3 Reasons Why You Need A New Orthodontic Retainer?

I’m pretty sure the happiest day of treatment for all orthodontic patients is the day they get their braces off. Patients are happy. Parents are happy. Doctors are happy! 

However, getting your braces off is more like “class promotion” than a collage graduation.  It’s a fact that no matter what treatment or how perfectly aligned your teeth are, the day your braces come off is just the beginning of the life-long need to retain your teeth in the best possible position.  Lifetime retention is not so surprising when you realize that everything in the human body is affected by time and age.  Nothing on the human body does not sag or wrinkle over time. Your teeth are no different.

One of the first questions usually asked when someone receives a new retainer is, “How will I know when I need to replace my retainer?” Everyone is different, but here are three reasons to invest in a replacement:

1: Retainer is damaged.
If your retainer is damaged so that it no longer fits or holds your teeth effectively, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. Some examples of things that will damage a retainer include sitting or stepping on it, leaving it out so that your dog can chew it up, or in the case of thermoformed retainers, placing the retainer in water that is too hot. The best way to prevent damage is to store your retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth. Best to keep it in your face or in your case!


2: Retainer doesn't fit anymore.
Your retainer must fit correctly on the first day that you receive it.  If your retainer doesn’t fit when you receive it, let Dr. Fortney know and we will make adjustments to insure that you have correct before you leave the office.  Once your retainer is fit properly, it is up to you to wear it as prescribed so that movement will be kept to a minimum. Please understand that there is NO retainer of any kind that will prevent all movement. If you’re using your teeth, they’re going to change. If you get lazy with your retainer wear, your teeth may move so much that your retainer won’t fit right any more. When you get to that point, you will need to call Hidden Valley Orthodontics and make an appointment.  If we cannot adjust your retainer so that it will fit the new position of your teeth, you will need to buy a new one.

3: Retainer is worn out.
This happens with anything that we use on a daily basis. How do sneakers look when you’ve worn them daily for a year? The length of time a retainer stays in decent shape varies from patient to patient. While most last two to three years, I’ve seen some patients who need to replace theirs every year while others have had theirs for more than 20! Some signs that your retainer is worn out include discoloration, calcium buildup, distortion, solder joints that come apart, and a loose fit even though the retainer has not been damaged. If you go to put your retainer in your mouth one night and you think to yourself, “I am not sticking that gross thing in my mouth again,” it is probably time to invest in a new one.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your retainer please contact Hidden Valley Orthodontics at 760-489-0330 or info@hvortho.com .

Hidden Valley Orthodontics 

Dr. Christy Fortney

230 W. 3rd Avenue

Escondido, CA 92025

Phone: 760-489-0330

Email: linda@hvortho.com

How about sharing that beautiful smile with your friends?

At Hidden Valley Orthodontics, we are proud to show off the beautiful smiles we help create!

Dr. Fortney loves orthodontics and looks forward to being a part of your perfect smile.  She has committed herself to advancing her knowledge of diagnosing and implementing treatment solutions that are customized to what each person may need.

Whether it’s  a child having obstructive breathing issues, a parent with a youngster that is not sure they need any treatment (7 & Up is the ideal age to be evaluated)  , or an adult that needs treatment but  does not want braces and has been told Invisalign won’t work for them.  Dr. Fortney has the confidence to address many of these situations where others may not.

We hope that you love your smile too and we want you to “Share a Smile” with a friend.

Recommending us to your friends and family is the greatest compliment we can receive.  We are humbled that you would entrust your friend or family member to us and we do not take that responsibility lightly.

We are currently having our SHARE A SMILE referral contest.  Refer a smile to Hidden Valley Orthodontics and receive an entry into our drawing for a great prize!

DOWNLOAD YOUR REFERRAL CARD HERE! 

Fill out your part, share it with your friends.  When they bring in your card to their complimentary consultation, the card will be entered into our drawing.

Good luck to all and thank you for being a part of the HVO family and “sharing a smile”!

Health Savings Accounts may help with the cost of orthodontic treatment and save you some taxes.

