Summer Photo Contest! It’s a Snap!

As summer wraps up there is still time to squeeze in some fun in the sun and create memories that are sure to make you smile for years to come. You know what else might make you smile? Our summer photo contest! Why not take Dr. Tyler Pritchard with you on your final summer trips? I know what you are thinking, “he will never fit in our suite case!” But you can slip the image below into your carry on or back pack as you head for the mountain or the beach.  He’s a snap shot from a recent Trip to Vegas Hunter Lindberg took:

So on your next trip don’t forget your camera. Snap a photo with Dr. Tyler Pritchard in it, send it in before September 2^nd and you could win a $50 dollar Fred Meyer gift card. That could come in handy for back to school shopping, summer projects, or a fun BBQ with family or friends. Now that would make just about anyone smile. More information below:

 

Pritchard_Orthodontics_Vancouver_WA_Refer_Recieve_Contest_Winner

http://www.pritchardortho.com/ 360-667-0909 Congratuations on our winner Lori Lindberg for winning the Refer and Recieve Contest!  Lori won a dinner at Galeotti’s Restaurant AND a trip to the Movies for four to Battle Ground Cinemas. 

Contact us today to set up your appointment and find out about other contests you can enter and win big prizes.

Dr. William J Pritchard

Dr. Tyler S Pritchard

Pritchard Orthodontics

orthodontics vancouver wa, dr. pritchard, pritchard orthodontics, vancouver, braces, orthodontist vancouver wa

Tips for Better Relaxation

 We call get a little tense or stressed at times. Relaxation is key to finding balance during a busy day. Below are some tips we want to share with you and a link to a two minute relaxation technique video.

Body Position for Relaxation Technique

The 1st step is to sit with your back straight but not tense. If you can, loosen any clothing that feels tight around your waist.

Relaxation Technique

When you inhale, you’ll be inhaling slowly through your nose. When you exhale, you’ll be exhaling slowly and completely through your mouth. Try it now.
Most of us don’t breathe deeply enough. Instead, we’re shallow breathers and air only really enters the top part of our lungs. That’s especially so for people who wear tight clothing or sit hunched over at the computer.
What we need to do is use the most important muscle used for breathing, our diaphragm. It’s a sheet of muscle at the bottom of the lungs.
So, place one hand below your ribs. When you inhale, allow that hand to expand outwards. When you exhale, let that hand fall back to its original position. It may feel strange at first and it takes practice, so be patient with yourself.

Refining Relaxation Technique

The last step is to count. Exhalation should take twice as long as inhalation.
So let’s put it all together:

• Breathe in and count in your head starting from one

Breathe out and try to make twice as long

So if you counted to three when you inhaled, count to six when you exhale.
And that’s it. When you’re beginning, just repeat this 4 or 5 more times and work up from there.
As you practice this technique, you’ll find it becomes more and more effective at relaxing you when you’re stressed.
In the middle of a busy day, it’s a nice way to give yourself a small, well-deserved break, to take care of you.

http://video.about.com/altmedicine/2-Minute-Relaxation-Technique.htm

8 Tips for Better Breath

 Web MD shared the following tips on improving your breath and we are passing them onto you. If you need some extra help visit our website below and learn how we can improve your dental health.

 Change Your Breath From Bad to Good

 Bad breath is embarrassing, unpleasant, and all too common. These eight easy tips will sweeten your breath for good.

•Don’t let your tongue become a dirty carpet.

•Chew gum like it’s going out of style.

•Choose cinnamon — it’s sweeter.

•Drink more water.

•Rule out rare causes for bad breath.

•Have a slice of bread.

•Get a water pick.

•Don’t let bad breath go to your head.

 

•We might want to add regular dental visits are a great way to improve your dental health and a chance to spot issues before they become big problems.

•Full article here: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/change-your-breath-from-bad-to-good

sponsored by: http://pritchardortho.com/

posted by: http://www.turbochargemybusiness.com/

The Fourth of July

I love the fourth of July.  To me and my family, this national holiday sums up our country in one single day: God, country, family and friends. My mother was born on the fourth of July, 1912. Every year our family celebrated “the Fourth” big time. 

