Dr. Vinson Finishes 2013 Lake Placid Ironman

We are excited to share with everyone that Dr. Vinson finished the Lake Placid Ironman Race this past Sunday July 28th!  The ironman race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon run!  His finish time was 12:59 on a very hilly bike and run course in Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.  He enjoys sports activities and finds great joy in thehttp://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/lake-placid.aspx#axzz2ap8VGvon commitment to dedicating oneself to a challenge!

Way to go Dr. V!!!
 

Congratulations to our 2013 $500 Vinson Orthodontics Scholarship Winner: Lindsey Kunz

Lindsey is a home-school graduate with a 4.37 GPA.  She was a competitive gymnast throughout her high school years and will attend North Carolina State University in the Fall

.

 "Choose an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced who you are today"

by Lindsey Kunz

     "Dedication, perseverance, commitment; my passion for gymnastics has produced these qualities and many more.  Since I was ten years old I have trained four hours a day, five days a week, every single week of the year.  I have learned how to manage my time, make necessary sacrifices, and master the art of discipline.  The experience of being a gymnast has not merely impacted my life; it has shaped it, and it is through the lens of this training that I have come to view life.  Over the past seven years gymnastics has taught me that with hard work and dedication every goal is attainable, that with perseverance and commitment every obstacle can be overcome, and that it is never too late to have a new goal.

     The first lesson gymnastics has taught me is that if you work hard and dedicate your time and effort, every goal can be achieved.  My coach once told me that the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.  His words have permeated my mind and affected my decisions on a regular basis.  Everyone has dreams, and anyone can wish, but the individuals who create a plan to succeed are the ones who set themselves apart and do great things.  When I began gymnastics I made a commitment to myself to be the best gymnast I could be.  That didn’t mean winning every competition or doing the hardest skills, but putting forth my best effort in everything I did.  I learned how to win humbly and lose graciously, and I learned that self-motivation is the key to success.  All of my hard work and dedication came to fruition this past summer when I was invited to participate in an international gymnastics exchange program in Singapore.  I was able to travel half-way around the world, experience a completely new culture, and train with elite coaches from six different countries.  All of this resulted from my day to day efforts of being the best gymnast I could be.  I had a dream of becoming a level ten gymnast and representing my country, and because of my plan and the commitment to give my best effort every day, I was able to achieve this goal.

     However, no goal can be achieved without perseverance and discipline.  The second lesson that gymnastics has taught me is that with perseverance, every obstacle can be overcome.  The path to attaining my goal was composed of rocky terrain that left me cut and bruised on numerous occasions.  I had to fight my way back from two surgeries and many more injurious setbacks.  Those experiences showed me that I am the only person I can control, and that it is better to put my energy into my own actions than into worrying about what other people are accomplishing around me.  After my most recent ankle injury, the probability of me competing that season was not in my favor.  Nevertheless, I focused solely on my own progress and remained determined to work hard each and every day.  Through my perseverance and discipline, I experienced the great joy of accomplishing what others said I could not do, and competed in the last three competitions of the season.

     Despite the first two invaluable lessons that gymnastics has taught me, the last lesson has had the greatest impact on my life.  Gymnastics has ultimately taught me that it is never too late to redefine your goals.  After being recruited for a year and a half in hopes of competing in gymnastics collegiately, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue an education at the school of my choice, rather than an athletic experience at a school chosen for me.  Upon this realization I altered all of my previous goals by deciding to retire from gymnastics during my senior year so that I could spend time preparing for my near academic and professional future.  Even though it was painful to let go of my previous goals, I have learned to have an open mind and embrace the opportunity of creating new goals that will shape my new future.  While I now eagerly anticipate a new direction in my life, I will take with me always the lessons that being a world-class gymnast have instilled in me wherever I go."

Me Fine Foundation's Christmas in July at Vinson Orthodontics

Me Fine's annual Christmas in July Event is now in progress and you can visit our Clayton office to get an angel from our tree.  Me Fine Foundation was established to assist families with children in treatment for life-threatening diseases or conditions at Duke and UNC’s Children’s Hospitals.

