The benefits of a beautiful smile

Dr. David Nelson and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies! If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Austin Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile! Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

"Hey, Dr. Nelson: What’s so special about an orthodontist?"

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Nelson started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Nelson decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. He was selected for one of six positions in the Orthodontic Specialty Program to become an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!