Pumpkin Contest Winners!

SCARIEST!

GOOFIEST!

MOST ORIGINAL!

Thank you to ALL who participated and we look forward to next year's contest!!!

Dr. Scanlan's 2nd Annual Pumpkin Contest 2011

It's time for Dr. Scanlan's 2nd Annual Pumpkin Contest! Be sure and come by the office during the month of October to vote for your favorite pumpkins! The pumpkins have all been created by our local dental offices!! There will be a winner from each of the following categories: "Most Original," "Scariest," and "Goofiest"! Winners will receive a gourmet catered lunch!!

Contest ends October 31st!!!
Check out our facebook page ("Scanlan Orthodontics") for pumpkin photos!

Home Run Contest Winner

We are proud to announce Ben G. and Jack S. as the winners of our Asheville Tourists Home Run Contest! Ben and Jack correctly guessed that the Tourists would make 36 home runs for the month of July and won Asheville Tourist tickets for each family!! Congratulations, Ben and Jack!!!

Happy Easter from TS Orthodontics

from TS Orthodontics!

We would love to hear from you!!

Go to our facebook page (Scanlan Orthodontics), "Like" us and post a comment on our wall, telling us about your favorite Easter memory or tradition!!!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow,

I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" -Martin Luther King Jr.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Are you having fun out there in the snow?

We hope so and would love to see your photos that you have taken while playing in the snow!!

Just go to our facebook page ("Scanlan Orthodontics") and post your pictures!

We look forward to seeing your smiling face!

Have fun and be safe!!!

"Like" Us On facebook!

We are on facebook and would love for you to "Like" us!!!

Go to facebook and search for "Scanlan Orthodontics" or click on the facebook link on our website!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asheville-NC/Scanlan-Orthodontics/131740158964?v=app_4949752878

See you soon!

1st Annual Pumpkin Carvning Contest Photos

Here are the photos of the pumpkins that have been submitted by our local dentists for our 1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest!

Come by our 131 McDowell Street office and cast your vote!

159 votes have been cast as of noon today!!

What's the Deal with Retainers?

A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of wearing your retainers. Now we are going to give you some information regarding Essix, Hawley and permanent retainers.

Essix retainers are…

-clear and fit over the teeth.
-produced from impressions that are taken of the teeth.
-open across the roof of the mouth.
-can be easily removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
-function just like invisalign only the there is no tooth movement occuring
-can serve as aligners in the years to come after braces are removed. This means that if a tooth starts to move out of alignment, your Essix retainer will realign your teeth, provided it has not been too long since the aligners have been worn.


Hawley retainers include…

-a metal wire that fits around the teeth and holds them in place.
-an acrylic arch that sits in the roof of the mouth.
-can easily be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.

Permanent retainers are…

-bonded inconspicuously to the inside of the teeth
-can only be removed by your orthodontist

No matter which type of retainer you have, it is extremely important to wear your retainer as often as your orthodontist recommends. Always remember to...

-brush your teeth after meals before putting your retainers back in.
-brush your retainer every time you brush your teeth.
-disinfect your retainer by soaking it in mouth wash.
-keep your retainers in your retainer case when you are not wearing them.
-never wrap your retainer in a napkin or paper towel because you might accidentally throw it away.
-keep retainers out of reach of pets

Straight Teeth, Achieved Faster With Suresmile!

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? Dr. Scanlan understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because we specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Scanlan and his team identify the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets us view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, please contact our office today!

Scanlan Orthodontics in the News!

Earlier this morning, Dr. Scanlan was featured on the ABC 13 news describing the SureSmile system. Click the image above to check out this great video, and don't forget to share it with friends and post your comments!

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at Scanlan Orthodontics!

Accelerating your orthodontic treatment with SureSmile, from Dr. Scanlan

We're well into November, but did you know October was National Orthodontic Health Month? There are millions of busy adults and teenagers who often object to the typical orthodontic treatment length of two years. But now, Dr. Scanlan is offering SureSmile, treatment that is 40% faster and technology that enables him to provide more efficient treatment. SureSmile is known to reduce the treatment time and number of discomfort episodes for patients needing braces.

Take a look at the video above. It's a great description of SureSmile and how this tool is transforming orthodontics as we know it today. Unlike conventional orthodontics, which uses a plaster model and 2-D imaging, SureSmile gives the orthodontist a detailed 3-D computer model of the patients’ teeth that can precisely plot individual tooth movement through the entire course of treatment – from start to finish.

“SureSmile technology is a perfect option for busy teens and adults who do not have time for frequent office visits or lengthy procedures,” Dr. Scanlan says. “With this system, my patients can now obtain the smiles they desire with less overall discomfort and shorter treatment times than before. SureSmile is the future of orthodontic care.”

For additional information about the SureSmile system, give us a call.

Bring Your Canned Food!

Scanlan Orthodontics is helping out the Steadfast House of Asheville, a women and children's shelter, by holding a canned food drive from November 2nd - 24th. Bring your canned food at your next appointment to our office at 131 McDowell St. Please call us at 828-633-4353 if you have any questions.

Thank you for contributing to this worthy cause!

--Scanlan Orthodontics

Boo!

It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.
If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! All of us at Scanlan Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Advanced Orthodontic Technology at Scanlan Orthodontics

When you visit our office, not only will you receive the same exceptional treatment and service we always offer, but you will have the chance to take advantage of our advanced orthodontic technologies, including SureSmile®. What could be better?

SureSmile® is the most sophisticated technology available to traditional orthodontic treatment. The advanced digital technology is what separates the SureSmile® System from conventional orthodontics. By utilizing customized arch wires, SureSmile® can deliver:

* Shorter Treatment Times

* Fewer Office Visits

* Less Overall Discomfort

How is this possible? With SureSmile® orthodontics, our assistants use a handheld oral scanner to capture 3-D images that allow Dr. Scanlan to build a precise 3-D computer model of your teeth. Treatment planning occurs on the computer where Dr. Scanlan maps out your entire treatment and designs ideal positions for your teeth. With this information, Dr. Scanlan determines the most efficient way to move your teeth to create the desired result. Your wires are then bent utilizing a robotic mechanism that creates the perfect movement to create your winning smile.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have 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, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “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, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

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 an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scanlan please call 828-633-4353.

SureSmile in Action - State of The Art Orthodontics in Asheville, NC

Today we wanted to show the revolutionary technology of the SureSmile system in action! Check out exactly how exciting it is when the expertise and experience of Dr. Scanlan, meets the precision of a robot:



Did you know Dr. Scanlan was the first to introduce the SureSmile system to the Asheville community? Give us a call today at 828-254-4602 to learn more about this revolutionary treatment, which can decrease treatment time by as much as 40%!

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invialign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

--Dr. Scanlan