The Latest Buzz - Dr. Chi H. Bui, DMD, MS - Orthodontics, Braces and Invisalign

Get Added Stamp of Romance for Valentine's Day

2012-01-31T17:30:00.000-08:00

Want to add something special to a Valentine's Day card? Since 1947, "The Sweetheart City," Loveland, Colorado, has been hand-stamping cards with a special Valentine's verse and then sending thm on. More than 50 volunteers stamp 150,000-plus cards sent to the town from all 50 states and more than 100 countries! That's a lot of work!

To have your cards specially stamped, address and stamp (45 cents for U.S. postage) each card. (Make sure to add one for yourself!) Place all of these in a large envelope and mail to: Postmaster, Attention: Valentine Re-Mailing, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538.

To be sure your card is delivered by Valentine's Day, it must be received in Loveland by Feb. 9. For destinations outside the U.S., cards must be received by Saturday, Feb. 4th at the latest.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon!

2012-01-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Disneyland(R) Resort hosted the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday, January 29 for women who wanted to celebrate their inner sassy, feisty, and fun-loving Miss Bell.

The Tinker Bell Marathon features:

Women's focused half marathon
a 13.1-mile course through Disneyland(R) Resort and the City of Anaheim, CA
Disney entertainment on course and
a stay at the Disneyland(R) Resort within walking distance from the event and event weekend transportation is included with select Disneyland(R) Resort Good Neighbor Hotel stays.

Each participant's registration in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon will include:

Champion(R) Women's Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt
Inaugural Finisher Medal
Official Race Program Guide
Goody Bag
Personalized bib
On-course and post-race refreshments
ChronoTrack D-tag timed race
Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
Personalized results website

Dr. Bui, Dr. Susan Jarakian, Dr. Suelene Chen and friends Tina, Robin, and Kris are pictured below about to embark on the 13.1 mile marathon!

Happy Lunar New Year!

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

To everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year Dr. Bui and the Orthobee Team wishes you a healthy and prosperous year!

Here is a brief history of the Lunar New Year and a brief forecast of what the Dragon year of 2012 holds:

The Lunar New Year traditionally lasts for 15 days, beginning on the first day of the first month within the Chinese calendar and ending on the date of the full moon. This year, the new year starts today (January 23) and lasts until FebruarPublish Posty 6.

Despite often being known as 'Chinese' New Year, the annual celebration is recognised by other Asian populations worldwide, within countries such as Thailand and Singapore.

Today marks the start of the Year Of The Dragon. The symbol of the dragon in ancient times is associated with the Chinese emperor and is considered to be an extremely auspicious sign. Of the 12 symbols of the Chinese Zodiac, it is the only one that is not a real animal. Perhaps the most recognized image within Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes power, strength and good luck. In contrast to European beliefs, where dragons are considered evil creatures, they are seen as having auspicious power and it is seen as positive.

For more info, please visit: dailymail.co.uk

Get Your Information Faster!

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that our office is now able to email statements and text appointment reminders to you for your convenience. All we need is an updated email address and/or a mobile number so we could reach you directly.

So if you would like to receive your information faster, just let us know at your next appointment or give us a call at (714)962-8880!

Kids Should Not Consume Energy Drinks

2012-01-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Water should be the source of hydration, especially for children and adolescents. Sports drinks - which contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and flavoring - are intended to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating during exercise. Sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, but in most cases they are unnecessary on the sports field or in the school lunchroom. Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don't need and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It's better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals.

Energy drinks contain substances not found in sports drinks that act as stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and taurine. Caffeine - by far the most popular stimulant - has been linked to a number of harmful health effects in children, including effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems. Energy drinks are never appropriate for children or adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children and adolescents should avoid or restrict routine ingestion of carbohydrate-containing sports drinks because they can increase the risk of overweight and obesity, as well as dental erosion. Water, not sports drinks, should be the principal source of hydration for children and adolescents.

If sports/energy drinks are consumed:

reduce the frequency and contact time;
swallow immediately and do not swish them around the mouth;
rinse mouthguards only in water;
seek out dentally friendly sports drinks;
discuss training and hydration protocol with a dentist.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-12-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

TheOrthobee Team is looking forward to 2012 and we wish everyone happiness, health and prosperity in the new year!

New Year's Resolutions!

2011-12-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

In just a few days, we will be saying goodbye to 2011 and hellooo to 2012! To help you with your New Year's Resolutions, we've listed USA.gov's top 10 most popular resolutions.

Drink Less Alcohol
Eat Healthy Food
Get a Better Education
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Manage Stress
Quit Smoking
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Save Money
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others

A resolution is defined as a commitment that a person makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. A New Year's resolution, gmade at the beginning of a new year or end of an old year, is a goal a person sets out to accomplish in the coming year.

What are your own New Year's Resolutions? Visit USA.gov for helpful resources on how to achieve your goals.

'Tis the Season

2011-12-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

The Orthobee team wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

How to Check if a Charity is Legitimate

2011-12-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes good causes can go bad. Worst are the charities with questionable ethics. Even when so-called charities aren't outright scams, it's tough to know whether your donations are getting through to the cause for which they were intended. This, however, is no reason to stop giving. Just give a little smarter.

How do you find a charity that matches your interests and uses your money wisely? Always use caution against putting money into any company or charity you don't understand. Once you've settled on a cause (for example: medical relief or education), research which groups support it. Charity navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy (whose website is Charitywatch) rate major nonprofits and analyze expense ratios - the percentage of a charity's budget that goes directly to the cause versus its own operating expenses.

However, don't get hung up on expense ratios. Donors may dismiss an organization if administrative expenses seem "high." Yet some nonprofits (museums, for example) have costly maintenance. Impact is what matters most, not expense ratio.

Here's a hypothetical example: two organizations distribute mosquito nets in Africa to fight malaria. The first charity brings the nets to remote areas, dips them in insecticide to increase effectiveness and trains villagers to use them properly. The second charity just hands them out. The latter group's administrative costs are lower, but its bed nets will be used for dresses, fishing nets, and curtains; the former charity's expense ratios look worse on paper but more lives will be saved.

So how do you assess a charity? GiveWell lists excellent suggestions and recommendations of domestic and foreign charities to support, as does GlobalGiving. If an organization you like isn't listed on these sites, GuideStar keeps a comprehensive database on nearly all of the nation's nonprofits. Clicking the website's "Take Action" tab will lead you to GuideStar's "9-Step Guide to Giving Wisely."

If a neighbor recommends an impressive program, embrace it. Do your research by visiting or even volunteering for a day. There's no better way to get insight than to work inside an organization. One of the most telling signs of charity getting results is that its staff and volunteers are committed heart and soul. If you're on the premises of the program, ask these individuals how long they've been with the organization and what they think its strengths and weaknesses are. When the people most intimately involved in the non-profit work are true believers, that's the most powerful endorsement of all.

Are you low on cash but in the giving spirit?

2011-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Here are eight ways to help others this season without breaking your bank account:

If you shop online... GoodShop.com and GiveClicks.com donate a portion of proceeds to charity.
If you're getting married... IDoFoundation.org helps couples create gift registries, invitations, and party favors that benefit charitable organizations.
If you just like being nice... Go to Avivausa.com and request a free Youmanity Token. Register it on the website; then help out a stranger, hand them the token, and ask that they do the same. Follow the kindness chain you started as the token travels the country.
If shoes are cluttering up your closet... Soles4Souls.org distributes them to the poor and disaster-struck around the world.
If you have spare business apparel... CareerGear.org (for men's clothing) and TheWomensAlliance.org (for women's clothing) collect donations of "lightly worn" professional attire for outfitting job candidates for interviews.
If you have (stuffed) animeals... StuffAnimalsForEmergencies.org and LovingHugs.org gives your "gently used" friends to kids in need (see the websites for guidelines).
If you want to help out locally... HandsOnNetwork.org and VolunteerMatch.org pair neighbors with volunteer needs.
If you enjoy surfing (the internet, that is)... GoodSearch.com automatically donates to a favorite worthy group as you browse.

WildSmiles Holiday Limerick and Gift

2011-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

Email your limerick to dbickford@wildsmiles4you.com before December 25, 2011 and WildSmiles will send you a $5 Starbucks gift card!

Operation Gratitude

2011-12-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to shout out to our twin patients, Cassy and Crissy, who generously offered to help deliver over 700 pounds of candy to Operation Gratitude! Thank you so much!

Operation Gratitude sent us a message that we wanted to share with all of you:

All across the country, we will have cause to celebrate on Saturday, December 17, 2011 as the 750,000^thOperation Gratitude Care Package rolls off the assembly line at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California!

Up to 1000 volunteers and supporters are expected to join the Operation Gratitude Assembly Day for this Milestone Celebration.

Volunteers and Supporters like you make all this possible. I am forever grateful for your dedication to Operation Gratitude through the years. We could not touch the lives and hearts of so many of our courageous service members and their families without you.

With your help this past year, we launched two new programs: Wounded Warrior and Battalion Buddy Care Packages. Due to the popular demand for these packages, Operation Gratitude shipped a record 150,000 care packages in just one year......This brings us to our 750,000^th care package on December 17th!

The Assembly Line will open at 9 a.m. We expect the 750,000^th package to hit the line at around 11:15 a.m. PST, to the cheers of up to 1,000 Volunteers, Military members, Dignitaries, Legislators, and Celebrities. When that happens, we will halt all activity, gather everyone together and start the Celebration Program!

In addition to the standard items and personal letters provided by more than 250 corporate donors and byindividuals and volunteer organizations across the country, the 750,000^th Care Package will includeTop Secret Surprises for a Top Secret Warrior, brought to us by none other than Santa Claus.

Expect exciting and classically American gifts donated by our Corporate Partners to be put in the Milestone box. Six previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles (motorcycles and SUVs)! A special delivery of the 750,000^th Package is being arranged as we speak.

As part of the Milestone Celebration, there will also be a variety of delicious product samples and a hearty lunch, provided by Corporate and local business donors.

Volunteers (ages 12 years and up) are invited to assist in the on-site care package activities.

Please keep in mind, Financial Donations are still needed to pay the assembly and postage costs of $15 per care package. Every tax deductible donation of $15 sends another care package, personally addressed to an American hero, and filled with 50+ assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items valued at $100 or more.

