Albrechtsen Orthodontics Blog

Parents ONLY contest

2011-06-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

The summer months can be exhausting for parents! That is why we are giving one lucky parent a $50 gift certificate to Massage Envy or Best Buy on September 1st as a back to school gift! To enter, stop by our office and complete an entry form. It's just that easy!

Summer Surf n' Swim Party

2011-06-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's time again for our Summer Surf n' Swim patient appreciation party. Albrechtsen Orthodontics is having a party at Surf n' Swim in Layton. Come have fun with us and your family and friends. It's our way of saying "Our patients are AWESOME!" There's going to be snacks, prizes and free swimming to anyone who comes.

Good Patient Contest April-June 2011

2011-04-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

How about recording all of your awesome summer memories with this Flip Video Camera we’re giving away. Upload your videos easily onto your computer and YouTube.

Here's a little bit about the Flip Camera:

Shoot up to 2 hours of stunning HD video on the easy-to-use MinoHD
Carry it anywhere with its sleek and slim design that fits in any pocket or purse
Comes with 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed
Keep your video steady on the go with MinoHD’s newest feature, image stabilization
Power on, press record and start filming – it's that simple
Charge the internal Lithium-ion battery through the built-in USB arm; also recharges quickly when connected to Flip Video Power Adapter sold separately
Watch your videos on the large, 2" anti-glare color display
Connect the flip-out USB arm directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software
Use FlipShare software to organize and edit your videos, capture photos, send video greeting cards and create custom movies
Watch your videos on your HDTV by connecting your MinoHD to your HDTV with the Flip Video Cables HDMI™ sold separately
Features a flat-back panel with touch-sensitive, backlit buttons
Records high-quality H.264 videos that are compatible with most video-playing applications, including Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player and iTunes
Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 60 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

Simple to Share

Organize your videos by dragging and dropping into folders you've created, or use the automatic date-stamped folders
Edit and trim your favorite videos clips or even add your own music, all using FlipShare's easy editing tools
Create video greeting cards or use the Magic Movie feature to make movies with the click of a button
Capture photos using the easy Snapshot feature. You can grab a still-image photo from any of the 60 frames that comprise each second of your video
Share videos privately using FlipShare's attachment-free email or by creating Flip Channels; post publicly with direct video shares to Facebook™, Twitter™ and YouTube™

Follow our rules and you could be the next “Good Patient Contest” Winner. Contest Ends June 30^th.

Our Good Patient Contest Winner for March 2011

2011-04-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

We have exciting news, we have our winner of our iPod Touch, Cade! Congratulations! We've actually had some families ask us, "Do you REALLY give away that stuff, or is it just to get your patients to cooperate?" The answer is, "YES!" Cade was SO excited for his iPod touch, his dad said he hasn't stopped grinning since he heard the news. We LOVE rewarding our patients for their hard work. Keep it up everyone, your reward is coming!

A Month of Silly Holidays!

2011-04-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

This month is going to be a lot of fun for us! On our Facebook page we are posting different silly holidays every week. So, I hope many of you will be keeping track of the fun holidays that we will be posting about. We're also having an Easter Trivia contest that starts next week. These are only for our Facebook fans, so if you know of someone who loves our contests, tell them to become a fan on our Facebook page. Albrechtsen Orthodontics Facebook Page.

Famous Animated and Cartoon Couples Winners

2011-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our winners of our Famous Animated and Cartoon Couples Contest! Sadie, Joshua and David all won a great M&Ms dispenser filled with plain M&Ms. Look for our fun monthly contests that everyone can participate in.

Lucky Charms Contest

2011-02-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Are You Feeling Lucky? Be the lucky winner of our next in-office patient contest by telling us which items on our entry form are suppose to bring good luck. Enter the next time you are in our office. The winner will receive $25!

An iPod Touch for Our Valentines

2011-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

We're giving away another iPod touch to our wonderful patients! If you are a good patient, that means you're on time, you don't break appliances, you wear your elastics, headgear and retainers as instructed and you always have excellent brushing, then we put your name in for a drawing at the end of March. If your name is drawn, you win an iPod touch. We've already given away several and you could be next. All we ask is that you do what we ask and take care of your teeth and your braces.

