Douglas Barden DDS MS

Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment? Dr. Douglas Barden offers consultations to meet with potential patients and answer their questions, concerns, and outline an individualized treatment plan.

At Barden Orthodontics we want you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about your orthodontic treatment plan. Here are some common questions you might want to discuss with Dr. Barden during your consultation.

• Do I need to visit my general or pediatric dentist to have any dental work done before I am ready for braces?
• Will getting braces hurt or cause any discomfort?
• How long I have to wear braces?
• How often will I have to come in for appointments?
• How will braces affect my lifestyle? Does it change the foods that I can eat and activities I can do?
• What COVID and other infectious disease safety precautions do you take in your office?
• What will my orthodontic work cost? Do you work with my insurance company?

Some other questions you might want to consider as you decide who will be your orthodontic treatment provider:

• Does the doctor and dental office specialize in orthodontics or is this a general dental practice? What type of education does the doctor have in orthodontics?
• Will I be treated by the same orthodontist or do multiple orthodontists work out of one office?
• Does the doctor provide treatment for children, teens and/or adults?
• Are comprehensive dental x-rays and other diagnostic records taken before treatment?
• Is only one type of treatment offered (such as clear aligners)? Or, is the doctor trained in a variety of treatment options and the doctor indicates which one is most effective for your individualized dental needs?
• If an emergency happens, how can you reach the doctor and when is help available?

Do you want to learn more about orthodontic treatment at Barden Orthodontics? Dr. Barden answers some Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions on his blog!

Dr. Barden and his team are always happy to answer your questions and make sure that you are comfortable with the treatment plan.  Stop in for a visit to our office, give us a call at 414-962-1281, or request an appointment online and start your journey to a beautiful smile!

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Dr. Douglas Barden is always happy to answer questions about orthodontic treatment. In this blog, Dr. Barden answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

What age should my child see an orthodontist?

Children should see an orthodontist by age 7. This allows me to look for and correct any problems sooner and without surgery. Not all children will need early treatment. Some children will benefit from early phase treatment while others won’t need treatment for several more years.

Is it safe to do mail order aligners?

Orthodontics is a medical treatment that requires supervision by a trained medical professional and should be done in-person. The American Association of Orthodontists has issued a Consumer Alert warning patients about mail order orthodontic treatments that you can read here: Consumer Alert | American Association of Orthodontists (aaoinfo.org)

How long do I need to wear my retainer for?

Once orthodontic treatment is finished to keep your smile looking its best, you will have to wear a retainer. Retainers are necessary to preserve and stabilize your results. Depending on your treatment plan you will either have a removable retainer or a fixed retainer. Fixed retainers are usually kept in for life. Removable retainers should be worn a set number of hours every day to keep your teeth from moving. We will let you know how to effectively use, and care for, your retainer when you complete treatment.

I broke/lost/my dog ate my retainer! What should I do?

Retainers are important for maintaining your beautiful smile! If you need a new retainer, call our office immediately to schedule an appointment to have a new one made. The sooner you call us the better as your teeth can move if you don't wear your retainer.

Do I need to see my dentist while in orthodontic treatment?

Yes! I will be focusing on orthodontics and moving your teeth and jaw for better alignment. You will still need to see your dentist and hygienist for regular cleanings, exams, and any other non-orthodontic dental work (such as filling cavities). l work in collaboration with your dentist to make sure you have a healthy, beautiful smile.

Do you work with adults who need orthodontic treatment?

Yes! Adults are a growing number of our patients. Some of our adult patients never had orthodontic treatment and are now looking to correct their jaw alignment or straighten their teeth. Other adult patients were treated as children but now need some smaller adjustments to their smile. We offer adults a number of cosmetically discreet treatment options so you can get the smile you want with minimal interruption to your lifestyle!

How much do braces cost?

The cost of treatment depends on the treatment plan and your individual needs. We are happy to coordinate with your dental insurance company and create a payment plan that works for your budget. You will know what to expect before you begin treatment so there are no surprise or unexpected costs.

 Do you have more questions?  We are happy to answer questions during a free consultation. Give us a call at 414-962-1281

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What is the most exciting thing to happen to a child’s tooth? No, it’s not getting braces (although everyone at Barden Orthodontics thinks that getting braces is very exciting!).  It’s losing your first (and second, and third) baby tooth!

