"3D X-Rays in Orthodontics Are a Game Changer" by Dr. Greg Jorgensen

Dr. Greg Jorgensen of Rio Rancho New Mexico sums up the advantages of 3D X-Rays.  You can read his blog at: http://ezinearticles.com/?3D-X-Rays-in-Orthodontics-Are-a-Game-Changer&id=6750113

Watch what you are drinking!

Did you know that drinks like regular & diet soda, canned iced tea & lemonades, and sports drinks can lead to tooth decay and enamel destruction?  The low pH or acidity of these drinks really harm your pearly whites!

Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body, it is still susceptible to breakdown from acids found in many foods and drinks.  The more acidic the drink is (the lower the pH), the more rapid the enamel destruction.  Tooth enamel dissolves at a pH below 5.5.  Normal pH is 7.

Here are the acidity levels of some popular drinks:
water = 7.0 (neutral pH)
brewed black coffee = 6.25
brewed black tea = 5.36
A&W Root Beer = 4.8
Diet Sprite = 3.34
Sprite = 3.27
Diet Coke = 3.22
Mountain Dew = 3.14
Gatorade = 2.95
Ginger Ale = 2.94
Diet Pepsi = 2.94
HI Punch = 2.82
Coke = 2.48
Pepsi = 2.46

Not to mention that an intake of excess calories from soda seems to be contributing to an increase in diabetes and obestiy that is occuing today in children, teenagers & adults!

The best things to drink are milk (pH of approx 6.8) and water!  Making sensible choices is an important part of maintaining your oral health, especially while you have your braces on.  At Strathcona Orthodontics we know it would be hard to impossible to cut out all of the 'fun beverages' but being aware of the ultimate cost to your teeth and overall health can help you to make informed decisions.

TURTLE SAVED WITH ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

According to The Palm Beach Post, an orthodontist from Jupiter, Florida fitted a set of braces for a sea turtle weighing over 12 stone.

Named after the wrestler André the Giant, Andre the turtle was found in June 2010 stranded on a sandbar about a mile and a half south of the Juno Beach Pier, Florida's 'Number 1 Fishing Pier'. Swimmers floated the endangered green sea turtle to shore on a boogie board and called a local marine life centre for help.

Boat propellers had gouged two holes in Andre's shell. The larger gash, about two inches deep and packed with sand, was the size of an adult forearm and the other was 'as big as a baseball' and contained a live crab.

The marine life centre staff discovered that Andre had a collapsed lung, pneumonia, an exposed spinal cord and severe infections.

Turtle experts at the centre cleaned the wound and covered it with a black foam and clear plastic to promote healing. Andre's shell was hooked up to a plastic tube that uses negative pressure to promote new skin growth and knock out infection.

Orthodontist Alberto Vargas then used orthodontic braces like bridges on either side of the wound and pushed and pulled the turtle's shell to promote growth. Each day, a key was twisted that clicked to adjust the braces. Dr Vargas coaxed the shell to expand about one inch.

'I'm not aware of this ever having been done on a turtle before,' said Dr Vargas. 'We changed the shape of [Andre's] shell, just like we change the shape of a patient's jaw.'

After 13 months of treatment, Andre is ready to be released. His skin underneath the foam, once fully exposing organs, is now hard enough to survive in the depths of the Atlantic. Green turtles grow up to about 28 stone and live 80 years.

New Braces Friendly Recipes from Across the Pond

Our faithful leader and office manager found this fantastic link to Braces Friendly Recipes.  Our thanks to NowSmile.Org and the British Orthodontic Society for posting these recipes.  Here is just a 'taste' of what you'll find on this link:

BOWL YOU OVER ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

A brace friendly, warming, nutritious and delicious recipe which can be enjoyed by the whole family, not just the brace wearer!

Ingredients
4 large leeks
6 oz (175g) butternut squash
1 large onion, peeled
1 teaspoon butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil
1½ pints (850 ml) vegetable stock
10 fl oz (275 ml) semi-skimmed milk (1% milk)
1½ tablespoons snipped chives
Salt and freshly milled (that means ground for us Canadian's!) black pepper

After washing, slice the leeks lengthways and then across into 1 inch (2.5cm) slices. Next peel and chop the onion into slices of the same size, followed by the butternut squash (there is no need to peel it first) into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes.

Turn the oven onto 400 degrees F. Toss the butternut squash in olive oil and roast on a baking tray for 45 minutes until the flesh is soft and has started to caramalise. Meanwhile melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the leeks and onions, stir them well and add some salt. Put a lid on the saucepan and, keeping the heat low, allow the vegetables to sweat and release their juices for 20 minutes.

