Dec
05

Local Dairies Are On the Mooove

By | Dine, GreenAcres Deli

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GreenAcres Market exists in three Midwest states: Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. In all three locations there’s one family-owned dairy that just seems to stand out, enticing all manner of customers to try down-home goodness in a glass bottle. In Kansas City, Mo., it’s Shatto Milk Company. In Kansas and Oklahoma, it’s Hildebrand Farms and LOMAH Dairy, respectively. Without a doubt, these three dairies get rave reviews from customers who enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of a cold glass of milk.

GreenAcres Kansas City carries a variety of Hildebrand and Shatto dairy products, with chocolate and strawberry milk standing tall against their paler companions. Ever hear of Root Beer Milk?  Well, Hildebrand and Shatto both make it, and both offer other eggnog and milk flavors as well as unsalted butter and ice cream to many of their dairy customers.

What all three dairies have in common is history: start-up families who worked the farm, started small,  raised grazing cows, and taught their children and grandchildren the rudiments of hard work and just reward. Shatto Milk Company has been working the farm for a century, and running a dairy for 60 years.  The family prides itself on raising cows free of bovine growth hormone, and delivering its milk from cow to store in as little as 12 hours.

As with Hildebrand, Shatto has always preferred using glass bottles to waxed paper containers. According to the company: “The milk just tastes better, and glass can be washed and reused.  Besides, it cuts down on recycling and lowers the amount of material dumped into area landfills.” Well, we all like that!

Today, Shatto’s milk products consist of whole, 2%, 1% and skim, plus a yummy variety in flavors of chocolate, root beer, strawberry, orange cream, banana, eggnog and a blue-hued mixture called “cotton candy.”  That’s enough variety to please just about anyone, but especially the youngest milk drinkers in your family.  

Pass the Oreos, please. (Or a healthy equivalent.)

 

Dec
03

Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

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Did you know teeth whitening is the number one requested cosmetic service today and its popularity continues to soar? Everyone wants a mouth full of white, sparkling teeth. It not only makes your smile more beautiful, but it also makes you more confident. Americans spend more than $1.4 billion on over-the-counter teeth whitening products each year!

 We all know what stains your teeth: cranberry juice, red wine, coffee, tea. But do you know what will make them white? Try these home remedies to whiten your teeth and quickly and safely brighten your smile.
1. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is one of the strongest and safest whitening ingredient out there. This is because it’s an acid neutralizer, that gently removes stains and buildup from the enamel of your teeth, making whiter teeth. You can sprinkle some baking soda on top of your toothpaste each day.

2. Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits can also help prevent staining. The acid causes the mouth to produce more saliva, which help clean the teeth and whiten your smile. However, use these in moderation. Overdoing it would be too acidic, which can be damaging to the teeth.

3. Carrots:
A patient told me about this home remedy. She attests to rubbing raw carrot sticks on your teeth to make them look brighter. According to Dr. Jeffrey Gross, carrots act like natural stain removers by increasing production of saliva, which is the body’s natural cleaning agent. As a bonus, it is full of vitamin C, which prevents gingivitis and gum disease.

4. Strawberries
Studies show that strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, which can be found in whitening toothpaste. Malic acid in strawberries behaves as a natural cleaner for your teeth. So mash up strawberries or cut it in half and rub it on your teeth, leave it for a few minutes and rinse its sure to leave your smile bright white.
If you are concerned about whitening your teeth, try these home remedies, they will be sure to surprise you. Of course, if you don’t have time to try these mild home remedies and want to jump straight into professional whitening, ask your dentist or call our office for a complimentary consultation.Discover more tips for teeth whitening in Dr. Burleson’s video series at BurlesonOrthodontics.TV or click the link here:  Burleson OrthoTV Episode 30 (Teeth Whitening)

Nov
05

Some Wisdom About Wisdom Teeth

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

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At any given time, ask half a dozen adults around you about their wisdom teeth, and there is a good chance you will find that most have had them removed. This is common, considering what they are and some of the risks that they may pose. Many people have them removed during their younger years, for valid reasons, making it a good idea to be familiar with the ins and outs of these teeth, so that you will be better able to deal with them for you and your family.

What They Are, Why Removed

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as your third molars, are the larger teeth at the very back of the mouth. They are the last teeth to come in, usually somewhere between the ages of 15 and 25, which is considered to be the “age of wisdom,” hence their name. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth erupting, many others find that they present a challenge and can be risky to the health of your other teeth.

