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.