Valeriano Orthodontics Is Greening Their Practice!

There are so many things we do at Valeriano Orthodontics to make sure you are taken care of every step of the way throughout your orthodontic treatment. And you know what else? We take care of the environment too!

We are a chartless/paperless office! This helps us manage our patients progress together, as well as provide them with the best orthodontic care possible.

All of our x-rays are digital in our office, which is less radiation for our patients which is very important, and it is less toxins for the environment too!

We also have an in house lab, that makes a lot of our appliances and a lot of our retainers. This is a great benefit to our patients (and their parents) as they do not have to wait for a long turn around time to receive their appliances, and it saves on fuel too!

So if you are looking for an orthodontist in North Carolina who cares about our patients and cares about the environment too! Then Valeriano Orthodontics is the place for you!

Hope to see you soon.

More Exciting News About Valeriano Orthodontics Patients

At Valeriano Orthodontics, we are so excited about all the advancements in our patients life. So lets congratulate them!

Maren D., raced her mountain Bike at Renaissance Park. Her Season is 6 weeks long and she recently took home First Place!
Great Job Maren!

Artist Alert! Our patient Anne N. is an extremely talented artist. You can see her work at www.anneneilsonfineart.com

Did you know...Only 5 percent of boys who start out in Cub Scouts achieve Eagle
Scout by age 18? We are proud to announce that several of our patients, including Charlie M., Kevin L, and Brian and Clark O. have all become Eagles! Great Job guys!

If you are doing something exciting or new with your life, let Valeriano Orthodontics know! We would love to feature your achievements.

Valeriano Orthodontics' Patients In The News

We have so many outstanding patients at Valeriano Orthodontics who are doing exciting things with their lives. So we want to take a moment and congratulate a few who have shared their experiences with us!

Mary G. and Margaret P. both recently donated their hair to Locks of Love. This generous act will help children suffering with cancer, and let them know that people care.

Nicole L. is broadening her horizons and is part of a student exchange program. She will be traveling to Limoges, France in October.

Stephanie S. is in the ACIS art competition for her school this year.
Good Luck Stephanie!

Molly S. is in a student exchange program and will be traveling to Paris and
Limoges for 2 weeks. Au revoir!

As always, if you are doing something exciting in your life, share it with Valeriano Orthodontics! We would be thrilled to feature you in our Patients in the News!

Invisalign Day at Valeriano Orthodontics

Dr. Greg Valeriano will be providing Invisalign treatment consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, ask our scheduling coordinator to schedule your appointment for this special event.

For eligible* Invisalign Day patients:
Either $400.00 off your Invisalign treatment or
24 month, no interest financing.
Space is limited to the first 20 appointments.

Call today about Invisalign Day patient eligibility.
Gregory F. Valeriano, DDS,PA (704)364.6544

Molasses Cookies from Dr. Valeriano

The wisdom of the ages tells us that necessity is the mother of invention. Brenda Waterman, age thirteen, offers new proof of this proverb. When getting braces mandated cutting a list of foods out of her diet – including her much-loved treat of caramel apples – she devised a work-around recipe that let her indulge her craving. This clever replacement for caramel apples was the inspiration for The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love, which Brenda created along with her mom, Pam Waterman.

Get a sneak peak with the following recipes:

Marvelous Molasses Cookies

They smell wonderful even before baking, they melt in your mouth, and they never harden up. 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

Digital Imaging at Valeriano Orthodontics, More Results with Less Radiation

At Valeriano Orthodontics, we use digital imaging for all of our x-rays. This exposes our patients to much less radiation than previous x-rays used!

We are also able to view the patient's x-rays at any workstation in our office, so that we can manage the patient's progress together. It's a great way to show our parents and patients the x-rays so they can monitor their progress. At Valeriano Orthodontics we care about our patients and want them to be involved in the treatment process so they can watch their smile evolve!

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth - Dr. Valeriano

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.