Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Wise

2009-09-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Wise took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Wise Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

September Braces Off Party at Wise Orthodontics

2009-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Every month we set aside one day to take off the braces of our patients that have finished active treatment. Our "Braces Off Party" is always a blast, take a look at the fun video here, and then check out all the photos on our Facebook Fan Page! While you are there, why not become a fan too?

Enjoy,

Wise Orthodontics

The Summer in Photos, From Wise Orthodontics

2009-09-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

We had a blast this summer at Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics. Take a look at all the fun times we had in the photos section of our Facebook page. If you have photos to share about your summer adventures, become a fan of Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics on Facebook and post them on our wall!

KidSwing-Mckinney Golf Tournament Article

2009-09-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, you may remember that we blogged about the KidSwing tournament earlier this summer, and we have another update for you!

Several news sites have picked up the story, and we invite you to check out the great articles on this wonderful program!

Check out these news articles:

Golf tournament gives kids, patients chance to give back (NeighborsGo)

Plano Teen's Golf Tourney Helps Dallas Hospital (CBS Channel 11)

--Wise Orthodontics

Braces 101 From Wise Orthodontics

2009-08-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Should you need to call Wise Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, 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.

--Wise Orthodontics

Summer Fun with Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics!

2009-08-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

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

Happy Travels,

-From Wise Orthodontics

Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics Around the Web

2009-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you've ever visited us at Wise Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Wise and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Wise Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a "fan" of Wise Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Wise Orthodontics

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, from Dr. Wise

2009-08-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps,

--Wise Orthodontics

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection, from Dr. Wise

2009-07-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Wise Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Wise Orthodontics

KidSwing McKinney Golf Tournament - Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics

2009-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wise was recently involved in the KidSwing - McKinney Golf Tournament to benefit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The fundraiser was an enormous success, with 104 players, almost $20,000 raised and one girl raising $2,500 by herself! Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics were a sponsor of the event, and here is what Dr. Wise, the chair of the fundraiser, had to say to the participants:

Dear Friends-

I wanted to thank you personally for entering your child in the recent KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament benefitting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. What a great day we had raising money for one of the greatest places on earth!! TSRHC never charges a patient for care, and they rely on events like these to make their hospital the best it can be.

So many people have been touched by TSRHC. Over the years, as I tell people about our fundraising efforts, they instantly light up and tell a great story about themselves or someone they know who was cared for there. It’s a wonderful thing to teach your children about the joys of giving back. Teamwork, community spirit and helping others- that’s what KidSwing is all about.

I hope you enjoyed your time with us last week. I know I enjoyed being the host and chairman of the event. Please plan on joining us next year for more fun in the sun. Once the date is set, we’ll reach out to you to let you know so you can plan your calendar. We want each year to get bigger and better, so make sure you tell your friends and neighbors all about it.

If any of you are interested in stepping up your involvement by participating on our adult or kid’s committee, please reply to this email or call us at the numbers listed below, and let us know. We’d be thrilled to have you on our team for next year.

See you soon. Keep smiling, and keep telling everyone about KidSwing!!!

Thanks again-

--Dr. John Wise

The Zip Line Adventures of Wise Orthodontics

2009-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

At Wise Orthodontics, we believe in having fun!! Here are some great pics of us doing just that in New York, Texas at the facility with the longest single zip line in the state- over 900 feet!! What a ride. We had some great team building activities and created some great memories.

--Dr. John Wise

Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics 2009 Retreat- "Good to Great"

2009-07-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics teams recently participated in our 2009 "Good to Great" Retreat. Based on Good to Great, the bestselling book by Jim Collins, we worked to determine our goals, and a plan for achieving greatness in the field of orthodontics.

We spent two and a half days in exciting lectures and group activities that were enjoyed by all. We even pushed a large truck to symbolize our ability to work together as a team to achieve a common goal!

We stayed at the beautiful Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas. the group activities, we also had a chance to play golf, tennis, do a bit of hiking,and eat some great food. We managed to squeeze all of this into just three days!

These exercises helped us practice our verbal skills at helping our patients understand the importance of what we do in orthodontics. We had a great time, and we are now a better practice because of it =)

--Dr. John Wise

Patient Reviews for Drs. Wise and Jensen!