Please ensure that every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine deployed in harm's way, and every recuperating Wounded Warrior, feels loved and appreciated this holiday season. Please Donate online today.

If you prefer to send Donations by check, please make payable and mail to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436

Thank you again for your tremendous support of our mission. I am deeply appreciative of the kindness you have shown throughout the years, and hope you will share the excitement of our 750,000th Care Package Celebration!

Location:
California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Corner of Victory and Louise; parking available in adjacent lot

Time:
Care Package Assembly: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Milestone Celebration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We invite you to stay for lunch following the celebration and to continue assembling packages until 4 p.m.

For additional volunteer information: Volunteer

To learn how you can help: Support Activities

Donate while you shop: Great Ideas

To Request Care Packages for Deployed Troops: Request Packages

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 725,000 packages to American Military deployed overseas.

Learn more about Operation Gratitude by visiting:
Web:          http://www.OperationGratitude.com
Twitter:       http://www.twitter.com/OpGratitude
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
Blog:          http://OpGrat.wordpress.com
YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/OpGrat
LinkedIn:    http://www.linkedin.com/company/operation-gratitude

Budget-Friendly Pet Health Care

2011-12-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

If you want a cheap way to get your pet microchipped or vaccinated, check out the mobile Vaccination Station that operates weekends in Orange County. The clinic moves around every week, but you can frequently find it Sunday afternoons in Aliso Viejo, Long Beach or Mission Viejo. You can get your pet chipped for $15, a rabies shot for $12, and other services as well.

See www.thevaccinationstation.com to learn more!

Make A Wish

2011-12-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Write a letter to Santa at Dr. Bui's Orthodontics office today! We'll make sure to get your letters out before Christmas!

Annual Food Drive

2011-11-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

It is currently estimated that 21% of Orange County (roughly 615,000 individuals) struggle with hunger in Orange County. Children and seniors make up 50% of those in need of food assistance. Families who once were able to contribute to their community are now finding themselves out of work for extended periods of time and in need of a hand up to make ends meet. Others who are working for a much lower salary and have to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table can now turn to their local pantry for food assistance.

Whether you've been feeling charitable or have been meaning to clean out your cupboards for food and drinks you don't plan on consuming, 'tis the season to give a little back to the community! Our office will be holding a food drive for the holidays. Everything we collect between now and Tuesday, December 20 will be sent to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. By donating, you can take a powerful stand in the fight against hunger.

If you would also like to donate some time, Second Harvest accepts volunteers who sort and label the donated food and check everything for quality and safety.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

2011-11-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Orthobee team wants to wish a happy Thanksgiving weekend to everyone! It's such a beautiful holiday. The spirit of Thanksgiving keeps our hearts so warm and our stomachs full! We're so thankful for all of our kind, wonderful patients. What are you thankful for this year?

Braces-Friendly Recipes

2011-11-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a recipe that is safe for those of you with braces!

BEST BAKED SPAGHETTI (6-8 servings):

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup Burgundy or merlot wine (Burgundy gives a deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated American cheese, about 4 slices, or 1/2 cup grated mild cheddar cheese
1/2 lb. dry spaghetti, broken in half

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large no-stick frying pan or Dutch over, saute meat, onion and garlic. Add tomato sauce, wine, oregano, sugar and salt. Simmer, cover, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. (It really makes a difference if you can take this amount of time! Otherwise 20 minutes will serve to heat everything.) Cook spaghetti and drain. put half the spaghetti in a greased 3-quart casserole, and then add half the sauce and 1/4 cup of the grated cheese. Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce, and stir everything with a large spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Best if baked for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Go Hog Wild!

2011-11-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Even Old MacDonald can't compete with Farm Sanctuary, a 25-year-old animal-care nonprofit with three outposts and more than 1,000 animals. With help from local animal protection agencies, the organization identifies cases and works with authorities to legally rescue sheep, pigs, goats, and more. Clean out barns, build fences, and socialize with the animals in Watkins Glen, New York; Action, California; or Orland, California, during "work parties" held monthly April through November.

Want to give back closer to home? Farm Sanctuary holds an Adopt-a-Turkey project every Thanksgiving, encouraging people to financially sponsor a feathered fried instead of eating one.

Study Club

2011-11-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Internationally renowned dentist, Dr. Gary Radz, will be our guest speaker at the Study Club tonight! We can't wait!

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

2011-11-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) launched this idea in 1996 and was designed to acknowledge and promoted the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increases public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Aminal Shelter Appreciation Week (the first full week of every November), the HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach.

Thinking about having a pet? Go out to your nearest animal shelter and save a life!

KIND Snacks at Mother's Market

2011-11-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

KIND healthy snacks and Mother's Market, in partnership with Operation Gratitude, will host a post Halloween candy exchange. Candy will then be donated and sent to our troops over seas. Visit the KIND food truck at the Costa Mesa Mother's Market store today, November 5th, from 3:00pm-6:00pm, and exchange your candy for a healthy snack.

The Orthobee team will be pairing up with KIND to support our troops and reach out to our community! We hope to see you there!

Trick-or-Treat!

2011-10-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Team Orthobee and Ninja (the cat) just wanted to wish everyone Happy Halloween!

Here are some tips for a safe Halloween:

1. Attach a glow stick to your child's costume or to their candy bag so drivers can see them when they cross the street.

2. Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Make sure they check in with you periodically!

3. Set a curfue for them to come home.

4. Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check.

5. As bad as it sounds, this is just a fact of life now. Get on the internet and check your local state website for sex offenders. Look up your zip code and it should have a list of registered offenders in your area that includes street addresses. Make sure that your kids stay away from these houses!

6. Last, but not least, make sure your children are respectful of the people in the neighborhood they're planning to visit!

Hopefully all you trick-or-treaters out there get a lot of candy tonight! Whatever you don't want, just bring it into our office on Thursday, November 3rd. You'll get a dollar for every one pound of candy you bring in!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Dr. Bui and her friends wanted to share pictures of the pumpkins they carved for Halloween. Don't they look amazing?!

And to all you trick-or-treaters out there, don't forget about our Candy Buyback Program on Thursday, November 3rd at our office. For every one pound of candy you bring in, we'll give you a dollar!

Braces-Friendly Recipes

2011-09-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of the broken wires or the loose brackets on your braces? The type of food you're eating might be the cause. Check out http://www.braces.org/JustForKids/Recipes.cfm for braces-friendly recipes to help avoid those emergency visits to your orthodontist.

Halloween Candy Buyback!

2011-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Take care of your teeth and braces!

Surrender all your STICKY, CHEWY, GOOEYcandy to us for

$1.00/pound

WHEN

Thursday,November 3^rd

10AM – 6PM

WHERE

Dr.Bui’s Orthodontics Office

18121 Magnolia St.(at Talbert)

Fountain Valley 92708

Collected candy will be donated to ourtroops overseas through OperationGratitude. In addition, a matching donation will be made to the Orange County Humane Society.

GOOD NEWS!

2011-09-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our main line (714-962-8880) is back! Please call us because it's been too quiet the past couple of days!

Temporary Phone Number: 714-907-4544

2011-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Our main line 714-962-8880 is temporarily out of service. Please call us at 714-907-4544 in the meantime. We will keep you posted on the repair. Verizon has told us that they are working on the problem so we are all keeping our fingers crossed. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We Will Never Forget September 11th

2011-09-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a decade since the tragedy of 9/11 has occurred. It was an unimaginable event that changed our nation and the world. Almost any American old enough to remember can recount where he or she was on that fateful day in 2001. Whether it was in a classroom, living room, or office when we saw the smoke from the Twin Towers or got a frantic phone call, we remember. We remember the lives that were lost and the lives that were affected.

I was living in Boston, and doing my surgical rotation at the time. When I entered the hospital that morning, there was a frenzy and people were watching the horrific news. The first plane, American flight 11, had struck the North Tower. Being close to New York, it felt like watching a neighbor suffer a massive tragedy. Indeed, there were people we knew who were directly affected since their families were living or working in or near those buildings. Many of the emergency teams from the Boston hospitals were sent to New York in the aftermath to work alongside the other heroes--the firefighters, police, and everyday citizens.

On the ten-year anniversary of 9/11, we reflect in our own ways. Whether it is taking a moment to remember the heroes and victims, attending commemorative events, or becoming involved in community service, we will never forget.

　

Labor Day Fun Facts and Trivia

2011-09-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Labor Day for some signals the chance for one last camp trip, one last bonfire, or one last trip away before the school year begins. For others, it is a chance to take a long weekend break to recharge for the fall quarter. Whatever the case may be, have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

Some Fun Facts About Labor Day

Labor Day Originated in Canada? Labor Day is not uniquely an American holiday. Labor disputes in Toronto in the 1870's led to the production of a parade held in support of a strike against the 58 hour workweek and culminated in the arrest of 24 union leaders for breaking anti-union laws.
Labor Day Traditions. The First Labor day festivities included "speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars and Lager beer kegs... mounted in ever conceivable place" (quote from a NY daily newspaper)
President Cleveland Made Labor Day a National Holiday. As part of his political campaign, President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a National holiday following his election into office in 1894. Labor Day was already recognized as a holiday in the state of Oregon by 1887.
Not Just a North American Holiday. Though not necessarily celebrated on the same day, a large number of industrialized nations around the world also celebrate Labor Day as a time to respect and reflect upon workers. Labor Day concepts are similar and sometimes celebrated in combination of May Day.
Pack Up the Whites. Traditionally, it was often considered a fashion faux pas if white was worn post-Labor Day.
Unofficial NFL Season Kickoff. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the NFL has in the past, played its first official season game the Thursday after Labor Day.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OCEAN VIEW LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYERS!

2011-08-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

The baseball players of the Ocean View Little League Players won the Little League World Series with a 2-1 win over Japan on Sunday, August 28th. All of us at Dr. Bui's Orthodontics office want to send our congratulations to the players, coaches, and their families. We also want to shout out to a couple of our patients who played in the exciting game and would love to hear details about the well-deserved win!

