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Our Blog

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Happy Fourth of July 2022!

Happy Independence Day Everyone! We hope you are enjoying the long holiday weekend, and we wish you a wonderful Fourth ...
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Memorial Day 2022

May 30, 2022 “May we never forget freedom isn’t free.”- Unknown On this Memorial Day we honor and remember those ...

Happy Valentine’s Day 2022!

We wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day 2022 and hope you have a wonderful week! ...
Cute Halloween pumpkins against a graveyard silhouette and dark blue night sky

Halloween 2021 Events in Vancouver, WA—Spooky Fun for Kids and Adults

Posted on August 30th, 2021 Don't be haunted by Halloween FOMO! Check out our spooktacular list of Halloween 2021 events ...
MLK day 2022 Illustration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022

"We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future" — Dr. Martin Luther King ...
young woman flossing her beautiful, straight teeth representing one of our tips to maintaining your smile after orthodontic treatment

7 Tips to Maintain Your Amazing Smile After Orthodontic Treatment

Posted on March 12th, 2021 Check out our top tips for maintaining your amazing smile after orthodontic treatment. There's no ...
I heard your teeth are in training

Braces Care Package Ideas

Check out these braces care package, gift, and survival kit ideas. They'll help with the adjustment to braces and will ...
braces friendly sugar cookie recipe

Braces Friendly Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar cookies are a time-honored holiday tradition that are as fun to cut out and decorate as they are to ...
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Veterans Day 2021

November 11, 2021 “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never ...
Halloween candy guide for braces

Three Tips for a Braces Friendly Halloween from Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC

Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC would like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy Halloween! And although we recently wrote ...
free orthodontic themed halloween coloring pages

Ortho Themed Halloween Coloring Pages Free Download

Hey kids (and parents)!! In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided three ortho-themed ...
October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October gives us many things to smile about: Gorgeous fall foliage, the excitement of the approaching holiday season, and the ...
braces survival kit illustration on dark blue background featuring a bright red and blue carrying case iwth tissue, compact mirror, toothbraush, and floss

Braces Survival Kit (with Shopping List) for School, Work, or Travel

Posted on August 30th, 2021 A braces survival kit is a must-have for students heading back to school, and for ...
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Google Reviews

Calling all former and current patients!! Would you be willing to take a moment or two to leave us a ...
Packed School Lunch Ideas for Kids with Braces

Easy Braces-Friendly School Lunch Packing Ideas

If your child started orthodontic treatment over the summer and will be returning to school with a sparkling new set ...
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Happy Fourth of July 2021 Vancouver, Wa!

Happy Independence Day everyone! As you're gearing up for the holiday weekend, you may be wondering what to do in ...
beautiful woman wearing metal braces

4 Facts That Will Change Your Mind About Traditional Metal Braces

Get the facts on traditional metal braces and learn about the benefits of braces over other orthodontic treatment optons such ...
what to eat with new braces

Best Foods to Eat with Sore Mouth from New Braces or Adjustment

These are the best foods to eat the first week of new braces, after an adjustment or braces tightening, or ...
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How to Prevent White Spots from Forming on Teeth While Wearing Braces

The day your braces finally come off should be one of celebration. You should feel good about what you see ...
Calendar symbolizing delays in orthodontic treatment

Tips for Avoiding Delays in Your Orthodontic Treatment

Whether you're wearing traditional metal or clear braces, Invisalign® or another appliance, if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment you are probably ...

Rubber Band Wear

*Rubber bands are to be worn 24-hours per day except when brushing your teeth, unless stated otherwise by the Orthodontist.  ...
Christmas ornaments

Holiday Spirit

We're feeling the holiday spirit here at Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC! There is still time to come in for a ...
New Year New Smile

New Year, New Smile

Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015! We’d also like to ...
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December Dental Hygiene Slip Winners!

