KidSwing-Mckinney Golf Tournament Article

Hello everyone, you may remember that we blogged about the KidSwing tournament earlier this summer, and we have another update for you!

Several news sites have picked up the story, and we invite you to check out the great articles on this wonderful program!

Check out these news articles:

Golf tournament gives kids, patients chance to give back (NeighborsGo)

Plano Teen's Golf Tourney Helps Dallas Hospital (CBS Channel 11)

--Wise Orthodontics

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, from Dr. Wise

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps,

--Wise Orthodontics

Dr. Wise and His Smiles on Wheels Service

We at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics know how important a beautiful, healthy smile is. That is why we work with the Texas Dental Association and their Smiles on Wheels program to bring dental care to people who otherwise might not be able to afford it. Watch this great video as Joyce goes through the process of gaining access to some of the best dental care throughout Texas.

Dr. Wise Shares A Little Bit About SureSmile

At Wise Orthodontics, we are committed to bringing you the latest in orthodontic technology. That is why we offer SureSmile. Here's the way SureSmile works. A highly accurate 3-D model of your teeth is created by using advanced 3-D CBCT imaging technology. The “models” are digitally rendered and available to us for treatment planning and manipulation.

With the 3-D model, we can now see the teeth and how they fit together from any angle. Suresmile Treatment Planning software provides virtual simulation tools that allow us to determine the final position of the teeth and the most effective plan for their unique treatment needs. Restorative issues, implant placement, aesthetic concerns can all be visualized in 3-D on the computer screen.

Once their treatment plan is determined, the SureSmile robot bends a shape-memory alloy archwire according to our precise prescription. This wire is designed to deliver gentle forces to move the teeth consistently and directly to the desired finishing position. No more trial and error from conventional orthodontic mechanics.

With SureSmile orthodontic treatment, getting braces isn’t what it used to be. Our patients get outstanding results in less time with this remarkable technology: They generally spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits, experience reduced pain, and enhanced results. Thanks

Dr. John Wise, Dr. Doug Jensen and Team

Dr. Wise Shares Moving Experiences Of His Work With The Smiles Foundation

Dr. Wise works with the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. Here is what he says about his work:

My participation in TDASF has been one of the most meaningful of my professional career. By giving back our special talents, we can help others who are greatly in need. And the more we give, the more we get back. It’s a great thing. Most dental providers who volunteer their time are amazed at how much they get back from their patients. The love and deep caring that is shared is truly remarkable.

Check out the short about a patient we treated at a TMOM in Laredo. The story appeared in a 2008 version of Orthodontic Products Magazine.


As an orthodontist at a TMOM, they don’t let us do too much. The program leaders try to keep the needles and sharp instruments out of our hands. Instead, we are many times asked to help triage patients, act as runners, interpret dental code, or remove the occasional periodontally involved tooth with cotton gauze. Imagine my surprise when I was asked to head up the removable prosthesis department at the Laredo TMOM this past Spring. I think my experience grinding on plastic retainers and delivering orthodontic appliances swayed them over. WOW! I was in charge of an entire department at one of the most anticipated TMOM’s in TDA history. (Later I found out that I was the only possible choice since no one else wanted to do it).

On the Thursday before the event, I was charged to set up the lab area. Like any good planner, I wanted to see what my assets and challenges were. I knew that a few folks would be having front teeth removed, and I wanted to be ready to make them a beautiful replacement that would last them for many years. I was shown the lab equipment consisting of a Dremel from home depot, a few alginate and stone mixing bowls, 2 wax spatulas, different acrylic choices (mostly reline material for dentures), some separating medium and about 50 plastic teeth- but only 3 color choices. Turns out, my assets were my challenges!

So I went to work setting up the lab, knowing that the next day would be very busy. Opening boxes and organizing the work area, I found what I needed to make things functional. All I needed was some electricity to make my Dremel go. Thank goodness Dr. Richard Smith from Amarillo had a long extension cord and some duct tape. We made it work.

Friday opened with a bang. Things were a little crazy since we had a shortage of doctors, but no shortage of patients. The local Catholic and Methodist churches had made sure that we were going to be busy. So instead of making flippers, I was sent to a chair to remove some teeth. I told them, “only the really easy ones”. I was rewarded with a young woman who was experienced in having teeth removed, and her decayed and thankfully mobile teeth came out fairly easily. We made friends, shared a hug and parted after only one and a half hour in the clinic. By now, some more docs were arriving so they kindly asked me to go to the lab where I could start making the flippers.

