Orthodontic Partners recently participated in a business fair for MOPS, a group of mothers with young children. What an amazing group of women. It was our pleasure to have the opportunity to share the advantages of early orthodontics and answer questions. If your group has an event that you would be interested in having us participate, please call Ann at 825-4804 x106.

“I’m an adult now. How long do I have to keep wearing these retainers?”

That’s a great question and the simplest way to answer it is… how long do you want to have straight teeth? It may sound crazy but it’s almost like teeth have a memory. Without retainer wear, the roots of your teeth have a tendency to drift back to their original position (some people more than others).  Everyone’s teeth are prone to move throughout their life and that includes people who have never worn braces. This is due to various things like tongue habits, lip pressure, clenching, etc. Regularly wearing your retainers will help to keep your teeth from moving. For the 1^st month after our patients get their braces off, we recommend they wear their retainers 24/7 and then just at night for the rest of their life. If you forget to wear your retainers one night it shouldn’t be a problem but don’t make it a habit. If your retainers feel tight start wearing them 24 hours a day until they no longer feel tight. If you notice your teeth are moving call your orthodontist. The sooner you catch a problem the easier it is to fix.

3-Dimentional imaging is an amazing diagnostic tool that dramatically enhances an orthodontist’s ability to more accurately determine customized treatment plans for each patient. There is no question that you can get far more information from a 3-D image than you can from a traditional 2-D Image. With the I-Cat’s 3-D imaging technology used at Orthodontic Partners, Dr. Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz are able to study the patient’s skeletal, dental, soft tissue and other anatomical features. After all, orthodontics does more than just move teeth… it also affects the position and shape of the surrounding bone, gums, lips, cheeks and muscles of the face. 3-D imaging gives us the ability to consider all of these factors in developing the best possible treatment plan. Also, the I-Cat technology integrates perfectly with SureSmile which we also use in our office. SureSmile uses the latest in 3-D technology to create customized archwires which are precisely bent using robotics.

Of course you want to save money but even more important you want to get the best value for your money. So you ask… “What should I be considering when choosing where I want to have my teeth straightened?” 

1)      You want great results you will enjoy for the rest of your life. It’s not like a pair of shoes you can easily replace if it turns out you don’t like them.

2)      Treatment time varies… on average 18-24 months followed by retainer visits. That means you will have a long term relationship with the Drs and staff. Avoid unnecessary stress and aggravation by selecting an office that will make the whole orthodontic process a positive experience.

3)      What is the difference between having teeth straightened by an Orthodontist or having them straightened by a dentist? An orthodontist has completed all the training a dentist has and then gone on to complete additional schooling to be able to qualify as an Orthodontist. Orthodontics is complex. Dr. Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz both graduated top of their class and have had years of specializing in orthodontics.

4)      How experienced is the staff? You know how frustrating it is when someone is not qualified to answer your questions or when you feel unsure about their knowledge and ability. You are going to have a lot of interaction with the staff… everything from scheduling appointments to billing insurance, not to mention the orthodontic assistants who will be working with the Drs to straighten your teeth. At Orthodontic Partners the average employment length of our staff is over 9 years. That means every staff member you come in contact with will be able to answer your questions and provide you with the very best treatment.

5)      What’s the reputation of the practice? Ask your friends where they have gone and what their experience has been like. Here are some comments made by our patients. http://www.orthodonticpartners.net/testimonials

6)      Does the practice have financial arrangements? At Orthodontic Partners we have in-house financing with no interest and in most cases we can bill your insurance and work that into the financial arrangements. For those who prefer, we also have 3^rd party financing options available such as Care Credit and Chase Health Advance.

7)      Results…Results…Results… This one is worth repeating. Remember this is a lifetime investment. Not only do you want a good bite that will function properly and keep your teeth from unnecessary wear, you want a smile that will make you feel confident. A smile you can’t wait to share.

Recently 3 of our staff members Marcy, Joyce and Jeanette participated in the MS Walk raising $640 for this worthwhile event. We love all of our staff members and all the amazing things they do. Go Team Ortho!!!

Over time a child with a thumb or finger habit will likely develop a high narrow arch and what is known as an open bite where the front teeth do not come together. Along with the open bite, children will often develop a tongue thrusting habit which can further compound the orthodontic problem and lead to speech problems. Also people with narrow arches are more prone to snore.

Thumb or finger habits can relieve stress and be relaxing for children. The habit usually consists of forming a suction between the thumb/finger and the roof of the mouth. There are many tried and true methods to break the habit, but if if your child has reached the age of 4 and is still having a problem, there are orthodontic appliances that can be used to stop the habit. And if the development of your child's mouth has been affected by the habit, they should have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 6. This will allow us to work with the natural growth of your child's jaw to correct the problem and give them the smile you want them to have.

Three of Orthodontic Parners' staff members, Amy, Jeanette and Tracy along with Tracy's daughter, Libby participated in the Rock-N-River Marathon this weekend. Jeanette and Tracy (on the right) completed the 5k and Amy and Libby (on the Left) completed the half marathon. Amy beat her previous time by 11 minutes. Way to go girls!!!!

From time to time we have shown you photos of Dr. Bruntz's family so we thought you would enjoy seeing a photo of Dr. Corbridge's family. In the center is Dr Corbridge's wife Andrea and his four daughters (starting on the right) Riley, Meckel, Brook & Jordan. The best part... they are all just as sweet as they are beautiful. What a lucky guy!

Recently Dr. Bruntz was in Florida attending the annual SureSmile conference. SureSmile is the advanced technology we have at Orthodontic Partners that uses 3-D imaging to create custom made archwires which provide the best results and reduces treatment time by about 40%. Orthodontic Partners is the worlds most experienced provider of SureSmile. Fortunately, Dr. Bruntz was able to spend some time with his family at Disney World while he was there. This was Carrigan's first visit and was quite excited to meet Micky Mouse. Landon is more adventuresome and loves both Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.