2009-07-10T14:48:00.001-07:00

Drs. Wise and Jensen and their staff have been receiving some wonderful compliments from patients. Check out a few of our favorites!

Dr Jensen is young so he must know all of the latest stuff! Right?? He listened to what I want to accomplish and developed a plan to meet my goals without pressuring me to do more than I want to do at this point in my life. I think he explains in a way that I understand what he plans to do, what I can expect to happen until the next appointment and what is expected of me to get the most out of this treatment. I like that! ~ Charles D.

I love that they have a place for the parent to sit and watch their child having work done and that the atmosphere is so relaxed. ~ Steven H.

Very friendly, honest, knowledgeable and child-oriented. ~ Richard M.
I love the office staff: Maria and Tammy and the people at the front: very nice and friendly. Outgoing personalities make it easier to ask questions. ~ Ethel B.

Dr. Wise is very easy to talk to and ask questions? He is also good when working with the kids to ease their minds. ~ Rik M.

Dr. Wise and His Smiles on Wheels Service

2009-07-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

We at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics know how important a beautiful, healthy smile is. That is why we work with the Texas Dental Association and their Smiles on Wheels program to bring dental care to people who otherwise might not be able to afford it. Watch this great video as Joyce goes through the process of gaining access to some of the best dental care throughout Texas.

Dr. Wise Shares A Little Bit About SureSmile

2009-06-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

At Wise Orthodontics, we are committed to bringing you the latest in orthodontic technology. That is why we offer SureSmile. Here's the way SureSmile works. A highly accurate 3-D model of your teeth is created by using advanced 3-D CBCT imaging technology. The “models” are digitally rendered and available to us for treatment planning and manipulation.

With the 3-D model, we can now see the teeth and how they fit together from any angle. Suresmile Treatment Planning software provides virtual simulation tools that allow us to determine the final position of the teeth and the most effective plan for their unique treatment needs. Restorative issues, implant placement, aesthetic concerns can all be visualized in 3-D on the computer screen.

Once their treatment plan is determined, the SureSmile robot bends a shape-memory alloy archwire according to our precise prescription. This wire is designed to deliver gentle forces to move the teeth consistently and directly to the desired finishing position. No more trial and error from conventional orthodontic mechanics.

With SureSmile orthodontic treatment, getting braces isn’t what it used to be. Our patients get outstanding results in less time with this remarkable technology: They generally spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits, experience reduced pain, and enhanced results. Thanks

Dr. John Wise, Dr. Doug Jensen and Team

Dr. Wise Shares Moving Experiences Of His Work With The Smiles Foundation

2009-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wise works with the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. Here is what he says about his work:

My participation in TDASF has been one of the most meaningful of my professional career. By giving back our special talents, we can help others who are greatly in need. And the more we give, the more we get back. It’s a great thing. Most dental providers who volunteer their time are amazed at how much they get back from their patients. The love and deep caring that is shared is truly remarkable.

Check out the short about a patient we treated at a TMOM in Laredo. The story appeared in a 2008 version of Orthodontic Products Magazine.

As an orthodontist at a TMOM, they don’t let us do too much. The program leaders try to keep the needles and sharp instruments out of our hands. Instead, we are many times asked to help triage patients, act as runners, interpret dental code, or remove the occasional periodontally involved tooth with cotton gauze. Imagine my surprise when I was asked to head up the removable prosthesis department at the Laredo TMOM this past Spring. I think my experience grinding on plastic retainers and delivering orthodontic appliances swayed them over. WOW! I was in charge of an entire department at one of the most anticipated TMOM’s in TDA history. (Later I found out that I was the only possible choice since no one else wanted to do it).

On the Thursday before the event, I was charged to set up the lab area. Like any good planner, I wanted to see what my assets and challenges were. I knew that a few folks would be having front teeth removed, and I wanted to be ready to make them a beautiful replacement that would last them for many years. I was shown the lab equipment consisting of a Dremel from home depot, a few alginate and stone mixing bowls, 2 wax spatulas, different acrylic choices (mostly reline material for dentures), some separating medium and about 50 plastic teeth- but only 3 color choices. Turns out, my assets were my challenges!

So I went to work setting up the lab, knowing that the next day would be very busy. Opening boxes and organizing the work area, I found what I needed to make things functional. All I needed was some electricity to make my Dremel go. Thank goodness Dr. Richard Smith from Amarillo had a long extension cord and some duct tape. We made it work.