Several alginate impressions had already shown up, and I was ready to go. That’s when I realized that my partner for the day would be none other than Dr. Richard Black from El Paso. Rick is also an orthodontist and at that time our TDA President. I was indeed in good company. And what made it better was that he had done this job before. He had made flippers in Burnett back in the Fall with a local lab technician. Remembering him from that Hill Country TMOM, all covered with acrylic dust and pumice, I began to realize why the orthodontists were asked to be “lab guys” . PAYBACK!

But no worries- we went to work pouring up models and making them ready for replacement teeth. One of my first cases was some teeth with Lupita’s name attached. Apparently Lupita had to have her two front teeth removed (that’s numbers 8 and 9 to those of you who are following along). I very carefully selected the teeth from my supply. Thankfully we had a color that the treating dentist thought would match- shade 1 of our 3 choices. We had a couple of teeth that required some grinding and reshaping to make fit. After a few minutes and several chances to chase down a spinning and out-of-control plastic tooth on the clinic floor (“Did anyone see where that tooth went?”), I was able to set the tooth in the arch and I started adding acrylic. And adding, and adding, and adding. Apparently, the acrylic I had was not ideally suited for what we were doing here. But within a few minutes we had what looked like a nice stable appliance- even though it looked a little thick to me.

I set the stone model and plastic flipper aside and started on my next set of teeth. After several minutes, I checked to see how the acrylic on Lupita’s model was doing. Still kind of soft. More time passed. Still soft. Uh oh. This may take a while. After about 2 ½ hours, we had a firm set to the plastic and I started trying to remove it from the model. Anyone who has ever made one of these things knows that the weak spot is right where the teeth are. You must be really careful to make sure that your artwork doesn’t break while trying to separate it from the model. Now, please remember my assets. It’s tough to separate a ¼ inch thick acrylic flipper from a model with only a wax spatula and a Dremel. A few nerve racking minutes later (“Was that cracking sound my flipper or was it the stone model?”), I had it loose and started polishing it. With my Dremel from home depot. And no pumice. And only the “polishing wheels” that come from Home Depot. Challenges and assets!

The flipper finally was finished. And because of its thickness, I think it will last this Lupita until the next decade. Still not having met my patient I asked the treating dentist why Lupita had to have the teeth removed. The rest of her teeth looked pretty good as far as I could tell from the model. No cavities visible, no major issues. He let me know that the teeth had been cracked and were discoloring badly and causing her great pain. Oh well, Lupita would return on Saturday and we would see what was going on. I just knew that my “Home Depot Special” flipper would have to “make do”.

Saturday morning arrived and the clinic started to fill up. More and more patients had heard about TMOM from friends. “Free dental care” to all who cared to come out was probably the buzz in Laredo. We eventually treated over 750 people that weekend. We met part of a tremendous need in an area of the state that I had never before experienced. These were some of the kindest people I had ever met. Appreciative to a fault, but very little English was being spoken. And I still had not met Lupita.

Now, I mentioned earlier that the Catholic church had helped us get the word out about our Laredo TMOM. The day before, I had the pleasure of meeting Sister Rosemary and many of her co-workers. They were on site all weekend lending a hand and watching us care for the throngs. Sister Rosemary had an infectious smile with lots of gold showing in the back, a dark tan covering her freckled face, a wiry build and a few wrinkles displaying her years of service to her adopted community. She was clearly not of hispanic descent. But this was her home, and these were her people. Think “Mother Teresa” of Laredo. That’s Sister Rosemary.

Sometime before noon, I started noticing a young family. A mid-thirties hispanic woman, two young boys with dazzling smiles and lots of energy, and a young man standing off to the side. Turns out, that was Lupita, her husband and boys. They had returned to get her flipper. Well, I was ready. I seated her in my “dental” chair (actually a regular chair from the local civic center), removed the flipper from its Ziploc package and admired it in my hands. What a beautiful flipper! The boys were very curious. They were looking at Lupita’s new teeth with great interest, and concern. Lupita was trying to smile, but not really. She was covering her mouth with her hand and looking away most of the time. I could notice some left-over healing going on from the previous day’s surgery on her two front teeth. A large, dark hole was present in the middle of her “smile”. Something had been taken away from Lupita.