Famous Animated and Cartoon Couples

2011-01-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Facebook Resolutions Contest

2011-01-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

Tell us about your New Year’s Resolution! Whether it is to work harder in school, practice more at a sport, be a better friend; we’re interested in what you have to say! We’ll select our favorite resolutions in these three categories on 1/ 23: Most Creative, Most Sentimental and Funniest Resolution. We’ll announce our favorites on Facebook!

Do You Know Why Your Retainer is so Important?

2011-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

Once we have removed your braces, it’s easy to think all the work is done and your teeth need little further attention. But don’t underestimate the importance of a retainer. Take this quick quiz to find out exactly why a retainer is important, and more:

A retainer is more of a formality than a necessity.

True
False

When should I wear my retainer?

As often as my doctor tells me to
I should wear it all the time to speed up my treatment

How should I clean my retainer?

Toothpaste and a brush
As long as I brush and floss my teeth, I won’t need to clean my retainer
A cleaner made specifically for retainers

Using my retainer properly will prevent the need to wear braces again

True
False

Answers:

The answer is B – False. Because a retainer is removable, it is easy to think of it as being less important that your permanent braces were. The truth is that all the work accomplished by your braces could be for nothing without a retainer. Your braces actively moved your teeth into their proper alignment, but a retainer holds your teeth in place and allows them to settle into position next to each other.
The answer is A – As often as my doctor tells me. We set up a treatment plan tailored to you and your teeth, and every set of retainer instructions is unique, just as each of our patients is unique. We will determine how often you must wear your retainer depending on the particulars of your situation.
The answer is A or C – Toothpaste and a brush OR a special-made retainer cleaner: it depends on the type of retainer you have. Make sure to clean your retainer at least twice every day. Don’t clean with soap and water – you don’t want soap in your mouth! If you use either a Hawley or a bonded retainer you should clean it the same way you clean your teeth, by brushing it thoroughly with toothpaste. If you use an Essix retainer we recommend you clean it with a product such as SoncBrite or Retainer Brite, both of which are made just for this purpose.
The answer is A – True. Your braces worked to move your teeth into place, and a retainer compliments them by keeping those teeth in order. If you do not use your retainer as prescribed, you risk letting your teeth once again shift out of place. And remember, using a retainer properly isn't limited to how you wear it. Keep your retainer clean, and be sure to handle it carefully and always keep it in a case when you do not have it in your mouth.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your braces or retainer, be sure to contact us. We are here to help you with your treatment.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

2011-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

It turns out there’s not much difference. WebMD.com cites “a review of nearly 30 studies” that was unable to determine a significant difference in plaque removal between electric and manual toothbrushes. (Some research did find that electric toothbrushes performed slightly better, but only if the electric toothbrush was of the “rotation-oscillation” variety, in which the bristles both rotate and move side-to-side.)

Regardless of what type of toothbrush you choose, it’s important to use it correctly. Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time. Cover the inner, outer and top surfaces of your teeth, and brush all the way down to the gum line. Don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth.

There’s a breed of person who drives a stick shift, uses a push mower and prefers sailboats to motorboats. When faced with the choice of a toothbrush, that purist will certainly choose the dependable, disposable, do-it-yourself toothbrush. But what about those of us who swear by Blackberries, iPods and TiVo? We want the latest, greatest gadget and we’re convinced that an electric toothbrush must be better than its manual counterpart… right?
So if electric and manual toothbrushes are so similar in plaque removal rates, how should you decide which is best for you? Here are a few factors to consider:
Your budget. Electric toothbrushes are pricier. However, while high-end options can cost upwards of $100, you can find some in the $10 range. Remember that you may need to add the cost of batteries and replacement brushes to your toothbrush budget.
Your dexterity. People who have limited manual dexterity – including the very young, the elderly, or those suffering from injury or arthritis – may find that an electric toothbrush allows them to reach spots that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Your habits. If you have a hard time brushing regularly, and you find you enjoy the sensation of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then by all means use the brush that will encourage you to brush most often.
Your patience. Many people are in too much of a hurry to brush for the full two minutes recommended (or they simply forget to watch the clock). Some electric brushes come with a timer that helps enforce the proper length of brushing.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking an electric toothbrush will do the work for you; you still need to guide it around every bit of enamel you possess in order to stave off plaque and bacteria.
And remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are vital to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.

A New Year With Albrecthsen Orthodontics

2011-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here we are again at the start of a new year. We look forward to 2011 with new hopes and dreams for our practice and our families. As patients and parents, here's what you can look forward to for this year.

