Dr. V Reminds You That Regular Checkups Are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Valeriano Orthodontics' Holiday Hours - Charlotte, NC

The holiday season is upon us, and that means in the next couple weeks Valeriano Orthodontics will have special office hours.

Dr. Valeriano will be out of the office the week of December 22nd through the 28th.

The 22nd and 23rd are office administrative catch-up days. A few members of our team, including a patient manager, will be in the office from 8am to 5pm. If you have an orthodontic emergency during this time please call our office and we will be able to help you.

We will be “CLOSED” December 24th, 2008 through December 29th, 2008.

December 29th and 30th we will be open from 8am to 5pm.

On December 31st our practice will be open from 8am to 2pm.

Our office will again be “CLOSED” January 1, 2009 (New Years Day) and January 2, 2009.

We will reopen again on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 8am.

Even while our office is closed we will have a patient manager on-call in case you have an orthodontic emergency. You can retrieve our patient manager’s number by calling our office at (704) 364-6544 and listening to the current recording.

We wish all of our patients and their families a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy!

If you are looking for a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy in addition to brushing and flossing, we recommend using new MI Paste. This product has the ability to deliver calcium phosphate and fluoride directly to the teeth, helps prevent tooth decalcification, can repair any permanent stains, and can also reduce tooth sensitivity.

So how do you use MI Paste?

• Apply the paste at bed time after a thorough brushing

• Place a pea sized amount on your finger and rub onto teeth at the gum line and areas of decalcification (permanent staining). Repeat for other arch

• Leave the paste in place for 3 minutes and then rub the teeth with your tongue

• Do NOT eat, drink or rinse after use for at least 8 hours

This product is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to milk protein or hydroxybenzoates.

Lactose intolerant patients CAN use MI Paste.

MI Paste is not to be used in place of your regular toothpaste. This is a wonderful product that can give great results if used regularly. This product is available for all of our patients to purchase in our office, and makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!

Holiday Foods to Avoid - and Tasty Treats to Eat

Having braces can be tough, especially during the holiday season when there are so many delicious treats everywhere. While it may be tempting, we always recommend that our patients avoid any foods that are hard, chewy, sticky or gooey. Hard foods can break brackets and sticky foods will easily get caught in the bracket and wires.

We still want you to enjoy this time of year though, so here are some suggestions of foods that are “braces-friendly” and will still taste every bit as sweet!

• Soft candies like chocolate or fudge WITHOUT nuts
• Soft cookies
• Cake or pie

As always, remember to brush and floss after eating!!!

Calendar of Events for Valeriano Orthodontics

At Valeriano orthodontics we’re always looking for new ways to make our office a fun, inviting place for all of our patients. To keep things interesting, we have several different contests taking place right now!

Here is a list of our current contests:

• Second Harvest Food Drive – this is a great opportunity for everybody involved! Bring in non-perishable food items to our office now through December 31st and help support those in our community who are in need this holiday season. Your donation will automatically enter you to win a Target gift card.

• How many? – if you’ve been to our practice lately you will have noticed a giant jar of candy sitting on our front counter! All of our patients are invited to guess how many pieces of candy are in the jar. The patient with the closest guess will win the entire jar!

Ongoing Contests:

• Limo Party – we want to reward to your referring your friends and family members. Every time one of our patients refers a new patient to our practice, they are entered into a drawing for a pizza and limo party at Brixx Pizza. The winner gets to choose five friends for their personal limo party; so get out there and start spreading the word!

• V-Bucks – orthodontic treatment can be difficult; there are so many restrictions on what you can and can’t eat, how to brush your teeth, when to wear your appliances, and so on. Dr. Valeriano and his team want to reward patients for taking care of their appliances, being on-time for their appointments, and having good oral hygiene. We give out patients V-Bucks (monopoly money) that our patients can save and cash in for gift cards to Brixx, Target, Ben and Jerry’s, Abercrombie and Fitch, Dicks Sporting Goods, and many more.