Congratulations to our December Dental Hygiene slip winners! Our patient John will receive two free movie tickets to Regal Cinemas, ...
brush braces with Sonicare toothbrush

How to Brush Teeth with Braces using Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush (with video)

Sonic electric toothbrushes make the job of brushing teeth with braces much easier, as they remove several times more plaque ...
flossing with braces

How to Floss with Braces (with video)

In addition to brushing and rinsing, flossing is an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine. And while it ...
8 questions to ask during your first orthodontic visit

8 Questions to Ask During Your Orthodontic Consultation

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the first step on that journey will be the ...
braces friendly snacks

Braces Friendly Snacks

Braces friendly snacks aren't as rare as some might think. For a brief period following the initial installation of braces ...
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Affordable Orthodontist in Vancouver, WA

At Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, we understand that budget is a concern for many families; that is why we aim to ...
Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin Roll

Braces Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes 2

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we thought we'd share some braces friendly recipes that will be delicious additions to your holiday ...
You're never too old for a healthy, confident smile!

Affordable and Convenient Orthodontic Treatment for Adults in Vancouver, WA

According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment reached ...
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Get the Perfect Smile You’ve Always Wanted in as Little as Six Months!

Are you self-conscious about your smile, but don't relish the idea of having a mouth full of metal for a ...
Artistic rendering of downtown Vancouver, WA

Feb 5th is VDA’s First Friday Downtown

If you're looking for something fun to do this Friday, check out February 5th's edition of First Friday Downtown in ...
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Damon System Clear Braces for Kids, Teens, and Adults in Vancouver, WA

Here at Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC, we offer a variety of state-of-the-art treatment options to ensure our patients receive the ...
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Family Fun This Weekend in Vancouver, WA

If you're in the local Vancouver, WA area and are looking for something fun to do with the kiddos this ...
Braces friendly recipes for mashed winter squash, cranberry pear sauce and roasted mushrooms

Braces Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes 1

With Turkey (or Tofurkey?) Day right around the corner, we thought we'd share three braces-friendly side dish recipes that can ...
Kids celebrating New Year's Eve

Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve 2016 in Vancouver, WA

If you're looking for ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with the whole family (and without the hangover), we've got ...
interproximal reduction during orthodontic treatment

What is Interproximal Reduction (IPR)? [with Video]

Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a procedure in which a small amount of enamel is shaved off of the tooth. The ...
Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD), Mini-Screw, Mini-Implant

Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) Usage in Orthodontics (with video)

If you've been researching orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you may have come across the term Temporary Anchorage ...
Your Vancouver, WA orthodontist wishes you a safe and Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day 2017 from Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists

Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC would like to wish all of you a safe and Happy Fourth of July! ...
Win a $50 Applebees Gift Card!

November 2017 Office Contest—Who are You Thankful For?

Want to Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Applebees? It's Easy! Here's How: Stop by our office during the month ...
November Office Contest Winner of $50 Applebees Gift Card Announced

And The Winner of Our November 2017 Office Contest Is…

Hey everyone! Remember last month when we gave you a chance to win a $50 Applebees gift card just by ...
Our office is collecting toys for The Doernbecher children's hospital on behalf of Macey Bodily

Our Office is Collecting Toys for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Toy Drive

Seasons Greetings, everyone! Our office is collecting toys for the Doernbecher Children's Hospital on behalf of Macey Bodily. If you ...
December Office Contest

Guess and Win with our December 2017 Office Contest!

Hello everyone! 'Tis the season for another office contest!! Stop by our office during the month of December to guess ...
New smile for the new year 2018

Welcome 2018 with a New Smile for the New Year!

If your New Year's resolution is to achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile in 2018---We can help! Our modern orthodontic ...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever ...
Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day 2018

Okay, okay---we know it's a little corny, but the sentiment is true! We do love our patients and we wish ...
Please vote for us for best orthodontist of Clark County!

Please Help Us Win Best Orthodontist of Clark County!

Calling all patients, we need your help! The Columbian is accepting nominations for Best of Clark County 2018, and we'd ...
Please vote for us for best orthodontist of Clark County!

Final Ballot for Best of Clark County 2018—Vote Now!

