Eugene, Oregon, is a captivating community that promises an invigorating blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Known for its lush landscapes and passionate spirit, Eugene offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to a broad spectrum of residents. Home to the University of Oregon, this city thrives with intellectual energy and creativity, fostering a vibrant ambiance that resonates across its population.
Residents of Eugene cherish its commitment to sustainability and green living. The city is a leader in environmental initiatives, encouraging a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. With extensive bike paths and numerous parks, including the picturesque Alton Baker Park, outdoor enthusiasts find a haven for adventure and relaxation. Eugene's connection to the Willamette River provides ample opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
Culture aficionados find joy in Eugene's bustling arts scene, which features theaters, galleries, and music festivals. The city's dedication to creativity is celebrated through events like the Oregon Country Fair and the Eugene Saturday Market, where local artisans and farmers come together to share their crafts and produce.
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Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene,
4 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Fall Issue
Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon, is a captivating community that promises an invigorating blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Known for its lush landscapes and passionate spirit, Eugene offers an exceptional quality of life that appeals to a broad spectrum of residents. Home to the University of Oregon, this city thrives with intellectual energy and creativity, fostering a vibrant ambiance that resonates across its population.
Residents of Eugene cherish its commitment to sustainability and green living. The city is a leader in environmental initiatives, encouraging a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. With extensive bike paths and numerous parks, including the picturesque Alton Baker Park, outdoor enthusiasts find a haven for adventure and relaxation. Eugene's connection to the Willamette River provides ample opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
Culture aficionados find joy in Eugene's bustling arts scene, which features theaters, galleries, and music festivals. The city's dedication to creativity is celebrated through events like the Oregon Country Fair and the Eugene Saturday Market, where local artisans and farmers come together to share their crafts and produce.
Eugene, with its thriving community spirit and breathtaking setting, invites everyone to experience its unique charm and opportunity for growth, making it a delightful place to call home.
Hello Eugene, Oregon • Fall Issue |5
Experience the Vibrant Charm of Eugene,
The Role of Dentofacial Orthopedics in Growth Modification
Dentofacial orthopedics represents a foundational aspect of orthodontic care that is often misunderstood outside of clinical settings. While orthodontics is commonly associated with the alignment of teeth, dentofacial orthopedics goes further, addressing the structural development of the jaws and facial
bones. This area of practice is particularly significant during childhood and adolescence, when skeletal growth is active and can be purposefully directed.The aim of dentofacial orthopedic treatment is to correct skeletal imbalances by harnessing natural growth spurts. Appliances such as palatal
6 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Fall Issue
The Role of Dentofacial Orthopedics in Growth Modification
Dentofacial orthopedics represents a foundational aspect of orthodontic care that is often misunderstood outside of clinical settings. While orthodontics is commonly associated with the alignment of teeth, dentofacial orthopedics goes further, addressing the structural development of the jaws and facial bones. This area of practice is particularly significant during childhood and adolescence, when skeletal growth is active and can be purposefully directed. The aim of dentofacial orthopedic treatment is to correct skeletal imbalances by harnessing natural growth spurts. Appliances such as palatal expanders, facemasks, and headgear are employed not merely to shift teeth, but to guide jaw development. For instance, in the case of an underbite caused by a retrusive upper jaw, a protraction facemask can stimulate forward maxillary growth. Similarly, a narrow upper arch can be widened with an expander, helping to address crossbites and prevent asymmetrical development. Timing is a critical factor in orthopedic intervention. Treatment is most effective when initiated during peak growth periods, typically between ages 7 and 11. During these years, bones are more responsive to orthopedic forces, allowing for more substantial and stable changes. After puberty, the jawbones begin to solidify, limiting the extent of non-surgical correction. Failure to address skeletal discrepancies during this developmental window may result in a need for more invasive measures, such as orthognathic surgery, later in life. Early identification and timely action can reduce both the complexity and cost of future treatment. This approach also supports more harmonious facial aesthetics and improved functional outcomes. Proper jaw alignment can positively influence speech, breathing, and chewing efficiency. Thus, dentofacial orthopedics not only enhances occlusion but also contributes to broader craniofacial health.
Dr. Ben Thornton
address crossbites and prevent asymmetrical development.Timing is a critical factor in orthopedic intervention. Treatment is most effective when initiated during peak growth periods, typically between ages 7 and 11. During these years, bones are more responsive to orthopedic forces, allowing for more substantial and stable changes. After puberty, the jawbones begin to solidify, limiting the extent of non-surgical correction.Failure to address skeletal discrepancies during this developmental window may result in a need for more invasive measures, such as orthognathic surgery, later in life. Early identification and timely action...
expanders, facemasks, and headgear are employed not merely to shift teeth, but to guide jaw development. For instance, in the case of an underbite caused by a retrusive upper jaw, a protraction facemask can stimulate forward maxillary growth. Similarly, a narrow upper arch can be widened with an expander, helping to
Early dentofacial orthopedic intervention can significantly reduce the need for future surgical procedures.
