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 Bishop 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 Bishop Orthodontics!

Safety first this winter! From Dr. Bishop

Winter is just about here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Bishop and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Bishop Orthodontics.

Technology helps you relax at Bishop Orthodontics

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Bishop understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Bishop Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Staying connected with Bishop Orthodontics

At Bishop Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Bishop and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Write a review of Bishop Orthodontics!

Has your experience at Bishop Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Then we invite you to write a review on our Google Places Page! Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Do we have your current contact info?

Hi everyone, there is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Please help Dr. Bishop get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Bishop and our entire staff! We also hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Giving thanks this holiday season

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. What are you thankful for this holiday season? Do you have any Thanksgiving wishes you would like to share?

Dr. Bishop and our entire team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

At Bishop Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple, easy and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Bishop Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started! Happy Monday!

Hey Dr. Bishop, when should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Bishop and our staff will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Halloween from Bishop Orthodontics!

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of tonight's sweet and spooky holiday, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients in both Edwards and Frisco to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists were kind enough to provide trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give us a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween night!

Dr. Bishop & team want to know: what's on your mind?

By now, you’re probably familiar with the drill: Every week, our creative staff at Bishop Orthodontics write about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic treatments offered at our offices in Edwards and Frisco.

This week, though, we thought we’d ask our remarkable patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog going forward? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Alton Bishop but haven’t found the time? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

A few tips to stay healthy this cold season, from Bishop Orthodontics

It's that time of year again...cold and flu season! To promote a healthy and clean environment here at Bishop Orthodontics, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Edwards or Frisco offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Bishop and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Bishop Orthodontics team

Spider bites, a delicious (and braces-friendly) Halloween recipe!

Dr. Bishop and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to Halloween trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

We thought we'd share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

For baking instructions, click here. Enjoy this delicious recipe, and have a wonderful weekend!

- Dr. Bishop and team

At Bishop Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

If it's October, it can only mean one thing here at Bishop Orthodontics: it's National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created 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 wearing braces.

Dr. Bishop and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Bishop or staff during your visit!

Have a great weekend!

Bishop Orthodontics present: Braces-friendly fall recipe!

Fall is here, and sometimes our staff here at Bishop Orthodontics just feel like a hot, delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Dr. Alton Bishop would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment at our offices in Edwards and Frisco.

Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:
• ¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• ¼ cup sliced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
• Sea salt, preferably gray salt
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
• Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great weekend!

- Dr. Bishop and staff

"My son is turning seven - when should I bring him in for a consultation?"

Great question! Dr. Bishop will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Bishop to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a wonderful weekend!!

September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month!

This month, our staff at Bishop 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. Alton Bishop 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 970-926-2666 if you have any questions!

"I'm 44 - am I just too old for braces"?

Of course not! At Bishop Orthodontics, nobody, and we mean NOBODY, is "too old" for braces!

In fact, Dr. Alton Bishop and our staff recently read an interesting statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent from just 15 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Bishop can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Bishop would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Back to school with Bishop Orthodontics!

Now that many of the schools are back in session in Frisco and Edwards, Dr. Alton Bishop and our staff would like to remind all 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 Bishop Orthodontics during the fall months. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it's 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 us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-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 970-926-2666 if you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule your fall appointment.

We hope you're having a wonderful end of the summer!

Ask Dr. Bishop: Are retainers really that important?

If you've recently completed treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Bishop will provide—or probably has provided you by now—with retainers. After your braces have been removed, your teeth may still shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide the stabilization needed.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please check out these tips from Dr. Bishop and this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. Or, you may give us a call at 970-926-2666! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Fun facts with Bishop Orthodontics!

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Bishop and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of your weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

This summer, will you join the Braces Brigade?

Calling all our amazing current and former patients at Bishop Orthodontics: how would you like to blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a cool $100 American Express gift card? Thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists' and their Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient of Dr. Bishop or the parent of a patient. If you're under 18, your parent must fill out a consent form along with your application.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade this summer! Happy Monday!

Thanks to Invisalign® with Dr. Bishop, parents can have perfect teeth, too!

Have you been focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is here to help! Dr. Alton Bishop is specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call at 970-926-2666 to set up a complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Dr. Bishop is a Certified Invisalign Provider in Colorado, serving Edwards, Frisco and surrounding communities.

All about cavities, from Bishop Orthodontics

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their general dentist is "Cavity!!" But what, exactly, is a exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

According to Cavity-Free at Three, in Colorado,

•18% of 2-4 year olds have dental caries; 16% have untreated decay.
•45.7% of kindergarteners have dental caries; 26.9% have untreated decay.
•57.2% of third graders have dental caries; 26.1% have untreated decay.
•By age 17, 78% of children have had at least one cavity; 7% have lost a permanent tooth to dental decay.

While it's true cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your treatment at Bishop Orthodontics:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope this helps! Please give us a call for more tips on your oral health during treatment with Dr. Alton Bishop!