Orthodontic Partners would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Wes Michael. Wes is the grandson of Katherine, our 3-D Imaging Technician. Wes was born 3/22/11 at 8:21am weighing 6lbs. 5 oz. and is 17 1/2 inches tall. This is Katherine's 1st grandchild and she is loving every moment. Please join us in congratulating Katherine.

Congratulations to Madelyn Klupfell, the winner of Orthodontic Partners' St. Patrick's Day Trivia Contest. Madelyn was the 1st person we drew who had all the correct answers. She is thinking about using her prize money to purchase accessories for her American Girl dolls.

This contest was pretty tricky so in case you need to brush up on your St. Patrick's Day Trivia here are the answers:

1. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
2. St. Patrick died in 461 AD
3. This is one a lot of people got wrong... St Patrick did not drive the snakes out of Ireland. That's just a well known myth.
4. We wear green in memory of Ireland and so we don't get pinched.
5. A Leprechaun is a make believe Irish Fairy who makes shoes... not a little man with a red pointy hat as many people thought.
6. It is said there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
7. There are four leaves on a lucky clover.

We hope you enjoyed our contest and had a wonderful St Patrick's day. May the luck of the Irish be with you.

Orthodontic Partners is very pleased to announce that we are going to be having three new additions to our Orthodontic Partners' family. Two of our assistants, Nicole and Ciera, are soon to be Mom's and Katherine, our 3-D Imaging Technician, is soon to be a Grandma.

Ciera just found out she's expecting so it's too soon to know if it's a boy or a girl but we're hoping for one of each. Ciera's little bundle of joy is due October 30th.

Nichole is a little farther along and is going to be having a little girl. She and her husband want to wait to see their daughter's beautiful face before deciding on a name. Nicole's little girl is expected to make her debut on May 29th.

Katherine's daughter, Michele, is expecting a little boy on the 27th of March. His name will be Wes Michael. We have no doubt that Katherine is going to make sure her grandson is thoroughly spoiled.

With these new additions, the children and grandchildren of the Drs and Staff of Orthodontic Partners' will increase to 30 children and 3 grandchildren. What a great reason to SMILE!

February is National Dental Health Month. The purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. It's always important to get regular dental cleanings but it becomes even more important when you have braces because there are more places for food to catch. If you have not had a dental cleaning recently, Dr. Lohse, Dr. Corbridge and Dr. Bruntz encourage you to schedule an appointment with your general dentist and if you're a patient of Orthodontic Partners be sure to pick up a dental cleaning certificate from one of our offices to have signed by your dentist. With each signed certificate we will give you 10 wooden nickels you can use in our office to get great prizes like movie tickets, Starbucks and much more. We want you to have a beautiful healthy smile.

Would you like a little "Green" for St. Patrick's Day? Stop by any of Orthodontic Partners' four convenient locations to take our St Patrick's Day Trivia contest and you could win $50. Almost as good as finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. All correct entries will be put in a drawing to be held on St Patrick's Day, March 17th. For office hours, call (775) 825-4804. May the luck of the Irish be with you.

Watch our You Tube video as Margaret Aranguena shares her SureSmile orthodontic experience as she gets her braces off. Another beautiful smile by Orthodontic Partners.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and since everyone at Orthodontic Partners is all about making smiles, here are a few easy ideas to help you make some smiles of your own on Valentine's day.

• Make some homemade valentine cards and send them to your favorite people. It's amazing what you can do with a little red paper, glue and glitter.
• Bake some heart shaped cookies for a good neighbor.
• Put a handwritten note of appreciation in a loved one's lunch bag or brief case.
• Is there a friend of relative who would love to hear from you? Give them a call.
• Smile at everyone you see... you will be amazed at how many smiles you will get back in return.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Many people would credit the skill and talent of the UNR Wolf Pack players for winning the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl but we would like to think that the amazing cheering of Amy (our very own staff member) also had something to do with it. Amy must have made an impression... her photo appeared on both ESPN and RGJ. By the way, those beautiful teeth she's showing off were straightened by Dr. Lohse, Dr Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz.

• Mummies have been discovered by archaeologists with crude metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. It has been surmised that catgut was used to close the gaps.
• Pierre Fouchard first constructed braces in 1728. They were made of a flat metal strip connected to the teeth by pieces of thread.
• Delabarre introduced the wire crib in 1819 which marked the birth of contemporary orthodontics.
• In 1841 Schange invented the 1st bands which consisted of metal strips with screws to adjust the size.
• Maynard was the first to use gum elastics in 1843.
• In 1850 Tucker started cutting rubber bands from rubber tubing.
• Eugene Solomon Talbot was the first person to use x-rays for orthodontic diagnosis in the late 1800's.
• Edward Angle invented brackets in 1915. The Brackets were attached to the bands that went around the teeth. Today brackets are bonded directly to the teeth.
• Tooth colored brackets were invented in 1976.
• SureSmile technology was made available in 2004.

Where does the term Orthodontics dome from?

• The term orthodontia was coined by Joachim Lafoulon in 1841.
• According to Wikipedia, Orthodontics is derived from the Greek work orthos "straight or proper" and odus "tooth". Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites).

What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?

• An orthodontist needs four years of college, four years of dental school, and two years of postgraduate study in orthodontics before they can practice orthodontics.
• All orthodontists are also board certified dentists.

At what age should Orthodontic Treatment begin?

• Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age however the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age seven. Many Orthodontic problems are easier to correct before the jaw growth has slowed.

What is SureSmile?

• SureSmile is an advanced technology that makes it possible for the orthodontist to use 3D computer images to create customized archwires. The customized archwires are bent by a robot using heat-activated shape-memory wires. In order to bend these wires the robot has to heat the wire to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The SureSmile technology enables the orthodontist to achieve better orthodontic results. And because teeth are moved more efficiently, treatment time is reduced by about 40%.
• Orthodontic Partners is the world's most experienced provider of SureSmile.

What do retainers do and how long should they be worn?

• Retainers are worn to keep the teeth from moving after braces are removed.
• Retainers should be work 24 hours a day for the first month after braces are removed and nightly there after.

