Love your smile? Then we invite you to recommend Dr. Magness on Google!

We are proud to have deep roots here in Houston and have been active in the Memorial area for over 40 years. Every day our doctors and staff strive to give our patients the best of our abilities in a friendly and caring environment – one that keeps our families coming back well into the second and third generations.

Whether you've visited Memorial Smiles for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Marc Magness create more beautiful smiles in Houston and surrounding communities.

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Houston and surrounding areas.

See you all in 2011!

Season's greetings from Dr. Magness and Memorial Smiles!

The holidays are upon us, and as Dr. Magness and our team at Memorial Smiles reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

What puts you at ease at Memorial Smiles?

Trust us when we say Dr. Magness knows not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at Memorial Smiles, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We are proud to have deep roots here in Houston and have been active in the Memorial area for over 40 years. Every day the doctors and staff strive to give our patients the best of our abilities in a friendly and caring environment – one that keeps our families coming back well into the second and third generations.

Today, we'd like to know: What is it about Memorial Smiles that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Drs. Magness themselves?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Staying connected with Memorial Smiles

At Memorial Smiles, Dr. Magness and our team embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Magness and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Drs. Magness, giving thanks this holiday season

All of us at Memorial Smiles extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile and look forward to the day when your treatment is completed and you join our family of beautiful smiles, which we create daily at our Houston office. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially with those braces!

Hey Dr. Magness, when should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Marc Magness will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at 713-468-9669 if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Connect with Dr. Magness & Memorial Smiles on Facebook!

At Memorial Smiles, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Houston and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness & staff on our Facebook page?

There, we share office news, announcements and updates, so we encourage you to check us out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a great rest of the week,

- Dr. Magness

Ask Dr. Magness: What's the deal with all that Halloween candy?

As Halloween looms, Dr. Magness and our staff at Memorial Smiles know a lot parents are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, you do need to be careful of the types of candies you consume this weekend. We encourage you to watch the video above about which candies you should avoid, but feel free to ask us if you have any questions about what is and isn't braces-friendly!

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Thanks to Invisalign at Memorial Smiles, parents can have a great smile, too!

Attention parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you've been neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfect teeth lately, our staff at Memorial Smiles can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth: Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness are Certified Invisalign® Providers here in Houston.

Please give us a call at 713-468-9669 to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Have a great week!

The common cold is back, from Memorial Smiles

It's fall, and the cold season is once again upon us. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks, according to the CDC.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Marc Magness and team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Houston office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great rest of the weekend!

Dr. Magness and Memorial Smiles support National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and we wanted to remind our patients in braces to be careful when they bite into their treats. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Plain chocolate candy should be fine, as long as you remember to brush afterward! But, what's better than candy? Braces-friendly treats! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists put a great deal of effort into creating some delicious recipes you can enjoy this Halloween season! Enjoy!

- Dr. Magness and team

"Hey Dr. Magness! What the heck is malocclusion?"

Good question! You hear it all the time, but what, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Marc Magness calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue at Memorial Smiles.

Dr. Magness will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Houston's Memorial Smiles, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

September is Childhood Injury Prevention Month! From Dr. Magness

With fall sports under way for a lot of our patients at Memorial Smiles, Dr. Magness thought today would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this fall.

You should ALWAYS be wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, but especially this month. Why? September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Our staff encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists' website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions! Have a great rest of the week!

When should you call Dr. Marc Magness?

We hope you're having a wonderful and relaxing weekend! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Marc Magness for an appointment. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in at our convenient Houston office:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call at 713-468-9669 as soon as possible!

Share your experience at Memorial Smiles with the world!

We are proud to have deep roots here in Houston and have been active in the Memorial area for over 40 years. Every day the doctors and staff strive to give our patients the best of our abilities in a friendly and caring environment – one that keeps our families coming back well into the second and third generations.

Whether you've visited Memorial Smiles for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Marc Magness create more beautiful smiles in Houston and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific Labor Day weekend!

