No matter how young your child is, you can never instill too much confidence. Here are three ways you can help encourage a positive self-image.

One of the most important qualities you can instill in your child is a sense of self-confidence. From meeting new friends to trying to achieve a new goal, they’ll need a little guidance along the way. Here are some tips for increasing your little one’s self-esteem.

Help Them Learn a Few Good Jokes

Meeting others is part of life. Children will be in situations where they don’t know anyone else as they grow up, from new schools to after-school clubs and even camp. This can be awkward if they have not been in these situations and don’t know how to break the ice. Teach them a few jokes to have up their sleeve, so they feel comfortable joking and making conversation with others, no matter what type of setting they are in. Even better, let them develop their own jokes to try out with new friends. By taking healthy risks, they’ll either learn from their mistakes and grow or use a positive outcome to strengthen their self-esteem.

Teach Them to Smile

Fake it until you make it is how the saying goes. Even if your child feels unsure about themselves in a new situation, having a friendly smile and being approachable will go a long way. People of all ages are drawn to someone who is friendly and positive. If your child does not feel confident about how their teeth look when they smile, our orthodontic services can help them feel better when they flash their pearly whites.

Help Them Be Themselves

Above all, the most important thing you can teach your child is that they should be themselves. It’s important that they don’t change their thoughts, wants, or beliefs just to make someone else happy. One simple way to help kids be true to themselves is to show it through your actions. By being a positive, confident mirror for your child, you can show them an example of how to be independent and adventurous, ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.

Although these might seem like easy things to teach, lessons in confidence will stick with your child for a lifetime. The gift of self-confidence is one that will serve them for many years to come. Want to give your little one some extra confidence? Schedule an appointment with Lakeway Orthodontics by calling (512) 263-2993 or Click here to book online. We can help your child achieve a stunning smile that may give them just the confidence they need.

Get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7

• The first signs of issues are present at 6-7 years of age when first molars erupt
• Identification of developing bad bites, crowding, and finger/thumb sucking
• Optimal results for treatment is achieved at the earliest stage of development
• Can prevent more intensive and expensive treatments down the road
• Peace of Mind that your child is developing normally

What can orthodontic treatment do for my child?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, issues untreated can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more prone to accidental chipping. Additionally, cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it affects everyday life in function and in self-esteem.  

Why see an Orthodontist vs a Dentist?

An early evaluation and identification of issue may or may not require an intervention.  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Seeing an Orthodontist is critical since they receive 3 more years of specialized education beyond your general family or pediatric dentist.  Dr Jeff Dykes will take the time to examine and identify any potential issues and explain your child’s developments.

Do I need a dentist’s reference to get an orthodontic consultation?

You do NOT need a dental referral to have an evaluation. Choose your orthodontist based on their work and reputation in the community for excellence of care.  At Lakeway Orthodontics you will be able to see and feel the exceptional standards we have for our patients and their family members at your very first visit.  Dr. Jeff Dykes not only has stunning results with his advanced treatments but he invests in the community throughout the year supporting schools, sports and Austin children’s shelter.

What are some of the benefits of early interceptive treatment?

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted adult teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth extractions
• Reducing treatment time with braces or Invisalign

Dr Jeff Dykes is offering complimentary consultations for families in the Lake Travis area.  He understands the needs of parents and makes it easy for you to schedule an appointment at the Lakeway Orthodontics office.  Give us a call today or submit a request online.  We appreciate your time and look forward to the opportunity to serve your entire family’s orthodontic care needs.  

Going the Extra Mile for that Perfect Smile

Dr Jeff Dykes

512-263-2993

Spring Break in Lake Travis 2017 is on!

Now that kids are out of school, besides coming to see us, here’s some great ideas to have fun and keep the kids entertained in the Lake Travis area that are fun for kids and don’t break the bank for parents.  At Lakeway Orthodontics we know it’s busy for parents, especially Moms, we are working towards making it easier for patient and parents to enjoy their experience with us.  Enjoy!

1) Get on and in the water!
https://laketravis.com/
With the lake as full as we’ve seen in years, it’s a great time to experience the water on a boat.
Whether your group is into having the biggest party on the lake with a custom party pontoon boat from http://www.beachfrontboats.com/ for about $1200 for 4 hours, or rent a smaller boat for you and your family if you’re wanting to spend some time tubing or enjoying the Awesome scenes on the water with daybreak boat rentals http://daybreakboatrentals.com/home.html
Don’t worry if your’e not feeling the Aquatic life style.. there is also tons of lakeside restaurants such as The Oasis http://oasis-austin.com/ the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas, with a beautiful sunset over the water. It’s considered the “Sunset Capitol of Texas,”

2) Austin Aquarium
http://www.austinaquarium.com/
Kids love this place and there is so much to see!
Even though it will be spring break, Rain is always an expectation, but don’t worry. The Austin Aquarium is something that everyone loves and also doesn’t break the bank! Kids 11 and under are only $6.95, and adults are $11.95 and there’s even packages that include tokens to feed the fish!

3) Graffiti Park
Just off North Lamar and Baylor street at  1100 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703-4922 , the three story abandoned construction site is an ever changing canvas of graffiti artists. Grab some pics of the kiddos. This one is perfect for a free, outdoor adventure and some of the best photo opportunities.