Quarterly Good Patient Contests: Every quarter we give away a fun prize to those we feel have done their very best at being a Good Patient. Of course, they must follow our rules; be on time, have excellent brushing, wear appliances as instructed, and never have any loose or broken brackets or appliances. We do understand if a broken appliance is not the patients' fault. We always take this into consideration.

Annual Patient Appreciation Party: Dr. Albrechtsen and his team always look forward to our fun summer party at Surf N' Swim. Here, we can kick back, soak up the sun, hang out with friends and family, and not worry about your braces for a few hours.

Monthly Fun Contests: Every month we have a contest that everyone is sure to participate in. Whether it's answering silly questions, finding the celebrity smile or testing your social media knowledge, there's always a game for someone. Whenever you come to our office, make sure you ask what the Fun Contest for the month is.

$50 Club: Any time you refer a friend to our office for treatment, you get rewarded. If a friend that you've referred starts a full set of braces and they mention your name, you get $50. It's that simple! Not only does Dr. Albrechtsen give you the best smile anyone could ask for, but he rewards you for spreading the word about it.

Watch for our quarterly newsletters! If we have your e-mail address, you have given us permission to send you a newsletter. If you don't want the newsletter, it's easy to opt out...just click on the link when you receive your newsletter.

Annual Christmas Food Drive

2010-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Bring your non-perishable food items to our office so we can donate them to the Utah Food Bank for those less fortunate. We want everyone to have a happy holiday season!

Facebook Boo

2010-09-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

We love getting fun messages from our patients on our Facebook wall, but right now, we want to get "BOOED". Become a fan of Albrechtsen Orthodontics on Facebook and post "BOO" on our wall. Every booer will be entered ina weekly drawing for a booootiful $25 cash treat from now until Halloween!

Congratulations to our Shrek Trivia Winners!

2010-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Shrek Trivia Contest Winners...Britain, Stetson and Mykol. They won $50 to Fandango!

Diet

2010-09-01T08:20:00.001-07:00

The primary cause of cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease is accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The bacteria normally present in your mouth converts the food you eat into acid, which in turn combines with bacteria and leftover food to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque accumulation can begin on your teeth in as little as 20 minutes after you've eaten. If not removed, the acid in the plaque dissolves tooth enamel and creates a cavity.

The way you eat and the things you eat will either aid your body in fighting cavities and gum disease, or make you more likely to develop them. While your grandmother would have probably told you that eating candy was bad for your teeth, today's dental nutritionists know that she was only partly right. Yes, sugary snacks are one of the culprits that set up the right conditions for development of plaque, but did you know that carbohydrates, such as bread or potatoes, are just as bad for your teeth as a candy bar? And did you know you can combat these conditions by eating your food in the right combinations?

The two main factors that make a food a bad snack is the amount of sugar in the food and the length of time the food stays in your mouth. Strangely enough, the sugar and chocolate in a candy bar will actually be washed out of your mouth faster than the sugars from some fruits or the bread from your pizza. So it's the frequency of meals and snacks and the way foods are combined that increase the risk for cavities. Any food or beverage, even a healthy one, will be converted into acid if it stays in your mouth long enough. When eaten with a healthy meal, sugary or starchy foods will be washed away by the protein and fat in the meal, leaving your teeth cleaner and healthier.

Here are a few suggestions that will help you eat healthy for your teeth...

Eat a moderate, balanced diet using the Food Guide Pyramid

Combine sweet or starchy foods with protein rich foods, so that the sweets and starches will have less chance of sticking around

Chewing sugarless gum after meals and snacks can help the pH (acidity/alkalinity) balance in your mouth and also increases the production of saliva, which helps wash food off your teeth

Only drink sweet or acidic beverages with meals and snacks to buffer their effect on your teeth

When planning your diet, choose foods and meal patterns that give you the energy you need to get through the day, provide the nutrients your body needs, and promote oral and general health

Remember that your teeth are essential, not just for smiling, but for biting and chewing food. They're a very important part of physical growth and health. Brush and floss every day, and eat a diet that keeps your body functioning properly and keeps your teeth and gums their healthiest.

Surf N Swim 2010

2010-08-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who came to our Surf N Swim party! We had a blast!

Congratulations to our Celebrity Smiles Contest Winners!

