Make Your New Year’s Resolution Something to Smile About, from Dr. Reed

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Reed Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Reed Orthodontics

Reed Orthodontics Cute Pet Contest

Dr. Reed and our team are excited to announce that Jordan is the winner of the Reed Orthodontics Cute Pet Contest. His Chihuahua received 52 Facebook "likes" and 9 comments. Congratulations Jordan!

Jordan said that he would like to use the $100 Visa gift card to buy food, blankets, and toys for the Dumb Friends League. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for pictures in the upcoming weeks!

Happy Holidays, from our entire team at Reed Orthodontics!

A few orthodontic fun facts, from Dr. Reed and team

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 Reed 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.

Write a review for Reed Orthodontics!

From your very first visit to Reed Orthodontics our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!



Just select the "Write a Review" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

The team at Reed Orthodontics

With Reed Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Reed Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Denver and Centennial, Colorado.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "My Appointments and Payments" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Reed Orthodontics

Here at Reed Orthodontics, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

Gobble Gobble!

Cool kids get braces at Reed Orthodontics!

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 and the Damon System, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—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. Reed, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

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

Staying connected with Reed Orthodontics

At Reed 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 and pictures from our Cash For Candy event on our Facebook 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. Reed 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 blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

More happy patients at Reed Orthodontics!

Dr. Reed and team, serving Denver and Centennial, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Great Orthodontist. I had a very complicated case with two jaw surgeries involved. Dr. Reed and his team went out of their way to make my expereince as comfortable as possible. They really do whatever it takes for you!"

"The friendly place of smiles! My experience with Dr. Reed and his staff over the last few years has been wonderful! They are always friendly, compassionate, helpful, and cheerful. I always look forward to going!"

"My daughter started seeing Dr. Reed seven years ago, when we were looking into preventative orthodontics. He is terrific. I would recommend him to anyone."

A few Halloween safety tips, from Reed Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Reed would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Reed and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

Reed Orthodontics announces Cash for Candy!

Would you like to turn your Halloween candy into cash? With Halloween only two weeks away, Dr. Reed knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! That's why we would like to invite all of our young trick-or-treaters to join us and the Cody Dental Group at our Denver, CO office for our Cash for Candy event.

You're invited:
Who: All of our friends, family, and neighbors
What: Cash for Candy
Where: 4301 E. Amherst Ave., Denver, CO 80222
When: 9am - 1pm on Nov. 6, 2010
Why: To receive $1 per pound of wrapped Halloween candy for up to 10 pounds of candy. All of the candy collected will be sent to our active duty troops by Operation Gratitude.

Don't hesitate to give Dr. Reed or our team a call or visit the Cody Dental Group website if you have any questions about Cash for Candy. We look forward to seeing you there!

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Reed and our team would like to share a braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics and celebrity chef Michael Chiarello. This Green Goo Slimedoo recipe is delicious, and provided that you brush and floss after indulging, it will not damage your beautiful smile.

Green Goo Slimedoo

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
2 ounces sugar
2 ounces butter
2 pounds white chocolate
6 to 12 drops green food coloring
2 bags of thin pretzel sticks
Strawberries, bananas and thinly sliced apples for dipping
Candy sprinkles

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a non-reactive double boiler set over medium-low heat, bring the cream, sugar, and butter to a boil. Meanwhile, chop the chocolate into small chunks - a serrated knife works best for this.
3. Add the chocolate chunks to the cream mixture in the double boiler, whisking, until it is melted and incorporated into the cream. Finally, add the food coloring until it is the desired shade of green.
4. Keep mixture warm in a fondue pot. Set out the fruit and the pretzels for dipping with long wooden skewers next to the fondue pot. Guests can dip their pretzels or fruit into the fondue and then roll them in the candy sprinkles, if desired.

Dr. Reed encourages patients to participate in our Pet Contest!

Our team at Reed Orthodontics loves interacting with our patients online through our social networks. This fall, Dr. Reed is excited to announce our Pet Contest. Now through mid-December, we would like to encourage our patients to share their pet photos with our office, their friends, and family, for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

There are three simple ways that you can enter our Pet Contest:

1) "Like" the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page and upload your pet photo onto the Facebook page wall.

2) Email your pet photo to beg4braces@aol.com, and we will share the photo on the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page wall.

3) Stop by one of our offices and drop off your pet photo. We will share the photo on the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page wall.

Now that you've entered your pet photo, invite all of your friends and family to "like" the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page and "like" your pet photo.The pet photo that receives the most "likes" on our Facebook page will win the $100 Visa gift card! This contest is open to all of our patients, as well as those that are not are patients.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about the contest, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

A few patient reviews for Reed Orthodontics

Reed Orthodontics, serving Centennial and Denver, CO and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Reed and team!

