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What’s an Orthodontist Anyway?

May 7, 2015

At Ortega Orthodontics we’re proud to have not one, but two experienced orthodontists under our roof. When we heard that recent research revealed that less than 6% of consumers either don’t know or don’t see the difference between orthodontists and dentists, we knew that we had to set things straight here on our blog.

In order to become orthodontists, both Dr. Holland and Dr. Schellhase first needed to become dentists. Only after becoming a general dentist can a doctor go on to become an orthodontist. General dentists check your general oral health, fix your cavities, and clean your teeth. Becoming an orthodontist requires additional education, making orthodontists specialists in both aligning jaws and straightening teeth.

Still have questions about the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation here at your Jacksonville orthodontist office and find the answers you’re looking for! We look forward to giving you answers you can smile about!

Smile – It’s Tax Day!

April 15, 2015

As you likely already know, today is April 15th – tax day. For many, tax time is an opportunity to formulate a game plan for financial health for the next year. Have you considered using a tax refund to help fund your oral health? The team at Ortega Orthodontics can help! Whether you are counting on a tax refund check or not, many families here in Jacksonville, Florida have contemplated orthodontic treatment for themselves or a member of their family and now is the perfect time to take action.

Orthodontic treatment can take a variety of forms – including traditional braces, clear (ceramic) brackets, Invisalign, and more. Treatment lengths and options vary based upon the unique needs and goals of the patient, and the doctors here at Ortega are available to help assess your particular needs and draw up a plan tailor-made for you!

While orthodontic treatment is an investment, the dividends include a straighter smile, improved oral health, and less stress on your bite. So don’t delay and make an appointment for a consultation today. By tax time next year, you could be well on your way to experiencing the most rewarding return of all– a whole new smile!

Spring Into Your New Smile

April 1, 2015

Spring is officially in full bloom here in Jacksonville, and at Ortega Orthodontics we couldn’t be more excited to see what the new season will bring! If you’ve been considering seeking orthodontic treatment, there’s no better time than now!

Are you ready for a fresh beginning? When you choose to improve your smile through braces, that’s exactly what you’ll get! Achieving a straighter smile will boost your self-confidence, impacting just about every part of your life. So if you’re committed to giving your smile the fresh start that it deserves, were committed to giving it to you! Don’t waste another moment considering orthodontic treatment; Dr. Holland and Dr. Schellhase are ready to give you the smile you’ve been waiting for!

Remember, the sooner you decide to get your braces on, the sooner they will be off and you will be rocking a beautiful new smile! If you’re ready to improve the aesthetics and health of your smile this season, look no further than Ortega Orthodontics. We look forward to seeing you this spring!

Retain Your Retainer for Years to Come!

March 19, 2015

At Ortega Orthodontics we love to share in the experience when our patients get their braces off and see the smile they’ve always wanted. While braces are a major component of orthodontics, they’re certainly not the only component. When it comes to your smile, your retainer is your best friend.

After your braces are removed, your orthodontist in Jacksonville will fabricate a retainer for you to wear for as long as possible. When cared for, these appliances can last you for a lifetime, ensuring a long lasting smile. Your retainer should be properly stored in its case at all times when not in your mouth. Keep the retainer in a safe location, hidden away from pets and children. Wearing your retainer more often actually protects it from these everyday threats.

Whether you’re just getting your braces on, on or you’re just getting your braces off, we’re excited for your new smile! Contact your orthodontist in Jacksonville today with any questions about wearing or storing your braces. We look forward to helping you achieve a lifelong healthy smile!

Be Confident in Your Adult Treatment!

March 9, 2015

Have you considered how your life would change with orthodontic treatment? You might not be a teenager anymore and that’s ok! As your Jacksonville orthodontist we can move your healthy teeth at any age. There are several treatment options that you can choose from depending on the specific needs of your oral health.

While adolescence is a popular time for treatment because it is a time of growth, it is not the only window for treatment. As an adult, you can be confident in your decision to improve your smile once and for all! There are several different treatment options to choose from depending on the needs of your teeth and bite, several much less noticeable than traditional braces. These treatments include Invisalign, lingual braces, and ceramic braces.

At Ortega Orthodontics we enjoy treating smiles of all ages. When you’re ready to feel great about your smile, look no further than your Jacksonville orthodontist. We look forward to giving you something to truly smile about!