The US Open of Surfing Competition in Huntington Beach

2011-08-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

The US Open of Surfing Competition in Huntington Beach is well underway. Running from July 30th to August 7th, some of the best surfers from around the world are out to show everyone what they've got. One of our own patients, Dillon Fisher, is actually competing. Good luck to Dillon and all the competitors! Competition is going to be fierce!

However, the fun doesn't stop at the shoreline. There is a variety of free events, games and music for everyone to enjoy. So let's all get out there and enjoy the last month of summer...

Top 12 Ways to Maintain Your Brain!

2011-08-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few tips to keep your brain healthy and running during these hot summer days...

Top 12 Ways to Maintain Your Brain

Exercise: What is good for the heart is also good for your brain... Study shows that excercising regularly may help control cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and weight.
Cut the Fat: Trans fatty acides (most common in fast foods) and saturated fats increase the risk for Alzheimer's... saturated and trans fat promote "bad" cholesterol; which in turn can cause narrowing of arteries, reduce blood flow to the brain and cause inflammation.
Eat Fish: Fish and other foods high in Omega-3 fatty acides can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.
Stimulate: Keep your brain stimulated by learning a new language or playing an instrument, puzzles and word games.
B Vitamins: Vitamin supplements are recommended to compensate for the decreasing levels of B6 and B12 vitamins that come with aging.
Blueberries: Blueberries contain compounds that can improve short term memory, navigation skills, balance and coordination.
NO Smoking: Smokers are twice as likely to develop Alzheimers than non-smokers.
Lower Your Stress: Your brain structure may be altered with chronic or excessive stress. Try meditation to alleviate stress, muscle relaxation, massage, yoga or Tai Chi.
Healthy Heart: A compromised blood supply as the result of high blood pressure can affect brain functions.
Ginkgo Biloba: Kinko Biloba is thought to protect the brain by reducing oxidation to damaged cells.
Weight: Study has shown that you are less likely to obtain Alzheimer if you are at a healthy body weight.
Spice: Yellow turmeric often used in Indian cuisine has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

For more on this and other interesting facts, please visit orthoclassic.com

ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

2011-07-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Attention ice cream lovers! Come join us tomorrow, Tuesday July 26th, 2011 from 3-5:00pm for our annual ice cream social! At 75°C, tomorrow is the prefect sunny day for ice cream with friends. If you have any questions, feel free to call our office for more information. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

COME TO OUR ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

2011-07-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! We hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacations! Did you know that July is national ice cream month? President Ronald Reagan designated it back in 1984! To honor this, we are having an Ice Cream Social at the office Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 from 3-5pm and would love to see everyone there! Stop by for yummy ice cream in the sun!

Picture courtesy of Leewardlaw.com

Join The Independent Campaign to Ban Wild Animals in Circuses

2011-07-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

The UK-based newspaper, "The Independent" is sponsoring a petition calling for the government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Please spread the word to those who wish to support a ban of the cruel use of animals in circuses to sign a petition asking the government to stop all use of animals for entertainment purposes.

Supporters can sign at: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/circusanimals

“Invisalign Teen Straight to Oahu Sweepstakes”

2011-07-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Invisalign is hosting a sweepstakes from July 1st, 2011 through August 7th, 2011 for a chance to win a trip to Oahu, Hawaii for 2!

Hurry! Enter today for a chance to win cool prizes!
Here are the sweepstakes details:

WHO: U.S residents of at least 13 years old
WHEN: July 1st, 2011 through August 7th, 2011
HOW: Enter at Invisalign.com, Invisalign Teen Facebook page, at the Invisalign Teen tent at the U.S. Open of Surfing (held in Huntington Beach from 7/30 – 8/7), and via smart phone
WHAT: prizes include a trip to Oahu for 2, as well as a variety of bundles of Apple products

Happy Independence Day!

2011-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Team Orthobee would like to wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th weekend! Don't forget to stop by the office to share your wonderful stories and pictures with us! We love to hear about them!

Also, would you be interested in attending our ice cream social? Stop by our office to sign up!

Congratuations to all the 2011 graduates!

2011-06-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

To the graduating class of 2011, we congratulate you on your incredible achievements! We wish you the best on your future endeavors!

Fathers Day

2011-06-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! We know Fathers' Day was a couple days ago, but we just wanted to share a great poem we found! We hope you all enjoyed your weekend with you beloved ones!

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities
, When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad

Courtesy of Fathersdaypoem.com

The Advanced Dentofacial Forum of Orange County

2011-06-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today, Dr. Bui will be lecturing at The Advanced Dentofacial Forum of Orange County's study club meeting! She looks forward to presenting her lecture titled, "Overcoming Restorative and Esthetic Dilemmas with Adjuctive Orthodontocs". We look forward to meeting over 40 doctors to join us for new information, good company, and dinner! Don't forget to check back for photos of the event soon!

2011 American Association of Orthodontics Annual Session

2011-06-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bui attended the 2011 AAO annual session held May 13-17 in Chicago this year! This year's event held the record for the most attended with over 6,763 renowned orthodontics all over the world! Dr. Bui took many classes to update herself in the latest in orthodontic treatment and technology. Here are some pictures Dr. Bui took with her famous colleagues!

Dr. Bui with the current president of AAO, Dr. Graber

Dr. Bui and Dr. Ngan, the chairman of West Virginia Department of Orthodontics, at the opening AAO ceremoney

Dr. Bui with her UNC mentor, the world-renowned orthodontist, Dr. Proffit

The Chicago Band performing at the opening

Are You Stressed?

2011-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

3 Ways to Attack Stress

Got chocolate? If chocolate is your stress reliever, choose DARK chocolate which is higher in antioxidants and lower in sugar!

Get a Massage! Massages slows down your heart rate and are very effective at reducing your levels of stress hormones. WOOOSAHHHHH!

Exercise it! Go for a walk or a jog or even clean the house. Working your body releases your stress quickly!

2011-05-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

This adorable handmade portrait of the OrthoBee was made for us by one of our equally adorable patients! We love receiving your arts & crafts so be sure to drop them off so we can show them off on our blog!

Did You Know?

A bee produces only 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime!
The Toothfairy leaves an average of $3 per tooth!!

CDA Presents

2011-05-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier today Dr. Bui attended CDA Presents, "The Art and Science of Dentistry," in Anaheim. She was appreciated for hosting featured speakers during the meeting. She looks forward to the next one!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2011-05-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day this weekend! Don't forget to do something special for your mom! Whether if it's cooking her breakfast in bed, bringing her hand picked flowers, or buying her a special gift, she will love it regardless! We found a special Mother's Day poem we hope you'd enjoy!

A Mother

A Mother is one who
understands the things
you say and do

Who always overlooks
your faults and sees the
best in you

A Mother is one whose
special love inspires you
day by day.

Who fills your heart with
gladness in her warm
and thoughtful way.

A Mother is all these things
and more - the greatest
treasure known.

And the dearest Mother in
all of the world is the one I
call my own.

2011-05-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bui is the founder of The Advanced Dentofacial Forum of Orange County. She recently hosted the first study club lecture presented by Dr. Aldo Leopardi titled, "Dental Implant Overdenture Therapy: Current Concepts and Techniques". It was a big success; over 50 doctors all over Orange County attended. We are looking forward to another successful meeting on June 9th, 2011. Dr. Bui will be presenting a lecture titled, "Overcoming Restorative and Esthetic Dilemmas with Adjunctive Orthodontics". Until then, here are some great photos we took of the previous event!

Team Ortho Bee and Dr. Bui greeting doctors as they enter

Doctors getting a light dinner before heading to their tables

Dr. Aldo Leopardi and Dr. Chi Bui

A group picture of the doctors listening to the lecturer

Dr. Leopardi lecturing

Free Yourself from Procrastination!

2011-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Rubin, a columnist from Good Housekeeping Magazine, gives us 10 ways to help us power through procrastination and stress-less!

Instead of continuing to dread the task and telling yourself to do it later, commit to it the next morning. Don’t think about it and just do it the moment you get out of bed!
Preparing for the task enables you to proceed to it. For example, if you have to cook, prepare the proper ingredients and tools the day before. Once you see that the materials are all laid out, you’ll be more likely to finish the task!
Have company while attending to your task. Studies show that having a companion makes any activity more enjoyable!
Add pleasantness to your activity! For example, if you have to go for a run, bring your son and have him ride his bike next to you. If you have to vacuum, turn on your favorite music!
Make your task a regular task! Once it’s inhabited in your life, you will least likely dread it.
If your task is a long one with many things to do, you can take baby steps and do little by little.
Ask for help!
Avoid interruption by making enough time for your task so you can prevent stopping and having to start all over again.
Always make time for the fun tasks! If you have a hobby that you keep holding off, make time for them! Book your hobby and don’t cancel on yourself!
Remember that finishing a hard task is always rewarding. Tell yourself that when you begin!

Reference: April 2011 Issue of Good Housekeeping magazine.

How to Sell Your Unwanted Goodies!

2011-04-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have unessential stuff lying around? Don’t toss them because they may be worth more than you think! Depending on the type of items you have, there are various ways you can sell them.

Yard Sale: Ideal for lower-end items. People attending yard sales are looking for great bargains so make sure you place your items under $50. Don’t forget to advertise a week in advance! Ads in local papers, Facebook, Twitter, and Craigslist are some great ways to publicize your yard sale!

Online: Online shopping is more popular than ever! You can sell almost anything from baseball cards, game consoles, to furniture. All you have to do is find a website to post your ad on. Some popular ones are craigslist.com, ebay.com, amazon.com. Have a detailed description of your item and photos would also help buyers know what they are looking at.

Consignment Shop: Looking for a hassle-free way to sell your goodies? Take your stuff to a consignment shop! These stores tend to take things that are in good in quality and worthy of display. Make sure you call the consignment shop you’re interested in regarding what type of items they take and how much they are willing to pay.

Another great way to get rid of your unwanted stuff is to donate them! Great places that take almost anything are Goodwill and The Salvation Army. You can even call your local homeless shelters to see if they are looking for used stuff. Either way, don’t forget to have fun and good luck!

Reference: May 2011 Issue of FamilyCircle Magazine

The Orange County Dental Society Spring Mixer

2011-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

On March 31st, 2011, Dr. Bui attended OCDS's Spring Mixer held at the South Coast Winery Restaurant!

