New Year- New benefits.....but what does that mean for Orthodontics?

 

New Year, New Insurance, New Smiles at Barnett Orthodontics in Barberton, Ohio

The start of a new year is always a time for fresh beginnings—and 2026 is no exception! At Barnett Orthodontics in Barberton, Ohio, we’re excited to welcome the new year with renewed energy, updated insurance benefits for many families, and our continued commitment to making orthodontic care simple, transparent, and affordable.

If you’ve recently changed insurance plans or are considering orthodontic treatment this year, here’s what you need to know as we head into 2026.

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New Year = New Insurance Benefits

A new year often means new or refreshed insurance benefits, which is why January/February is such a popular time to start orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic insurance benefits are usually a once-per-lifetime benefit, not something that renews every year. Even if your plan resets annually, orthodontic coverage often does not.

In simple terms: if orthodontic benefits have already been used, they may not be available again—even if you switch insurance plans or start a new year.

The good news? If you haven’t used your orthodontic benefit yet, a new plan or updated coverage in 2026 may still help contribute toward treatment.

Our experienced and friendly insurance coordinator at Barnett Orthodontics is always happy to review your insurance, explain things in plain language, and help you understand exactly how your benefits apply to orthodontic care.

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We Accept Direct Assignment from Insurance Companies

We know insurance can feel confusing and time-consuming, so we do everything we can to make the process easier. That’s why Barnett Orthodontics accepts direct assignment from most insurance companies.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Your insurance payments are sent directly to our office

• We file claims FOR you, less work and less to track

• Faster claim processing and smoother communication

Our goal is to take the stress out of the financial side of orthodontics—so you can focus on enjoying the journey to a great smile.

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We Accept HSA & FSA for Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know you can use HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds for orthodontic care? We gladly accept both!

Using HSA or FSA funds allows you to:

• Pay for treatment using pre-tax dollars

• Lower your out-of-pocket costs

• Make the most of your healthcare savings

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Planning Ahead Makes Orthodontic Care Easier

Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your smile and oral health, and we believe it shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re:

• Starting braces or clear aligners in 2026

• Switching insurance plans

• Or exploring payment options for your child or yourself

Our knowledgeable and supportive team is here to guide you every step of the way—no confusing jargon, no surprises.

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Insurance FAQ

1. How much does insurance usually cover for braces or aligners?
Coverage varies by plan, but most orthodontic insurance covers a fixed dollar amount (i.e. $1000), often up to a lifetime maximum.

2. When does orthodontic coverage start?
Some plans require waiting periods before coverage kicks in, so it’s best to check your plan or ask our team to verify.

3. Can I use insurance for both children and adults?
Many plans cover both, but some have age limits. We’ll help you understand your plan’s rules.

4. Does insurance cover clear aligners like Invisalign?
Many plans treat clear aligners the same as traditional braces, but coverage can differ. We’ll verify your benefits so you know exactly what’s covered.

5. What if I change insurance plans during treatment?
If your new plan has unused orthodontic benefits, it may contribute toward your remaining treatment. We can help navigate the transition.

6. Can I combine insurance with HSA or FSA funds?
Yes! Using HSA/FSA alongside insurance is a smart way to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

7. Are orthodontic benefits renewed every year?
No—orthodontic insurance is typically a once-per-lifetime benefit, even though dental coverage resets annually.

8. What is “direct assignment” and how does it help me?
Direct assignment means insurance payments go straight to our office, so you don’t have to file claims yourself. It reduces paperwork and speeds up processing.

9. Do I need to pay upfront, or does insurance pay first?
With direct assignment, insurance pays the portion they cover directly to us. You’ll only pay your patient responsibility portion, making the process simpler.

10. Can I start treatment mid-year if I just got new insurance?
Absolutely! As long as your orthodontic benefits haven’t been used before, we can help you start treatment and maximize your coverage.

121 What if my plan has a lifetime maximum less than my treatment cost?
Our team can help you plan your payment options and explain how insurance payments will be applied to your treatment balance.

