The Bishop Orthodontics Blog

Three-Cheese Macaroni Extravaganza, a hearty and braces-friendly winter recipe!

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

It’s chilly outside, and sometimes nothing satisfies the team here at Bishop Orthodontics more than a hot meal. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
Water for boiling noodles
(optional: 1 or 2 onions, chopped)
(optional: 1 to 2 Tablespoons margarine for sautéing onions)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best, but the canned type works too)
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
1½ cups milk
½ cup bread crumbs or dry stove-top stuffing

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium pot, boil macaroni in water until you can just cut it with the side of a fork; drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, sauté the onions in the margarine until they are clear and tender. In a 3-quart greased casserole, stir together the macaroni and milk. Sprinkle with the cheeses and onion, then stir it all together. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Cover and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves six to eight.

The benefits of a beautiful smile

2012-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bishop and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Bishop Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

Bishop Orthodontics, reminding you to protect your mouth this winter

2012-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Bishop Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions. Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists’ website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in winter sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Happy New Year from Bishop Orthodontics!

2012-01-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, the New Year is a time to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward, to the coming year. Our wish is that our patients continue to keep their teeth healthy, as well as wear their rubber bands, headgear and appliances as prescribed during their treatment.  

We look forward to meeting those patients who are planning to begin their orthodontic treatment this year—we think it's a great resolution!  

Happy New Year from Dr. Alton Bishop and all of us at Bishop Orthodontics!

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

2011-12-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Bishop 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 once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! 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 2012!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Bishop Orthodontics

Giving thanks this holiday season

2011-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season here, Dr. Bishop and our entire staff at Bishop Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, this holiday season.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Beware of those Christmas goodies!

2011-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, try pumpkin pie, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Share your winter break plans with us!

2011-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Do we have your current contact info?

2011-11-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter. Please help Dr. Bishop and our staff at Bishop Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Bishop Orthodontics

2011-11-21T11:33:00.001-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.
We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

2011-11-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

It’s fall here at Bishop Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp.

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 in your area. 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!

Are you wearing your mouthguard?

2011-11-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Bishop Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Dr. Alton Bishop and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Dr. Bishop and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook. Stay safe!

Happy November! From Bishop Orthodontics

2011-11-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Happy November, everybody! Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we at Bishop Orthodontics forget about the spooky month that was, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or feel free to post them on our Facebook page!

We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it!

Lastly, have you been in for a dental checkup lately? It’s important that you see your general dentist, as well as visiting Dr. Alton Bishop. If you have questions about your orthodontic treatment or just want some general information, give us a call or ask us during your next visit!

Halloween TIPS from the American Association of Orthodontists

2011-10-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Edwards, Frisco, Lafayette, and Arvada orthodontist, Dr. Alton Bishop, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Trick-or-treating 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

To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Dr. Alton Bishop suggests looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Bishop Orthodontics!

5 tips to avoid plaque, from Bishop Orthodontics

2011-10-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly.. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Alton Bishop. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Don't skip on those regular checkups, especially in October!

2011-10-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Bishop's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

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 at our Edwards, Frisco, Lafayette, or Arvada locations.

At Bishop Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Happy October! For those who don't know, National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Alton Bishop and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Bishop and other dental professionals in our area.

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 have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. Bishop during your visit this month!

Invisalign® tips, from Bishop Orthodontics

2011-09-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Many people know that Invisalign is a great alternative to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Bishop wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, give us a call!

What was your favorite part of Summer 2011?

2011-09-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Dr. Alton Bishop and team

20 things that can ruin your smile

2011-09-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Alton Bishop and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Edwards, Frisco, Lafayette, or Arvada office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Alton during your next visit. We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

When should you call Dr. Bishop?

2011-09-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Alton Bishop. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

-Dr. Bishop and team

A few helpful AAO webisodes about orthodontics

2011-08-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop and his team at Bishop Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Breaking Bad Habits

2011-08-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Alton Bishop.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Bishop if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Bishop Orthodontics, ask us on Facebook or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

2011-08-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our team at Bishop Orthodontics found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Alton Bishop. Have a great weekend!

