Ask Dr. Whitlock : What can Invisalign® do for my Oral Health?

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 Whitlock 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. Whitlock 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.

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

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Whitlock 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 Whitlock Orthodontics!

Carmel, Chocolate, and Candy Canes Oh My! Keep your BRACES Sparklin' Clean this Holiday Season.

Whitlock Orthodontics knows how difficult it can be, especially this time of year, to keep your Braces clean. But do keep in mind 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 tips:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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. Whitlock and Team

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!

November featured patient reviews for Whitlock Orthodontics

It's no secret Dr. Whitlock and team love hearing from our patients - check out what a few of them are saying about us! Also, we are hosting a stuffed animal drive to benefit the children of NWA who have been victimized by sexual and/or physical abuse. Please drop off donations to Whitlock Orthodontics M-F from 8-4:30. Your donation, big, or small, of a new stuffed animal will start a child in NWA to the road of recovery. We will be accepting donations through Dec.20th.

"Multiple things....his current orthodontic protocols & resulting beautiful smiles....his knowledge & willingness to discuss topics...his respectfulness toward his patients & parents. While his practice seems very aggressive in orthodontic work & community involvement, as well as very interested in individual patients...he seems so patient & calm in the office. Most appreciated!!" ~ Judy E.

"Dr. Whitlock is extremely professional. He sits down and gets the job done all the while exhibiting a wonderful chair side manner." ~ Mary K.

"I was cared for with such dignity and care. Coming into the process at age 40+, I was less than enthusiastic. However, Dr. Whitlock and his capable staff continually cheered me on with enthusiasm. They are truly professionals that believe in the difference that is made with the art and science of smile creation. I’ll be continuing this relationship with Whitlock Orthodontics as I bring my children in." ~ Susan N.

"The fact that all the ladies are so nice and easy to get along with. And the cappuccino machine in the waiting room is a definite plus. Also, I've noticed that i will be getting my braces off much sooner than most of my classmates." ~ Teresa R.

Invisalign at Whitlock Orthodontics: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

We've blogged about Invisalign before (we've even had Invisalign Day at our office before), but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at Whitlock Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Springdale office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give us a call at (479) 439-7940 for a consultation with Dr. Boyd Whitlock to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Whitlock is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas.

Dr. Whitlock and staff support National Orthodontic Health Month!

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the AAO put together 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 undergoing orthodontic treatment.

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
• Potato chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (479) 751-1103, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Whitlock during your next visit!

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!

This fall, wear your mouth guard!

This month, our entire staff at Whitlock 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. Boyd Whitlock 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 our convenient Springdale office at (479) 751-1103 if you have any questions!

Back to School with Dr. Whitlock and Whitlock Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools in Springdale and Northwestern Arkansas are in session again, Dr. Boyd Whitlock and our staff would like to remind all of 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 Whitlock Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is 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 Dr. Whitlock and our team advanced notice if you are unable to make your 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 (479) 751-1103 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment. We hope everyone is enjoying the first couple weeks of classes!

Ask Dr. Whitlock: Who benefits from iBraces™?

Dr. Boyd Whitlock and Whitlock Orthodontics, serving Springdale and northwest Arkansas, is pleased to offer our patients iBraces. Our team is always receiving questions about iBraces, which are placed behind your teeth so no one will know that you are wearing braces unless you tell them. These unique braces are created using state-of-the-art technology and are 100 percent customized to the shape of your teeth and to your dental situation

These unique type of braces is created using state-of-the-art technology and is entirely customized to the shape of your teeth. So, you can be improving your smile efficiently and effectively in a discreet new way. For more information on iBraces and treatment options at our office, please give us a call at (479) 751-1103 to schedule your consultation!

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. Whitlock and team want to know: What should we blog about this summer?

As summer rapidly approaches, our team at Whitlock Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment at our office - and are busy planning ahead our blogging schedule for the remainder of summer.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the long, hot summer, however, we'd love your input: What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Boyd Whitlock for a while and haven't found the right moment? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Patriotic fun facts with Whitlock Orthodontics!

On Sunday, our staff at Whitlock Orthodontics will be celebrating our America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

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

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- 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.

- 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.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- 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.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- 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 Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Dr. Whitlock wants to know: Are you getting regular checkups?

Springdale and northwest Arkansas orthodontist Dr. Boyd Whitlock wants to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day as recommended during their treatment? If the answer is yes, that's fantastic! But, don't forget it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Whitlock Orthodontics as recommended by Dr. Whitlock and our staff during your treatment). After all, regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth, even during their orthodontic treatment

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

If you don't have a general dentist in Springdale or nearby communities, please ask and we'll be happy to provide one!

What are our patients saying about Whitlock Orthodontics?

Whitlock Orthodontics, serving Springdale and surrounding communities here in northwestern Arkansas, are always glad to hear from current and former patients of ours. Check out what some of our patients have said about our office and service!

"I was cared for with such dignity and care. Coming into the process at age 40+, I was less than enthusiastic. However, Dr. Whitlock and his capable staff continually cheered me on with enthusiasm. They are truly professionals that believe in the difference that is made with the art and science of smile creation. I’ll be continuing this relationship with Whitlock Orthodontics as I bring my children in." ~ Susan N.

"I absolutely had a wonderful experience here at Whitlock Orthodontics! I always felt comfortable and welcome in their office. Great doctor and great staff, I will recommend this office to anyone needing treatment! Thanks for everything you guys, my teeth look great!" ~ Kim B.

"Dr. Whitlock is the best! You can’t get any better than this! The employees rock and are so awesome to be around. I’m so satisfied with the outcome of my smile, that I’ll be showing it off to everyone I know, and even those I don’t!" ~ Kevin B.

"You are never too old for a Whitlock makeover. The process is smooth and the results are great." ~ Judith V.

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!