We at Hidden Valley Orthodontics understand that the choice of orthodontics is not an inexpensive or an easy decision to make.  With that in mind, we wanted to remind many of you that there may be ways to help offset some of the costs or at least spend your dollars more wisely.

If  you have health insurance through your employer, you will probably have the option to choose some sort of tax-favored health spending account during the annual open enrollment, now getting underway at many companies.

The accounts - including health savings accounts, or H.S.A.s, and health care flexible spending accounts, or F.S.A.s - aim to help health plan members pay for out-of-pocket medical costs. The accounts can save you money, but rules for using them vary.

“It’s very important for employees to understand the nuances,” said Brian Marcotte, chief executive of the National Business Group on Health, whose members are large employers.

If you think you may be eligible for some type of Health Savings Account, here are some questions and answers about health spending accounts:

• If I sign up for an H.S.A., do I receive my employer’s contribution automatically?
  
  Employers are increasingly requiring workers to take action - like completing a health assessment or watching a webinar about high-deductible health plans - to qualify for the contribution.   So employees should read open enrollment information carefully. “Ask yourself, ‘Is there anything I need to do to get the money?’” “You want to make sure you don’t miss out.”

• What are H.S.A. contribution limits for 2016?
  
  For 2016, the maximum contribution (including the employer’s share) is $3,350 for an individual and $6,750 for a family. That age 55 and older can contribute an extra $1,000.

• Can I have both an H.S.A. and an F.S.A.?
  
  Yes - as long as the F.S.A. is a “limited purpose” version that covers only certain costs like dental and vision care. 

If you have questions regarding how Hidden Valley Orthodontics can work with you and your H.S.A or F.S.A, please contact our financial coordinator Linda Lockman at 760-317-9585

Fall Invisalign Event puts $500 in your pocket!

Invisalign is partnering with Hidden Valley Orthodontics November 1^st – December 16^th, 2015.

Deciding to see an orthodontist for adults who want to improve their smiles and/or their bite can be scary. Braces can be embarrassing for the self-conscious teen and even for adults.  Having a mouth full of metal to clean around, eat around, and live around can be daunting.

Are you a candidate for Invisalign?  Dr. Christy Fortney will tell you yes!  As an Elite Preferred Provider and North County’s Invisalign expert, Dr. Fortney relies on this modern approach for straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles even if you have been told you are not a candidate. 

How Invisalign works

We use advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to replicate an exact impression of your teeth and surrounding tissue.  This allows us to customize each aligner so that it fits your mouth and, over time, moves your teeth into the proper position.  The trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they are removable. 

Freedom to be you

Invisalign is ideal for a busy schedule, with fewer doctor visits required and shorter appointments.  With Invisalign, the aligners can be taken out while eating, playing sports, and during brushing and flossing.  This allows for an easier and more effective experience.  Keep in mind that your aligners should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours throughout the day.  Dr. Fortney will be able to tell if you have not been following your treatment plan.

What’s next?

Call today to make your No Cost Smile Consultation and get $500 off Invisalign Treatment.

Hidden Valley Orthodontics 

Dr. Christy Fortney

230 W. 3rd Avenue

Escondido, CA 92025

Phone: 760-489-0330

Email: linda@hvortho.com

Treat Yourself Right!

October, as usual, is National Orthodontic Health month!  Seeing as it is always in October and coincidently so is Halloween, it's a perfect time to remind our patients with braces to put some thought into the treats you enjoy this Halloween. We want our patients in braces to enjoy the holiday and not feel that they are missing out. They can choose among the many treats that are brace-friendly, avoiding ones that are hard, sticky, gummy or chewy. Some brace-friendly choices ones include soft, nut free candies, soft candy bars, peppermint patties, and peanut butter cups. There are lots more that will keep your braces safe and still let you enjoy the holiday! Remember the beautiful smile that is in your future will be much sweeter than the momentary pleasure from candy that damages your braces or your teeth.