• VIP Program – this is our program geared toward our patients who are not quite ready to start orthodontic treatment, but we are still watching them grow and develop to know when orthodontic treatment might be necessary. VIP members get to enter into our drawing for our “BIG prize!” VIP members be sure to bring your VIP cards to your next appointment. If you are part of our Growth and Development program and do not have a VIP card yet, please ask for one at your next visit!

Extra, Extra, Read all about it:

• Fall Newsletter – we just sent our fall newsletter last week! In the newsletter you will find information about our staff, new contests, and helpful information regarding insurance, healthcare savings, and more! If you have not received your newsletter through the mail, you may pick one up in our office or feel free to call us at (704) 364-6544 and we will mail you a copy!

We believe that orthodontics is more than just creating beautiful smiles; we want your time spent with us to be fun and rewarding!

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Mooooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 704-364-6544 or visit www.valerianoorthodontics.com.

Flat Dr. V Travels the World!

Flat Dr. V and his friends have been traveling the world and sharing stories all summer long, and now he’s returned to Charlotte, North Carolina with tales of faraway places and tons of great photos!

This summer patients of all ages participated in Valeriano Orthodontics’ Flat Dr. V contest. In September each patient submitted photos of their summertime travels to enter the contest and win a special prize. Pictures were judged based on nine different categories, and one winner was chosen for each category. The pictures are amazing and it is clear that Dr. V had a busy summer with tons of exciting adventures!

Here are the winning photographs of each of the nine categories. Contest winners won a gift card to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream – Yum!

Winners:

Most Creative – Shannon Foster (imitating Flat Dr. V)
Funniest – Tucker Albert (tug-o-war dogs)
Most Historical – Everett Echevarria (Rome)
Farthest – Amy Button (Sydney, Australia)
Tastiest – Morgan and Olivia Gerik (Hershey Bars in Hershey, PA)
Most Daring – Gray Vandyke (scuba diving)
Best Celebrity – Annie Whitney (Mike Minter of the Carolina Panthers)
Strangest – Aaron Dozzi (Albert Einstein)
Best Animal – Jacob Price (picture not available)


Watch our slide show and see some of the great pictures that were submitted for our Flat Dr. V contest. Please click here to view ALL of the amazing pictures we received!

Married? Smile Bright!

It’s Fall. Leaves are turning shades of orange and red, the wind is picking up and getting cooler, and pumpkin patches are full of bright oranges pumpkins. Families gather together, kids head out trick-or-treating, and as always, wedding bells are ringing. That's right, fall is one of the best times of year to tie the knot! If you are gearing up for a wedding this fall, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Dr. Valeriano's we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring at Valeriano Orthodontics at 704-364-6544 and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

Yet another wonderful smile!

Our office received this beautiful card and we wanted to share it with you.

Dear Dr Valeriano -

As the front of the card says - we should all use the gifts He has given us. You all exemplify that command! With each individual gift you have provided such a welcoming and cheerful office and service. You all put patients at ease with your relaxed nature. We never heard an unkind word or anyone ever snapping at another. The front desk never made us feel as foolish as we already felt when we missed an appointment or came at the wrong time. Your outreach mission is a constant reminder of the needs of others and that charity can be found everywhere. I loved how you emphasize positive reinforcement over reprimands! You were always efficient, on time and attentive. Can you tell how thrilled we have been with our association? It was a joy to watch our daughter glance in mirrors yesterday at her beautiful smile! Again - you have given the gift of pride, confidence, and happiness! Thank you for such an outstanding experience!! Many thanks!

From our family to yours.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower

• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing
habits (pens, pencils, gum)

• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling Dr. Valeriano. Dr. Valeriano can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit. To schedule your complimentary exam, please call our office at 704-364-6544.

Is it Time to Schedule a Check Up?

Even with braces it's important to remember to still visit your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and teeth cleaning! At Valeriano Orthodontics we recommend our patients visit the dentist regularly to help give them the brightest, healthiest smile during and after their treatment with us.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Even during your orthodontic treatment, your dentist can examine your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue to check for problems you might not see or feel including cavities and tooth decay. Before beginning any orthodontic treatment remember to schedule a dental checkup with your dentist for any neccessary dental work you may need. Then, once you begin your orthodontic treatment remember to continue scheduling reglar dental checkups every six months!