Once it has caramalised add the roasted butternut squash to the other vegetables, add the stock and the milk and a little freshly milled pepper, then return the lid. Keep the heat low let the soup simmer very gently for another 20 minutes to allow the flavours of the vegetables to amalgamate.

Pour the soup into a blender and blend to a velvety smooth puree (you may have to do this in two or three batches, so it is good idea to have a large bowl to hand). Then return the soup to the saucepan, snip in some chives and gently re-heat without letting it boil (no more than a simmer) for a couple of minutes. Add more seasoning if you need to.

This recipe sounds good to all of us at Strathcona Orthodontics regardless of whether you have braces on or not!

Floride - Information for Health!

At Strathcona Orthodontics, we endeavour to keep patients and the public informed on topics of interest to those with braces and dental appliances, and also issues relating to your general health.
On the Alberta Dental Association and College website there are some very good articles from Alberta Health Services for the public regarding floride.  Check out 'Floride, What does the Science Say' and 'Floride Q & A's' by clicking on http://www.abda.ab.ca/youroralhealth/fluoride/tabid/94/default.aspx.  Check out the ADAandC website http://www.abda.ab.ca/ for other interesting and valuable resources.

Best Smoothie Recipes for People with Braces

Try some of these delicious smoothie's.  Smoothies are a quick and easy way to get some good vitamins and minerals when you have braces on.

PINEAPPLE BERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 pineapple rings
6 fresh strawberries
12-15 frozen raspberries
8-10 frozen boysenberries
12-15 frozen blueberries
3 oz. non-fat yogurt, any flavor
Ice (however much you prefer for consistency)

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend until smoothie consistency is reached!

Nutritional Information:Serves 1, per serving:
Fat: 0 g
Calories: aprox. 185

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

5 large strawberries
6 oz. light (reduced sugar) fat-free strawberry yogurt (frozen)
4 oz. Juice of your choice

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend until smoothie consistency is reached!

Nutritional Information:
Serves 2, per serving:
Fat: 0 g
Calories: aprox. 70


STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE


1 banana
4 strawberries
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup apple juice

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend until smoothie consistency is reached!

Nutritional Information:
Serves 2, per serving:
Fat: .5 g
Calories: aprox. 125

Halloween Tips for People with Braces

October is the American Association of Orthodontists Orthodontic Health Month. It can be a particularly challenging time of year for patients with braces and appliances to maintain good oral health and protect braces and appliances from getting into a ‘sticky situation’.
At Strathcona Orthodontics, we recommend avoiding hard, sticky and chewy candies and snacks even at Halloween. These treats can damage braces and appliances and in the long run may prolong your treatment. In addition, eating too much candy of any kind can be hazardous to your oral hygiene and can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Establishing good eating and brushing habits not only protects your teeth and oral health for a lifetime, it helps your overall health by reducing the risk of many diseases.

A good rule of thumb is to follow Strathcona Orthodontics ‘Eating with Braces’ guide:

TOO BIG TO BITE - CUT IT UP! TOO HARD TO CHEW - DON’T EAT IT!

BEEF JERKY - do not eat

BREAD CRUST/PIZZA CRUST - cut into small bites

CANDIES - do not bite! Stay clear of licorice (Twizzlers™), hard caramels etc.

CHIPS - small pieces only

GUM - sugarless only, and no bubblegum (of any kind)

ICE - do not chew

MEATS - cut from the bone

NUTS - do not eat

PENS & PENCILS - do not chew

POPCORN - do not eat the kernels

RAW FRUITS & VEGETABLES - cut into small bites.

Here are some additional tips that will help patients and parents this Halloween:

Set aside an allotted time of day to let your kids enjoy their treats, and then send them to brush and floss right away.
Only have soft snacks available to hand out to trick or treaters and family members.
Increase your brushing and flossing during Halloween.
Carefully look through your child’s treat bag to discard any of the at-risk candy on the list. Think about substituting ice cream or frozen yogurt as a treat after returning home from trick or treating.

Thanks for your comments

Strathcona Orthodontics provides a number of avenues for our patients and former patients to connect and give us feedback.  For the last 2 years we have been following patients by sending them a survey by email link at 3 time points: at the initial exam, at about mid-treatment, and when the braces are removed and retention begins.  These surveys have been extremely valuable to our office in identifying and improving processes and responding to cares and concerns.  It has also shone a light on what definately doesn't need changing. It has been an overwhelmingly positive outlet for communication.

Our Facebook page is popular especially with the younger crowd.  It is a way to keep that immediate connection to our patients, hear their feedback, and to also keep our patients and the greater community aware of what Strathcona Orthodontics is up to.  It is a fast and fun way to keep in touch.

