Blog Archive

How Does the Propel® VPro At-Home Device Work? Mar 1st, 2024

The world of orthodontics changed when researchers began using the power of vibration to shift teeth faster. Accelerated orthodontic devices, like those pioneered by Propel®, can perfect your smile faster, reducing time spent in braces or clear aligners. If you put off correcting your smile because of the time or...

When Are Expanders a Necessary Treatment? Feb 2nd, 2024

A narrow jaw can contribute to a host of problems, from congestion to poor sleep. If your child has a narrow palate, expanders may be necessary to create room in the upper jaw. This will also make future orthodontic treatments, like braces or clear aligners, much easier. When it comes...

4 Ways to Determine if You Have Sleep Apnea Jan 17th, 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) plagues approximately 39 million US adults annually. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to relieving symptoms that go hand in hand with OSA, but how do you know when you have sleep apnea? At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary...

Understanding the Two Phases of Early Orthodontic Intervention Dec 7th, 2023

Your child’s crooked little toothy smile can look cute now, but what about when they get older? It’s estimated that only 35% of adults have a correctly aligned smile. Early intervention can help guide how your child’s teeth align as they grow, giving them a better chance of avoiding braces...

Why Does My Jaw Feel Sore in the Morning? Nov 5th, 2023

Occasional jaw pain in the morning isn’t unusual, especially if you sleep on your side or rest against your hand. However, if it’s persistent and continues throughout the day, it might be an indication that something is wrong. Since jaw pain often relates to the mandible and teeth, you’ll make...

5 Dental Problems Expanders Can Address Oct 1st, 2023

Has your dentist been bringing up the possibility of dental expanders as a solution for your or your child’s smile? You’re probably wondering what this entails, and if it’s the right answer to your problem. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman can use expanders to resolve a variety of dental...

Why You Should See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Sep 1st, 2023

The gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea sufferers has long been the continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine, a cumbersome affair that requires wearing a mask to bed every night. However, in many cases of sleep apnea, symptoms can be resolved simply by correcting the positioning of your jaw and...

How to Achieve the Perfect Smile with a Complete Smile Makeover Aug 1st, 2023

Dentistry to correct smile flaws is relatively straightforward; each problem has one or more solutions. However, when a smile is extremely damaged, whether by trauma or incorrect growth patterns, it’s time to take more serious measures. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman offers complete smile makeovers that resolve multiple issues...

Help for Your Narrow Smile Jul 1st, 2023

Do you have a narrow smile, one that juts in front, or teeth that are overlapped, crooked, or stacked behind each other? Braces can help realign your teeth, but only if there’s enough room in the jaw. If you have a narrow palate, it might need expanding before more orthodontic work...

When Gapped Teeth Become More than a Cosmetic Concern Jun 2nd, 2023

Many people struggle with diastema, or gapped teeth. While some people learn to love their widely spaced smile, a particularly generous gap between teeth might become a problem later in life. Whether you want your gap gone for aesthetic reasons or you’re concerned about its severity, an orthodontist can help.  At ChapmanSmiles...

Ask These Questions Before Considering Accelerated Orthodontics May 8th, 2023

Do you have an imperfect smile but can’t stand the thought of spending years in traditional braces? Accelerated orthodontics helps the process of tooth straightening go a lot faster than with solutions like clear aligners or braces alone. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman...

3 Reasons to Worry About Crowded Teeth Apr 3rd, 2023

A narrow palate is the most common cause of crowded teeth. A child with a narrow palate that doesn’t widen sufficiently before adult teeth start to come in can end up with a mouthful of teeth that are crowded together, misaligned, or crooked. Later in life, the orthodontist may consider braces to...

Nighttime Grinding and TMJ Pain: What's the Connection? Mar 9th, 2023

Over 11 million people have experienced TMJ pain of some kind, and there’a a notable overlap between patients with TMJ disorders and people who grind their teeth. If you regularly clench or grind your teeth, or think that you’re grinding in your sleep, there’s a good chance that these two...