"I just love my smile. Dr. Reed fixed by jaw prolems. I had a lot of pain and now I am pretty much pain free. I get some many compliments on my smile, that I have to carry Dr. Reed's buisness cards around. Dr. Reed is awesome. Thank you Dr. Reed and staff.‎"

"Dr. Reed did my orthodontic treatment and the results are amazing. He does beautiful work. And the office is so much fun. They do these theme days where everyone dresses up and it makes it very enjoyable to go to your appointment.‎"

"Reed Orthodontices has a great reputation in the area, and they definitely live up to it. I was so impressed with the service that I received at this office! The staff is very friendly and welcoming, and they were even patient with my baby who got fussy at the end of the appointment. Dr. Reed is genuinely kind and very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all of my questions. I highly recommend them!‎"

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Reed.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Reed Orthodontics a call.

Reed Orthodontics, from a family's perspective

Shannon has two children that receive treatment at Reed Orthodontics. Thanks for sharing your family's story, Shannon!

Reed Orthodontics has been serving the Aurora, Littleton, Englewood and Greater Denver area since 1984. Dr. Reed is an orthodontist specializing in braces for adults and children. We offer the state of the art Damon® System and Invisalign, as well as traditional braces. For more information on orthodontic treatment at our office, feel free to give us a call!

"Support Your Favorite College" week at Reed Orthodontics

This week, our team at Reed Orthodontics is showing our college spirit. The girls have each decorated their units to show their college spirit for "Support Your Favorite College" week at Reed Orthodontics.

Be sure to let Dr. Reed and our staff know what you think of the office decor this week!

Reed Orthodontics, from a patient's perspective

Have you seen this great patient testimonial video for Dr. Reed and our team? Kerri, who has been a patient of our office for ten years, shares her story of receiving at our office. Thanks for sharing your experience with the world, Kerri!

Staff Spotlight: Jannae at Reed Orthodontics

Meet Jannae, the newest member of our Reed Orthodontics family! Today, she wanted to share a little bit about herself with all of our wonderful patients.

A few words from Jannae
"I have been in the orthodontic field for a year and a half. I love it because of the personal connections that I get to make with our patients.I was born and raised in Denver, CO, but my husband and I moved to California for three years. We recently moved back, and we plan to never leave again! In my free time I like to spend time with family, friends, and our dog."

Next time you're in for an appointment, be sure to say hello to Jannae!

Thank you,

-Reed Orthodontics

Reed Orthodontics Recipe of the Week: Twisty Soft Pretzels!

At Reed Orthodontics, serving Denver, Aurora and Centennial, CO, we love sharing braces-friendly recipes with our patients. Our recipe this week is for Twisty Soft Pretzels, which are perfect to pack in kids' lunches or as a yummy snack at home. As always, feel free to share your all-time favorite recipes with us by posting them on our Facebook page.

Twisty Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup of warm water
1/2 Envelope yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
Pinches of salt or cinnamon-sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425. In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast & sugar. Mix in salt and flour with a larger spoon. Shape dough into pretzel shapes. Brush them with the beaten egg. Sprinkle salt or cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 12 minutes.

Ask Dr. Reed: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Reed 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 Dr. Reed 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, Dr. Reed would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Ask Dr. Reed: Why the Damon® System?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Here’s why Damon® is better:

With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months of treatment! After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are very precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Reed is a certified Damon System provider. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Reed Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. Reed: How can I benefit from Invisalign® treatment?

Dr. Reed, serving Centennial and Denver, CO, often receives questions from patients about the differences between Invisalign and other treatment options. That's why, we wanted to share this great video on Invisalign from a patient's perspective. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Just see what patients have to say!

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Reed the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

What do you love about Reed Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Reed Orthodontics, we 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. Reed's work? 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,
The team at Reed Orthodontics of Centennial & Denver, CO

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. Reed started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Reed decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became 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?

What’s on your summer reading list?

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

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. Reed) 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!

Reed Orthodontics wants to know: are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

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

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Reed and our team at can help determine the cause of the problem.

Have a Great 4th of July from Reed Orthodontics!

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Dr. Reed 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!

Access your account any time at Reed Orthodontics

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our Centennial & Denver offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Reed Orthodontics is Celebrating the National Smile Month!

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

Dr. Reed and team are 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!

–Reed Orthodontics of Centennial & Denver, CO

When is Two Phase 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 Orthodontists). 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.