We are always on time!

An on-time office – It's always the perfect time to discover your perfect new smile, and by running on time, we make it simple to stay right on schedule. From on-time appointments to accommodate your busy life to completing treatment as expected, we make your time with us easy and amazingly efficient. Why wait for the smile you've always wanted when you can witness the transformation in perfect time?

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

Brushing with Braces

Here are some quick tips about brushing with braces:

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Dr. Valeriano is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 704-364-6544.

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to decay – and because they are easier to keep clean. Plaque can lead to cavities and can increase the risk of gum disease.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 704-364-6544 to set up a consultation. Dr. Valeriano can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Your Friend: Fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

The Greatest Community Deserves the Greatest Thanks!

We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our great patients for the positive feedback and continuous support. Here is what some of our patients had to say about their experience at our office:

“You're the first doctor that we go to that has this (online) service. We can see x-rays check on the payments. It was really fun to see my kids’ pictures.”
– James

“It (the service) makes me feel like they actually care for the patient and provide the pateint more ways to view their information”
– Nuris

“Yesterday was my first visit and Dr. Valeriano was so nice and made me feel good about getting my spacers.”
– Lauren

“He still maintains a connection with his old neighborhood. He has pizza and movie parties for the kids. A safe outing and different from a birthday party because parents don't stay. The kids enjoy going to see him for appointments.”
– L.E. Chuck

“The professional staff, the thoroughness of our consultation, the report given to me to take home including the x-rays and photos, the call I rec'd prior to our first visit, the photos of many of the patients, the cleanliness of the office, the no-waiting for our appointment.”
– Gray

We love to make our patients smile; and they help keep us smiling! Thank you!

More Adults Getting Braces

Some could say it's a new cosmetic trend, others may say that technological advances in orthodontics have paved the way, regardless of the reasoning, their has been a dramatic increase in adults getting braces. As the nation becomes more aware of the effects of oral health on one's overall health, the urgency to have that perfect and healthy smile grows. For many, this means that getting braces is no longer "out of their age range."

It used to be that tweens and teens were the only prime candidates for braces. It is still true that the younger you are when getting braces, the easier the treatment is. This is because your body is still growing and your smile is still settling into place. This is also why many insurance companies have an age restriction when it comes to paying for braces. Yet, with the emergence of technologies like the Damon System and Invisalign, the insurance companies are wising up and cutting that age restriction to ensure that adults can take advantage in these evolved treatment options.

So, when considering getting braces, don't hesitate just because of your age. I encourage you to ask me what treatment might be right for you.

Gum and Oral Health

As oral health becomes more and more important (it's even becoming something of a fad), it's interesting to watch how gum companies have changed their ad campaigns. There's EXTRA which mainly focuses on it's low calorie weight loss appeal (it was constantly displayed on the Biggest Loser this year), Stride is all about long lasting taste, but what about Orbitz and Trident? These gums are all about dental health. In fact, the other day I saw a commercial about how Trident helps to restore tooth enamel. Now it's definitely important to know that not all gum is good for your teeth. In fact, there's quite a lot of gum that's just horrible for your teeth - like Bubblegum. So the next time you are at the checkout stand and want to get a bargain buy of gum, consider getting a pack of Trident... like Trident whitening for example.

Considering Damon Brackets?

Have you been considering getting Damon Brackets but aren't quite sure if they are right for you? There is a great deal of differences between Invisalign, the Damon System, and traditional metal braces. I have spoken a lot in this blog about those differences, but I thought it would be a good idea for you to see what some others have to say about it. Check out this video about a family's experience with Damon:

Keeping Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Braces

If you are considering traditional metal braces over Invisalign, keep in mind the upkeep required to clean your teeth. I always warn patients that they should always brush. If you don't brush, you may end up with stains on your teeth once the braces are removed. I suggest brushing 2-3 times per day.