About the time that this third set of molars begins erupting, some common problems also emerge as a result. Some of the problems associated with erupting wisdom teeth include:

  • Impaction. According to the National Institutes of Health, wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. When a tooth is impacted, it means that the tooth has failed to emerge through the surface of the gum, or that only a portion of it has emerged.
  • Caries. An impacted third molar leads to a high probability of creating dental carries, or cavities, both in that tooth and in the one next to it, as well. This is because they often trap plaque in the area, which is difficult to reach and to clean.
  • Cysts. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it can cause cysts and tumors to form around the area. This can lead to additional problems because it can affect the bone, and even damage the jaw. Risks with this involve infections, as well as tooth abscesses.
  • Misalignment. The emerging wisdom teeth may not be coming in straight or, even if they do, can cause problems with the other teeth. As they emerge, they often push the other teeth out of alignment.
  • Discomfort. The vast majority of people who have dealt with emerging or impacted wisdom teeth know just how uncomfortable the experience can be. From headaches to toothaches, pain, swelling, and feeling ill, the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth can make you miserable.

When to Remove

The best time to have your third set of molars removed really depends on the tooth’s development. A good professional rule of thumb is to have them removed when two-thirds of the root has formed. Ideally, it is recommended that people have them removed by the time they turn 24 years old. This is because it will help to prevent all of the problems listed above, and because the ability to re-grow bone in that area of the jaw is reduced as time goes on. Also, the third set of molars are usually easier to remove when you are younger, and the recovery period is also shorter during that time.

The presence of your third set of molars is usually associated with an increased risk of periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the gums which can lead to tooth loss, abscesses, infections, and tooth shifting. It is important to note, as well, that an absence of symptoms does not mean that there is no problem or disease.

Additionally, research regarding people who did not have their wisdom teeth removed demonstrates that, the older they got, the more common it was for them to have cavities in those teeth, as well as in the adjacent ones, due to the difficulties of keeping them properly cleaned. In fact, a 2011 study published in the “Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” reported that, of the nearly 7,000 older adults they studied who had at least one third molar, most of those people had caries or periodontal pathology involving those teeth, and that few had visible molars that were free of disease.

Additional Concerns

There is some controversy regarding whether those who wear a retainer or have had braces in the past need to continue wearing their retainer once the wisdom teeth have been removed. Because there is a risk of relapse if the retainer is not worn, it is recommended that patients continue wearing theirs, as recommended by their orthodontist. Doing so will help to eliminate the risks associated with shifting teeth.

If you are experiencing the emergence of your wisdom teeth, or someone in your family is, be sure you know the facts, risks, and options that are currently available. Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure today, one that most people recover from without issue. Removing third molars can be an important step to take if you are having problems now, or as a preventative measure to avoid issues that can arise later.

Addressing the Issue

Either way, it is important to speak with your doctor to learn more about your specific third molar development, risks, and options. When you are dealing with your third molars, it may seem as if they steal the show, due to the discomfort they can cause. But it doesn’t have to be like that, since this is an issue that can usually be addressed without difficulty.

Wisdom teeth really are an issue that is better dealt with sooner, rather than later, in order to avoid a lot of discomfort, as well as the risk of an array of complications. Besides, when you address this issue head on, rather than putting it off and prolonging the issue, you will find that you gain the wisdom, without all the worry!

 

Oct
09

Braces, Incognito

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

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Adults, say goodbye to “metal mouth.” Incognito braces, brought to you by the legendary innovators at 3M, will not only transform your teeth, but the way you think about orthodontics.

Incognito is the only fully customizable lingual braces system on the market. When orthodontists say lingual, we mean they’re actually worn behind your teeth, rather than in front. So, how does Incognito work? Here’s what Dr. Burleson calls the “3Is”  of the product:

  •  Invisible
    Incognito Orthodontic Braces are a new generation of braces for teens and adults. Because they are placed behind your teeth, no one will ever know you are wearing braces unless you tell them. The Incognito appliances can give you a beautiful smile, even while you’re wearing them.
  •  Individualized
    Incognito Appliances are the only 100% customized fixed appliance system for invisible orthodontic treatment on the U.S. market today. They are created using state-of-the-art technology and are completely customized to the shape of your teeth and to your dental situation. And they have the unique prescription that your orthodontist creates for you built-in, to ensure you get the results that you want.
  •  Intelligent
    With the Incognito System you get efficient, effective tooth movement and great aesthetics. From the outset, the brackets and wires are engineered to deliver targeted results.