Orthodontic Health month is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone of the positive impact orthodontic care can have. Regardless of your age, orthodontics can improve how you look and also have a positive impact on your health. If you have crowded teeth, having braces can improve your ability to keep everything clean, reduce periodontal problems and tooth wear. Orthodontics can also have a positive impact on your confidence; no more hiding your smile or feeling less than fabulous! There are many other benefits to orthodontic care and we're happy to talk to you about the benefits you or your child can have from orthodontic care.

Ortho-Friendly Treats	Treats to Avoid
In general, orthodontic patients should look for foods that are soft and easy to chew:	In general, orthodontic patients should avoid treats that are sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy:
Ø  soft, melt-in your mouth chocolates Ø  peppermint patties Ø  peanut butter cups Ø  milk shakes Ø  gelatin based treats Ø  peeled, thinly slice fruit Ø  Ice cream	Ø  caramels Ø  nuts (including candies with nuts) Ø  licorice, jelly beans, taffy Ø  hard pretzels Ø  sugary bubble gum Ø  candy corn Ø  lollipops Ø  popcorn including kernels

Hidden Valley Orthodontics Sponsors Grape Day Festival, Escondido, CA

The time is coming to celebrate Grape Day in Downtown Escondido and Grape Day Park. This fun, family and community event will be held on Saturday September 12, 2015 and Hidden Valley Orthodontics is proud to be a sponsor once again this year. 

The original Grape Day Celebration began in 1908 as a way to celebrate Escondido’s grape harvest and promote this fantastic city.  It flourished until 1950 and was revived by the Escondido History Center in 1996.

This wonderful community event includes a 5K Fun Run sponsored by the Escondido Sunshine Rotary (which some of the HVO team and their families will be participating in), the Grape Day Parade along historic Grand Avenue and a Festival in Grape Day Park.   

Schedule of Events

Escondido Sunrise Rotary Grape Day 5K

Time: 7:30 a.m.
This 5K fun run is for everyone from elite runners to casual walkers. For more information and to register go to www.sandyfeetevents.com/grape-day-5k/
Grape Day Parade along Grand Avenue in Downtown Escondido
Time: 9:30 a.m.
The whimsical parade features marching bands, walking groups, equestrians and historic automobiles.
Grape Day Festival, Grape Day Park
Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The Grape Day Festival includes live entertainment, kids’ activities, grape stomping, food trucks, and fun for the whole family. Go to www.escondidohistory.org for more information.

Grape Day Festival History:

A community parade with horses and marching bands followed by a daylong celebration of agricultural history sounds like the definition of small-town charm. Grape Day started in 1908 as a way to celebrate Escondido’s grape harvest and promote the city. It flourished until 1950, and then was revived by the Escondido History Center in 1996. “We think it’s an important community event, a neat connection with our history, which is really what we’re all about,” said Wendy Barker, executive director of the history center.

Hidden Valley Orthodontics 

Dr. Christy Fortney

230 W. 3rd Avenue

Escondido, CA 92025

Tel: 760-489-0330

Email: linda@hvortho.com

10 Fun Facts About Your Teeth!

1. A person’s smile is the first feature that most people notice.
2. U.S. Consumers buy nearly 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year.
3. Humans have two sets of teeth during their lifetime, while sharks have around 40 sets of teeth.
4. Your tooth enamel is the hardest part of your entire body.
5. One third of your teeth are underneath your gums.
6. Most adults have 32 teeth.  As a shocking comparison, mosquitoes have about 47 teeth and snails have about 25 teeth…on their tongues!
7. The average person spends 38 days brushing their teeth during their lifetime.
8. Teeth start to form even before birth. Milk teeth, or baby teeth, start when a baby is in the womb, but teeth don’t show until a child is between six and twelve months old.
9. Modern toothpaste has only been available for the past hundred years.  Before toothpaste, humans used charcoal or ground chalk, ashes, lemon juice and honey-tobacco mixtures to clean their teeth.
10. Your mouth produces over 25,000 quarts of saliva throughout your life.  That’s enough to fill two swimming pools.  Saliva protects your teeth from bacteria in your mouth.

Hidden Valley Orthodontics 

Dr. Christy Fortney

230 W. 3rd Avenue

Escondido, CA 92025

Tel: 760-489-0330

Email: linda@hvortho.com