Beyond brushing, it's also important to floss. This may be considered hard when you have braces, so it's a great thing that Paradise Dental Technologies came out with the Platypus Ortho Flosser.

Early reviews are stating that this patent pending product is well liked by patients with braces. If this is something you're interested in obtaining, you can contact your orthodontist for more information.

Keeping Your Invisalign Aligners Up to Shape

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invialign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

Braces aren't just for teenagers

The other day, while channel surfing, this image of a smiling 80 year old woman caught my eye. The title of the story being aired: 80-year-old Women Finally Has Straight Teeth. As an orthodontist in Charlotte North Carolina, I have come across patients of all ages, but this story touched a special note in my heart. It's never too late to get that perfect smile!

"Oh wow," she exclaimed while looking in the mirror. "Now my son won't have to say, 'You don't ever smile, mom,' because I'll always be smiling!"

Braces Today vs. Yesterday

I came across a great article the other day: It’s not wins, but braces helping athletes smile. This was pretty interesting, well written, and filled with some inspiring true life experiences. The author recounts his childhood with braces, explaining the pain and longevity he endured just to get that perfect straight smile. Now, years later, he coaches a basketball team where every member has braces. The comparison of his experience to theirs is something worth noting:

What past and present braces-wearing youngsters are told is they can continue to eat anything they like minus popcorn, hard candy; anything gooey and definitely off-limits is the chewing of ice. OK, that essentially wipes out movie-going during the years one wears braces. As for pizzas, orthodontists certainly can’t expect preteens to stay away from a hot cheese pizza, smothered in whatever. If mine did, I disobeyed his order.

While he viewed his time as nothing short of horrible, his students love their braces and can't help but show them off! This is testament to all of the recent innovations in orthodontics and another reason to smile!!

Watch This Invisalign Video

Here is an educational video on Invisalign that I came across. I make it a point to help my patients understand all of their options for orthodontic treatment. When a patient comes into my office asking about Invisalign, I'm happy to help because I feel it's a great service to provide. Checkout this video, and if you're interested in Invisalign in Charlotte, contact my office.

Getting Invisalign in Charlotte, North Carolina - Your Invisalign Orthodontist

Invisalign is all the rage these days, from commercials to billboards to people smiling happily with the knowledge that no one knows they have braces. As a Certified Invisalign orthodontist in Charlotte, NC, I'm no stranger to the allure of this fantastic new innovation. For years I've been making patients smile when their braces are taken off, but with Invisalign, I get to make them smile throughout the process. With all that great media out there promoting this product, why not give it a try? Still need convincing? Check out this article in Topix:

A clear-eyed look at invisible braces

It's a seductive message for adults seeking a perfect smile: an easy, painless and invisible way to straighter teeth.

As a Charlotte, NC orthodontist, I'm happy to provide such a high quality service!

News around our office!

News around our office!
Currently at Valeriano Orthodontics we have a bunch of things going on!

Charlotte Reads

Bring in donations of new or gently used books for Charlotte Reads, a literacy program for Mecklenburg County. All kinds of books are excepted, Adults, Children as these books will be given to someone who can not afford to purchase the books themselves.
**** Everyone who donated a book to Valeriano Orthodontics will be entered into a raffice for a chance to win a Joseph-Beth Booksellers gift card.

Hurry as our book drive ends April 30th!

Pizza/Limo Party Contest

We currently have an fantastic Quarterly contest going on at our office.You now have the chance to win a pizza party and a limo ride on us in our quarterly prize drawing! It's soooo easy, just refer a new patient to us and you'll be entered to win a pizza party with a luxury limo ride there and back for you and five friends! Remember, the more friends you refer, the better your chances of winning. So go ahead, refer a friend and you could be our pizza and limo winner!!!

At Valeriano Orthodontics, my dedicated staff and I specialize in Orthodontics for all ages, kids, teens, adults and families! We are excited to get the smile you have always wanted by using the latest technology, like Invisalign.

So call today! Schedule your free consultation! Serving Charlotte, South Park, Pineville, Ballantyne, Myers Park, Dilworth, Arboretium, and Surrounding Areas!

