Happy New Year from Dr. Allen and team

The 2010 holiday season is upon us. Dr. Allen and the team at Allen Orthodontics and our team 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?

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

What puts you at ease at Allen Orthodontics?

Dr. Allen and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Allen Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Allen?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Happy Holidays,

-Dr. Allen and team

Dr. Allen's 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. Allen and Team

With Allen Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Allen 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 Oceanside and Fallbrook.

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! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You 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 is your clear alternative to braces [Video]

Dr. Allen, your Oceanside and Fallbrook orthodontist, specializes in bringing you a visibly straight smile without the look and feel of traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our offices. For more information about Invisalign, watch this short patient video.

Dr. Allen is a Certified Invisalign Provider in Fallbrook and Oceanside, CA. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Allen Orthodontics

Dr. Allen 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! We encourage patients to post any holiday photos, or stories that they would like to share on our Facebook page.

Gobble Gobble!

Braces can be fun, too!

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 Invisalign, 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. Allen, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Dr. Allen reminds patients to enter our drawing for Harry Potter movie tickets!

Dr. Allen, your Oceanside and Fallbrook orthodontist, would like to remind all of our patients that Nov. 10 is the last day to enter to win Harry Potter movie tickets. North County Orthodontics will be giving away 450 tickets to our Annual Movie Night. This year, we will be hosting a private screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Nov. 19 at 5pm.

Don't delay in submitting your name for a chance to win Harry Potter movie tickets! You can either give us a call or stop by one of our offices to enter. We hope to see you there!

Ask Dr. Allen: 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 North County Orthodontics 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. Allen 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.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

As October is National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. Allen would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

Why do you choose North County Orthodontics?

Oceanside and Fallbrook, CA orthodontist Dr. Allen works hard to create beautiful smiles and provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Today, our team at North County Orthodontics would love to receive your feedback about our practice!

Whether you or your family has been visiting our office for days, weeks, or years, we’d love to hear about your experience. You can write a review for our Fallbrook office here or for our Oceanside office here. We look forward to hearing your story!

Thank you,

The team at North County Orthodontics

A Win-Win Situation! From North County Orthodontics

Oceanside and Fallbrook, CA orthodontist Dr. Allen knows that regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health. Are you visiting your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, then North County Orthodontics wants to hear about it!

Each month, North County Orthodontics hosts a "Win-Win Contest," asking our patients to take a coupon with them when they visit a family dentist for regular hygiene appointments. When your dentist fills out the coupon, both you and your dentist will be entered into the contest for a great prize.

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 greater Oceanside and Fallbrook areas!

North County Orthodontics hosts a private screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Do you love getting caught up in the magical adventures of Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the Hogwarts gang? Dr. Allen and our team at North County Orthodontics will be hosting a private 3D screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Krikorian Theaters on Nov. 19, 2010 at 5:30pm. To enter to win two tickets to Dr. Allen's Annual Movie Night, just give us a call or stop by one of our offices by Nov. 10, 2010.

We will be giving away 450 tickets to Dr. Allen's Annual Movie Night, so don't hesitate to enter to win!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Allen and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Kids getting braces at a younger age

Dr. Allen will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.


Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Allen to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Back to school with North County Orthodontics

Here in Oceanside and Fallbrook, CA kids and parents are beginning to stock up on pencils, spiral notebooks, and binders because it’s back to school time! To kick off the fall season, our team at North County Orthodontics will be hosting a September contest. Guess how many "Dr. Michael Allen" pencils are in the jar and you could win a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Be sure to schedule your next appointment soon, so that you can submit your guess for a chance to win. We hope you have a very successful school year!

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 must look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Allen.

In fact, many 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 North County Orthodontics a call!

Tackling kids' sport safety with North County Orthodontics

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why North County Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Allen will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe while on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Allen is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at North County Orthodontics.

Show Dr. Allen your sea shell knowledge and win SeaWorld tickets!

