Blog Articles

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been linked to plenty of other conditions, ranging from tinnitus to bruxism. Here’s how earaches fit into the mix.

Jaw structure affects bodily functions more than you think; here’s how expanders can correct narrow jaws and improve your breathing — among other things.

Few people have perfectly photogenic teeth naturally, but you can achieve a picture-perfect smile with professional help. Here’s what a smile makeover can fix.

Tired of waiting for your teeth to become straighter? There’s a way to speed up the orthodontics process, giving you a straighter smile much sooner than you may have thought possible.

It’s not uncommon for your joints to make noise when you move them, and jaw popping isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, frequent cracking might be a sign of TMJ disorder.

Braces aren’t the only form of orthodontic treatment. If your child’s teeth aren’t coming in correctly, early intervention can pave the path ahead and make it easier on everyone.

You’ve waited all this time to get your braces taken off, but how will you adjust to life once they’re gone? Here are some tips to help smooth out the transition.

Snoring doesn’t just keep your partner up at night; it might be an indication you’re not getting proper sleep either. If you have a snoring problem, it’s time to address it.

Are you unhappy with your smile? The answer could be a smile makeover, which can address multiple problems in one cohesive treatment plan for an amazing grin you can be proud of.

If you’re thinking of going with clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces, here are five cool things you should know about the technology.

You’ve probably seen lots of commercials for Invisalign® and understand how clear aligners are an excellent way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. But did you know that there is now a second option when it comes to clear...

That’s a question we hear at almost every consultation. There’s no universal answer. Since every person’s dental issues are different, we create a plan that is specific to you. It’s important that not only your teeth are straight but that...

If you think your teeth are scarier than the headless horseman at Halloween, it might be time to talk to Dr. Chapman about getting started with Invisalign® orthodontic treatment.

Deciding to have your teeth straightened is a big decision. Time, money and commitment to the process have to be considered, but one of your most important decisions is who to go to for your orthodontic treatment.

We all have more to smile about these days! As our communities are slowly opening back up for business, we are all thankfully able to begin resuming some of our normal routines. While it’s great to have more options for shopping, haircuts and other...

Welcome to my first blog about orthodontic treatment! My name is Gary Chapman, and I’m an orthodontist in Clackamas, Oregon. Before I begin discussing orthodontics, I thought I would outline my qualifications to...

Patients always want to know, “how long do I have to wear my retainers?” The standard answer is “forever.” Yes, retainers are for life, but the good news is, your teeth are straight for life as well! You can always depend on your retainers to...

It all began with a car accident. Or at least, that is the way it felt. I was involved in an accident in 2010 in which I was rear-ended, and then a second incident when my entire family was on the way home from dinner,...

I am now the proud owner of a set of Insignia Braces! Insignia is the latest and greatest technology for braces. I was pretty nervous at my appointment yesterday, and made sure to take some Advil before I went in!

It’s been a while since my last post, but things have been progressing well! At my last appointment, Dr. Chapman told me it was time for me to wear (gulp) rubber bands. I’d been anticipating this, but was hoping that I may be the lucky patient who...

Successful orthodontic treatment requires several factors to be accomplished in a predictable amount of time. The patient and orthodontic team must work together to accomplish our mutual goal of a great smile and proper bite.

Summer . . . no school, lots of sun, sleeping in, going on vacation. It’s my favorite time of year, yours’ too? As our office is always striving to educate our patients about their orthodontic treatment and how to have the best experience...

You will notice big changes in our office starting next week. We have been preparing for the last 6 months to switch our practice management software and go paperless. Both of these changes will be difficult at first,...

Rubber bands and braces, they go together like pie and ice cream. Almost every orthodontic patient will wear rubber bands at some point in their treatment. What do they do? Wear them 24/7, Really? I eat with them on?

Happy New Year! I am now in my 3rd month of wearing Insignia braces. The process has been surprisingly easy – I’ve only gone in to see Dr. Chapman and his team at ChapmanSmiles twice!

The Need for Speed – How many orthodontic patients ask “When will I get my braces off?” Orthodontic treatment is never, ever fast enough. We are limited by the biology of the body, specifically the bone biology. Did you know that your skeleton turns...

I was fitted for my splint and wore it DAY and NIGHT for about 6 months. I would go into Dr. Chapman’s office every couple of weeks to have it adjusted so that eventually my bite was in the correct position.

Everybody knows that you need to brush and floss your teeth well to keep them in good shape. Modern diets contain a lot of sugar which leads to decay in teeth if the bacterial plaque (that gooey stuff on your teeth and gums that builds up if you...