Ongoing Professional Development at Surrideo Orthodontics

At Surrideo, we pride ourselves on staying current with the latest developments in the field of orthodontics. This March, our Doctors and staff will take part in two professional development conferences; the Alberta Society of Orthodontists conference as well as the 3M Incognito conference.

The Alberta Society of Orthodontists - Banff, AB March 9-10, 2012

Smile Design-
Aside from straightening teeth, smile analysis and smile design have become key elements of orthodontic treatment planning. Achieving a ‘balanced smile’ requires understanding the elements of smile design such as size of teeth, the relationship between the teeth and the soft tissue, and appropriate gingival display.
At the ASO conference, Dr. Mark Berkman, past-President of the Michigan Association of Orthodontists and nationally recognized educator on craniofacial growth will present an informative session on understanding the balance and aesthetics of smile design.

Class II Correction –
When Orthodontists talk about Class II correction, they are referring to what we all call “overbite”. This usually occurs when the upper teeth sit too far ahead of the lower teeth, causing a bad bite or “malocclusion”. Elastics can be used to correct this problem, but sometimes an appliance is required to adequately correct an excessive Class II bite.
At the ASO conference, Dr. Lisa Alvetro a nationally recognized orthodontist from Sidney, Ohio, will present on Forsus Class II correctors. Dr. Alvetro specializes in the use of Class II correction through the use of fixed appliances like the Forsus appliance. Her session promises to give an in-depth review of every aspect of the Forsus appliance from clinical examples to practice efficiency tips.


3M Advanced Incognito Course – Calgary, AB March 30, 2012

At Surrideo we offer the most aesthetic orthodontic options including Invisible Incognito Orthodontic Braces. These completely aesthetic custom made appliances are placed behind the teeth so that no one will know you are wearing braces.

At the Advanced Incognito Appliance System course, Dr. Adam Schulhof, an Incognito specialist, will draw from his experience to present a variety of clinical case examples. This session will focus on how to treat patients with special situations and will include valuable discussion on treatment strategies and alternatives.

When is the Best Time for Children to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

At Surrideo Orthodontics, we take a conservative approach to the timing of orthodontic treatment. While the American and Canadian Associations of Orthodontists recommend that the initial evaluation by an orthodontist should occur around the age of 7, we are often happy to see children for their first visit at about 8-9 years of age. Evaluation at this early age allows us to start treatment if necessary, or to set up an appropriate recall schedule to monitor growth and development, allowing us to choose the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at the right time ensures the greatest result.

Drs. Cohen and Yue spend a great deal of time discussing timing of orthodontic referrals with their general and pediatric dental colleagues. This dialogue allows your child's dentist to know which issues require early intervention, and which ones can wait until your child is a little bit older. However, if they are unsure, they will likely send you early so as not to miss an important opportunity.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, the doctors can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

What are some of the reasons for early treatment?
Waiting until children have all of their permanent teeth allows for the shortest, most efficient treatment - and that is our preferred treatment philosophy. However, there are instances when early intervention can provide huge benefits. Some of these situations can include:
 Creating room for teeth that are so crowded, they will be completely blocked from erupting into the mouth
 Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
 Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
 Preserving space for unerupted teeth
 Reducing the need for tooth removal
 Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:
 Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
 Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
 Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
 Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

Braces Friendly Recipe

Macaroni Lasagne
from Cooking for the Rushed: The Healthy Family by meal planning expert, Sandi Richard


1 lb or 450 g extra lean ground beef
1 Tbsp onion flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp crushed chilies (optional)
2 1/2 cups whole wheat macaroni
1 jar of your favorite pasta sause (24-28 oz or approx 700ml)
2 cups grated low-fat cheddar cheese

-Preheat oven to 375F.
-Brown meat in a larger nonstick fry pan at med-high until meat is no longer pink.
-Add onion flakes and spices while meat is browning.
-Place macaroni in boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes. You want the pasta very firm.

-Layer the following ingredients into a large cake or lasagne pan in this order: 1/2 of the fully cooked beef, 1/2 of the cooked macaroni, 1/2 pasta souce and 1/2 cheese. Repeat again.

-Bake uncovered in preheated oven. Set timer for 20 minutes or until top layer of cheese is bubbly.

Set the table...and dinner is served!