And we have a WINNER!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Loaves & Fishes food drive! Because of YOU it was a huge success! Your donations of 13,902 food items will help many of those who are in need.

So with great joy we would like to congratulate Sharon Elementary School as the winner of a new Smart Board for collecting 5,301 food items!


One of Sharon Elementary's many donations!


Many thanks again to all for all your donations!

7 more days!

That's right, only 7 more days until our Food Drive with Loaves and Fishes comes to an end!



Sharon Elementary School and Carmel Middle School are still in our top spots, but Myers Park High School is running close behind, followed by Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School. The contest ends Thursday December 15th, 2011 so hurry and gather those non-perishable food items and bring them to us...for your chance to win a SMART BOARD for your school.

Smile more, Live Longer!

If you knew that by smiling more, you could live longer...Would you do it? In a new study that was published in 2010, researchers analyzed an old issue of the Baseball Register and its 230 players that were featured. They found that, based on average, the players with gleaming grins lived 4.9 years longer than players with only partial smiles and 7 years longer than those who showed no smile at all. Though we know we cannot solely link big, beautiful smiles to a long life span, we do know that a beautiful smile inspires self confidence and increases positive feelings. Moral of the story? Keep Smiling!

There's still time!

We have had such a great response to our school contest for a SMART BOARD that we have decided to extend it to December 15th!

Currently Sharon Elementary School and Carmel Middle School are in a close race, with others gaining on their lead! So now is the time- to start kicking it into high gear and get your school to gather items for Loaves and Fishes! Remember, the winning school will receive a SMART BOARD or $2500!

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?

Toothbrush Trivia!

Before the toothbrush was invented, many people actually brushed their teeth with sticks!

The first time in history that people actively cleaned their teeth was between 4000 and 3000 BC in ancient Babylon (the site where Iraq is now). The Babylonians used “chew sticks” – thin twigs or tree roots that were chewed at the end to loosen the fibers and then used like brushes.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC the ancient Chinese used similar twigs to clean their teeth. But the Chinese took it one step further and used twigs from trees with a nice smell. (Perhaps this was an early attempt at breath freshening?)

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to be thankful that you have a nice, clean toothbrush with soft bristles – instead of a stick!

School Contest Update

Only a few weeks in and we already have one full bin and then some! Can you guess what school is in the lead?? Check on our Facebook page periodically for updates on who is winning!

Want to win for your SCHOOL?

We are so excited to announce our partnership with Loaves & Fishes this Fall. From September 1st - November 30th, Valeriano patients will have the opportunity to compete for their schools by bringing in non-perishable foods for Loaves & Fishes. The school with the most donated food items will win a SMARTBOARD or a $2500 check, for their school! So get ready- now is the perfect time to help not only our community but your school as well!



For more information on this great contest, go here!

Gather your guesses...

Clue #8

Clue #7

Clue #6

Clue #5

Clue #4

Clue #3

Clue #2

Clue #1

A new Contest is on the way!

Amazing New Smiles!

Look at these AMAZING NEW SMILES!




Congratulations to all of our fabulous patients who are sporting a sparkling new smile!

Wish our wonderful patients a great Memorial Day!

To help you celebrate Memorial Day, here is a great recipe for a patriotic dessert- (that's safe for braces too!)

Delicious Summer Berry Trifle



INGREDIENTS
1 package (3.4-ounce) instant vanilla pudding
4 cups fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries), washed and hulled, plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
24 to 36 ladyfingers

Instructions
To make the fillings, prepare the pudding according to the package directions and chill it.

Slice the strawberries, if you're using them, then toss all of the berries with the lemon juice and the 1/4 cup of sugar. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.

In a medium mixing bowl, whip the cream, vanilla extract, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.

To make the layers, set a layer of ladyfingers (around 7 or 8) on the bottom of a large, clear serving bowl (ours was 4 quarts). Top with the berries with half of the pudding.

Add another layer of ladyfingers, another third of the berries and juice, and the rest of the pudding. Add a final layer of ladyfingers and berries. Top with the whipped cream and a berry garnish.

Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Serves 8 to 10.

In case you missed it...

