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.

Keep your teeth Clean & 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!

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?

Get rewarded!

At Valeriano Orthodontics, we are always looking for different ways to reward you - our patient - for your efforts throughout your treatment. Maintaining good oral health is important, and it’s also important to continue visiting your dentist for
regular six month checkups even during your orthodontic treatment. We want to reward you for taking care of your teeth, so we’ve started our new oral hygiene program!

Next time you visit our office we will give you an Oral Health (OH) card. Take
this card to your dentist the next time you go for your semi-annual checkup and teeth cleaning. Ask your dental hygienist to sign and date your OH card, then bring the signed card back to us at your next appointment and we will enter you into a drawing to win 50 dollars - cash!

We will also reward your dentist for doing such a great job with helping to keep your teeth clean during your treatment.

Latest Newsletter

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!