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Make 2026 the Year of Your Best Smile

A new year brings new opportunities—and a confident smile could be one of them. If you have questions about insurance, direct assignment, or using HSA/FSA funds, our team at Barnett Orthodontics in Barberton, Ohio is always happy to help.

We’re excited for what 2026 has in store and look forward to helping our patients start—and finish—their smile journeys this year!

All set! ✅

When should your child come to the Orthodontist for the first time and why do they need to continue to be monitored?

Treatment Coordinator- Amy

One big myth I constantly hear is that kids do not need to see the orthodontist until all their baby teeth are gone, around age 12. 

Well, we are here to tell you that Dr. Barnett wants to see kids around age 7, no matter what! There is no cost to have an orthodontic consultation at our office and if no treatment is needed at age 7 (most likely the situation), your child will return annually for a complimentary check-up until they are ready for braces. 

When people don’t come in, or even come in at age 7 but do not return until all baby teeth are gone, sometimes the opportunity to correct certain problems is far too late.

Check out this example we saw last month, we had a child come in at age 11 and he was told that he didn’t need treatment immediately, but Dr. Barnett wanted to continue to monitor him every 6 months, he would likely start braces in at some point but it was too early at the time and observation checkups were recommended.

Fast-forward 8 years (we haven’t seen him since he was 11), and he shows up at 19 wanting to fix his smile. Dr. Barnett told him he could be treated but now needs surgery to bring in his impacted canine and remove a baby tooth. If they had continued to see us regularly, that situation could’ve been avoided.

2016- crowded but Dr. Barnett will continue to monitor every 6 months and consider intervention in the future

2024- Now the canine is stuck/impacted. Surgery is needed to remove the baby tooth and bring the tooth into the smile

At age 7, kids have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. Having an exam then, allows Dr. Barnett to identify potential problems with alignment, spacing, and the bite.

One of the advantages of visiting an orthodontist around age 7 is their ability to monitor and guide the development of the jaw and teeth. Orthodontic appliances, like expanders, can widen the jaw to create more space for teeth, which can help prevent overcrowding and other issues. 

Addressing these problems early can save money in the long run. Early intervention typically requires less extensive treatment compared to waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in. This can lead to shorter treatment times, fewer visits, and lower overall costs. Since certain orthodontic issues are easier to correct when detected early, problems like crossbites and open bites can often be fixed more efficiently before the jaw is fully developed. Waiting too long may require more complex treatments, including surgery.

So, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Barnett around age 7 will pave the way for early intervention if needed. The earlier you act, the better the outcome will be. Remember, our consultations are always complimentary, and you are never charged until your child begins treatment with us. Consider making the drive to Barberton, OH soon.  Whether you are in Akron, Copley, Wadsworth, Medina, Canal Fulton, Manchester, or Green, we look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

Give us a call: 330-745-4497

“Do I REALLY have to wear my retainers for life?”

 “Do I REALLY have to wear my retainers for life?”  

By Amy--Treatment Coordinator

 

As a treatment coordinator at Barnett Orthodontics in Akron, Ohio, I am asked this question many times a day, and not just by preteens/teens. Each time the answer is “YES!” There is no shortcut to keeping your smile perfect after you’ve spent (on average) 18-24 months in braces or aligners. Dr. Barnett does use built-in retainers on the bottom (and sometimes on the top) but those are only holding the 6 (and/or 4 on top) teeth in a perfect position. The retainer I am talking about is a clear removable retainer to wear at nighttime. That one will keep ALL your teeth in perfect alignment.

So, you DO have to wear your clear removable retainers forever, and here’s why:

Right after treatment, your teeth are not permanently fixed in their new positions. The bone and tissue around your teeth take time to stabilize. Even after time has passed, without retainers, your teeth will gradually shift back to their original position.

If you’ve had braces or Invisalign for months or years, the pressure on your teeth will still be at play after treatment. Retainers keep your teeth aligned like the day you finished treatment.