You may write your review here.

Schedule your fall apointment!

Schools are back in session here in Houston, which means it's a great time for Dr. Marc Magness to remind all our patients about the importance of scheduling your fall appointment in advance. With school, clubs, sports and other activities to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Memorial Smiles this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If Dr. Magness and staff receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that appointment. Feel free to give us a call at 713-468-9669 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

See you soon!

Ask Dr. Magness: Why are regular checkups so important?

If you're brushing twice a day, as well as flossing during your treatment at Memorial Smiles, that's phenomenal. But, remember that it’s also important for you to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Dr. Magness during your treatment). Our staff will tell you regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth during your orthodontic treatment

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

If you don't have a general dentist in Houston or nearby communities, please ask and Dr. Magness and our team will be happy to provide a reference or two!

Summer traveling tips from Memorial Smiles

It's still early August we know most folks - and most of our patients - here at Memorial Smiles take a vacation - or two - during the summer, and often forget to pack the most important of things. Recently, our staff came across an article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer.

We hope you're having a fun summer! Happy (and safe) traveling everyone!

- Dr. Magness and the Memorial Smiles team

"Hey, Dr. Magness: What happens if I miss a visit due to vacation or summer plans?"

Dr. Marc Magness and our staff know that summer is a time for vacations, family, friends and fun. Bu what happens if you miss an appointment?

Not to worry.

Although missing a scheduled appointment can delay your orthodontic treatment, don't worry if your plans take you away from Houston during August and you are not able to make it to our office. Remember, however, that if you will be gone for an extended period this summer, we recommend you come in for a visit prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return.

In most cases, a delay in one visit does not extend treatment. In fact, having loose/broken brackets and failure to wear your elastics are far more likely to extend your time in your braces. On that note, remember not to indulge in hard, sticky and chewy foods while on your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures! Feel free to send us photos or share them on our Facebook page!

Thanks to Invisalign®, everyone can have a beautiful, warm smile!

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfect teeth, Dr. Marc Magness can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth and are to be worn all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at 713-468-9669 to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Dr. Magness: "What, exactly, is so cool about braces?"

Braces, are in fact, “cool,” "hip" and, dare we say say “fun” these days. These were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose kids are going through or have had orthodontic treatment recently. New technologies, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities sporting stylish braces make orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Magness, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Memorial Smiles for a consultation? If not, please give us call at (713) 468-9669 and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile this summer!

Featured patient review for Dr. Magness!

Once in a while, Houston orthodontist Dr. Marc Magness and our staff at Memorial Smiles get patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do: creating beautiful smiles. Recently, we received a testimonial from Liz, one of our former patients. Here's what Liz wrote:

"Dr. Magness is by far the best orthodontist , He takes the time with his patients and really cares. His staff is also very friendly, and if you want quality work I highly recommend him to anyone. He did a great job for my daughter, her teeth are now straight and beautiful."

Thanks for writing in, Liz! We're glad to have helped create such a beautiful smile for you!

Patriotic fun facts with Dr. Magness!

On Sunday, Houston orthodontist Dr. Marc Magness and our staff at Memorial Smiles will celebrate our country's 234th birthday. Because we know our patients LOVE fun facts, here are some fun facts about Independence Day we knew you'd enjoy! Enjoy the rest of the week everyone, and have a GREAT Fourth of July weekend!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from our great state of Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Dr. Magness & Memorial Smiles, helping you save face this summer

Wouldn’t you believe it, summer is here, and we know that this season is known to bring with it an increased chance of our athletes damaging their teeth. If you'll be playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Houston orthodontist Dr. Marc Magness for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards, out staff will tell you, are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many more.

In case of any accident involving the face, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Magness and team immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Magness will be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in treatment!

Our team at Memorial Smiles will tell you that only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call at (713) 468-9669 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

Share your summer adventures with Memorial Smiles!

As the school year comes to an end for a lot of our patients at Memorial Smiles, the days get longer and the hot Texas sun begins to warm up, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or chill under the shade with a cool beverage.