Check out the Charlotte Reads Book Drive

Getting braces in Charlotte, NC has never been more fun! At Valeriano Orthodontics, we work hard to keep our patients involved and smiling. Charlotte Reads is one of our many events that we have to help get our patients and families involved in the Charlotte, NC community. Check it out!

Charlotte Reads

Please bring in your donations of new or gently used books for Charlotte Reads a literacy program for Mecklenburg County. Books can be for adults or children and every donated book is given to someone who can not afford to purchase these same books for themselves. Everyone who donates a book will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Joseph-Beth Booksellers gift Card. This book drive ends April 30th.

Making People Smile is My Specialty

Your Charlotte, NC Orthodontist Discusses the Journey of Getting Braces

Charlotte, NC - Getting braces is a commitment that you make to your smile and overall esteem. Wearing braces for a short period of your life can drastically change you for the rest of your life, giving you the confidence to tackle life's obstacles. As an orthodontist in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) I have seen the positive effects of proper orthodontic treatment at many different stages of a patient's life. Getting braces at Valeriano Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC truly is a journey:

The Journey

Now that you've made the decision to pursue a more sensational smile, let us tell you what's in store.

Map it Out:

Your first visit to our office is like the road map to your orthodontic adventure. Consider it your guide to smile success! Here's what you can expect:

We'll begin by gathering the supplies we need to start you on your way. This includes taking digital photos and x-rays to get to know your teeth and bite followed by a discussion regarding your orthodontic concerns and treatment expectations. Dr. Valeriano will then perform an extensive and comprehensive exam to determine your individual orthodontic needs.

Plot the Course:

Next, it's time to plot our course of treatment. This includes discussing your treatment options and desired result, followed by the creation of a specific treatment plan best suited to your individual needs.

Assess the Value:

Once we know our course, we'll decipher a means by which to achieve your results. In other words, we'll discuss appropriate financial arrangements. After all, you want your new smile to look like a million bucks, not cost you such. Fortunately, the journey towards a beautiful smile doesn't have to cost a fortune. It is our goal to make orthodontic treatment affordable and achievable for all. Rest assured that Dr. Valeriano is not willing to let finances stand in the way of your treatment. That's why we offer valuable services to help you as you make the decision to pursue orthodontic treatment.

You'll discover:

1. A plethora of payment plans, including:
   • A variety of in-office financing options with an affordable down payment and reasonable monthly payments
   • No interest
   • Third-party financing with no down payment and payments spread over 48 months
2. Insurance services:
   • Knowledgeable and experienced staff with a keen understanding of all aspects of insurance plans
   • We'll check on your insurance for you and obtain an estimate of your benefits
   • We'll file paperwork for you
   • We accept assignment of benefits, lowering your out-of-pocket expense

Reach your Destination:

The smile you desire has never been easier to attain. We will work out a treatment and payment plan that best suits your needs and budget to ensure the transformation of your smile, not your checkbook. Discover the value of a truly beautiful and affordable smile today!

What Makes Valeriano Orthodontics Different - Braces and Orthodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC)

The Difference

The Road Less Traveled

That absolutely amazing new smile is closer than you think! Yes, we know the way and we know how to get there. In choosing us, you have chosen the best! That's because our way is all about personal care and exemplary patient service.



Here are just a few of the things that make us so unique:



A truly attentive and caring staff - Our team is made up of a dedicated and experienced Doctor, attentive and accommodating administrative staff and highly qualified "Patient Managers," each assigned to specific patients in order to meet your personal needs. You will meet with the same team member each visit to ensure superior, knowledgeable care and a lasting relationship with our team. But more importantly, you will receive superior service from the moment you enter our office, throughout treatment and beyond. It is our genuine desire to always leave our patients smiling!



An unsurpassed level of communication – Keeping you informed about everything from treatment goals, to patient responsibilities to ultimate treatment results is of utmost importance to us. Everything we do supports the highest level of communication and patient education. From the role of your specific Patient Manager who sees you at each visit to the report you'll receive at every appointment to mailings, access to online photos, x-rays and other high-tech tools of treatment, you will never be out of touch. But not only do we keep our patients in the loop, we form close relationships with your general dental provider as well. They will always be kept informed of your treatment progress, any dental or hygiene concerns and your ultimate result. Communication is key to any relationship and we are proud to provide you with the best!