Friday opened with a bang. Things were a little crazy since we had a shortage of doctors, but no shortage of patients. The local Catholic and Methodist churches had made sure that we were going to be busy. So instead of making flippers, I was sent to a chair to remove some teeth. I told them, “only the really easy ones”. I was rewarded with a young woman who was experienced in having teeth removed, and her decayed and thankfully mobile teeth came out fairly easily. We made friends, shared a hug and parted after only one and a half hour in the clinic. By now, some more docs were arriving so they kindly asked me to go to the lab where I could start making the flippers.

Several alginate impressions had already shown up, and I was ready to go. That’s when I realized that my partner for the day would be none other than Dr. Richard Black from El Paso. Rick is also an orthodontist and at that time our TDA President. I was indeed in good company. And what made it better was that he had done this job before. He had made flippers in Burnett back in the Fall with a local lab technician. Remembering him from that Hill Country TMOM, all covered with acrylic dust and pumice, I began to realize why the orthodontists were asked to be “lab guys” . PAYBACK!

But no worries- we went to work pouring up models and making them ready for replacement teeth. One of my first cases was some teeth with Lupita’s name attached. Apparently Lupita had to have her two front teeth removed (that’s numbers 8 and 9 to those of you who are following along). I very carefully selected the teeth from my supply. Thankfully we had a color that the treating dentist thought would match- shade 1 of our 3 choices. We had a couple of teeth that required some grinding and reshaping to make fit. After a few minutes and several chances to chase down a spinning and out-of-control plastic tooth on the clinic floor (“Did anyone see where that tooth went?”), I was able to set the tooth in the arch and I started adding acrylic. And adding, and adding, and adding. Apparently, the acrylic I had was not ideally suited for what we were doing here. But within a few minutes we had what looked like a nice stable appliance- even though it looked a little thick to me.

I set the stone model and plastic flipper aside and started on my next set of teeth. After several minutes, I checked to see how the acrylic on Lupita’s model was doing. Still kind of soft. More time passed. Still soft. Uh oh. This may take a while. After about 2 ½ hours, we had a firm set to the plastic and I started trying to remove it from the model. Anyone who has ever made one of these things knows that the weak spot is right where the teeth are. You must be really careful to make sure that your artwork doesn’t break while trying to separate it from the model. Now, please remember my assets. It’s tough to separate a ¼ inch thick acrylic flipper from a model with only a wax spatula and a Dremel. A few nerve racking minutes later (“Was that cracking sound my flipper or was it the stone model?”), I had it loose and started polishing it. With my Dremel from home depot. And no pumice. And only the “polishing wheels” that come from Home Depot. Challenges and assets!

The flipper finally was finished. And because of its thickness, I think it will last this Lupita until the next decade. Still not having met my patient I asked the treating dentist why Lupita had to have the teeth removed. The rest of her teeth looked pretty good as far as I could tell from the model. No cavities visible, no major issues. He let me know that the teeth had been cracked and were discoloring badly and causing her great pain. Oh well, Lupita would return on Saturday and we would see what was going on. I just knew that my “Home Depot Special” flipper would have to “make do”.

Saturday morning arrived and the clinic started to fill up. More and more patients had heard about TMOM from friends. “Free dental care” to all who cared to come out was probably the buzz in Laredo. We eventually treated over 750 people that weekend. We met part of a tremendous need in an area of the state that I had never before experienced. These were some of the kindest people I had ever met. Appreciative to a fault, but very little English was being spoken. And I still had not met Lupita.

Now, I mentioned earlier that the Catholic church had helped us get the word out about our Laredo TMOM. The day before, I had the pleasure of meeting Sister Rosemary and many of her co-workers. They were on site all weekend lending a hand and watching us care for the throngs. Sister Rosemary had an infectious smile with lots of gold showing in the back, a dark tan covering her freckled face, a wiry build and a few wrinkles displaying her years of service to her adopted community. She was clearly not of hispanic descent. But this was her home, and these were her people. Think “Mother Teresa” of Laredo. That’s Sister Rosemary.

