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!

Phase One Treatment - and Why It's Important!

Why do I need two “phases” of treatment? What is a “phase one” of a two-phase treatment? Why do orthodontists offer phase one orthodontics?

These are three of the most common questions we get about two-phase treatment. The answers to these questions are simple, and phase one treatment has over 50 years of proof that it is a successful and effective way to treat orthodontic patients!

At Wise Orthodontics we believe in the effectiveness of phase one treatment, and we model our phase one treatments after the studies and protocols of Dr. James McNamara’s work at the University of Michigan. The details of our phase one treatments are of course handled individually on a case-by-case basis. No two patients are the same, and neither are their treatments!

The key to phase one orthodontic treatment is to evaluate and diagnose a patient for treatment at an early age. While there is no “right” age for a person to start their orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists does recommend that a patient receive their first consultation around the age of seven.

Here is a breakdown of a typical orthodontic consultation for phase one treatment:

1) Review of current radiographs
a. Panoramic films should be made roughly every two years during the mixed dentition stage
b. More frequent films are requested irrespective of insurance if a particular issue arises
c. FMX’s and bitewings while helpful, do not typically give a “big picture view” that is acceptable for most ortho planning

2) Clinical evaluation
a. Counting of the teeth to confirm presence/absence of teeth at each stage of development
b. Occlusal analysis- Overbite/overjet, upper and lower midlines, molar relationship (A/P and transverse), crowding, functional shifts
c. Exfoliation tracking- symmetry and sequence
d. Oral hygiene and soft tissue overview
e. Occlusal wear patterns review
f. Photographs when needed to document, treatment plan and/or assist in communication with patient or parent

3) Counseling of parent/child on the development process and the importance of regular dental visits

4) New appointment made anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 months depending on circumstances of the development process



Phase one treatment is designed for three things:

• Prevention - to prevent current problems from getting worse

• Interception - to intercept and correct current problems

• Modification - to modify the growth and structure of the jaw

Our practice is geared up to handle this service and to do so in a productive way. We find that as patients are made aware of the improvements from preventive orthodontics, they are likely to want to proceed with the recommended treatment. If you have any questions about phase one treatment, or any other orthodontic treatments that we provide, please let us know! Also, visit our web site where you can read about the different treatments we provide and learn more about orthodontics for you or your child.

Fun and Games at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics

At Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics, you will find the latest magazines, movies, interactive video games and numerous rewarding contests. Perhaps more important to our patients is the attitude and interaction of everyone in the office. Dr. Wise, Dr. Jensen and our staff pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know our patients by name and treat each one like family.

Our patients at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics understand and respond positively to this approach because it is genuine. We care about our patients. In fact, many of our new patients come to us through referrals by their friends, family and classmates.

We also reward our patients with “Lonestar Bucks” which are earned by keeping up proper oral hygiene, making regular visits to your general dentist, taking care of your braces and making noticeable progress in your treatment. You can spend your earned “Lonestar Bucks” on a variety of great prizes, and you will also be helping the less fortunate in our community:

“We have been a part of Collin County since 1992, so our patients are our friends and neighbors. We are grateful for what this community has given us, and we are always happy to return the favor whenever we can.”

We love supporting our patients' fund-raising events and are honored to be the sponsor of many sports teams and service organizations. You can help us help the less fortunate in our community. Ask about our Community Rewards Program that lets you contribute to a local charity of your choice. So, by straightening your teeth, you will be helping a worthy cause. For details on how our Community Rewards Program works simply contact our office today.

Get to Know Dr. John Wise, Your Frisco Texas Orthodontist

"Part of being a great orthodontist is being a life-long student. I'm always learning about the latest technical advancements and new research about dental and orthodontic health."

Dr. Wise combines an outstanding orthodontic education with a drive for excellence and new understanding. He's always looking for the best new technologies; for example, Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics was one of the first in Collin County to offer Invisalign®. Dr. Wise received his DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry and completed his Orthodontic Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, is a certified Invisalign provider, and is a guest lecturer at Texas Women's University and Collin County Community College.

"I always ask myself, 'What would I want if I were a patient here?'"

Dr. Wise strives to provide thoughtful patient care, and the results show in his comfortable waiting room, cheerful treatment area, and patient-centered practice. His patients know that he will explain every phase of their treatment and make sure they're comfortable every step of the way.

"We always keep a personal touch. For example, all of our patients have their own 'personal orthodontic assistant' throughout their time with us. That's not only better for the patients, it's better for us - we get a lot of personal satisfaction out of building those relationships."