4) JUMPoline Park
http://www.jumpolinepark.com/
Two locations for the kids to jump out that extra Spring Break energy. Not just for the kids but for the adults too. They even offer a family-fun pack for about $20, that gives up 4 people an hour of jumping.

5) Peter Pan Mini Golf
http://peterpanminigolf.com/
At the intersection of Barton Springs and North Lamar, this miniature golf course is an Austin icon and never disappoints. There are 2-18 hole courses filled with giant obstacles including the obvious character Peter Pan, a T-Rex, and many more surprises. You can play one course for only $7 or you can play the full 2 courses for $11, and kids 5 and under get 2 dollars off each course.

6) iFly 
https://www.iflyworld.com/austin/
Kids and adults can get the thrill of skydiving without ever having to actually leap from an airplane.
For about $260, you can buy a family pack for you and your family that includes 10 flights between 5 people, and 5 free video clips from the session!

7) Hamilton Pool 
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool
Another outdoor waterhole, Hamilton Pool is a great place to take the kids! This pool was formed thousands of years ago, and has a natural 50 ft waterfall that never dries up. Try to get out there early, as there is no reservations made until May, and it could be very crowded on any given day, call 512-264-2740 to get the status of Hamilton pool

8) High Five Bowling and Gaming
http://www.bowlhighfive.com/
Bowling, Laser tag, Video games are all here at High Five Bowling and gaming, located in Lakeway. Here, kids under 18 bowl for free if you sign up for the national kids bowl free program and there are bowling specials for each day of the week, making fun for the whole family!

Whatever you do this spring break, stay safe and have fun!  We here at Lakeway Orthodontics are excited to have a new Snapchat account where we are pushing out fun giveaways for patients to keep them progressing towards those confident smiles!  Be sure to follow our Snapchat at lakewayortho or just snap our code below.

Consultations are free for braces or Invisalign and we specialize in providing adult patients accelerated orthodontics to make achieving that winning smile even faster than ever.  Dr Dykes is passionate about creating a perfect smile for each patient individually and providing a family environment where you will feel the difference.  Call us today to schedule yours: (512) 263-2993

Going the extra mile for that perfect smile, Dr Jeff Dykes and the Lakeway Orthodontics Smile Team. lakewayortho.com  @lakewayortho

At Lakeway Orthodontics Going the Extra Mile for that Perfect Smile means we never rest looking for ways to improve our practice family experience and develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with you and your family.

We know that each patient and parent are unique individuals and we truly take that to heart in how we engage each day.  In that spirit, we are excited to share our mission this month to increase loving energy in our daily lives with some fun and powerful activities for everyone to enjoy here or at home.

Orthodontics is a blessed profession in that we have the privilege to influence young people in the most positive way while we co-create a unique and smile worth being proud of. We delight in taking the opportunity to boost self-confidence, self-esteem and loving spirit in our office.

During this Love month we are excited to offer multiple resources on the 5 Love Languages. 

Links for FREE  5 Love Languages Assessments

Pre Teen 9-12

Teens

In Relationship Adult

Single Adult

App Download FREE

Peyton and Friends app story book for young children https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/peyton-friends/id512719382?mt=8

In the office we have copies of the Love Language books for you to read while you’re in the office and if you decide to share a comment and check in on any of our pages online we will enter you to WIN a copy of one of these great books!

Rewards participants can earn 10 pts for writing a Love Note to someone they care about at the office.  No need to share the contents just want to encourage everyone to write a note! 🙂

It’s our sincere wish to foster a loving understanding environment for all who enter our office.  We know that throughout this month we will see growth in love for all who participate with us.  

Dr. Dykes and his team at Lakeway Orthodontics recently had the honor of working alongside the community to help raise funds for Austin Children’s Shelter and Safe Alliance. ACS is an incredible organization that provides safe shelter and nurturing environments to children and young adults that are facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. Dr. Dykes is a long time supporter of the work being done at ACS and was excited to have raised over $7K at our fundraising event that will be used to help enhance the organization’s ability to bring safety and healing to young lives.

Our sincere thank you to everyone who attended, gave generously and who showed interest in getting involved with Austin Children’s Shelter long term and a special thank you to our top donators of the evening: Dr. Joshua Tomasik, Dr. Jeff Alford, Eric Shaheen and Joyce Huggins. The team at ACS is eternally grateful for you support, as you’ll read in the email below.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible support you inspired for Austin Children’s Shelter last night! Your event raised $7,150 for ACS, including your pledge & match—an outstanding accomplishment and a very generous gift to the agency! Thank you for providing safety, healing, positive relationships, and a better future for kids who’ve experienced abuse and neglect in our community.

Thank you for including us in your annual event, Dr. Dykes—we are so grateful for your time and generosity! In addition to the dollars raised, there were lots of folks who wanted to learn more about our work, volunteer, tour campus, attend gala, help us find high-quality foster and adoptive families, and more, so the visibility component for us was also tremendous! Thank you for helping us to educate more Central Texans about our work and ignite their own passion for giving back.

With sincere gratitude for your outstanding support,
Lauren & the ACS/SAFE Alliance Team”

Want to donate to ACS? Click here.