Straight Teeth and your Oral Health

2011-08-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

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

Who Benefits From Braces?

2011-08-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Alton Bishop will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a complimentary evaluation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

LIKE us on Facebook, and we’ll donate the proceeds to a great cause!

2011-07-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients over the years. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Alton Bishop and staff on our Facebook page?

In fact, from this Thursday, July 28th, to Monday, August 15th, we will donate $1 for each LIKE that we receive on our Facebook page to Operation Smile. Operation Smile is an organization that provides free cleft lip and palate repair surgery for children all over the world. For as little as $250 we can change a child’s life forever. Our goal is to raise at least enough money to fund the repair surgery for one child. But we need your help!

We encourage all of you to share our Facebook page with friends, family and coworkers! Please help us make a difference. For more information about Operation Smile, visit their website: operationsmile.org

Top 10 TIPS for Keeping your BRACES Sparklin’ Clean!

2011-07-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top 10 TIPS:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

-Dr. Bishop and Team

Kids Getting Braces at a Younger Age

2011-07-12T13:00:00.001-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at the AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Bishop to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

2011-07-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

What are your 4th of July plans?

2011-07-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Dr. Alton Bishop and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, Bishop Orthodontics hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

What do you love about summer?

2011-06-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here, and the team at Bishop Orthodontics thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the warm weather? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard? What makes your summer truly special?

Let us know by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

June is National Smile Month!

2011-06-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Bishop Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

Orthodontic Emergency Care with Bishop Orthodontics

2011-06-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alton Bishop.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Bishop Orthodontics.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

A NEW Contest at Bishop Orthodontics! - "Where's Bishop?"

2011-06-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce our latest Bishop Orthodontics contest, it's called "Where's Bishop?"

To participate, all you need to do is send us a photo of yourself wearing the Bishop Orthodontic T-shirt while you're on vacation. The next time you visit the office look for the board with a large map on it. On this map we will post your "Where's Bishop?" photo in the location that you took it.

Please send your photos to mindy.h@hotmail.com.

We will be giving away prizes for various categories such as most creative, furthest traveled, and more. Please give our office a call if you have any questions about the "Where's Bishop?" Contest. We look forward to seeing your photos!!

Bishop Orthodontics, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

2011-05-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember and honor the men and women lost while serving for our country. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in Edwards and Frisco, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office spells sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!

Our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

What, exactly, is malocclusion?

2011-05-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Alton Bishop calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Bishop will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Bishop Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

A great braces-friendly spring recipe! From Bishop Orthodontics

2011-05-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Winter is over, and the weather is finally starting to get warmer. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) spring dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Soy Simmered Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:
• 3 boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 large onions, chunked
• Small flour tortillas (pkg. of ten) wheat or white
• (optional: 10-16 oz. of cooked chopped broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Directions
In a slow cooker, or a large pan on the stove, layer the onions and the chicken breast. Allow at least three hours in the slow cooker on medium, or at least one hour on the stove—the longer the better, but you don’t have to do anything to it while it cooks. Spoon out the chicken onto a cutting board, and with a knife and fork, shred the chicken as finely as you’d like. In a small saucepan, stir all sauce ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling, then let it simmer for five minutes on low heat to thicken. In a serving bowl, stir sauce and onion into chicken; if you’d like, add cooked chopped broccoli. Makes about six to eight servings.

Enjoy this great spring dish and have a great week!

--From Dr. Alton Bishop and staff

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

2011-05-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Bishop Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Foods to Avoid During Your Orthodontic Treatment

2011-04-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of foods Dr. Alton Bishop wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Bishop Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Bishop Orthodontics, Taking Steps to Reduce Our Environmental Impact

2011-04-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is today, April 22nd, and we thought this would be a great time to discuss everything that Bishop Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? We offer convenient and secure online services with our Patient Login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

Dr. Alton Bishop and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

Mouth Guards and Spring Sports Injuries, with Dr. Bishop

2011-04-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Alton Bishop for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Bishop Orthodontics.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Bishop Orthodontics.