You already know we make beautiful smiles but did you know Orthodontic Partners can cook? You've got to check out our cooking video at http://www.youtube.com/user/OrthodonticPartners. It's great to work and play with such an amazing team.

All of us at Orthodontic Partners take great pride in providing the very best orthodontic care, so it means a lot to us when our patients recommend our office to their friends and family. That's why we are so excited to announce that Bennett Wallace is our most recent winner of an iPod Shuffle. Bennett recommended our office to a friend. When Bennett's friend came in for an orthodontic evaluation, we sent Bennett two movie tickets and entered his name into our drawing for an iPod. This is our way of saying "Thank You!"

We hope you are our next iPod winner.

Orthodontic Partners and their bear O.P. recently visited 5 of the 2nd grade classes at Double Diamond Elementary to teach the students good brushing and flossing habits. This is a fun presentation where students can interact with O.P. the bear (whose voice is done by Katherine hidden behind the bear). The students also share their knowledge of which foods are good and bad for their teeth and learn a little dental trivia. Did you know there are 20 baby teeth and 32 adult teeth? The reason we like to visit the 2nd grade is because the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of 7 and this gives us a chance to address any concerns the students may have about braces. We were fortunate that one of the students in this class, Connor, is a patient of ours and not only helped us with the flossing demonstration but also shared his orthodontic experience.

If you would like us to do presentation for your classroom, please call Ann at 823-5200 x106 or if you would like to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation, please call our office at 825-4804.

All of us at Orthodontic Partners love October and not just because we get to dress up...it's also National Orthodontic Health Month. In honor of this special time of year, part of our staff dressed up as teeth in braces with Dr. Corbridge playing the part of the proxy brush. Some of the other staff members dressed up as Star Wars characters with Dr. Bruntz playing the part of Darth Vader and his son, Landon, playing the part of young Anakin Skywalker.

Many of the Halloween treats can not be eaten if you have braces. Here's a link to a web page from the American Association of Orthodontists that has some braces friendly recipes for treats and more information about National Orthodontic Health Month http://www.braces.org/NOHM/Press-Releases.cfm

We hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!

The Junior League of Reno held it's first annual Pumpkin Festival at the Arlington Gardens Mall and Orthodontic Partners was there to support them by hosting the bean bag toss for young and old alike. "The Junior League of Reno is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable."

This weekend we attended the Bridal Fair at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. A bridal fair may seem like a strange place to find Orthodontic Partners but it's really not. All brides want to have everything perfect for their wedding day and that includes a beautiful smile that will be captured in photos to be enjoyed for years to come. Because the SureSmile technology we use in our office reduces treatment time by about 40% we have been able to help many brides have the smile of their dreams in time for the big day. Orthodontic Partners has completed over 2000 cases using this amazing technology making us the world's most experienced provider of SureSmile. For more information on SureSmile or our office visit us at www.orthodonticpartners.net.

During the summer it was easy to get a 3pm appointment... now that school is back in session those appointments are like gold so here's the inside scoop to help you out.

Most of your appointments will be relatively short, about 30 minutes. That's why our schedule is set up to have the longer, more involved appointments during school hours, reserving the before and after school times for the shorter easier appointments. That way we can accommodate as many patients as possible during the most desirable times. It also allows us to focus on your more involved appointments during a quieter time.

Even with all this careful planning we still can't always get you in after school. That's why we ask you to rotate every other appointment between school time and non-school time hours. That way everyone gets their fair share. And since most of your appointments will be six to eight weeks apart you should normally only miss school about once every three months.

Here are a few tips...

1. Bring your calendar with you to your appointments and schedule your next appointment as you leave. The longer you wait to schedule, the fewer choices you will have of available appointments.
2. When you do have to take your turn at school time appointments, rotate them around so you don't always miss the same class.
3. Our lunch hour changes so it's possible we could have an available appointment during your lunch hour.
4. We work a lot of the minor holidays, so that may be an option for you. Just don't plan a ski trip and forget about us.
5. Keep an eye on your school calendar and take advantage of days you'll be getting off early.
6. Please don't miss your appointments. This will extend your treatment time and we know you want to get your braces off as soon as possible.

You may be asking "what if I have a bracket come off or a wire poking". We do reserve time for these types of appointments during the less busy school hours.

One last item we thought you would like to know... the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees adopted a policy that considers a medical absence as an approved/excused absence if the student completes the make-up work. To see the entire policy visit http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/school-sites/corbett-es/attendance-policy

We know your schedule is busy so we hope this information has been helpful.

Orthodontic Partners is pleased to announce the winners of our M&M contest. Cole had the closest guess of 1577 in our Reno office, Rachel had the closest guess in our Sparks office of 1569 and Roger had the closest guess in our South Meadows office of 1567. The actual number of M&Ms in the jar was 1587. We hope you enjoy your M&Ms.

Orthodontic Partners is pleased to congratulate our very own staff member, Pattie, on the birth of her beautiful new daughter, Hope Elizabeth, who was born on 8-9-10 at 4:56pm, 7lbs 8 oz, 18 inches. She's adorable!

We know we have been telling you about the benefits of SureSmile but did you know that Dr. Lee W. Graber, president of the American Association of Orthodontists, uses SureSmile for his patients. Follow this link http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/fashion/08skin.html?_r=3 to view an article recently printed in the New York Times that highlights some of the current technologies in orthodontics including SureSmile. For more information on SureSmile, visit our website at http://www.orthodonticpartners.net/suresmile.html.

Dr Lohse, Dr. Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz are proud to announce Hunter Helwig is our most recent recipient of an I-Pod. Hunter's name was drawn from all of our patients over the last 6 weeks who have referred their friends and family to come to see Orthodontic Partners for a complimentary orthodontic exam. We take it as a compliment when our patients recommend our office and this is just one of the ways we like to say Thank You.

