Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Austin Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Austin Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Nelson!

What do you enjoy most about the holiday season?

It's officially winter here at Austin Orthodontics, a season given to tidings of comfort and joy.

Today, our team wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love most about the holidays this year? Spending time with friends and family? Baking for the holidays? Opening presents by the fireplace?

We'd love to hear about all of the things that truly make your holidays special on our Facebook page. Happy holidays, from all of us here at Austin Orthodontics!

"What We Do Wednesday" Highlights Dr. Nelson's Surgical Orthodontics Expertise

Austin Orthodontics orthodontist Dr. Nelson manages a significant number of OGS (Orthognathic Surgery or jaw surgery) cases every year with great success. This week, our "What We Do Wednesday" focused on a few of the different treatments that our office is able to provide patients with upper to lower jaw bone irregularities as well as tooth alignment problems. OGS is a combined treatment of orthodontics and surgery, which requires great expertise and experience.

Please let us know if you have any questions about jaw surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation for Dr. Nelson. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Our team at Austin Orthodontics has spirit!

Dr. Nelson and our team at Austin Orthodontics has spirit! As you can probably tell, our office believes in a team-based approach to orthodontic care, offering our patients and parents the best treatment in the Austin area. Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see all of the photos from this week's spirit winners.

How are you showing your spirit this holiday season? We invite our patients to share any photos, videos, or information on our Facebook page. Go team!

With Invisalign, you can give the gift of a "clearly" amazing smile this holiday!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Austin Orthodontics can help! 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!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Austin Orthodontics

Dr. Nelson and our team at Austin Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces!

We'd like to know, how are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Nelson is your A+ Invisalign certified provider

Have you heard of Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces?

Dr. Nelson is not only a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider, but he was an “Alpha doctor” involved in the original clinical testing and evaluation of the Invisalign system. This week, our team at Austin Orthodontics featured our A+ Invisalign grades in our "What we do Wednesday" showcase on Facebook.

In case you didn't know, here are a few important facts about Invisalign:

-Invisalign is often more affordable than most patients think and can be less expensive than conventional braces

-Moms and Dads: We offer a 5% family member discount for the 2nd family member and 10% for the 3rd. Maybe it's your turn!

-The orthodontist you choose for Invisalign MATTERS. A lot of treatment planning goes into making sure that Invisalign is successful. We want to make sure you choose the best!

For more information on Invisalign, and orthodontic treatment options in Austin, TX, give Austin Orthodontics a call!

Dr. Nelson is your certified Invisalign Teen™ provider in Austin

Hey teens! Would you like to straighten your teeth, without anyone ever knowing? Dr. Nelson and our team would like to remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

In this short patient video, Maddie shares her experience having Invisalign Teen. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at Austin Orthodontics and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.

Dr. Nelson showcases orthodontics in action with "What we do Wednesday"

Dr. Nelson and our team at Austin Orthodontics are always looking for new ways to better serve our Austin, TX patients with the highest quality of personal and technical orthodontic expertise. Recently, we launched "What we do Wednesday," a new program that will showcase a few of the amazing cases that we have been able to repair, using the most cutting-edge of orthodontic treatments. This week, Dr. Nelson showed an example of impacted 2nd molars that were repaired with just four brackets and two TADS in only nine months!

Be sure to check back on our blog and Facebook page each Wednesday to see a few examples of the awesome work of Dr. Nelson and our team! We welcome any questions or comments that you may have, so don't hesitate to give us a call!

Austin Orthodontics announces the opening of a second office location

Austin, TX orthodontist Dr. Nelson is excited to announce that we are now building a second office location to better serve our patients. The new Austin Orthodontics office will be conveniently located in far Northwest Austin, TX at 6611 Sitio Del Rio Blvd, very close to our current temporary location. Our team at Austin Orthodontics is excited for the opportunity to better serve our Northwest Austin patients and their families.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about our new office location, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson.

A braces-friendly Halloween recipe, from Austin Orthodontics

In celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. Nelson would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Why do you choose Austin Orthodontics?

At Austin Orthodontics, serving Austin, TX and surrounding areas, it is our personal philosophy that orthodontic treatment should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the moment that you walk in the door of Austin Orthodontics, Dr. Nelson and team strive to make our patients' experience as pleasant as possible with convenient scheduling, insurance inquiries, and after-hours care. Today, we would love to hear about your experience at Austin Orthodontics.

Whether you or your family has been visiting our office for weeks, months, or years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Nelson and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a few braces-friendly holiday foods with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. These treats are delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, these foods will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Orthodontic-Friendly Treats
• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
• Peanut butter cups
• Milk shakes
• Gelatin
• Peeled, thinly sliced apples
• Ice cream

Dr. Nelson and our team think that braces are pretty cool, do you?

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams, and Justin Bieber—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Nelson, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Austin Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Invisalign® and your oral health, from Austin Orthodontics

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Austin Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Nelson the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly fall dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets colder.



