What are patients saying about Dr. Tracy Ouyang?

Dr. Ouyang and our dedicated team at First Class Braces deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, serving Portland, Clackamas and surrounding communities. Dr. Ouyang makes orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Very easy to work with." ~ Lloyd C.

"The customer service was great ... every employee was very kind and the office seemed to run very smoothly. Everyone knew what their tasks were and thing seemed to run on time, which is important to me." ~ Eric T.

"The ease of appointments is great." ~ Jay H.

"She is very nice and makes me feel comfortable." ~ Christy M.

Dr. Ouyang and team want to know: What are you up to in February?

It may still be a bit chilly out there, but can you believe we’re only a month away from springtime? Today, Dr. Ouyang and staff want to know: What have you done with yourself in February? What have you accomplished so far this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Do you have exciting spring break plans?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call one of our offices and ask how! Have a great rest of the week and enjoy your weekend!

The importance of wearing mouth guards while playing sports, from Dr. Ouyang

Believe it or not, dear patients, but it’s almost springtime! Dr. Ouyang knows, however, that spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Ouyang for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as soccer and baseball. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Ouyang is trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with First Class Braces. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Ouyang will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Dr. Ouyang.

Access your account anytime at First Class Braces

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds nice and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients of Dr. Ouyang enjoy access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about Ortho Sesame:

"I prefer online usage because it is more convenient." ~ Tami K.

"It's another way to keep track of my schedule, payments, and potentially future plans." ~ Eric T.

"Much more convenient." ~ Deloris R.

"No one else I know has done this yet." ~ Karla B.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at First Class Braces if you have any questions!

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ with Dr. Tracy Ouyang

Image is everything. Dr. Ouyang knows that.

At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. The team at First Class Braces thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

With Dr. Ouyang, the treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Happy Tuesday!

First Class Braces with a few helpful Invisalign® tips!

Happy Friday! We've blogged about our Invisalign treatment in the past, and today thought we'd pass along a few Invisalign tips. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Tracy Ouyang wants you to ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at First Class Braces, please feel free to give us a call!

Dr. Ouyang wants to know: What helps you relax at First Class Braces?

Dr. Ouyang understands not everyone is thrilled to see the orthodontist. But she wants you to know that her team strives to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Our first priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in our family-oriented, high technology office. We’d like to know: What is it about First Class Braces that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Ouyang herself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Dr. Tracy Ouyang

Dr. Ouyang would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

The staff at First Class Braces think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment with Dr. Ouyang, please give us a call.

When should you call Dr. Ouyang and First Class Braces?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call First Class Braces. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Ouyang:



1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Ouyang and team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Ouyang and her team at First Class Braces reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our great patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

A great braces-friendly winter recipe! From First Class Braces

It’s chilly outside, and sometimes nothing satisfies Dr. Ouyang and her staff here at First Class Braces more than a hot meal. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Best Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients
•1 lb. ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried onion
•1 clove garlic, chopped
•3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
•½ cup Burgundy or merlot wine (Burgundy gives a deeper flavor)
•1 teaspoon dried oregano
•1 Tablespoon sugar
•½ teaspoon salt
•½ cup grated American cheese, about 4 slices, or ½ cup grated mild cheddar cheese
•½ lb. dry spaghetti, broken in half

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large no-stick frying pan or Dutch over, sauté meat, onion and garlic. Add tomato sauce, wine, oregano, sugar and salt. Simmer, cover, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. (It really makes a difference if you can take this amount of time! Otherwise 20 minutes will serve to heat everything.) Cook spaghetti and drain. Put half the spaghetti in a greased 3-quart casserole, and then add half the sauce and ¼ cup of the grated cheese. Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce, and stir everything with a large spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Best if baked for 45 minutes at 350°. Makes about six to eight servings.

Enjoy this great winter dish and happy Friday!
--From Dr. Ouyang and team

Patient reviews for Dr. Ouyang

Dr. Ouyang and her team just love getting patient testimonials. Recently, Sylvan Orthodontics and Happy Valley Orthodontics, serving Portland and Clackamas, have been getting some great patient reviews! We thought we'd share a few of them today! Happy Thursday!

"As a parent she is not invasive as the other orthodontists I've taken my daughter too. She kind, gentle and listened to my concerns. My daughter loves her office and the staff and I never have to tug her into the car to go. Her office is very convenient to the highway and our home." ~ Chris R.

