An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has completed college, following college orthodontists are initially trained as dentists. After they have completed dental school, orthodontists attend two to three years of a residency program devised to orthodontic care. So, all orthodontists are dentists, however, not all dentists are orthodontists.

Dr. Randall Welser completed four years of college at Augustana before moving on to dental school. He attended Southern University School of Dental Medicine, which he attended for four years before attending St. Louis University for his two year orthodontic residency.

Dr. K. Kirby Marine attended Luther College for his undergraduate education. He then went to University of Illinois at Chicago where he received his degree in dental science. After working as a practicing dentist for a few years, he then attended the University of Minnesota for his orthodontic residency.

After receiving the additional terms of training and education, an orthodontist has the skills that are needed to correct misalignments of teeth and jaws.

What Causes Crooked Teeth and Bad Bites?

The simple answer is that we do not know. Most often malocclusions (bad bites) are a result of a complex interaction of multiple factors that influence growth and development. As said, it is almost impossible to describe a specific cause. An estimated 65% of the population could benefit from orthodontic care.

Although it is difficult to know the precise cause of most malocclusion, we do know, in general, what the possible causes are and these factors must be considered when planning orthodontic care. Causes of malocclusion include: dental/facial trauma, missing teeth, malformed teeth, extra teeth, ectopic eruption of teeth, impacted teeth, genetic influences, environmental influences, and sucking habits just to name a few.

The good news for individuals with a malocclusion is that orthodontic care can improve the alignment and fit of the bite almost every time!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Orthodontic Group’s blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to email any questions or comments for our doctors or staff to kristen@orthodonticgroup.com. We hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!

Unique Orthodontic Practice

Orthodontic Group Associates, Drs. Welser and Marine, is a unique practice in many ways. First of all, we are a group. As a group there are several benefits for our patients; they get the experience of two doctors planning their orthodontic care, there are multiple locations to choose from, and there are expanded office hours for easier scheduling of orthodontic appointments. If the patient’s doctor is unavailable, the other doctor in the practice will be happy to take care of the patient’s smile, keeping the orthodontic treatment on schedule.

The one thing that we do not do at Orthodontic Group is “ping-pong” our patients back and forth between doctors, which happens at other practices. We feel that having two cooks in the kitchen, so to speak, is not in the best interest of our patients. Our doctors are responsible for the care of their own patients, so if there are any questions about the orthodontic care being provided, the patient or parent know who to talk to. Additionally, our doctors really enjoy getting to know their patients during the orthodontic treatment, and if patients are bounced back and forth each visit, it hinders the doctors ability to keep in touch with their own patients.

Evidence Based Orthodontic Care

This is the first installment of an ongoing discussion of contemporary orthodontic care, in which we plan to discuss our treatment philosophy for the care we provide. The Internet is an excellent source of information; however, it can also be confusing because no two orthodontic practices are alike. Approaches to orthodontic care that differ from our approach are not necessarily wrong, just different. While we cannot speak for other methods of orthodontic care, we can discuss the reasons that we do the things that we do and why we have decided to provide the care we provide.

Essentially, we base our orthodontic treatment decisions on the latest research evidence. The evidence-based approach guides our clinical care and is constantly evolving to improve our patient outcomes. Isaac Asimov said, “The only constant is change…” Paying attention to good research tips the balance in our favor when choosing the methods we use to provide our orthodontic care. If you are comfortable with a modern, conservative approach to orthodontic care based on the latest information, we think you will enjoy our blog. It may even clear up some of the information overload and confusion regarding orthodontic care.

We plan to cover several topics in the coming weeks including; what causes crooked teeth and bad bites, the benefits and risks of orthodontic care, orthodontic extractions, the type of braces we use and why (here is a hint, it is not the Damon appliance), early treatment, cone beam scans and radiation, palatal expanders, head gear (it may not be new, but it is still very effective) to name a few. We think this blog will help give you, the dental consumer, a good resource for intelligent decision making when deciding on your family's orthodontic care.

At our office, we know image can be everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at our office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a 'green' office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew, and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain you teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, we can personalize your treatment to suit all your needs.

Spring is in the air! As you probably know, you can always connect with us on our Facebook page, but we invite you to please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you.

We also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Thank you! Have a great week!

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine 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. We 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.

When you visit Orthodontic Group Associates 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?

Orthodontic Group Associates is here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. Your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling!

Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Orthodontic Group Associates.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

Isn’t social media great? Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind.

Have you ‎"Liked" Orthodontic Group Associates on Facebook yet? If not, now is a great time to connect with us online! Niabi Zoo is on their way to raising $4 million for their new elephant exhibit, and we would like to help them! For every person that "Likes" Orthodontic Group Associates on Facebook, we will donate $0.50 to the elephant exhibit!

Thank you for helping us support this wonderful cause!

At Orthodontic Group Associates, we know image is everything. For many people, the thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth for two or more years may be more than enough to delay orthodontic treatment.

If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but are apprehensive about metal wires and brackets getting in the way of your smile, Invisalign treatment at Orthodontic Group Associates may be a great solution. Invisalign, which straightens teeth through a series of clear, custom-fit removable aligners, does so in a way that is discreet and hardly noticeable.

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at our office, please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine.

Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine and our team 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 Orthodontic Group Associates. 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.

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Orthodontic Group Associates, Ltd. believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2012!

Happy October! For those who don't know, it's National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Drs. Welser and Marine and other dental professionals in the Quad Cities, IL area.

The AAO recommends that patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or at Orthodontic Group Associates during your visit this month!

There are a variety of foods Drs. Randall Welser and Kirby Marine want you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Orthodontic Group Associates a call or ask our staff during your next visit.