Dr. Bui's Latest Updates

2011-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bui recently finished her teaching module at USC for second year dental students! She looks forward to coming back in the fall.

Dr. Bui will be attending the annual American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) meeting in May. This year it will be held in the wonderful city of Chicago.

Did you know that second hand smoking increases ear infections in children?

2011-03-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Based on an article recently published by Harvard at the School of Public Health, studies suggest that second hand smoke produces deadly toxins in the air that is linked to children's ear infections. The number of children's visits to physicians for ear infections rised from 9.9 million in 1975 to 24.5 million in 1990. Let's make these numbers drop by increasing awareness to this issue and promoting no-smoking rules in households!

To learn more, visit the article published by Harvard.

Photo credits: Ahlan Magazine Ad

Our Brand New X-ray Machine!

2011-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

To kick off 2011, our office welcomed a brand new x-ray machine, the Planmeca Proline XC!

Some great benefits of the new x-ray machine are:

Digital Imaging: images are ready to view in just minutes making it fast and efficient!
More than 80% reduction in radiation: it's both safe and effective!
Taken outside of mouth: reduces hassle of inserting bulky x-ray films into mouth

Holiday calorie countdown: Save 1,000 calories

2010-12-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

The typical American gobbles down a whopping 3,000 calories at a holiday feast. While you can't work that off—it would require walking about 30 miles—you can make a few small changes to cut out 1,000 calories from your meal.

Volunteer to make the mashed sweet potatoes and season them with cinnamon or ginger instead of topping with butter and marshmallows. Saves 120 calories.
Try not to take a huge helping of turkey (or ham)—4 ounces (the size of a deck of cards) is enough. Dark meat lovers should swap some for white meat. And if you must have a piece with skin, have just one. Saves 250 calories.
Pass on the roll basket (and get extra credit for that pat of butter you won't be eating). Saves 190 calories.
Healthy holiday tip: Prepare in Advance—On days you know you'll be having a big meal, eat a light breakfast like fresh fruit and whole-grain toast.
Instead of smothering your plate with gravy, stick to about 3 tablespoons. Saves 110 calories.
Cut the sugar in yoru favorite cake recipe by a third. You won't even taste the difference. Saves 80 calories.
Fill up beforehand by drinking a big glass of water—studies show you'll eat less. Saves 75 calories.
Enjoy the pie, but forget the crust—that's where most of the calories comes from. Saves 175 calories.
Healthy holiday tip: Bounce back—Three to five servings of broccoli, kale or arugula the day after a big meal helps flush out toxins from meats and processed foods.

Article from Family Circle, December 2010

Bedbugs: How to prevent them from invading your home

2010-12-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Bedbugs are showing up in cities and small towns across the country. Though the pests don't carry diseases, they may bite you while you sleep, causing itchy, red welts. To keep them at bay, inspect any pre-owned furniture before bringing it home, and when staying in hotels, place your luggage on racks or in dressers instead of on the bed or floor. At home, regularly check all of your mattresses and box springs (especially along the seams) for tiny brown, purple, or black spots, which are bedbug droppings. If you suspect you have an infestation, call a pest control agency immediately.

Article from Family Circle, December 2010

The best way to cure a cold

2010-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Come down with a case of the sniffles? Get plenty of rest, sip chicken soup...and call your mom for some TLC. According to recent research from the University of Wisconsin, people who received empathy got over a cold a day earlier than those who didn't. "Kindness may be more effective for treating sickness than zinc, vitamin C, and even anti-viral drugs," says study author David Rakel, M.D. "That may be because it helps relieve stress and boost the immune system." So put down that medicine—and pick up the phone!

Article from Shape Magazine, November 2010

Secure your home for the holidays

2010-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

The winter holidays are an active time for thieves who prey on houses that might stand empty for days. If you plan to spend some time away from home, your house should appear as if you could return at any minute. Here are tips to deter intruders.

Burgler-proof your home. Lock gates to the backyard with a padlock; install motion-sensitive lights on the porch or in the backyard; and keep plants trimmed away from windows and doors so thieve don't have a place to hide.
Put your interior lights on timers so they go on at an appropriate time in the morning, off during the day, and on again in the evening, to make it look like you're coming and going at normal times.
Park a car in the driveway to give the impression you're home. Give a neighbor a key and ask him to move the car every now and then.
Have neighbors pick up your newspaper and mail, or stop delivery for the duration of your trip.

Even if you take every precaution your house could still be burglarized. Before you leave, make sure your insurance policy is up to date. Secure valuable items, such as family heirlooms and irreplaceable documents, as well as files or photos on your computer.

Article from Orange County Westways, November/December 2010

Featured Patient Testimonial: James L., lingual braces

2010-11-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today's featured testimonial is a special one! Here is our first (and only, so far) video testimonial from James, a most pleasant patient and proponent of lingual braces by Dr. Bui.

Lingual braces are brackets that go behind the teeth (facing the tongue) and thus are completely invisible.

Does the air bag in my old clunker have an expiration date?

2010-11-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

Air bags are among your car's most durable components
By Peter Bohr, Westways Magazine (July/August 2010)

Air bags came into widespread use during the mid-1980s. Since then, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures they've saved some 26,000 lives. But with many air bag-equipped cars now reaching the ripe old age of 15 or even 20 years, will these complicated devices still work as expected if the need arises?

I asked several automakers and discovered that they're cagey about the answer. Volvo, renowned for its commitment to automotive safety, was the most forthright: "Air bags do not require replacement during the lifetime of the vehicle." Mind you, that's not a guarantee. Volvo, like most automakers, promises to replace a faulty air bag only as long as the car's bumper-to-bumper warranty is in force—five years with unlimited mileage for Volvo, but three years of 36,000 miles for many other automakers.

Neither NHTSA nor the automakers nor the air-bag manufacturers I contacted would provide any definitive test data regarding air bags in older vehicles. Still, there are good reasons to believe that air bags will probably outlast most other components on a car.

Air bags are tested under conditions that are "well beyond what you'd ever see in the field," said Doug Campbell, president of the Automotive Occupant Restraints Council, an industry trade group. Air-bag components are baked at just under the temperature of boiling water, chilled to -30°F, and subjected to vibration testing that puts forces against them ranging from 10 G to -10 G, according to Campbell.

During the past two decades, billions of air bags have been installed in cars. There have been high-profile recalls; Honda recently recalled several hundred thousands of its vehicles, going back as far as the 2001 and 2002 model years, to fix defective air bags. But given the number of devices on the road, airbag problems have been relatively few. "In the crash testing we do, air bags are very reliable," said Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Honda's recall involved defective inflators—metal containers with an explosive charge that pops the air bag out of the steering wheel, dash, door, seat, or roof liner. But inflators are typically long-lived. IIHS crash-tested one of the first air bag-equipped cars, a rusty 1972 Chevy Impala. The driver and passenger air bags fired perfectly.

More likely to go hayware are electrics—various sensors and an electronic control unit that determine when to deploy the air bag. However, air-bag systems perform regular self-diagnostic checks, and a warning light comes on if there's a problem.

Of far greater concern than old but intact cars are ones that have been in collision forceful enough to deploy the air bag or cars that have been damaged by water. Once deployed, an air bag must be replaced. Unscrupulous body shops can put used—or even fake—air bags in cars they repair, said Steve Mazor, the Auto Club's Automotive Research Center manager. And water submersion can ruin the inflator's explosive charge.

Can you take any steps to ensure that your car's air bags are operable? The owner's manual may recommend a dealer inspection after 10 years. But given that the air-bag module—the bag itself and its inflator—is a self-contained, sealed unit, anything short of running your car into a wall won't be very meaningful, Campbell said.

Most important, monitor your car's self-check system. Switch on the ignition and note if the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicator light comes on for a few seconds and then goes out. If the light doesn't come on, or if it stays on, call your dealer ASAP. Your life could depend upon it.

Top tips to prevent tooth grinding

2010-10-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

How are Americans dealing with these difficult economic times? They’re taking the stress out on their teeth, if you ask dentists. The Chicago Dental Society recently surveyed more than 250 of its members to see if stressing about the economy was wreaking havoc on patients’ oral health.

Nearly 75 per cent of dentists surveyed said their patients reported increased stress in their lives. And 65 per cent of dentists said they have seen an increase in jaw clenching and teeth grinding among their patients.

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, or bruxism, can be a temporary nuisance during stressful times that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for teeth and gums. It can lead to muscle inflammation, broken teeth or even damaged dental work, such as crowns and fillings.

The following tips should help your patients cope with the pressures of the world—before their teeth pay the price:

Take a pain reliever. If grinding and clenching is causing you headaches and muscle soreness in your jaw, take an anti-inflammatory medication, like Advil or Aleve, shortly before bedtime.
Massage. Try massaging the muscles along your jaw line, from the joint near your ear all the way to your chin to relieve jaw soreness.
Avoid caffeine. Coffee may help you get going in the morning, but caffeine combined with stress can lead to increased muscle tension. Increase your consumption of water. If cutting caffeine completely from your life won’t work for you, at least try to avoid it within several hours of bedtime.
Be careful with your diet. When the jaw muscles get inflamed, it's best to go easy on them for a while by avoiding foods that require vigorous chewing. Ice and gum chewing are a definite no-no. And don't even think about that triple-decker cheeseburger that almost requires you unhinge your jaw to eat it.
Exercise. You didn't want to hear this one did you? But exercise relieves stress and reduces anxiety, the two biggest culprits of grinding.
Meditate. Try a yoga class to achieve some relaxation. Even taking a moment before bedtime to do some deep breathing can be a big help.
Wear a mouth guard. If you have serious grinding and clenching issues, talk to your dentist about a mouth guard to wear at night.

The survey was conducted before the Chicago Dental Society’s 145^th annual Midwinter Meeting, which brought more than 30,000 dental professionals to Chicago in February.

Written by Keri Kramer, Chicago Dental Society; Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA

Snoring and Sleep Apnea: How Dentists can Save Marriages and Lives

2010-08-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

It’s been estimated that approximately 90 million people in North America suffer from sleep disorders, including insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea. Patients visit their dentist on a more regular basis than other health care professionals, therefore dentists have an excellent opportunity to diagnose and treat their patients with oral appliances when that’s determined to be the treatment of choice.