Questions? Give us a call and set up your initial consultation to learn more about orthodontics and two phase treatment in our Centennial or Denver, CO offices.

Braces Myths Unraveled, with Reed Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular-and strange- questions orthodontists across the country have received from their patients recently:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today's smaller, sleeker braces it is extremely difficult, almost impossible, to lock braces while kissing. Also braces are not magnetic, which means any "attraction" felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff -- the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today's braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes-- that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the US in any one year, according to National Geographic, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth Guards are one of the least expensive pieces pf protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today's braces, especially the ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one's lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Laser Treatment at Reed Orthodontics

One of the leading causes of extended orthodontic treatment is the slow eruption of permanent teeth. Often, we have waited up to twelve additional months for these reluctant teeth to come in, which means you/ your child’s time in braces is extended due to no fault of their own. To reduce this waiting time, we have added Laser uncovering of these teeth, which has little operative discomfort and a rapid healing time. We will also be using the Laser to remove excessive gum tissue which may remain after the braces are removed.

The procedure is done in our office and takes very little time. Dr. Reed uses a strong topical or local anesthetic which makes the procedure very comfortable. The area numbs very quickly and Dr. Reed will remove the tissue. Because it is a laser, there is no bleeding and the area will heal very quickly.

After the laser procedure is completed, there are a few rules to follow. It is most important that patients brush very well at least three times daily with the new toothbrush they are given. Special attention should be made to brushing the area Dr. Reed has treated. Rinse at least twice daily with warm salt water. This can be made by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.

You will notice that the area is slightly discolored for about three to four days. It will look better each day following the laser procedure. Discomfort is usually limited to just a very slight amount when the numbing feeling has worn off. Advil or Tylenol is very effective for the minimal discomfort. Continuing the Tylenol or Advil for the first twelve hours has proven to be very effective.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 303-617-3333.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) at Reed Orthodontics

What are TADs (temporary anchorage devices)?
TADs are titanium-alloy mini-screws, ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters in length and 1.2 to 2 millimeters in diameter. They are fixed to bone temporarily to enhance orthodontic anchorage. Titanium alloys have been used as joint replacements and for dental implants for many years. These alloys are not rejected by the body.

Where are TADs placed?
TADs are placed in the bone between the roots of the teeth and can be placed in the bone in the roof of the mouth as well.

How is a TAD placed and does it hurt?
Placement is minimally invasive and often completed using topical anesthetic. TADs are inserted directly into the bone using a special instrument. There is little or no discomfort because there are no nerve endings in the bone tissue. Once placed, Dr. Reed is able to use the TAD as orthodontic anchorage immediately. Because of the possibility that TADs can loosen or fall out, patients should avoid picking or pulling at the TAD. If the TAD does become loose or come out, call Dr. Reed as soon as possible.

Who places the TAD?
Dr. Reed will refer you to one of our oral surgeons that we work closely with. Because of the ease of the procedure, the procedure is able to be done in office. The procedure is complete in a matter of minutes and relatively painless.

How long are TADs left in?
Dr. Reed will advise you about how long a TAD will be needed. It may be required only for a few months, or it may be needed throughout your orthodontic treatment. TADs are versatile and may be used in different parts of treatment.

Can TADs be used for patients at any age?
TADs are placed on patients who have permanent teeth. Patients with active periodontal (gum) disease may not be candidates for TADs.

Reed Orthodontics: Tips on Foods to Avoid While In Orthodontic Treatment

At Reed Orthodontics, our goal is to provide you with a beautiful smile. This can only be accomplished if the braces stay attached to your teeth. We do not want to interfere with your nutritional intake, but we do ask that you watch the types of foods you eat. Some types of foods are capable of breaking your bands or brackets, bending your wires, and breaking the cement under your bands or brackets. All these things prolong treatment time.

A careful patient can eat a nutritionally balanced diet and do no harm to their braces. We hope that you will strive to be this type of patient. The foods listed below are the ones that we have found to be the most common cause of loose bands, brackets and broken appliances.

Hard Foods

1. ice (no crunching, please)
2. hard edges of pizza
3. peanuts (all nuts)
4. popcorn (hard kernels)
5. hard candy
6. carrots & apples (may be eaten if cut into small pieces)
7. Corn-on-the cob (may be eaten if sliced off the cob)

Sticky & Chewy Foods

1. caramels
2. taffy
3. gum
4. “Now or Later” candy
5. Gummy Bears
6. Milk Duds
7. “Snickers” candy bars
8. Jelly Beans
Sweet Foods

Although they may not cause damage to your appliances, care should be taken to brush your teeth immediately after eating very sweet foods. If you cannot brush at least rinse your mouth out with clear water.

