We’ve seen a big uptick recently in broken braces, wires and appliances. I wanted to write this week, from an orthodontist’s perspective, about some causes of breakage as well as the potential consequences of these problems.

Several years ago, with the help of my assistants, I treated myself with braces. Yes, I was my own orthodontic patient! I had braces from molar to molar, top and bottom. I was coaching my son’s baseball team one early, cold morning in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I didn’t have time to grab breakfast at the hotel, so I threw a protein bar in my bag. I started to get hungry mid-way through the game, so I pulled out the protein bar, which by now was really hard because of the cold. I bit into it with my back teeth and at once felt two braces break off my molars. What in the world was I thinking? I was my own orthodontist breaking my own rules!

I share this experience so you know that I understand how easy it is to forget the rules and eat hard or sticky food. All excuses aside though, the person who is affected the most from broken “parts” is the patient. Here are the main causes of breakage:

1. Eating hard or sticky foods
2. Biting on pens, pencils or other hard objects
3. Flossing incorrectly

Some might think, “It’s ok if I break my braces. Dr. Coleman will just put them back on.” But not so fast! Let me explain.

Orthodontic treatment is a game of progression. We start with light, gentle forces on the teeth using small, thin wires. As the teeth straighten, we progress to stronger, heavier wires. If a patient breaks a brace or appliance, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to get that brace or appliance back on the tooth in the perfect position to allow that strong, heavy wire to go through the braces again. The only choice we have at this point is to step back to that thin, light wire again. Doing this can delay treatment completion by anywhere from one to three months!

We really strive to run on time in the office. We know your time is valuable and we always want to respect that. When we set up a patient’s appointment, it’s not practical to add 15 minutes to that appointment to allow for fixing broken parts. It’s difficult to complete each patient’s planned procedures plus taking time for these repairs. So, in other words, it gets us behind in our daily schedule and people end up waiting.

As I mentioned above, I know that accidents happen. And I’m perfectly aware that sometimes things break and it’s no fault of the patient whatsoever. If we can all just remember to be very careful with what and how we eat, what we bite and chew, and be careful not to get floss caught on any braces, wires or appliances, I believe we can cut breakage in half. This would result in at least half of our patients finishing treatment on or even ahead of schedule.

I want to thank all of you for being a part of our practice. We truly appreciate and value the relationship we have with our patients and their families. We think we have the best job ever! As the school year ends, we wish you a great summer break. Have fun and be careful and we look forward to seeing you in the office again soon! And remember – if you’re looking into braces or clear aligners for yourself or a family member, summers get busy in the office. You’ll want to get your appointment scheduled as soon as you can. Call our office at 801-614-9090 to set up your free consultation.

Keep Smiling,
Dr. Coleman

The post How Would You Like To Get Your Braces Off Sooner? first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

Studies show that 20-25% of patients who complete orthodontic treatment don’t wear their retainers as prescribed. That’s a lot of wasted money! We don’t like seeing this any more than you do! In my years as an orthodontist, I’ve learned that there are several reasons why some people struggle with retainers in general. Here are a few:

-This retainer is uncomfortable.
-I talk funny when I wear them.
-I don’t like the way the wire goes across my front teeth.
-I don’t want to take the time to get a new one.
-I don’t want to spend the money on a new one.
-My dog ate my retainer…

And the list goes on. So, we’ve been thinking and talking in the office recently; what could we do to ease the challenge of keeping teeth straight for a lifetime? How could we make retainer wear as comfortable, convenient, affordable and simple as possible?

I’m excited to announce that we’ve come up with a great idea that we believe is the answer to resolving the famous retainer struggles, except for the one, “My dog ate my retainer.” Unfortunately, we can’t help you with that!

Over the next month, we’ll be rolling out this new lifetime retention program for all new patients who start treatment and all existing patients currently in comprehensive treatment. We really want to offer the best way possible to protect your investment. We’ll be sharing more details in our blogs, emails, social media and office displays in the coming weeks, and plan to begin offering this program by mid-March. Until then…

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Coleman

The post How Would You Like a Hassle-Free Way To Keep Your Teeth Straight for a Lifetime? first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

“I am a 40-year-old woman and mom of four kids, who just finished her Invisalign treatment with Coleman Orthodontics and I could not be happier. 

I spent the past 10 years unhappy with my smile. Whenever I looked at pictures, all I noticed was the crookedness of my teeth. I also noticed as I was getting older, they were getting worse.