Snoring is extremely common in our society as it has been estimated that 60 percent of men snore and 40 percent of women over age 50 snore. Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction of the airway, which causes the palatal tissues to vibrate. Snoring is a serious social problem for the bed partner and adversely affects many relationships.

Click here to read the rest of this article by Dr. Brock Rondeau in Dental Tribune, July 22, 2010.

Staying Shipshape at Sea

2010-08-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Photo by Clever Cupcakes

How can you best protect yourself from getting sick on a cruise ship? "Out of 20 tips for staying healthy, tips one through 10 are, 'Wash your hands,'" says Nick Hollander, senior doctor aboard Princess Cruises' Island Princess. Hand washing is the best way to prevent colds and flu, as well as norovirus. Hand-sanitizing gels will do in a pinch, adds Louise McClelland, Ruby Princess nursing officer, but "liquid soap and water are the No. 1 germ killers." Here are other tips to help ensure smooth sailing. --Roberta G. Wax

Pack medicine in your carry-on, not your checked luggage, and bring an updated medication list, including dosages. Bring extra pills in case you lose or forget your medicine, you'll need to see the ship's doctor for a prescription, which will usually be filled at the next port. Cardiac patients should bring a copy of their latest EKG, advises Dr. John Bradberry, medical director for Carnival Cruise Lines.
When strolling the promenade deck, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. "With the cool ocean breeze, people don't realize the sun is so strong," McClelland says.
If you're prone to motion sickness, bring your medicine along. And request a cabin near midships and close to the waterline, Bradberry suggests, where the ride is typicallly most stable.
In port, avoid contact with stray animals, in case they have rabies.

From Orange County Westways Magazine, June 2010

Stay salon safe

2010-08-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Photo by Pink Sherbert Photography

Be on the lookout for these health hazards at your next pro pedicure appointment.

Bare walls. If you don't see a state license displayed, the nail technicians may not be properly trained, says Paul Betschart, D.P.M., a podiatrist in New York City. Ask if they're certified. If they can't show you a license, head to another salon.

Whirlpools. Because they're difficult to clean, whirlpools are a breeding ground for bacteria. "Buy a small jar of whirlpool sanitizing solution at a medical supply store and bring it with you," Dr. Betschart says. "Three drops in the water will eliminate most germs."

Cuticle clippers. The tough skin around your toenail keeps out germs, preventing infection, and shoul dnever be removed with cutters. Ask your manicurist to gently push cuticles back instead.

Pumice stones. These porous stones are germ carriers. Purchase your ow nand take them to the salon. Sanitize the stone after each use by cleaning them with soap and water and soaking them overnight in rubbing alcohol.

From Fitness magazine, June 2010

Join the Braces Brigade!

2010-08-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is looking for current, former and future orthodontic patients, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the Braces Brigade and blog about the unique, heartwarming and sometimes hilarious experiences that come with undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Visit the Braces Brigade website for more information!

Staying Connected on the Road--With No Hands

2010-08-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Adapted from an article By Neil Parmar, Smart Money Magazine

Photo by OregonDOT

These days, most people don't go anywhere without their cell phones--including behind the wheel. But with states cracking down on gabbing drivers (half have banned text nessaging while driving, and so far seven have outlawed the use of handsets, according to the Governers Highway Safety Association), a new cottage industry has sprung up, pitching drivers gadgets for communicating safely and legally. The latest tech for handling highway chatter:

Talk Hands-Free. Rather than fumbling around with a handset, some drivers have long been routing their calls through wireless Bluetooth devices. But a growing number of models in this $17 million market can now mount on a windshield or visor and recharge using sunlight. But while some believe Bluetooth devices are safer than handsts, others think they still pose a dangerous distraction to drivers, says Vinnie Mirchandani, president of tech advisory form Deal Architect.
Stop Teen Texters. Parents may cringe, but more than a third of teenagers say they have sent a text message while sitting in the driver's seat, according to the Pew Research Center. For $5 to $10 a month, concerned moms and dads can subscribe to software services, from Web sites like Getizup.com and tXtBlocker.com, that use GPS technology to block all incoming and outgoing texts, e-mails and calls once a car hits a predetermined speed, like, say 12 miles per hour. Both programs do allow drivers to make emergency calls to 911, but neither works on all handsets yet.
Text Out Loud. Watching the road while looking at the phone can be a tricky task, which is why some drivers have turned to free apps that translate text into spoken word via Bluetooth or car audio systems. Aha Radio, which only works on the iPhone, provides audio updates from Twitter and Facebook feeds, as well as traffic reports from nearby commuters. DriveSafe.ly works on a varity of devices, including Blackberry and Android phones, and reads text messages aloud--including shorthand like LOL. Some users, though, have complained that the app doesn't always pronounce words correctly. (The company says the program will get better over time, as the firm corrects mispronunciations.)

Straight Teeth in Under 60 Seconds!

2010-07-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool (and very dated) YouTube video I found:

Support our community, environment

2010-06-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy is hosting a public workshop to receive community input regarding the design of the Education & Restoration Center.

The workshop will take place at Harriet Weider Regional Park in Huntington Beach, California.

When:
Thursday, June 3, 2010

Time:
6:30 p.m.

Where:
SeaCliff Country Club Pacific Lounge Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Who:
All Members of the Public. Those interested in shaping wetlands and coastal ecology education for future generations.

RSVP: 877-BOLSA-61 (877-265-7261)
E-mail: erc@bolsachica.org

A friend of yours is a friend of ours...

2010-05-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of vistamommy on Flickr)

In order to reward you (our loyal patients and friends), we are excited to jumpstart a new patient referral program!

When you refer a friend to our office for a consultation, we will enter both you and your friend in a monthly drawing to win free movie tickets and other fun prizes TBD. The number of entries are unlimited so make sure you tell plenty of people about our office to increase your chances of winning!

Summer flick we're most excited about: Toy Story 3!

Don't forget to check our website regularly! It updated often with new patient testimonials and photos.

If you'd like to write us a testimonial, please let us know at your next appointment or e-mail us at theorthobee@gmail.com. We also have profiles on several user review sites, like Yelp, Health Grades, Google Maps, and even Facebook

Thanks so much for your confidence and support!

Summer Ice Cream Social

2010-05-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Kick off the summer season at our third annual Ice Cream Social!

Please invite your friends and family to join us for an icy treat--the more the merrier!

We will also have an array of toppings to choose from, all braces-approved by Dr. Bui.

To help make sure we don't run out, please RSVP on Facebook or by phone at 714-962-8880. Thank you!

Isn't he cute?

2010-05-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Disney's California Adventure was open for hosts of the CDA (California Dental Association) on Saturday in conclusion of the three-day CDA convention in Anaheim.

On the new Monster's, Inc. ride, Dr. Bui snapped a photo of a monster with braces! Check him out:

Green Matters

2010-04-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! In observation, here is a handful of tips and reminders for recycling household items from M Magazine.

1. Aluminum Cans & Plastic Bottles

According to Earth911, "a used aluminum can--when recycled--can be placed back on the grocery shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days." And for perspective: in 2007, 54 billion cans were recycled; saving the energy equivalent of 15 million barrels of crude oil--America's entire gas consumption for one day. With a CA cash value incentive, the nearly 70% of plastic bottes that end up in landfills are completely avoidable.

2. Plastic Bags

While reusable cloth bags are recommended, plastic bags have a variety of reusable abilities; from trashcan liners to wrapping soap and shampoo bottles for travel, to lunch bags and packing material for boxes, reusing plastic bags is easy--with the added bonus of reducing clutter on roadways and local habitats. Grocery stores often accept previously used plastic bags for recycling.

3. Electronics

From cell phones to televisions, computers, and even small appliances, household and office electronics tend to be replaced ever 2-3 years. E-cycling reduces landfill crowding, as well as ensures hazardous materials are properly disposed. Several office-supply stores offer electronic recycling for a small fee.

4. Batteries

With wireless gadgets on the rise, it is estimated that the household usage of batteries ranges between 8 and 15 on average. And because batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, corrosive acid and landfill poulltion can result when improperly disposed of. Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries, or brands featuring reduced levels of both mercury and heavy metals.

5. Paper Products (Newspapers, Junk Mail, Cardboard, Magazines, Greeting Cards)

According to Earth911, 56% of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2007; that's an average of 360 pounds of paper recovered per person. Because of this high recovery rate, the paper industry set a new goal of a 60% recovery rate by 2012. Purchasing recycled paper products helps reduce landfills, ultimately reducing the number of trees being harvested.

To locate recycling center near you, contact 1-800-CLEANUP or Earth911.comto access their recycling directory.

(Image courtesy of David R Munson on Flickr)

Drive a Bargain

2010-04-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Are you a gas-conscious driver? Here is a quick matching game from Ladies' Home Journal full of tips! See the comments section for answers.

(Photo courtesy of alancleaver_2000 on Flickr)

See if you can match the money-saving strategy with how much it'll save you per gallon of gas.

1. Drive 60 mph instead of 70
2. Top off tire pressure
3. Get regular engine tuneups
4. Trade in a 20-mpg car foer one that gets 30 mpg
5. Avoid aggressive driving (quick acceleration and braking)

A. 11 cents per gallon
B. 13 cents per gallon
C. 48
D. 8
E. 89

Food That Can Fix (Almost) Anything

2010-04-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

This article from Glamour Magazine highlights the health benefits of several common (braces-friendly) foods. Enjoy, but don't forget to cut your apples before you eat them to prevent loose brackets!

When Hippocrates wrote, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” he was probably worrying about the pesky plague epidemic of 430 BC—not thinking about how a handful of almonds might ward off a girl’s pre-period headaches or how green tea might give her thicker, lusher hair. But those things may in fact be true, and scientists are beginning to figure out how food helps the body run smoothly inside and out. “People absolutely underestimate the importance of nutrition when it comes to appearance,” says Michael Roizen, M.D., chief of the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Center and coauthor of YOU: Being Beautiful. The prescription is simple—and mercifully easy to swallow. Read on, dig in, repeat as necessary.