Each year, Me Fine and our volunteers travel to both hospitals to deliver gifts and a little holiday cheer to the children during our annual Christmas in July Event. Even Santa takes a break from his island vacation to make a personal stop at each room in the pediatric units. The kids decorate their rooms and doors in anticipation of this special day.

For more information visit:    www.mefinefoundation.org


Vinson Orthodontics is excited to support our community
in any way possible.  If you would like to help...please stop by
our Clayton office anytime and grab a tag!!

Dr. Vinson Recognized as Premier Insignia Provider

For the second year Dr. Vinson has been named a Premier Insignia Provider. He is one of only a handful of Orthodontists in the Country to be given this prestigious title. Insignia is the most advanced bracket system available. We are so proud to be an office recognized for using this cutting edge technology.

For more information about Insignia, please contact our office or visit:

http://www.insigniasmile.com/


We are excited to share our knowledge about these custom braces with you!!!

Dr. Britt Vinson DDS, MSD 

Why do I have to have pictures of my teeth taken at the orthodontist?

Why does Dr. Vinson take pictures of my teeth?

When you arrive at Dr. Vinson's office for your free consultation appointment. After checking in at the front desk,  I will begin the records process.  This process consists of pictures of your face as well as your teeth and an xray.  These pictures allow Dr. Vinson a visual aid to help explain the necessary treatment to you.   The facial pictures allow him to see the angles and symmentry of  your facial structure. The "teeth" pictures allow Dr, Vinson to evaluate the alignment and the bite.  You will also have pictures taken at the end of your treatment. It is so exciting to see the beautiful results from beginning to end!

Angie- clinical assistant at Vinson Orthdontist

Collections for Sharefish at Vinson Orthodontics- until June 1st

2013  $500 Vinson Orthodontics Scholarship Program

The Vinson Orthodontics Scholarship Program awards an annual non-renewable $500 scholarship.  Applicants must be current patients or have completed orthodontic treatment at Vinson Orthodontics.  Applications will be accepted from present or previous patients planning to attend or attending an institution of higher learning for atleast one year.  If you are eligible and interested, please email us at scholarships@vinsonorthodontics.com to request information and an application.

Deadline is June 10, 2013.

December 2012 Sharefish Mission Trip

Vinson Orthodontics is excited that Sharefish took a mission trip in December 2012 to Village of El Carrizo in Honduras.  It was an opportunity to spend time with the villagers and make upcoming plans for 2013.  Sharefish is excited to announce that they have hired their first Honduran employee, a young lady named Lizzy.  She will be the liason between the families and children in El Carrizo and Sharefish.  When the people of El Carrizo were asked where they needed help most, their unanimous answer was an education for their children.  Lizzy will be an incredible key in the success of the educational process of the children and families in the village.

Sharefish is also excited to announce that they have purchased a small piece of land( about 8 acres) in El Carrizo to build a community learning center.  This would be a place that could focus on their efforts to reach deeper into the community through a center with books, computers, games and other learning tools to enhance the educational opportunities for the children.  This piece of land was purchased through donations but they still need help with donations to build and fill the community center with materials.  Once the community center is built, it will be aptly named APRENDE CONMIGO (Learn with Me).  

Please take the opportunity to learn more about the three children (Carlos, Angela and Yelsin) that Vinson Orthodontics is sponsoring.  There will be opportunites to reach out to these children and their communities at our office in the upcoming year.  We also hope to visit and meet these three children in the upcoming year.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.sharefish.org or watch the video below.
 
http://youtu.be/Kprgst01lns

Happy New Year!
Vinson Orthodontics  
   

 

$500 Referral Rewards Winner

We are so excited to announce our 2012 Referral Rewards Program winner:  Kylie S!! 

Vinson Orthodontics would like to thank each and every person who participated in our Referral Rewards Program for 2012.  The participation in this program has been over the top and we are delighted and honored to provide the incredible gift of a beautiful and healthy smile to everyone who comes through our doors.  It is our top priority to give you the best orthodontic care in an extraordinary way!!  We LOVE what we do and would love to share it with you.

We invite you to participate again in the Referral Rewards Program for 2013.  The opportunity is available to all of our referring families and to those who visit our office for a referral.

