One of my mentors, and the 83 year old developer of Biobloc Orthotropics, John Mew, was interviewed on television in New Zealand while on a speaking tour there. Some great info in this Q&A about his alternative approach to orthodontics in growing individuals: kids, teens, adults.
-Dr. Darin.

From MediaWorks TV; watch the video here:

What if in the process of straightening teeth orthodontists are actually damaging your face?

It’s a claim which has long been made by English orthodontist John Mews, and for those claims he’s been labelled a ‘maverick’ by others in the industry.

But now there are general dentists in New Zealand supporting him and offering his alternative treatment called orthotropics.

Those who offer the method claim they too are being ostracised by an outdated industry who aren’t making patients aware there are other options than braces to straighten teeth.

Clear Orthodontic Solutions is pleased to announce an outstanding new clear braces technology. now available at our Downtown Calgary – Banker’s Hall location! Damon System clear braces combines the best of traditional clear braces and invisible aligners.

The Damon System combines tieless braces with high technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results.

Contact Us Today to find out if Damon System braces are right for you.

One of my mentors, and the 83 year old developer of Biobloc Orthotropics, John Mew, was interviewed on television in New Zealand while on a speaking tour there. Some great info in this Q&A about his alternative approach to orthodontics in growing individuals: kids, teens, adults.
-Dr. Darin.

From MediaWorks TV; watch the video here:

What if in the process of straightening teeth orthodontists are actually damaging your face?

It’s a claim which has long been made by English orthodontist John Mews, and for those claims he’s been labelled a ‘maverick’ by others in the industry.

But now there are general dentists in New Zealand supporting him and offering his alternative treatment called orthotropics.

Those who offer the method claim they too are being ostracised by an outdated industry who aren’t making patients aware there are other options than braces to straighten teeth.

Calgary, Alberta Orthodontist provides Invisible Arch Development with light wire Crozat, Kernott, and ALF appliances.

The Crozat light wire orthodontic appliance, in place behind the upper teeth.

Dr. Ward began to study the Crozat technique in 2001 when he joined the American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics and completed their Orthodontic curriculum as a general dentist. Since that time he has utilized Crozat appliances and its successors, the even lighter Kernott appliance (developed by Dr. Bob Kernott) and the ALF appliance (developed by Dr. Darick Nordstrom) because:

• Their minimally invasive size which takes up LESS tongue space
• Their relative invisibility when in the mouth
• Their physiologic forces that gently move teeth
• Their versatility and what can be accomplished without bulky appliances and painful surgery

What is a Crozat Light Wire Appliance?

The Crozat light wire orthodontic appliance, in place behind the bottom teeth.

What is a Crozat? Its a light wire orthodontic appliance invented and popularized in the early 1900′s by Dr. George B. Crozat (1894-1966). Dr. Crozat was a graduate of the Dewey School of Orthodontics in 1916 who practiced in New Orleans, Louisianna.

Dr. Crozat preferred lighter forces when moving teeth that he felt would give nature a chance to “express herself” and would allow the natural forces of function to have an influence on the positions of the teeth. To Crozat, this allowed changes in muscle function that were as important, if not more important, than the specific tooth movements.

In children, Crozat appliances allow nearly invisible development of the dental arches to make room for permanent teeth and avoid painful extractions. The light forces of Crozat appliances are far more gentle and physiologic than those of and bulky acrylic “jack-screw” appliances that “rapidly expand the palate.” Since it’s a removable appliance, the Crozat allows better oral hygiene for both adults and children.

The popularity of Invisalign® has shown how important it is for many patients to wear appliances that make the orthodontics “invisible”. Crozats fill that need very well. For example, they have been ideal for many patients who are “ITB” (i.e., “in the (acting) business”) in California, precisely because they can be removed at times when filming takes place. While Invisalign® is not usually indicated in the mixed dentition for child actors, Crozats can often work well at that time because they can be continually modified when necessary. For adults, Crozats are often even more inconspicuous than Invisalign®. If fixed appliances or Invisalign® are utilized in combination with Crozats, the Crozats will minimize the amount of time in braces or aligners.

Dr. Ward is now an instructor for the AAGO and teaches three of their 5 continuing education courses given each year.

Season's Greetings from Dr. Darin Ward!

Dr. Ward and family with their 6-foot-tall “Snow Bunny” after the 13″ of snowfall on April 2nd!! We love Calgary!

Dr. Darin and baby Rogan: born 11/1/10!

We are happy to announce that Rogan James Ward was born Monday 11/1/10 at 11:42 PM. Although he came two weeks early, Rogie weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21.5″ long. Mama and baby are happy and healthy at home and daddy says he’s the luckiest guy in the world!

A special thank you to the patients whose appointments were rescheduled due to this most auspicious event!

Orthotropics to help maximize your child’s jaw growth now available in downtown Calgary..

Orthotropics(TM) to help maximize your child’s jaw growth now available in downtown Calgary.

Dr. Ward is the only Calgary, Alberta orthodontist who has completed the Biobloc Orthotropics™ mini-residency being taught by Dr. Bill Hang in Westlake Village, California. Dr. Hang’s treatment of growing children revolves around Biobloc Orthotropics while his treatment of adults revolves around airway, Obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ management, and development of the profile through surgical and non-surgical treatment.

Dr. Darin Ward is now providing Biobloc Orthotropic™ treatment for children ages 3-12 yrs, and is utilizing the diagnostic concepts of airway maximization and full facial development in his diagnosis and treatment planning for Adults.

Over 50 years ago, Dr. Mew came up with the concept of Orthotropics™: that malocclusions (crowded teeth, crooked teeth, “buck teeth”, deep overbites, etc.) are not just genetic and inevitable, but that the growth of the jaws and face are actually determined by one’s resting oral posture. While practicing as a general dentist, Dr. Darin was first exposed to Orthotropics™ when he attended a lecture by orthodontist Dr. John Mew in 2002. Two years later Darin attended a lecture by Dr. Bill Hang, the only North American based instructor of Biobloc Orthotropics™, and knew he must learn this technique to help maximize the growth and development of his growing patients.

Learn more about resting oral posture Bioblock Orthotropics™ treatment.

Below is a link to the AAGO: The American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics. I have been a member of this group since 2001 and would not have pursued a career in orthodontics if it was not for their influence on my practice. The AAGO sonsists of GP and specialist dentists comitted to keeping the Crozat/Wiebricht philosophy and treatment alive and well in the dental profession.

AAGO memers diagnose and treatment plan taking into consideration the whole person. This includes but is not limited to maximizing growth and development, consideration of cranial strain patterns by working with adjunctive health care practicioners and treating with Crozat, Kernott, and ALF light wire appliances, Orthotropics and Bioblock treatment, as well as conservative management of TMJ signs and symptoms. For all my fellow residents from CU ortho, this is where the Crozats in my “out of the box” treatment plans come from. The only limit to Crozats and similar light wire appliances is your imagination!

Welcome to Clear Orthodontic at Bankers Hall, now the exclusive practice of Dr. Darin Ward. Dr. Ward has been helping Calgary-area patients since 2008, and is pleased to continue serving the Calgary community as the primary Orthodontic Specialist at Clear Orthodontic.

As part of the change of ownership, Dr Ward is please to welcome you to this new website, complete with tools for patients, and expanded resources to help you find the information you need about your orthodontic care and options. Please drop us a line with any questions you may have, or suggestions on how we can better serve you!