SureSmile is the amazing technology we use at Orthodontic Partners to help you achieve the smile of your dreams in the shortest time possible. With SureSmile we are able to generate a 3D image of your teeth. From that, the Drs are able to move and align each tooth to give you the perfect bite relationship. Because the computer knows exactly where your teeth are when the 3D scan is taken, and exactly where the Drs want to move them, it's able to design a custom made archwire. The wire is actually made of a Shape Memory Alloy that can only be bent by a robot so it's extremely accurate. With traditional treatment, wires have to be manually bent with pliers making small adjustments over months, over correcting and under correcting, until finally your teeth are where they need to be. With SureSmile we avoid all that and your teeth move in a direct path to their final destination thereby reducing treatment up to 40%. This means not only shorter treatment time for you but less time away from school and work. Orthodontic Partners is actually the world's most experienced provider of SureSmile and the great thing is you can receive the SureSmile treatment in any of our four offices in Reno, Sparks, South Meadows or Fernley.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.orthodonticpartners.net/suresmile.html or call our office at (775) 825-4804.

Hip Hip Hooray for the team from Orthodontic Partners (Jeanette, Joyce & Jessica) who participated in this year's MS Walk. The smallest member of the team (Bryleigh) came along to cheer them on.

Dr Corbridge was recently awarded a certificate of achievement for his participation in Van Gorder Elementary School's Reading Week.

If you've ever worn braces you know there are more places for food to get caught making brushing, flossing and regular visits to your general dentist more important than ever. Fortunately, Oral-B has made a brush head designed just for patients with braces. The orthodontic brush head works with the Oral-B SmartSeries 5000 electric brush. We have noticed a definite improvement in the oral hygiene of our patients who use the brush. Because of this, Orthodontic Partners is now giving an Oral-B SmartSeries 5000 brush with the orthodontic brush head to all of our patients when they get braces. We've found that patients with good oral hygiene have fewer broken appliances and that leads to shorter treatment times. Nothing makes us happier than for our patients to get the Beautiful Healthy Smile of their dreams.

This is your chance to win a Digital Picture Frame. Just match the Dr and Staff photos to their baby photos. If you have the most correct answers YOU WIN. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn. Just stop by any of our offices in Reno, Sparks or South Meadows to enter. For office hours call (775) 825-4804. Contest ends April 31st, 2010.

Dr. Lohse, Dr. Corbridge and Dr. Bruntz would like to congratulate the winners of our Celebrity with Braces contest...Regan C, Taylor T, and Abby A.
We hope you enjoy your tickets to the movies so you can see your favorite celebrity smiles on the big screen.

It's amazing how at just 5 1/2 weeks old Carrigan already has Daddy 100% wrapped around her little finger. The photo was taken in our Reno office last week when Carrigan came to visit.

Congratulations to Morgan Nelson. From all of our patients with registered e-mails we drew Morgan's name. We hope she enjoys spending her $100 gift certificate to the Summit Mall.

Our Celebrities with Braces contest starts the 1st of January. Be sure to stop by one of Orthodontic Partners three convenient locations to enter.
For office hours, call (775) 825-4804.

3605 Grant Drive, Reno, NV 89509
10645 Double R. Blvd., Reno, NV 89521
1205 Baring Blvd., Sparks, NV 89434

You could be one of three lucky winners to each receive a pair of movie tickets to see your favorite celebrity on the big screen. Contest ends February 28th, 2010.

Good Luck!

Great news for the Holidays and anyone wishing for a Beautiful Smile! Orthodontic Partners has a special holiday gift... $250 off the total treatment fee for anyone getting braces during the month of December in any of our four conveniently located offices in Reno, Sparks, South Meadows or Fernley, Nevada. Please call us right away so we can schedule an appointment that's convenient for you.

Orthodontic Partners would like to congratulate all of the students and teachers of Anderson Elementary School. They have been recognized by the Nevada Department of Education as Nevada’s number the three Title I school for High Achieving Growth. We are proud to have been a Partner in Education with Anderson School since 1991.

Drs Lohse, Corbridge and Brunta along with the staff of Orthodontic Partners wish you a Happy Halloween.

Help us help the Nevada Humane Society. From now until November 11th, 2009 Orthodontic Partners will be collecting donations of dog and cat food. Donations can be dropped off at any the following offices during normal business hours:

This week, we wanted to do a feature on our South Meadows office, one of the four convenient locations of Orthodontic Partners in Nevada.

Our South Meadows office is located in the Sierra Vista Complex at 10645 Double R. Blvd., Reno, NV 89521.

As you come in you will instantly notice our South Meadows location is decorated in an amazingly fun movie theme including a yellow brick road and lots of movie memorabilia. We play movies all day in both our operatory and waiting room so you can sit back and enjoy yourself during your orthodontic visits.

We have a fun play area for the younger ones and a separate video game area for all us older kids.
Drs. Lohse, Corbridge and Bruntz are ready to serve you at any of our four Nevada locations, call and make an appointment today (775) 825-4804.

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

--Orthodontic Partners, Reno NV

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Orthodontic Partners

Orthodontic Partners is raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We will be taking donations at our Reno office located at 3605 Grant Drive between now and October 9th. If you would like more information please call us at (775) 825-4804.

The JDRF will be having a Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sunday, October 11th, 2009. If you would like more information on the walk go to www.jdrf.org.

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so we took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Orthodontic Partners. We'd love to hear from you.

While today may not be your birthday, we are sure you will enjoy the new Happy Birthday video that we made recently. Check out the video below, and then head over to our YouTube page and leave us a comment!

--Orthodontic Partners

Have you been trying to go a little greener these days? Maybe you spend more time comparing organic and non-organic products at the store? If this is the case, then perhaps you’ve noticed that organic and natural items have begun to pop up in more aisles than just produce!

The good news is that you can smile - you’ve got tons of choices, even when it comes to your dental health. Let’s start with toothpaste. There are so many different brands to choose from, and now you must make the choice between natural toothpaste and regular toothpaste.