    

Orthodontic treatment is expensive (average $6000-$8000 in Barberton, OH)- period. Wear your retainer so you don’t undo the work you’ve put into straightening your teeth, saving you from having to repeat treatment and incur additional fees.

    

Over time, slight movement of your teeth can impact not only the look of your smile but the bite too, and overall health of your teeth. Wearing a retainer helps maintain your beautiful, functional smile and ensures the health of your gums and teeth.

Misalignment or “crooked teeth” can often cause issues like trouble keeping your teeth clean, bite problems, or jaw pain. Retainers help keep this from happening as your teeth stay exactly where they were the day your braces (or aligners) came off.

I know it isn’t what you want to hear but if you don’t want to do the whole braces/aligners process again, it’s simple, just put in your retainers. Make it part of your nightly routine and you won’t be visiting Barnett Orthodontics again- except for retainer checks. 😉

By the way, if you're a past patient at our office, we replace worn-out retainers at NO CHARGE!

Give us a call today to be seen at our Akron/Barberton location 330-745-4497. 

Mouthguards, Free of Charge Because it's Important

Mouthguards—

Free of Charge, Because It’s Important. 

At Barnett Orthodontics, in Barberton OH, we provide free mouthguards to all of our patients.

The best type of mouthguard available is a custom-fit pressure laminated mouthguard. These are made in our in-house lab by using an impression of your teeth. This creates a mouthguard that fits your teeth perfectly. These are the most comfortable and most protective mouthguards you can wear! Another type is a stock mouthguard. They are pre-formed and ready to wear but known for being a little bit bulky. The last type is the boil and bite mouthguard. These you can purchase at most sporting goods stores or drugstores. You place the mouthguard in boiling water and bite into it. The softened rubber forms to your teeth when you bite into it while it cools.  This is a good option but not as ideal as a custom fit mouthguard. 

During your treatment, while we are moving your teeth and changing your bite, we will provide a stock-mouthguard.  We have a variety of colors and sizes.  After braces, we make every patient a free custom pressure laminated mouthguard to protect your super smile. 

We are confident that we are the BEST source for a custom mouthguard in the Akron Ohio area.  Our “Mission Mouthguard” is aimed at providing all of Akron’s youth (not just our patients) with a custom pressure laminated mouthguard. We have gone into school’s athletic programs to offer our services and have been recognized in the Akron Beacon Journal for our efforts.  While a custom-fit mouthguard can cost hundreds of dollars, we only charge $20.00 to the general public.  This correlates to the cost of a boil and bite mouthguard which a family would buy at a sporting goods store. 

Why do we need to wear mouthguards?

Mouthguards help to protect against injuries to the teeth and surrounding soft tissue, such as the tongue, cheeks, or lips. Some different injuries that could occur if you are not wearing your mouthguard could include fractured teeth (image A), displaced teeth (image B), or your teeth could be knocked out (image C) completely! They also to protect the soft tissues in your mouth. Without a mouthguard, your teeth could bite through your tongue, cheeks, or lip! Believe it or not, mouthguards also help to prevent concussions! By wearing your mouthguard it creates a padding or cushion between your teeth. By doing that, when a blow occurs to the mandible (lower jaw), the padding lessens the force of the impact pushing up toward the brain. A fractured jaw is a common dental injury related to not wearing a mouthguard!

A                                                                                                          B

C

 

Did you know?

·         Sports-related injuries account for 600,000 emergency room visits per year!

·         An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing their mouthguard!

Tips for your mouthguard!

·         Rinse or brush with toothbrush and toothpaste before and after each use.

·         Occasionally clean mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

·         Transport your mouthguard in a sturdy container that has holes for ventilation.

·         Never leave your mouthguard directly in sunlight or hot water.

 

Most importantly, if you get a mouthguard, make sure you wear it!

Call us today if you want to join our Mission Mouthguard Program! 330-745-4497

"DIY" Teeth Straightening: the Magic Alternative to Braces? Rubber Bands and 3-D printed trays: Seriously...Seriously dangerous!