Mother's Day Contest at Bishop Orthodontics!

2011-04-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bishop Orthodontics is having a Mother’s Day Contest! Here's how it works:

Send a picture of you and your mom to bishoporthodontics@comcast.net to be posted on the Bishop Orthodontics Facebook Page and you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win brunch at her favorite restaurant!! What a perfect gift for Mother's day!

Feel free to give our office a call if you have any questions about this contest. Good luck to everyone!

-Dr. Alton Bishop and team

Flossing with Braces 101

2011-04-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Oral Health Effects of Smoking

2011-03-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco users are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75 percent of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Bishop Orthodontics! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

What Will YOUR Smile Look Like After Orthodontic Treatment?

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Bishop Orthodontics loves to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Alton Bishop, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call Bishop Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!

All the cool kids do it!

2011-03-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

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 such as 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. Alton Bishop, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Bishop Orthodontics 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!

2011-03-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

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. Alton Bishop.

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 Bishop Orthodontics a call.

Braces 101 with Bishop Orthodontics

2011-03-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

If you ever sustain damage to your braces and need to call Bishop Orthodontics, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

The Oral Health Benefits of Dairy

2011-02-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bishop wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give Bishop Orthodontics a call.

Visualize your new smile with the Brace Painter!

2011-02-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

Braces at Bishop Orthodontics are more fun than ever! With the Brace Painter, parents and children are able to “paint their braces,” and visualize how teeth will look with different colors of bands.

The Brace Painter allows for you to select different colors, and then assign those colors of bands to certain teeth. Now, you can visualize your braces before you even come in for your appointment!

As always, please let Dr. Alton Bishop know if you have any questions about the Brace Painter, or your orthodontic treatment at Bishop Orthodontics. Have a great week!

Dr. Bishop, now that I have braces, what can I eat?

2011-02-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

You just got braces at Bishop Orthodontics and Dr. Alton Bishop has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy!

-Your friends at Bishop Orthodontics

National Children’s Dental Health Month is Here!

2011-02-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Bishop Orthodontics thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Alton Bishop, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Bishop Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

What puts you at ease at Bishop Orthodontics?

2011-01-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Dr. Alton Bishop and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Bishop Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Bishop?
Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Bishop: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

2011-01-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Bishop Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health.

Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Bishop the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook Page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Ask Dr. Bishop : What’s so bad about nail biting?

2011-01-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Bishop Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Bishop or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Bishop Orthodontics

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

2011-01-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Bishop Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Bishop!

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

2010-12-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

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

Safety first this winter! From Dr. Bishop

2010-12-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Winter is just about here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Bishop and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Bishop Orthodontics.

Technology helps you relax at Bishop Orthodontics

2010-12-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Bishop understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Bishop Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Staying connected with Bishop Orthodontics

2010-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Bishop and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Write a review of Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Has your experience at Bishop Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Then we invite you to write a review on our Google Places Page! Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Do we have your current contact info?

2010-11-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, there is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Please help Dr. Bishop get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Bishop and our entire staff! We also hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Giving thanks this holiday season

2010-11-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. What are you thankful for this holiday season? Do you have any Thanksgiving wishes you would like to share?

Dr. Bishop and our entire 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 photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

At Bishop Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

2010-11-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple, easy and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Bishop Orthodontics enjoy 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, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started! Happy Monday!

Hey Dr. Bishop, when should I replace my toothbrush?

2010-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Bishop and our staff will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Halloween from Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-10-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of tonight's sweet and spooky holiday, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients in both Edwards and Frisco to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists were kind enough to provide 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 us a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween night!

Dr. Bishop & team want to know: what's on your mind?

2010-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

By now, you’re probably familiar with the drill: Every week, our creative staff at Bishop Orthodontics write about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic treatments offered at our offices in Edwards and Frisco.

