Whether you stumbled on ArchWired.com from a search engine, or someone told you about it, thanks for dropping in!
This is a site for adults who have orthodontic braces, or who are considering getting braces to straighten their teeth. Parents of children in braces may also find the information on this site helpful. This is not a fetish site.
When I finally decided to get braces in 2002, I did some web searching, myself. All I I found were sites for kids, site for teenagers, sites written by orthodontists, or sites for people with a fetish for braces. But a site for an adult who wanted non-biased information and support? Well, it didn’t really exist as such.
So, I decided to create it.
I’m an adult who wanted straight teeth. I was in braces for almost 3 years, from ages 41 to 44, and am currently wearing Hawley retainers at night. You can see photos of my treatment here.
The opinions I express on this site are strictly my own. My orthodontists, Dr. Vogt and Dr. Ellerhorst, give me information for the site from time to time (when I ask for specific information or clarification), but they is not affiliated with it. Dr. Ellerhorst recently became an advisor to the site and helps to ensure that the information is accurate and correct. Dr. Ellerhorst’s profile is below. My goal is to provide information and support for other adults going through (or considering) orthodontics. As a former technical writer, I try to thoroughly research all the articles and present a fair and balanced view of various orthodontic subjects.
Along with ArchWired.com, I own DentaKit.com, an internet retail site that specializes in products for orthodontic patients. From time to time, I mention or link to some products from DentaKit.com. There are also affiliate links and ads from Amazon and other advertisers.
Please remember that the ultimate authority on your teeth is your own dentist or orthodontist. Someone who has examined your teeth in person is the best judge of your treatment.
If you have questions or tips you’d like to share with other adults (no fetish posts, please), you can add them to the Metal Mouth Message Board. If you are a dental professional, please feel free to jump in and join our Message Board when your time allows. There is no fee or obligation involved in doing so. It’s just old-fashioned “people helping people.”
If you would like to comment on the site, you can drop me a line. Please don’t ask me technical questions about your treatment — remember, I’m not a dentist!
More about me — I’m happily married and my husband and I have raised two daughters. In my free time, I like to play guitar, write poetry, watch classic movies, travel the world, do Tai Chi, and cook low carb. I’m also a huge Star Trek and Sci Fi nerd. Professionally, I have been a newspaper reporter, technical writer and technical trainer, and have spoken at various dental conferences on patient-oriented topics.
I hope you enjoy the site and that it helps you!
Sincerely,
Lynn S.
ArchWired.com Owner & Editor
in foggy Northern California, USA
Meet Our Advisors
Tom Ellerhorst D.D.S., M.S.D.
Dr. Tom Ellerhorst, (aka “Dr. Tom,”) grew up in San Mateo, California. He attended Junipero Serra High School, where he was selected Valedictorian and Varsity Soccer Blanket Award winner. He studied at the University of San Francisco graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. He earned his Dental and Masters degree at the University of the Pacific, in San Francisco.
Dr. Tom is a second-generation dentist following in the footsteps of both his mother (Dr. Ann Marie Silvestri) and father (Dr. Thomas Ellerhorst). He joined our team in June of 2004 and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontists (Board Certified), an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), San Mateo County Dental Society, California Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA). He is an Invisalign Premiere Provider. His office website is: https://www.sanmateo-orthodontist.com/
Dr. Tom had the opportunity to aid in the repair and rehabilitation of over 175 children born with cleft lip and/or palate in Guatemala and found that volunteer mission to be the most humbling and rewarding experience of his life. He continues to help those in need, performing free dental screenings for the County of San Mateo. Continuing education is also a very important aspect of Tom’s professional life, including the 2-week Tweed Course, widely considered one of the most intense orthodontic courses given today.