 

"DIY" Teeth Straightening: the Magic Alternative to Braces? Rubber Bands and 3-D printed trays: Seriously?...Seriously dangerous!

By: Taylor

         Most orthodontic patients want braces to improve their smiles.  Sure, getting a healthy bite is important but more than anything, they want to feel more confident about the way they look.  Braces can be expensive though and can take 1-2 years depending on the case.  Have you heard about a scary trend of using a tiny hair elastic that anyone could purchase by the hundreds at a drug store to close spaces without braces though?
          Let's admit it: social media is more effective in today's socitey than that local newspaper that gets dropped off to your house on Sunday's. There are hundreds of different sites and apps at the tips of our fingers that help connect information or people in different ways such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and last but not least, Pintrest. Pintrest is great for creative ideas for hair, makup and delicious recipes but is it really the answer to all of our orthodontic questions? Recently, posts on Pinterest have been highlighting how someone can use a hair elastic to close those little spaces between our front teeth!   But at what cost and risk?
          What most people don't realize is the damage these at-home remedies have on their teeth. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics issued a consumer alert about the use of elastic bands by non-orthodontists to close gaps in teeth which stated that while there are some people that have done this on their own with little or no harm done to the teeth, the rubber band can "slide into the soft tissues, where it is difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve it, then continue along the length the roots, destroying the periodontal attachment and produce inflammation". They then stated that "the teeth then extrude, the crowns of the teeth fan out as the roots are pulled together, the teeth become increasingly mobile" which can lead to tooth loss. I think we can all agree that the tiny space is NOT worth losing your teeth over. Let's leave the teeth-straightening to the professionals.

          Here are some examples of what people attempt vs what really happens: Warning...some of the photos are graphic:

We recently had a patient come into our Barberton office requesting to have her space closed.  She attempted to close the space on her own with a hair tie and showed us a picture she took on her cell phone of her own mouth.  Notice in the picture how the gums are red and swollen.  The rubber band was trapped under her gums.  Luckily she sought the services of a specialist and corrected the problem before a serious issue occurred.  Believe it or not, this stuff is happening in Akron Ohio. 

What about 3-D printed retainers to move your teeth? Yup, someone has tried it.  See the link below for the article: http://makezine.com/2016/03/20/can-you-fix-your-own-teeth-with-3d-printed-retainers/

 

Our suggestion, if you want your teeth straightened, see an orthodontist.  As orthodontist has 6-7 years of advanced education after 4 years of college.  We are the professionals and the easiest and cheapest way out is rarely the best.  If you live in the Akron Ohio area, don't try to do it yourself at home.  Give us a call to discuss your needs and schedule a complimentary consultation.

What's the difference? Dentist vs. orthodontist?

Click here for an article posted on globalnews.com-see Dr. Barnett's Blog below:

We get questions a lot from patients about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist.  Well, to put it simply, most dentists are not orthodontists but all orthodontists are dentists.  There are almost 200,000 dental graduates practicing some form of dentistry in the United States and only about 10,000 of them are orthodontists.  While dentists can do orthodontic work, they cannot call themselves "orthodontists" as they have not completed a 2-3 year residency beyond dental school. This specialized training teaches an orthodontist the art and science of tooth movement beyond what they learn in a basic 4-year dental school. 

While some dentists may perform adequate orthodontic work, there is no doubt that in the medical/dental world, specialized training is highly valued.  Dr. Barnett completed his residency at Boston Univeristy from 2003-2005.  He trained under world renowned orthodontists as he developed his skills before returning to the Akron, Ohio area to a limited practice of Orthodontics.  We treat both adults and children and are proud of our work and exceptional customer service. 

Unfortunately, the linked article shows an extreme example of someone who did not understand the person doing her braces was not an orthodontist and had a bad experience.  Make sure you do your research on the person potentially doing your orthodontic treatment. 

