Does tooth whitening affect orthodontic treatment?

Whitening teeth has become a very popular practice in the United States and around the world. Patients have a variety of choices when it comes to whitening products. The most commonly prescribed whitening regimens are custom bleaching trays and in-office whitening. Both systems produce good results, but vary in time and cost.
Many orthodontic patients are anxious to whiten their teeth, but orthodontists usually recommend a patient delay whitening until orthodontics is complete. But, what about whitening before orthodontic treatment? Is that a good idea? This question was recently tested in an article published in The Angle Orthodontist. Patients who had in-office whitening 24 hours prior to bracket placement experienced a much higher rate of bracket failure (braces falling off) versus people who waited 3 weeks to have their brackets placed. It seems that something in the whitening process interferes with bonding of brackets. So, if you really want to have whitening before orthodontics, you can do it! You just need to make sure there is a month between whitening and bracket placement. For more information on orthodontics and teeth whitening, please contact your Phoenix orthodontist or Litchfield Park orthodontist at Dunn Orthodontics. Dr. Matthew Dunn and Dr. Courtney Dunn would be glad to answer your questions.

Leadership Conference

The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) held a leadership conference this past weekend in San Mateo, California. The PCSO is the largest of the eight constituent societies that comprise the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Along with the leadership from Arizona, the leaders from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Saskatchewan, and Washington were present as well.

As Secretary-Treasurer of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association, Dr. Matthew Dunn was extremely fortunate to be invited to attend this meeting. The Arizona State Orthodontic Association is a component of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists which is a constituent of the American Association of Orthodontists.
The purpose of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association is to further the purposes and objectives of the PCSO and the AAO within the state of Arizona. They promote friendship and understanding among members and strive for and maintain the highest standards of excellence in orthodontic education and practice.

Best Brace Face Photo Contest

Enter the Dunn Orthodontics' Best Brace Face Photo Contest

1. Between March 8, 2010 and April 23, 2010, go to Dunn Orthodontics and click on the link to the Best Brace Face Photo Contest.
2. Follow the online directions to submit your Best Brace Face Photo.
3. Between April 24, 2010 and May 9, 2010, the public will vote for the “Best Brace Face”. The five photos that receive the highest vote totals will be the contest finalists. People are allowed to vote once per day. In order to become a finalist, it is recommended that you tell all of your friends and family to vote for you (each day if possible).
4. The doctors (Dr. Matthew Dunn and Dr. Courtney Dunn) and staff of Dunn Orthodontics will vote for the final winner from among the top five finalists.

Grand Prize: Apple iPod nano 8GB
(5th generation) Retail Value: $150.00

Finalist Prize: 25 tokens
(awarded to each the four finalists who do not win)