In our last blog, we covered some oral hygiene tips for the holidays. As such, we decided this week we’d make our blog a little more fun! For those of you in Utah who are starting to feel the holiday spirit, you can rest assured that there are plenty of exciting activities in which to partake. As such, we wanted to compile a list of some of the best holiday activities in Utah!

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide a variety of orthodontic services to those throughout Utah County. If you’re interested in orthodontics at one of our numerous offices throughout Utah County, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn 5 of our favorite holiday activities in Utah!

Best Holiday Activities and Events

• Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo: From November 29th through the month of December, Hogle Zoo will boast its impressive zoo lights. If the traditional zoo experience isn’t entertaining enough already, you won’t want to miss the zoo lights!

• Ballet West Nutcracker at Capitol Theater: Each December, the Capitol Theater hosts a Nutcracker ballet. This is a must-see if you’re looking to spend an evening in downtown Salt Lake City!  

• Worldly Nativity Scenes at Temple Square: Every winter, Temple Square sets up a variety of nativity scenes throughout the gardens. Each nativity scene is carefully designed around a different country or culture. Wandering through Temple Square in the evening might be chilly, but it’s definitely worth the trip!

• Visit Santa at the Grand America Hotel: The Grand America Hotel hosts a big breakfast in the famous Oak Room, as well as a chance to meet Santa! A number of dates are available throughout the month of December. While the breakfast isn’t cheap, you and the kids will get to choose between an abundance of delicious food!

• Christmas at City Creek Mall: City Creek Mall is a great place to get some of your Christmas shopping done. But from November 21st until Christmas Eve, Santa will be present and ready to take photos with you and the family! Make sure to visit in the evening, where you’ll see a lighting & fountain display that was designed by the same people who designed the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas.

Orthodontics with Trapnell!

Located throughout Utah County, Trapnell Orthodontics is Utah’s best orthodontist. If you’re seeking braces or Invisalign for you or your child, don’t hesitate to contact us today! You can find information on each of our orthodontic offices here!

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s that time of the year where most will indulge in a few extra sweets and treats. It’s hard to say no to hot cocoa, homemade cookies, or a delicious homemade pie after a big Thanksgiving feast. That said, the holidays aren’t the best time for your oral health. But your teeth don’t necessarily need to suffer just because of all the holiday treats!

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide a variety of orthodontic services to those throughout Utah County. Further, we strive to provide all the educational material possible so that you can maintain sound oral health regardless of the setting or occasion. If you’re interested in orthodontics with Trapnell, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn our hygiene tips for the holidays!

Oral Hygiene Tips for the holidays!

• Avoid Sticky, Chewy Desserts: Especially for those of you with braces, avoiding sticky candies like caramel is important, as it can damage your brackets and archwires. Further, these types of sweets tend to linger on or between our teeth for a long time, which can lead to decay.

• Visit With Your Dentist and Orthodontist: Sure, the holidays are busy, but there’s never a better time to visit your dentist and orthodontist. Checking in with your orthodontist right after the holidays is important to ensure your braces aren’t damaged, and the dentist can ensure your smile stays bright, healthy, and beautiful!

• Substitute Sweet Treats With Fresh Fruit: Consider swapping extra sweet desserts with fresh fruit. Peaches and yogurt or fresh strawberries are delicious and much healthier for your oral and overall health.

• Brush Your Teeth After Eating Dessert: Regardless of the dessert, make sure to brush your teeth right after you indulge. Residual sugar around your teeth and gums will invite harmful bacteria.

• Flossing is More Important Than Ever!: You should floss every day, and it’s important not to forget this crucial step throughout the holiday season! Flossing can get at plaque and tartar hidden between teeth.

Contact Trapnell for Orthodontics in Utah!

If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.

The wisdom teeth are quite an anomaly. More often than not, these third molars end up causing more harm than good when they’re ready to emerge. However, understanding impacted wisdom teeth and the early signs they present can help you get into the dentist or orthodontist before the discomfort grows severe. As such, we wanted to spend some time defining impacted wisdom teeth and the effects they can have on your surrounding teeth and jaw.

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide orthodontic services to those around Utah County. We have four offices across the valley, from Provo to Payson! In addition to providing quality orthodontic care, we also strive to serve our readers with the information necessary to maintain sound oral health! If you’re interested in any of our orthodontic services, call Trapnell today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about impacted wisdom teeth.