Sometime before noon, I started noticing a young family. A mid-thirties hispanic woman, two young boys with dazzling smiles and lots of energy, and a young man standing off to the side. Turns out, that was Lupita, her husband and boys. They had returned to get her flipper. Well, I was ready. I seated her in my “dental” chair (actually a regular chair from the local civic center), removed the flipper from its Ziploc package and admired it in my hands. What a beautiful flipper! The boys were very curious. They were looking at Lupita’s new teeth with great interest, and concern. Lupita was trying to smile, but not really. She was covering her mouth with her hand and looking away most of the time. I could notice some left-over healing going on from the previous day’s surgery on her two front teeth. A large, dark hole was present in the middle of her “smile”. Something had been taken away from Lupita.

Sister Rosemary was close by and helping me with instructions and communicating with Lupita. She spoke very little English. With Sister Rosemary’s help, I was able to introduce Lupita to her new front teeth. Her boys were still watching closely- very concerned. As the flipper went in her mouth for the first time, I asked Lupita to check for rough areas and sharp spots. The teeth had excellent retention (probably because it was so thick!), and man did it look great. The treating dentist had matched the color perfectly, and the shape and size of the teeth seemed to fit beautifully in her mouth. As I handed Lupita the mirror for the first time, I could see her boys’ eyes light up. They could see, too, how great that flipper looked. Lupita stared into the mirror and then the smile broke out across her face. A few words in Spanish came flowing out, and I stood back and admired my work. And the tears began to come. Lupita was crying and smiling at the same time. Her boys were laughing again. Lupita’s smile was back! The husband stood to the side with his arms crossed and showing very little interest.

Lupita made her way to the check out area where she could receive some more basic instructions as well as some dental care supplies- toothpaste, brushes, floss, etc. Sister Rosemary was there helping with the Spanish-English interpretation. And then, the two of them came back to my lab area. Sister Rosemary told me that Lupita wanted to thank me personally. And better yet, she wanted to thank me in English. Apparently, Lupita was trying very hard to learn some English phrases, and she wanted to use them today. So, with Sister Rosemary’s arm around her shoulder, Lupita began telling me how much she appreciated my being there to help her and how much she thought of all of the dentists who came to her town. It was all spoken in broken English and a halting tempo, but a more heartfelt and beautiful “thanks” I have never received. When she was done, she reached for my neck to give me a hug. With more tears flowing- mine and hers- she whispered in my ear “Thank you” and kissed my cheek before she left.

I watched her walk away and wondered what her life must be like. What sort of happiness can she find in this world? Sister Rosemary was there next to me, and she began to tell me Lupita’s story. When Lupita had returned from TMOM the night before, her boys had been very upset in seeing their mom’s smile in ruin. The bright and shining smile that I had witnessed only minutes before had disappeared. Lupita’s boys were very concerned. Lupita knew that some sort of help was coming today, but she did not completely understand what it would be. So in seeing her smile return, Lupita and her boys were absolutely thrilled.

And the broken and cracked front teeth? Well in addition to helping at TMOMs, Sister Rosemary is also a counselor at a local women’s shelter. She and Lupita had met months before after Lupita’s husband had once again lashed out in anger at her. The young man standing to the side showing little interest in Lupita’s new smile was her abusing husband and those were their children. Lupita was at our TMOM to restore her smile, but she was also on the road to restoring her life. With Sister Rosemary’s help, the abusing, disinterested husband would be removed from Lupita’s life. And very soon.

On hearing this story and more clearly understanding Lupita’s life, I was speechless, and choked up. The tears were coming again, and Sister Rosemary looked at me- right in the eye- and told me, “Thank you. Your special gift and the talent of all of these dentists has changed Lupita’s life and affected the lives of hundreds like her here in Laredo. Thank you.” And after that, drained and speechless, I returned to my acrylic and began polishing the next flipper for the next Lupita. And in my mind I said, “Thank you, Sister Rosemary and the city of Laredo. And may God Bless Lupita.”

**Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM’s) are supported by charitable donations made to the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. Supported by 100% of TDA members in our state, “The Smiles Foundation” reaches out to communities in need by bringing dental and local volunteers together a few times a year to change people’s lives- one smile at a time. Please support “The Smiles Foundation” with your time, your treasure, your passion, or your special gifts. Thank you.

Wise Orthodontics Working With The Texas Dental Associations' Smiles On Wheels

2009-06-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics work with the Texas Dental Association to bring smiles to people throughout Texas. Watch this video of one of the women who benefits from their work.