For most of our patients, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape everyday life, if only for a week or two. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and studying, among other activities.

How about you?

What are your summer plans? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Our entire staff (as well as Dr. Magness) would be interested in how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re headed to an exotic destination, awesome! If you're going camping, we'd like to hear about it! Going to an Astros game? Tell us! Even if you're staying at home and hanging out, let us know!

Please feel free to share your summer plans and adventures on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Dr. Marc Magness wants to know: what should we blog about?

As the hot Texas summer quickly approaches, our staff at Memorial Smiles strives to continue blogging about important topics related to braces and your treatment with Houston orthodontists Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the long, hot summer, however, we'd love your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the summer? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Magness for a while and just haven't found the right time? Give us your ideas, we want to hear them!

We hope you have a great rest of the week! See you soon!

June is National Smile Month! From Dr. Magness

With June just hours away, our team at Memorial Smiles want to tell our patients that June is National Smile Month, which means it's once again time to especially practice good brushing, flossing, good nutrition, as well as visiting your dentist regularly (as well as visiting Dr. Magness) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health problems.

After all, there's more and more evidence nowadays that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during treatment at Memorial Smiles.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Share your experience at Memorial Smiles with the world!

Drs. Marc Magness and Bonham Magness are both board-certified orthodontists in Houston, TX and have committed their professional careers to creating beautiful and healthy smiles; smiles that exude confidence and promote self-esteem.

Whether you've visited Memorial Smiles for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you wish. After all, reviews help Drs. Magness and team create more beautiful smiles in Houston and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and have a great upcoming week! We all look forward to reading your reviews soon!

Your pal, dairy!

Our staff at Memorial Smiles want to know: is dairy a part of your diet? If not, it probably ought to be. A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and, of course, osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Drs. Magness and our team will tell you that eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about dairy and oral health, please give us a call at 713-468-9669.

Memorial Smiles, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

Are you aware that the month of May is observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more activity into their lives, and guess what? That reminder is even more significant today as kids are distracted more and more by TV, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can - and do - improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for children and teenagers to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Memorial Smiles, we like to encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Have a great weekend!

-- Drs. Magness and team

Drs. Magness and Memorial Smiles, wishing you a happy Mother's Day!

Memorial Smiles, serving Houston and surrounding communities, would like to take this time thank all the wonderful moms out there for being so great during your child's orthodontic treatment. Whether it's driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for "being there" while their child is treatment with Drs. Magness, the moms who come to our office are all great, and we'd like you to know that we appreciate you all! Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

You deserve more than just a day of appreciation, but enjoy your special day on Sunday, moms!

Fun facts with Memorial Smiles!

At Memorial Smiles, we know everyone loves fun facts. After all, they're fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team and Drs. Magness thought you might enjoy. Enjoy the rest of your week!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

What helps you relax at Memorial Smiles?

Trust us when we say Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness know not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at Memorial Smiles, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We are proud to have deep roots here in Houston and have been active in the Memorial area for over 40 years. Every day the doctors and staff strive to give our patients the best of our abilities in a friendly and caring environment – one that keeps our families coming back well into the second and third generations.

Today, we'd like to know: What is it about Memorial Smiles that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Drs. Magness themselves?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

April is National Facial Protection Month! From Memorial Smiles

In honor of April, or National Facial Protection Month, our staff at Memorial Smiles thought we'd share a helpful video - courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists - about keeping your mouth safe this spring. With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Houston will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! Still, kids should be well-aware of the risks to their precious pearly whites.

We hope the above video helps. Drs. Magness will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our staff at Memorial Smiles. Stay safe and have fun on the field!

Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness want to know: What do you love about Houston?

Located in Houston and serving surrounding communities all around this fabulous city, Memorial Smiles is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods. Each is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our phenomenal patients) living within.

Today, Drs. Magness thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Houston? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps you have a special bond with a place somewhere in the city?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Houston, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might just post your response on our social networks!

