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.