Everybody Benefits from Braces - South Ogden and Pleasant View, Utah

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? - Dr. Pobanz

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

Mooooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 801-452-7155 or visit www.webracem.com.

Regular Checkups Are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your usual orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Check Out This Video of Our Practice!

Watch this video highlight of Pobanz Orthodontics and visit www.webracem.com for more information, or call 801-452-7155 to schedule your complimentary exam!

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 801-452-7155 to set up a consultation. Dr. Pobanz can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower

• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)

• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling Dr. John Pobanz. Dr. Pobanz can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Just for Fun...Toothbrush Trivia!

Before the toothbrush was invented, many people actually brushed their teeth with sticks!

The first time in history that people actively cleaned their teeth was between 4000 and 3000 BC in ancient Babylon (the site where Iraq is now). The Babylonians used “chew sticks” – thin twigs or tree roots that were chewed at the end to loosen the fibers and then used like brushes.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC the ancient Chinese used similar twigs to clean their teeth. But the Chinese took it one step further and used twigs from trees with a nice smell. (Perhaps this was an early attempt at breath freshening?)

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to be thankful that you have a nice, clean toothbrush with soft bristles – instead of a stick!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. 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, or what we call a “severe malocclusion” (the orthodontic word for “bad bite” which means the jaws don’t fit together correctly).

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. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch any 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 our office even sooner.

What’s so Special About an Orthodontist?

We often find our patients wondering about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Dr. John Pobanz started out in dental school and got a DDS (dental) degree, just like your dentist. But after dental school, Dr. John Pobanz decided he/she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties in the dental field. So he/she stayed in a school for a few more years to become an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites.

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

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?To schedule your complimentary exam, please call our office at
801-452-7155 or email us at: dr.john@webracem.com

Fluoride is your Friend

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes! Invisalign is completely customized, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you are a 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 this current positioning and compare it to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we want them to end up.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners are created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you 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 will even know you have "braces!"

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 801-452-7155; or visit our web site to schedule an appointment!

Did you know...

It is very important to continue your regular visits to your family dentist during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Pobanz! It also makes it a lot easier on your dental hygienist when your arch wires are removed prior to your cleaning appointment! In order to secure a spot for this appointment in our schedule please call our office 4 weeks in advance. We coordinate with the dental offices all the time. You simply see us right before your dentist appointment to remove your arch wires and then we schedule you the same day after your dentist appointment to replace your arch wires! The trick is getting on our schedule and it is hard to do the next day. This is also a great opportunity to earn extra pesos by seeing your dentist on a regular basis! Just call us and we would be happy to help you schedule an appointment.

Upcoming Events: Adult Contest / Pobanz Halloween Costumes

ADULT CONTEST

The next adult appointment card contest is a gift certificate to Texas Roadhouse Steak House in Ogden! Enjoy great food and entertainment! Simply bring your appointment cards in to your appointment and if you are on time or early, your card will be entered to win. Contest ends September 30th. Good Luck!

POBANZ HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!
In the past we have had our patients vote on what Dr. Pobanz and his team will dress up like for Halloween. Well it's that time of year again when we need to start thinking about COSTUMES and we want YOUR HELP! Look for the costume ballots when you come into our office in August and September and you can place your vote or add one of your own ideas! Thanks for your help!

Here are some photos of previous costume contests!

Our Contest Winners!

OUR WINNERS!!! The Best Brusher award for May was Chris S. and in June the winner was Jennifer D. Great job on having clean and healthy teeth and enjoy your $20 gift card!!

Riley R. won Speed Street passes for 4 for winning the Pin the Smile on Dr. John contest! Have fun Riley!!

Congratulations to Nelli H.!! She was the winner of the adult appointment card contest and will be going on a Great Salt Lake Dinner Cruise!

The Pobanz Window Sticker contest has come to an end. It was fun to see the window stickers on our patient's vehicles around town! A special thanks to all who participated. The prize for this contest was four passes to Raging Waters in Salt Lake and one night stay at Little America. The winner was Taylor G. Congratulations Taylor, have fun at Raging Waters!

Annie S. gets to take the awesome mountain bike home for referring one of her friends who became a patient! The next referral prize will be a cool snow board to be given away the end of December 2008. To win, just refer your friends and family in to see Dr. Pobanz and if they become a patient both of you will be entered to win!

For those of you who are new to our practice or who are not familiar with our monthly contests please see the Office Fun section of our website. It will inform you of our monthly contests and also the current Fun Contests we have going on.

To show appreciation to our faithful parents who work so hard to get our patients to and from their appointments, we are adding a contest category to our monthly drawings! We will draw an extra appointment card out of the jar and give that patient's parent a gift card. So Kids, don't forget your appointment cards, this is a great way to say thanks to your parents!!