Some of your natural toothpaste brands include:

• Tom’s of Maine
• Kiss my Face
• Jason Natural Cosmetics
• The Natural Dentist
• Nature’s Gate Organics
• Trader Joe’s All Natural Toothpaste

Regular toothpaste brands include:

• Colgate
• Crest
• Aquafresh
• Arm and Hammer
• Aim
• Oral-B

The good news for you is that both natural and regular toothpastes are good for you and your teeth. The main difference is that natural toothpaste does not contain saccharine (an artificial sweetener) or sorbitol (humectants used to give toothpaste its pasty consistency and keep toothpaste from drying out). Both natural and regular toothpastes contain fluoride, which is essential for protecting the health of your teeth. If you have any questions about a particular type or brand of toothpaste, ask us at your next appointment. You can also call our office at 775-624-5476 and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.

--Orthodontic Partners

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,

--Orthodontic Partners

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Orthodontic Partners

Orthodontic Partners would like to congratulate Kirsten who was recently married. Kirsten is one of our talented orthodontic assistants.

If you've ever visited us at Orthodontic Partners, you already know that the doctors 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, we are on several other networks too!

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

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Orthodontic Partners

Its summer here at Orthodontic Partners, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Orthodontic Partners

We at Orthodontic Partners want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Orthodontic Partners regularly.

One question we hear all the time at Orthodontic Partners is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact us today at 775.825.4804

This week, we wanted to do a feature on our Sparks, NV office, one of the four convenient locations of the Orthodontic Partners in Nevada.

Our Sparks office is conveniently located across the street from Reed High School at 1205 Baring Blvd. in the Baring Village Shopping Center.

This is the entrance and front desk to our beautiful Sparks location. If you love sports you will love our Sparks office, as it is loaded with lots of great sports memorabilia!

Our operatory is full of sports photos and souvenirs, along with Dr. Corbridge's Sparks High School letterman jacket!

We even have Dr. Lohse’s wood skis from his days on the Reno High ski team!

Drs. Lohse, Corbridge and Bruntz are ready to serve you at any of our four nevada locations, call and make an appointment today!

Take a look at the newest video for the Orthodontic Partners, Drs. Corbridge, Lohse, and Bruntz. Be sure to post your comments and visit our other social networks too!

The Orthodontic Partners have offered nearly 40 years of quality care in the Reno and Sparks area. Take a look at some of our great patient testimonials!

The kids love the atmosphere at the office. The doctors and staff are always friendly and willing to listen and help. It's also a good reason for us to get to Reno from time to time--we live in Tahoe. ~ Michael H.

The Orthodontic Partners are so nice, patient, and friendly when they were describing the things I had to do in order to keep my braces in mint condition. when I get older im going to have a beautiful smile! ~ Keith M.

They take our issues seriously and explain things upon request, to whatever level of detail that you are interested. They don't talk down to us. ~ Kenneth V.

I feel very comfortable knowing that they are up to date with the latest and greatest technology. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. ~ Darci E.

I really like the happy office atmosphere. I enjoy speaking to the Orthodontic Partner staff and feel like I'm part of a wonderful experience. ~ Yvonne D.

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 results 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 Orthodontic Partners 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.

--Orthodontic Partners

Whether you’re 5 or 50, your health depends on your awareness of what’s good for you. But in a world filled with fad diets, blaring advertisements, and unintelligible ingredient lists, we at Orthodontic Partners know it can be difficult to determine exactly what is good for you – and what’s not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a long, healthy life, we recommend Brush Your Teeth! And Other Simple Ways to Stay Young and Healthy by Dr. David Ostreicher. The book sums up good health in six fundamental principles: hygiene, diet, attitude, exercise, sleep and personal safety.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher definitively answers age-old debates, like the best way to prevent colds and flu (your mom was right: wash your hands). He provides straight talk on a variety of diet choices including salt, fats, carbs and organic food, and he documents the importance of regular sleep, stress reduction and positive thinking to your overall health. His suggestions throughout are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

Dr. Ostreicher advocates a back-to-basics, common-sense approach to staying young and healthy. We at Orthodontic Partners couldn’t agree more, and we’d like to repeat the title of his book as our favorite piece of advice: don’t forget to Brush Your Teeth!

At Orthodontic Partners we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Orthodontic Partners. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Orthodontic Partners.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Orthodontic Partners thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Orthodontic Partners(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Orthodontic Partners.

Orthodontic Partners wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at Orthodontic Partners know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy! From Orthodontic Partners.

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, Orthodontic Partners wants you to know that 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 Orthodontic Partners!

At Orthodontic Partners, we know that losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project we found at Orthodontic Partners a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box

(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need

--I large empty match box
--Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
--Ribbon
--Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
--Markers
--White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
--Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Enjoy from Orthodontic Partners!

Lots of you have asked us at Orthodontic Partners 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 Orthodontic Partners and we will help assess the situation, and, if necessary, provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Hurry in to Orthodontic Partners before the end of April for your chance to win a $25 gift card to iTunes!

If you remember, there are three ways to win...

1--Add Orthodontic Partners as a friend on MySpace.

2--Become a fan of Orthodontic Partners on Facebook.

3--Go to our website and answer this question, "Which high schools did Dr. Lohse, Dr. Corbridge, and Dr. Bruntz attend? There is a link on our site to email your answer.

There are three prizes, one for each category. Make sure to enter all before the end of April for three chances to win!

It means a lot to us at Orthodontic Partners when you refer your friends and family. We would like to show our appreciation by sending you a $20 gift card to the movies for every friend or family member that comes in for an exam.

Just make sure they let us know you referred them when they come in for their exam. As an additional thank you, your name will go into a quarterly drawing for an I-Pod. For your convenience our front desk has referral cards available.

Once again, thank You for the confidence you show in us.

--Orthodontic Partners

Orthodontic Partners is pleased to give a big Thumbs Up to the 20 top readers of Anderson School. Orthodontic Partners has been a Partner in Education with Anderson School since 1991 and recently sponsored their “Reading Counts Challenge” and hosted a pizza party for the top readers. As part of the festivities impressions were taken of the student’s thumbs and poured in plaster so each student would have a remembrance to take home.