Please ask our office for details and pick up some extra referral rewards cards the next time you come into our office!!

Best of Luck in 2013!!

What happens if I lose or break my retainer?

If I lose or break my retainer, why do I have to have another mold taken? Why can't they just just use the mold from the previous retainer?

Yes you will need to have another mold taken.  To further explain the answer to this question it is important you know exactly how the mold is used...A mold is used at our office to make a stone model of your teeth. A retainer is then made off of that stone model. The stone is very brittle and when the fabricated retainer is pulled from it pieces of the model break off. The model is no longer usable after that and is then thrown away.  Another reason is if your teeth have shifted even the slightest bit from where they were when the initial model was taken, the new retainer will not fit.

Katie- orthodontic assistant at Vinson Orthodontics

  Sharefish

    Get Involved: Be a Sharefish at Vinson Orthodontics

Vinson Orthodontics is excited to have the opportunity to sponsor three children from El Carrizo, Honduras through Sharefish, a local non-profit organization.  Angela, Yelsin and Carlos are now able to attend school and receive necessary resources for their families to ensure that they have the food and supplies they need to stay in school.

What is Sharefish?

Sharefish was started by 5 Raleigh “gringos” after mission trips to Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the world.  They witnessed children living in a perpetual cycle of poverty.  These children are unable to attend school as their families are unable to afford the materials.

Looking for ways to make a lasting impact, this small group created an organization to improve education, nutrition, housing, medical and economic opportunities in these impoverished communities.  Sponsorships are created to put kids in school, build libraries to increase literacy and provide basic medical education.

How can you help?

Dr. Vinson and our team invite you to participate in opportunities and events at our office throughout the year to reach out to these children and their community.  Information regarding these events will be available at our office , through our staff members and on our website. 

Explore sharefish.org to find out more about sponsorships, donations or to be inspired to find your own way to be a Sharefish.  Just share a little, that’s all it takes to make a lasting impression.

Have a Splendid Day!

Vinson Orthodontics

Me Fine Angel Tree - Hope for the Holidays 2012

Vinson Orthodontics is excited to support the Me Fine Foundations Angel tree again this year!  Me Fine is a local non-profit that assists families with children fighting critically or terminally ill conditions at Duke and UNC's Children's Hospitals. 

How can you help?
Pick a tag off our Angel tree and purchase the item. You can drop it back off to our office and we will make sure that the gifts are delivered to Me Fine for distribution to the families for the holidays.

For more information, please visit www.mefinefoundation.org.

iRock iTunes Facebook Post a Video Contest

So what are you waiting for?  Our patients can just post a video on our facebook page telling us why you love braces, our office, our team or Dr. Vinson.  Once you post the video, just stop by our office and get your $10 iTunes gift card!  Pretty simple, huh???

Check out our Facebook page!!

What is a Mara Appliance?

MARA is an acronym for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance


It is a overbite/overjet corrective appliance. The mara has a lower bar with bands that are cemented on the Lower first molars. The top has two bands that are cemented on the Upper first molars, then we place what are called elbows into the top of the mara. Once those are placed the patient then has to learn how to move there lower jaw forward. Patients typically have this appliance in for right around a year. It may look bulky. Dr. Vinson has asked many paitents about how long it took to get use to it they say about a week. We ask the patient to try and stay to soft foods for the first couple of days.



Here are a few images of what a mara looks like:







Here is a video of how a mara is placed and used.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y9ShR-La4s

Daisha - Clinical Assistant at Vinson Orthodontics

A Parent's Perspective (Part two of Austin's Story)

"Austin’s Insignia kit arrived the last week of April. I brought him to the office since it was an early release day so he could get his braces on. He was very excited. He ate a really good breakfast that morning since he wasn’t sure how he’d feel later on. I stayed in the office while Robin worked on him. I didn’t want to get in the way and I had lots of work to do to keep me busy. It went really smoothly and he was done in no time! All new patients get a care package with items to help them take care of their teeth. Dental hygiene is even more important when you have braces!  Robin gave him detailed instructions on how to brush and floss, what he can and can’t eat and what to expect these first few days. He promised to follow all the directions and I gave him some ibuprofen in case he got sore. "


By Michele (mother of patient at Vinson Orthodontics)

Can I get braces as an adult?