This week, though, we thought we’d ask our remarkable patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog going forward? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Alton Bishop but haven’t found the time? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

A few tips to stay healthy this cold season, from Bishop Orthodontics

2010-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...cold and flu season! To promote a healthy and clean environment here at Bishop Orthodontics, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Edwards or Frisco offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Bishop and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Bishop Orthodontics team

Spider bites, a delicious (and braces-friendly) Halloween recipe!

2010-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bishop and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to Halloween trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

We thought we'd share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, 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:

For baking instructions, click here. Enjoy this delicious recipe, and have a wonderful weekend!

- Dr. Bishop and team

At Bishop Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

2010-10-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

If it's October, it can only mean one thing here at Bishop Orthodontics: it's National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Bishop and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Bishop or staff during your visit!

Have a great weekend!

Bishop Orthodontics present: Braces-friendly fall recipe!

2010-09-24T16:37:00.001-07:00

Fall is here, and sometimes our staff here at Bishop Orthodontics just feel like a hot, delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Dr. Alton Bishop would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment at our offices in Edwards and Frisco.

Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:
• ¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• ¼ cup sliced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
• Sea salt, preferably gray salt
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
• Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great weekend!

- Dr. Bishop and staff

"My son is turning seven - when should I bring him in for a consultation?"

2010-09-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Great question! Dr. Bishop will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Bishop to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a wonderful weekend!!

September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month!

2010-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

This month, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics want you to be extra careful with your braces and appliances. After all, September marks the start of fall sports and an increased risk to mouth injuries. September also happens to be National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, and Dr. Alton Bishop thought it’d be a good idea to share a few sobering facts about sports and facial injuries, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

*More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates—baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

*Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.

*Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84 percent say it's because the league or coach does not require it, according to the AAO.

*The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-to-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car!

We hope this helps you remember to wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports! We encourage you to give us a call at 970-926-2666 if you have any questions!

"I'm 44 - am I just too old for braces"?

2010-09-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

Of course not! At Bishop Orthodontics, nobody, and we mean NOBODY, is "too old" for braces!

In fact, Dr. Alton Bishop and our staff recently read an interesting statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent from just 15 years ago! 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 with Dr. Bishop 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, Dr. Bishop would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Back to school with Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-08-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Now that many of the schools are back in session in Frisco and Edwards, Dr. Alton Bishop and our staff would like to remind all our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Bishop Orthodontics during the fall months. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it's important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 970-926-2666 if you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule your fall appointment.

We hope you're having a wonderful end of the summer!

Ask Dr. Bishop: Are retainers really that important?

2010-08-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

If you've recently completed treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Bishop will provide—or probably has provided you by now—with retainers. After your braces have been removed, your teeth may still shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide the stabilization needed.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please check out these tips from Dr. Bishop and this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. Or, you may give us a call at 970-926-2666! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Fun facts with Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-08-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Bishop and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of your weekend!

• 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.

This summer, will you join the Braces Brigade?

2010-08-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Calling all our amazing current and former patients at Bishop Orthodontics: how would you like to blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a cool $100 American Express gift card? Thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists' and their Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient of Dr. Bishop or the parent of a patient. If you're under 18, your parent must fill out a consent form along with your application.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade this summer! Happy Monday!

Thanks to Invisalign® with Dr. Bishop, parents can have perfect teeth, too!

2010-07-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Have you been focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is here to help! Dr. Alton Bishop is specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call at 970-926-2666 to set up a complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Dr. Bishop is a Certified Invisalign Provider in Colorado, serving Edwards, Frisco and surrounding communities.

All about cavities, from Bishop Orthodontics

2010-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their general dentist is "Cavity!!" But what, exactly, is a exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

According to Cavity-Free at Three, in Colorado,

•18% of 2-4 year olds have dental caries; 16% have untreated decay.
•45.7% of kindergarteners have dental caries; 26.9% have untreated decay.
•57.2% of third graders have dental caries; 26.1% have untreated decay.
•By age 17, 78% of children have had at least one cavity; 7% have lost a permanent tooth to dental decay.