Sister Rosemary was close by and helping me with instructions and communicating with Lupita. She spoke very little English. With Sister Rosemary’s help, I was able to introduce Lupita to her new front teeth. Her boys were still watching closely- very concerned. As the flipper went in her mouth for the first time, I asked Lupita to check for rough areas and sharp spots. The teeth had excellent retention (probably because it was so thick!), and man did it look great. The treating dentist had matched the color perfectly, and the shape and size of the teeth seemed to fit beautifully in her mouth. As I handed Lupita the mirror for the first time, I could see her boys’ eyes light up. They could see, too, how great that flipper looked. Lupita stared into the mirror and then the smile broke out across her face. A few words in Spanish came flowing out, and I stood back and admired my work. And the tears began to come. Lupita was crying and smiling at the same time. Her boys were laughing again. Lupita’s smile was back! The husband stood to the side with his arms crossed and showing very little interest.

Lupita made her way to the check out area where she could receive some more basic instructions as well as some dental care supplies- toothpaste, brushes, floss, etc. Sister Rosemary was there helping with the Spanish-English interpretation. And then, the two of them came back to my lab area. Sister Rosemary told me that Lupita wanted to thank me personally. And better yet, she wanted to thank me in English. Apparently, Lupita was trying very hard to learn some English phrases, and she wanted to use them today. So, with Sister Rosemary’s arm around her shoulder, Lupita began telling me how much she appreciated my being there to help her and how much she thought of all of the dentists who came to her town. It was all spoken in broken English and a halting tempo, but a more heartfelt and beautiful “thanks” I have never received. When she was done, she reached for my neck to give me a hug. With more tears flowing- mine and hers- she whispered in my ear “Thank you” and kissed my cheek before she left.

I watched her walk away and wondered what her life must be like. What sort of happiness can she find in this world? Sister Rosemary was there next to me, and she began to tell me Lupita’s story. When Lupita had returned from TMOM the night before, her boys had been very upset in seeing their mom’s smile in ruin. The bright and shining smile that I had witnessed only minutes before had disappeared. Lupita’s boys were very concerned. Lupita knew that some sort of help was coming today, but she did not completely understand what it would be. So in seeing her smile return, Lupita and her boys were absolutely thrilled.

And the broken and cracked front teeth? Well in addition to helping at TMOMs, Sister Rosemary is also a counselor at a local women’s shelter. She and Lupita had met months before after Lupita’s husband had once again lashed out in anger at her. The young man standing to the side showing little interest in Lupita’s new smile was her abusing husband and those were their children. Lupita was at our TMOM to restore her smile, but she was also on the road to restoring her life. With Sister Rosemary’s help, the abusing, disinterested husband would be removed from Lupita’s life. And very soon.

On hearing this story and more clearly understanding Lupita’s life, I was speechless, and choked up. The tears were coming again, and Sister Rosemary looked at me- right in the eye- and told me, “Thank you. Your special gift and the talent of all of these dentists has changed Lupita’s life and affected the lives of hundreds like her here in Laredo. Thank you.” And after that, drained and speechless, I returned to my acrylic and began polishing the next flipper for the next Lupita. And in my mind I said, “Thank you, Sister Rosemary and the city of Laredo. And may God Bless Lupita.”


**Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM’s) are supported by charitable donations made to the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. Supported by 100% of TDA members in our state, “The Smiles Foundation” reaches out to communities in need by bringing dental and local volunteers together a few times a year to change people’s lives- one smile at a time. Please support “The Smiles Foundation” with your time, your treasure, your passion, or your special gifts. Thank you.

Wise Orthodontics Working With The Texas Dental Associations' Smiles On Wheels

Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics work with the Texas Dental Association to bring smiles to people throughout Texas. Watch this video of one of the women who benefits from their work.

Wise Orthodontics Helps KidSwing McKinney Get Into Full Swing

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen of Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics are gearing up for KidSwing McKinney!

The KidSwing Golf Tournament has two locations, one in McKinney and one in Dallas.

In 2003, founder Ben Sater wanted to raise money for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital after he realized that they do not charge patient families for care. The tournaments have already raised more than $660,000 for the hospital! Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics want to raise awareness in the community for this great event. Watch this video clip on Good Morning Texas with Ben Sater.

