What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Pobanz Orthodontics would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Let us know by commenting below this post or you can leave us a comment on our Facebook page.

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Pobanz Orthodontics!

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly winter dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. Pobanz Orthodontics will tell you that you can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.

Apple Bombolini
Ingredients:

Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

Enjoy this delicious treat, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

--Dr. Pobanz and Team

Top ten tips for keeping your BRACES Sparklin’ Clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Dr. Pobanz and Team

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Pobanz.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Pobanz Orthodontics a call.

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Pobanz will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Pobanz Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Pobanz and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Dr. Pobanz Answers: Top 10 Questions to Ask a Utah Orthodontist

In the last post we went over questions you should ask before choosing a Utah
Orthondontist. We asked Dr. John to answer the questions, here's what he said:

1) Costs of getting braces varies, depending on the time and type of
treatment the doctor recommends. Pobanz offers many payment options with no interest and sometimes with no down payments.

2) The fee will include records, photos and x-rays before during and
after treatment, all braces and attachments that will be needed, retainers and follow up.

3) Our hours are Monday Thursday 7:30-5:00, Fridays 7:30-12:00
clinical and clerical staff are available to take care of any problems. Cell phone is available 24 hours a day for any emergency.

4) Treatment time depends on type of correction and type of
appliances the Dr. recommends.

5) Retainers will be upper and lower clear trays worn at night time
only, can also be used for whitening teeth. Bonded upper and lower wires will be placed on inside of teeth. Follow up appointments are included.

6) We accept most insurance plans, we can call for you to determine
what they will pay, most plans will make monthly or quarterly payments over the length of treatment time.

7) Dr. Pobanz has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Pobanz is a
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, the only board recognized by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. Being a Diplomate is a credential that only 20% of all orthodontists attain.

8) Braces are placed on the front surface of the teeth after a sealant
material is used to protect them from decay and stains while they are on your teeth. The Doctor also uses a fluoride releasing cement that is safe for the teeth and designed to stay there until the Doctor removes the braces.

9) Dr. Pobanz uses the latest technology to straighten teeth resulting
in fewer visits to the office. Dr Pobanz and his team strives to make your experience pleasant and fun (have you seen our Utah braces off
celebrations?) His staff is highly trained and dedicated to continuing their education on a regular basis.

10) Dr Pobanz uses self-ligating braces (Damon) which helps to create less friction when moving teeth and is more comfortable and healthier for the gums and bone that surround the teeth. There is also clear version of Damon braces. He uses a Herbst appliance that replaces headgear to correct overbites. You may also be a candidate for Invisalign or Sure Smile.


See what others are saying about Pobanz Orthodontics in Utah.

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. John about getting braces? Please leave them in the comments!

10 Questions to Ask before Choosing a Utah Orthodontist

Are you looking for an orthodontist for your kids or yourself? We recommend that you do your research before choosing an orthodontist.

One of the most common questions is how much your braces will cost and how long it will take before you get them off. It's also important to ask about follow-up care because once you have straight teeth you want to keep them that way!

Here are 10 questions you should ask your Utah Orthodontist.


1) How much will it cost to get braces? / What are the payment options?



2) What does the fee include?



3) Hours? Emergency times?



4) How long will I have braces?



5) What type of retainers will be used? Are follow up appointments
included?



6) Do you accept my insurance? How do they pay you?



7) How long has Dr. been in practice? Does he have his Board
Certification?



8) How do you put braces on my teeth? Will it hurt?



9) What sets your office apart from the other Doctors I may see?


10) What Type of braces and appliances does the Doctor use?

Pobanz Orthodontics is located in Ogden Utah. In our next post, we will answer these questions for you.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Pobanz Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Pleasant View and South Ogden areas. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, all of us at Pobanz Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• 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
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

Candy Buy Back Program and Halloween Fun at Pobanz Orthodontics

We are pleased to be hosting our annual candy buy back program once again here at Pobanz Orthodontics. After Halloween, bring by any unwanted candy and we will buy it back, pound for pound! If you stop by the office next week, you'll see our staff dressed up for Halloween. Patients voted on what they'd like to see us dress up as, and this year we will be Sesame Street characters.

Also stay tuned for next month, when we hold our annual Toy and Food Drive.

Call the office if you have any questions!

Congratulations Team Pobanz!

Dr. John recently sponsored the Xterra team in a triathlon. Two patients were on our team, and took home medals for their performance! Congratulations to the winners!

Orthodontist Ogden, UT- Braces off for the month of September!

