Orthodontist

Here at Shipley Orthodontics, Dr. Thomas Shipley and our team know that your successful orthodontic treatment wouldn’t be possible without your hard work and compliance. That’s why, for many years, we handed out Shipley Coins to patients who followed directions, went to see their dentist regularly, and didn’t break or lose appliances. Now, we’ve decided to cash in our coin program for something a little more modern: Shipley Rewards Cards!

Your Shipley Rewards Card will work just like the old system. Once you accumulate enough points, you can cash them in for great prizes! Earn points by:

1. Faithfully following our instructions on wearing removable active appliances such as elastics, headgear, or facemask
2. Great brushing: Healthy gums and shiny braces help make spectacular smiles!
3. Arriving to your appointment on time and not missing any appointments
4. Having NO loose or broken appliances

Ask about our Shipley Rewards Card at your next visit to our Peoria, AZ office!

Dr. Thomas Shipley and the Shipley Orthodontics team take time each year to thank our referring offices in the Peoria, AZ community for choosing us to provide excellent care to their patients. Now in its fourth year, our Referring Office Appreciation Luau has become quite a festive occasion. Held on the last Thursday of October, our luau features full catering by AZ U Wish, hula dancers, and even a band!

The referring doctors and staff with whom we’ve worked have been so supportive to us over the years. Our luau is the least we can do to say, “Thanks!”

Adults who need orthodontic care often share the misconception that they are too old for braces and would rather not deal with the embarrassment. You are probably familiar with horror stories about rubber bands snapping, mishaps with kissing, and unsightly food sticking in metal braces. Many adults believe that braces are just for children, but they are neglecting all the benefits of correcting misaligned teeth. Braces may cause you to feel self-conscious, but they are temporary. Along with straightening your teeth, braces also provide the following benefits:

• Better oral hygiene
• Easier to clean aligned teeth
• Less complicated dental procedures
• Eliminate the embarrassment of crooked teeth

One common reason for not correcting misaligned teeth is the appearance of metal braces. Adults do not want to face co-workers and friends with colored rubber bands and metal laced throughout their mouths. The expert healthcare professionals at SingHealth suggest several alternatives that are just as effective as metal braces. You have three options for correcting your misaligned teeth without the embarrassment, and they include:

• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Invisalign®

Ceramic braces are like metal ones except that they match the natural color of your teeth. This option is less noticeable and will usually not show up in photographs. Lingual braces are attached to your back teeth only, so no one will know that you have a corrective device. Invisalign consists of clear plastic coverings that you can remove for eating and teeth brushing. All of these options lead to a more attractive smile that you do not have to feel embarrassed about.

If you do choose metal braces to correct your teeth, you should consider the following suggestions for limiting embarrassing moments. The rubber bands holding the brackets in place come in silver, which will draw less attention to your mouth. Changing the removable rubber bands on a regular basis will help prevent the material from wearing down and snapping. If you chew with your back molars and cut your food into manageable bites, you are less likely to get particles stuck in your braces. Following our treatment advice and instructions will limit the time you have to wear corrective devices. Focus on the end result of straighter teeth whenever you feel particularly self-conscious about your braces.

Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment? Consider making your first step an orthodontic consultation. During the consultation we will address your questions, concerns, and talk about a treatment plan that would best suit your situation.

We want you to feel prepared and in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind when you come in for your appointment.
• If I do need some adjustments to my teeth, what options will I have besides braces?
(This will help you determine what approaches we use to straightening teeth.)

• What kind of preparation is needed to get braces? How many visits will it take?
(It’s important to know how many appointments may be needed and what you will need to do between appointments to be ready for braces.)

• Can I expect any pain when getting braces?
(Ask about the ways we address pain management.)

• What determines how long I have to wear braces?
(The length of treatment will vary from patient to patient. During your consultation we can evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment to determine the correct course and length of treatment.)

• How will braces affect my lifestyle? Foods I can eat? Activities I can do?
(You may find that little needs to change in your daily routine to have a successful orthodontic outcome. We can discuss and address any changes so you can be prepared before you get your braces.)

• Who will be involved in the orthodontic work? Whom can I expect to see during my adjustment visits?

• What will my orthodontic work cost? What is the ”average” cost, and what could be the maximum?
(Make sure you are clear about what your insurance covers, who contacts the insurance company for pre-authorization, who files the insurance forms, and what flexibility there is to pay the remaining amount not covered.)

Your initial orthodontic consultation may just be the first step in relieving a lot of pain and discomfort in your life. Going in with the right questions will help you to understand the entire process and be prepared to do your part for your own dental health. Be sure to bring a list of your questions!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about the orthodontics industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctor and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!