Why are Elastics necessary?

Elastics are often necessary to correct your bite during treatment.
Unless directed otherwise, elastics should be worn all the time. Since you can take them out to eat and to brush your teeth., this means we expect at least 20 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Consistency is the key to achieving the movement we are looking for.
It is also extremely important that you wear your elastics exactly as prescribed. You should never "double up" elastics and wear 2 at a time. This could actually cause damage to the roots of your teeth.
When you first begin wearing your elastics, soreness can be very common. Be sure to continue to wear your elastics and you should find that the discomfort should diminish within the next few days. If needed, you can take headache medication, such as Tylenol or Advil, while you are getting used to your new elastics.
While I know that wearing elastics can be a challenge, they are an important tool in helping you achieve your beautiful new smile.

We want CANDY!

It's that almost that time...for HALLOWEEN CANDY! That's right, we are partnering up with our friends at Operation Gratitude again this year. Bring in all your extra Halloween Candy on November 2nd and receive $1 per pound of donated candy. Not only will you have some extra cash in your pocket, but you'll be extending your thanks to all of our men and women serving our country overseas in our military as they will get all of your candy!

It's that almost that time...for HALLOWEEN CANDY!

Enjoy a fall treat!

Fall is in full swing in the Queen City so while the leaves are changing and we are finally escaping the heat of summer, enjoy this recipe to get you in the Fall spirit!




Marvelous Molasses Cookies

They smell wonderful even before baking, they melt in your mouth, and they are perfectly safe for braces! Yum – the best of gingerbread and ginger snaps in one!

* 1 cup shortening
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 2 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Baking time 11 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, salt and molasses, using an electric mixer and beating until fluffy. Add cinnamon and ginger. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the warm water; add water mixture to the molasses mixture alternately with the flour until well blended.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 11 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about four dozen. Store in a covered container.

Enjoy from Valeriano Orthodontics

How are Orthodontists different than Dentists?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Valeriano started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Valeriano decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?