Fun facts! From Whitlock Orthodontics

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Boyd Whitlock and our team at Whitlock Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• 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.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Getting social with Whitlock Orthodontics

Isn’t social media great? The team at Whitlock Orthodontics embrace technology and love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we’re taking 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? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

At Whitlock Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time!

Access to your account, any day, any time. Sounds perfect and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Whitlock Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site. 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! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Already, I have quickly checked our payment & account info...as well as schedule for appointment reminders to be sent to our cell phones." ~ Judy E.

"I like doing as much as I can online. Ortho Sesame is much better than the previous website. Ortho Sesame is very easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing as well." ~ Mary K.

"I reviewed pictures and verified next appointments. I signed up for text alerts." ~ Robert A.

"Very detailed, very helpful." ~ Andrea P.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Whitlock Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Talking sports and orthodontics with Dr. Whitlock

The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Whitlock for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports such as basketball, football and soccer. 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 Whitlock Orthodontics.

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