We're having a contest and we have 3 different ways you can enter!

1) Add Orthodontic Partners as a 'friend' on My Space
2) Become a 'fan' of Orthodontic Partners' on Facebook
3) Go to www.orthodonticpartners.net and find the answer to this question "Which high schools did Dr. Lohse, Dr. Corbridge, and Dr. Bruntz attend?" E-mail the answer to contest@orthodonticpartners.net.

Visit our web page at www.orthodonticpartners.net and click on the Contact Us link. If you scroll down to the bottom on the page you will see links to MySpace, Facebook and the Contest e-mail address.

We will draw one winner from each category so make sure to enter all three to increase your chances.

Contest ends 4/30/09...GOOD LUCK!!!

Well it's official. The littlest member of our Orthodontic Partners family has finally arrived and we couldn't be happier. Amy's beautiful new daughter, Macy, was born on March 9th weighing 8lbs 9 oz. Here's a picture of the happy family!

Congratulations Amy from Orthodontic Partners.

Dr. Corbridge,Dr. Lohse, and Dr. Bruntz have provided the Reno and Sparks areas with quality orthodontic care for over 30 years. All 3 doctors share the commitment to the quality of care their patients receive. As such, Orthodontic Partners utilizes cutting edge technology to provide unparalleled service while also creating a fun and enjoyable environment. The end result is better orthodontic care and a better experience for our patients. Give us a call to check out our state-of-the-art office!

Focusing on your kids' teeth so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, let us know! At Orthodontic Partners, we are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Time and expense

Your teeth are unique, and the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of your treatment plan. The time involved in treatment varies as well, and with new Invisalign Express, designed specifically for common problems like minor crowding and spacing, you could have your new perfect smile in less than six months!

Thinking ahead

If your health care plan covers orthodontics, it most likely covers Invisalign treatment to the same extent as conventional braces. Check your benefits, then give us a call at Orthodontic Partners, and we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Not so long ago, the tools of the architect’s trade were a pencil and a large sheet of drafting paper. In recent decades, however, the technological steps forward have been swift, and today’s architect can plan and design a better building in less time using computer-aided design tools. Special software can draw a wall of bricks in a split second, calculate sun angles in bay windows, and help identify structural problem areas.

A similar revolution has occurred in orthodontics, and we at Orthodontic Partners are excited to be on the forefront of orthodontic technology with SureSmile, a system that integrates a series of technological advances. SureSmile enables us to create and complete treatment plans using digital imaging, computer modeling, robotic technology, and high-tech materials.

First, we scan the inside of your mouth with a tiny camera that sends 3-D images of your teeth to our computer system. We then use specialized modeling software to analyze the difference between your current smile and your ideal smile, and plot the individual tooth movements needed to achieve your goal.

Because this advanced method of treatment planning takes into account the complete path each tooth will take, there is a reduced need for office visits and adjustments – which translates to a shorter treatment time, and less discomfort than with traditional treatment.

Finally, we custom-design your archwires based on the calculations made within the software, and robotic hands bend and shape your archwires using a “smart” metal called Shape Memory Alloy. The archwires remember their target positions, further shortening treatment time.

Reduced treatment times were simply impossible in the old days, when we had to do by hand everything that technology allows us to do more accurately and efficiently today. Ask us at Orthodontic Partners how we can use SureSmile to architect the perfect smile for you.

Dr. Corbridge and Orthodontic Partners offer the latest in orthodontic treatment and customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. At each of our four locations throughout Nevada, you will find state-of-the-art technology and a friendly, personable staff. Just see what our patients are saying! The results with my daughter were amazing. Cameron was seen on an emergency basis within 24 hours for a full set of braces! Their care and compassion have Orthodontic Partners on the top of my gratitude list.
-Lauren A.

Dr. Corbridge isn’t interested in making money from unnecessary treatments and he offers the most up to date solutions to various orthodontic problems. I also appreciate that he is willing to communicate with our dentist so there is one less thing for me to have to do.
-Pete B.

Having worked for a state-of-the-art orthodontist in Florida, I knew what to look for and I was not disappointed. Orthodontic Partners has it together and the staff really works as a team. The technology is state-of-the-art and I know my children are getting the very best.
-John B.

Dr. Corbridge is very personable with my 8 year old daughter.
-Tracy W.

The technology is very current at Orthodontic Partners and my children are getting the best that can be given to them.
-Tim L.

Dr. Corbridge and his staff are very efficient. Everyone is helpful, cordial, and easy to talk to. They have a really cool office guitar collection too!
-David O.

The treatment I have received from Dr. Corbridge is cutting edge, and he has a well-trained and efficient support staff.
-Charles B.

I love that all the staff at Orthodontic Partners is upbeat and they have welcoming attitudes. They make me feel really comfortable; the communication is great! From the doctors to the consultants, everyone has made sure I know exactly what is going on with my braces and my financial situation. This is the best dental office I have ever visited!
-Crystal R.

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

"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 orthodontists Drs. Corbridge, Lohse, and Bruntz started out in dental school and earned their DDS (dental degrees), just like your dentist. After dental school however, they decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became experts 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?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 775-624-5476. We can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime, and with new technology like SureSmile, straightening your teeth takes less time than ever!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 775-624-5476 to set up a consultation. Drs. Corbridge, Bruntz, and Lohse can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Orthodontic Partners please call 775-624-5476 and visit our web site.

Congratulations to all of the bright students at Anderson Elementary School for their enthusiastic participation in the Reading Counts Challenge sponsored by Orthodontic Partners. Students earned anywhere from one to 25 points for each book they read during the month of November. At the end of the month the combined total of all the points from each student was 7,257 - WOW!

All of the students who participated received a button and had the chance to win other great prizes like an ice cream cone or even a “pizza party” with Dr. Lohse. Orthodontic Partners has been a Partner in Education with Anderson Elementary School since 1991 and is pleased to have sponsored such a wonderful, educational event.

