Monday, February 23, 2009

Dr. Corbridge and Orthodontic Parterns Patient Reviews

Dr. Corbridge and Orthodontic Partners offer the latest in orthodontic treatment and customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. At each of our four locations throughout Nevada, you will find state-of-the-art technology and a friendly, personable staff. Just see what our patients are saying! The results with my daughter were amazing. Cameron was seen on an emergency basis within 24 hours for a full set of braces! Their care and compassion have Orthodontic Partners on the top of my gratitude list.
-Lauren A.

Dr. Corbridge isn’t interested in making money from unnecessary treatments and he offers the most up to date solutions to various orthodontic problems. I also appreciate that he is willing to communicate with our dentist so there is one less thing for me to have to do.
-Pete B.

Having worked for a state-of-the-art orthodontist in Florida, I knew what to look for and I was not disappointed. Orthodontic Partners has it together and the staff really works as a team. The technology is state-of-the-art and I know my children are getting the very best.
-John B.

Dr. Corbridge is very personable with my 8 year old daughter.
-Tracy W.

The technology is very current at Orthodontic Partners and my children are getting the best that can be given to them.
-Tim L.

Dr. Corbridge and his staff are very efficient. Everyone is helpful, cordial, and easy to talk to. They have a really cool office guitar collection too!
-David O.

The treatment I have received from Dr. Corbridge is cutting edge, and he has a well-trained and efficient support staff.
-Charles B.

I love that all the staff at Orthodontic Partners is upbeat and they have welcoming attitudes. They make me feel really comfortable; the communication is great! From the doctors to the consultants, everyone has made sure I know exactly what is going on with my braces and my financial situation. This is the best dental office I have ever visited!
-Crystal R.

Monday, February 9, 2009

A Nifty "Eggs"periment from Orthodontic Partners

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

What's So Special About an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming orthodontists Drs. Corbridge, Lohse, and Bruntz started out in dental school and earned their DDS (dental degrees), just like your dentist. After dental school however, they decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became experts in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House? - Reno NV Orthodontist

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 775-624-5476. We can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Toothbrush Trivia! - Orthodontic Partners

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873