May 17th, 2012
Absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In a society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.
Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
- Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
- Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
- A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!
May 8th, 2012
Great question! When you first come in for your initial consultation we will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.
Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. We will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).
At your second appointment, we will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that we can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.
If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand the doctor’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.
Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!
May 4th, 2012
With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”
Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!
Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!
April 19th, 2012
Great question! 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 Canadian 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 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 us to assess what the best age for treatment is.
April 4th, 2012
Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:
•Sensitivity in the teeth
•Tightness or pain in the jaw
•Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
•Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:
•Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
•Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
•Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
•Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
•When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit
If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by contacting us. Dr. Hoffman & Dr. Wolk can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.
Hope this helps. Have a great week!
March 26th, 2012
When you visit Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics for your orthodontic consultation, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. We want you to be prepared for your appointment and feel in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind to ask when you come in for your appointment:
• How long will I have to wear braces?
• Will getting braces hurt?
• Will I have to wear additional appliances to correct jaw problems while I have braces?
• What can I eat when I have braces?
• Are there certain things, like playing sports or playing an instrument, which I won’t be able to do?
• How can I make sure my teeth stay clean and healthy while I have braces?
• How often will I need to come in for appointments?
• How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?
Drs. Barry Hoffman and Ronald Wolk are here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. We believe your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling! Contact our Calgary orthodontic office today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff are always happy to help make your orthodontic experience happy and fun. Drs. Hoffman and Wolk are well-respected in the orthodontic field and always put the needs of their patients first. Come join our family of patients!
March 19th, 2012
Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Drs. Hoffman or Wolk have prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. Drs. Hoffman & Wolk will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.
If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!
Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.
February 20th, 2012
Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”)
include:
•Sensitivity in the teeth
•Tightness or pain in the jaw
•Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain •Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:
•Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
•Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
•Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
•Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
•When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit
If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by contacting us. Drs. Hoffman, Wolk and our team can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.
Hope this helps. Have a great week!
February 13th, 2012
Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.
Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Drs. Hoffman & Wolk will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Has your child or teen visited Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!
February 10th, 2012
Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.
Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Drs. Hoffman & Wolk will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Has your child or teen visited Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!
February 2nd, 2012
Great question!
If you are brushing and flossing daily during your treatment at Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.
Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decay away.
If you have any questions, please be sure to keep ask our team at Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!
January 25th, 2012
At Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation at our Calgary office. See you soon!
January 23rd, 2012
Because we can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth while a child still has primary or “baby” teeth present, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven.
Some problems are not so subtle, and you may notice them early on. If you see any of the following signs in your child, please make an appointment with our team at Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics immediately. (If your child is younger than seven, it is not necessary to wait till his or her seventh birthday to visit our office.) We want to identify any problems as early as possible so that we can implement the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time for your child’s individual needs.
1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
6. Speech difficulty
7. Jaws that shift or make sounds
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Teeth that stick out too far
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
11. Upper and lower jaws that don’t line up
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth
If your child is displaying any of these signs, please contact us and set up an appointment!
January 16th, 2012
At Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties.
Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies! If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked
teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced
correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today at our Calgary office to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation. See you soon!
December 15th, 2011
At Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.
Instead, try pumpkin pie, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.
If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!
Happy Holidays!
December 5th, 2011
"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist, Drs. Barry Hoffman and Ronald Wolk started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Drs. Hoffman and Wolk decided they wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.
Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).
Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert in Drs. Hoffman and Wolk to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?
Contact our Calgary orthodontic office today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff are always happy to help make your orthodontic experience happy and fun. Drs. Hoffman and Wolk are well-respected in the orthodontic field and always put the needs of their patients first. Come join our family of patients!
November 21st, 2011
At Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics, we have worked together for 33+ years to create more than 20,000 beautiful, healthy smiles using the most effective and comfortable orthodontic treatments.
The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too.
And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”
Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.
Contact our Calgary orthodontic office today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff are always happy to help make your orthodontic experience happy and fun. Drs. Hoffman and Wolk are well-respected in the orthodontic field and always put the needs of their patients first. Come join our family of patients!
November 11th, 2011
We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.
Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Drs. Hoffman & Wolk and our team recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; ask us for a recommendation!
When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.
You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.
Our team at Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Calgary orthodontic office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.
Lastly, in addition to visiting Drs. Hoffman & Wolk during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.
Questions? Please let us know below, on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!
November 2nd, 2011
Happy November, everybody! Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we at Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics forget about the spooky month that was, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?
If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or feel free to post them on our Facebook page!
We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it!
Lastly, have you been in for a dental checkup lately? It’s important that you see your general dentist, as well as visiting Drs. Hoffman and Wolk while undergoing your orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about your orthodontic treatment or just want some general information, give us a call or ask us during your next visit!
October 24th, 2011
At Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.
Let’s start with brushing regularly.. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.
Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.
You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.
Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Barry Hoffman and Ronald Wolk. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!
October 17th, 2011
Greetings all 'Ghouls & Goblins!' We have a SPOOKTACULAR prize for our Halloween Photo Contest...$100 gift card to Canada Olympic Park. Winter is coming and so are all of the fun winter activities. So start planning your creep crawly costumes!!! Have a great rest of the week!
October 4th, 2011
At Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Calgary and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?
There, we share office news, contest anouncements and much more, so, please, check us out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates and announcements from our office automatically on Facebook!
See you on Facebook!
- Drs. Hoffman, Wolk and team
September 26th, 2011
With fall sports almost here for a lot of our patients at Hoffman & Wolk Orthodontics, we thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports such as soccer and football – this fall.
One of the most important pieces of sports equipment you can wear on the field is a mouthguard. A well-fitted mouthguard, which we’re happy to provide, allows you to breathe and speak more clearly, in addition to protecting your mouth and braces. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit at one of our offices, we encourage you to ask us for a mouthguard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities this fall.
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator
We hope you’re enjoying school so far, and invite you all to share your photos on our Facebook page!
September 20th, 2011
We hope you're having a great week! Our team at Hoffman and Wolk Orthodontics know your smile is important to you. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.
These include:
- Sports drinks
- Coffee
- Tobacco
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods
We encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Calgary office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask us during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!