Photo by: Conde Nast Digital Studio

If someone told you there were eight foods that could make you more beautiful and help you feel a lot healthier, you’d want to eat up, right? Consider this your grocery list.

For: Little Age Lines, Try: GRAPES

What’s so special about antioxidants like the vitamin C found in grapes? They act as your skin’s bodyguards, repairing and even preventing premature dryness, fine lines and sagging caused by tiny molecules called free radicals, by-products of normal cell function that wreak havoc on your skin, says Dr. Roizen. One to one and a half cups of grapes deliver close to 20 percent of your daily C needs, and will also supply a chemical that helps preserve the protein elastin, which keeps your skin plump—not prune-y. (And, yes, red wine has it too.)

For: A Bad Mood, Try: HEALTHY CARBS

When you’re blue, you probably crave sweets, and there’s a biological reason why: Simple carbs prompt the brain to secrete serotonin, the calming hormone that can ease stress and depression, says Kelly O’Connor, R.D., of the Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. But after the initial spike in mood, sugary treats set up the body for a blood sugar crash that can make your bad mood worse. A better food group for a boost in spirits: complex carbs like chickpeas, lentils and whole-grain bread.

For: Acne, Try: FISH or WALNUTS

What you don’t want: anything made with white flour, especially refined, processed carbs like white bread and sugary cereals. (One study found that these foods triggered more breakouts than a diet rich in fish, fruit, whole grains and legumes.) What you do want, according to Nicholas Perricone, M.D., adjunct professor of medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine: “Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation throughout the body, including inflammatory acne,” he says. That means halibut, walnuts, flaxseeds—and especially salmon, which Dr. Perricone believes should be the one food on every woman’s clear-skin plan.

For: Splitting Nails, Try: PROTEIN-rich foods

We think of nails as one layer, the one that gets buffed and painted during a mani. But your nails are actually made up of layers of a protein called keratin—and eating protein may strengthen those layers. If your nails are weak, for a lot of women, the easiest fix is protein. Researchers from the University of North Carolina who studied the growth of big toenails (no, we’re not kidding) found that nail growth rates have increased by almost 25 percent since the 1930s, possibly because protein-rich foods are more available. But some women today still don’t get enough because of chronic dieting, says Susan Kraus, R.D., of Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. Most of us require between 45 and 65 grams per day, so try to eat some protein, like lean beef, poultry, fish or nuts, at every meal. Don’t forget breakfast: Just two eggs provide 12.5 grams—roughly 20 percent of your daily requirement.

For: Bad Breath, Try: PLAIN YOGURT

Breath mints may be a quick fix, but they don’t combat the main cause of bad breath—a buildup of bacteria on your tongue, in between your teeth and in the back of your throat (often caused by food left behind from not brushing thoroughly enough). In fact, if your breath mint contains sugar, it’ll actually feed those microbes and can make odor worse in the long run, according to Kraus. But Japanese research has found that eating plain, sugar-free yogurt may help get rid of the stinky sulfur compounds.

For: Thin, Dry Hair, Try: GREEN TEA

The benefits of green tea keep piling up, and here’s another one: The caffeine in tea slows the production of a chemical that shrinks hair follicles and results in thinner strands, says Dr. Roizen. He recommends two to three cups of tea daily. (Coffee drinkers, your morning cup of java can have the same effect.) But if you’re plagued with dry, flaky scalp or hair loss, it may be a sign that you’re not getting enough zinc, says Lisa Drayer, R.D., author of The Beauty Diet. Meet your 8 milligram daily quota with a variety of zinc-rich foods like crabmeat, yogurt, baked beans, green peas and pumpkin seeds.

For: PMS, Try: MILK or CHEESE

When women don’t get enough calcium, they may experience more severe cramps, mood swings and bloating, says New York City endocrinologist Susan Thys-Jacobs, M.D. Her research found that 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day (the amount in about two slices of Swiss cheese plus a glass of skim milk and a yogurt) can cut premenstrual symptoms by as much as 48 percent. If you tend to get headaches during your period, you may be low in magnesium. A quarter cup of almonds or cashews can help you meet up to 30 percent of your day’s needs for the mineral.

For: More Energy, Try: AN APPLE WITH PEANUT BUTTER

The antifatigue snack experts have recommended to Glamour more often than any other: an apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Unlike a quick Oreo fix or other treat, the apple combo has fiber-rich carbohydrates with a little protein, which takes more time to digest than carbs alone, so you’ll stay energized longer, says Keri Gans, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It’s fail-proof—and delish. If all you have at your disposal is the office vending machine, choose a protein-rich bag of peanuts.

Thank your dental hygienist!

2010-03-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Visiting your hygienist regularly (at least every 6 months) for a cleaning is important, especially when you're undergoing orthodontic treatment!

The following is information from The Natural Dentist about dental hygienists. Don't forget to thank your hygienist for keeping you in tip top dental health!

An Exam You Can't Cram For

We have all been there… flossing fanatically right before our dental cleaning appointment. But no last minute dash can make up for everyday care.

During the appointment, your dental hygienist can see the whole hit and miss story of how you are doing at home. Here are the details on what’s going on in your mouth when you “open wide” for your dental hygienist.

The services dental hygienists provide include:

Patient screening, including health history, medications, etc.
Assessment of oral health
Maintaining health and treatment records
Screening for oral cancer, sores, abrasions or other problems involving the soft tissue of the mouth
Removing plaque and calculus (soft and hard deposits) from the teeth
Polishing surface stains off the teeth
Applying preventive materials to the teeth (sealants and fluoride)
Taking and preparing dental radiographs (x-rays)
Discussing nutrition, conditions that affect oral health and links to overall health
Demonstrating oral care techniques
Recommending products for home care
Other duties as allowed by the state licensing authority

Cleaner Clean, For Your Health

Just because your power toothbrush whirs, spins, pulses and tells time doesn’t mean you can skip regular professional cleaning.

Hygienists remove plaque (stubborn film that contains bacteria) and hardened calculus (tartar) both above and below the gum line. Polishing with professional toothpaste follows this “scaling” treatment.

Professional cleaning should be scheduled at least twice a year, or more frequently if recommended.

The added health benefit is that many diseases show up first in the mouth, including links to serious overall health conditions. Cleanings are also screenings, so take advantage of them for your health.

(Photo courtesy of Paliaa on Flickr)

Quick Cake-Mix Cookies

2010-03-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

The American Association of Orthodontists has a number of braces-friendly recipes on their website. My favorite is a cheap and easy dessert, quick cake-mix cookies!

Ingredients

1 box cake mix (Any flavor, the size it takes to make two 9” rounds)
3 eggs
½ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients using an electric mixer until well blended and creamy (about 1 minute). Using a tablespoon, drop onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 9 minutes at 350°. Makes about 4 dozen. Store in a covered container.

From “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You and Your Orthodontist Will Love” by Pamela and Brenda Waterman. www.bracescookbook.com

Holiday News, 2009

2009-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

To conclude 2009, we'd like to thank you, our patients and the community, for another fun-filled year at the office! For 2010, Dr. Bui and Team would like to focus on getting our patients involved. Now that you have (or are well on the way to) a beautiful new smile, why not show it off by telling your friends and family?

A Note from Dr. Bui

While this year has been a difficult economic one for countless people, it makes us appreciate the things we have even more. We feel blessed for friends, family and patients that have enriched our lives. We are also making strides to give back to our community through our annual events, such as the food drive and candy buy back. Ask Our Team about what's currently going on in our office...

Holiday Canned Food Drive
"Share A Smile" Patient Referral Incentive

WHAT'S NEW?

Waiting room television— Earlier this year we added a TV in our waiting to display useful information and videos about our office!
Bulletin board— Look for the new bulletin board in our treatment area to see photos of other patients like you!
Facebook Fan Page— Are you on Facebook? Click here and become a fan of our office!
Website Additions— Check our website for braces-friendly recipes and articles!

OUR TEAM

Stephanie Vu has been with us from the start. In addition to working in the office with us, she designs and maintains our website. Stephanie's artistic skills and many talents make her an invaluable asset!
Bhavna Patel joined us in beginning of the year and has brought the same warmth and hospitality from the front desk of her parent's hotel to the front desk of our office.
Chris Nguyen is our hard-working intern. He came to us looking for experience in an orthodontics office and we're glad to have him!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Anuja was accepted to Loma Linda for graduate school this past Fall. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health. We enjoyed her time in the office and wish her good luck and a great education!

Year in Rewind

Holiday Canned Food Drive

During the holidays, our office continues to think of individuals and families around the community that are less fortunate by hosting an annual food drive. Through November and December, patients are encouraged to bring in canned food and other "most needed food items" to their regular appointments. These items are to benefit the Orange County Food Bank who works hard to distribute 15 million pounds of food annually to the homeless, disabled persons, seniors on fixed incomes, the unemployed and the working poor. We appreciate all of your donations for the food drive; thank you for supporting our community!

Halloween Candy Buy-back Program

To conclude the National Orthodontic Health Month of October, we put together our annual Halloween Candy Buy-back Program. This year our office collected over 100 pounds of candy from patients and members of the community in exchange for money. The candy went to military troops overseas through Operation Gratitude and an equal monetary donation was donated to the Orange County Humane Society. To see an article in the Fountain Valley View about our most successful event this year, click here. Please spread the word in our community about this event so its success can grow with each coming year.

Annual Summer Ice Cream Social

July may be National Ice Cream Month but children and adults alike don't need a reason to enjoy ice cream. Having a scoop or two on a hot summer day can't be beat, however, and getting it for free is like the cherry on top! On July 10th, our office hosted an ice cream social in appreciation of our patients, their friends and family as well as people in the community. Dr. Bui will continue to make this an annual event as part of a wider effort to bring the community together for simple and delicious pleasures.

ADA, CDA, OCDS

Dr. Bui is a tripartite member of the following dental associations: American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and the Orange County Dental Society (OCDS). As a part of the membership committee, Dr. Bui helps organize mixers for dentists in order to foster comraderie among her peers. During this year's CDA convention, she also helped host local and visiting dentists at the hospitality suite.

Teaching at USC

Dr. Bui has been a clinical instructor at USC Dental School since 2007. She enjoys teaching dental students how to diagnose and treat orthodontic problems.