Great news everyone!! We made it through the first round of voting for Best of Clark County 2018! We would ...
Find an egg in this month's office contest

April 2018 Office Contest: The Egg Hunt

April's Office Contest is our Hottest Yet!! Find one of the eggs hidden around our office during the month of ...
April Office Contest Winner Announcement

Congrats to Our April 2018 Office Contest Winner!

Congratulations to our April Office Contest Winner, Katerine Perez! Katerine's name was randomly drawn from those who found the hidden ...
The winner of our Father's Day contest

And the Winner of our Father’s Day Contest is…

We'd like to extend a hearty congratulations to our Father's Day office contest winners! Ashlyn and her dad won a ...
Winners of our back to school office contest

Back to School Office Contest Winners

And the winners are... Congratulations to Ezra and Meagan! These lucky winners of our back to school office contest received ...
stop in to win a $25 Menchie's gift card!

Pick Your Favorite Pumpkin for a Chance to Win—2018 October Office Contest

Hey everybody! Our October office contest is in full swing! To participate, just stop by during the month of October ...
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Veterans Day 2020

"Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul." -- Michel de Montaigne Today and ...
Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving 2020!

“We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or ...

Holiday Food Drive and Office Contest December 2018

Happy Holidays Everyone! 'Tis the season to give...and receive! For this month's office contest, we're inviting you to participate in ...
Fireworks with text Happy New Year 2020 on a dark blue background

Happy New Year 2020!

Happy New Year everyone! We wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2020! And if receiving orthodontic treatment is ...
Cute illustrated bat in the sky holding a pumpkin with candy flying out of it representing Halloween fun in Vancouver Washington

Halloween 2020 in Vancouver WA

Halloween 2020 in Vancouver, WA (or anywhere for that matter) may be approached a little differently than previous years given ...
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Should I See an Orthodontist for TMJ (TMD)?

Posted on November 16th, 2020 It is estimated that over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders (TMD). Read on ...
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Happy New Year 2021!

Posted on January 1, 2021 “As the year comes to a close, it is a time for reflection – a ...
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10 Best Lip Balms of 2021 for Dry, Chapped Lips from Invisalign or Braces

Posted on February 20th, 2021 If your lips are dry and chapped from Invisalign or braces, get soothing relief fast ...
Celebrate Mother's Day 2021 in Vancouver, WA-vignette with a small, spiral-bound notebook standing on top of some old books with a red heart with Mom written inside of it on the page. Next tot he notebook is a white ceramic vase containing a few red and yellow flowers.

8 Places to Celebrate Mother’s Day 2021 in Vancouver, WA

Posted on April 30th, 2021 Wondering where to take Mom in Vancouver, WA this Mother's Day? We have 8 ideas ...
white plate with a serving of kids casserole on it from our braces friendly recipe

Kids’ Casserole

Kids' casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight that is easy to make, easy to customize, and (most importantly) easy on ...
white bowl filled with homemade braces friendly chicken noodle soup

Braces Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This braces friendly chicken noodle soup is hearty, comforting, and delicious, and it can be made in under an hour ...
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Get Back to Nature in These 4 State Parks Near Vancouver, WA

Note: We originally wrote this post in May of 2020, when 3 of the state parks near Vancouver, WA reopened ...

Three Braces Friendly Recipes for Fall that are Filled with Apple Goodness

It's officially autumn, and to celebrate we're sharing three fall recipes that feature one of our favorite flavors---apple! These dishes ...
Young woman wearing braces with cacti and skull on cracked tongue representing dry mouth

Dry Mouth from Braces? Check out These 10 Simple Solutions

If you're experiencing dry mouth from your braces (or Invisalign® or retainer), try one of our 10 simple solutions for ...
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6 Month Smiles® Before and After Photos

If you're looking for 6 Month Smiles® Before and After Photos, you've come to the right place! Not only are ...
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Yes, We’re Open!