Getting Wiser about Wisdom Teeth

In the dental profession, there is a changing wave of thinking regarding the removal of wisdom teeth—and it’s making for some rough waters between the different disciplines of dentistry.  For years, oral surgeons and dentists have been prophylactically removing wisdom teeth under the assumption that if left intact, major problems will occur.  While it is true that wisdom teeth can cause major problems, it’s only in a small percentage of individuals that problems arise.  A recent article on Yahoo news highlighted a dentist who’s made it his mission to educate the public and the profession on the removal of wisdom teeth.  He published an article in the American Journal of Public Health, claiming two-thirds of the wisdom teeth removed each year were done for “no good reason”.  As well, the total cost for the extractions was in the billions!  Click here for a link to the article. 

The decision to extract wisdom teeth should be looked at closely by your dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist.  The risks versus the rewards of extracting or keeping wisdom teeth need to be evaluated on an individual basis.  There are no absolutes.  The dental profession in Akron Ohio and the surrounding areas stays at the forefront when it comes to continuing education.  Know with confidence, your dental community is aware of the updates.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, our practice has long been advising patients that the early removal of wisdom teeth does not prevent the other teeth from shifting later in life.  The teeth can shift with or without the wisdom teeth.  The most important variable to keeping your teeth straight after braces is wearing your retainer at night. 

Please call our office in Barberton, OH should you have any questions.  330-745-4497

11 years in braces? Hopefully never in our office, but who's to blame when it happens?

There are numerous reasons someone can get stuck in braces longer than the average 1-3 years, but most of the time, it's not the orthodontist's fault. In a recent article I saw on Yahoo, someone is suing their orthodontist after spending 11 years in braces.

This person is suing for $185,000 to make up for the pain and suffering of prolonged treatment and the cost of corrective dental work to repair his damaged and decayed teeth.   In all, he had to spend $35,000 on crowns, implants, and other dental work to repair his teeth once the braces came off.  He feels $150,000 is due to him for the pain and suffering of 11 years in braces. 

Just to be clear, I don't know the specifics of this case or the orthodontist being sued. I do want to make the point however, that braces do not damage and decay teeth. If you don't care for your teeth while in braces, whether it be for a few months, a few years, or 11 years, the teeth can decay and get damaged--sometimes beyond repair. Brushing your teeth is a personal responsibility. You can't blame someone else because you didn't make the effort to do it well.

I'm sure there's more to this case that what we know publicly and there has to be blame on both sides, but for an individual to sue for this much money,when there is clearly an issue with personal responsibility is sad. Braces don't do the harm, the build-up of plaque from poor brushing and flossing by the INDIVIDUAL causes the damage.

At Barnett Orthodontics, we always take the time to educate our patients on proper home hygiene before and during treatment. If the brushing is poor, we sometimes need to discontinue treatment altogether. It's imperative to keep regular appointments so the treatment can be monitored and the brushing can be checked. Communication between the doctor, patient and parent is crucial regarding all facets of care. 

http://gma.yahoo.com/boy-wears-braces-11-years-sues-orthodontist-233656561--abc-news-topstories.html?ugccmtnav=v1%2Fcomments%2Fcontext%2F179063d8-1e68-36f4-85d6-43aa7b9f9278%2Fcomments%3Fcount%3D20%26sortBy%3DhighestRated%26isNext%3Dtrue%26offset%3D20%26pageNumber%3D1

Akron Organization Donates $160,000 Annually for Braces...

Akron's Barnett Orthodontics is proud to partner with The Beacon Journal Charity Fund to provide braces to area families whom otherwise could not afford orthodontic treatment. 

Accepting a significantly reduced fee, Barnett Orthodontics (along with other area practitioners) provide the orthodontic treatment funded by the Charity Fund.  This partnership has allowed over 500 children in the past 10 years to get an amazing smile and healthy bite--thus increasing their self-esteem and self-worth by giving them a smile they can be proud of.   

The Beacon Journal Charity Fund was set up to make orthodontic services available to families with teens age 13 to 18 who reside in the five-county circulation area of the Akron Beacon Journal. These families don’t earn enough to pay for braces, but earn too much to be eligible for government aid. The fund fills the gap to provide orthodontics to a population which would otherwise have to go without. 