Check out this deband video from September, or any of the previous months of fun on our YouTube channel!

Ask Dr. Pobanz: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at our South Ogden and Pleasant View, UT orthodontic offices read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Pobanz would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Braces off for August!

Congratulations on all the new smiles for August. Great work!

We Have an iPad Winner!

We are pleased to announce that a winner has been chosen for our summer-long iPad contest. This patient won a brand new Apple iPad from Pobanz Orthodontics! Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest, you are all awesome! Stay tuned for new and exciting contests from Dr. Pobanz and the team here on all our social networks!

Back to School Braces Tips

This summer has come and gone so fast! We hope you had a great past few months, but now its time to begin the school year anew. We have a few tips to keep in mind this school year while wearing braces:

1) Leave your retainers in your locker at lunch.
2) Remember to wear your elastics, it can make a big difference in getting your braces off on time.
3) Don't forget wax for pokies and your travel toothbrush.
4) Stay away from hard candy and foods, emergency appointments are generally taken care of during school hours.
5) Sign up for Text Message appointment reminders on our web site. How cool!

We hope everyone is having a great year back at school so far!

-Your friends at Pobanz Orthodontics

The importance of retainers, from Pobanz Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Pobanz Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Pobanz will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Pobanz is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment at our South Ogden or Pleasant View offices, please give us a call!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can 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, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the Ogden and Pleasant View areas!

Congratulations to our Referral Contest Winner!

We consider it the highest compliment when you refer friends, family, and colleagues to our office. And to say thank you, anyone who refers someone to our office (and starts treatment) will be entered into a seasonal contest. Our summer winner, pictured, won a bicycle, but this winter one lucky recipient will win a snowboard! Its just one way that we like to say "thank you" to our patients.

--Pobanz Orthodontics of South Ogden & Pleasant View, UT

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Pobanz Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Pobanz and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Pobanz Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Ask Dr. Pobanz: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. Pobanz than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Pobanz the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

All the cool kids do it!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile and the Damon System, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Pobanz, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Pobanz Orthodontics in Pleasant View & South Ogden, UT for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Pobanz Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the summer, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide”—and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Pobanz) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Teeth grinding and the recession, from Pobanz Orthodontics

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

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

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Pobanz and our team can help determine the cause of the problem.

Pobanz Orthodontics Wishing You a Happy Fourth!

This Sunday, our team will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, Independence Day is a time to celebrate, as well as commemorate, the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for most Americans to pay homage to all our soldiers - past and present - who lost their lives in battle - and those soldiers who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that Americans everywhere may celebrate our freedom.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the great American open road with family?

We invite you to post your responses on our Facebook page! Please feel free to post photos as well!

Whatever you end up doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

With Pobanz Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Pobanz Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in South Ogden & Pleasant View, UT.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Invisalign in South Ogden, UT - How it Works

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign manages to straighten teen without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our South Ogden and Pleasant View, UT orthodontic offices. We also have plenty of resources on our web site to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call today to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

--Dr. Pobanz & team

Your pal, fluoride

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.

Fluoride used in the dentist's 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!

--Dr. John Pobanz and the Pobanz Orthodontics Team

Smile for National Smile Month At Pobanz Orthodontics!

It’s June already! Can you believe it?

Dr. Pobanz and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

–Pobanz Orthodontics in South Ogden and Pleasant View, UT

Putting Patients at Ease at Pobanz Orthododontics

At Pobanz Orthodontics, we strive to make your orthodontic treatment a pleasant and enjoyable one. That is why we take so many steps to ensure patients are at ease while in our office. For example, We have WiFi in the office for patients and the families of patients, and we serve warm chocolate chip cookies, a great braces-friendly treat!

We also know how important oral hygiene is during orthodontic treatment, so we have a program called "Partners in Prevention" where patients take a card to the dentist and the hygienist signs the card if the cleaning was a success. The card is entered into a quarterly drawing and the patient and hygienist can win $50!

We offer the newest technology and provide the best patient care possible. In terms of treatment, we use the Damon System and Suresmile to effectively reduce discomfort and time in braces. In general, we are an energetic office and want to be the best part of our patient's day!

SureSmile makes the rounds on ABC’s “The Doctors”

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Dr. Pobanz is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Pobanz Orthodontics is Going Green!

At Pobanz Orthodontics, we care about making the world a better, happier place, and we know that you do too. We want to take this opportunity to share the many approaches we take to ensure that we have a healthy and safe environment both in our practice and outside in the world.