Dr. Bishop talks 3-D braces in the New York Times

Last week, our very own Dr. Alton Bishop was mentioned and quoted in a New York Times article on 3-D technology titled, "Taking the Guesswork Out of Braces."

In the article, Three-dimensional imaging technology is discussed, with Dr. Bishop talking about OrthoCAD iQ, which we use at our convenient Edwards and Frisco offices. OrthoCAD iQ uses a computer-guided system for placing brackets on your teeth.

We encourage you to read the full article. For more information about how we use 3-D technology at Bishop Orthodontics, please give us a call at 970-926-2666 or ask Dr. Bishop during your next visit!

Saving face with Bishop Orthodontics this summer

With summer finally here, we at Bishop Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind our athletes in treatment to take care of their mouth and appliances when out on the field. After all, the summer months bring with them a greater chance of our athletes damaging their teeth since you are out and about and/or playing sports. If you are playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. Alton Bishop for precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised by Dr. Bishop and staff for playing summer sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many, many others.

In case of any accident involving the face this summer, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or your appliances are damaged, please call us right away. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Bishop will be happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment!

The bottom line is, only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

We hope you're enjoying your Independence Day weekend! Get some sun!

Independence Day fun facts with Bishop Orthodontics!

Just one week from today, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. Here are some fun facts about Independence Day we know you'll enjoy! Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!!

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

- 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.

- America's first official flag was raised in 1777 and had 13 stars and 13 stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.

- 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.

- 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.

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

More happy patients at Bishop Orthodontics!

Bishop Orthodontics, serving Edwards, Frisco and surrounding areas in Eagle County, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Alton Bishop and our team!

"Dr Bishop and everyone in this office is so friendly and helpful." ~ Angela T.

"So far, very friendly and helpful. The first appointment was a bit of a whirlwind. I was not expecting to get so much done (spacers, impressions) the first time in, but glad we did!" ~ Allison S.

"Although we have just met, both you and Shirlene seem very genuine and personable!" ~ Judy W.

"Great one-on-one with my child." ~ Karliena W.

"Dr. Bishop is the most understanding, reasonable, sweet, honest, sensible,real loving, patient kind of person. He has been so great knowing my personal, sensitive, fearful, situation toward dentist. I think him for being that special person that he is." ~ Stephanie A.

At the movies with Bishop Orthodontics!

Dr. Alton Bishop and our entire team look forward to seeing all of you at our Patient Appreciation Day on Friday, July 16th at 9:30 a.m. at The Riverwalk Theatre in Edwards.

We will be showing three different movies. The films include: The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Despicable Me and The Last Airbender.

We encourage you to bring a friend or siblings! Admission is FREE.

See you all there!

Share your summer plans with Bishop Orthodontics!

At Bishop Orthodontics, we're having a difficult time believing it's already June. As the school year comes to an end for a lot of Dr. Bishop's patients, the days get longer and the temperatures begin to climb, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off under the shade with a beverage. For a lot of our patients in Edwards, Frisco and surrounding areas, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week. 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 family vacation? We want to see when and how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, we'd like to hear about it! If you're going camping, awesome! Even if you're staying at home, that can be fun, too.

Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along! Don't forget about our summer contests!

Share your experience at Bishop Orthodontics with the world!

For over 30 years, Bishop Orthodontics has been creating beautiful smiles for adults, teens, and children. We take pride in the way we treat our patients! Dr. Alton Bishop and our dedicated staff genuinely enjoy working with patients, getting to know them on a more personal level, and building relationships with patients that last beyond their orthodontic treatment.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help Dr. Bishop and team create beautiful smiles in Frisco, Edwards and surrounding communities in Eagle County!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews and hearing about your stories from this weekend!

Father's Day contest at Bishop Orthodontics!

With Father's Day only three weeks away, our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is at it again with our Father's Day patient contest through Friday, June 18! Here's how it works: Stop by our office, drop your name into our jar, and you will be automatically entered into a chance to win breakfast with dad, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

In addition, we are also gearing for two summer events: our second annual patient appreciation party on Friday, July 16th! July! We are planning to show the premiere viewing of a great movie!

and...

stay tuned for more info about our "Where in the world are you going this summer?" which is our BIG summer T-shirt contest!!

Join us on our Facebook page!

At Bishop Orthodontics, we truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Frisco, Edwards and surrounding communities in Eagle County. Even if you only see us for your appointment every six weeks, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Bishop and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Bishop Orthodontics on Facebook, where we share office news, announcements and updates. By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your Facebook feed!

See you online and have a great weekend,

Dr. Bishop and staff

Bishop Orthodontics present: Your friend, fluoride

Dr. Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics will tell you there are many, many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at our office. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment?

Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in our office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy in Edwards or Frisco. A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, however, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Mother's Day, from Bishop Orthodontics

Dr. Bishop and our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics would like to take this time thank all the wonderful moms out there who bring their kids to our office - and always have a wide smile on their face. We want to let you know we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother's Day Week and upcoming Mother’s Day!

PS, hey kids! have you heard about our Mother's Day contest? Through the end of the day tomorrow, you may stop by our office, reach into our basket, grab a form and jot down what makes your mom so special. The winner will win breakfast with mom, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

Mother's Day contest at Bishop Orthodontics!