Wise Orthodontics Helps KidSwing McKinney Get Into Full Swing

2009-06-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen of Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics are gearing up for KidSwing McKinney!

The KidSwing Golf Tournament has two locations, one in McKinney and one in Dallas.

In 2003, founder Ben Sater wanted to raise money for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital after he realized that they do not charge patient families for care. The tournaments have already raised more than $660,000 for the hospital! Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics want to raise awareness in the community for this great event. Watch this video clip on Good Morning Texas with Ben Sater.

Dr. John Wise And His Work With Smiles On Wheels and the TDA Smiles Foundation

2009-05-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics work with the Texas Dental Association and their Smiles On Wheels program to provide dental care to underserved community members. Watch this great video to see the work that they are doing!

Dr. Wise Volunteers with the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation

2009-05-22T16:47:00.001-07:00

Dr. John Wise serves on the development committee for the board of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to relieve immediate pain and restore smiles across Texas. They achieve this by bringing together volunteers from all over the state to donate their professional dental services.

Dr. John Wise donates his time to this amazing organization. Read his testimonial below about the work he does and stay tuned over the coming weeks to learn more about actual cases and see videos of the organization at work.

My participation in TDASF has been one of the most meaningful of my professional career. By giving back our special talents, we can help others who are greatly in need. And the more we give, the more we get back. It’s a great thing. Most dental providers who volunteer their time are amazed at how much they get back from their patients. The love and deep caring that is shared is truly remarkable.

Dr. John Wise

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen Travel to Boston for the AAO Convention

2009-05-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wise and Dr. Jensen of Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics attended the AAO meeting in Boston. We attended the final lecture of Dr. Vince Kokich, widely considered the finest interdisciplinary teacher of all time. As usual, his material was first rate. Attendees gave him a standing ovation. Also at the AAO were several excellent lectures on cone beam CT imaging. The 3D scans render unparalleled views of teeth and jaw structure. Our office has been using CBCT for over a year now, and we are proud to be offering this advanced diagnostic service to our patients. SureSmile also uses CBCT to treat cases faster and with fewer appointments. We are a SureSmile practice!!

Lots of history was seen in Boston. The Wises traveled to Quincy to see the Adams Family tour. John and John Quincy Adams were actually two of our early presidents who were born in the same house!! But the real force behind their success was John’s wife and John Quincy’s mother, Abigail. She and John reside for all eternity in the stone church on the main square in downtown Quincy. What a sight.

The Freedom Trail was another grand tour we took. The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed’s Hill!! I had no idea. No mistake was made; the soldiers in charge just figured (rightly) that Breed’s Hill would be a better hill to defend. And they were right. We lost the battle, but our strong showing helped us win the war against Great Britain.

Join Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics for KidSwing-McKinney 2009!

2009-05-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Get your golf clubs ready! KidSwing McKinney is back in swing!

The 2009 KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament is on Monday, July 13!

Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is already open! So register online as soon as possible.

Shotgun start is at 9 a.m.

We hope you will join Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics at this year's KidSwing-McKinney Golf Tournament to help raise money for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Mother's Day Photo Contest

2009-05-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

“Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing.”-Mother Teresa

We believe that all the little things our mothers do for us are the greatest things ever! Mothers Day is Sunday May 10th and we at Wise Orthodontics & Stonebridge Orthodontics want to show all our mothers how much they are appreciated and loved. A picture of a Mother is worth a thousand words.

To enter the Mothers Day Photo Contest, email your favorite photo of you and your mother in a digital jpeg format, between 1-5 MB in size, to lisa@wiseorthodontics.com by Friday May 15th.

The winning photos will be enlarged and displayed in our offices. After all of our patients have had the opportunity to enjoy looking at the winning pictures, we will give them back to the individual winners so they can show off their photos at home.

Tooth Fairy with Wise and Stonebridge Orthodontics

2009-05-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

At Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics, we know that losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project we found a little while back at Dr. Wise's office that helps make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
--I large empty match box
--Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
--Ribbon
--Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
--Markers
--White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
--Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Gummy Tummy -- Wise & Stonebridge Orthodontics

2009-04-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

We 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. Wise and Dr. Jensen!