This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Hardin 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 daily. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment! 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 Hardin Orthodontics

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

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff 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 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!

Have a Hard Rockin' Holiday, from your friends at Hardin Orthodontics!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Holiday Orthodontic Gift Certificate Offer

Hey patients- be sure to share this holiday gift certificate with friends and family- they can receive a $200 credit towards orthodontic treatment started on or before December 29th here at Hardin Orthodontics. Thanks for helping spread the word!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Hardin Orthodontics

Dr. Hardin and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Orthodontic fun facts, from Dr. Hardin & 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 Hardin 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.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Hardin Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Sandy and Gresham areas. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Start the New Year off Right- Enter for a Chance to Win a Flip Camera!

Gather friends or family to help you make a 30 second video or commercial telling us what you love most about braces.

There are several ways to enter:

1. Post your video to our Facebook page
2. Email a youtube link to sheri@hardinortho.com
3. Write it to a CD and drop it by our office.

You can enter as many times as you like, but each entry must be a different video!

The deadline for your entries is December 29, 2010, and we will announce the winner on
January 4, 2011.

GOOD LUCK!

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Hardin & team 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 our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we 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

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Hardin and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Ask Dr. Hardin: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Dr. Hardin 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 Hardin 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. Hardin can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Hardin Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Continuing Education Event with Dr. Hardin and team

Last Friday, Dr. Hardin & team held a dental continuing education event at the Riverview Resturant in Troutdale, Oregon. Several local dental offices were in attendance, and were treated to an hour seminar detailing current orthodontic techniques and advances.

We then held a very special lunch prepared by Dr. Hardin and the Executive Chef of the Riverview Resturant (Check out the video we produced with Chef Ryan). Finally, a few staff, patients and friends put on a fashion show sponsored by Elegantly Funky, a high end clothing boutique in downtown Gresham. They had their hair and makeup done at no charge by Salon Ambiance, a hair salon also located in downtown Gresham. We had a great time at the event overall, and we hope you get a chance to view the video we created, it has a few great tips for all the parents out there!

Finally- don't miss all the great photos from the event on our Facebook Page!

Easy, Healthy Cooking with Dr. Tod Hardin & Chef Ryan

Easy, Healthy Cooking with Dr. Tod Hardin & Chef Ryan from Dave Proehl on Vimeo.

We have a treat for you all today. In this video, Dr. Hardin uses his iPhone to summon a chef (Ryan Hampton, Executive Chef at the Riverview Restaurant in Troutdale, OR) and together they prepare a quick, healthy meal, focusing on easily available ingredients and capitalizing on great NW flavors.

This video will debut at Hardin Orthodontics' fall training event at the Riverview Restaurant September 17, 2010. At the event, participants will even be served the identical menu items demonstrated in this cooking segment!

Enjoy your weekend everyone,

Dr. Hardin & Team

All the cool kids do it!

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, 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. Hardin, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

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

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. Hardin.

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 us a call at our Sandy or Gresham, OR.

Tackling sports injuries with Hardin Orthodontics

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why we are helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Hardin is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with us.

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 our office, 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 Gresham and Sandy, OR!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Hardin Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Hardin and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Hardin Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Patient Appreciation Party Photos!

If you missed the 2010 Hardin Orthodontics patient appreciation party, don't miss the great photos of the fun on our Facebook page! We had a blast and want to thank everyone who was able to attend. We also wanted to send out a special thank you to all the patients who contributed to our fundraiser at the party for the Northwest Autism Foundation. We raised over $600!

The advantage of SureSmile®

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Hardin Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Tod Hardin specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Hardin identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets us view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us for a consulatation today!

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Hardin 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. Hardin) 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!

Win a Netbook from Hardin Orthodontics!

Start the school year off right! Here’s your chance to win a new Dell-Inspirion Mini Netbook. All you have to do is tell us what you like about our office, or a good experience that you’ve had with us. There are several ways to enter:

1. Go to our Facebook page and post it as a comment.
2. Send it to us in an email at sheri@hardinortho.com.
3. Go to our website and fill out a satisfaction survey.
4. Write it down on a piece of paper and drop it by our office.

Enter as many times as you like! The deadline for your entries is August 31, 2010. The drawing will be held September 1, 2010.

Good Luck!

Happy Independence Day from Hardin Orthodontics

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

With Hardin Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Hardin 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 Gresham & Sandy, OR.

