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!

The advantage of SureSmile® at Carlson Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Carlson Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Carlson specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Carlson identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Carlson view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to 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 treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

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

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, please contact Carlson Orthodontics today!

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.