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Happy May from Pack Orthodontics. We are pleased to announce that our office is open and we are now accepting appointments!

Here’s what you can expect when you arrive for your next appointment: before the appointment, we ask all patients to brush their teeth thoroughly. Upon arrival, we will ask patients to wait in their vehicle until our assistants are ready for them. Please note that appointment times will be longer to allow cleaning in between patients. There will be extra personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of both our staff and our team. For the moment we’ve closed off common areas like the brushing station or coffee bar.

We are doing many things differently to allow for the maximum safety of both the practice and our patients. We are so thankful our patients are being understanding and cooperative. Thank you all for your assistance!

While away from the office the Pack Orthodontics team has stayed busy and managed this time of uncertainty but practicing self-care. Denise loves losing herself in a good book. Nina takes care of herself by exercising, pampering herself, and shopping. Laurie and Hope find baths with a glass of wine the best way to relax. Morgan practices yoga, says her prayers, and spends time at the lake. Megan loves sharing some laughs with friends, drinking a glass of wine, and having a pedicure. Ashley also enjoys a glass of wine, listening to her favorite songs, and cooking.

Many of us have become chefs while in quarantine! Here’s what the Pack Orthodontics team cooked up in their time of social distancing at home. Denise tried out many new recipes including enchilada casserole and banana bread. Nina cooked up cilantro lime rice, and treated herself to meals via DoorDash. Laurie indulged in baking some chocolate oatmeal cookies. Morgan mixed up some yummy drinks. Hope made a peach cobbler, yum!

Megan said she didn't quite become a chef while staying home, but she did clean her house. Ashley made buffalo chicken pizza and biscuits and gravy.

In such a challenging time it’s important to recognize and acknowledge what we have to be grateful for in life. Denise’s husband is retired, so she was able to spend a lot of quality time with him. Laurie was also able to spend some great quality time with her family. Nina was able to pay off bills. Morgan was excited to receive the stimulus check. Hope is thankful to still be employed and that her family is healthy. Ashley is cherishing her strong support group of friends, family, and coworkers and that she has a job to go back to! For Megan, life is her silver lining!

Once social distancing ends, we all have different areas of life that the Pack Orthodontics team is excited to return to! Denise can’t wait to see her grandchildren, get a mani & pedi, and eat out at her favorite restaurant. Laurie is also excited to be pampered with hair and pedicure appointments. Morgan is looking forward to hanging out in the open without having to worry.

Nina is eager to return to the beach! Megan is looking forward to seeing all her coworkers again and getting a pedicure. Hope is also excited for a pedicure and people not hoarding toilet paper. Ashley misses hugging her friends!

We hope everyone continues to stay safe. Please give our office a call to make your next appointment with us. We can’t wait to see you!

If you’re wearing braces, then you know they are working hard to straighten your teeth. However, those hard-working braces are also preventing you from easily cleaning your teeth. It is essential that you put some extra attention into preventing tooth decay while wearing your braces. When your braces are finally removed by Dr. Pack, you want a beautiful, white smile, not decayed or stained teeth. Here, we’ve listed the five best ways to ensure you have the smile you’ve always dreamed of once your braces are gone.

Use a Special Toothbrush

A regular toothbrush just doesn’t cut it when you are wearing braces. You also need to use an interdental toothbrush so that you can effectively clean behind the braces. This type of brush has bristles that are shaped like a Christmas tree that can remove food residue in the braces and on the teeth. We also recommend using a WaterPik, with its highly pressurized pulsating water, to help get all of those hard-to-reach places.

Brush after Every Meal

Since braces block food from naturally escaping your teeth after eating, it’s important that you take the time to brush and floss after every meal. The less time food has to sit on your teeth, the less likely it is to cause decay. This may seem like an inconvenience, but trust us, when you get your braces off, you will be very glad you brushed after every meal.

Don't Forget the Mouth Rinse

Even after properly brushing and flossing, there are probably some food particles in your braces. A fluoride mouth rinse is the best way to ensure that every bit of food is removed after meals. If you do not have a mouth rinse available, we suggest using water — it’s better than nothing.

Avoid Sweets

Prevention is definitely the best medicine when it comes to avoiding tooth decay. If you can nix decay-causing sugary foods from the outset, we promise you’ll spend less time trying to treat problems in the future.

Get Regular Checkups

Visit your dentist regularly while you are wearing braces. Our office recommends a thorough cleaning every three to six months. Let our Murfreesboro, TN office know if you have questions about your oral health while in braces - our entire team at Pack Orthodontics is here to make sure your teeth are as beautifully straight as they are healthy!

The merry month of May also happens to be National Fitness and Sports Month, so take advantage of the warmer days to get outside and exercise! Bringing a friend, family member, or coworker with you when you go for a brisk walk during a lunch break can provide an opportunity to socialize as well as health benefits. If you need a little more motivation, here are some good reasons to stay active and fit.

Exercise provides:

• Improved stamina and energy as well as toned muscles and bone strength and density
• Improved circulation and breathing for a healthier heart and lungs
• Reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer
• For older adults, regular exercise may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls as well as improved cognitive abilities

Children and Teens

Children and teenagers spend long hours at their desks in school, on the computer, watching television, and involved in other sedentary activities that result in obesity and poor health later in life. Getting them engaged in school or community sports teams can help them form good life-long exercise habits. One important note: If they are participating in contact sports, Dr. Pack and our team at Pack Orthodontics recommend your kids wear an approved mouthguard to protect those valuable teeth from injury! Ask us for a proper fitting of your safety appliance during your next visit!

A gym membership is nice but not necessary to stay fit; try these easy ways to work some exercise into your daily routine.

At Home

• Take a friend along for company on a walk through your neighborhood.
• Pursue gardening or other yard work, including mowing or raking.
• Take your kids on a bike ride or have them push a baby stroller around the block.

Couch potatoes take note: simply moving from the sofa to the floor for some sit-ups, leg-lifts, or push-ups while you’re watching television can help you get in better shape in no time.

At Work

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Take exercise breaks for walks around the building or parking lot.
• Walk or ride a bike to work.

So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

For more information on exercise techniques, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pack, please give us a call at our convenient Murfreesboro, TN office!

Our team at Pack Orthodontics knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment.

But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your time wearing braces?

Fluoride, the mineral that helps you prevent cavities and tooth decay, can also help keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Pack, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. We may also prescribe a fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse for at-home treatment to keep your teeth happy in between visits.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!