While it's true cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your treatment at Bishop Orthodontics:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope this helps! Please give us a call for more tips on your oral health during treatment with Dr. Alton Bishop!

Dr. Bishop talks 3-D braces in the New York Times

2010-07-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, our very own Dr. Alton Bishop was mentioned and quoted in a New York Times article on 3-D technology titled, "Taking the Guesswork Out of Braces."

In the article, Three-dimensional imaging technology is discussed, with Dr. Bishop talking about OrthoCAD iQ, which we use at our convenient Edwards and Frisco offices. OrthoCAD iQ uses a computer-guided system for placing brackets on your teeth.

We encourage you to read the full article. For more information about how we use 3-D technology at Bishop Orthodontics, please give us a call at 970-926-2666 or ask Dr. Bishop during your next visit!

Saving face with Bishop Orthodontics this summer

2010-07-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

With summer finally here, we at Bishop Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind our athletes in treatment to take care of their mouth and appliances when out on the field. After all, the summer months bring with them a greater chance of our athletes damaging their teeth since you are out and about and/or playing sports. If you are playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. Alton Bishop for precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised by Dr. Bishop and staff for playing summer sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many, many others.

In case of any accident involving the face this summer, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or your appliances are damaged, please call us right away. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Bishop will be happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment!

The bottom line is, only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

We hope you're enjoying your Independence Day weekend! Get some sun!

Independence Day fun facts with Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-06-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just one week from today, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. Here are some fun facts about Independence Day we know you'll enjoy! Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- America's first official flag was raised in 1777 and had 13 stars and 13 stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from the great state of Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

More happy patients at Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Bishop Orthodontics, serving Edwards, Frisco and surrounding areas in Eagle County, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Alton Bishop and our team!

"Dr Bishop and everyone in this office is so friendly and helpful." ~ Angela T.

"So far, very friendly and helpful. The first appointment was a bit of a whirlwind. I was not expecting to get so much done (spacers, impressions) the first time in, but glad we did!" ~ Allison S.

"Although we have just met, both you and Shirlene seem very genuine and personable!" ~ Judy W.

"Great one-on-one with my child." ~ Karliena W.

"Dr. Bishop is the most understanding, reasonable, sweet, honest, sensible,real loving, patient kind of person. He has been so great knowing my personal, sensitive, fearful, situation toward dentist. I think him for being that special person that he is." ~ Stephanie A.

At the movies with Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-06-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop and our entire team look forward to seeing all of you at our Patient Appreciation Day on Friday, July 16th at 9:30 a.m. at The Riverwalk Theatre in Edwards.

We will be showing three different movies. The films include: The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Despicable Me and The Last Airbender.

We encourage you to bring a friend or siblings! Admission is FREE.

See you all there!

Share your summer plans with Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-06-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we're having a difficult time believing it's already June. As the school year comes to an end for a lot of Dr. Bishop's patients, the days get longer and the temperatures begin to climb, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off under the shade with a beverage. For a lot of our patients in Edwards, Frisco and surrounding areas, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and other duties.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for a family vacation? We want to see when and how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, we'd like to hear about it! If you're going camping, awesome! Even if you're staying at home, that can be fun, too.

Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along! Don't forget about our summer contests!

Share your experience at Bishop Orthodontics with the world!

2010-05-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

For over 30 years, Bishop Orthodontics has been creating beautiful smiles for adults, teens, and children. We take pride in the way we treat our patients! Dr. Alton Bishop and our dedicated staff genuinely enjoy working with patients, getting to know them on a more personal level, and building relationships with patients that last beyond their orthodontic treatment.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help Dr. Bishop and team create beautiful smiles in Frisco, Edwards and surrounding communities in Eagle County!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews and hearing about your stories from this weekend!