Dr. John Wise And His Work With Smiles On Wheels and the TDA Smiles Foundation

Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics work with the Texas Dental Association and their Smiles On Wheels program to provide dental care to underserved community members. Watch this great video to see the work that they are doing!

Dr. Wise Volunteers with the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation

Dr. John Wise serves on the development committee for the board of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to relieve immediate pain and restore smiles across Texas. They achieve this by bringing together volunteers from all over the state to donate their professional dental services.

Dr. John Wise donates his time to this amazing organization. Read his testimonial below about the work he does and stay tuned over the coming weeks to learn more about actual cases and see videos of the organization at work.

My participation in TDASF has been one of the most meaningful of my professional career. By giving back our special talents, we can help others who are greatly in need. And the more we give, the more we get back. It’s a great thing. Most dental providers who volunteer their time are amazed at how much they get back from their patients. The love and deep caring that is shared is truly remarkable.

Dr. John Wise

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen Travel to Boston for the AAO Convention

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen of Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics attended the AAO meeting in Boston. We attended the final lecture of Dr. Vince Kokich, widely considered the finest interdisciplinary teacher of all time. As usual, his material was first rate. Attendees gave him a standing ovation. Also at the AAO were several excellent lectures on cone beam CT imaging. The 3D scans render unparalleled views of teeth and jaw structure. Our office has been using CBCT for over a year now, and we are proud to be offering this advanced diagnostic service to our patients. SureSmile also uses CBCT to treat cases faster and with fewer appointments. We are a SureSmile practice!!

Lots of history was seen in Boston. The Wises traveled to Quincy to see the Adams Family tour. John and John Quincy Adams were actually two of our early presidents who were born in the same house!! But the real force behind their success was John’s wife and John Quincy’s mother, Abigail. She and John reside for all eternity in the stone church on the main square in downtown Quincy. What a sight.

The Freedom Trail was another grand tour we took. The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed’s Hill!! I had no idea. No mistake was made; the soldiers in charge just figured (rightly) that Breed’s Hill would be a better hill to defend. And they were right. We lost the battle, but our strong showing helped us win the war against Great Britain.

Join Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics for KidSwing-McKinney 2009!

Get your golf clubs ready! KidSwing McKinney is back in swing!

The 2009 KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament is on Monday, July 13!

Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is already open! So register online as soon as possible.

Shotgun start is at 9 a.m.

We hope you will join Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics at this year's KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament to help raise money for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Tooth Fairy with Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics

At Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics, we know that losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project we found a little while back at Dr. Wise's office that helps make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
--I large empty match box
--Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
--Ribbon
--Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
--Markers
--White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
--Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Gummy Tummy -- Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen!

When is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? -- Dr. Wise Explains

Lots of you have asked us at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at Wise Orthodontics or Stonebridge Orthodontics and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

SureSmile: The Difference is the Technology -- Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics

You may know that we use the SureSmile system at Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics, but you may not know the difference between SureSmile and conventional orthodontic treatment. We’re proud of offering you the latest in orthodontic technology, and we want to be sure you understand exactly what that means!

From start to finish, our SureSmile system is different. Here’s how:

Step One: Identification of Initial Tooth Position

With traditional orthodontics, x-rays are taken and plaster molds of your mouth are made.

With SureSmile, we scan your mouth and teeth with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached which creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth. This model is uploaded into special software that lets us view your mouth and teeth from any angle.

Step Two: Treatment Plan Development

With traditional orthodontics, your treatment plan unfolds over time, as your doctor adjusts your braces and reviews your progress during regular office visits.

With SureSmile, we create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire prescription.

Step Three: Archwire Placement

With traditional orthodontics, your doctor places your archwires on your teeth and adjusts them as needed throughout the course of treatment.

With SureSmile, robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires which can “remember” your prescription. All the adjustments are made to the archwire before we place it in your mouth.

Results

With SureSmile's specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their target positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

If you have questions about SureSmile, give us a call at Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics.

Understanding Cavities from Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

--Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
--Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
--Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
--Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
--Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up
--And for all your orthodontic needs, visit Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics.

Dairy Helps Your Teeth -- From Wise Orthodontics

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at Wise Orthodontics.