 Please let us know if you'd like more information on eligibility and or making donations to this great fund.

Tooth Brushing Habits Need to Start Young

While most patients are not ready for orthodontic treatment until almost 12 years of age, some early treatment is done in 7, 8 and 9 year old kids. For this reason, tooth brushing habits need to be reinforced at a early age (starting around 2).

Great brushing will not only keep the teeth clean and healthy but with braces, it will prevent permanent stains from forming on the teeth.

While they are young, let your children brush by themselves and then check to make sure they've done a good job. Provide lots of positive reinforcement and give direction on areas that need improvement.

By giving your kids an early exposure to brushing and verifying that their techniques are sound, you're setting the foundation for an appreciation for a healthy and beautiful smile.

Happy Brushing!!!

Instant Orthodontics? Staight teeth in 6 Months???

Recently I had a patient ask me about an advertisement promising to treat ANYONE with braces in only SIX months. As the old saying goes, if it sounds unbelievable, then it probably is. I suppose it's not a totally false statement, it's just an incomplete promise, an incomplete result and very misleading.

The truth of the matter is that almost anyone's teeth can be improved or straightened rather quickly--in about six months. But to perfect the alignment and to correct the bite, it takes considerably longer. Unfortunately, across the US and on-line (not in Akron Ohio) some individuals are promoting their six month braces as a better option than conventional orthodontic treatment. They promise it is more comfortable, more aesthetic, healthier and most importantly to the consumer, FASTER.

Wanna get rich quick, want to lose tons of weight, regrow all your hair, make money from the comfort of your own home, have braces on your teeth for as little as six months...get the point.

Make sure you're an educated consumer. Do your research and chose wisely.

How many orthodontists does it take to change a light-bulb (straighten your teeth)?!?

Question: "How many different orthodontists will I have to work with during my treatment at your office?"

Answer: "It takes ONE orthodontist (Dr. Barnett) in ONE office location (Barnett Orthodontics) to straighten your teeth."

Believe it or not, this is a question we hear almost once a month from our new patients at Barnett Orthodontics. Whether it's a child or adult orthodontic case, the patients and parents concern about having multiple orthodontists rests in the fact that different doctors have different personalities and different treatment techniques. Most patients and parents want continuity of care and they want the same person making decisions about what's happening in their case, each and every month.

At Akron's Barnett Orthodontics, Dr. Barnett is the only orthodontist you will be working with. You can rest assured from your first appointment through the completion of your treatment and into the retainer checks, the orthodontist you will see is Dr. Barnett. He will be in absolute control of your treatment each step of the way. No doctor sharing, no questions about which direction the treatment will go. You will get to know Dr. Barnett and he will get to know you.

As well, with only one office location, we will always be available, five days a week (and some Saturday's) to see you for your regular appointments or for emergencies. There is no need to drive a long distance to a second office location for ANY appointment.

It takes one doctor and one location--come experience our experience at Barnett Orthodontics!
330-745-4497
www.barnettortho.com

Got Justin Bieber FEVER? Barnett Ortho spoofs his choice on invisalign vs braces.

Justin Bieber wants his teeth straight just as much as the next person, but apparently, not with traditional metal braces! As you can see in the video below, this teen sensation opted for Invisalign Teen -- a clear invisible alternative to metal braces. Only recently did Invisalign become available to teenagers and its popularity is growing based on the trends we see in our practice. Invisalign is not for all problems, so if interested, be sure to ask Dr. Barnett if it's right for you.



Familiar with Bieber's "BABY" song, check out our short silly remake of the chorus to poke fun at his choice of Invisalign over braces. Do you think Bieber is being a "Big Baby" about how sore it makes his teeth?

Barnett Orthodontic is a Premier Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in the Akron Ohio Area. We are located in Barberton Ohio and serve patients from numerous surrounding communities. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment 330-745-4497.

Barnett Othodontics Gives Back...and so did SO MANY of our patients. 450 lbs of food!!!