My life’s experiences have continued to add to my appreciation for the fourth of July.  As a “left coast” citizen, until I visited the cities of Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, I was never able to fully and deeply grasp the history of our country.  But to stand under the “old North Church” in Boston, walk the decks of “Old Ironsides” in Charlestown Harbor, walk through  Harvard Yard in Cambridge, the green lawns of Lexington and Concord, look up from the base of the Washington Monument, sit in silence on marble steps watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to sit in front of Robert E. Lee’s home overlooking Arlington National Cemetary listening to “Taps” being played in the distance, to peer through the wrought iron fence across the south lawn at the White House, run my fingers over the inscribed marble of the Vietnam Memorial, look over the stone fence at George Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge, and stand before the “Liberty Bell” gazing at its famous crack; all these experiences and more, allow me to be a proud American. But the true pride in my country does not only come from its humble beginnings, but from its ability to admit its mistakes and to continue to improve and strive for the common man.  My country is not perfect, because I am not perfect. But since I want to be a better man each day, my country can be a better country each day.

With such noble and God-given beginnings, we can continue to strive for all the noble goals we were founded on; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

God bless the United States of America.

Appreciating of Our Parents

 

 

Pritchard Orthodontic’s “Parent’s Day Contest” 

The Appreciation of Our Parents

This Father’s Day completed our annual Parent’s Day Contest. Every spring we combine Mother’s Day and Father’s Day into a contest for both Mom and Dad. The contest is simple, our patients enter their name and phone number, along with a short paragraph on “Why your parents are the best.”

This year the prize is a $100 gift certificate to Big Al’s in Cascade Park. Last year it was a spa day for Mom and a car detail for Dad. Prizes that I think parents, and I being a parent, would like.

This small event brings so much fun and enjoyment to our office environment. The look on the young people’s faces as they write down a few words on their parents is priceless. One can actually see the wheels of their brain turning as they try to put down into words how much they love and appreciate their parents.

For us as a staff, the fun begins when we read the entries and try to pick a winner.  The answers are simply amazing. They can be described as heartfelt, sometimes sad, hugely appreciative, funny, silly, and a pleasure to read. So I have entered a few of the many answers for your reading enjoyment. And also to appreciate what great young people we have, and the honorable parents we get to see on a daily basis.

 “They always encourage me to do my best.”

“They sacrifice time and money on things I need, instead of getting them for themselves.”

 “They are always behind me and care for me.”

 “Mom and Dad told about Jesus.”

 “They give me candy.”

 “They always stand up for me.”

“They drive me all over the place.”

“They take care of 7 children.”

“They work 2 jobs to keep a roof under my head.”

“They steer me in the right path.”

“They fight for freedom every day.”

“I can count on them being there for me.”

“They home schooled 8 kids and never complained, but loved us all the same.”

“They feed me (half the time).”

“I always know that they love me.”

“My Dad takes me fishing.”

“I have everything I need.”

“They work hard every day for our family.”

“They teach me about God.”

“They take me camping.”

“My Dad plays tether ball with me, and my Mom plants flowers with me.”

“They are sweet, kind and loving to all 11 kids.”

“They love me.”

“They just are, trust me.”

“They work hard to pay for my braces.”

“Because they paid for my braces.”

“They allowed me to get braces.”

“They buy my braces to get my teeth straight.”

“Because they take me to Dr. Pritchard, the best orthodontist in the world.”

 

See what I mean. What amazing answers. Now, I am biased toward the last answer, but the bottom line for being a parent: love our children, and we don’t know what to do, love our children. They are us, for the future.   And all we have to do is be there, be supportive, guide them, nurture them, talk to them, and listen to them. What a privilege. Thank you parents for all that you do.

Some Smile Tips!

 

Do you know the Keys to a Better Smile? Some of us are uncomfortable smiling, or at the least a little unsure about our grin. Boosting confidence in you and your smile can be simple though especially when you have a few quick steps to follow.

Wiki How offered up a great story titled “How to Smile”

Highlights from the article included

·        Practice good hygiene.

·        Get comfortable with smiling.

·        Think happy thoughts.

·        Smile with your eyes

·        Develop your smile.

·        If you want to improve your smile, look at pictures of smiles that you believe are beautiful.

For the full story you can go here: http://www.wikihow.com/Smile

Do you know someone with a great smile? What makes their smile so special? Offer up your smile stories or tips on our Twitter or Facebook page and you will be automatically entered to win a fun prize that is sure to make you smile.

 Visit our Homepage to get your smile on track: http://pritchardortho.com/

Running and Reading

The world is full of amazing people.  Sometimes, the less amazing people get way too much attention than they deserve; however, I just saw a Will Smith video on YouTube that was simply a breath of fresh air.   I found his video looking for some video on reading and writing, and “Poof” Will Smith shows up.  What a nice surprise.

