Summer is here and we are ready……for some FUN!

Summer is always a busy time of the year for people. Many are out of school, taking a possible vacation or just maybe getting a new set of braces here at Hidden Valley Orthodontics!

We always have lots going on too and enjoy seeing all of you in summer mode versus school mode. We truly appreciate all of our families and value that you have chosen Hidden Valley Orthodontics and Dr. Fortney to provide their orthodontic care.

With all the hustle and bustle of these few summer months they seem to fly by in a blink. Dr. Fortney and the HVO team have set aside some time for a little fun and a big show of appreciation. Once again, we have reserved the Wave Water Park in Vista for our patient appreciation nights in July. Click here to view our flyer with all the details so make sure you plan in advance and come out and enjoy the fun.

This is just one way we get to reach out and say thank you for supporting us at Hidden Valley Orthodontics. We hope to see all of you there. It is a great evening for us. We finally get to hang out and spend some time having fun with the patients and families that we see in the office all year long.

Happy summer!
Dr. Fortney and the team at Hidden Valley Orthodontics
Wave Water Park Flyer

“Why would an orthodontist ask about my child’s sleeping or behavior? Don’t they just straighten teeth?”


Not at all; many of us understand that orthodontic care can make a big difference in many people’s overall health. OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) and SDB (Sleep Disordered Breathing) have largely gone unrecognized in children but can have serious implications. They can contribute to growth problems, failure to thrive, asthma, Type 2 Diabetes, ADD, ADHD, autism, hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

I recently presented on this topic to a large group of our North County Dental Professionals.   It was a fun evening and a true passion of mine to help others in our wonderful profession find new ways we can  help our children grow and thrive.  I am a believer in early detection of OSA & SDB.  

Memorial Day is not just another day!

As Memorial Day arrives and the end of the school year grows closer, it is wise to remember that Memorial Day is not just a three-day weekend or a precursor to Summer fun.  It is a day to be grateful and appreciative of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. These men and women who have served in our military and the families who survive them deserve our thanks and gratitude.  For if not they who have protected us, who?

14 Years of Orthodontic Advancements.

Since I started practicing Orthodontics in Escondido almost 14 years ago, Orthodontics has seen many advancements and changes for the better.   Not only with advances in technology but also through the development new treatment methods.  It is amazing to see all of the positive changes, in what feels like such a short amount of time.  These advances, along with the availability of new, cutting edge, materials have helped to create somewhat of a new frontier in orthodontics.  As a specialist in Orthodontics myself, I am proud to say that here at Hidden Valley Orthodontics we are leading the charge.  
I am a true believer that each individual patient is unique and I feel that the additional training I have had to become a specialist in Orthodontics gives me a distinct advantage is diagnosing and treating those who choose Hidden Valley Orthodontics.  Whether it is a full treatment case on a child, a child who may be showing the outward signs of obstructive sleep apnea or an adult who really does not like the way their teeth look and has been wanting to fix their smile for years, I have the training, experience and the tools to be able to meet those challenges and help!  

Give Your Child the Best Opportunity for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile!

As parents, we all want the best for our children. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. At Hidden Valley Orthodontics, we suggest starting with regular dental care. The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday, while baby (primary) teeth are emerging. Your dentist can alert you to any concerns about how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Dr. Fortney, a mother of two young boys, is well aware that as parents, we pay very close attention to our children as they grow and develop.  There are many times that parents are the first to recognize a problem with the alignment of teeth and jaws.  They may not understand exactly what may be wrong but something just does not look right.  That is where a trusted Orthodontist like Dr. Fortney can be invaluable!

How to Hide From the Harsh Winter in San Diego?

Go Take A Hike!

As we settle into another winter here in San Diego I am reminded of the phrase…”You don’t have to shovel sunshine!“

That being said, we are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area with so much fun stuff to do. We don’t have or need snow days. We are lucky enough to have a very mild climate that allows us to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Recently we started taking hikes. Our boys are young, athletic and always need to burn off some energy! There are a few hikes of note that we can suggest;

Give Back to Set a Good Example for Your Kids and Family

There are many positive reasons to volunteer and give back to those in need. One of the most rewarding reasons to get involved in your community is to set a good example for your kids. Every year Hidden Valley Orthodontics finds ways to help in our community. Whether it is our Food Drive for those who could use a little help, our HVO team getting together to pack food boxes for families, our involvement with the Palomar Family YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of Escondido or even our Orthodontic Treatment Scholarship Programwe are always looking for ways that we can lend a helping hand. Please feel free to let us know what causes you are involved with, maybe we can help…