Dr. Wise has ties to North Texas beyond being Frisco's first orthodontist. He is a 4th-generation native Texan, married to his high-school sweetheart. Dr. Carol Wise is the Director of Molecular Genetics at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. They have two children, Ben and Madeline, who keep their parents busy with sports, music, and school activities.

Dr. Wise founded the Rite to Smile Golf Classic and is a former president of the University of Texas Orthodontic Alumni Association and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and 4th District Dental Society.

Personal Care from Beginning to End: What to Expect on Your First Visit to Wise Orthodontics

In our special practice, each patient is assigned their very own “Smile Team”

Moments after you arrive in our office for your consultation appointment, our treatment coordinator will greet you, take you on a tour of our office and make you comfortable in our examination room. Once she has reviewed your paperwork with you, she will welcome in Dr. Wise or Dr. Jensen. Your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and explain your overall orthodontic treatment needs in order to ensure common goals, an exceptional outcome and eliminate all surprises. The more patients know about their teeth, the more comfortable they are with their treatment. After your examination is complete and your treatment is outlined for you, the treatment coordinator will answer any further questions you may have and discuss your financial arrangements. If it is determined that you are ready for care, you can begin that day. You then meet your “Personal Smile Trainer” who works hand-in-hand with Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen at each appointment to keep your orthodontic care comfortable, fun and efficient from beginning to end. Your team is now complete- a highly trained orthodontic specialist, your treatment coordinator, and your “Personal Smile Trainer”.

Toothbrush Trivia

Before the toothbrush was invented, many people actually brushed their teeth with sticks!

The first time in history that people actively cleaned their teeth was between 4000 and 3000 BC in ancient Babylon (the site where Iraq is now). The Babylonians used “chew sticks” – thin twigs or tree roots that were chewed at the end to loosen the fibers and then used like brushes.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC the ancient Chinese used similar twigs to clean their teeth. But the Chinese took it one step further and used twigs from trees with a nice smell. (Perhaps this was an early attempt at breath freshening?)

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to be thankful that you have a nice, clean toothbrush with soft bristles – instead of a stick!

The Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics Difference: Your Personal Orthodontic Assistant

At Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics, new patients are assigned to their own Personal Orthodontic Assistant (POA). The POA follows them through their orthodontic treatment from start to finish. POAs function much like a personal trainer, providing consistent encouragement and guidance to help attain the desired goal. This unique concept allows patients to develop close relationships with their orthodontic assistant, and with Drs. Jensen and Wise.

This beneficial bond is welcomed by patients, parents, and the assistants themselves, who find that it supports quality care and ensures a positive experience. “Orthodontic treatment is probably the longest sustained personal interaction a person has with a medical professional,” notes Dr. Wise. “Patients typically visit their orthodontist 20 or 30 times over the entire course of treatment. We’ve expanded the team to include both the doctor and the personal orthodontic assistant, and have specifically designed the practice and the office around this concept.”

Mary Jo, a personal orthodontic assistant at Wise Orthodontics, has been in the field of dentistry for nearly 30 years. She notes, “This concept has enhanced treatment exponentially, in both direct and indirect ways. We get to know each patient personally, and become familiar with their needs and preferences. If they are especially sensitive or anxious, we know that before they arrive, and we can take great care of them during their appointment. We also get to know the parents and their scheduling needs. We can keep treatment from interfering with work or school.”

Robyn, another personal orthodontic assistant, points out, “I love this concept, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. It makes our days fun and it helps us provide exceptional care. Fortunately, our patients haven’t experienced any other kind of care, but the parents often exclaim that it’s sure not like the orthodontic treatment they remember!” She adds, “We enjoy visiting with our patients and we build a rapport with them. I enjoy keeping up with their trips, their games, their school events, their friendships — they consider us part of their lives. I often get cards from patients, and I’m flattered to have been invited to important occasions and celebrations.”

Lauren is a personal orthodontic assistant at the Stonebridge office. As she explains, “The one-on-one relationship we have with our patients helps them feel comfortable each time they visit, and really enhances continuity of care. I can monitor the improvement from month to month, watch for any concerns, and make recommendations if necessary. It’s exciting to see the transformation in their smiles during their time with us.”

According to Tammy, also at the Stonebridge office, “Every patient is different. Being a personal orthodontic assistant allows me to be familiar with every nuance of the patient’s treatment plan. We get to know what’s going on in their lives, what their interests are, and what is important to them. We form a strong bond with them. We are invested in their success just like they are, and they know we are on their side. It’s very rewarding to see them reach their goals.” She adds, “Our patients can provide electronic feedback through our Ortho Sesame program, and they are very complimentary. When I hear that they enjoyed their experience with me, it absolutely makes my day and keeps me charged up about my work.”