Another way we keep in touch is with a 'comment box' that is located in our lobby.  There are comment cards easily available to leave us a quick note and this has proved to be a fast, easy and immediate method of communication.  Below are some of the comments we have received from our comment box:

I love your fish. From Dixie

I love this place!  The staff is really nice & I got my teeth straight in no time.

I like the fish tank and I really like the purple fish.  And I like the puffer up fish.  He was really cool.  Thank you.  From Carys

Very efficient

All it means to me is now pain, but the staff are nice!

Thank you for the wonderful experience.  Such kind caring staff.  Keep smiling.  I wish every place of business had employee(s) like all of you :)

I like the new changes. From Miranda

I like the fish tank and the job you guys do.

I would like to thank Dr. Carlyle and the Staff for the continued great service and personal treatment we receive.  It has been a great 3 years so far and we are looking forward to more with our youngest daughter.  Again thank you.

We also survey dentists and dental specialists in our community and surrounding area.  We find out information that helps us work more efficiently and effectively to enhance patient care.  In the last survey there were questions and feedback on everything from technology in the office to our patient care.

At Strathcona Orthodontics it's all about our patients, how we can improve and keep growing our skills to anticipate patient needs.  We welcome any and all comments and feedback. It is our opportunity to learn, grow and provide the very best for our patients!

Operation Smile & Strathcona Orthodontics

Strathcona Orthodontic patients' are able to not only redeem their well-earned 'coins' for gift cards and novelties, they can choose to donate all or some of their coins to our current fundraising project:  Operation Smile.  'Operation Smile provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe'.   Our staff has also adopted this charity and we will be hosting a fundraising event later in 2010, details will be announced here on our blog and also on our website.

Since 1982, Operation Smile's dedicated medical volunteers have donate their time and expertise to travel to areas in the world where the need is greatest and these services are unavailable.  Through their website they state that there are more than 200,000 children born each year with facial deformities. In some areas of the world these children not only face physical challenges, but also social barriers and emotional trauma.  Operation Smile provides hope for a better future for each child that they are able to treat.  You can read Operation Smile's blog on the wonderful work they are doing in Haiti and around the world.

Other charities that we support through the coin club are the Strollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton Alberta Canada, The Hope Mission, and Santa's Anonymous.  We are proud to be able to support these worthwhile charities and we thank our patients for their generous donations.

Certified Orthodontist Is Your Best Choice

With so much choice out there, it's no wonder that people can be unsure about who to see for their orthodontic needs.  At Strathcona Orthodontics we believe that a Certified Orthodontic Specialist is your best option by far.

Certified Orthodontic Specialists have their degree in dentistry, as well have trained an additional 2 to 3 years at university to receive their specialization in orthodontics.   Most orthodontists ONLY do orthodontics, and provide a needed focus and committement to patients orthodontic and oral health well being.  Certified orthodontic specialists like our doctor, Terry Carlyle, take many hours of continuing education accreditation each year to stay current with new technology and emerging trends.

Certified Orthodontic Specialists work closely with other specialists such oral surgeons, prosthodontists, endodontists, ear - nose & throat specialists, and speech therapists.  Orthodontists also keep in close contact with the patient's dentist to ensure a continuum of care during treatment.

At Strathcona Orthodontics: 'Orthodontics is our passion and patients are our priority!'

Best of Bridge Going Bananas Banana Bread

A 'Braces Friendly Recipe' from the ladies at The Best of Bridge!

This recipe is a tried and true favorite of one of our team members.  She doesn't like raisens so she just doesn't add them!  When her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease she substituted gluten free sugar, oil, baking soda, cinnamon and allspice, and used 1 3/4 cups of Celimix instead of 2 cups of flour (Celimix is a gluten free flour substitute you can find at almost any grocery store in Edmonton).

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

3/4 cup oil

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 cups mashed bananas
1/2 cup raisins

Instructions:
Set oven at 350 F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or two loaf pans. Beat sugar and eggs until creamy. Mix in oil. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and allspice. Add to creamed mixture. Mix in bananas and raisins. Pour into bundt pan and bake for 1 hour or until done. (Test with a toothpick - it should come out dry.) Turn out of pan when cool It's so moist it doesn't even need butter.

Here is a reader comment for a slightly healthier version:
Great recipe, HOWEVER, I reduce the sugar to one cup and the oil to one quarter cup plus one half cup apple sauce to make up the difference. FABULOUS and so much better for you! Try it and you will never go back!

BRACES AND ADULTS, ARE THEY AN OPTION FOR YOU?