Apple Bombolini

Ingredients:

Rustic dough:

• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling:

• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:

• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings. Enjoy!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

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

That’s right—seven.

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

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

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

Friday fun facts with Austin Orthodontics

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Austin Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ask Dr. Nelson: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Austin Orthodontics in Austin, TX found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your oral health.

Nail biting, or Onychophagia, is a common habit that is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, and unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.

• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.

• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.

• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Nelson for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

-Your friends at Austin Orthodontics

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Austin Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Austin, TX area!

What are patients saying about Austin Orthodontics?

Austin Orthodontics, serving Austin, TX and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Nelson and team!

"I absolutely love my orthodontist and his staff. They are so amazingly friendly. I felt welcomed when I entered the office and everyone had the most beautiful smiles on their faces. It felt like they were a family and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else other than with my family, so thanks Dr. Nelson and staff for making my visits and care there a comfortable and exciting experience." ~Deirdre

"Dr. Nelson is really smart and he knows his stuff. He also has very high ethical standards and only recommends treatments that are appropriate for each patient. I had visited four other orthodontists for initial consultations and they all recommended that I should have jaw surgery - a couple of them barely looked at me for 30 seconds and recommended surgery. Dr. Nelson was honest and sincere when he said that I did not have any facial abnormalities that would warrant surgical intervention. I appreciated his honesty and decided to choose him for my treatment. After I started my treatment with him, he has remained extremely involved in my oral health." ~Harini

"I'm thrilled with our orthodontist. All staff is friendly, courteous, and efficient." ~Diana

"Hey, Dr. Nelson! Why is it so important to have straight teeth?"

Some people wonder why Austin, TX orthodontist Dr. Nelson and our team work tirelessly 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 at Austin Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

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, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Nelson can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign- How it Works at Austin Orthodontics

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign manages to straighten teen without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at Austin Orthodontics. We also have plenty of resources on our web site to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call today to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Austin Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Nelson) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Ask Austin Orthodontics: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Nelson will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s 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, or AAO, 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, as well as your life!

Staying connected with Austin Orthodontics

At Austin Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Nelson and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our Facebook page? Our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Austin Orthodontics Wishing You a Happy 4th of July!

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Dr. Nelson and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page!

Smile wider, live longer, from Austin Orthodontics

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Austin Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

Reminding You To Enter the Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes!

We wanted to share this Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes information with everyone. The sweepstakes are from now until July 11th, and you could even win a trip to the Teen Choice 2010, along with several other great prizes. We encourage you to check it out!

Austin Orthodontics Wants You To Smile–June is National Smile Month!

It’s June already! Where does the time go?

The Austin Orthodontics team is excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Ten Tips To Keep Those Braces Clean!

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.

Hope these tips help!

-Austin Orthodontics

Ask Austin Orthodontics: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Austin Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Austin Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

What do you love about Austin Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Austin Orthodontics, our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Nelson or Dr. Burgess? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you!

Invisalign® Tips, from Austin Orthodontics

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Austin Orthodontics wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Austin Orthodontics, give us a call!

Ask Austin Orthodontics: What can I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your initial consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. We will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Nelson & Dr. Burgess will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that we can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Austin Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand our recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Austin Orthodontics asks: This Earth Day, what are you up to?

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in the Austin community, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Tell us, what are you up to? Are you making a difference today? How long have you participated in helping our planet? You may reply here or on our Facebook fan page!

Happy Earth Day!

More About Orthodontics From Austin Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Drs. Nelson & Burgess 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 Austin Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

Ask Austin Orthodontics: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work! To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.
Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Nelson and Burgess are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

New Temporary Austin Orthodontics Location

We are very close to opening the new temporary office. The storefront sign is up, some of the furniture is delivered and most of the equipment is in place. Please stop in and check out our progress. We are located at 10601 FM 2222 Building B, Suite P Austin, TX 78730. In the meantime, check out our Facebook page for the photos, and to follow our progress!

-Austin Orthodontics

Your turn! From Austin Orthodontics

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

New Contest at Austin Orthodontics

Don't forget, our new contest is running now through May. Please check with our front desk for details to win a $100 Amazon.com gift card!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. 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
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their 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. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

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 our office even sooner.

If you are looking for additional information about early treatment, check out the information on our web site.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Austin Orthodontics

At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Austin Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

--Dr. Nelson and Dr. Burgess

Ask Austin Orthodontics: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Nelson and Burgess and our team at Austin Orthodontics work tirelessly 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! 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! At Austin Orthodontics, we utilize our computer-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning software to provide a visual treatment objective. This is the most accurate and predictable method of orthodontic treatment planning to date.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Nelson can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What are patients saying about Austin Orthodontics?

A few weeks ago, our team at Austin Orthodontics asked you, our valued patients, what you liked most about your treatment. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Drs. Nelson and Burgess, as well as our team love getting patient testimonials!