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and our staff at Bishop Orthodontics is currently running our Mother's Day patient contest through Friday, May 7! Here's how it works: Stop by our office, reach into our basket, grab a form and write down what makes your mom so special. The winner will win breakfast with mom, courtesy of Bishop Orthodontics!

While you're here, enjoy some Otis Spunkmeyer cookies ... we have chocolate chip, oatmeal, sugar and even white chocolate with macadamia nuts ... come in and enjoy!!

Summer is almost here!

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics wanted to tell all our fantastic patients that we are gearing up for our 2nd annual patient appreciation party in July! So "Save the date" for Friday, July 16 - we are planning to show the premiere viewing of a great movie!

In other news, Dr. Bishop and team are are also gearing up for "Where in the world are you going this summer?" which is our BIG summer T-shirt contest!

Here's how it works: We are challenging our patients to send us photos wearing their Bishop Orthodontics T-shirt while on vacation or playing this summer to win great prizes! There will be prizes for all ages!

Dr. Bishop talks two-phase treatment

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Bishop calls this “two-phase treatment.”

When we see patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. Our team at Bishop Orthodontics will follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit Bishop Orthodontics even sooner.

Ask Dr. Bishop: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Alton Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. The truth is, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Bishop and our team to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Bishop calls “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Alton Bishop

You may remember that last month, Dr. Bishop and our staff discussed the importance of wearing a mouth guard. Today, we thought we'd follow-up and share a video (courtesy of our friends at the AAO) that explains five helpful tips to protect your mouth this spring. After all, April is National Facial Protection Month, and a good time to remind our young athletes that each year, more than 5,000,000 teeth are knocked out due to little or no facial protection.

We hope the above video helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact Bishop Orthodontics. And remember to have fun and stay safe this April and spring!

Gummy Tummy and YOU, from Bishop Orthodontics

Our staff at Bishop Orthodontics know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing, from Dr. Bishop

Bishop Orthodontics, partnering with Smile for a Lifetime

Dr. Alton Bishop and our entire team at Bishop Orthodontics are proud to partner with a nonprofit organization called Smile for a Lifetime. The organization helps under-privileged kids in Frisco and Edwards who can't afford to have a not only a great-looking smile, but a smile that will be healthy and last a lifetime! To become a candidate at Bishop Orthodontics, interested families must be at or below poverty level and must complete a one-page application for their child or candidate. Smile for a Lifetime Foundation applications can be picked up at school guidance offices, local YMCA branches, or downloaded online from our web site.

You can learn more by giving us a call or visiting www.s4L.org.

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Frisco and Edwards, Co.

Dr. Bishop knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at our Edwards or Frisco office. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that Dr. Bishop can custom-create for you.

Ask Dr. Bishop: Who really benefits from braces?

Don't be fooled: braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teens anymore! Dr. Alton Bishop will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment at Bishop Orthodontics, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment today for a consultation at Bishop Orthodontics and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Bishop Orthodontics, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Bishop Orthodontics thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Bishop, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Bishop Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

Access your account—any day, any time—at Bishop Orthodontics

At Bishop Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Edwards and Frisco.

Did you know that patients at Bishop Orthodontics have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

"I just enjoyed seeing my daughter's info when I wanted to. I also liked playing with the different colored rubber bands for the braces!" ~ Carey P.

"I like to be able to view the account balance to check on insurance payments. I also like to view the last time they had an appointment and when the next one is." ~ Michael C.

"First, no other doctor I know uses the internet to communicate with their patients. Also it shows how Dr. Bishop is willing to go out of his way and go the extra mile for his patients." ~ Joseph P.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

The importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, from Dr. Bishop

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know how important it is for kids to protect their teeth. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Bishop and our professional team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why the team at Bishop Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Bishop may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Bishop Orthodontics.

Bishop Orthodontics, distinguishing the myths & facts about orthodontics

Dr. Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists (and orthodontics) circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call!

Ask Bishop Orthodontics: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at Bishop Orthodontics, the first thing Dr. Bishop and our team do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next Dr. Bishop uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Bishop is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please feel free to give us a call!

Have a great week!

What are patients saying about Dr. Bishop and team?

Bishop Orthodontics deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable.

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about our office. Well, we received some pretty fantastic reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about your experience at Bishop Orthodontics!

"I feel very blessed to have found such a wonderful orthodontist. The office staff is exceptional. On our first visit, I wanted to stat there all day. I can't say that about any other professional office. Thanks!" ~ John J.

"The customer service provided by Dr. Bishop and his staff is excellent!" ~ Derrek P.

"I actually like the entire staff. Everyone at that office seems to have a genuine concern for their patients treatments." ~ Bethany H.

"He is very experienced and highly regarded in the orthodontist community." ~ Carol I.

What do you love about Bishop Orthodontics?

From your very first time you visit Bishop Orthodontics, our team and Dr. Bishop aim to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Bishop? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call! Have a great rest of the week!