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth don’t have enough space to fully emerge. In these cases, they might grow into another tooth or bone and create pain or pressure. Impacted wisdom teeth can thus come in at harsh angles, or even sideways, underneath the gumline. When left untreated, these teeth can cause a variety of issues in the jaw, or in the surrounding teeth and gums. Fortunately, if you can recognize the signs of impacted wisdom teeth early, you can mitigate the painful associated symptoms.

What are the Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

• Jaw Pain: Jaw pain is a common sign of impacted wisdom teeth. The pain radiates from the affected area down throughout the jaw and the jaw joint.

• Limited Range of Motion in Jaw: Along with pain and possible swelling in the jaw, you might also have a difficult time opening and closing your mouth, which can be a nuisance even for essential daily tasks like chewing your food.

• Tender Gums: Tender gums can result when impacted wisdom teeth attempt to emerge. It’s also possible that they’ll partially emerge, which can create pockets for bacteria and thus infection.

The Best Orthodontist in Utah!

If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.

When it comes to choosing an orthodontist, many parents don’t know where to start. Researching online and asking friends is a good place to begin, but even then, many parents wonder what specifically they should look for in the process of finding the right orthodontic office. That being said, we wanted to spend some time discussing the process of choosing an orthodontist, so that you can be 100% sure you’re choosing the best provider for you or your children!

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide an array of orthodontic services to those around Utah County. Additionally, we strive to provide all the educational materials to ensure that everyone can receive the best possible orthodontic care possible. If you’re interested in our orthodontic care, call one of our Utah County offices today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about how to choose an orthodontist.

Finding Nearby Orthodontists

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends your children get their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Especially when there are signs of early orthodontic complications. This is earlier than most parents anticipate having to find an orthodontist, so it’s good to start your search far earlier than you anticipate setting up a consultation. Here are some of the best ways to find a local orthodontist:

• Recommendation from Dentist: Many people forget this step, but your dentist will usually be able to recommend a few different orthodontists for you. In many cases, this is the most reliable method for finding a good, local orthodontist!

• Recommendation from Family & Friends: Don’t forget to ask family and friends. No doubt, you’ll know someone in the area who has gone through the process of finding an orthodontist, and they might have some insight to share.

• Use the Board Certified Orthodontist Locator: When all else fails, the AAO has this awesome tool that helps you locate board certified orthodontists. Board certified orthodontists have gone through hundreds of hours of extra training, so they tend to provide the highest quality care.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, the last step in the process of finding an orthodontist is to schedule a few consultations. Meeting with new orthodontists one-on-one is a surefire way to ensure that you’re choosing the right care provider for you or your children.

Trapnell Orthodontics: Your Utah Orthodontist

If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.

As Halloween approaches this year, we’re sure all of our younger patients are anxiously waiting to make their rounds and stock up on candy. Of course, it’s always important to refrain from eating candy that could harm your orthodontic appliances. Candy, in general, is already tough on braces, as well as your teeth, so Halloween time can put quite the scare in orthodontists and parents alike. In a recent post, we discussed the specific types of candy that are more preferable for those with braces, but this week we’d like to discuss the importance of visiting your orthodontist after the festivities are over. In doing so, we at Trapnell Orthodontics can ensure no complications or issues have arisen from the likely candy binges.

Though orthodontic issues can be easy to notice, some issues could occur without you knowing, such as a bracket or wire breaking toward the back of your teeth. Regardless, only the experienced orthodontists at Trapnell can ensure your orthodontic appliances remain unharmed after Halloween. While you may be aware of the many problems that can result from eating candy, now’s a good time for a refresher as we prepare for Halloween. Let’s take a look.

Potential Damages from Halloween Candy

While Halloween may be no different than any other time of year, in regards to eating candy with braces, it can be difficult to refrain from such during the spooky season. Having said that, we encourage our patients to avoid eating those sticky and chewy candies, as they can be detrimental to your orthodontic appliances. Chewy candy can pull at your brackets and wires as you chew, while the crunchy stuff can simply push brackets and bend wires. Any of these issues will need to be addressed right away, and you’ll run the risk of lengthening your treatment time.

Not only that, but the sticky types of candy are much harder to remove after eating, which allows the bacteria and sugars to further harm your teeth. Plus, braces are already hard enough to clean around, making proper oral care that much more difficult to maintain. So, if you do indulge in a little Halloween candy consumption, seeing your orthodontist after could be crucial. In our office, we can check for any damaged appliances, as well as any areas of your mouth that could use some extra care. In an effort to help you prevent these issues, let’s take another look at what you can and shouldn’t eat.