The Holidays are a wonderful time filled with friends, family, and, of course, delicious treats! We hope you enjoy all three but want to remind you to brush more frequently when eating sugary foods. This is especially important when you have braces because there are more places for food to get trapped. Each time you eat something with sugar, bacteria forms and produces cavity causing acid for 20 minutes. Brushing and flossing is always the best way to keep your teeth clean but if you’re some place where you just can’t, try swishing some water around in your mouth to help clear away some of the food particles. After all, Santa loves a beautiful white smile!

Great news for the Holidays and for getting straight teeth! We have TWO special holiday gifts this year - your choice of a $200 gift certificate good at The Summit Shopping Center, or $250 off your total treatment fee for anyone getting braces in our office in the month of December!! Please call us right away so that we can help you find the most convenient time for your next appointment. If you are already scheduled to get your braces on in the month of December, please be sure to call us so we can make sure you get your gift too. Happy Holidays!

In 2004 Orthodontic Partners became the first practice to use SureSmile technology. Today we have completed over 1,000 SureSmile cases, making Orthodontic Partners the most experienced SureSmile orthodontic provider.

Our patients who are treated with SureSmile enjoy being treated in a shorter amount of time and with fewer office visits than with traditional braces. Here’s what a couple of our patients had to say about their experience being treated with SureSmile:

“It was so important to me to have a beautiful smile in time for my wedding. Orthodontic Partners made that dream come true with SureSmile…” – S.M.

“Being a working mom with a teenager in braces, I really appreciated how quickly Orthodontic Partners was able to complete my son’s treatment using the SureSmile technology. As a result I missed less work and my son missed less school…” – J.D.

SureSmile has recently become a popular treatment used by many orthodontists from coast to coast. At Orthodontic Partners we are proud to announce that we are now the most experienced SureSmile practice in the nation! So how did we snag this most prestigious title? Our practice has served over 1,000 SureSmile cases, giving us the most experience of any orthodontic practice. In celebration of our great achievement, our practice held a drawing for our patients. Alex Howe, the winner of our drawing, won a whopping 1,000 dollars! Congratulations Alex, we hope you enjoy spending, or saving, your winnings.

Brent R. Corbridge, DMD, MSD is a native of Sparks and his wife, Andrea, is a native of Reno. Dr. Corbridge graduated from Sparks High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. In 1993 he earned his dental degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR and later completed his orthodontic training in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Corbridge is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Northern Nevada Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. To stay abreast of the most current orthodontic procedures, Dr. Corbridge attends national and local study clubs and attends ongoing continuing education conferences.

Dr. Corbridge and his wife have four beautiful daughters who they love spending time with. Dr. Corbridge is also an avid golfer when time permits.

One of the most frequently asked questions before any patient begins orthodontic treatment: what type of insurance do you accept? How much of my treatment will my insurance cover?

In an effort to help keep your orthodontic fees to a minimum but still receive the best possible care; we have developed our own convenient financial policy:

- If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we provide a fee discount. If you have insurance, we will discount your portion of the fee that is not covered by insurance if payment is made at the time of service.

- To fit the needs of our patients, a financial arrangement can be made to extend your payments over a period of months following an appropriate down payment.

- For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Our office staff is happy to verify with your insurance how much of your orthodontic treatment is covered. If your insurance will make direct payments to our office, we will bill your insurance company for you and work that into your financial arrangements with our practice!

To find out more about our financial policy, insurance options and what to expect at your first visit, please check out our web site or call 775-624-5476!

Afraid of having work done to your teeth? Feel nervous about visiting the orthodontist for checkups? We understand that patients sometimes feel a sense of anxiety when faced with orthodontic treatment. At Orthodontic Partners, our goal is to have our patients looking forward to their orthodontic visits – not dreading them!

We have three wonderful doctors and an amazing staff that work hard to keep patients comfortable, happy and looking forward to their next visit! While it is true, you will experience some soreness at different times throughout your treatment, we want to reassure you that getting braces is not a painful procedure; and with our SureSmile technology you will be in and out of your braces faster than you ever imagined!

Still nervous? Don’t worry; all it takes is one visit and you will see that orthodontic treatment is nothing to fear!

Your whole body works together to keep you healthy, and when we say “whole body” we mean EVERY part of you! So how exactly does your mouth contribute to your body’s overall health? Well, let’s start with the fact that diseased teeth and gums can significantly affect your body’s overall health – period!

A disease can easily spread throughout your body affecting everything from head to toe. Teeth that are not taken care of attract plaque which over time can buildup and become disease causing bacteria. Properly aligned teeth are easier to maintain with flossing and brushing; they have less cavities and less chance of decay and disease. A good bite allows teeth to come together properly making it easier to chew food which makes it easier for your body to digest what you eat! And as we all know, a beautiful smile can dramatically boost one’s self-esteem and confidence!

Next time you floss and brush your teeth, remember you’re not only maintaining a healthy mouth, but also a healthy body. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like, making it harder to maintain a bright, clean smile, contact our office at 775-624-5476 and schedule a consultation.

ABC News Video: SureSmile

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? Ever shudder at the thought of having to wear braces for years before your teeth are straight? Braces are a very real part of many teens and adults’ lives – a part that many wish would be over sooner rather than later! If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, don’t fret, you’re in luck!

New state-of-the-art software, SureSmile®, is sure to make patients smile! With SureSmile braces are no longer fitted by an orthodontist, but cut and bent by a robot. The orthodontist is able to use the SureSmile software to create a 3-D image of the patient’s mouth giving orthodontists a clearer view of the patient’s teeth and jaw structure. On the computer the orthodontist is able to rearrange the teeth and assemble them in the correct position. 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.

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 interested in learning more about SureSmile technology please contact our office!

Thanks to Dell Computers, Orthodontic Partners have been able to stay on the cutting edge in the orthodontic industry with the latest technology. Dell has been our greatest support in helping us run our Cone Beam Scanners, SureSmile® technology and our 3D X-ray machines.

