The importance of retainers, from Dr. Whitlock

If you recently completed treatment at Whitlock Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Whitlock will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Whitlock is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Thank you

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our orthodontic family. We realize that our practice here in Springdale thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of the Whitlock Orthodontics family.

Goodies for troops!

Happy Veteran's Day! During the past couple of days, we've been having a wonderful time stuffing boxes full of yummy goodies for our troops that are overseas this holiday season. Feel free to stop by our office anytime today or tomorrow to write a thank you note to those that are serving our country and we will make sure and send them over with all of the care packages. Every Little bit helps and what better way to thank some one then with a hand-written note!!

Pictured above: Steph O. making stockings to go in the Christmas gift boxes we're sending to soldiers in Iraq. Our lounge looks like Santa's workshop!

Share your experience at Whitlock Orthodontics with the world!

At Whitlock Orthodontics, our No. 1 goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-based, high-technology environment.

Whether you have visited our convenient Springdale office for weeks, months or years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience at our office! With the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google Local page - it only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you in advance, and enjoy the rest of the week!

Whitlock Orthodontics, supporting Smile for a Lifetime

Dr. Boyd Whitlock and Whitlock Orthodontics are proud partners with Smile for a Lifetime, an outstanding program that changes lives every single day by providing free braces for children whose families could otherwise not afford them. Dr. Whitlock is one of three doctors in Northwest Arkansas who is involved with the Smile for a Lifetime program.

If you're interested in becoming a candidate for Smile for a Lifetime at Whitlock Orthodontics, please complete a one-page application for your child. The applications can be picked up at our Springdale location or by calling Vanessa, our treatment coordinator, at (479) 751-1103. Interested patients and their families must be at or below poverty level.

We look forward to working with your child!

Whitlock orthodontics, helping kids in need of school supplies

Our staff at Whitlock Orthodontics wants to help give back to those who are less fortunate this upcoming school year, and are asking that you help us stuff our Hummer with school supplies. All of the donated school supplies will go to the United Way, who will distribute them in Springdale and around the area in Northwestern Arkansas to those kids in need. Every little bit helps.

This afternoon, we will be at the Walmart on 6th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, helping the United Way stuff the bus with school supplies. If you find yourself in the area please stop by and give a donation or just come and see us!

Also, we encourage you stop by our office with your donated school supplies all summer long! Happy Friday!

Dr. Boyd Whitlock, encouraging you to read this summer!

Last week, Dr. Boyd Whitlock and team asked you, our fantastic patients, about your summer plans.

With summer only weeks away, some of us at northwestern Arkansas' Whitlock Orthodontics have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television, but reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (as well as Dr. Whitlock) would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Springdale for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we came across this week.

Happy reading everyone!

Tell Dr. Whitlock and team: What are your summer plans?

At Whitlock Orthodontics, we can't believe it's already June. As the school year comes to an end for a lot of Dr. Whitlock's patients, the days get longer and the temperatures in northwest Arkansas begin to climb a bit, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool and cool off under the shade. For a lot of people here in our area, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week or two - or three. 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 summer vacation? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Enjoy your weekend!

Whitlock Orthodontics, wishing you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend

At Whitlock Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely fought and gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer 2010, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up in school is sweet, sweet relief.

What about you?

What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the great American roads with family, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if we don't have you in for a visit this week!

Share your experience at Whitlock Orthodontics with the world!

At Whitlock Orthodontics, our No. 1 goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-based, high-technology practice. Combining the right mix of personal care, high technology and continuing education, we maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice.

Whether you have visited Whitlock Orthodontics for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Dr. Whitlock! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week!

"Hey, Dr. Whitlock! What can you tell me about malocclusion?"

Malocclusion, or what northwestern Arkansas orthodontist Dr. Whitlock 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, your gum tissue health, the ability to properly care for your teeth and, yes folks, even your appearance.

Dr. Whitlock and our staff at Whitlock Orthodontics 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 Whitlock 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 our staff will try to answer any questions you may have.

SureSmile featured on the Science Channel!

How cool is this? SureSmile treatment was recently featured on the Science Channel. At Whitlock Orthodontics, we love working with SureSmile technology, as it is faster and produces better results. Take a look at the video, and be sure to let us know what you think.

Happy Tuesday!

Ask Whitlock Orthodontics: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Northwest Arkansas orthodontist Dr. Boyd Whitlock will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. The question remains, however: which type of toothbrush should your child use?

When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Tell Whitlock Orthodontics what’s on your mind!

Week after week, our team at Whitlock Orthodontics blogs about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques Dr. Whitlock offers.

This week, however, our staff and Dr. Whitlock thought we’d step back and ask you, our great patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook page!

Whitlock Orthodontics, partnering with Smile for a Lifetime

Dr. Boyd Whitlock and our entire team at Whitlock Orthodontics are proud to partner with a nonprofit organization called Smile for a Lifetime. The organization helps under-privileged kids in Fayetteville and Springdale 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 Whitlock 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 local school guidance offices, or at our Springdale location. You may also contact Vanessa at (479) 751-1103 or Vanessa@drwhitlock.com.

Have a great week!

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!