ASK US ABOUT OUR ANTLERS!!

Here at Valeriano Orthodontics, we are so excited to introduce our new and improved, V-Buck rewards program! With many new features and ways to earn points, our program will now be offered through a rewards card! Our brand new reward cards will be geared toward patients who are currently in orthodontic treatment and for our patients who are in our Growth and Development program! For convenience and added ways to earn points, our rewards program will now be hosted through an online portal. This will allow patients to view and redeem points, receive updates on our latest contests and get the 411 about ways to earn rewards through our social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter! Here are just a few of the exciting ways that you can earn V-Buck rewards: • Earn up to 50 points per visit for performing tasks (10 points for each) recommended by Dr. Valeriano. A few good examples are: good oral hygiene, being on time for your visit, no broken appliance, and wearing your rubber bands correctly. • Earn an “A” on your report card, and receive 40 points! • For each hour of community service you complete, we will give you 100 points, if proof of service is provided (max of 5 hours per year). • Earn 50 points just for “Liking” us on Facebook! • Continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis (every 6 months) and earn 250 points. We encourage all of our patients to participate in the new V-Buck rewards, as it pays you back! We want this program to show you just how much we appreciate you and we hope V-Buck rewards demonstrate just that! All we ask is that you bring your card to each orthodontic appointment, provide proof of any tasks completed outside of our office, and watch the points pile up once your card is swiped! Be sure to visit our website at www.valerianoorthodontics.com, click on the V-Buck or V-Doe (Growth & Development patients) tabs, and start learning about all the wonderful ways to accumulate points! We also encourage all of our patients, and their families, to stay connected with us through our social media sites. “Liking” us on Facebook or “Following” us on Twitter, will ensure that you stay in the loop about everything our practice has to offer. So, what are you waiting for?! Get busy earning those rewards and be sure to....

Who Wants to Win an iPad??

It's that time of year - time for YOU to win an iPad!! We are giving away TWO and here are the ways our patients can enter:



Important reminders regarding the contest!!
-In order to receive points by referring a friend to our Facebook page, they MUST also "like" us when writing on our wall. Be sure to let your friends and family know this important step to ensure you will receive credit!

-Due to the vast number of tweets that we have received and our inability to track them accurately, we are limiting tweets to ONE PER DAY, per person. We apologize for the inconvenience, but in order to ensure that we can give you proper credit for your entries, please limit your entry to one a day. Remeber to use the hashtag (#valerianorocks) to gain points!

We are VERY excited to see all of the participation thus far!! Keep up the great work and we wish you GOOD LUCK! Now go win an iPad!!!

Top Ten Toothpaste Tips!

Toothpaste is known for keeping your pearly whites extra sparkly and healthy, but there are many other things that the germ-fighting product can be used for. These tips, provided by Gizmodo, are sure to save you time and can also help resolve common problems without breaking the bank!


1. Freshen your Palms: Anytime you are cooking with fresh herbs, spices, or vegetables that leave a stiff odor on hands, toothpaste is great for removing that strong stench. Onions, garlic, and seafood are great examples.

2. Defog Goggles: The stubborn film that appears inside of the goggles can be easily removed with the mild abrasive in toothpaste. This includes diving masks, eye wear that is worn for sports, and motorcycle goggles, which can fog up regularly. It is best if you lightly wipe the surface with a clean towel then rinse.

3. Remove Soap-Scum: Apply toothpaste to your shower door and rub with a damp towel or sponge. If there is a significant amount of build-up, allow the toothpaste mixture to soak on the doors or walls for about 5 minutes before rinsing.

4. Removing Crayon Marks: Apply toothpaste to a damp sponge and rub the painted walls with the mixture. Crayons can be difficult to remove, but toothpaste has been shown to fade and remove markings.



5. Bottle Odors: Use a bottle scrubber and toothpaste to clean the inside of baby bottles. The toothpaste works great to knock out that sour milk smell that lingers even after washing. Be sure to rinse the bottles well before use.

6. Clearing Zits: Everyone hates looking in the mirror and noticing those little red bumps that appear on your face. Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the blemish right before bedtime then rinse off in the morning. This procedure can also be used when you have a bee sting or itchy bug bite. The toothpaste will dry the spot out and can reduce the appear of the blemish.

7. Cleaning Jewelry: Using a very soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste, brush the dull metal jewelry. For jewelry that is stained or discolored, soak the item in a cup of water with dissolved toothpaste. Do not use the toothpaste on real pearls due to potential damage to the surface. Please be sure to contact your jeweler for specific details regarding more expensive or valuable jewelry.

8. Mini-Manicure: Clean your fingernails or toenails with toothpaste and a soft bristle brush and paste to buff the surface for a strong and shiny look.



