Thanks to Invisalign at Parker Orthodontics, parents can have a great smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Collins and our staff at Parker Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth and are to be worn all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing, when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! To learn more about Invisalign, please give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Giving thanks this holiday season

All of us at Parker Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile and look forward to the day when your treatment is completed and you join our family of beautiful smiles, which we create daily at our offices. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially with those braces!

Besides turkey, here are a few foods you can enjoy at Thanksgiving dinner:

• Mashed potatoes or other cooked potatoes
• Corn (if cut off the cob)
• Stuffing
• Yams
• Pumpkin pie and other desserts such as cake and ice cream (but make sure to brush afterward!)

If you are still in search of some wonderful recipes, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have lots of delicious recipes that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger now that the weather is cold. We hope you have a safe and fun Thanksgiving this year with your friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Parker Orthodontics!

Ask Dr. Collins: Do cold germs really live on toothbrushes?

You may have heard something about about the germs that supposedly live on your toothbrush and wondered if it's really a cause for concern. Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Jeff Collins and our staff at Parker Orthodontics will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Parker Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Is your contact information current?

There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter! Please help us get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and bad weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact us at (303) 841-5500 with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Collins and our entire team at Parker Orthodontics!

Parker Orthodontics want to know: How was your Halloween?

Happy November, everybody! Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we 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 from Halloween night that you would like to share with Dr. Collins and our staff, 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 Parker Orthodontics. 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!

Have a great rest of the week!