Cory Liss Orthodontics is proud to support Stephen's Backpacks Society

No child should go with a Christmas gift or worry about shoes for school. This year Cory Liss Orthodontics is happy to support Stephen’s Backpacks Society by putting together backpacks filled with necessary items -- and some treats -- for local children.

We encourage everyone to support a local charity and make Christmas easier for those in need. If you would like to support Stephen’s Backpacks visit them online at www.stephensbackpacks.com

Let’s put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas.

--The team at Cory Liss Orthodontics

We Have Winners!

The following patients have won our latest competitions:

Dr. Pang's office won the Pumpkin Carving Contest

Amy won the Halloween colouring contest

Andrea won the Oral Hygiene Competition - great brushing and flossing!

Daniel won the Guess How Many Creatures contest

Good job guys!

Dr. Liss and Cory Liss Orthodontics would like to remind you that competitions run throughout the year, so make sure you check out the latest contests!!

Helping you prepare for cold and flu season, from Cory Liss Orthodontics

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms Cory Liss Orthodontics is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• 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 toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy this cold and flu season!

--Dr. Liss and team

Toothbrush Trivia From Cory Liss Orthodontics

At Cory Liss Orthodontics, we remind you all the time to brush your teeth. So we figured we'd share some fun bits of trivia about your pearly whites.

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

--Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
--The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
--On average, children smile about 400 times per day
--Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
--The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Want to know more? Ask us at Cory Liss Orthodontics. We love to talk teeth.

Good Breath Gone Bad -- Dr. Liss Explains

At Cory Liss Orthodontics, we know that bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! We want you to know though, that bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all revealed from Cory Liss Orthodontics:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

Come visit us at Cory Liss Orthodontics if you have any questions about your teeth!

Are There Teeth Grinders In Your House? -- Cory Liss Orthodontics

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

--Sensitivity in the teeth
--Tightness or pain in the jaw
--Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
--Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

--Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
--Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
--Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
--Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
--When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling Cory Liss Orthodontics. Dr. Liss can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? -- Cory Liss Orthodontics

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Liss please call or visit us at Cory Liss Orthodontics.

Cory Liss Orthodontics Rewards Program

We have a great Rewards Program at Cory Liss Orthodontics. We've stepped up our prizes, in hopes that greater rewards will bring greater results. The goal for Orthodontic treatment is to have results as quickly as possible with healthy teeth and gums at the end of treatment.

Poor oral hygiene can lengthen your treatment time and affect the end results. In a constant effort to help protect our patient's investment, we are implementing a New Rewards Program. We will not only have our tokens, regular prizes, and gift certificates, but we will have ballots, and these ballots can be entered in a contest to win a Playstation 3, or a Nintendo Wii!

You can save up and put many ballots in one drawing, or enter every time you receive a ballot. We will hold a new drawing every couple of months, so you will have lots of chances to win.

With great rewards comes a little harder work. We expect good to great oral hygiene to get your tokens or ballots. If you do have good to great oral hygiene, then and only then will you qualify to receive additional tokens for on time appointments, a regular visit to your general dentist for your cleaning, and for not having anything break between appointments.

Great Rewards = Great Results at Cory Liss Orthodontics!

Check Out Our Great Office at Cory Liss Orthodontics

Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the Crowfoot Business Centre, on the corner of 200 Crowfoot Gate and Crowfoot Crescent, where free patient parking makes your appointment painless.


From the moment you walk in the doors, we treat you to the highest quality orthodontic care in a professional and comfortable atmosphere. Relax in our state-of-the-art reclining chairs while looking out our large windows and we'll take care of the rest. Give us a call today to come in for a consultation!