Proud Sponsor of the Ortega River Run

February 4, 2015

As your Jacksonville orthodontist we are exceedingly proud to serve our Jacksonville community on a daily basis. At Ortega Orthodontics we are happy to share that we will be serving as a sponsor of the upcoming Ortega River Run. We couldn’t be more excited to take part in this historic local event!

The 37th Annual Ortega River Run is taking place Saturday, February 28th, 2015. There will be a one-mile fun run beginning at 8 am and the five-mile run/walk beginning at 8:30 am. The races will both start and finish at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School. Registration for this highly anticipated event is taking place now. This local tradition includes a historic course that takes participants over bridges and along streets lined with beautiful trees.

At Ortega Orthodontics we hope to see your smiling faces at the 37th Annual Ortega River Run for a wonderful Saturday morning event! Contact your Jacksonville orthodontist today to schedule a consultation about straightening your smile.

Benefits of Invisalign in Jacksonville

January 22, 2015

Are you interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile by closing small gaps or correcting minor crowding in your teeth? Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment method, intended to straighten teeth when no jaw correction is required. Invisalign offers a very different orthodontic treatment experience over traditional braces.

Should you be a candidate for Invisalign, there are several benefits to choosing Invisalign:

  • The clear aligners are close to invisible
  • The aligners are smooth and comfortable
  • The aligners are easily removed for eating and cleaning
  • There are no food limitations
  • Invisalign requires shorter appointments
  • There is a longer period of time between required appointments

At Ortega Orthodontics we take pride in serving as your resource for Invisalign in Jacksonville. If you’re interested in a slight tweak of your smile, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holland to discuss your available treatment options.

When Should Your Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?

December 17, 2014

Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommend for your child to see an orthodontist by the time they reach the age of seven? While that might come as a surprise to you, don’t be alarmed as these early evaluations don’t typically result in early treatment.

Early evaluations are performed in order to establish a solid foundation for healthy growth and development. By the age of seven, your child’s permanent teeth have likely erupted and developmental issues can be identified. With an early evaluation, we are able to determine a likely timeline of development and treatment options. Jawbone growth, bite, and facial development are just some areas Dr. Holland and Schellhase will focus on during these early exams.

There are never any fees for an early exam here at your Jacksonville orthodontist. If you are curious about whether your young child would benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation, please contact our office today to schedule your initial visit.

Need to Know Info Regarding Your Orthodontic Appliance

December 3, 2014

As your orthodontist in Jacksonville, FL we truly enjoy improving the function and aesthetics of your smile through orthodontic treatment. Throughout your treatment process, you might have a few concerns regarding your orthodontic appliance.

While we make every effort to ensure your orthodontic treatment process is as seamless and as comfortable as possible, there are times that you might require a little guidance from your orthodontist in Jacksonville, FL. Here is some emergency info regarding the scenarios you might find yourself facing throughout your treatment:

  • Soreness or discomfort. You might experience soreness or discomfort after getting your braces on and following routine adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers, warm washcloths, and wax will help relieve your discomfort.
  • Loose or broken bracket. If you experience a loose or broken bracket, please contact our office as soon as possible. If the bracket is loose and remains attached to the wire, leave it in place until your visit and place wax in order to ease your discomfort. If the bracket comes completely off, slide it off and make sure to bring it with you to your next appointment.
  • Loose, poking, or broken wire. Wires can poke into your cheek and cause discomfort. You might be able to redirect the wire yourself by using your toothbrush or other device. If you’re unable to bend the wire yourself, please contact our office for an appointment.

Should you have any questions about your appliance throughout your treatment process, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to seeing your smile at your next appointment!

Healthy Smiles Are Not Just for Kids!

August 27, 2014

Healthy smiles are not just for kids! As your resource for orthodontics in Jacksonville, Florida we provide treatments for both adolescents and adults.

If you’ve been putting off seeking orthodontic treatment for years, there’s no better time than now. With the advancements in orthodontics, more and more adults are seeking treatment each day. There are more options than ever for image conscious adults that need a slight tweak to their smile. These less noticeable choices include appliances like Invisalign®, clear brackets, and lingual braces. Do you have a teen currently receiving orthodontic treatment? A popular time for adult treatment is during their children’s treatment as it is convenient to schedule appointments together. If your child is currently undergoing treatment with Ortega Orthodontics, contact our office to inquire about your consultation before your child’s next visit.

It’s never too late to improve both the aesthetics and function of your smile. If you’re interested in seeking treatment contact our office at Ortega Orthodontics to schedule your initial consultation.