2010-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

We're so excited that Sadie, Braden and Michelle won our contest last month. Sadie won 1st prize: $50, Michelle won 2nd prize: 2 movie passes, and Braden won 3rd prize: a Jamba Juice gift card. These contests are so much fun for us. We love that everyone is so enthusiastic about it!

Good Patient Contest

2010-07-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Shrek Trivia Contest

2010-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our American Idol Contest Winners!

2010-06-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Brittany, Bailey and Tamera each won an iPod Shuffle for answering all questions correctly from our American Idol contest. We have fun contests like this every six weeks. So, keep an eye out for our new contests that may be coming up!

Inspiration Road

2010-06-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

We are associated with some amazing families! One in particular is the White Family. They are riding on bicycles from Coos Bay, OR to Coney Island, NY to show their support for Shriners Hospital. Follow their story on this link. Their story is amazing.

Surf N Swim

2010-06-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...Our Surf N Swim party! We're more than excited for this year's party! We have some new faces on our team and maybe some new ideas to make the party unforgettable. Mark your calendars for August 12th! We'll see you there!

Dental Sealants

2010-06-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Many of the foods you or your child eat, especially those high in sugar and starches, cause the bacteria that normally occurs in your mouth to produce acids. If this acidic plaque isn't removed from your teeth by daily brushing and flossing, tooth decay will occur.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, some teeth, especially the back molars, can be difficult to clean because of their shape. The chewing surface of the molars have tiny grooves, called pits and fissures, that can be so deep and/or narrow that the bristles of your toothbrush can't reach down into them to clean out the plaque. Also, the enamel at the deepest part of the groove is frequently thinner, giving any plaque that does form an easier time of penetrating through.

To protect a tooth that is deeply grooved, your dentist can apply a plastic resin material called a dental sealant. The sealant levels out the grooves in the tooth, making the tooth smoother and more even so it is easier to clean, and seals the surface, protecting it from the acid attacks of plaque.

Since the 1970s, the widespread exposure to fluoride, in water, toothpaste and mouthwash, has lowered the incidence of tooth decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth. However, fluoride is not as successful at preventing pit and fissure decay on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Since pit and fissure decay is the most common form of tooth decay for children and teens, dental sealants are utilized as a preventive measure to protect a child's teeth during the years in which they are most likely to experience tooth decay.

Dental sealants aren't just for children, however. Adults can benefit from dental sealants, too. Any tooth that has the deep pits and fissures that place it at risk for tooth decay should be sealed. The only requirements for sealing are that a tooth have deep fissures and pits and that the patient be of an age and disposition to cooperate with the dentist during the procedure.

The sealing process itself is very simple. The surface of the tooth to be sealed must be clean for the material to adhere, so first your dentist will scrub the surface. Next, an "etching" gel will be applied on the area that is to be sealed. Once the surface has been prepared so that the sealant will bond well, the tooth is cleaned and dried. Keeping the tooth dry is very important, as it determines the quality of the bond between enamel and sealant. Your dentist then 'paints' the sealant onto the tooth and uses a special light to 'cure' the material.

If the tooth was kept properly dry during the application process, the dental sealant can last from five to ten years, or even longer, keeping your or your child's tooth healthy and protected from decay.

Choosing the Best Toothpaste

2010-06-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to better care and technological advances, more people than ever before are keeping their teeth throughout their lives. The most important thing you can do to make sure you're one of those who keep their natural teeth is to brush and floss regularly.

Most dental decay is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. Saliva, food (especially sugar) and fluids combine to produce plaque, which collects on teeth and where teeth and gums meet. Plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, a crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque also leads to gum disease, a potentially serious infection that can erode bone and destroy the tissues surrounding teeth. Flossing removes plaque between teeth, and brushing removes plaque from the large surfaces of the teeth and, if done correctly, from just under the gums.

With brushing being such an important factor in your oral health, you can see why your choice of a toothpaste is important, but with so many brands and types - plaque control, tartar control, whitening, gum care, sensitive teeth, polish, smoker's - from which to choose, picking the right toothpaste can be a daunting task. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help narrow the field by discussing what your special brushing needs are.

If you tend to build up plaque or tartar quickly, you'll want a plaque or tartar-control toothpaste. Anti-plaque/tartar toothpastes will have ingredients such as fluoride and/or antibacterial agents to limit plaque and tartar formation. (Check with your dentist before choosing fluoride toothpaste for your young children. Excessive fluoride ingestion by pre-school age children can lead to discoloration of the permanent teeth. If your child uses fluoride toothpaste, make sure s/he does not swallow toothpaste while brushing.)