Be sure to check out our website to learn more about our practice!

Dr. John F. Lohse

John F. Lohse, DDS is a native of Reno, having attended the original Huffaker Elementary School and graduated from Reno High School. Dr. Lohse furthered his education while attending the University of Nevada, Reno and Northwestern University for his undergraduate studies. He earned his dental degree from the University of Washington after which he served five years as a captain in the Army Dental Corp. Following his Army duty he attended the University of Oregon where he completed his orthodontic training.

Dr. Lohse has two grown daughters. He and his wife, Melody, enjoy boating, traveling, tennis and most important, spoiling their only granddaughter, Miranda. Dr. Lohse has always had a commitment to giving back to the community and to this end he became a Partner in Education with Anderson School in 1991. Orthodontic Partners continues to participate with the Partners in Education program and Anderson School contributing to a variety of projects throughout the year.

We've completed 1000 beautiful smiles using the advanced SureSmile technology. That makes us the most experienced SureSmile practice in the nation. We are finishing cases 40% faster, many in 12 months or less, and some in as little as 4 months. The results have been fantastic and now with 1000 spectacular smiles, Orthodontic Partners has confirmed SureSmile as a proven, revolutionary technique in orthodontic care. Patients enjoy less time in braces which equates to less time away from school and work, faster results and less dental hygiene problems.

The best part is we want to you help us celebrate. In honor of completing 1000 SureSmile Patients we are having a drawing for $1000 and we want you to enter. To be eligible you just need to be an existing patient or come in for an exam before the end of October. Stop by any of our offices during business hours to fill out your entry form.

Orthodontic Partners offers three convenient locations, in Reno and Sparks to better serve their patients. The office is normally open Monday through Friday and the hours vary so that we may offer a wider range of appointment times for the convenience of our patients. We open as early as 7:00 am and close as late as 6:00 pm.

Please call our office at 775-624-5476 for available times.

Orthodontic Partners patients are seen by appointment only. Please call our office at 775-624-5476 in advance so that we may reserve a time for you. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. If possible please give us 48 hours notice. This courtesy on your part makes it possible for us to give your appointment to another patient.

Once you have an appointment with Orthodontic Partners, you can verify the time and location online.

Orthodontic Partners is pleased to offer SureSmile. While you're excited about having that great smile, you may be nervous about how long you'll be wearing wires and brackets. Well, this brochure is full of good news about a new orthodontic system that makes straightening your teeth with braces a lot faster and easier compared to conventional orthodontic treatment. It's called SureSmile, and it's changing the way people feel about their braces.

What is SureSmile?

SureSmile is the first start-to-finish solution for fixed appliances that allows the orthodontist to apply 3-D diagnostic imaging and computer-aided treatment planning to unlock the power of shape memory allow archwires through robotic customization. This results in greater control and efficiency for orthodontic care and can shorten orthodontic treatment up to 40%.

Why SureSmile?

Shorter Treatment Times
You've probably heard from friends or family members that wearing braces is a long-term commitment, taking two years on average. While that maybe true of traditional orthodontic treatment, it's not true for SureSmile. Through the use of SureSmile's sophisticated 3-D imaging, computerized treatment planning, and customized shape memory allow archwires, the doctors at Orthodontic Partners can reduce treatment time over that of conventional braces.

Fewer Office Visits
In addition to shortening treatment times, the SureSmile system also helps reduce the number of wire changes and adjustments you'll need and that means fewer trips to the orthodontist. SureSmile's 3-D treatment planning software lets the doctors analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. Through this software, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment smoothly and directly, reducing the number of office visits.

Less Overall Discomfort
Anyone who has worn braces will probably tell you that wire adjustments and changes were the least favorite part of the process because they usually cause discomfort. Fortunately, the SureSmile system is engineered to maximize therapeutic efficiency of each wire, significantly reducing the number of adjustments needed, which means fewer episodes of discomfort over the course of your treatment.

Using the SureSmile system in the Practice

With SureSmile, the doctor drives the prescription archwire design with 3-D diagnostic tools and computer aided treatment planning. At the beginning of treatment, 3-D images of the patient's teeth are captured from the initial model. OraMetrix's Digital Lab produces individual tooth models from these images that can be measured and manipulated by the doctor to formulate the treatment strategy. During treatment, an intraoral scan captures the patient's progress and bracket locations. The doctor uses this model to finalize a therapeutic setup where planned teeth positions can be compared to the current misalignment. Finally the doctor orders robotically-customized archwires to move the teeth directly as planned.

Learn more about SureSmile on their web site: www.suresmile.com

Dr. Corbridge, Dr. Lohse, and Dr. Bruntz are qualified to prescribe SureSmile to their patients.

Please contact our office to learn more about SureSmile

Dr. John Lohse, Dr. Brent Corbridge and Dr. Lance Bruntz have provided the Reno/Sparks area with quality orthodontic care for over 30 years. All 3 doctors share the commitment to the quality of care their patients receive. As such, Orthodontic Partners utilizes cutting edge technology to provide unparalleled service while also creating a fun and enjoyable environment. The end result is better orthodontic care and a better experience for our patients.

You already enjoy the convenience of receiving appointment reminders from us via e-mail...

Our new Text Messaging feature provides another convenient way to get reminders from us.

Sign up for Text messaging is simple!
1. Make sure you have your cell phone with you.
2. Go to our Website:
www.orthodonticpartners.net
3. Click on "Patient Login"
4. Enter the patients name and password
5. Click on "update info"
6. Click on "Add Cell Phone Number"
7. Enter your cell phone number.
8. Wait for an invitation code via Text Message on your cell phone.
9.Enter your invitation code.
Voila! You're all set up!

Once you’ve signed up, you will receive appointment reminders by email and on your cell phone, via Text Message.

Because patients may be charged by their cell phone provider for text messaging, only patients are given the ability to enter their cell phone numbers to receive text reminders.