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Convention in Boston

This year, the AAO's annual conference, was held in Boston. It is the largest meeting for orthodontists worldwide. Dr. Bui attends these conferences every year to stay abreast on the most current techniques and technologies in orthodontics. Dr. Bui was also glad for the opportunity to reunite with colleagues and professors from Harvard and UNC.

Warner Middle School

Dr. Bui was invited to Warner Middle School in February during National Children's Dental Health Month to give a presentation on oral hygiene. It was great to see some of our patients in the audience!

Office Yearbook Awards

Best Oral Hygiene

Phuong Vy Nguyen is a model patient. She always has excellent oral hygiene and never misses a day with her elastics!

Most Punctual

We can always count on Maggie West to be on time to all of her appointments, which helps keep our schedule running smoothly.

Most Referrals

Samara Gilman has been referring her friends and family to us. We are grateful for her support and always look forward to having great patients like her!

Farthest Traveling Patient

Aimee Nguyen travels all the way from grad school in North Carolina. She must think very highly of us!

What are signs of gum disease?

2009-06-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Gums thatbleed easily
Red,swollen, or tender gums
Gums thathave pulled away from your teeth
Persistentbad breath
Pus betweenthe teeth and gums
A change inthe way your teeth fit together
Gumabscesses/boils
Persistentfood impactions between your teeth

Oral Health Reminders

2009-06-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

One of themost important things you can do for your oralhealth is schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Anoral exam can detect other health issues such aspoor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems, andimproper jaw alignment.
Preventionincludes maintaining good oral hygiene, drinkingfluoridated water and making healthy dietary choices.
Fluoridepromotes remineralization, or the rebuilding ofminerals in the tooth enamel. The presence of fluoride on toothsurfaces attracts other minerals (such as calcium) and helps to speedup remineralization.
Aslong as your toothpaste contains fluoride and has theADA seal of approval, the brand or extra features you choose don’treally matter.
A dietthat promotes good oral health is not just about thefoods you eat or avoid — when and how you eat them is equally important.
Chewingsugarless gum that contains xylitol can help reduceplaque and fight cavities because chewing stimulates saliva, whichhelps keep teeth clean, while xylitol inhibits the growth of the oralbacteria that cause cavities. (Chewing gum is NOTrecommended forpatients in braces.)
Youshould clean and massage your baby’s gums daily to helpestablish healthy gums and to aid in teething.
Fromage 2, children should begin to brush their own teethwith a parent’s help.
Useof smokeless tobacco causes bad breath, discolors teethand promotes tooth decay that leads to tooth loss. Smokeless tobaccousers have a decreased sense of smell and taste, a greater risk thannon-users of developing cavities and a 50 percent greater risk ofdeveloping cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips.
Aswe get older, our dental needs become increasinglyspecialized, making regular dentist visits even more vital.
Youmay experience changes in your oral health duringpregnancy due to a surge in hormones, which can cause your gum tissuesto exaggerate their reaction to plaque.
Ifyou drink soda, be sure to drink it through a straw andrinse your mouth with water afterwards to reduce the risk of cavities.(Soda is NOT recommended for patients in braces.)

How does our office stay green?

2009-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Digital X-rays and photos—Significantly minimizes the use of paper
New equipment optimized for minimal waterwaste—Aids in water conservation
Highly efficient heating and cooling systems—Conserve energy and electricity
Energy-star rated appliances and sensors—Conserve energy and electricity
Recycling programs—Reduce waste and conserve reusable resources

Quick Tips for an Eco-conscious Lifestyle

2009-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

It’s becomeeasier to “live green” by recycling, reducingwaste, conserving energy and using sustainable materials.

Studies haveshown that the air inside the average home is twoto five more polluted than the air outside, due to products andmaterials we use (carpets, paints, lacquers, adhesives, chemicalcleaners, among others) that release harmful gases known as VOC’s(Volatile Organic Compounds). Chronic exposure to VOCs has been linkedto liver, kidney and central nervous system damage.

Replace oldlight bulbs with LED or compact fluorescentbulbs (look for the Energy Star label).
Unplug cordsand chargers for electronics that are not inuse constantly. Even if you turn the appliance or computer off, thecord still uses power.
Sunshine isfree. Take advantage of that resource and buysolar lights for your yard and patio.
Use watermixed with lemon juice as a cleaning productthat’s chemical free.
Use glass andceramic reusable kitchenware rather thanplastic.
Take fabricshopping totes to the stores instead of paperor plastic.
Use lunchpails or other reusable containers for takingyour lunch to work or school.

Online Resources
www.grist.org
www.enviroblog.org
www.thegreenguide.com
planetgreen.discovery.com

Facts about Gum Disease

2009-06-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Treatmentfor gum disease includes antibiotic pills or gelsapplied directly into the diseased pocket between the tooth and gum.

Anothertreatment, “scaling and root planning,” involves anintensive teeth cleaning above and below the gum line that oftenrequires a local anesthetic.

It’slong been known that oral health is an importantindicator for the body’s overall health. Now new research suggests gumdisease may predict whether you develop diabetes.

Lastyear, Harvard researchers found a surprising link betweenpoor gum health and pancreatic cancer. Other studies have linkedperiodontal health to heart disease, stroke and pregnancy problems.

Gumdisease is linked with tobacco use but medication sideeffects, such as dry mouth, can also contribute to oral healthproblems. Genetics also play a role.

A study in collaboration with cardiologists also links gumdisease with heart disease and diabetes.

Gumdisease may cause inflammation that puts an expectantmother at risk for pregnancy complications suich as low birth weightand premature birth.

7 Habits for a Longer Life

2009-06-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

In the United States, life expectancy was about 48 years forwomen and 46 years for men born in 1900. Just 50 years later, itclimbed to 71 for women and 66 for men. And recent numbers put lifeexpectancy at roughly 80 for women and 75 for men.

There’sstill considerable debate about the achievable upperlimit of human lifespan, but France’s Jeanne Calment lived to be 122.American Gertrude Baines, believed to be the world’s oldest livingperson at 114.

Mostexperts agree that increases in lifespan are due tobetter nutrition, health care, and disease prevention and treatment.But research is also identifying various traits and habits that aidhealthy aging.

Restup. Getting the right amount of sleep is important tohealth and lifespan. The problem is figuring out what that right amountreally is. In a 2002 study based on the self-reported sleep habits ofmore than a million people, about seven hours a night produced optimallongevity. Those reporting more than eight hours or less than fivehours had, on average, shorter life spans.
Eatright. In a study of 20,000 British participants,eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, drinkingalcohol moderately, exercising, and not smoking were habits associatedwith a potential 14 extra years of life.
Makefriends. When in comes to longevity, having a networkof close pals may be even more important than family. A 10-year studyin Australia found that people with large social networks were 22% lesslikely to die over the following decade than those who reported havingfewer friends.
Useit, don’t lose it. Your mind and body will witherunless you use them, so it’s important to exercise both. There’s nosense in living to 100 if you can’t remember names or take care ofyourself. Keep your brain engaged, and get your body moving. In oneHarvard study, vigorous exercise extended lifespan and reduced risk ofdeath.
Mindyour middle. Maintaining a healthy weight and trimwaistline may be key to longevity. A recent study by the Nationalinstitutes of Health found that waist circumference was a strongpredictor of mortality. Measurements of more than 44 inches in men or41 inches in women were associated with 25% higher mortality rates.
Getfresh air. A recent study in the New England Journal ofMedicine found that a reduction in air pollution in cities between 1978and 2001 was estimated to have increased the lifespan of city-dwellersby five to 10 months, depending on the amount of pollution reduced.
Makeit a family thing. In a study of centenarians in theU.S., people who had a 100-year-old brother or sister lived longer thanothers born in the same year. Men with a centenarian sibling were 17times as likely to be centenarians themselves. Women were eight timesas likely.

Top 5 Time Management Do’s and Don’ts

2009-06-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for ways to make the most of yoursummer? How about ways to set aside study time after returning toschool in the Fall? Here is an article we found useful for managing thefleeting luxury of time!

How many timeshave you sat down to review your e-mail andthen looked up at the clock to see that you’d lost a valuable hour?It’s easy to say that you need to both prioritize your time and narrowyour focus, but it’s not an easy task.

There is anynumber of time-management systems out there, butsometimes you need to step back and look at the basics. Dr. DonWetmore, who heads the Productivity Institute, offers the followingperspective on the right—and wrong—ways to approach time management.

Top Five BestTime-Management Practices

Plan an hourper day for “me time”—Give 23 hours to theworld but keep one hour for yourself. During this hour, add a newdimension to your life that isn’t there now because you didn’t feel youhad the time for it. Read a book, take up a hobby, learn a foreignlanguage, develop computer skills, start another business, spend timeon health development, etc.
Establish aregular reading program—It can be just 15minutes a day. Even with that small investment, the average person willread 15 books in a year. Also, consider taking a speed reading course.You can double your reading rate and comprehension and read twice asmuch in the same time period.
Overload yourdays—Build a daily action plan that includesnot only the things you “have to do,” but the things you “want to do.”If we give ourselves one thing to do during theday, it will take us all day. If we give ourselves two things to doduring the day, we get them both done. If we give ourselves 12 thingsto do, we may not get 12 done, but we may get eight done. Having a lotto do in a day creates a healthy sense of pressure on us to get focusedand get it done.
Prioritizeyour list of “things to do”—Some of our tasksare “crucial” and some of our tasks are “not crucial.” We have atendency to gravitate to the “not crucial” items because they aretypically quicker, more fun and easier to do.Tackle your items in theorder ofimportance, doing the most important items first.
Radiate agenuine, positive attitude—Often, like attractslike and it repels the opposite. When you are in a negative mood, youtend to repel the positive people who don’t want to be drained andbrought down by your negativity. And, when you’re in a negative mood,you have a natural system set up to attract the other negative peopleto you who want to share their stories of their misery, so the two ofyou can compare experiences to decide who has the worse life. Positivepeople help to bring us up. Negative people bring us down.