"Knowledge and experience of both Dr. Nelson and his staff, plus the comfort level and atmosphere at the facility." ~ Cathy A.

"Thoroughly explains. Conservative approach to treatment. Cutting edge knowledge. Easy to talk to. Wonderful atmosphere and staff. I have been with him for 10 years, and I can easily say, I never doubt him or his advice. That is a terrific feeling." ~ Scott G.

"I completely trust Dr. Nelson. He has done wonderful work on all of us! His staff is great!" ~ Steve G.

"Being able to look at my pictures, seeing when my appointment is, and being able to sign up for text messaging! I live through my texts!" ~ Linda B.

"I absolutely love my orthodontist and his staff. They are so amazingly friendly. I felt welcomed when I entered the office and everyone had the most beautiful smiles on their faces. It felt like they were a family and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else other than with my family, so Thanks Dr. Nelson and staff for making my visits and care there a comfortable and exciting experience." ~ Deirdre S.

Austin Orthodontics are adding a second office!

Austin Orthodontics is very excited to announce a second office to accommodate our growing practice. In March 2010 we will be opening the second office temporarily located in The Shops at Riverplace located at 10601 RR 2222, Suite P, Austin, TX 78730. We will be in the same shopping center as Rice, Pizza Hut and PostNet.

Above are the plans for our new temporary location. We will be breaking ground on a permanent new office behind the IBC Bank connected to the parking lot of the temporary office. The new permanent office should be completed early next year. We are beginning to take appointments for this new, temporary office. Drs. Nelson and Burgess will continue to treat at both locations.

Check back soon for updates!

Dr. David Nelson, helping America's wounded soldiers

Dr. David Nelson enjoys flying, but not for the reason one might think. He is part of a group that has helped more than 1,700 wounded soldiers with their recovery.

The Center For The Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio is where some of the most seriously injured U.S. soldiers go to heal. For some of them, flying with Dr. Nelson is their best way of reconnecting with the outside world.

Dr. Nelson is an Army veteran himself, having flown AH-1G or "Cobra" attack helicopters during the war in Vietnam. As a private pilot, Dr. Nelson volunteers his time and his twin engine cessna 425 with Veterans Airlift Command. VAC, as it's called, is a completely civilian organization of pilots helping wounded soldiers reunite with family or attended special events ... at no cost.

Dr. Nelson recently headed to New Mexico -- just south of Albuquerque -- to meet another VAC pilot and meet two soldiers returning to rehab at Intrepid.

"My friends who were hurt and killed in Vietnam with me... what are we 38 years later and I still get emotional about it. I really do," Dr. Nelson said. "I still remember their names and their faces and stuff like that."

According the the Department of Defense 35,944 U.S. service members have been wounded in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since 2003.

"America has matured to the point of understanding that you can disagree with an action of the government but the people who carry it out still deserve your support," Dr. Nelson says in the video. "And I just think that's incredible. I think these guys deserve everything we can give them."

If you have any comments you'd like to add, or have questions for Dr. Nelson, please post them here or give us a call at Austin Orthodontics!

Meet Dr. Burgess

Dr. Burgess was born in Huntington, NY and grew up not far from there. She attended college at Columbia University in New York City where she majored in biology. After spending 2 years in Maryland post-college, she decided to pursue a career in dentistry.

She received a number of scholarships to attend the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She graduated at the top of her dental class in addition to being heavily involved in volunteer work throughout the four year curriculum. Dr Burgess was then accepted into an orthodontic program at the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan. She was able to explore and master a wide range of orthodontic techniques as well as earning a Master of Science degree for her research of the remineralization of incipient carious lesions (white spots) during orthodontic treatment.

Following graduation, she practiced for several years in Michigan, during which she completed the American Board of Orthodontic exam (a distinction achieved by less than 50% of orthodontists). Unfortunately, the winters in Michigan were just too cold, so Dr. Burgess relocated to Austin TX. She is delighted to have joined the practice of Dr. Nelson, an orthodontist that she greatly respects. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, biking and her husband Jon’s wonderful cooking.

What do you love about Austin Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to our office Dr. Nelson and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We consider it a privilege to work with you and look forward to knowing you as friends as well as patients. By providing excellent personal and technical expertise to all of our patients, we are confident you will be pleased with your experience.

We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Nelson? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting Austin Orthodontics for years, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Meet Our Orthodontist

A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Nelson has been practicing in dentistry since 1978, when he entered dental school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. His graduate thesis on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction continues to be a significant focus of our practice today. In 1982, he was selected by the Academy of General Dentists as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year. Since then, Dr. Nelson has continued to attend, participate in and instruct in all phases of orthodontic continuing education programs.

After completing his studies with honors, Dr. Nelson moved to Austin to open his private practice, where he now resides with his wife, Brenda, and his daughters, Jessica and Jayna. He and his family enjoy snow skiing, restoring classic cars, flying, and spending quality time together.