Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Our family at MikOrtho hopes that you and your family have a safe holiday season! We are so thankful for all of our wonderful friends, patients, and families. We've enjoyed spending this year with you and look forward to 2009. Thank you for your support and we'll see you soon!

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. Mikulencak please call 817-923-5400 and visit our web site.

Another Dreaded Visit to the Orthodontist!

Does hearing the word “orthodontist” send shivers down your spine? Many people experience some nervousness when preparing to visit the orthodontist; however, with modern technology orthodontists are able to provide pain-free procedures and in some cases, treat patients in less time than with traditional methods.

Patients may experience tenderness and mild soreness hours after undergoing an orthodontic procedure. We are happy to explain to patients how to minimize the discomfort and take care of their new appliance.

The orthodontist’s office is longer a scary place to visit! Please contact our office to find out more about the treatments we provide and what we do to ensure your visits are comfortable!

A Couple Quick Reminders from your Orthodontist!

Working with your orthodontist to create a beautiful smile is a team effort! Your orthodontist will make sure your appliances are working properly, and is available for checkups and answering questions. It’s up to you to maintain good oral health and care for your orthodontic appliance in between checkups. Remember, even with orthodontic treatment, it is very important for patients to still see their dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning. If it’s been longer than six months since you’ve visited the dentist, please be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as you can! Your teeth will feel better and so will you.

To care for your teeth on your own, remember to floss at least once and day and brush at least three times a day. Brushing is made easier with an electric toothbrush, but a regular toothbrush works just as well to clean your teeth and gums. If you have any questions about brushing your teeth with braces or which toothbrushes are highly recommended for patients, please contact our office and talk with Dr. Mikulencak.

Invisalign® Fort Worth, TX - Dr. David Mikulencak

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, the first thing we 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 we use 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. Mikulencak is a certified Invisalign provider in Fort Worth, TX. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at (817)923-5400.

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. David Mikulencak started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Mikulencak decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Contact us at Mik Ortho

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 817-923-5400 to set up a consultation. Dr. David Mikulencak can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

National Orthodontic Health Month - Dr. David Mikulencak

Ghosts, Goblins, and National Orthodontic Health Month!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month! In honor of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips and treats for a ghoulishly good time!

BOO! Spooky recipes for a “braces friendly” Halloween

Frightfully Fabulous Cupcake Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup superfine sugar
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can of chocolate frosting or store-bought chocolate mousse
1 container of whipped topping

Assorted “braces-friendly” candy pieces such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate bars and melt-in-your-mouth candies.

Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine cocoa powder, water, and mix until smooth. Fold in mayonnaise. (Make sure cocoa mixture is not to hot to prevent breaking of mayonnaise). Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.

In mixer, combine sugar, cake flour, baking soda and salt and mix slowly until well incorporated. Add wet cocoa mixture, mix on medium-high until well blended. Scrape down the sides and blend for 30 seconds.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 way full of batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.

Slice each cupcake in half, horizontally, and serve the halves with chocolate mousse or frosting, whipped topping, and assorted candy pieces. Kids build the sandwiches by spreading one-half of a cupcake with mousse/frosting or whipped topping, sprinkling on candy pieces and placing the other half of cupcake on top.

Makes 12 sandwiches.


Halloween Safety Tips:

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




CLICK HERE to visit our web site; and have a happy National Orthodontic Health Month!