Top FiveTime-Management Mistakes

Start your daywithout a plan of action—You will begin yourday by responding to the loudest voice (the squeaky wheel gets thegrease) and spend it in a defensive mode, responding to other people’sand events’ demands. If there is a void ofleadership in your time-management life, someone will fill thatvoid—not that others are bad people, but others will take all of yourtime if you let them.
Get out ofbalance in your life—Our lives are made up ofSeven Vital Areas: Health, Family, Financial, Intellectual, Social,Professional and Spiritual. We will not necessarily spend time everyday in each area or equal amounts of time in each. But if in the longrun, we spend a sufficient quantity and quality of time in each area,our lives will be in balance.
Work with amessy desk or work area—Studies have shown thatthe person who works with a messy desk spends, on average,one-and-a-half hours per day looking for things or being distracted bythings. That’s seven-and-a-half hours per week. And it’s not a solidblock of an hour and a half, but a minute here and a minute there.
Don’t getenough sleep—Studies show that nearly 75% of uscomplain on a regular basis that we are flat-out tired. For mostpeople, they get the quantity of sleep, but they lack the quality ofsleep. Their days are filled with so much stress, they are out ofcontrol, working harder but maybe not smarter, that it’s difficult toget a full night’s sleep. (Some simply do not allow for a sufficientquantity of sleep.) If you plan your day, then work your plan, you willget more done, feel a higher sense of accomplishment, and experienceless stress and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
Don’t take alunch break—Many do not take a lunch break,working through that time in the hope that it will give them more timeto produce results. Studies have shown it may work just the opposite.After doing what we do for several hours, we start to “dull out.” Sure,we can work through lunch and be productive, but that’s not the issue.The issue is “how much more” productive we can be. A lunch break, evena short 15-minute one, gives us a chance to get our batteries chargedto more effectively handle the afternoon’s challenges.

Simple Answers to 13 Questions about Going Green

2009-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Should I turn off the lights every time I leave the room?

Turn off incandescent light bulbs if you’re leaving the roomfor more than five seconds; turn off compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs) if you’ll be gone at least 15 minutes. Why? You save energy withthe lights off, even for a few seconds, but flickering that switchshortens every light bulb’s life. Incandescent light bulbs are cheap,so turn them off when you can. CFLs aren’t cheap – about $4 each – butusing one will save you about $30 in electricity charges throughout itslife span compared to an incandescent.

Do I really have to unplug my TV, phone chargers, CD player,etc.?

Always unplug. To make it easier, plug everything into powerstrips and make use of their on/off switches. Why? Even when they'renot on, electricity courses through the plugs of your electronicgadgets so that they’ll jump into action more quickly. This “vampireelectricity” sucks up $4 billion a year in energy for things thataren’t even on. Your laptop alone, turned off but plugged into thewall, will cost you $9 a year. Cell phone chargers that aren’tconnected to a cell phone cost 14 cents a year. With some 260 millionchargers out there, it adds up.

I know cold-water washes are greener, but will they get myclothes clean?

Washing your clothes in warm or even cold water will get ridof almost anything, except for the worst dirt or oily stains. Switchfrom hot to warm water to cut energy use in half; use cold water to cutit even more. Why? For a hot-water load, about 90 percent of the energyused to wash clothes goes to heat the water, not to agitate yourclothes.

Dirty dishes: by hand or by machine?

Stick to full loads in the machine and use the pot-scrubberoption only if necessary. For extra green points hit the no-heat orair-dry options. Why? By the time you wash a sink load of dirty dishesby hand, you’ll go through four to five gallons of water. Moderndishwashers use as little as two gallons and usually clean well enoughso that there’s no need to prerinse. Sure, dishwashers requireelectricity, but new ones use 95 percent less electricity than machinesbuilt 30 years ago.

Peanut butter jar: a simple rinse or a full-on scour beforerecycling?

Rinse out what you can, then recycle. Why? A small amount offood won’t gum up the recycling works, so don’t waste a lot of watermaking that peanut butter jar pristine. You should do it mostly to keeppests away. And that lime in your empty beer bottle? Leave it.

Soda bottle tops: on or off before recycling?

Off with their heads! Why? It depends on where you live. Somelocalities insist on no tops; others are more laidback. Leave them offbecause: 1) the caps are not always made from the same plastic as thecontainer, and 2) they can jam the processing equipment.

Paper or plastic?

Paper and plastic are both lousy choices. Take your ownreusable canvas bags. Why? A key ingredient in plastic bags is fossilfuel, and making them—from drilling and refining oil to actuallymanufacturing the bags—is a messy business. Turning timber into paperbags isn’t exactly clean either. Paper mills contribute to acid rain,global warming, and respiratory ills. Plus, they demand loads of energyand water. Even bags made from recycled paper are six times as heavy astheir plastic cousins, so trucking them across the country means moregas consumed and more noxious fumes. But, you cry, paper bags decomposein landfills and plastic doesn’t. Wrong! Virtually nothing decomposesin a landfill, where garbage is kept from air and water to prevent badstuff from leaching into groundwater. And what does biodegrade can taketens, even hundreds, of years and, in the process, releases methanegas, which is linked to global warming.

In public restrooms, paper towel or electric hand dryer?

If there’s a choice, go for the hot air. Why? Far less energyis needed to heat and blow air at your hands than to make paper towelsand haul them around. One study found that nine trees are cut down tosupply an average fast-food restaurant with paper towels over a year;the tossed towels then create 1,000 pounds of landfill waste.

Holiday News, 2008

2008-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our first ever e-Newsletter! Hear about the activities we planned for throughout the year, be inspired by the exciting news in our patients' lives, and learn about how our office continues to remain at the forefront of orthodontic technology by incorporating the newest in research and appliances.

A NOTE FROM DR. BUI

As 2008 comes to an end, let us reflect on the events this year as well as begin to make our New Year’s resolutions.

My resolution is to continue to evolve and improve our practice, to always provide exceptional care for our patients, and to serve the community.

I send my warmest welcome to our new patients and count my blessings for the continued support of our great patients as I look ahead to 2009.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Bui

Dr. Bui is continuing to keep busy with teaching and taking continuing education courses.

She is also proud to announce her participation in both the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Race for the Cure and the Disneyland 1/2-marathon this past summer.

Staff

Stephanie, while impatiently waiting for baseball season to return, is studying for the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and applying to dental school.

Anuja is a recent graduate of UCI and the newest member of our team. She is also studying for the DAT and applying to dental school.

Year in Rewind

OCWDS Meeting

Dr. Bui is active in professional organizations. She hosted a meeting for the Orange County Women's Dental Society (OCWDS) last February.

Instructing at USC

Happy to extend her knowledge to future colleagues, Dr. Bui teaches orthodontic techniques and concepts to dental students at USC. She braves rush hour traffic to make her weekly trek to LA throughout the year. Dr. Bui also stays at the forefront of orthodontic issues by taking continuing education courses.

Business Expo

Dr. Bui and Staff took part in the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo this summer. Families gathered in the grassy fields of Masuda Middle School to enjoy an evening of food, giveaways, and entertainment.

Summer Ice Cream Social

Our office hosted its first annual ice cream social in August. Patients of all ages dropped by in the afternoon for a midday treat! After weeks of gathering information on our patient's favorite flavors, we were excited to offer Neapolitan, mint chocolate chip, and cookies and cream. To mix things up, we also provided a variety of braces-safe toppings, including chocolate syrup, raisins, chocolate chips, granola, and plain M&Ms

Candy Buy-back Program

October is National Orthodontic Health Month. Following this year's Halloween, our office arranged a candy buy-back program on November 1-2 to help the local braces-wearing and health-conscious community alike.

December Canned Food Drive

Our office conducted its first canned food drive through the month of December. We asked donors to consult the OC Food Bank's list of Most Needed Food Items to help provide OC's underpriveleged with the most useful and long-lasting goods.

Patient Spotlight

It's a... Baby Boy!

Keith Khoan and his wife are expecting their second baby boy at the end of the year. Congratulations from Dr. Bui and Staff! We can't wait to meet him!

Election 2008

McKenzie Ringor ran a successful campaign to become 6th grade class president of Stacey-Clegg Middle School. She is working hard by attending meetings and putting in votes of her own in order to make junior high more fun!

Top Notch Students

Kevin Pham made Honor Roll this semester at Ralston Intermediate School. His least favorite subject is English, but an enthusiasm for math allows him to excel in school. Bravo! We give him high marks here at Dr. Bui's office for being an exemplary patient as well.

Eric Pham completed his third semester at UC Berkeley this Winter. Eric must be racking up frequent flier miles and reward points by making sure he's in our office every 6-8 weeks for his regular appointments. He must really think highly of us! We welcome him back to Orange County!

Spectacular Performances

Emily Nickels performed with Fountain Valley High School's choir this month for their annual Christmas concert. We hear the acoustics were stunning inside the old, high-ceiling church! Look for her in next year's Spring concert and Broadway show.

Jessica Ho frequently takes the stage as a backup dancer for Blue Ocean Music, a Vietnamese performance group based in Westminster. In their most recent concert, her son Anthony, 20 months old, stole the show with his debut performance where he ran out on stage to greet the crowd!

Star Athletes

Dylan Palmer, our office's most versatile athlete, is at the top of his game after helping his baseball team win the Fall Championship this year! Congratulations!

Kayla Johnson's junior high soccer team made it to the playoffs this season! She will be playing in January for AYSO Region 59, West Garden Grove. We wish her and the team much luck and hope that they will be starting the New Year off with a trophy! We wish her brother, Tyler, good luck in 2009's soccer season as well!

Ryan Mendoza is an avid hockey player. He and his mom, Kathy (a stellar RDA at Dr. Markham’s office), travel all over the country for games and tournaments. On one of his most recent trips, scouts in attendance took notice of his bold talent. That means: hockey fans, be on the lookout for Ryan as your next star player!

Lending a Hand

Tim Pham and his mom frequently enjoy being active in their community and sharing their time and resources with the less fortunate. During Thanksgiving, they volunteered for the Amercan Family Shelter soup kitchen at the Westminster Community Center. In the summer, they both ran in the Race for the Cure at Fashion Island to benefit the fight against breast cancer. Throughout the year, Tim's mom continues to be involved in a variety of community projects via the Westminster School District.