The Summer in Photos, From Wise Orthodontics

We had a blast this summer at Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics. Take a look at all the fun times we had in the photos section of our Facebook page. If you have photos to share about your summer adventures, become a fan of Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics on Facebook and post them on our wall!

Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics Around the Web

If you've ever visited us at Wise Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Wise and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Wise Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a "fan" of Wise Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--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

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection, from Dr. Wise

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Wise Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Wise Orthodontics

KidSwing McKinney Golf Tournament - Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics

Dr. Wise was recently involved in the KidSwing - McKinney Golf Tournament to benefit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The fundraiser was an enormous success, with 104 players, almost $20,000 raised and one girl raising $2,500 by herself! Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics were a sponsor of the event, and here is what Dr. Wise, the chair of the fundraiser, had to say to the participants:

Dear Friends-

I wanted to thank you personally for entering your child in the recent KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament benefitting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. What a great day we had raising money for one of the greatest places on earth!! TSRHC never charges a patient for care, and they rely on events like these to make their hospital the best it can be.

So many people have been touched by TSRHC. Over the years, as I tell people about our fundraising efforts, they instantly light up and tell a great story about themselves or someone they know who was cared for there. It’s a wonderful thing to teach your children about the joys of giving back. Teamwork, community spirit and helping others- that’s what KidSwing is all about.

I hope you enjoyed your time with us last week. I know I enjoyed being the host and chairman of the event. Please plan on joining us next year for more fun in the sun. Once the date is set, we’ll reach out to you to let you know so you can plan your calendar. We want each year to get bigger and better, so make sure you tell your friends and neighbors all about it.

If any of you are interested in stepping up your involvement by participating on our adult or kid’s committee, please reply to this email or call us at the numbers listed below, and let us know. We’d be thrilled to have you on our team for next year.

See you soon. Keep smiling, and keep telling everyone about KidSwing!!!

Thanks again-

--Dr. John Wise

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth - Frisco, TX

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!