Orthodontic Partners helping Brides to have Straight Teeth by their Wedding

This weekend we attended the Bridal Fair at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. A bridal fair may seem like a strange place to find Orthodontic Partners but it's really not. All brides want to have everything perfect for their wedding day and that includes a beautiful smile that will be captured in photos to be enjoyed for years to come. Because the SureSmile technology we use in our office reduces treatment time by about 40% we have been able to help many brides have the smile of their dreams in time for the big day. Orthodontic Partners has completed over 2000 cases using this amazing technology making us the world's most experienced provider of SureSmile. For more information on SureSmile or our office visit us at www.orthodonticpartners.net.

Girl Scout Troop 602 Earns Badge for Visiting Orthodontic Partners

Our very own patient, Emma Crump and the rest of her Girl Scout Troop 602 visited the Sparks office of Orthodontic Partners to earn their healthy habits badge. As part of their visit we talked about what foods are good and bad for their teeth, the proper way to brush and floss, how braces straighten teeth, and what it's like to get an impression. An impression was taken of each of the girls thumbs and poured in plaster for them to take home. Dr. Corbridge spent some time with the girls talking about their teeth. We were very impressed with the questions the girls had for us and it's hard to say who had more fun, the girls or all of us at Orthodontic Partners. Afterwards, we all enjoyed some snacks and each of the girls left with a goody bag that included a tooth brush, tooth paste, floss and other fun stuff.

If you have a group that would like to visit our office, please call Ann at (775) 825-4804 x106.

Tips for Scheduling your Orthodontic Appointments

During the summer it was easy to get a 3pm appointment... now that school is back in session those appointments are like gold so here's the inside scoop to help you out.

Most of your appointments will be relatively short, about 30 minutes. That's why our schedule is set up to have the longer, more involved appointments during school hours, reserving the before and after school times for the shorter easier appointments. That way we can accommodate as many patients as possible during the most desirable times. It also allows us to focus on your more involved appointments during a quieter time.

Even with all this careful planning we still can't always get you in after school. That's why we ask you to rotate every other appointment between school time and non-school time hours. That way everyone gets their fair share. And since most of your appointments will be six to eight weeks apart you should normally only miss school about once every three months.

Here are a few tips...

1. Bring your calendar with you to your appointments and schedule your next appointment as you leave. The longer you wait to schedule, the fewer choices you will have of available appointments.
2. When you do have to take your turn at school time appointments, rotate them around so you don't always miss the same class.
3. Our lunch hour changes so it's possible we could have an available appointment during your lunch hour.
4. We work a lot of the minor holidays, so that may be an option for you. Just don't plan a ski trip and forget about us.
5. Keep an eye on your school calendar and take advantage of days you'll be getting off early.
6. Please don't miss your appointments. This will extend your treatment time and we know you want to get your braces off as soon as possible.

You may be asking "what if I have a bracket come off or a wire poking". We do reserve time for these types of appointments during the less busy school hours.

One last item we thought you would like to know... the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees adopted a policy that considers a medical absence as an approved/excused absence if the student completes the make-up work. To see the entire policy visit http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/school-sites/corbett-es/attendance-policy

We know your schedule is busy so we hope this information has been helpful.

MS Walk 2010

Hip Hip Hooray for the team from Orthodontic Partners (Jeanette, Joyce & Jessica) who participated in this year's MS Walk. The smallest member of the team (Bryleigh) came along to cheer them on.

Dr. Lohse attending Anderson School's Appreciation Dessert Party

Dr. Lohse was invited to attend Anderson School's Volunteer Appreciation Dessert Party. Dr. Lohse and Orthodontic Partners have been Partners in Education with Anderson Elementary School since 1991. Today's event stressed how important it is for children to read out loud to an adult. Anderson School can always use more volunteers who would like to listen to children read.

Congratulations Morgan Nelson

Congratulations to Morgan Nelson. From all of our patients with registered e-mails we drew Morgan's name. We hope she enjoys spending her $100 gift certificate to the Summit Mall.

Our Celebrities with Braces contest starts the 1st of January. Be sure to stop by one of Orthodontic Partners three convenient locations to enter.
For office hours, call (775) 825-4804.

3605 Grant Drive, Reno, NV 89509
10645 Double R. Blvd., Reno, NV 89521
1205 Baring Blvd., Sparks, NV 89434

You could be one of three lucky winners to each receive a pair of movie tickets to see your favorite celebrity on the big screen. Contest ends February 28th, 2010.

Good Luck!

Answering all your burning questions about mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

--Orthodontic Partners, Reno NV

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Orthodontic Partners

More About Orthodontics From Orthodontic Partners

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so we 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 Orthodontic Partners. We'd love to hear from you.

Have a Happy Birthday, From Orthodontic Partners

While today may not be your birthday, we are sure you will enjoy the new Happy Birthday video that we made recently. Check out the video below, and then head over to our YouTube page and leave us a comment!



--Orthodontic Partners

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth, from Orthodontic Partners

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Orthodontic Partners

Summer Fun with Orthodontic Partners!

Its summer here at Orthodontic Partners, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Orthodontic Partners

Baby Teeth – and Gums – Need Special Care! Orthodontic Partners

One question we hear all the time at Orthodontic Partners is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact us today at 775.825.4804

The Sparks Office of Drs. Lohse, Corbridge and Bruntz

This week, we wanted to do a feature on our Sparks, NV office, one of the four convenient locations of the Orthodontic Partners in Nevada.

Our Sparks office is conveniently located across the street from Reed High School at 1205 Baring Blvd. in the Baring Village Shopping Center.

This is the entrance and front desk to our beautiful Sparks location. If you love sports you will love our Sparks office, as it is loaded with lots of great sports memorabilia!



Our operatory is full of sports photos and souvenirs, along with Dr. Corbridge's Sparks High School letterman jacket!



We even have Dr. Lohse’s wood skis from his days on the Reno High ski team!



Drs. Lohse, Corbridge and Bruntz are ready to serve you at any of our four nevada locations, call and make an appointment today!