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4 Reasons to Love Your Smile

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A smile isn’t just the thing between your nose and chin.  It’s actually a bunch of muscles that are attached to your brain. There are scientific reasons everyone should be smiling.

Smiling Asheville residents who have Invisalign

1) Smiling Helps Reduce Stress

In 2012 scientists Tara Kraft and Sarah Pressman from the University of Kansas published an article in Psychological Science on how this works.

They had participants in a study complete multitasking activities designed to be stressful.  During these tasks some participants were told to hold chopsticks to their mouth in a certain way.  They were not told that what they were doing was forcing a smile.  The groups that were told to do this experienced a reduction in heartrate and self reported stress levels!

“The next time you are stuck in traffic or are experiencing some other type of stress,” says Pressman, “you might try to hold your face in a smile for a moment. Not only will it help you ‘grin and bear it’ psychologically, but it might actually help your heart health as well!”

2) Smiling Makes You More Creative

Research from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that being in a good mood can get your creative juices flowing.  When you are happy, more dopamine is released which is linked with motivation.  This increases your control over your mind which can also give a boost to the parts of the brain that are used for making decisions, learning and processing.

3. Smiling Boosts Your Productivity

In 2010 a group of economists at the Warwich business school studied the effect of emotions on productivity.  It came out strikingly obvious that the group that was happier and smiling had a 12% increase in productivity over the other group.

4. Smiling Can Improve Your Mood

For decades scientists have been conducting research about how individuals can be happy.  There are books out there on the subject and lots of theories, but one easy way is to just smile.  Even a fake smile will slowly boost your mood.  You may have heard the comment, “fake it ‘til you make it”. That’s right even a fake smile can help.

The best part about this all is that SMILES ARE FREE! Since even fake smiles help, there’s no reason you should not be smiling.  If you are unhappy with your smile and that prevents you from grinning ear to ear, Blue Ridge Orthodontics can help.  Call or Contact Us to schedule online a COMPLETELY FREE consultation.  You can meet with one of our doctors to go over your smile and learn about options to help you LOVE YOUR SMILE!

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Blue Ridge Orthodontics Blue Star Program

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One of the reasons our team loves working in orthodontics is that we get to change lives every day. Our Blue Star Program is one way we’re able to do just that.

Each year, Drs. Roberts and Alvarado and our team accept nominations for children in our community who are in need of orthodontic care and unable to afford treatment. Sam is one of our Blue Star Program participants.

Meet Sam

Dr. Robers with Sam, who is one of BRO's Blue Star Program participants

Here’s what Sam told us about his smile:

“I don’t feel confident about my smile and/ or when I smile. I can’t show my teeth and don’t feel that they look right. I have friends and like to laugh I would like to show them my beautiful smile if I had one.

If I had a beautiful smile then I would feel more confident about my smile and show my teeth a lot more. Then I could feel better about showing my teeth around my friends.

I’m sure there are other families that are in need of help. In the end I’m sure you will make the right decision.

Me and two of my three brothers have had a lot of medical problems. I have good insurance but it doesn’t pay for the help that I need for braces. My dad is the only one that works and money is short.

I would like to have a chance to have a nice smile and my teeth fit better.

Thank you for that chance.

Samuel E.”

From the Parents

Here’s what Sam’s parents shared with the BRO team:

“I don’t know the needs of other kids and their families but I do know ours. Sam has no chance of receiving orthodontics services that Dr. Love, Sam’s dentist, has recommended to straighten his teeth.

We have four boys. Sam’s the youngest. 3 out of 4 have had numerous medical problems throughout their lives and continue to do so. These issues along with daily expenses has the family over a long period of time not being able to always do everything that needs to be done. Sam’s insurance is good but doesn’t cover braces and we can’t afford them.

Sam is a special young man. His teachers tell us he is the most social, friendly and hard working boy they know. Because of Sam having obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities, Sam has suffered confidence issues. We are afraid the more evident the problems with his teeth become the more his self confidence could be damaged. He could have more problems with depression and that could cause his overall health along with his dental needs to decline. This would cause even more expenses that could be avoided.

My wife and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this opportunity to help our very special son.

Thank you,

Robert and Kathy E.”

Congratulations on starting Invisalign® treatment, Sam! We are so thrilled to have you as a patient and so excited to watch your progress with you.

Be sure to watch our Facebook page and blog for more updates on Sam’s progress from our team here at Blue Ridge Orthodontics!

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BRO Invisalign Teen Open House – RSVP Today!

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Have you been considering orthodontic treatment for your son or daughter? Our Invisalign Teen® Open House is right around the corner, and we’d love to see you there!

Join Drs. Roberts and Alvarado on Wednesday, June 24th for pizza, ice cream, music, and prizes! We’ll be giving away a Lenova Yoga to one lucky winner, and the first 20 to RSVP will receive a special gift. You can see our iTero digital scanner in action, learn about treatment options, and get an individualized treatment plan that day. We’ll also have pricing, financial options, and payment plans available for the parents.