Clear Aligners vs. Braces: Which is Better for My Teen? Feb 12th, 2023

Clear aligners like Spark™ and Invisalign® completely changed the landscape of teeth straightening. Before these options were widely available, the only way to get straighter teeth was with traditional braces. However, clear aligners aren’t the answer for everyone.  At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman can evaluate your teen’s jaw,...

Combining Cosmetic Dental Procedures for the Perfect Smile Makeover Jan 13th, 2023

Cosmetic dentistry can fix dozens of smile flaws, but sometimes it’s not a matter of just a missing tooth, a crooked bite, or some stains and chips in your otherwise healthy teeth. You might need several treatments to address different issues to finally have the smile of your dreams. At...

Why Would My Child Need Expanders Before Braces? Dec 7th, 2022

If your child’s jaw isn’t sufficiently broad to let new teeth come in without them butting up into each other, they could have a narrow palate. If your child's adult teeth are trying to come in but are ending up crowded and ill-adjusted, you may be considering braces. However, if there’s...

Is Accelerated Orthodontics As Good As Traditional? Nov 2nd, 2022

Dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades, and that includes the specialty of orthodontics. Traditional braces used to be quite an ordeal, but today’s versions are sleeker, less invasive, and more comfortable. They’re also faster, thanks to devices that accelerate the process. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in...

Why It's Imperative to Treat Your Sleep Apnea Oct 1st, 2022

It’s estimated that 14% of people around the globe have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but for many, their condition goes undiagnosed for years while their well-being suffers. It’s not just about snoring or disturbing a bed partner; OSA can have serious health risks. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas,...

Will My TMJ Resolve on Its Own? Sep 1st, 2022

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and even urgent situations when your jaw locks into place and won’t open or close fully. Fortunately, a dentist can often help with this common dysfunction of the TMJ. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr....

6 Problems that Invisalign® Corrects Aug 1st, 2022

More than 10 million people have corrected their teeth with Invisalign®, and every year more men, women, and teens opt for these clear aligners over traditional braces to give them the even smile they deserve. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman can evaluate your teeth, jaw, and mouth and let...

Understanding the Different Types of Early Intervention Jul 1st, 2022

For some children, problems with the bite or spacing of teeth appear well before the eruption of adult teeth. In such cases, early intervention can save a lot of time, money, and discomfort in later adolescence or the teen years. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman provides early orthodontic...

I Have Tooth Erosion: Can You Help? Jun 1st, 2022

Your teeth are extraordinarily strong; able to withstand immense pressure and friction from decades of biting, chewing, and grinding. However, your teeth are still subject to wear-and-tear, especially if you aren’t careful about how you treat them. From soft drinks to hard-bristle toothbrushes, many factors can contribute to tooth erosion. ...

What Can Be Done About My Popping Jaw? May 1st, 2022

When dealing with disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), you need a comprehensive diagnosis. From there, you can identify what factors are contributing to your TMJ pain and begin treating the root problem. If your jaw is misaligned or you grind your teeth in your sleep, your dentist can provide...

How Does At-Home Accelerated Orthodontics Work? Apr 1st, 2022

Orthodontics has improved over the past few decades, and it’s easier than ever to correct your teeth. With accelerated orthodontics, you can reduce the months of wearing braces or aligners, straightening your smile faster and more comfortably. Even better, home treatments only take five minutes per day.  At Chapman Smiles Orthodontics in...

Understanding Phase 1 Early Intervention Mar 1st, 2022

A child’s smile can light up a room. However, if the grin reveals overcrowding, you might experience some real concerns. Only 35% of adults have a smile in correct alignment. You can help your child beat these odds by consulting your dentist about Phase 1 early intervention. At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics...

Do I Need Braces or Clear Aligners? Feb 1st, 2022

Since clear aligners hit the market with Invisalign®, braces have been swept under the rug as the inferior option. While many people prefer the look and feel of invisible trays, there’s a reason dentists continue to offer braces. Clear aligners aren’t always the most effective solution, and some problems can...

The Link Between Earaches and TMJ Jan 1st, 2022

While ear infections are relatively common in children, adults rarely experience earaches. When they do, factors like weather and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are often involved. If you’ve noticed jaw pain, clicking, or tinnitus, there’s a good chance your earache might be connected to a TMJ disorder. In that case,...

