Category Archives: American Association of Orthodontists

Custom Orthodontics: All Smiles Are Not the Same

  A common practice in orthodontic offices is to use a “standard” preformed nickel titanium arch wire, “one size fits all.” An upper and lower archwire of this “standard” type is pictured above. The trouble is that no individual mouth … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Adjustments, Quality of Care in Orthodontics, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Does Your Child Need an Orthodontic Expander?

At Droel Orthodontics, the answer is probably “No.”  This article will explain why. The face and teeth exist in 3 dimensions: Side to Side (lateral) Front to Back (horizontal) Top to Bottom (vertical) An orthodontic expander works in only one … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All You Need to Know About Orthodontic Retainers

When you or your child have an orthodontic exam, you are mainly thinking about how to get your teeth straight. At the exam, you should also take time to ask how the orthodontist plans to KEEP your teeth straight. You … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Retainer | Leave a comment

Gap in Teeth of 7-Year-Old: Are Braces Needed?

  I am frequently asked whether a gap in a child’s front teeth means that braces are always needed. My answer is, “Not necessarily.” Two years ago, a mother brought a 7-year-old girl into my office for an exam.  The … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Snowboarding Dentists | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Winter’s Over, Spring is on the Way!

I hope everyone had a wonderful winter.  I was lucky enough to get in quite a few days on my snowboard–and a lot of them were powder days! Notice my big smile.  I have to remind my patients to keep … Continue reading

Posted in Orthodontic Retainer, Snowboarding Orthodontists | Leave a comment

Considering a new orthodontist?

I often see patients in treatment who are moving to our area. Patients also come in because they had previous treatment but need straightening because they have not worn their retainers in years. Others are concerned because the treatments they … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dental Insurance, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Specialist, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Planning the Cost of Braces, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Resources for Orthodontic Patients | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Will I Get My Braces Off?

Your braces will come off when you have achieved the best possible smile for you.  Usually that takes about 18-24 months. With his years of experience, having treated over 12,000 patients in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dr. Rodger … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Planning the Cost of Braces, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Orthodontic Treatment Network? “Preferred Providers in Minneapolis/St. Paul?”

Do you have a list of “preferred providers” of orthodontic care in Minneapolis/St. Paul?  Although Droel Orthodontics may not be on your Preferred Provider list, we work with ALL insurance.  When you come in for your FREE INITIAL ORTHODONTIC EXAM, … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dental Insurance, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Planning the Cost of Braces | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Who Will Do My Orthodontic Adjustments?

At Dr. Rodger Droel’s office, you will see Dr. Droel at each appointment.  He will personally check your progress and make precise individual adjustments depending on your particular treatment. If you have a broken wire or some other problem on … Continue reading

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Adjustments, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Snowboard Heaven: 27 Inches of Champagne Powder

President’s Day 2012 in Steamboat Springs:  me, my snowboard and almost too much snow!  My wife and I woke up early and checked the snow report. We thought we were still dreaming:  27 inches of champagne powder had fallen overnight, … Continue reading

Posted in Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Adjustments, Snowboarding Dentists, Snowboarding Orthodontists | Tagged , | Leave a comment