We wanted to thank our wonderful patients for donating so much food for the needy over the last six weeks. We are happy to report that we collected over 450 pounds of food for the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank.

On October 15th, our entire office volunteered at the Food Bank and bagged over 1600 bags of cereal. We had a great time giving back to our community.

A special thanks to our patient, Zach Sheppard for joining us on our volunteer day. His mom works for the Food Bank and he generously gave his time to our cause.

FOOD BANK CONTEST WINNERS

Most amount of food donated ($30 to Summit Mall)--Morgan

Random drawing for all who donated ($20 to Summit Mall)--Allyson

Mouthguard Day at Barnett Orthodontics, Sept 22nd

Save your Smile- Wear a Mouthguard

Our non-profit, Mouthguard Day is upon us...Wednesday September 22nd

Cost of a custom athletic mouthguard, $20.00

All proceeds with go to support the Summa Dental Clinic of Akron

The Summa Dental Clinic sees 850 patients each month and provides a much needed service to the uninsured residents of our community

Contact our Team at Barnett Orthodontics, Barberton Ohio to learn more
330-745-4497

Shaquille O'Neal's Mouthguard costs $2995.00...

Later this summer/early fall we will be operating a one day only Mouthguard clinic. While Shaq's mouthguard costs almost $3000.00, we will be making you a similar style CUSTOM professional mouthguard at a very affordable price. The Mouthguard Clinic will be open to ANYONE, not just our patients.

Our intentions are to keep cost VERY LOW. It will probably be priced at/near a good boil-and-bite style mouthguard one could get from a sporting goods store. The mouthguard itself, however, will be significantly stronger, better and more protective than a boil-bite-mouthguard. Stay tuned for the date and time.

I came across this article about mouthguards (Big-League Chew), in the August issue of Time Magazine. It's rather entertaining and provides a quick look at the edge a good mouthguard can give to an athlete's performance.

Invisible Retainers at Akron's Barnett Orthodontics

When you finish your braces or Invisalign treatment at Barnett Orthodontics, you can instantly show off your amazing smile and not have to worry about wearing those bulky, acrylic and metal wire retainers.

By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Barnett Orthodontics, has a 10 year history of using retainers that are glued in behind your teeth or making them out of a clear invisible plastic. These unnoticeable retainers are just as effective as the "old" Hawley type retainers but have the advantage of being completely undetectable. In fact, the clear removable retainers only have to be worn at night and if the retainer is glued in, it's ALWAYS working so you'll never risk that your teeth could move.

When your treatment is over at Barnett Orthodontics, you can show off that smile with your invisible retainers!

Braces in Barberton—The Under Appreciated History of the Magic City

Barberton, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Despite our practice being located here for almost 30 years, many of our Team Members were unfamiliar with the great history of the city of Barberton. To better educate ourselves, recently, some of us attended the annual Barberton Historical Society Anna Dean Farm Walking Tour. Here are some of the highlights…

Founded by O.C. Barber, Barberton was constructed as an industrial city close to Akron and on the Ohio and Erie Canal. Diamond Match, owned and operated by O.C. Barber was located in the city and was the largest producer of matches in the United States producing 250 million matches a day. On the heels of the success of Diamond Match, O.C. Barber constructed one of the largest and most successful “super-farms” of its time. He mastered the principals of mass production, mechanization, innovation, and long-term planning. The 3,500 acre estate, with a daily operating expense of nearly $1,000, consisted of 12 acres of greenhouses, herds of top-quality livestock, several large barns, a piggery, poultry house, flour mill, concrete factory, brick works, creamery and a 40 acre park. On the highest part of the farm overlooking Barberton laid the 52 room, 50,000 square foot French Renaissance Revival mansion, reportedly described by the New York Times as the “finest mansion between New York and Chicago.” Fully completed in 1910, the mansion alone cost over $400,000 and required 18 months to finish.

Unfortunately the Barber Mansion was torn down in 1965 but many of the Barber Farm buildings have been restored and some are being used by local businesses. There is a wonderful historical society working hard to preserve the history of Barberton and Barnett Orthodontics is proud to be a business in the Barberton community.