About the Author
Since 2003, Dr. Ben Thornton has dedicated his career to transforming lives through orthodontics. He approaches each day with enthusiasm for helping patients reach their treatment goals, supported by a skilled and compassionate team. For Dr. Thornton, orthodontics is about more than straightening teeth—it’s about building confidence and lasting relationships. Grateful for the trust his patients place in him, he takes pride in creating a warm, family-friendly environment where every patient f...
HelloEugene, Oregon • Fall Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
Invisalign – Balancing Flexibility and Compliance
by Ben Thornton
Invisalign has reshaped the field of orthodontics, providing patients with an option beyond traditional fixed braces. Instead of brackets and wires, this system uses clear aligners to guide gradual tooth movement. These removable appliances appeal to adolescents and adults who want an effective treatment option without the visibility of metal orthodontic appliances.Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners give patients flexibility. They can be taken out during meals, while brushing and flossing, or for special occasions. This makes it easier to maintain oral health, since
8 | HelloEugene, Oregon • Fall Issue
Ben Thornton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
patients can brush and floss normally without working around brackets and wires. It also reduces the likelihood of unexpected visits for broken hardware or irritation caused by fixed appliances.This flexibility, however, depends heavily on orthodontic compliance. The aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to deliver the intended results. Removing them for too long interrupts the sequence of aligner therapy and slows tooth movement. Consistent wear of Invisalign aligners is essential for effective and timely treatment outcomes. When patient adherence is poor, treatment results may take longer, and
Hello Eugene, Oregon • Fall Issue |9
Invisalign – Balancing Flexibility and Compliance
Invisalign has reshaped the field of orthodontics, providing patients with an option beyond traditional fixed braces. Instead of brackets and wires, this system uses clear aligners to guide gradual tooth movement. These removable appliances appeal to adolescents and adults who want an effective treatment option without the visibility of metal orthodontic appliances.
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners give patients flexibility. They can be taken out during meals, while brushing and flossing, or for special occasions. This makes it easier to maintain oral health, since patients can brush and floss normally without working around brackets and wires. It also reduces the likelihood of unexpected visits for broken hardware or irritation caused by fixed appliances.
This flexibility, however, depends heavily on orthodontic compliance. The aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to deliver the intended results. Removing them for too long interrupts the sequence of aligner therapy and slows tooth movement. Consistent wear of Invisalign aligners is essential for effective and timely treatment outcomes. When patient adherence is poor, treatment results may take longer, and refinements or additional sets of aligners may be required.
The success of Invisalign treatment is rooted in digital orthodontics. Using digital technology, orthodontists design a treatment plan where each aligner moves teeth by about 0.25 millimeters. This controlled process allows aligner treatment to progress in small, predictable steps. Regular appointments ensure that aligner technologies are working as planned, with adjustments made when needed. Patient feedback during these visits also helps identify concerns such as discomfort or potential side effects.
Although aligner therapy is highly effective for many, it is not a solution for every case. Some complex bite issues and malocclusion correction may still require fixed braces or a combination of aligner and bracket treatment. Orthodontists rely on digital imaging, bite analysis, and guidelines from organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists to determine which treatment options are most suitable.
Another benefit of removable braces is the impact on long term oral health. Because aligners can be removed to brush and floss, there is less risk of plaque buildup compared to fixed braces. This helps prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay during treatment. Patients often find that aligner treatment supports not just straighter teeth but also improved patient comfort and confidence throughout the process.
For patients who are motivated and disciplined, aligner treatment can deliver excellent treatment outcomes. The balance of convenience, discretion, and digital precision reflects the advances of modern aligner technologies. Informed patients who commit to wearing aligners as prescribed usually experience predictable treatment results and a smoother orthodontic journey.
Invisalign represents a major step forward in aligner therapy, offering flexibility while relying on strong patient adherence. Its blend of digital orthodontics, removable appliances, and personalized treatment planning highlights how orthodontic appliances continue to evolve. For many patients, this approach provides an effective path to malocclusion correction while supporting better oral health and overall quality of life.
Consistent wear of Invisalignaligners is essentialfor effective andtimely treatment outcomes.
refinements or additional sets of aligners may be required.The success of Invisalign treatment is rooted in digital orthodontics. Using digital technology, orthodontists design a treatment plan where each aligner moves teeth by about 0.25 millimeters. This controlled process allows aligner treatment to progress in small, predictable steps. Regular appointments ensure that aligner technologies are working as planned, with adjustments made when needed. Patient feedback durin...
