- Can I still chew gum with braces?
Chewing SUGAR FREE gum while you have braces is fine for most braces these days. In days past, the gum used to get caught on the braces and pull them off. Now we have stronger glues and smaller braces. However, gum with sugar can cause other problems. Sugar will cause the plaque on the teeth to grow more quickly which leads to higher probability of tooth decay. In most cases a sugar free, non-stick gum such as Freedent or Wrigley's Extra will be fine. If you have braces, it is best to consult your orthodontist before chewing gum. For more information, or for a complimentary consultation, call our office at 253.848.4537, or visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- Are there any foods I can’t eat when I have braces?
When you have braces, it is important to stay away from hard, sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. Foods like caramel, taffy and peanut brittle can stick to your braces and pull them off your teeth. You also need to be careful with crunchy foods like carrots and apples and hard rolls so you do not knock off your braces. In some cases, you may just need to alter how you prepare the food. For example, instead of biting in to a whole apple, cut the apple into slices. You can do the same with crusty bread. Be aware that you have brackets glued to your teeth, and any extreme force against the brackets can pop them off. For more information, or a complimentary consultation, call our office at 253.848.4537, or visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- My daughter is a senior in high school, and has not had her wisdom teeth removed. Most of her friends have had theirs out; should she get them pulled before she goes to college?
If you have concerns about your daughter's wisdom teeth after Orthodontic treatment, please consult your general dentist or orthodontist. One reason to have wisdom teeth removed is that they are difficult to clean properly; thus prime candidates for dental decay. Frequently, there is not enough room for the third molars to fully erupt properly which can lead to gum infections and significant discomfort. If you would like information about Orthodontics, please visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com or call our office at 253.848.4537 for a complimentary consultation.
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- I keep hearing about the great results that you are achieving with the Damon braces you are using; what makes Damon different?
The Damon bracket system uses the latest orthodontic technology to deliver fast results with great patient comfort. Damon braces use a sliding door technology known as self-ligation, allowing the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. Also, the shape-memory wire that moves the teeth require fewer adjustments. Damon braces work very well for adults, and allow us to treat particularly crowded cases without the need to extract permanent teeth. To find out more about the different ways to straighten your teeth, please visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com or call our office at (253)848-4537 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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- What is unique about Dr. Sutherland's office?
Dr. Sutherland has over thirty years experience of creating amazing smiles. The office is well-established in downtown Puyallup, conveniently located kitty corner to the new Pioneer Park Pavilion Building and across from the Puyallup library. Many long-term competent, friendly staff members love working at his office. What makes Dr. Sutherland's office so unique is the love he and his staff possess for God and others. You will be warmly greeted by office staff in a clean, family-friendly reception area, complete with Wii consoles as well as current magazines, books and toys for smaller children. Dr. Sutherland offers various financial incentives to family members, pastors, teachers and those serving our country in the military. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, call Dr. Sutherland's office to schedule your complimentary consultation at 253.848.4537. You may also choose to contact us by email at info@smilesbysutherland.com or visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- How do I know I am getting excellent orthodontic treatment?
An orthodontist is a specialist whose has specific training in orthodontics. A good way to know what to expect from a specific orthodontic office is to hear what patients of that orthodontist have to say. Some websites rate doctors, such as doctorscorecard.com; ratemd.com; and insiderpages.com. On these websites, patients give candid responses. They post what they really think about their experience at a doctor’s office. Look for trends in what the majority of people say. Smiles by Sutherland has 92 plus reviews on doctorscorecard.com with a perfect ten overall rating. See for yourself! If you are considering orthodontic treatment know that at Dr. Sutherland’s there is a complimentary consultation, including digital photographs and digital x-ray. Also, for those who start treatment we provide and electric toothbrush that is specifically designed to help clean teeth around braces. Give us a call at 253.848.4537, or visit us on the web to make an appointment at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- Why patients choose Dr. Sutherland’s office for their orthodontic treatment?
At Dr. Sutherland’s you will receive the latest in cutting-edge orthodontic treatment, along-side excellent service in a family-friendly environment. Did you know that all x-rays taken at Dr. Sutherland’s office are digital, meaning significantly less radiation for you as the patient? Also, Dr. Sutherland uses eco-friendly, energy-saving methods to cut waste and bio-hazards that may harm the environment. All Dr. Sutherland's treatment fees are inclusive, which means you won’t get stuck with additional costs down the road. Your orthodontic treatment includes: full upper and lower braces, study models, x-rays, all visits, an Oral B electric toothbrush, Prevident fluoride system, two sets of retainers, a six week post consultation after orthodontic treatment is completed as well as a six month follow-up visit. Additionally, did you know that Dr. Sutherland is the #1 Invisalign and Damon provider in the area? For more information about Dr. Sutherland’s office, visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com, or call our office at 253.848.4537 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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- Green Orthodontics?
Did you know Dr. Sutherland's office is greener than ever this Christmas and not just because it is December! In 2008, we at Smiles by Sutherland found a number of ways to lesson our carbon footprint. We have updated all our x-ray and photo machines to digital, eliminating paper waste and toxic chemicals in the x-ray developing process. We are now currently "chartless"; we do use some charts to house information, but we are moving towards a paperless office. Not only are we interested in keeping the environment healthy, but we are interested in keeping your smile healthy: we use the latest in orthodontic technology, making your orthodontic experience easier than ever. We also have a fun blog of staff and patients linked from our interactive website. When you visit our website you can even become a Facebook fan and receive alerts when we update the blog. For more information about our office, visit our newly updated website at www.smilesbysutherland.com, or call our office at 253.848.4537 for a complimentary consultation.
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- How does Smiles by Sutherland give back to our local community?