Commitment to providing you with a lifetime of smiles - It is our mission to ensure your new smile FOR LIFE! Yes, the longevity of your beautiful smile is our top priority. We're committed to making your smile last, and with the use of bonded retainers and other state-of-the-art retention techniques, a lifetime of smiles is not only attainable, it's so easy!



A special adult treatment area – This is for the comfort, convenience and privacy of our adult patients. We even have appointments as early as 7:00 AM to accommodate the schedules of our busy professionals.



High-tech processes and treatment options – Not only are we a computerized and paperless office, we also utilize electronic check-in for your convenience and multi-media presentations so that patients like you can better visualize and understand your orthodontic needs. In addition we offer technologically advanced treatment options, such as Invisalign – the clear, removable alternative to braces - for those who want straight teeth without all the metal and wire.





An on-time office – It's always the perfect time to discover your perfect new smile, and by running on time, we make it simple to stay right on schedule. From on-time appointments to accommodate your busy life to completing treatment as expected, we make your time with us easy and amazingly efficient. Why wait for the smile you've always wanted when you can witness the transformation in perfect time?




State-of-the-art appliances – These included more efficient archwires and adhesives as well as superior sterilization techniques. For your safety and convenience, our digital x-ray uses 50% less radiation and our self-litigating brackets and high-tech wires work to decrease treatment time and minimize discomfort. In addition, our exceptional sterilization techniques are designed to give you peace of mind and ensure safe treatment for all our patients. Yes, our appliances and techniques are top-of-the-line to ensure top-notch results.




fun, Fun, FUN! – Check out our Video room, complete with PlayStation II, X-box and Nintendo, or enter one of our frequent contests for the chance to win a great prize! Come to our skating and bowling parties and have a blast with us! We are a fun team with a positive outlook and progressive treatment methods. Now that's one fun and fabulous combination!




Discover your most amazing smile in the most unique office around!

Invisalign in Charlotte North Carolina - Dr. Gregory Valeriano

About Invisalign^®

Dr. Valeriano is a Certified Invisalign ™ Provider in Charlotte North Carolina (NC).

Invisalign can help you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted – without braces. No metal, no fuss, just a clear path to straighter teeth in no time! A complimentary consultation with Dr. Valeriano will determine if Invisalign is right for you. Dr. Valeriano is proud to be an Invisalign Premier Provider, a designation that places him among the top 5% of Invisalign providers in the country. Visit him today to discover the benefits of Invisalign for yourself.

What is it?

The Invisalign System™ is a series of clear, removable, comfortable aligners that are virtually undetectable. In fact, no one will even know that you're wearing braces! So you can smile more during treatment and enjoy your beautiful new smile long after. Your entire Invisalign series is created though the use of 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective with patients worldwide. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign, but not all can say with confidence that they are one of Invisalign's® Premier Providers. With Dr. Valeriano, you know that you are receiving the best Invisalign treatment around!

Why would I want it?

Not only are aligners invisible, they are also removable, making for a more comfortable and convenient orthodontic experience. Unlike traditional braces, aligners can be removed at any time, allowing patients to eat and drink with ease, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. And, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions, Invisalign is the most comfortable orthodontic treatment available. In addition, the lack of metal and wire typically means that you spend less time in your doctor's office for adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Imagine knowing how great your smile will look even before your treatment is done – now that should keep you motivated!

How does it work?

Invisalign patients wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Valeriano has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Valeriano about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages nine to 15 months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. Just visit Dr. Valeriano for your complimentary evaluation to see what he prescribes for you.



Discover the many benefits of Invisalign by scheduling your appointment today! For those who truly desire straighter teeth, but cringe at the thought of metal and wire, Invisalign is clearly better!



Learn more about Invisalign on the web at www.invisalign.com.