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! 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!

Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Sandy & Gresham, OR

After treating thousands of orthodontic patients, it still amazes me when I hear adults say “there is nothing you could do for my teeth” as they subconsciously hide their smile. For all those adults that have thought this at one time or another, I say let the facts speak for themselves.

Across America, adults make up 25% or more of the patients having orthodontic treatment. What’s even more amazing is that this number is climbing. Realizing this, many of the orthodontic technology advancements that have arrived in the last 10 years specifically target adult orthodontic problems.

Suresmile: braces combined with computer aided design allow for average adult treatment times to be reduced by as much as 40%. Braces for 12 to 18 months sounds a whole lot better than braces for 3 years.

Clear Aligner Therapy: mild orthodontic problems can now be treated with a series of very thin clear trays that fit over the teeth. These trays are nearly invisible, and unless someone looks real close at your teeth, they will think that your smile is somehow “magically” getting better over time.

Damon Braces: their have been great advancements in the actual types of braces we use for treatment. Damon Braces have been designed to be very specific in treating many of the crowding and dental bite problems that adults feel are untreatable. I personally have treated several adults with Damon Braces that thought they would need teeth pulled or jaw surgery to be able to get orthodontic treatment, and they couldn’t have been more far off from the truth.


So?……What are you waiting for? At Hardin Orthodontics, we are changing the lives of our adult patients by giving them the smile they always wanted. It is your turn!!! As an extra incentive, please click here and print out this coupon. All you need to do is start by September 15, 2010.


Hey! June is national smile month, isn’t it time to take the leap!?

Patient Appreciation Party

Come join Dr. Hardin & Team at the Mt. Hood Lanes for our Annual Patient Party, for outdoor activities, food, prizes and LOADS OF FUN! You won't want to miss it! The event is on Saturday, July 24th at 10am, and goes until 1pm. You can RSVP to this fun event by emailing Sheri@hardinortho.com

In the meantime, be sure to check out the fun photo slideshow we made of last year's party.

Smile--June is National Smile Month!

We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend! Now that we’re in June, it’s once again time to remind our patients to smile wide! After all, June is National Smile Month, and a great time to promote good dental habits such as brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist, in addition to taking care of your braces!

We would like to hear about things that make you smile. As an example, going to the beach over Memorial Day Weekend with my family and catching razor clams sure makes me smile. In fact, any time I get to spend with my wife and children gets me grinning from ear to ear!




I also find myself turning my frown upside-down when I have a drink from the “lemon” water that Nan makes for our patients all summer long (occasionally you will find limes, or cucumbers, but it all tastes great).



FACEBOOK CONTEST: When you get a chance, we are asking our patients and their families to please post a picture or write a small entry on our Facebook page, letting us know what makes you smile. We will give the winning entry an Oral-B electric toothbrush valued at over $100, to be awarded the first week of July. Good Luck and Spread the Word!!!

What do you love about Dr. Hardin & team?

From your very first visit to the orthodontic office of Dr. Tod Hardin, We strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: What did you think about your experience? 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,
Dr. Hardin & team

SureSmile makes the rounds on ABC’s “The Doctors”

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Dr. Hardin is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Meet Our Orthodontist

I married my high school sweetheart in 1988, and we have four wonderful children. Nothing is more important to me than their well being. I have built my practice around the values, ethics, integrity, and experience that I would expect out of a health care professional rendering service to my own family members.

I have been practicing orthodontics in the Gresham and Sandy areas since 1996. As a third generation dental professional, I take the job of straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles very seriously and very personally. I have surrounded myself with staff members that share this same desire. During your orthodontic treatment, we will do our best to create a fun and lighthearted environment for you to receive your care. It is important to us for you and your family to have the best possible experience in our practice. We strive to blend our desire for beautiful results with an office atmosphere that is receptive and warm.

I have pretty much been an Oregonian my whole life. I went to Sam Barlow High School, followed by Western Oregon State University and Portland State University for my college education. I then attended Oregon Health Sciences University for both my dental school education and my orthodontic residency. I am very proud and happy to be back in the Gresham community. Gresham was a great place for my wife and I to grow up, and we wanted nothing more than to come back to Gresham to work and raise our family.

When I am not straightening teeth, I enjoy golfing, skiing, fishing, and pretty much anything in the outdoors. I am very active in my church, and I love to spend time with my wife and children.