This summer, our team at North County Orthodontics is hosting a special summer contest, with seashells! Guess how many seashells are in the jar at our office for your chance to win tickets to SeaWorld.

How do I enter?
Next time you're in for an appointment, make your guess at how many seashells are in the jar. You will need to include your contact information with your entry. This contest will only be running through Labor Day, so don't hesitate to come visit our office and participate in the fun!

Good luck,

North County Orthodontics

Thanks to Invisalign® with Dr. Allen, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Are you focusing on your kids' oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you're considering orthodontic treatment, our team at North County Orthodontics is pleased to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from North County Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. W. Michael Allen and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics 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 North County Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Hey, Dr. Allen! Why are retainers so important?

If you recently completed treatment at North County Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Allen will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

How will retainers benefit my smile?
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. Allen 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 with Dr. Allen, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Orthodontic fun facts, from North County Orthodontics

Our team at North County Orthodontics in Oceanside, CA knows that everyone loves fun facts! They're just so fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that we thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Allen asks: What are you reading this summer?

Now that summer is here in Oceanside and Fallbrook, CA, some of us at North County Orthodontics want to remind our patients about the importance of reading. Summer reading is a vital step in brain development—and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorite reads? Are you looking for a great book to take to the beach? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Allen and our staff 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!

SureSmile® and North County Orthodontics

Our team at North County Orthodontics recently came across a very interesting New York Times article, which discusses the benefits of 3-D imaging technology. Dr. Allen and our office uses 3-D imaging technology through the SureSmile® treatment. SureSmile technology is revolutionizing the orthodontic industry because it orchestrates clearer patient diagnosis, allows doctors to specifically tailor appliances to a patient's individual needs, and it gives the patient the ability to see exactly what their mouth will look like post-treatment. The treatment is estimated to be almost 40% faster than conventional braces. This allows for overall fewer office visits, less discomfort, and higher quality results.

For more information on SureSmile technology, check out our website or give our office a call! Dr. Allen is a certified SureSmile provider and would be happy to meet with you to discuss treatment options.

Summer Fun with North County Orthodontics

It’s summer here at North County Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. Allen and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our blog or Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer! We also wanted to remind everyone that July marks the National Ice Cream Month- Let us know your favorite flavor of Ice Cream at your next appointment and you'll be entered into a drawing for an "Ice Cream" gift basket!

-From North County Orthodontics of Fallbrook and Oceanside, CA

Happy Independence Day from North County Orthodontics

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Dr. Allen and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page!

Invisalign® tips, from North County Orthodontics

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Allen & Team want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at North County Orthodontics, give us a call!

It's June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Allen 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!

Winner of Our April Contest

We are pleased to share a photo of Dr. Allen with Allison G, the winner of our April patient contest, the "What Are You Smiling About Contest". To learn more about all the fun contests and events here at North County Orthodontics, check out our Facebook page, or give us a call!

What Do You Love about North County Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to North County Orthodontics , We strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: What did you think about your experience? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at North County Orthodontics

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. Allen is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

May Contest at North County Orthodontics

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Moms at North County Orthodontics! You deserve for every day to be Mother's Day!
Enter you MOM or yourself (if you're a (MOM) into our Mother's Day Contest! One lucky MOM will win a Spa Treatment at Bella D'ora spa in Carlsbad! Call our office for more details!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer!

Ask North County Orthodontics: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Allen. 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. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Allen is a certified Invisalign provider in Oceanside and Fallbrook, CA. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

The SureSmile Advantage at North County Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at North County 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. Allen 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. Allen 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, please contact us today!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. W. Michael Allen is a native of southern California. He earned his DDS degree and his certificate in orthodontics from USC in Los Angeles. Dr. Allen continues his orthodontic education by maintaining membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the Seattle Study Club.

Dr. Allen has lived in Carlsbad since 2005 with his wife, Natalie; their daughters, Emma, Hannah, and Lily; and sons Adam and Nathan. When he's not at the office, he enjoys surfing, golfing, volleyball, basketball, and all different kinds of sports.