This Spring, what are you up to?

It’s nearly springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, fresh rhubarb is ready to be picked, the birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from a baseball field nearby. Dr. Carlson and team thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for Spring?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports this year? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

P.S. While you’re on our Facebook page, become a fan of Carlson Orthodontics!

Your turn! From Carlson Orthodontics

Week after week, Dr. Carlson and team blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Carlson started out in dental school and earned a DMD (dental degree). After dental school however, Dr. Carlson decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

The importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, with Dr. Carlson

At Carlson Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Carlson and our dedicated team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why Carlson Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Carlson will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Carlson is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Carlson Orthodontics.

Olympics trivia at Carlson Orthodontics!

Think you know Olympics trivia? Then we have a challenge for you! Head over to our web site, find the newest trivia question about the Olympics, be the first to answer the trivia question and win a prize! Contest runs through the end of the month, so be sure to join and be a part of our web-based contest! We look forward to hearing from you!

In addition, our team at Carlson Orthodontics is collecting Olympic-themed memorabilia and hanging various items in our office. We all have Olympic spirit! If you have an Olympic-themed item you'd like to share, feel free to drop it off at one of our offices! Or, if you have any questions about the contest, you may give us a call.

Ask Dr. Carlson: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Carlson Orthodontics, only to discover that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, you're thinking, what’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Carlson to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity for him to check for malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, give us a call at Carlson Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

With Carlson Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Carlson Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Duluth and Cloquet.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients have to say about this helpful service!

"Nice to check on upcoming appointments. Very nice to see the picture section." ~ Connie. P.

"Easy to look up payment and insurance information to verify that they have received payments." ~ Paul O.

"Good to stay up to date on the balance. Also enjoyed the pics/x-rays." ~ Leslie W.

"As I parent I can quickly check to see that a payment has been credited and to check and see when the next appointment is." ~ Dan H.

"Quick, easy access." ~ Robert P.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Carlson Orthodontics at if you have any questions!

Carlson Orthodontics want to know: How did you spend your MLK Day?

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America's communities and move the nation forward. Today, thousands of people of all ages and races in Minnesota spent their day building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Did you have the day off? If so, what did you do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call! Dr. Carlson and our entire team are proud of your work in our community!

SureSmile makes the rounds on ABC’s “The Doctors” - Dr. Carlson

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Dr. Carlson is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Before we forget, Happy New Year from the entire team at Carlson Orthodontics!

Regular checkups are important, Dr. Carlson says

Dr. Carlson and his team want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Give us a call if you have any questions about your treatment at Carlson Orthodontics or orthodontics in general.

Happy Holidays from Carlson Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Carlson and his team at Carlson Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Carlson Orthodontics

Carlson Orthodontics congratulate our fall contest winners!!

Congratulations to our fall contest winners. They are:
Teddy Payne (top photo)in Duluth and Andrew Petersen (bottom) in Cloquet.

They each guessed the exact number of toothbrushes in the jar in our office: 317

Our next contest will be announced soon!! Stay tuned!

--The team at Carlson Orthodontics

Patient reviews for Dr. Carlson!

We love getting reviews from our patients and recently, Carlson Orthodontics, serving Duluth, Cloquet and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient testimonials! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Carlson and his team!

"Thorough, friendly(!), informative, professional and courteous staff. Everyone is confident and respectful not only to patients but to each other. That says a lot in my book!" ~ Leslie W.

"So nice/caring/understanding. The staff is all so sweet, I was so nervous today and everyone was helpful making sure all of my questions were answered. I have waited a very long time to have braces put on, I covered my face to hide my smile. Walking in knowing that my dream of having straight teeth is finally coming true. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!!" ~ Michele S.

"I think he is keeping up with the ever-changing times very well. Makes it easy and convenient for the patient." ~ Holly R.

"My son is a new patient but we love that the staff (team) is so friendly! Love your marketing approach... I have never seen so many happy kids in a waiting room before - it appears that your patients look forward to going to the orthodontist...this is awesome!" ~ Brett A.

"He is very nice and he makes it so fun and easy to come to the orthadonist. I was kind of nervous at first but Dr. Carlson made me feel right a home! And I like the contests and the tooth brushing station was a great idea!" ~ Brooke N.

Dr. Carlson and team want to know: How was your Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving has once again come and gone, but the calories remain. Dr. Carlson and his team want to know: What did you do? Where did you go? Anything exciting? Also, what are you up to in December? We’d love an update!

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our offices and ask how.

--The team at Carlson Orthodontics

Braces 101, from Carlson Orthodontics

Should you need to call Carlson Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Dr. Carlson and team

Even the stars struggle with crooked teeth! From Carlson Orthodontics

We at Carlson Orthodontics know 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 our 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.

We think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell us 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!

Keeping you safe this cold & flu season, from Carlson Orthodontics

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms Carlson Orthodontics taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of our doctor, other patients and staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

--Carlson Orthodontics

How is Dr. Carlson doing? Let us know!

Whether you have visited Carlson Orthodontics for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Dr. Carlson and his team! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You can write a review here.

Thank you and have a great week!

--Dr. Carlson and team

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, from Dr. Carlson

Dr. Carlson knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts! Dr. Carlson and the team 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, so check them out today!

Here’s the link: http://www.braces.org/mythsandfacts/index.cfm

Hope this helps,

--Carlson Orthodontics

Staff Theme Days at Carlson Orthodontics

If you've ever visited us at Carlson Orthodontics, you know we like to have fun! We just posted a few fun photos of Dr. Carlson and the team during our theme days on Facebook. Become a "facebook fan" of Carlson Orthodontics, view the photos, and leave us a comment too!

Have a great weekend,

--Dr. Carlson