Monday, December 14, 2009

Our Impression Scanner is Here!


Wow! What a cool piece of equipment! Our computerized digital arch scanner is up and running. Janice and Julia are training on how to use it right now. This means that we don't take alginate impressions for starting and finished records anymore. (We will still need to take impressions to make retainers, but even that may change in the future.) Instead of a mouthful of goop to make your study models, we take a scan of your teeth with a handheld scanner. It's just like taking a series of pictures of the teeth and takes about the same amount of time as taking impressions. Rough models can be viewed on the monitor after the scan is complete. We are the first office in the state of Indiana to have this new technology. Our patients start getting the benefits of this new tech tomorrow, today is training day.

Monday, December 7, 2009

More from the North Pole

Dr. Kevin and his elves continue to perfect their routines for the upcoming performance for the "Big Guy" himself at the North Pole. Checkout the links below to see how their routines are coming:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/RPNdj9YGDmmAbPoH
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/jPFngpHSWSWWo1btYbM3

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Kevin and some of his fellow elves have been hard at work on their holiday dance routine. Check them out by clicking here

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Watch This Space!

We are excited to announce the creation of our new blog page and Jarrell Orthodontics Facebook fan page. Watch this space in the next few weeks as we keep you informed on what's going on in our office and with our patients. New Facebook exclusive contests will be run as well, so stay tuned for more info!

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 Invisalign 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.

Jarrell Orthodontics

Thinking about Invisalign


Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Jarrell will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Halloween Candy Buy-Back for the Troops



On behalf of Jarrell Orthodontics, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Kokomo, and the soldiers we have adopted in Afghanistan and Iraq, I want to thank those families in Kokomo who took part in our 1st Halloween Candy Buy Back. We collected more than 80 pounds of candy which has been sent to soldiers overseas so they can enjoy a taste of Halloween back home. To all who participated, thank you. Your troops will certainly appreciate the candy you gave up. Your orthodontist and family dentist appreciate your giving up some of the sweet stuff this Halloween as well!