We hope this message finds you healthy during these challenging times we've all been facing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Local ...
Girl wearing braces eating watermelon

Tips for a Braces Friendly Barbecue (with recipe)

For a braces friendly barbecue, follow these tips. Includes a delicious and braces friendly shrimp recipe to try at your ...
braces friendly overnight oats

The Most Customizable Recipe in the World: Overnight Oats

If this is the first you're hearing of overnight oats...we're kind of surprised. But, no worries, we'll get you up ...
salmon four braces friendly ways

Four Ways to Serve Braces Friendly Salmon (Recipes)

If you're looking for easy and delicious ways to incorporate salmon into your meal plan, then this is the post ...
The perfect red velvet cake recipe for your braces-wearing valentine!

Braces Friendly Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

With Valentine's Day drawing near, it's the perfect time to add another sweet treat to our braces friendly recipe collection ...
braces friendly recipes with veggies

Braces Friendly Recipes: Eat Your Veggies Edition!

It's been a while since we've posted a braces friendly recipe, so today we thought we'd share not one, but ...
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Kids Fight Plaque in Free Online Game by Colgate

If you're looking for a fun and challenging online game to play, Colgate® has you covered with "Attack of the ...
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Braces-Themed Connect the Dots Printout for Kids

Have some fun with this braces-themed connect the dots game, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists®. Right-click and save ...
ortho crossword puzzle

Ortho-themed Crossword Puzzle for Kids

Have fun with this ortho-themed crossword puzzle created by the American Association of Orthodontists®. Right-click and save the image below, ...
ortho word scramble

Ortho-themed Word Scramble for Kids

Today we're sharing a fun ortho-themed word scramble created by the American Association of Orthodontists®. Right-click and save the image ...
ortho word search

Ortho Word Search for Kids

Here's a fun ortho-themed word search for kids, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists®. Right-click and save the image ...

Dentist or Orthodontist—What’s the Difference and Why Does it Matter?

When it comes to selecting an oral health care provider, many are unaware of the differences between a general dentist ...
avocado three braces friendly ways

Avocado Three [Braces-Friendly] Ways

Being equally nutritious and delicious, avocados are a great addition to any braces-friendly menu. With that in mind, we are ...
8 signs your child may need braces

8 Signs That Your Child May Need Braces

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have their first orthodontic check up by age 7, as early orthodontic ...
Braces friendly recipe for ultimate potato soup.

Ultimate! Potato Soup

This braces-friendly potato soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You can get creative with toppings and add-ins, ...
hygiene slip reward program

New Dental Hygiene Reward Slip Program

Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC is starting a "Dental Hygiene Reward Slip" program to reward patients for maintaining their beautiful smiles!!! ...
5 Myths About Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

5 Myths About Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

Many people pass on orthodontic treatment that would greatly improve the confidence and oral health of themselves or their loved ...
12 Reasons to Choose Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists PLLC as your Vancouver area Orthodontist

12 Reasons to Choose Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC as Your Vancouver Area Orthodontist

We know that selecting the right orthodontist for yourself or your child can feel like a daunting task, especially with ...

Summer Smoothie

Here is our assistant Danielas' favorite recipe for sore teeth. It's like summer in a glass! Summer Smoothie Print Ingredients ...

Appointment Reminders

Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC is pleased to announce that we now provide appointment reminders via email or text. If you prefer ...
Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

This baked version of the Italian classic is sure to be a hit with your whole family, braces-wearers, or not ...
Three Cheese Macaroni

Three-Cheese Macaroni Extravaganza

Cheese, cheese, and more cheese describes this creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish---er, 'extravaganza.' This is sure to please the ...
Fudgy Cocoa Bites

Fudgy Cocoa Bites

These fudgy cocoa bites are safe enough to serve the braces-wearers in your family, and yummy enough that the rest ...

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

If you're looking for a great dessert recipe for the holidays, try these soft pumpkin cookies. They're braces friendly and ...
Care Credit

Easy Financing with Care Credit

Now you can finance your orthodontic treatment at Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists, PLLC with Care Credit! Care Credit offers a wide ...