As an adult, have you ever wondered about getting braces?  Has it been a life long question, or did you have braces as a child or teen but the results didn't last?  Do you question whether other people have to chew on only one side of their mouth, or if that space between your teeth was really important enough to close? These questions and many more are presented to us every day at Strathcona Orthodontics.  There is no one answer for everyone as each person's situation is unique. But, when you are searching for answers be sure that you are looking at the most current technology available from a Certified Orthodontic Specialist.

One thing you should know is that orthodontic technology has changed considerably over the years.   With technology that is available today including Damon Braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, there is no longer the need for outdated head gear and unnecessary tooth extractions. By using this current technology patients can expect braces that are more comfortable to wear, shorter treatment time and modern, comfortable retention appliances.

For non growing patients who require only mild to moderate orthodontic correction one option may be Invisalign or Invisalign Teen.  These are a series of clear removeable aligners that gradually move your teeth into place.  You just need to book an initial examiniation to see if you are eligible for this amazing technology.

If you require a more classic approach to orthodontics, then consider seeking out an office that uses Damon Braces, which we at Strathcona Orthodontics consider the most up to date and preeminent technology available.  Damon Braces reduce the need for removal of healthy teeth (extractions) and bulky outdated head gear.  These low-profile braces are more comfortable than conventional braces and deliver faster treatment time with fewer visits to the orthodontist. Through the latest technologies, Damon Braces ensure that through more gentle tooth movement you get the smile you have been dreaming of!  For more information on the Damon Difference™ just click on this link: www.damonbraces.com/qo2.php. 

At Strathcona Orthodontics, our doctor is a Certified Orthodontic Specialist, a Certified Damon Specialist and a Qualified Invisalign Provider.  We'd be delighted to chat with you about any of these amazing technologies and how they could help you achieve a wonderful, functional smile.

SPRING BREAK

Hurray! Spring break is finally here. If you aren't skiing or in a sunny southern spot, here are some fabulous spring break activities right here in Edmonton!

For young and old alike, there is the world famous Telus World of Science. Star gaze at the Margaret Ziegler Theatre or see what's playing at the IMAX Theatre. There are also daily Science Demonstrations. There is also so much to do and see at the Royal Alberta Museum during spring break. They are showing daily movies, puppet theatre, crafts and so much more! Why not visit our new Art Gallery of Alberta, check out their website to see the family programs available. While it is so beautiful outside, try to get out for a family walk or bike ride in our beautiful Edmonton River Valley.

It is easy to get out of the routine of brushing & flossing during a change in your schedule. If you are out and about try putting a toothbrush, paste and some floss in your backpack (use the Strathcona Orthodontics oral hygiene bag you received when you 1st got your braces on). It's even more important to be aware of foods that might loosen or remove a bracket while you are on the go. Choose your foods just as you would at home to avoid loose wires or broken brackets. Most of all remember to have a fun, safe & healthy spring break!

Braces Friendly Recipe, Easy Lemon Cake from Kraft Kitchens

Easy Lemon Cake
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
Makes: 16 PIECES

What You Need!
1 pkg. (2-layer size) lemon cake mix
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding
1-1/2 cups cold milk
3 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

Make It!
PREPARE and bake cake mix as directed on package for 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake layers. Cool completely. BEAT milk and pudding mixes with whisk 2 min. Immediately spread over tops of cake layers. STACK cake layers. Frost with Cool Whip. Keep refrigerated.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Garnish cake with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
Variation
Bake cake in 13x9-inch pan; cool. Spread with pudding mixture, then Cool Whip.

A Health Drink for your Teeth by RealAge

A Health Drink for Your Teeth
By RealAge©

"Search Which is better for your teeth -- orange juice or tea?"

"Turns out that OJ ranks right up there with soda in terms of its enamel-damaging potential. But tea's effect on teeth is like water's: It leaves enamel unscathed."

"Guard Your Teeth"
"Think of enamel as armor for your teeth. Once that armor gets worn down or damaged, it can't repair itself. That's why acidic beverages -- soda, citrus juice, sports drinks -- are so bad for your pearly whites: They contain enamel-stripping acids (phosphoric, citric, malic, and tartaric acids, to name a few). But green and black teas don't attack enamel, and they even have a bit of tooth-friendly fluoride to boot."...

"Drinks That Do No Wrong"
"Save wear and tear on your teeth with these other smart sipping strategies:
Use a straw with acidic beverages. This minimizes contact with your teeth. Or swish your mouth with water afterward.
Drink brewed tea -- and drink it straight up. If you load it up with sugar and lemon, your teeth will feel it. You might want to skip the milk, too.
Snack on natural stain removers, like apples, celery, and carrots. Here's a sweet treat that may actually be good for teeth." Strathcona Orthodontics reminds our patients to always cut up fruit and vegetable into small bites and be very careful when eating carrots, it is easy for a bracket to come loose or pop off when chewing carrots! Refer to our 'Eating with braces' link for more ideas of what foods to eat & avoid while you have braces on.