"Dr. Ouyang seems to do a very good job, everyone in the office is really nice." ~ Kristen Y.

"Knows what she is doing, great office, great and friendly staff." ~ Randee W.

"The staff is always on time. Plus, everyone is cheerful." ~ Meg D.

"Her experience and ideas on how to move the teeth; the whitening at the end." ~ Karla B.

Dr. Ouyang and team want to know: What are you up to in December?

December is here, and, believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! Dr. Ouyang and her team want to know: What are you doing in December? Any big holiday plans? Anything exciting in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our offices and ask how! We also hope you all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Have a great rest of the week!

--The team at First Class Braces

Be careful, Dr. Ouyang says: Gum disease can sneak up on you!

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

•Gums that appear red or swollen
•Gums that feel tender
•Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
•Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
•Persistent bad breath
•Loose teeth
•Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
•Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment with us right away! We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Hope this helps! Dr. Ouyang

What's the connection between your mouth and your heart? Dr. Ouyang explains

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So Dr. Ouyang and team want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

Hope this helps! Contact us if you have any questions!

--Dr. Ouyang and team

How is Dr. Ouyang doing? Let us know!

Whether you have visited Sylvan Orthodontics or Happy Valley Orthodontics for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Dr. Ouyang and team! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You can write a review here or here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

--Dr. Ouyang and team

Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Dr. Ouyang Explains

You just got braces and Dr. Ouyang has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
•3 cups flour
•2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
•1 tsp salt
•2 Tbl sugar
•4 cups milk
•4 eggs
•1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy it! Have a great week!
--Dr. Ouyang

Braces 101

Should you need to call Happy Valley Orthodontics or Sylvan Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, Dr. Ouyang and staff can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Ouyang

Take Dr. Ouyang's soda POP QUIZ!

Dr. Ouyang wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at First Class Braces know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy and have a great rest of the week!

--Dr. Ouyang

Preventing Gum Disease and Protecting your Teeth!

It is estimated that around 80 percent of American adults are currently diagnosed with some form of gum disease. Also known as, periodontal disease or periodontitis, gum disease starts with gum inflammation and can end with major damage to the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place, resulting in tooth loss and irreversible damage to the gums. Many doctors and researchers have also found gum disease to be the cause of several other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and complications for women during pregnancy. Gum disease is a serious dental health condition, and by understanding how gum disease is caused, what symptoms to look for, and how you can prevent it, you will be able to keep your smile healthy for many years to come.

What causes gum disease?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and when the bacteria are left in your mouth, it can cause a sticky, colorless film over your tooth surface called plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing can help to remove much of the plaque build-up on your teeth; however, if you do not brush and floss regularly, the plaque on your teeth can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by a toothbrush, only your dentist has the special tools needed to remove tartar from your tooth’s surface.

Eventually, if left untreated, the tartar and plaque on your teeth will cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is usually curable if caught early enough. Signs of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Pockets between your teeth and gums where food gets caught
• Persistent bad breath

If you have gingivitis, and it is left untreated, you may end up with gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums to pull completely away from the teeth and form infected pockets. The bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth will start to break down the tissue and bone that supports your teeth and holds them in place. Gum disease that is left untreated will lead to the extraction or loss of teeth. Most people do not show signs of gingivitis and gum disease until they are in their 30s, 40s, or older. Certain risk factors can increase your chance of getting gum disease, including:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Certain prescription medications
• Illness
• Genetics

How can I prevent gum disease?

You can help your chances of never getting gingivitis or gum disease simply by taking care of your teeth and gums on a regular basis. Here are some of the ways you can help keep your smile healthy:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA.
• Floss at least once every day to remove food stuck between your teeth and along the gum line.
• Visit your dentist for routine, general checkups and teeth cleaning every six months.
• Eat a well balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.
• Stay away from using tobacco products of any kind.

Gingivitis and gum disease are both preventable and treatable. If you would like a list of recommended dental health care products, or have any questions about gingivitis, gum disease, and how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, please ask Dr. Ouyang at your next dental checkup. Our practice is happy to answer any questions you may have, and provide you with accurate information to help you maintain the health of your smile in between office visits. If you think you may have any form of gingivitis or gum disease, please contact our practice at 503.946.6667 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.