I have appreciated Will Smith since his early days on TV.  He seems to have “it” together.  While life for him is the same for all of us: a combination of struggle, work, and striving.  He does seem to be achieving his dreams quite well, while at the same time, acknowledging the many blessings and good fortune that have come his way. For me, what I really admire, is his continuing pursuit to become a better person, not being satisfied or contented, he continues to work hard, and continues to grow as a person, a husband, and a father; as well in his professional pursuits.

What about the video?  Will Smith was accepting an award, on Nickelodeon, I believe, and in his acceptance he said a lot in just a couple of minutes.  In summary his comments about “Running and Reading”  provide a solid basis for personal growth and success.  Let me paraphrase his comments: 

Running allows us to get acquainted with our inner voice, the one that tells us to “Stop!” when we’re tired, the one that says “Enough!” and allows us to train that little voice to push through and go farther, to go beyond what we think we can do, and achieve and reach goals we thought were beyond our reach.

Reading allows us to learn about the past.  How people in the past solved the same problems we are facing today.  With all the billions of people who been on this earth in the past, there is nothing new under our sun.  By reading, we can learn today, about the past, for a better tomorrow.

Those who know me, know that I am always enjoying a book.  When I see someone so “Gung Ho” on reading, I think that person is right on.  So kudos to Will Smith. 

Let’s go running and reading.  We’ll become better people for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world.

Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEMEBBwO6J8

http://pritchardortho.com/FunZoneResources/BookReview.aspx

5 Step Plan

This blog is a tribute to Seth Godin.  A truly unique American idea man and an inspiration to many who strive to think outside the box. 

In the trenches of everyday life, the big picture of life is easily overlooked.  By easy, I mean instantly.  When we get up in the morning, with the intention of great plans and goals, by the time we head out the door to our daily life, our picture for the day, the month, our year, and even our lives, is already starting  to fade.

It is so important to review where we are and compare it to the mental map we have for ourselves.  Anyone who can fly an airplane, or sail a boat, knows that the flight plan or the harbor you’re heading toward indicates the goal, but the path there has to be constantly monitored, adjusted, and readjusted.  In flying and in boating, if the course is not adjusted, there is a high probability that you will not make it to your destination. 

There are too many influences on our paths, let alone our lives, to live our lives on automatic pilot. In flying and boating, there are influences like current, wind, weather and obstacles that must be taken into account. A pilot friend of mine, who is a life long pilot, crop duster, private pilot has told me of place in the Northwest, where the wind and topography of the land make it possible for him to fly his small plane going about 90 knots, yet his ground speed is actually negative.  He is flying backwards.!

My point is this. Am I sprinting through life as fast as I can, but am I really accomplishing anything, or even doing the very things that I want to do?

Now back to Seth Godin.  You can Google his blog for more of his ideas, but my version of his “5 Step Plan for Anyone” is this:

1. Go. Everyday do what you enjoy doing.

2. What ever you do, do it well, and be proud of it.

3. Treat people with respect.

4. Keep your promises.

5. Do. Make things happen.

 

When in doubt, see #1.

Technology in Dentistry: Lasers

 

Lasers in dentistry work like lasers for any other use, by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for “curing” a filling, the laser helps to set the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth whitening procedures, the laser acts as a light source and enhances the effect of tooth bleaching agents.  What changes the use and purpose of the laser is the amount of energy or the frequency of the light wave that is needed for the specific procedure.

A partial list of procedures that dentists are using lasers to treat:

• Tooth decay. Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for placing a resotration. Lasers are also used to “cure” or set a filling to it’s maximum hardness.
• Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria .
• Biopsy or lesion removal. Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for diagnosis.  Laser are also used to remove lesions or growths in the mouth; and relieve the pain of oral sores, like canker sores, or fever blisters.
• Teeth whitening. Lasers are used to speed up the in-office bleaching techniques. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is “activated” by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.

Why use a Laser in Dentistry?

Benefits: 
Compared to the traditional dental drill, lasers:

• May cause less pain in some instances, therefore, reducing the need for anesthesia
• May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill
• Almost no, or very little bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments
• May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal

Disadvantages:

• Lasers can’t be used on teeth with fillings already in place.
• Lasers can’t be used in all dental procedures. For example, lasers can’t be used to fill cavities located between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown.
• Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used.
• Lasers may not eliminate the need for anesthesia.

When looking into having a variety of dental procedures, ask your dentist if a laser procedure would be of benefit, and the dentist will explain the specific advantages and disadvantages for your particular dental needs.