported more than 1/3 of US adults are unhappy with their smile. Are you one of them? If so, 2015 is the year to do something about it!! What better New Years Resolution can you promise yourself or someone you love than a new smile?

In a nutshell, here’s what the study found after surveying 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.Read More