Are you an adult who is not crazy about your smile? Have you considered orthodontic treatment, but think you are to old for braces? I was but now I am an adult patient wearing braces and I am so excited to be well on my way to feeling great about my smile. I had braces as a teenager, like many others I only wore my retainers sporadically, at some point lost them and as the years went by my teeth gradually became more and more crowded.


I spent many years being self conscious about my smile but I was also totally resistant to the idea of wearing braces as an adult. Then I began working for Dr.Vinson and after learning more about the benefits of the Damon System and seeing the beautiful smiles we were creating for our patients I finally came around to the idea.

The day had finally arrived to get my braces on and I was soooo nervous. From what I remembered of having braces before the process of getting them on was very lengthy and uncomfortable. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and quick it was, only taking a little over and hour and It was not painful or uncomfortable at all. I was a little sore in the following days not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I have to admit that It was an adjustment to see myself with braces at fist but after a few days I was completely use to it, now I don't even notice. I have now had my braces on for 10 weeks and It is amazing the changes I already see. I am just so excited about the end result. I am very happy to be an adult Orthodontic patient.

Whitney- Front Desk Coordinator at Vinson Orthodontics

Countdown to the Olympics 2012 at VInson Orthodontics!!

How many olympic gold medals will the US bring home this year?  There will be 300 Olympic Gold Medals awarded.  Please visit our facebook page to participate in our newest game where YOU could be one of the three winners of your own custom designed shoes!  It is easy...the closest guess of the number of gold medals the US will bring home WITHOUT going over will be the winners!!!!

A Parent's Perspective... Austin's Story (Part 1)

Vinson Orthodontics is excited to share with you a story of one our patients through the eyes of his mother. 




"I know my son’s smile isn’t perfect. Some of his adult teeth are still growing in and so his teeth aren’t even. Some of them are turned a bit and the front two overlap a little. His dentist has been urging me to have him evaluated by an orthodontist for about 3 years. I finally decided it was time. At the orthodontist visit I learned he had a cross bite which means his lower arch is wider than his upper arch and his teeth do not meet properly.






When he was evaluated at Vinson Orthodontics, I learned that not only does he have a cross bite, but his front four teeth actually prevent him from biting down at all! None of his other teeth even touch! Dr Vinson to the rescue! First came the impressions. They take special molds, top and bottom and a wax bite which shows how his teeth fit and special x-rays. Everything is sent to the lab where they use computers to create a 3-D image of his bite. Then each bracket is custom-made to move each tooth into proper position. Dr Vinson was able to show me exactly what Austin’s smile will look like at the end of treatment. Where else can you can see exactly what you are going to get? We are very excited about the Insignia process.


It takes about 5 weeks for Austin’s kit to be manufactured to his specific needs. His braces will be one of a kind!"


Michele (parent at Vinson Orthodontics)

Me Fine Foundation's Christmas in July 2012 at Vinson Orthodontics

Vinson Orthodontics is excited to support the Me Fine Foundation's Christmas in July 2012!  The Me Fine Foundation is a local non-profit organization that provides support for patients and families at UNC and Duke Children's Hospitals.  Our tree is up in our Clayton office so please take a tag and help us make this their biggest one EVER!! 

Every July since 2005, Me Fine's elves and Santa take a trip to UNC and Duke Children's Hospitals to spread a little Christmas joy.   It is easy.  Just take a tag from our tree and purchase the wish item.  You can return the gift to our office to be given to Me Fine!!

Thank you for your generosity!!
Vinson Orthodontics

Happy Mothers Day to all of our WONDERFUL MOMS!!

Vinson Orthodontics would like to thank you for all that you do!  There are no words that can express how much we appreciate your efforts in bringing our patients in for their visits.  You are also just as important in the long time outcome of their beautiful smiles! 

You deserve so much RECOGNITION!! Please check out of video....of you!!

http://video214.com/play/Qe0hq2PrVTWOPgpIg8pFQw/s/dark