Upcoming Events & Contests

POBANZ WINDOW STICKER WATCH!
This contest is a no-brainer!! All you have to do is put a Dr. Pobanz window sticker on your car and "GET SPOTTED" with it on your car window and your license plate will be entered to win a weekend away for four to Litte America Hotel in Salt Lake Ctiy and Raging Waters water park resort! You can pick up the sticker in our office, it's that simple! Contest runs May thru June. Good luck!

PIN THE SMILE ON DR. JOHN!
Okay, we know that all of you know how to play this game! The only difference is it's Dr. JOHN!! When you're in our office you will have the opportunity to "Pin the smile on Dr. John" and enter to win passes to SPEED STREET! Contest runs May thru July. Good luck!

ADULT CONTEST
Congratulations Shae D!! Shae won the adult appointment card contest, a $100 car detail! The next adult appointment card contest is a Great Salt Lake Dinner Cruise and runs April thru June! Good Luck!

More About Damon vs. Invisalign Pt. 1

To continue on the Damon vs. Invisalign path, I thought I'd share with you a video I found about Invisalign. Next week, expect to see a video about Damon to help further educate you as to your orthodontic options:

Which Technology is Right for You?

Invisalign:
Invisalign is an exciting treatment approach that has allowed thousands of patients world wide to enhance their smiles without wearing braces. We have also treated many patients with Invisalign for the upper teeth and braces for the lower teeth when the tooth movement needs required it. All Invisalign patients require refinement in one form or another at the end of treatment. For some, this involves the production of more aligners, for others it requires partial bracketing of some teeth for a limited amount of time.

Damon Self-Ligating System:
For decades orthodontists have struggled with the difficult decision of when to remove permanent teeth to acheive facial balance and optimal smile esthetics. The advent of a self-ligating bracket that controls the wire in the slot of the bracket without the need for a rubber o-ring has resultedin has changed our traditional thinking in regards to treatment planning the removal of permanent teeth. Because of the low force levels delivered to the teeth and the delicate bone that surrounds them, we are now able to create space for crowded teeth without flaring front teeth forward but rather by a gradual widening of the posterior areas of the individual arches of teeth.

Suresmile:
Image-guided Orthodontics:"When do I get my braces off": this is the question that every orthodontist hears multiple times on a daily basis. Treatment efficiency has become a significant focus of the orthodontics profession. Suresmileis a high technology approach to orthodontics that involve 3-D scanning of the dentition, software treatment planning and robotic creation of customized orthodontic archwires. Every orthdontist is trained to carefully evaluate tooth movement and make adjustments in the position of brackets or make bends in the wire to customize tooth movement and the final outcome of the treatment. This process is often laborious and slow because the response of each patient's dentition to the adjustments executed by the clinician are variable. The suresmile process significantly reduces this variability. The precision and accuracy that can be achieved with digital and robotic application of the orthodontists skills is phenomenal. Patients treated with this approach enjoy a significant reduction in the number of visit requires to acheive their final outcome.

Who Am I - Your Ogden and Pleasant View, UT Orthodontist

Because this is my first post, I thought I'd give my readers a full run down of who I am:




Professional Information:

• Completed DDS degree at University of Nebraska
  Medical Center in 1996
• Completed MS degree at the University of Nebraska
  Medical Center in 1998
• Completed Masters Degree in Oral Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Was awarded Diplomate Status by the American Board of Orthodontics in 2006

Currently a member of the following orthodontic groups/organizations/study clubs:

• Utah Damon Study Club
• College of the Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Utah Dental Association
• American Association of Orthodontists
• Ogden Academy of Dentistry Study Club

Are you an Invisalign Provider?

Yes, I have treated over 150 cases

Have been in practice since 1998

Specialize in: Invisalign, Self-Ligation therapy

Have been published in the following orthodontic journals, etc.

• Journal of Clinical Orthodontics
• American Journal of Periodontal Research

Do you lecture regularly in the orthodontic field? If so, explain:
Dr. Pobanz enjoys public speaking about the different technologies he offers in his practice. He has been invited to speak at various local venues including schools, study clubs and the local dental hygiene program.

Do you have a practice philosophy?
We base our treatment on facial and smile esthetics by avoiding the removal of permanent teeth 90% of the time.

Share what you enjoy about the practice of orthodontics:
I absolutely love the end result of unveiling the finished smile! Through this we make a lasting contribution to the quality of people’s lives and establish great friendships.

Native of Ogden, UT:
Has lived in Ogden with the exception while at dental and orthodontic school in Nebraska

List Family Members:
Cori Pobanz- Wife- age 36
Joel Pobanz- Son- age 11
Jane Pobanz- Daughter- age 7
Beth Pobanz- Daughter- age 6

Non-work Activities include:
Church service
Skiing, fishing, golfing

Currently involved in the following community organizations:
Boy Scouts of America (currently a scoutmaster)
Coaches Wasatch Front Football League
Coaches Utah Junior Jazz Basketball