"Get the YOU Docs' advice on how to take care of your smile. Watch this video."

"RealAge Benefit:
Flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger."

References Published on 02/19/2009 Topographic and radiographic profile assessment of dental erosion. Part III: Effect of green and black tea on human dentition. Bassiouny, M. A. et al., General Dentistry 2008 Jul-Aug;56(5):451-461; quiz 462-463, 495-496.

How we Create a Beautiful Smile for You!

Creating a beautiful smile at Strathcona Orthodontics means more to us than just good looks. It means total care, including the latest in technical expertise, patient care and technology. We use state of the art braces and clear aligners to ensure a balanced and comfortable bite, maximize opportunities for continued dental hygiene, and create the confidence you seek in your new look. Each team member at Strathcona Orthodontics is committed to patient care: your care. Our group of professionals care about each patient and are dedicated to achieving the best result possible for you in a comfortable and friendly environment.


At Strathcona Orthodontics we use Damon Brackets which are proven to provide great results. These braces use 'reduced friction' which means gentler tooth movement. They eliminate the need for head gear and reduces the instance of tooth extractions. Damon Brackets also reduce the time patients wear braces, helping you achieve your goals sooner.

We also offer the Invisalign system, a series of clear aligners that carefully move your teeth over time to achieve that beautiful smile. Invisalign is an alternative for non-growing individuals who seek minimal tooth movement.

Come in and talk to us about how we can help you achieve your dream of a beautiful smile.

Eating with braces - the do's & dont's!

Sometimes it can be a challenge to stay on track with suitable foods when you have braces on. We will be posting an on-going blog at Strathcona Orthodontics with our favorite 'braces friendly' recipes. First we have a few tips from the pros!

When you first get your braces on, your teeth and gums are going to be a little tender. Remember during this time that ice cream can be considered a food group, just so long as you are getting enough good nutrition from other sources. In addition to your daily ice cream habit be sure to try milk shakes, yogurt, soup, pudding, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and pasta, apple sauce, and eggs. Booster Juice is also a great choice for a snack or meal with their fabulous assortment of delicious smoothies! You can be sure that in a very short time you will be eating more normally again.

Check out our section on Eating with Braces that will guide you through foods to avoid while you have your braces on. Some of the main culprits for breaking a bracket (braces) and winding you back up into the office for extra appointment are biting into hard candy, ice cubes, and popcorn kernels (we even see people who have a pen biting habit that aren't aware of it until a bracet pops loose!). Foods like raw fruits and vegetables, and pizza crust all need to be cut into small pieces to avoid an extra visit to the orthodontist. For all you carnivores out there, make sure you cut the meat off the bone and into small pieces before you dig in. And, stay completely away from nuts and beef jerky!

Coming up in the next Strathcona Orthodontics Blog: RECIPES FOR SUCCESS!

Introducing Strathcona Orthodontics - Creating Beautiful Smiles!

A little bit about us...Strathcona Orthodontics is located in Edmonton Alberta Canada in the heart of 'Old Strathcona', Edmonton's theatre, arts & festival district. Dr. Terry Carlyle D.D.S., M.Sc., F.R.C.D.C. has practiced orthodontics since 1977. His exceptional knowledge and skill, and his kind and generous personality has endeared him to patients and professionals alike! At Strathcona Orthodontics we are experts at creating beautiful smiles. We use state of the art Damon braces that use less friction and provide quicker & gentler tooth movement, and we are Invisalign Premier providers (clear removeable aligners).

Our office was built with our patients and our environment in mind. From an X-box video waiting area for the kids to a larger than life aquarium, we have put every effort into providing our patients and their families with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. We also used a variety of sustainable material such as bamboo, and recycled rubber flooring to lessen our carbon footprint. We are leading the way in Edmonton to becoming as paperless as possible with electronic patient charts and a number of other systems designed to lessen our impact on the environment.

At Strathcona Orthodontics, our focus is on patient care and with that in mind we have state of the art equipment including ICat Digital Imaging. This system emits less radiation and gives us the ability to see many views from a single x-ray. We are able to immediately assess jaw joint position, tooth crowding, airway, sinuses and much much more!

This is just a tidbit of information on our practice. We are looking forward to sharing more about our practice and posting blogs on current orthodontic topics. Stay tuned!