 I knew there were options, but they felt overwhelming, difficult to maintain and impractical for my stage of life.  I worried about so many things; would it be painful? Would it be difficult to take them out and put them in? How would I look as an adult with “retainers”? Could I keep track of the Invisalign with the busyness of my day? Could I fit another appointment into my life? Would I like how they turned out? 

It took 14 months to complete. The Invisalign aligners were not painful. They were easy to take in and out. I kept the case in my purse and had no problem while I was out and about removing them and putting them back in. I barely noticed them when I had them on; they were very comfortable. 

Dr. Coleman was so amazing to work with. He listened to my concerns and was so easy to work with. His staff is also amazing. I could always find an appointment that worked, I never had to wait and they got me in and out quickly and efficiently. I never had any issues or concerns arise, but I knew if I did, they would be available. I couldn’t believe how great my Invisalign treatment was. My only wish was to have done it sooner. 

I have absolutely loved my new smile and I’m so grateful to Dr. Coleman and his staff.”

The experience that Wendy had in our practice embodies what we strive for every day as a team. We believe that the process of creating each unique smile should be fun, rewarding and life-changing. We really are passionate about building lasting relationships and exceeding expectations. As a patient in our practice, you are more than just a person to us – you are part of us. We invite you to enjoy the kind of experience Wendy shared. Schedule a free consultation to learn about how we can help! Call us at 801-614-9090.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Coleman

The post One Patient’s Story Navigating Adult Orthodontics With Aligners first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

I was talking with the mother of one of our teen orthodontic patients the other day and she asked me this question. It surprised me and made me realize that we have not done a good enough job informing people about the many options that we offer here at Coleman Orthodontics to create life-changing smiles.  

The post Do You Use Aligners In Your Office To Treat Patients? first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

Here are a few reasons why more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment:

1. Aesthetic Concerns: Adults are more conscious of appearance than ever. Misaligned teeth can affect confidence and self-esteem. Many of our adult patients are parents of kids who have completed treatment in our office and they love their kids’ confident smiles.
2. Health Benefits: Beyond aesthetics, straightening your teeth can have significant oral and general health benefits. Misaligned teeth can lead to issues such as jaw pain, chewing problems, and even digestive problems. By opting for orthodontic treatment, adults can improve their oral health and overall well-being.
3. Advancements in Technology: Traditional metal braces are no longer the only option. Innovative technologies have made it possible for the use of alternatives like clear aligners (such as Invisalign®) and ceramic, tooth-colored braces. These options provide effective results but make it more comfortable with reduced visibility.

Take a look at one of our adult patients. Kim just had her braces removed a few weeks ago. She never had considered braces until she noticed so many people leaving our office with such amazing smiles!

Orthodontic treatment for adults is not just about achieving a straighter smile; it’s about embracing change and investing in one’s overall well-being. Kim loves her new smile and recently told me, “I’m glad I made the decision to do something for myself to increase my confidence and improve my smile!” With a variety of options available, adults can now choose the treatment that best fits their lifestyle and preferences. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, call Coleman Orthodontics to explore the possibilities and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Keep Smiling and Merry Christmas!

Dr. Coleman

The post ‘‘I Never Thought My Smile Could Look So Good!” first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.

Most kids from the ages of 7-10 years old don’t need braces or other orthodontic treatment. But kids whose dental problems fall into certain categories can definitely benefit from early orthodontic treatment and many difficult problems can be solved or alleviated with orthodontic intervention. Some of these problems include:

• Crowding of the upper and lower front teeth
• Crossbites
• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Breathing and airway problems
• Jaw growth problems

Orthodontists are experts in the early diagnosis of orthodontic problems in children. In our office, we use high-tech digital X-rays to see the upper and lower jaws and all of the teeth, even the permanent ones that haven’t come in yet. Many problems go undiagnosed without these special X-rays. You might think your child has perfect baby teeth and a cute smile and won’t need to see an orthodontist until all those baby teeth come out. But you never know what problems a child might have sitting right underneath those perfect baby teeth.

Consultations in our office are free. And no, you don’t need to have a referral from your dentist to make an appointment or be seen for a consultation. These appointments take about an hour and you’ll leave well-informed and with a plan going forward, whether that means treatment now or well into the future.

So, the short answers:

• “When should my child be seen by an orthodontist?” Age 7 is ideal.
• “Isn’t my child too young to have braces then?” No, but only if they have certain problems.

I am a firm believer that the best early treatment is to do nothing. I am also a firm believer that the best early treatment is to do something if there is a very good reason to do so. If you have any questions about early orthodontic treatment or otherwise, please call our office. We are passionate about helping people understand more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Coleman

The post What Is The Right Age For My Child To See An Orthodontist? first appeared on Coleman Orthodontics.