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.