9. Hide Drink Rings: If you forget to put a coaster under your drink, don't panic. A soft cloth with a dab of toothpaste works great at removing the lightly colored rings on wooden furniture.

10. Remove Carpet Stains: Stains on your floor can be hard to remove and a nuisance to look at. Scrubbing the carpet with toothpaste and warm water in a circular motion is great for pulling up those dark spots left behind by a drink spill or other accident.

-Please note that these tips are most effective when using the actual paste product instead of gel toothpastes. In addition to the cosmetic and cleaning uses of toothpaste, be sure to remember its' most important function and continue to brush your pearly whites regularly!

It's Almost Time for Summer Camp

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and families will begin traveling and vacationing for the summer months. This may also include sending their child to summer camps around the nation for weeks or months at a time. With that being said, we would like to prepare our patients with helpful tips to keep in mind while away at camp.

We feel that braces should never stop a kid from going to camp as long as their current treatment is stable. We believe that if our patients remain faithful to the instructions given by their orthodontist, their stay at camp should be worry-free. We recommend making a separate bag or "camp kit" that is easily accessible and will not get lost with other luggage.

*Be sure to pack additional toothbrushes and adhere to proper brushing techniques. It is important to maintain clean teeth while at camp and to brush regularly.

*Pack a sufficient amount of wax. It is possible that a wire may break or cause uncomfortable poking.

*Send pain medicine if the camp allows or register with the camp nurse to allow he or she to distribute the medications to the child. Also inform the nurse if there are any allergies they should be aware.

*Patients should continue to follow proper eating habits; avoiding sticky or chewy items, as well as any hard candies or foods.

*If an emergency should occur while at camp, have the counselor or director arrange for the child to see a local orthodontist if necessary.

*Last but not least, HAVE FUN and enjoy your summer at camp!!

Hoppy Easter!

So April Fool's day has come and gone and now it is time to celebrate a popular holiday for many individuals in the United States. A holiday where millions of children and families spend their weekend partaking in Easter egg hunts, dying hard boiled eggs, and indulging in those sugary goodies left by the one and only, Easter Bunny! We want to share a few great Easter basket ideas for kids who have braces and have to avoid those sugared candies, but can still feel included in all of the Easter holiday treats!


-Chocolate
Chocolate is a great choice for children with braces because it is soft. Great choices for Easter would include the traditional chocolate bunnies, regular M&M's and Reese's Peanut Butter cups or eggs. It is important to avoid chocolate containing caramel, nuts, raisins, or any other sticky ingredients.

-Baked Goods
Baked goods are a great option as decorated cupcakes and brownies are safe for braces. Look for recipes with reduced-sugar or sugar substitutes to help maintain the taste and texture of regular baked foods. As with chocolate, these goods are safe choices if nut free. You can incorporate fun Easter designs with reduced sugar icing or non-edible toppings.

-Non-Edible Easter Treats
Who says Easter treats all have to be edible? Why not go for other basket-fillers such as gifts cards, pastel nail polishes, CDs, magazines or cell phone accessories. These are all great options for kids with braces who can be rewarded with Easter goodies other than sweets.

Be sure to remember to brush after eating your favorite candy or sweet to keep your smile beautiful and healthy!

We hope you all enjoy your holiday plans and have a safe and hoppy Easter!!

-Dr. Valeriano and Team

Top Tips for Cleaning your Braces

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Here are some tips for keeping those braces sparkling:



-One tooth at a time. Brush one tooth at a time for at least 10 seconds per tooth.

-It's all about the angle! Brush each tooth and bracket at an angle with your toothbrush to make sure you get in all of the crevices. Proxy brushes (the tiny cone shaped brushes) are great at reaching difficult areas.

-Eat & Clean.. when in braces it is very important to brush after every meal.

-Like a Boy Scout- always be prepared! Making a to-go kit with a travel toothbrush and floss is the best way to keep your teeth clean.

-Flouride is your friend! Flouride helps prevent cavities. This also includes the MI Paste that we often talk about at your appointments.

-Don't forget the Pro's! It is your job to keep your teeth clean everyday, but it is equally important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams throughout your orthodontic treatment.

A Sweet Tooth

So let's admit it... all of us like to splurge every once in a while and treat ourselves to something sweet. But that isn't always the easiest thing to do when you are wearing braces. Sometimes it means forfeiting your favorite gooey or sticky snack... Well we have found a yummy recipe that is sure to melt in your mouth and is safe for your braces!

BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIES


1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
(Optional: 1 cup butterscotch bits)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine oil and brown sugar, using an electric mixer and blending well. Add eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt, then add vanilla.

Spread batter into a greased 9″x9″ pan. If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of butterscotch bits over the top. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees. After cooling one minute, swirl the bits with a knife to give a marbleized effect.

Cover pan with foil to keep brownies soft, or cut them in squares and store them in a covered container.