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

Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program at Carlson Orthodontics

Halloween is almost here, and we know you are excited about trick or treating. While all those candies taste great, they can damage your teeth and braces if you aren't careful! So bring in your unwanted Halloween candy between November 1 and November 15 and we will pay you up to $5 for the treats you surrender to our office!

Carlson Orthodontics will make a matching donation to a local food shelf based on how much candy we “buy back”. Patients who do not have appointments scheduled during this time may also bring in their unwanted candy. Please call our office if you have any questions at 218-206-8209.

Have a spooky and safe Halloween from all of us at Carlson Orthodontics!