What to Avoid and What to Enjoy

As covered in our previous Halloween post, there’s plenty of treats you can still enjoy for Halloween this year, as well as many to avoid. Whether you’re going out trick-or-treating or to a fun get together with friends, it’s good to know what you should and should not eat. Check out the list below for what to avoid:

• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Nuts
• Caramel
• Gum
• Taffy
• Popcorn
• Licorice

For the foods and candy to enjoy, there’s still plenty. See below:

• Chocolate
• Soft mints
• Pudding
• Cookies
• Apple Cider
• Ice Cream

Of course, if you do decide to eat any of the treats above, be sure to brush your teeth directly after and floss, too! It also wouldn’t hurt to look in the mirror and ensure your braces or other appliances haven’t been damaged. Then, come on into Trapnell so our expert orthodontists can take a look and make certain no issues have arisen.

Visit Your Orthodontist This Halloween at Trapnell!

While you can be plenty safe when indulging in sweet treats this Halloween, we still recommend paying us a visit to ensure everything is on track. At the very least, be sure to brush and floss regularly after eating candy, as well as assess your braces for any issues. In doing so, you can stay on track with your treatment time and avoid any potential oral health issues.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can contact us here.

Here at Trapnell Orthodontics, we’re dedicated not just to providing the best in orthodontic care, but also in educating our patients on how to maintain sound oral health. As our infographic describes below, smoking can cause a variety of risks for your teeth, mouth, and gums. Take a look at some of the associated risks that come with smoking:

If you’re interested in our orthodontic services, or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Utah County offices! You can find our contact information here!

For those with braces, Halloween can get a little complicated. It’s hard to say no to all that hard-earned candy you collected while trick-or-treating. You know the foods that are best to avoid: hard candy, sticky caramels, and gum, to name a few. But the good news is, even with braces, there’s plenty of Halloween treats that you can still enjoy. As such, we wanted to go over some of the Halloween treats you can eat with braces!

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide an array of orthodontic services for those around Utah County. We have offices across the Utah Valley, from Provo to Payson. Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, we’re dedicated to providing quality care and education to each of our patients. Call Trapnell Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment! Or, keep reading to learn which Halloween treats you can eat with braces!

Halloween Treats you Can Eat With Braces

• Chocolate: This one is sure to come up while trick-or-treating. And it’s totally safe on your braces. Enjoy!

• Soft mints: You might run into some soft mints, and those are safe to eat as well.

• Pudding, Jell-O: Pudding and Jell-O are safe to eat and delicious in almost any circumstance!

• Ice cream: If you’re sad about missing out on some of the trick-or-treating haul, prepare wisely and keep some ice cream at home that you can enjoy later.

• Pie: Pie crust is typically soft enough to handle with braces.

• Doughnuts: Whether you spring for classic glazed, cake doughnuts, or the ever-popular maple bar, you can’t go wrong with doughnuts.

• Cookies: You might want to go for the softer variety, but cookies can be a great way to get your mind off the Halloween candy you’re missing out on.

• Apple Cider: Hot cider is a staple of the fall, and it can be a really delicious treat on a cool Halloween night. Add some whipped cream on top for some extra deliciousness!

Remember Your Hygiene

While there’s plenty of treats for you to eat around Halloween, it’s important as always with braces to brush your teeth after you eat these treats. When sugar has enough time to settle, it can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and it invites bacteria to settle around the gums. So somewhere between your Halloween fun, make sure you find the time to brush your teeth!

The Best Orthodontist in Utah County

If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.

Whether you’re wearing braces or you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, there’s a lot of information you ought to know when it comes to straightening your smile. But that information doesn’t have to be bland and boring. Believe it or not, some information about braces can be quite fascinating. And as such, we wanted to spend some time highlighting some of the fun and interesting facts about braces!

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide an array of orthodontic treatments for those around Utah County. We have offices across the Utah Valley, from Provo to Payson. Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, we’re dedicated to providing quality care and education to each of our patients. Call Trapnell Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment! Otherwise, keep reading to learn our 10 fun facts about orthodontics.

Fun Facts About Orthodontics!

1. 4 million Americans are currently wearing braces.
2. All orthodontists are trained dentists, but only 5% of dentists are also orthodontists.
3. You can thank NASA for modern braces. They developed the alloy that is currently used to make braces.  
4. Braces are nearly 300 years old, but orthodontic devices can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt.
5. Nearly 80% of Americans have had a cavity by age 17.
6. Modern archwires are activated by your body heat. They are also reactivated after having a cold drink.
7. Right handed? You probably chew your food on the right side of your mouth! Same goes for lefties.
8. The best time to begin orthodontic treatment is at age 7, but most people don’t visit the orthodontist until late adolescence.
9. Retainers are just as important as braces.
10. Our teeth shift forward throughout our lives, meaning that as we get older the front of our mouth looks more crowded!

