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!