Within the last year, we have gone paperless! This has not only made our process more efficient, we no longer have any paper waste! We also use digital x-rays, which are greener and faster than traditional X-rays. Besides this, we tend to use scratch paper whenever possible instead of simply tossing it out. Finally, we are using our web site, social networks, and email to communicate as much as possible, instead of "snail mail". What efforts have you taken in your own life to be greener and more sustainable? We'd love to hear about them!

Contest and Event Updates from Pobanz Orthodontics

Did you know about the Helping Hands for Haiti initiative that we are holding here at Pobanz Orthodontics? If you decide to donate to the Haiti relief effort in our office, Dr. John will match any donation! Our most recent contest has a chance for one lucky patient to win an iPad. Ask us in the office how you can enter!

Ask Dr. Pobanz: What can I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Pobanz will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. We will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Pobanz will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that we can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Pobanz Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Pobanz’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

How are You Helping Our Planet For Earth Day?

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in the Pleasant View and South Ogden communities, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Tell us, what are you up to? Are you making a difference today? How long have you participated in helping our planet? You can reply here or on our Facebook fan page!

Happy Earth Day!

Hollywood Braces Off Day at Pobanz Orthodontics

If you've ever been to our office on a "deband day", then you know we love to celebrate our patients getting their braces off. Yesterday was our Hollywood theme day, and everyone dressed up and our office was decorated for the red carpet. Check out all the fun photos on our Facebook page, and leave a comment!

Check Out Our Latest Deband Days Videos on YouTube!

At Pobanz Orthodontics, we like to have fun, and part of that fun is when you get your braces off! Check out our latest patient deband day videos, and view all the past ones on our YouTube channel!

Office Updates From Pobanz Orthodontics!

We have a few exciting new programs going on at Pobanz Orthodontics that we wanted to let everyone know about.

Helping Hands for Haiti: Dr. John will match dollar for dollar any donations made, which we will then donate to the Haitian Roots Charity! Consider donating next time you are in the office!

"Best of the Rest" Scholarship Program: Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded! Open to past and present patients that graduate High School in 2010 and haven't received any other scholarships. Selection is based upon merit and need.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee independent of the orthodontic practice. Applications accepted until April 15, 2010, see our office for details!

In office contest: Match the Foot to the employee and win a chance for a
$25 gift certificate to the shoe store of your choice.

Another Fun Deband Day Video at Pobanz Orthodontics

We love to celebrate when our patients get their braces off at Pobanz Orthodontics!

Dr. John Pobanz and his talented orthodontic team serving South Ogden and Pleasant View, Utah (UT). We strive to offer the highest quality treatment possible with innovative treatment options including SureSmile, the Damon System, and Invisalign invisible braces.

Call us today to schedule your free, complimentary orthodontic consultation, and visit our web site!

Why the Damon™ System?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Here’s what the Damon System is all about:

With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months of treatment! After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are very precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Pobanz is a certified Damon System provider. If you have any questions about the Damon System or your treatment here at Pobanz Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Pobanz Orthodontics

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Pobanz Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—we will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with us.

The SureSmile Advantage

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Pobanz Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Pobanz specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. John identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets us view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, please call us at 801-452-7155 today!

Deband Days at Pobanz Orthodontics

Getting your braces off is an exciting moment! All the visits to our office and the months of hard work to care for and clean your braces has finally paid off! If you've ever been in for an appointment during one of our "deband days", then you know Dr. John and the team love to celebrate the big day with our patients. We have posted a few videos of the celebration on our YouTube channel, so don't miss them!

“When Do I Get My Braces Off?” — The Straight Answer

Dr. Pobanz was recently published in the Local Healthcare Today magazine, describing treatment time and the time-saving benefits of the SureSmile system offered at our practice.

Be sure to check out the article on the Local Healthcare Today web site:

“When Do I Get My Braces Off?” — The Straight Answer

Tell us what you think about the SureSmile system, and how it has affected your orthodontic treatment time! Share a comment here on our blog, or head to our Facebook Fan Page and share your thoughts with all of our fans!

Top Ten Tips for Keeping Your Braces Clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.
It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.
The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.
Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.
Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.
Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.
Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.
Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.

Hope this helps!

-Dr. Pobanz

New Contests for 2010 at Pobanz Orthodontics

All of us at Pobanz Orthodontics are excited about the new year, and we wanted to let you know about our latest contest!

Bring in a picture of you and your snowman to get entered to win ski passes!

We will be announcing other exciting contests soon, so be sure to head to our Facebook Fan Page and "Become a Fan" to get the latest updates!