Orthodontic Treatment at Trapnell Orthodontics

At Trapnell, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments, including braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Choosing the right treatment can be rightfully stressful, but don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect treatment! And regardless of which dental office you choose in Utah County, you can rest assured that our knowledgeable and friendly staff will make your orthodontic treatment worthwhile.

Seeking Orthodontics?

Look no further than Trapnell Orthodontics, your Utah orthodontist! Don’t hesitate to call us today if you’re interested in any of our orthodontic services. You can contact one of our offices here to schedule a consultation!

There’s nothing quite like getting your braces off. But it’s important to remember that your work isn’t finished there! Wearing your retainer after treatment is a crucial part of the process after treatment, while your teeth settle into their new alignment. That being said, we wanted to spend some time sharing some tips on how to take good care of your orthodontic retainer.

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide orthodontic treatment to those across Utah County. Whether through traditional braces or Invisalign, our treatments will lead you to a healthier, more beautiful smile. If you’re interested in any of these orthodontic services, call one of our Utah County offices today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about how you can care for your orthodontic retainer.

The Importance of Orthodontic Retainers

When you finish with braces or Invisalign, there is a period where your teeth might want to shift back towards their old alignment. So it’s crucial that you wear your retainer prudently after treatment. Depending on the type of retainer you receive, your orthodontist will instruct you on when and how to wear your retainer so that your teeth can settle into the new alignment. Taking care of your retainer is equally important, so that it can work effectively.

How to Care for Your Retainer

• Regular cleaning: Cleaning your retainer regularly is a must. You can clean it with your toothbrush and a little toothpaste, by running it under water after each use, or by using denture cleaning agents.

• Store it in a safe place: Keep your retainer closed in its container when you’re not using it, and keep the container somewhere safe where you won’t lose it. Your nightstand is a perfect home for your retainer.

• Protect your retainer from damage: Your retainer is an important device that is customized to fit your alignment perfectly. So you definitely want to avoid damage. Store it on tables, off the ground, and away from pets!

• Be careful when you’re putting in and taking out your retainer: If your retainer has an archwire, make sure you’re not bending it when you take your retainer out. Again, any damage to the retainer will make it less effective in solidifying your new alignment.

Join Trapnell Orthodontics Today!

If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.

There is a variety of bite issues that can affect your oral health. Depending on the type of bite issue (occlusion) and its severity, these alignment issues can also affect one’s quality of life, creating obvious and embarrassing misalignment in the teeth, and making it difficult to chew food. The good news, however, is that these occlusions are treatable in a number of ways.

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide orthodontic treatment to those across Utah County. Whether through traditional braces or Invisalign, we have a variety of ways to correct bite issues, which can improve both your oral health and quality of life. If you’re interested in any of these orthodontic services, call one of our Utah County offices today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about common bite issues.

What Causes Bite Issues? How are They Treated?

There are a number of causes for bite issues. Many occlusions are formed genetically. But other factors can contribute to the onset or the worsening of bite issues. Chronic thumb sucking as a child can create minor misalignment in the bite. Teeth grinding can also be associated with the creation of occlusions.

Braces or Invisalign are usually enough to correct bite issues over time. Sometimes, a simple retainer or headgear can help mitigate the effects of occlusions for those who grind their teeth. In certain cases, minor surgical intervention can also be used to correct bite issues.

Types of Bite Issues and Their Effects

• Overbite: Overbites are one of the most common forms of occlusions, when the top teeth rest in front of the bottom teeth. Minor overbites are usually less of an issue, but larger overbites can make it challenging to clean the teeth adequately.

• Underbite: Underbites are the opposite of overbites, when the top teeth rest behind the bottom teeth. Underbites can have cosmetic disadvantages and can lead to premature wearing of the teeth.

• Crossbite: Crossbites are a more complicated occlusion, and are often associated with issues chewing food, and an increased risk for developing TMJ.

• Open Bite: Open bites occur when some of your teeth don’t overlap or connect when you bite down. This can make it very difficult to properly chew food, and can lead to digestion issues.

Join Trapnell Orthodontics!

Bite issues can affect both your quality of life and oral health. But these complications can be treated! If you’re hoping to fix an occlusion, don’t hesitate to call us today! You can find the contact info for each of our orthodontic offices here.