1. cake
2. pie
3.candy
4. ice cream
5. cookies
6. sweet drinks (cokes, lemonade)

Be a good “brace watcher”. Please notify our Centennial or Denver offices if appliances become loose or broken in order that we might minimize prolonged treatment time.

Brushing is important at all times-but especially now that you have braces. Work hard to keep your braces just as shiny as the day they were placed. Then when your treatment is complete and your braces are removed you will be proud to smile, because a smile is forever!

Braces 101 With Reed Orthodontics

Should you need to call Dr. Reed in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions, at either our Centennial or Denver, CO orthodontic offices!

More About Orthodontics From Reed Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Reed 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 Reed Orthodontics in Centennial and Denver, CO. We'd love to hear from you.

Invisalign® Tips, from Reed 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, Dr. Reed 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 Reed Orthodontics, give us a call!

Bio-Adaptive Therapy A Revolutionary Advancement In Orthodontic Treatment at Reed Orthodontics

In my practice, I am continually evaluating and implementing new technologies that will improve our treatment diagnosis and clinical care.

Of all the new technologies that I have implemented, I am most excited to share with you a truly revolutionary advancement in the clinical treatment of our patients.

This innovative treatment approach is made possible by the combination of two emerging technologies: Passive, Self-Ligating Orthodontic Brackets that virtually eliminate friction along the wire, allowing for the application of extremely light, bio-compatible forces. These light forces are provided by High Tech Metal Alloys that impart orthodontic wires with the properties of superelasticity, shape memory, and thermal activation with low continuous force.

Dramatic results can be achieved for our patients in about ¾ the time of traditional treatment, with fewer appointments and much less discomfort.

Self Ligating Brackets + High Tech Wires = Low Friction and Low Force



BRACKETS Traditional orthodontic brackets require elastic rings to tie the archwire into the bracket slot. These elastic ties are like little bunji chords that cause binding which can significantly inhibit tooth movement (Fig. 1). The large forces required to overcome the friction generated at each bracket have a cumulative and slowing effect on tooth movement.

WIRES Relatively new alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and chromium have been used in the fabrication of orthodontic archwires (known as Copper Ni-Ti). They offer distinct advantages over formerly available alloys.

Copper Ni-Ti wires generate a lighter and more constant force over longer activation periods. Patients are typically seen at 10 to 12 week appointment intervals with these wires in place. To our patients with busy schedules, this means less frequent trips to my office for activations. In addition, many patients experience less discomfort by using light, continuous force to move their teeth.

CONCLUSIONS The new low friction/low force treatment approach using passive self-ligating brackets and high tech alloy wires allows us to achieve remarkable results for our patients with fewer appointments. This occurs in dramatically shorter treatment times, with less discomfort, and with improved oral hygiene.

-Reed Orthodontics

Reed Orthodontics Supporting Our Troops

For the past few weeks, Reed Orthodontics has been collecting items to send to our troops in active duty overseas. Included with these items, we will be sending notes of appreciation from patients and staff to our troops. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to this effort!

We are reaching our final "push" for collections, and will be sending items out the first week of April...so if you haven't already, please bring any items by the office if you are able to help us out! In the meantime, check out all the fun photos on our Facebook page!

--The Reed Orthodontics Team

Denver Orthodontist Listening to Patient Needs, a Testimonial

Barb, one of our treatment coordinators at Reed Orthodontics, describes her experience as a patient at our office.

Reed Orthodontics is the orthodontic practice of Dr. Charles Reed specializing in the state of the art Damon System, Invisalign clear (invisible) braces, and traditional orthodontic braces. We have two convenient offices in Denver and Centennial, CO, and a web site at http://www.reedortho.com. We look forward to welcoming you into our orthodontic family!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Charles Reed graduated with high honors in 1982 from Loyola University Dental School, Chicago, with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He received the American Association of Orthodontists Award and was elected to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. He entered Loyola University – Department of Orthodontics where he obtained a certificate of orthodontics in 1984.

Dr. Reed later researched the use of specialized imaging (MRI/CT) techniques to diagnose disorders of the jaw-joint (TMJ). This research has led to improved, non-painful and non-invasive methods for diagnosis which has become the standard today. Dr. Reed published this information as a contributing editor in a book on the diagnosis of TMJ disorders in 1990. He received his Masters of Science degree in 1991.

On the personal side, Dr. Reed has been living in the Denver area since 1987 with his wife and four children. He enjoys many outdoor activities including golf and scuba-diving. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his family and donating time toward church service.