WIN $2,500-- American Association of Orthodontists announces "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" scholarship contest...

Check out this great contest sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists...Win $2500.00!!!

The American Association of Orthodontists is sponsoring the “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” video contest. There will be two winners; each winner will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

The “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” video contest is open to students who are age 18 or under as of July 15, 2010 and who are legal residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Canada. Contest participants must have completed active orthodontic treatment (braces must have been removed) and be in the active retention phase of treatment or have completed active retention. Contest entrants must have received orthodontic treatment from a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

All entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2010. Videos submitted should be two minutes in length or less. Entries are limited to one per person. There is no fee to enter. Contest entrants should tell their stories on video, answering questions such as:

• - What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment?
• - How have you changed?
• - How proud are you of your new smile?
• - When did you notice changes in yourself?
• - What kinds of changes have you noticed?
• - What does your new smile mean to you?
• - What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?

Before beginning work on your video, carefully review the Terms and Conditions. To submit an entry:

• - Burn your video file onto a DVD or save it onto a USB flash drive

• - Complete the “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” Video Scholarship - Contest Submission Agreement including all contact information and the signature requested at the end of the agreement form.

• - Sign the form if you are 18. If you are under 18, the form must be signed by your parent or guardian

• - Mail your DVD or USB drive and your signed submission agreement form, postmarked by July 15, 2010 to:
  
  Linda Gladden
  Director of Communications and Marketing
  American Association of Orthodontists
  401 N. Lindbergh Blvd.

  St. Louis, MO 63141

  
  You will receive a confirmation email message indicating that your submission has been received. Judging The 10 finalists and two scholarship winners will be selected by AAO communications staff and a team of AAO members serving on the Association’s Council on Communications.

  
  The judges will evaluate entries based on:

  • - Clarity of the entrant’s personal story
  • - Creativity in the approach of conveying the story
  • - Use of attractive and interesting visual elements
  • - Clear and comprehensible audio
  • - Effective and tasteful use of humor, if applicable
  • - Enthusiasm and positive perspective on orthodontic treatment

  
  Reporting of Results

  By August 15, 2010 all 10 finalist videos will be posted on the American Association of Orthodontists Web site, Braces.org, and on the AAO members’ site, AAOinfo.org. By August 15, 2010 the two winners will be announced. Finalists will be notified by phone or email before August 1 and winners will be notified by phone or email before August 15.
  
  Terms and Conditions

  • All videos submitted become the property of the American Association of Orthodontists and may be posted in multiple online outlets by the AAO, shown at orthodontic specialty meetings or used in advertising materials related to orthodontic treatment without compensation of the entrant
  • Winners agree to participate in public relations announcements by the AAO, including their names, contest video link information and photographs.
    
    
  • Each of the two winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship to be used toward their post-high school educational expenses at a college, university, vocational training or technical school.
    
    
  • All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the contest winners.
    
    
  • Decisions of the judges are final.
    
    
  • Submissions will be voided if discovered to have been obtained through fraud, or if they contain inappropriate content such as vulgarity, obscenity, lewd comments, pornographic images or violent images; or if they promote violence or disparage any person or entity; or if they contain trademarked or copyrighted material.
    
    
  • Submissions may not include video or audio content of any individuals other than the entrant.
    
    
  • Children of members of the American Association of Orthodontists, children of employees of AAO member offices and children of AAO employees are not eligible to enter the contest.
    
    
  • Patients and former patients of members of the panel of orthodontists designated to select the two winners are not eligible to enter the contest.

Barnett Orthodontics, Now Open Select Saturdays!

You've asked for it, and we've heard you-Akron's Barnett Orthodontics & Invisalign is now open on select Saturdays for your convenience. Call us today to schedule your appointment for braces or Invisalign!

Barnett Orthodontics
86 Conservatory Drive, Suite A
Barberton, Ohio 44321
330-745-4497