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ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics Blog View all posts

Will My TMJ Resolve on Its Own?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is subject to various disorders that can cause pain, stiffness, and even popping or locking of the jaw. This usually won’t go away on its own.
Sep 1st, 2022

6 Problems that Invisalign® Corrects
On the fence about Invisalign®? These clear aligners can resolve a lot of different issues, correcting flaws with your smile and giving you better functionality in the process.
Aug 1st, 2022

I Have Tooth Erosion: Can You Help?
Your enamel naturally erodes over time, but certain factors can speed up the process and leave your teeth sensitive and fragile. Here’s what you need to know.
Jun 1st, 2022

What Can Be Done About My Popping Jaw?
TMJ disorders can produce symptoms that range from mild discomfort to chronic, aching pain. If you’ve noticed your jaw popping, a specialist can help you build a treatment plan.
May 1st, 2022

How Does At-Home Accelerated Orthodontics Work?
It takes time to shift your teeth into place, but at-home accelerated orthodontics can speed up the process and give you a straighter smile in less time with gentle cavitation technology.
Apr 1st, 2022

Understanding Phase 1 Early Intervention
Though many people associate orthodontics with the teen years, your dentist can determine the future need for braces while your child still has baby teeth.
Mar 1st, 2022

Do I Need Braces or Clear Aligners?
While clear aligners have become a popular alternative, sometimes traditional braces are still your best bet. Here’s how to decide between the two options.
Feb 1st, 2022

The Link Between Earaches and TMJ
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.
Jan 1st, 2022

How Expanders Can Improve Your Breathing
Jaw structure affects bodily functions more than you think; here’s how expanders can correct narrow jaws and improve your breathing — among other things.
Dec 1st, 2021

What Can a Smile Makeover Fix?
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.
Nov 2nd, 2021

My Jaw Pops: Do I Have TMJ Dysfunction?
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.
Sep 1st, 2021

Adjusting to Life Without Braces
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.
Jul 19th, 2021

What Does a Smile Makeover Entail?
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.
May 31st, 2021

The Difference Between Invisalign and Spark Aligners
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...
Feb 14th, 2021

How Long Will It Take to Straighten My Teeth?
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...
Dec 10th, 2020

Is Invisalign the Right Treatment for You?
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.
Oct 19th, 2020

Three Reasons Chapman Smiles is the Right Choice!
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.
Aug 24th, 2020

Virtual Consultations Are As Easy As 1-2-3
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...
Jul 13th, 2020

A Little More About Dr. Chapman
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...
Feb 14th, 2020

You And Your Retainer – A Happy Marriage
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...
Oct 14th, 2014

My Path To ChapmanSmiles
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,...
Oct 14th, 2014

Day One With Insignia Braces!
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!
Oct 14th, 2014

I’m Sporting Rubber Bands!
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...
Oct 14th, 2014

The Orthodontic BIG FOUR
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.
Oct 14th, 2014

Braces Problems On Summer Vacay! What To Do?
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...
Oct 14th, 2014

Happy Holidays To All!
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,...
Oct 14th, 2014

Wearing Your Rubber Bands
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?
Oct 14th, 2014

An Update On My Braces!
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!
Oct 14th, 2014

The Need For Speed!
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...
Oct 14th, 2014

The Splint!
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.
Oct 14th, 2014

Brush And Floss Your Teeth And Gums Well EVERYDAY
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...
Oct 13th, 2014