In the United States, children usually put their lost tooth under their pillow and a tooth fairy takes the tooth and leaves money or coins.  However, did you know these tooth fairy traditions vary around the world?

Here are some of Dr. Barden's favorite traditions from around the world:

• Botswana - Children throw their lost tooth on the roof and say “Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon, please bring me a new tooth.”
• Chili - Children give the tooth to their mother who makes it into a gold or silver charm that can be worn as a necklace or earing.
• France - Children put their lost tooth under their pillow. A mouse, La Petite Souris, comes to take it and leaves a gift.
• Guatemala – Raton Miguelito takes the tooth and leaves a coin.
• Ireland – Leprechauns take the tooth and leave a gold coin.
• Pakistan - Children wrap their lost tooth in cotton. At sunset they throw it in the water for good luck.
• Sweden - Children put their lost tooth in a glass of water. In the morning, the tooth will be replaced with a coin.
• Taiwan - Children throw their lost tooth on the roof.

According to a 2018 U.S. poll the average “Tooth Fairy Rate” for a lost tooth was $3.70. Although cash may be the most popular gift, gold dollar coins, dollar bills sprayed with glitter, and even small toys are fun things to exchange for the lost tooth.

Whatever tradition you follow, the loss of a child’s first tooth is a fun dental milestone to celebrate.

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We are proud to announce that Dr. Douglas Barden has once again been listed as a TOP Dentist in the field of Orthodontics by Milwaukee Magazine. This award is based on reviews from other dentists and recognizes his expertise in orthodontics.

Dr. Barden takes pride in providing his patients with the best orthodontic treatment possible.

• Dr. Barden is involved with professional orthodontic associations. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the premier orthodontic association that requires the highest credentials and education for membership.
• Dr. Barden has served as President and board member of the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontists.
• Dr. Barden frequently attends conferences and continuing education lectures so that he has the most effective treatment options for his patients.

Barden Orthodontics’ new, state-of-the-art office was designed to be comfortable, safe, and welcoming for the entire family.

• We treat everyone like family. Patients are always greeted with a friendly smile and have an individualized treatment plan. Barden Orthodontics provides a stress-free and positive experience for patients of all ages. A favorite feature of our office is the game room featuring Pacman, Star Wars and other classic video games!
• Barden Orthodontics utilizes the newest technology to ensure the most effective treatment.
• We understand everyone is concerned about infection control at this time. At Barden Orthodontics we have always carefully followed all CDC and OSHA guidelines. We have strict adherence to sterilization and sanitation procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Dr. Barden is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We have also developed a new set of COVID-specific protocols for our office to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff.
• Barden Orthodontics has integrated multistage air filters that utilize UV lights to produce surgically clean air throughout the office.
• All treatment chairs are physically separated by walls, unlike most orthodontic offices that have an open treatment area. Each treatment room has a dedicated air filter.

We are proud that Dr. Barden has been acknowledged again by the Milwaukee Magazine selection of Top Dentists in the field of Orthodontics.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the office.

Stress can cause teeth-related problems including bruxism (grinding), which can lead to jaw and facial pain, and headaches.

Here are some suggestions on Healthy Ways to Manage Life Stress based on psychological research.

• Manage your stress around the COVID-19 media coverage with helpful recommendations from the American Psychological Association. Their suggestions include keeping things in perspective and getting the facts from reputable media sources. Learn more at https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/pandemics
• Engage in activities that you enjoy. Even while social distancing, you can still engage in pleasurable activities. If you enjoy listening to music, a number of musicians are streaming their concerts online. We love that the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is streaming concerts online. Try watching a movie or reading a good book. The Milwaukee Public Library has online books and movies to check out.  Or, you could try cooking a new "braces friendly" recipe.
• Find ways to relax. The internet is filled with yoga and meditation videos. Psychologists recommend these activities to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Stay connected to friends and family. Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Chat on the phone, text, or use video calls to talk with friends and family members.  Social relationships are important for reducing loneliness and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Focus on behaviors that promote your overall health.  Continue to eat healthy, exercise the best you can in your home or go for walks outside (staying 6 feet from others), and try to maintain a regular sleep pattern.
• Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth daily! You might be social distancing, but good oral hygiene is still necessary.

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