How Expanders Can Improve Your Breathing Dec 1st, 2021

Not all breathing problems are caused by the respiratory system; some are simply a result of developmental factors, such as a deviated septum or narrow palate. The latter can be corrected with an expander, which slowly widens your jaw and corrects breathing issues, congestion, and tooth crowding. If you or...

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

There are plenty of reasons you might feel self-conscious about your mouth: gapped or crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, and yellowing are all common complaints. Cosmetic dentistry can correct aesthetic issues like these, so you can flash your best possible smile during photos, interviews, and dates. With a smile makeover,...

How to Accelerate the Process of Straightening Your Teeth Oct 1st, 2021

There have been many advancements in the realm of tooth straightening over the past few decades. Traditional metal-and-wire braces take years to yield results. Clear aligners can return a straighter smile in months. Now, even that process can be sped up with the help of acceleration tools used in-office and...

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

If you’ve ever stretched your jaw wide during a yawn, you might have heard it click as you shut your mouth. That was your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. While occasional popping and cracking is normal, TMJ disorders can affect your ability to open your mouth, chew, and speak. If you’ve...

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention Aug 3rd, 2021

Orthodontic problems like misaligned bites, crowding, and narrow palates tend to appear when a child is young, and often manifest as their baby teeth come in. Early intervention orthodontics aims to address these issues before they get worse, and make the later stages of treatment easier, faster, and more comfortable. ...

Adjusting to Life Without Braces Jul 19th, 2021

Adjusting to getting braces is harder than adjusting to life without them, but getting them taken off can come with its own unique challenges. It’s important to take care of your teeth after getting your braces removed., and it’s up to you to preserve your smile and make sure the...

It's Not Just Snoring: The Dangers of Sleep Apnea Jun 29th, 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is estimated to affect up to 14% of people worldwide, but many cases go undiagnosed. If you or your partner snores persistently through the night, it might be a sign of this common sleep condition. Not only does sleep apnea disturb your rest (and your bed...

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

Two out of five Americans don’t see their dentist as often as they’d like. Even more are unhappy with the health and appearance of their smile. Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you, and it can significantly influence their opinion of you. If your smile...

5 Cool Things You Didn't Know About Clear Aligners Apr 27th, 2021

Orthodontia has radically changed over the last two decades. While once your only option to correct a variety of dental alignment problems was a bunch of metal, now there are two clear frontrunners in the tooth alignment market — Invisalign® and Spark™. These clear aligner systems are practically invisible, making...

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

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 aligners? Now, there are Spark™ Aligners too!...

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

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 your jaw alignment is correct and, if you are one...

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

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. Invisalign works by moving your teeth little by little using clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over your teeth....

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

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. You may have seen that some dentists offer various versions of orthodontics. So...

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

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 appointments, it is still important to...

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

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 discuss this subject. I graduated from Santa Clara University in 1986 with a bachelors degree in Combined...

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

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 keep your teeth straight, but can...

My Path To ChapmanSmiles Oct 14th, 2014

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, and we met a deer...

Day One With Insignia Braces! Oct 14th, 2014

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!   Once I arrived, I was greeted and taken into...

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

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 wouldn’t need them....

The Orthodontic BIG FOUR Oct 14th, 2014

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. We hope you have chosen ChapmanSmiles for our fantastic care delivery, short treatment times, great...

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

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 possible, I thought it would be a...

Happy Holidays To All! Oct 14th, 2014

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, please be patient as my team and I learn the new pathways...

Wearing Your Rubber Bands Oct 14th, 2014

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? Rubber bands are used to coordinate your bite in all three...

An Update On My Braces! Oct 14th, 2014

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 rest of the time, armed with wax and my water pik, I’ve been happy with how...

The Need For Speed! Oct 14th, 2014

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 over 100% every seven years? Yes,...

The Splint! Oct 14th, 2014

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.  Headaches are gone and am feeling much better!  However,...

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

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 don’t brush...