At Dr. Sutherland’s office, we understand the importance of investing in the greater Puyallup area. Since 1978, Smiles by Sutherland has supported a number of local charities, clubs and organizations. A few of our community charitable investments include: Puyallup Youth Investment Center, YMCA, Young Life, Apple Kids Cup, Miss Pierce County Scholarship Pageant, School District Science Fairs, Speech & Debate Teams, High School Decca programs, FAA programs, Student Ambassador Programs, School Business Partnerships and Annual College Scholarships to high school graduates in the surrounding area. Also, when a child begins treatment in our practice, we make a financial gift to the schools PTA or Booster club; this gift is given to public, private and co-op schools.
We are thankful to be apart of the Puyallup Community and know that with your support we will continue to invest in the positive growth of our community in the years ahead. For more information about our office, visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com or call our office at 253.848.4537.
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- I heard that Dr. Sutherland's office offers scholarships to college-bound seniors; how can I find out more about this program?
The Greg W. Sutherland Scholarships were established in 2004 to recognize graduating high school seniors who are current or former patients of Smiles by Sutherland. Each candidate must demonstrate a commitment to making their world a better place by being involved in school or community events or involved in their local church or para-church organization. Dr. Sutherland is also looking for seniors who demonstrate strong character values such as honesty, integrity and a solid work-ethic. Seniors must lastly demonstrate a desire to further their education by either attending college or pursuing a technical degree. There will be one recipient chosen to receive the $750.00 scholarship from each of the following participating high schools: Bethel, Bonney Lake, Cascade Christian, Emerald Ridge, Graham-Kapowsin, Puyallup, Rogers and Sumner high school. If you are a senior who is a past or present patient, be sure to visit your high school counselor's office in February to pick up your application. Home school students are also eligible to apply through their district boundary high school. . For more information about our office, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com, or call our office at 253.848.4537 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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- Can I continue to play sports and participate in water activities with braces?
Yes, you can continue to participate in any sport you choose when you have braces. When playing sports where there is a possibility of injury to your mouth, a mouthguard should be worn. The mouthguard should fit comfortably over your braces and protect your teeth and the soft tissues inside your mouth. In the event there is trauma to your teeth, be sure to check your appliances for any damage. If you notice loose teeth, bent wires or loose appliances please contact your orthodontic office right away. For more information about orthodontics, or to set up a complimentary consultation, you may visit our website at www.smilesbysutherland.com, or call our office at 253.848.4537.
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- What is Teen Invisalign™?
Teen Invisalign uses a series of custom-fit clear aligners to straighten your teeth without metal braces. These aligners fit over your teeth, are comfortable and practically invisible. They differ from regular Invisalign in that they can allow space for unerupted permanent teeth to continue to grow. The aligners gently and continuously move your teeth in small increments for about two weeks, and then are exchanged for the next set. The aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, flossing or going to a special event, and if lost, are replaceable for free (up to six individual aligners). Teen Invisalign can only be done by an Orthodontist. Do you think you are a candidate for Teen Invisalign? Did you know that Dr. Sutherland is the only Premier Provider for Teen Invisalign in the Puyallup area? To find out if Teen Invisalign is right for you, call Dr. Sutherland's office for a free consultation at 253.848.4537, or check out more about Teen Invisalign on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- Can Invisalign® correct an overbite or underbite?
Yes. The Invisalign system can now correct an overbite or underbite as well as straighten teeth in a very discreet manner. Clear elastics worn with clear aligners help correct overbites and underbites. The Invisalign system utilizes a series of clear aligners that gradually straighten teeth. Usually a patient receives 3-4 sets of aligners each visit and wears each set for two weeks. Invisalign patients tend to finish in less time compared to our patients in braces. Teen Invisalign helps the Teen by giving them up to six free replacement aligners should they be lost. Invisalign aligners, unlike metal braces, are not permanently fixed to the teeth, so they can be removed to eat and brush, and for special occasions. This is great for most adults and teens. Nowadays most people can be significantly helped with the Invisalign system. With that said, why would anyone want to wear braces? Well, since some people know they would not be good at wearing aligners, braces would be the best option for them. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, Teen Invisalign, or discuss options for tooth straightening, please call our office for a complimentary consultation at 253.848.4537, or visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- I keep hearing about Invisalign®; what is it and will it work for me?
Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. Developed with orthodontists, Invisalign is a nearly invisible solution to straightening your teeth. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign gradually guides your teeth into the correct positions. As you change the aligners, about every two weeks, your teeth will move into alignment. The aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush. It is now possible to correct some difficult bites that previously required braces by wearing clear elastics with some of the Invisalign aligners. If you want to find out if Invisalign is right for you, give us a call at 253-848-4537 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Puyallup. For more information about our office visit us on the web at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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- What is Invisalign® and the new Teen Invisalign™?
Invisalign and Teen Invisalign use a series of custom-fit clear aligners to straighten your teeth without metal braces. These aligners fit over your teeth, are comfortable and practically invisible. Teen Invisalign differs from regular Invisalign in that they allow space for unerupted permanent teeth. The aligners gently and continuously move teeth in small increments for about two weeks, and then are exchanged for the next set. The aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, flossing or going to a special event, and if lost, Teen Invisalign aligners are replaced for free (up to six Teen aligners). Teen Invisalign can only be provided by an Orthodontist. Did you know that Dr. Sutherland is an ELITE PROVIDER of Invisalign and Teen Invisalign? That means he is in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers in the nation. To find out more about Invisalign or Teen Invisalign call Dr. Sutherland's office for a free consultation at 253.848.4537, or visit our Invisalign and Teen Invisalign pages on our website at www.smilesbysutherland.com.
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