If you’d like to give the Incognito system a try, talk to the staff at Burleson Orthodontics, located in Briarcliff Village. Call (816) 759-0123.

Oct
09

Fall Wedding : Photos by Allison Marie

By | Allison Marie Photography, Services

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Check out the latest wedding photos from Allison Marie photography. And congratulations, Frank and Serina!

 

For more of Frank and Serina’s photos, or pictorials of Allison’s other wedding shoots, visit her blog. Make an appointment to stop by her Briarcliff Village studio for a consultation.
Oct
09

Yogurt : Fewer Calories, Better Health

By | Dine, GreenAcres Deli

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Which do you prefer: sour cream or yogurt? Sour cream is made from pasteurized cream to which a starter culture of bacteria is introduced in the fermentation process. The bacteria cultures have scary names like Streptococcus and Leuconostoc dextranicum—they sound like antibiotics(!) But they produce acid, flavor and thickness. The resulting cream is then re-pasteurized to kill the bacteria and stop the process from going further.

Yogurt is also fermented, and is produced by introducing bacterial culture to milk. However, they are different cultures, and re-pasteurization is not needed when making yogurt.

Yogurt has been around for thousands of years, and today is a preferred snack item when mixed with veggies, fruit or jams. Yogurt is highly nutritious, rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.  It’s also known to boost the immune system.

There are hundreds of yogurt products on the market. Along with taste, you’ve got to look at ingredients. With the escalation of GMO products these days, it’s good to know your manufacturer– and that means knowing the farm and the animal that’s producing your dairy products.

One of GreenAcre’s favorite yogurts is Cascade Fresh. We know the farm. We know the people. We trust the products. The Cascade Fresh website tells it all: “Not all yogurts are created equal, starting at the source. Our cows enjoy lush, green pastures and are humanely treated from sunup to sundown. The result is luscious, wholesome milk that’s always 100% free of rBGH.”

We’re a family-owned company, and we like to work with other family-owned companies. Cascade Fresh likes to say its stockholders are the cows and the boardroom is its kitchen. Since the owners are accountable only to themselves and their happy cows, and have an ethical standard that guarantees their products, we prefer to stock their yogurts and recommend them to our customers.  Besides, we think Cascade Fresh is just about the best tasting yogurt around.  Every single batch contains real fruit, all-natural ingredients from hormone-free cows, and zero preservatives, artificial sweeteners or refined sugars. Our kind of folks!

But as with everything else we do, we want you to be the judge. Pick up a carton of Cascade Fresh yogurt—only 110 calories–and tell us what you think.

Sep
04

Go Nutty for Nut Butters

By | Dine, GreenAcres Deli

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If we’ve got one nut butter at GreenAcres, we’ve got dozens. Everyone loves them, from kids on up.  After all, Americans are raised on PB&J—although the peanut butter you find at GreenAcres is a whole lot healthier than what mom used to buy!

Nut butters are the original comfort food, and they supply a whole lot of nutrition on a very small budget. (Who doesn’t have memories of eating peanut butter from the grocery store when you ran out of cash in college?)

At GreenAcres, we grind our own peanut and almond butter, with the freshest, raw nuts available. We stock our shelves with a variety of peanut, almond, cashew, coconut and soy butters, all made with organic nuts, rich in flavor, antioxidants and protein–and low in carbs, sugar and salt. Here is just a taste of the variety we have to offer.