Father's Day contest at Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-05-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

With Father's Day only three weeks away, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is at it again with our Father's Day patient contest through Friday, June 18! Here's how it works: Stop by our office, drop your name into our jar, and you will be automatically entered into a chance to win breakfast with dad, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

In addition, we are also gearing for two summer events: our second annual patient appreciation party on Friday, July 16th! July! We are planning to show the premiere viewing of a great movie!

and...

stay tuned for more info about our "Where in the world are you going this summer?" which is our BIG summer T-shirt contest!!

Join us on our Facebook page!

2010-05-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

At Bishop Orthodontics, we truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Frisco, Edwards and surrounding communities in Eagle County. Even if you only see us for your appointment every six weeks, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Bishop and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Bishop Orthodontics on Facebook, where we share office news, announcements and updates. By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your Facebook feed!

See you online and have a great weekend,

Dr. Bishop and staff

Bishop Orthodontics present: Your friend, fluoride

2010-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics will tell you there are many, many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at our office. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment?

Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in our office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy in Edwards or Frisco. A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, however, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Mother's Day, from Bishop Orthodontics

2010-05-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bishop and our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics would like to take this time thank all the wonderful moms out there who bring their kids to our office - and always have a wide smile on their face. We want to let you know we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother's Day Week and upcoming Mother’s Day!

PS, hey kids! have you heard about our Mother's Day contest? Through the end of the day tomorrow, you may stop by our office, reach into our basket, grab a form and jot down what makes your mom so special. The winner will win breakfast with mom, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

Mother's Day contest at Bishop Orthodontics!

2010-04-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is currently running our Mother's Day patient contest through Friday, May 7! Here's how it works: Stop by our office, reach into our basket, grab a form and write down what makes your mom so special. The winner will win breakfast with mom, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

While you're here, enjoy some Otis Spunkmeyer cookies ... we have chocolate chip, oatmeal, sugar and even white chocolate with macadamia nuts ... come in and enjoy!!

Summer is almost here!

2010-04-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics wanted to tell all our fantastic patients that we are gearing up for our 2nd annual patient appreciation party in July! So "Save the date" for Friday, July 16 - we are planning to show the premiere viewing of a great movie!

In other news, Dr. Bishop and team are are also gearing up for "Where in the world are you going this summer?" which is our BIG summer T-shirt contest!

Here's how it works: We are challenging our patients to send us photos wearing their Bishop Orthodontics T-shirt while on vacation or playing this summer to win great prizes! There will be prizes for all ages!

Dr. Bishop talks two-phase treatment

2010-04-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Bishop calls this “two-phase treatment.”

When we see patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. Our team at Bishop Orthodontics will follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit Bishop Orthodontics even sooner.

Ask Dr. Bishop: When should my child come in for a check-up?

2010-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Alton Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. The truth is, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Bishop and our team to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Bishop calls “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Alton Bishop

2010-03-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

You may remember that last month, Dr. Bishop and our staff discussed the importance of wearing a mouth guard. Today, we thought we'd follow-up and share a video (courtesy of our friends at the AAO) that explains five helpful tips to protect your mouth this spring. After all, April is National Facial Protection Month, and a good time to remind our young athletes that each year, more than 5,000,000 teeth are knocked out due to little or no facial protection.

We hope the above video helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact Bishop Orthodontics. And remember to have fun and stay safe this April and spring!

Gummy Tummy and YOU, from Bishop Orthodontics

2010-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing, from Dr. Bishop

Bishop Orthodontics, partnering with Smile for a Lifetime

2010-03-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alton Bishop and our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics are proud to partner with a nonprofit organization called Smile for a Lifetime. The organization helps under-privileged kids in Frisco and Edwards who can't afford to have a not only a great-looking smile, but a smile that will be healthy and last a lifetime! To become a candidate at Bishop Orthodontics, interested families must be at or below poverty level and must complete a one-page application for their child or candidate. Smile for a Lifetime Foundation applications can be picked up at school guidance offices, local YMCA branches, or downloaded online from our web site.

You can learn more by giving us a call or visiting www.s4L.org.

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Frisco and Edwards, Co.

2010-03-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bishop knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at our Edwards or Frisco office. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that Dr. Bishop can custom-create for you.