Ad for BRO's Invisalign Teen open house in Asheville, NC

Invisalign Teen aligners are specifically made to be removable when the need arises. Your son or daughter won’t have to worry about getting food stuck in the alignment trays because they can be pulled out before a meal and popped back in afterwards. Invisalign Teen wearers can remove the aligners before brushing, which allows them to make sure their teeth are free and clear of all obstructions.

RSVP to our open house today. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Invisalign Open House

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Have your teeth shifted as you’ve gotten older? Does your bite bother you or cause you pain? Are you wondering if Invisalign could work for you?

Come to our Invisalign Open House!

Thursday, March 26th
5 pm – 7 pm

  • Food & Drinks
  • Door Prizes
  • Special Pricing to Start Treatment Same Day!

Blue Ridge Orthodontics
2 Walden Ridge Drive, Suite 50
Asheville, NC 28803

 

Woman about to put in her Invisalign aligner

smiling female holding invisible teeth braces front of perfect smile

  • Meet Dr. Roberts and Dr. Alvarado
  • Learn how Invisalign works to fix your teeth and bite
  • See how our iTero digital scanner works to get a precision fit for Invisalign
  • Get an individualized treatment plan including photos and x-rays
  • Find out about pricing, financial options and payment plans

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Welcome, Dr. Alvarado!

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Our team here at Blue Ridge Orthodontics is always looking for ways to better accommodate our patients. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Dr. Karla M. Alvarado, DMD, MSD to our practice, and announce expanded office hours starting in January!

Dr. Alvarado and her husband, Jayson, recently relocated to Asheville from New York, and are looking forward to the milder weather here. Dr. Alvarado is bilingual in Spanish and English, and highly-qualified to serve our patients well:

  • University of Puerto Rico, Orthodontic Graduate Program, Masters in Dental Sciences
  • Montefiore Medical Center, General Practice Residency
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Certificate in Public Health
  • University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, Graduate Magna cum laude
  • University of Central Florida, BS in Biology

Dr. Alvarado always knew she wanted to work in a medical field, and discovered dentistry as an undergrad in a pre-dental organization. From there, she was always fascinated by the transformation that occurs with orthodontics. Having undergone orthodontic treatment herself, she loves watching her patients’ self-esteems improve as their smiles improve.

 

Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Roberts in Asheville

Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Roberts

Outside of the office, Dr. Alvarado enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors. She believes that community involvement is very important, and has received satisfaction from helping patients with cleft lips and palates, and working with a team to help provide not only aesthetic improvements, but better nutrition and speech development.

Please help us in welcoming Dr. Alvarado to Asheville and to the Blue Ridge Orthodontics family, and check out our new hours beginning in January below!

Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Visit Our Booth at the WNC Camp Expo!

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Dr. Roberts and our team are excited to announce that we’ll have a table set up at the WNC Camp Expo and Family Fun Day this weekend!

The WNC Camp Expo, organized by WNC Parent Magazine, provides parents in our community with a chance to learn about summer camp opportunities in Western North Carolina and elsewhere. The event will take place Saturday, March 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, NC.

Children play tug of war at the WNC Camp Expo and Family Fun Day

Children and recreation, group of happy multiethnic school kids playing tug-of-war with rope in city park. Summer camp fun

We’ll be giving away an iPad to one lucky winner, so whether you’re a current patient or just interested in learning more about Blue Ridge Orthodontics, be sure to stop by and say hi!

 

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What is ABO Certification?

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The American Board of Orthodontics, the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry, certifies orthodontists who adhere to the highest possible standards in their industry. That’s why Dr. T. Luke Roberts is proud to be the longest-standing board certified orthodontist here in Asheville, NC!

Board certification is a voluntary extra step that Dr. Roberts believes strongly in – it’s just one of the ways we like to ensure our patients they’re receiving the best care possible. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, like Dr. Roberts, is required to pass written and clinical examinations, be examined by his or her peers, and have his or her credentials reviewed comprehensively.

Dr. Roberts’ commitment to certification goes back to his childhood. “My father was the only board certified plastic surgeon in our town of Spartanburg, and I couldn’t imagine patients wanting to go to a plastic surgeon who wasn’t board certified,” he says. “I feel the same way about orthodontics.”

“It has a lot of importance, to maintain the highest level of standards. By going to a board certified orthodontist, that’s what you’re guaranteeing you’re doing.”

 

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Stop by Our Booth at the Wedding Festival!

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Here at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, we know that just about anyone who has taken on the challenge of planning her own wedding could tell you how important the little details can be. Things like having complementary colors, the right location, show-stopping flowers, and delicious food are all a big part of planning your spring wedding. Another little detail that has a big “I do” related role? Your smile.

That’s why this weekend, Dr. Roberts and our team will be at the Wedding Festival here in Asheville, NC!

The BRO team attended the Wedding Festival in Asheville, NC

Whether you’re the bride, or an attendant, looking your best when you tie the knot (or help someone tie the knot) is essential. If your teeth aren’t ready to make an entrance, turning to our team for help is a great solution! Now is a great time to get started with Invisalign treatment – or ask us about Philips Zoom! Whitening!

The Wedding Festival will take place Saturday, January 11th from 10 a.m. to  3 p.m. at the US Cellular Center. Check out the Wedding Festivals website for more information about the expo. We can’t wait to see you there!