  • Dastony Coconut Butter– 100% organic, raw and stone ground. It’s creamy smooth, made the old fashioned way: one batch at a time with fresh, raw coconut flakes, and it tastes great on crepes, toast or stirred into milk.
  • Field Day Peanut Butter– Comes in smooth unsalted or chunky unsalted. The company uses two kinds of organic peanuts with high oil content for extra richness.
  • I.M. Healthy Soy Butter– Sells a net 1 carb soy nut butter that is 100% peanut free (for those with life-threatening allergies to peanuts.) The product is gluten free, dairy free and roasted with non-GMO soybeans.  No refrigeration needed after opening.
  • Ziegelmeier’s Toasted Pecan Butter– A bit expensive, but delightfully tasty. $17.99 a jar. Oil rises to the top, so you have to stir to combine. Gluten free, high in antioxidants and available in smooth or crunchy. Despite the price, customers swear by it, and at least one of our customers puts it on her carmel-pecan pie every Thanksgiving for an extra pop.
  • Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and Dark Chocolate Dreams– Needs no introduction, really. The names tell us everything! Rich, creamy peanut butter blended with rich dark chocolate or cinnamon and raisins.  Kids love them. No stirring needed. $5.99 a jar.
  • Maranatha Dark Chocolate Almond Spread– Smooth as silk, and the company suggests the perfect way to serve it: slightly warmed over ice cream. Sounds good to us!
  • Walden Farms Whipped Peanut Spread– For the diet conscious, carb conscious, sugar conscious customer. Made without carbs, sugar, calories … just peanut flavoring and peanut extracts.

So, that gives you just a sampling of our nut butters and what’s in store at GreenAcres. There are a lot more to choose from, even a peanut butter powder you can mix into drinks or smoothies. Come in this fall and give it a try. It’s the perfect season to get nutty about nut butters.

 

Sep
04

The Benefits of Early Treatment

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

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When it comes to taking care of your child’s oral health, you may think you are doing enough. Getting them to brush twice a day and ?oss once a day may seem like heading in the right direction. But a lot is happening at a level that you can’t see, and that development could lead to dental problems down the road.

Did you know that you can actually help your child to avoid and reduce the amount of oral treatment they may need later on? It’s true! Whether you have received an orthodontics referral from your dentist, or you think it would just be a safer route to inquire, it may be time to call and make that ?rst appointment. In addition to brushing and ?ossing regularly, seeing an orthodontist from an early age may provide huge bene?ts.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their ?rst appointment with an orthodontist when they are 7 years old. Not many people even think of the orthodontist when it comes to taking
care of their child’s teeth. That is, at least, until they notice that there is a problem. By then, there may be more extensive treatment plans that are necessary to address the issues. By getting your child started in early orthodontic treatment, you may be saving them from years of embarrassing issues associated with their teeth and smile. You may also be helping to reduce or prevent more aggressive treatments later on. An orthodontist can also help to ensure that poor oral habits don’t get started or are addressed as soon as they are discovered.

Having a nice smile gives a child a great deal of con?dence. They smile more, feel great doing so, and they avoid feeling ashamed, like some do that have oral problems. Often times, children who suffer from conditions where their teeth are crowded or their bite is off, among other conditions, may be teased or have lower self con?dence as a result.

An important condition that early orthodontic treatment can help to address is Class II Malocclusion, which is otherwise known as “buck teeth.” While children who have this condition may grow up being teased and feeling
embarrassed, the orthodontist may be able to help correct it through early orthodontic treatment. Some of the more common early orthodontic treatments that may help children include:

  • Braces. Some children may be able to benefit from having braces, even partial ones, at an early age. They can be used in treating crossbites and preventing damage to supporting structures.
  • Palatal Expander. This is used to treat severe crossbite, when the upper teeth are abnormally located on the inside of the lower teeth, in the reverse relationship than normal.
  • Headgear. This can be used as a treatment for buck teeth or severely protruding front teeth.
  • Face Mask. This is a treatment that can be used for an underbite, where the upper jaw is trapped inside the lower jaw, in the reverse relationship than normal.

Additionally, the orthodontist may perform extractions if there is severe crowding taking place. All in all, seeing an orthodontist can help to ensure that your child will have crooked teeth straightened, and that erupting teeth will be guided into place. They will also watch to make sure that any bite problems are addressed.

Malocclusion, teeth that are crooked or crowded, is often an inherited condition. Because it usually runs in families, if you have a family history of it, you especially make a prime candidate for getting your child into the orthodontist for early exams and treatment. Yet heredity issues are not the only way that problems with the teeth occur. Some additional reasons that children may have dental problems include accidents, thumb
sucking, or an early loss of their primary teeth. There are many issues that can contribute to your child having problems with their teeth. But the good news is that they can usually be addressed, even at an early age!