The Truth About George Washington's Dentures

You may have heard that the first president of the United States, George Washington, wore dentures made of wood. You probably also learned that the future leader chopped down a coveted cherry tree when he was a boy, and – displaying strong character at an early age – refused to lie about the deed when confronted by his angry father.

While both of these are wonderful tales involving George Washington and wood, neither story is actually rooted in fact. Indeed, the cherry tree story was fabricated by author Mason Locke Weems, in an 1800 biography of Washington. It is not evident how the far-reaching but fictitious wooden dentures legend originated.

George Washington did wear dentures, but contrary to popular belief, they were not made of wood (cherry or otherwise). According to the Associated Press, a team of researchers performed laser scans on a set of Washington's dentures in 2005 at the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, and identified their contents as ivory, gold, lead, and human teeth.

Washington suffered from painful dental problems throughout his adult life, resulting in the loss of all his teeth but one – reportedly a lower left bicuspid – at the time of his inauguration at age 57. Over time he was fitted with several sets of dentures, most by renowned denture-maker John Greenwood. Although the president's dentures certainly represented the best technology available at the time, Washington was often in pain, and frequently had to make adjustments to keep his dentures functioning properly.

Dental technology and oral health have come a long way since the American Revolution. Were our first president around today, he likely would have avoided dentures. Here are some tips for those would-be Washingtons out there on how to keep your natural teeth:

* Brush and floss daily. Lack of regular care can lead to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
* Visit us at Wise Orthodontics! We'll let you know, based on the condition of your teeth and gums, how often you should make appointments. Regular professional cleanings are important to keeping your teeth healthy, and we can often pinpoint trouble areas (gum recession, cavities, and more) before you can see or feel them.
* If you have already lost a few teeth, consider partial dentures instead of a full set. The more natural teeth you can keep, the better off you are.
* If you do need replacements, remember that dental implants are growing in popularity. Because they are permanently fixed to your jaw, implants feel and act more like natural teeth. (In other words, you don't have to worry about losing them when you bite into a crunchy apple.)

And the next time you look at a dollar bill, remember: there's a reason old George isn't smiling. Now go brush your teeth!

Getting Braces Goes High Tech With SureSmile and Wise Orthodontics

Getting braces just got a whole lot better with Wise Orthodontics! Now our patients can look forward to shorter treatment times and a more comfortable experience with braces.

That's thanks to SureSmile, an innovative treatment process that helps us guide your teeth into place with a new standard of speed and efficiency. This truly modern process involves several different types of advanced technology, giving you a superior experience from start to finish.

Better Pre-Treatment Assessment

We'll introduce you to our new technology at your very first appointment, when we take digital images of your teeth by moving a tiny digital scanner attached to a wand around the inside of your mouth. The scanner wand is more effective – not to mention more fun – than the traditional panoramic x-ray machine. Our new software combines these digital images to create a precise, three-dimensional model of your teeth.

Better Treatment Planning

Once your "digital mouth" is stored on our computers, we can manipulate your 3-D digital teeth into their final, correct positions. Our new software helps us plot the most effective route for each tooth to take toward its post-treatment position.

Better Braces Engineering

Based on our specifications, the new computer system designs a unique archwire for your teeth. Our software then conveys this design to robotic hands that bend your archwire into a precise, customized shape. The archwire material is a patented metal called "Shape Memory Alloy" – named for its ability to retain the special shape we design for you.

An Improved Orthodontic Experience

The technology-aided planning process, plus the exclusive ability of robots to shape archwire precisely, means that your teeth will move more quickly and efficiently into their final placement – requiring fewer adjustments during treatment. This means fewer trips to our office and less pain for you. Isn't technology great?

We are excited to be tapping into the future of orthodontics with this new system, and we look forward to providing you with a better experience because of it. Give us a call at Wise Orthodontics to schedule a consultation!

Make a Date with Your Dentist -- Wise Orthodontics

You water the garden three times a week, you change your car's oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.

When you visit your dentist's office, your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning than your daily brushing can provide. Regular visits help your dentist detect and/or prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you'll need to see your dentist more often. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, smoking and other tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), and how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.

Make sure your teeth get the (professional) attention they deserve – check with your dentist's staff at your next appointment to find out how often they need to check and clean your teeth!

Wise Orthodontics is your spot for orthodontic care in Frisco and McKinney, Texas. Give us a call to schedule a consultation and see if orthodontic treatment is right for you.