If you smoke or drink tea or coffee, a whitening toothpaste may help with stains. However, whitening toothpastes only remove adherent stain. The ingredients necessary to actually bleach your teeth are not chemically stable enough to be included in toothpaste. Use caution with those toothpastes made to remove heavy stains, frequently referred to as "smoker's toothpaste" or "tooth polish". These toothpastes may be excessively abrasive and may cause progressive wearing away of the tooth and supporting tissues. (Also, if you smoke, be sure to see your dentist regularly, as smokers are at increased risk of gum disease, early tooth loss and also soft tissue conditions including oral cancer.)

Temperature sensitive teeth will benefit from a toothpaste made to desensitize your teeth. Your needs may change as you age, so don't be surprised if your hygienist recommends a type of toothpaste you haven't used before.

Once you've determined which type of toothpaste is best, choose the one that tastes and feels best and doesn't cause irritation or sensitivity problems. If you like the flavor and texture of your toothpaste, you'll brush more and longer. And brushing well and regularly means you'll be smiling with your natural teeth well into your mature years.

Celebrity Smiles Contest!

2010-05-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

How many of these popular smiles can you recognize? If your name is selected as one of our 3 winners, you will receive prizes based on how many smiles you get correct! Contest ends 6/30.

1-3 Correct Answers: Win 1 Gift card to Jamba Juice
4-7 Correct Answers: Win 2 movie passes
Get all answers correct: Win $50

Washington D.C. AAO Convention

2010-05-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dr. Albrechtsen and our team all took a trip to our Nation's Capitol to attend the American Association of Orthodontists convention. We had a lot of fun! Thank you Dr. A for the great trip!

Vancouver Winter Olympics Winners

2010-05-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

I know that it's been quite a while since we ended this contest, but congratulations to our 3 winners. They each won an official Vancouver Olympic duffel bag and $25 worth of Gold Coins. Thanks to all of our patients that entered the contest. Keep entering our current contests and you could be our next winner.

Our Recent $50 Buck Club Winner

2010-04-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Susana for referring her friends to our practice. She won $50! Her friend started a full set of braces. There's no end to winning $50, she could keep referring over and over and she would still win $50. Thanks Susana for trusting Dr. Albrechtsen and his staff with your braces and sharing it with others.

Moms for Mouthguards

2010-04-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

We watched this great video about what some moms might do to keep their kids protected during sports. We loved it!
It's very important to your dental health to wear safety gear when playing sports. Mouth guards are the only way to keep your teeth protected.

Congratulations to our Good Patient Winner

2010-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ashley the winner of our "Good Patient" Contest. We were giving away a Nintendo Wii, but since her family already has one, she chose to take the money value for it, $200.
Ashley followed all of our rules:
1. On time for appointments
2. No loose or broken appliances
3. Wore her elastics 80% or better
4. Had excellent oral hygiene
We were all so excited!
Our current contest is a $25 fun card 4 pack to Boondocks!
Keep up the good work!

Kristi's Baby Shower

2010-04-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our Treatment Coordinator Kristi is going to have a baby in June. This last weekend we had a really fun shower for her at Wendy's house! When Kristi has her baby, she will be leaving us to stay home with her baby. We love you, Kristi! Congratulations!

$50 Buck Club

2010-04-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

We just want all of our patients to remember that we want to reward you for telling your friends about us. When you refer anyone to our practice and they start full treatment, you get $50. Isn't that great! And it will never stop at one referral. You can keep referring and get $50 again and again. So tell your friends...hand out our business cards, give them one of our funky bent pens, however you think you might get some of your friends to come and see us. All our consultations are free!!

Boondocks

2010-04-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

For summer fun we want you to spend some time at Boondocks! We're giving away a Fun Card four pack to spend at Boondocks. Just follow our rules and you could be our next "Good Patient" Winner!

1. Be on time for your appointments
2. Have no loose or broken appliances
3. Wear your elastics or head gear 80% or better
4. Have excellent brushing and flossing

Good Luck! Contest ends June 30th.

American Idol Season 9 Contest

2010-04-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Pick up an entry form at any of our 3 locations.