Don't forget about those retainers, from Drs. Magness

If you recently completed treatment at Memorial Smiles, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment at Memorial Smiles, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Memorial Smiles, helping distinguish the myths and facts about orthodontics

Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness both know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics and orthodontists circulating around. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our dedicated team at Memorial Smiles recently came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Memorial Smiles, feel free to give us a call at (713) 468-9669.

Patient question for Drs. Magness: Am I too old for braces?

Of course not! Recently, our dedicated team at Memorial Smiles read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients currently in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest—wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our Houston office can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. After the initial examination and diagnostic records, Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. At your consultation, Drs. Magness can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and financial arrangements. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset: THEIR SMILE!

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Magness and our team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Staying connected with Memorial Smiles

At Memorial Smiles, Drs. Magness and team embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our new Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Magness and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Ask Drs. Magness: Who benefits from Invisalign®?

Part of what makes Invisalign "work," is that the treatment is customizable for anyone. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign, the first thing Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now - and digitize it. Using special software, Drs. Magness look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Marc and Bonham Magness are both certified Houston Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Memorial Smiles, please give us a call.

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up, from Memorial Smiles

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Memorial Smiles, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Bonham and Marc Magness to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we like to call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected by our doctors and staff.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Memorial Smiles to schedule an appointment.

The advantage of mouth guards, with Memorial Smiles

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Memorial Smiles is doing its part to spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Magness will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Drs. Magness are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Memorial Smiles.

Ask Drs. Magness: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Magness and our team at Memorial Smiles work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! Drs. Marc Magness and Bonham Magness are both board-certified orthodontists and have committed their professional careers to creating beautiful and healthy smiles; smiles that exude confidence and promote self-esteem.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Magness can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Get to Know the Orthodontists

Meet Dr. Marc Magness:

I began my orthodontic career by earning my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and my Master’s Degree in orthodontics from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. I focused most of my graduate training on providing passive expansion for young patients. I became a board certified orthodontist after completing my education.

While I have completed all of the educational requirements and training necessary to become an orthodontist, I continue to pursue educational opportunities through continuing education. Orthodontics is always changing and advancing with new technology and treatment procedures. I like to stay current with the latest orthodontic advancements in order to ensure that my patients receive the most up-to-date treatments.

I am also proud to serve as the President of the Century Club of the University of Texas Orthodontic Department, and as the Secretary of the A.P. Westfall Seminar. Both of these organizations promote the pursuit of excellence in orthodontics, and explore the future advances that impact orthodontic treatments. I enjoy what I do as an orthodontist, and I love being involved in the orthodontic community. My work in orthodontics has given me so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow in my profession, and I have had the chance to work with some great people. I was honored to be named “Super Dentist (in orthodontics)” by Texas Monthly magazine due to my contributions to the orthodontic profession.

When I am not at the practice, I enjoy spending time with family at our family ranch, riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, running, and playing golf.

Meet Dr. W Bonham Magness:

It is my pleasure to serve you and your family. For over 45 years, I have been practicing orthodontics in the Houston area. I enjoy working with patients of all ages, and knowing that I am making a positive difference in their lives. A smile means so many different things to different people, and I love being a part of my patient’s personal transformations throughout their treatments. I look forward to sharing with you the joys of beautiful, healthy, bright Texas smiles!

After receiving my dental education and specialization in orthodontics, I opened my private practice here in Houston. Over the years, I have been honored to serve my community, and I have received many special awards for my work as an orthodontist, but the greatest reward of all is earning my patient’s trust.

I believe that a good orthodontist never stops learning. The field of orthodontics is always changing, and I am committed to staying current with the latest orthodontic advances through continuing education opportunities. I am a member, diplomate, and the former president of the American Board of Orthodontics, and I currently serve as a Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. I was also honored to receive the Yellen-Schoverling Award, the Martin Dewey Award, the Dale Wade Award, and the Todd and Helen Dewell Award for my efforts in the orthodontic field.