To get started with getting your child into an orthodontist, simply arrange a consultation. The treatments and guidance that they receive today may help save them from years of embarrassment and possibly more intense treatment later. When it comes to children’s oral health care, early detection is the key to preventing future problems!

-Dr. Dustin S. Burleson, Founder, Burleson Orthodontics

Jul
27

Little Things: The Art of Weddings

By | Allison Marie Photography, Services

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Wedding photographer Allison Marie regularly shares her portfolio with customers. Of course, every bride is stunning and every groom is handsome–just as it should be on a couple’s wedding day. But amid the shots of bridal parties in locations ranging from churches to vineyards to the Boulevard Brewery, Allison Marie manages to capture the small things that make every wedding unique. All the little things that make up your special day.
Here are some images from a recent shoot Allison completed at Weston Red Barn Farm. You can see exactly what kind of wedding it was from a few simple shots–the personality of the bride and groom, and what it must have felt like to be present. Allison’s talent is in capturing these small moments. She sees beauty in everything around her.
To contact Allison for your wedding or engagement photos, call (913) 227-4787.

 

 

Jul
27

Get to Know Your Orthodontist

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

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Orthodontists are dental specialists who have completed 2-3 years of additional education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align teeth and jaws. This further training qualifies your orthodontist to identify, diagnose and more importantly treat a broad spectrum of dental irregularities your family dentist may not, such as :

  • Early or late loss of teeth
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting
  • Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth

The nature of some of these issues, many of which present themselves in early to late childhood or adolescence, grow increasingly serious with lack of proper treatment. Having a specialist identify, diagnose and treat such ailments is the # 1 reason for seeing an orthodontist.
So, why should I choose a specialist for my child’s orthodontic care?

Some problems simply need a specialist’s care. When you’re pregnant, you go to an obstetrician. When you have stomach problems beyond what your general practitioner is qualified to handle, you visit your gastroenterologist.

Well, in the same way that pediatricians or obstetricians are medical specialists, orthodontists are dental specialists. When you choose an orthodontist, you are choosing a specialist with the broadest experience and training possible.

Unique treatment requirements and otherwise difficult bite problems are common, everyday scenarios for your orthodontist. In the interest of receiving the most efficient and effective orthodontic treatment possible, choose an orthodontic specialist.

 

Why is Your Smile So Important?

The First Reason : Health

The fact is, a straight smile is a healthy smile. Like anything else in life, balance is all about proportion. Straight teeth and jaws that align mean the rest of the mouth and, indeed, face can grow proportionally, ensuring good oral health.

The Second Reason : Confidence

Let’s face it: kids can be cruel. From elementary school on, and sometimes even sooner, peer groups and classmates look for any reason to tease, ostracize or even outright humiliate kids who are perceived as “different.”

I see it every day when my patients come in complaining of the other kids teasing them about their crooked teeth, buck teeth or overbite. The fact is, they may not share this with you, for fear of being even more embarrassed at home as well as school.

You might be surprised what your kids will tell me while sitting in my chair that they won’t tell you while sitting at the dinner table. A straight, clean and healthy smile can not only give your child the confidence she needs to embrace her true worth, but can also pave the way toward easier socialization at school, at church, in groups and during extracurricular activities.

The Third Reason : Comfort

Headaches. Toothaches. Sinus problems. Dry mouth. Snoring. Drooling. Bad breath. Insomnia.

All of these and much more are symptoms of a smile that isn’t straight, jaws that aren’t aligned or teeth that are too close together – or not quite close enough. Oftentimes, however, the mouth is the last place we check for signs of discomfort, loss of sleep, or even a simple headache.

If your child’s pediatrician can’t figure out why she’s not sleeping well or experiencing headaches or even insomnia for which there seems to be no cause, a simple 30-minute exam at your local orthodontist could clear the problem right up.

The Fourth Reason : Peace of Mind

As a parent, I know you want the best for your child. No parent wants their child to suffer, either from teeth that actually hurt, from headaches you can’t explain, insomnia that affects everything else or insecurity your child may be feeling because of a crooked or oversized smile.

The fact is, your child’s formative years are actually the most sensitive for his or her teeth. Now is the time to pay close attention to your child’s smile, his behavior, his peer relationships, even his confidence level.

If any or all are lacking, a qualified orthodontist can give you and your child the peace of mind you both crave.
-Dr. Dustin S. Burleson, DDS