Just in case you haven't been following on our Facebook page CONGRATULATIONS is in order for Blair Connor...the winner of our Ipad contest!

The End is Near...

It's that time again! We are so excited to announce that we are headed to the movies once again. Join us and Harry Potter for the final film in the series!

Electric vs. Manual...Who is the better toothbrush?

Those of us who swear by Blackberries, Ipods and Tivo's want the latest, greatest gadget and we're convinced that an electric toothbrush must be better than its manual counterpart...right?

It turns out there's not much difference. WebMD.com cites "a review of nearly 30 studies" that was unable to determine a significant difference in plaque removal between electric and manual toothbrushes. There was other research that did find that the electric toothbrushes that have the bristles move side-to-side did perform slightly better.

If electric and manual toothbrushes are so similar, how should you decide what is the best for you?

Your budget. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive however while some high-end options can cost upwards of $100 you can find some in the $10range.

Your dexterity. People who have limited manual dexterity- may find that an electric toothbrush allows them to reach spots that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Your habits. If you have a hard time brushing regularly and you find you enjoy the sensation of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then by all means use the brush that will encourage you to brush most often.

Your patience. Many people do not brush for the full 2 minutes recommended. Some electric brushes come with a timer that helps enforce the proper time of brushing.

No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, it's important to use it correctly. Brush two-three times a day for two minutes each time. And remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are vital in keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.

New Contest!

Can you help Finnagan match the set of eyes to the right staff member?

What is the best age for my child to see the Orthodontist?

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.

We take your health seriously!

Do you ever wonder about the sterilization and
infection control policies of your doctor offices?
Well, we would like to tell you about our practices.
In addition to following OSHA guidelines we hire
an outside firm, Total Medical Compliance, to
train and evaluate our protocols. At our most recent
evaluation in February, we were given a
“Clean Bill of Health!”

Calling all Artists!

Our Calendar Contest is back and we are on the hunt for new fabulous talent!

17 days until the Ipad has a new home!

It is almost time for us to pick a winner for our Ipad contest! Keep up the hardwork on Facebook, writing Google reviews and sending friends in to see us. All that work is going to pay off for a very special person!

Do you know why your Retainer is important?

Once we have removed your braces, it's easy to think all the work is done and your teeth need little further attention. But don't underestimate the importance of a retainer. Take this quick quiz to find out exactly why a retainer is important, and more:

1. A retainer is more of a formality than a necessity.
A. True
B. False

2. When should I wear my retainer?
A. As often as my doctor tells me to
B. I should wear it all the time to speed up my treatment

3. How should I clean my retainer?
A. Toothpaste and a brush
B. As long as I brush and floss my teeth, I won't need to wear my retainer
C. A cleaner made specifically for retainers

4. Using my retainer properly will prevent the need to wear braces again.
A. True
B. False


SO, how did you do?
Answers:

1. The answer is B- False. Because a retainer is removable, it is easy to think of it as being less important that your permanent braces were. The truth is that all the work accomplished by your braces could be for nothing without a reatiner. Your braces actively moved your teeth into their proper alignment, but a retainer holds your teeth in place and allows them to settle into position next to eachother.

2. The answer is A- As often as my doctor tells me. We set up a treatment plan tailored to you and your teeth, and every set of retainer instructions in unique, just as each of our patients is unique. We will determine how often you must wear your retainer depending on the particulars of your situation.

3. The answer is A or C- Toothpaste and a brush OR a special-made reatiner cleaner: it depends on the type of retainer you have. Make sure to clean your retainer atleast twice everyday. Don't clean with soap and water- you don't want soap in your mouth! If you use either a Hawley or bonded retainer you should clean it the same way you clean your teeth, by brushing it thoroughly with toothpaste. If you use an Essix retainer we recommend you clean it with a product such as SoncBrite or Reatiner Brite, both of which are made just for this purpose.

4. The answer is A- True. Your braces worked to move your teeth into place and a retainer compliments them by keeping those teeth in order. If you do not use your retainer as prescribed, you risk letting your teeth once again shift out of place.

Questions about your retainer? Call us!
Valeriano Othodontics- 704-364-6544

Announcing a New Partnership!

Recent Newsletter