Brushing with Braces

Here are some quick tips about brushing with braces:

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Dr. Valeriano is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 704-364-6544.

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!

The Greatest Community Deserves the Greatest Thanks!

We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our great patients for the positive feedback and continuous support. Here is what some of our patients had to say about their experience at our office:

“You're the first doctor that we go to that has this (online) service. We can see x-rays check on the payments. It was really fun to see my kids’ pictures.”
– James

“It (the service) makes me feel like they actually care for the patient and provide the pateint more ways to view their information”
– Nuris

“Yesterday was my first visit and Dr. Valeriano was so nice and made me feel good about getting my spacers.”
– Lauren

“He still maintains a connection with his old neighborhood. He has pizza and movie parties for the kids. A safe outing and different from a birthday party because parents don't stay. The kids enjoy going to see him for appointments.”
– L.E. Chuck

“The professional staff, the thoroughness of our consultation, the report given to me to take home including the x-rays and photos, the call I rec'd prior to our first visit, the photos of many of the patients, the cleanliness of the office, the no-waiting for our appointment.”
– Gray

We love to make our patients smile; and they help keep us smiling! Thank you!

More Adults Getting Braces

Some could say it's a new cosmetic trend, others may say that technological advances in orthodontics have paved the way, regardless of the reasoning, their has been a dramatic increase in adults getting braces. As the nation becomes more aware of the effects of oral health on one's overall health, the urgency to have that perfect and healthy smile grows. For many, this means that getting braces is no longer "out of their age range."

It used to be that tweens and teens were the only prime candidates for braces. It is still true that the younger you are when getting braces, the easier the treatment is. This is because your body is still growing and your smile is still settling into place. This is also why many insurance companies have an age restriction when it comes to paying for braces. Yet, with the emergence of technologies like the Damon System and Invisalign, the insurance companies are wising up and cutting that age restriction to ensure that adults can take advantage in these evolved treatment options.

So, when considering getting braces, don't hesitate just because of your age. I encourage you to ask me what treatment might be right for you.

Gum and Oral Health

As oral health becomes more and more important (it's even becoming something of a fad), it's interesting to watch how gum companies have changed their ad campaigns. There's EXTRA which mainly focuses on it's low calorie weight loss appeal (it was constantly displayed on the Biggest Loser this year), Stride is all about long lasting taste, but what about Orbitz and Trident? These gums are all about dental health. In fact, the other day I saw a commercial about how Trident helps to restore tooth enamel. Now it's definitely important to know that not all gum is good for your teeth. In fact, there's quite a lot of gum that's just horrible for your teeth - like Bubblegum. So the next time you are at the checkout stand and want to get a bargain buy of gum, consider getting a pack of Trident... like Trident whitening for example.