Last updated 8 hours 54 minutes ago
Braces are a great treatment option for children and adults suffering from misaligned teeth. However, if you do not properly care for your braces, you may have to take an extra trip to your Long Island City orthodontist.
There are a number of foods that you'll need to avoid to protect your teeth and your orthodontics:
Sticky Candy
These sticky foods can damage your braces. Brackets, wires, and other appliances can be broken or pulled off, so be sure to avoid these sweets during your treatment. While chewing gum is not actually candy, it can have an identical effect on your braces. In addition, these foods can easily lead to cavities and tooth decay if they become stuck beneath your brackets.
Hard Snacks
Hard candies can loosen or break brackets, and can be just as damaging as sticky candy. Crunchy snacks, such as pretzels, should also be off limits. If you have a habit of chewing on ice cubes, this habit should also be stopped. Look for softer snacks that are both safe for your braces and good for your health, such as cheese, crackers, and applesauce.
Certain Fruits and Veggies
Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, and even pickles, should be avoided or specially prepared to make them safer for your braces. Slice these hard treats into small pieces, or cook them until they are softer and less likely to damage your braces and teeth. Biting into these foods whole could cause a bracket to pop off.
If you live in Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Woodside, or Brooklyn, visit Astoria Family Orthodontics for orthodontic advice and treatment. We can help you learn what foods are safe to eat when you have braces, and which ones to avoid. Call (888) 386-0162 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 4 days ago
Choosing an orthodontist can be a big commitment, as your treatment can last for months and even years. It’s important to be confident in your orthodontist’s skill and ethics, as you are trusting him or her with your oral health, time, and money.
Here are some things to consider when choosing an orthodontist:
Professional Organization Membership:
Membership in prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association as well as local professional organizations ensures that your orthodontist’s practice is held to high standards. Membership also means that your orthodontist has access to a large community of peers.
Continuing Education:
Look into your orthodontist’s commitment to both learning and teaching. Continuing education keeps your orthodontist’s practice up-to-date and ensures that techniques and technologies used are the best quality available.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials:
The best way to anticipate the quality of your experience as a patient is to look for other patients’ reviews and testimonials regarding your orthodontist’s services. You can generally find these online, but word of mouth is also a great way to determine this information.
Experience:
By the time they can legally practice, orthodontists have been through years of schooling and training, but nothing tops experience on the job. Look for an orthodontist who is trusted in your community, with years of practicing orthodontics.
Awards and Honors:
Check to see if your orthodontist has earned any awards or honors in his or her professional community. Not all good orthodontists have won awards, but these can be a good indicator of quality in a practice.
For a quality orthodontist in Queens, NY, visit Astoria Family Orthodontics. Dr. Robert Lopatkin, DDS is a respected and experienced professional who teaches at NYU’s School of Dentistry. Call us at (888) 386-0162 to learn more or to schedule a visit!
Last updated 6 days ago
Braces are a great way to improve your smile and boost your self-esteem. Learn more about the qualities to look for in an orthodontist, the various types of braces, and how you can ensure smooth Invisalign treatment by checking out these resources.
Call Astoria Family Orthodontics at (888) 386-0162 for more information on our services and locations.
- Explore this article from the American Dental Association for more information on continuing education and licensure.
- Check out this link from LingualBraces.org to learn all about orthodontic treatment.
- Visit this page from MedlinePlus for an overview on oral malocclusions.
- What is the difference between an overbite and an open bite? Find out with this WebMD.com article.
- Learn more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment with this link from Colgate.com.
- Check out this article from Invisalign.com to learn how these removable aligners work and how long you’ll need to wear them.
- This article from the American Dental Association discusses when orthodontic treatment should begin.
- Make sure you know how to care for your retainer using the pointers found in this Colgate.com article.
- Why is early orthodontic care important? Find out with this article from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
- Learn which foods to avoid while wearing braces by checking out this article from Parenthood.com.
Last updated 11 days ago
While traditional metal braces can help correct a number of oral malocclusions, some patients prefer a less noticeable treatment option. Fortunately, your Astoria orthodontist offers a number of the latest orthodontic appliances. Read on for tips on determining which braces are right for you.
Several factors should be taken into consideration when choosing an orthodontic treatment method—most importantly, the type and severity of your malocclusion. Traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are ideal for nearly any type of malocclusion or bad bite, regardless of its severity. This includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, misplaced midlines, overcrowding, and spacing. Invisalign braces, however, are generally better suited for individuals with less severe malocclusions and conditions that do not affect the jawbone.
Your lifestyle and daily activities also play a major role in choosing the proper kind of braces for your needs. Individuals who work in a highly public position may consider investing in a less noticeable treatment option such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, or the Invisalign system. Furthermore, individuals who lead very active lifestyles or participate in recreational sports may consider Invisalign, as the aligners are removable and therefore decrease the risk of oral injury.
The best way to determine which orthodontic treatment method is best for your specific needs is to consult with an orthodontist. Dr. Robert Lopatkin and Dr. Vasso Ziotis with Astoria Family Orthodontics can help you get on the road to a straighter smile. We offer standard metal braces, clear ceramic or tooth-colored braces, lingual braces, and the Invisalign system. We also provide retention appliances so you can maintain your smile following treatment. Set up an initial consultation with our Long Island City or Jackson Heights offices by calling (888) 386-0162.
Last updated 14 days ago
Individuals who fear the thought of orthodontic treatment tend to do so because they have limited information regarding the process. Get the facts with the following answers to your orthodontic questions.
When Should I Seek Treatment?
According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 8 and 14, when children have a mix of both primary and permanent teeth. However, many orthodontic practices can provide treatment to children and adults of all ages with good oral health.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of your treatment will vary based on the type of braces and the level of malocclusion being corrected. For example, individuals who are using the Invisalign system to correct minor spaces or crowding problems will generally have a shorter treatment time than someone using traditional braces to correct a severe crossbite.
Which Braces Are Right for Me?
While your aesthetic preferences should be taken into account, your orthodontist will help determine which kind of braces are right for you based on your specific needs. As with the treatment time, your orthodontist will make this determination based on the type of condition and the severity of malocclusion.
How Does the Invisalign System Work?
Unlike traditional braces that are fixed to the teeth, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are worn 20 to 22 hours per day to straighten the teeth. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, after which time it is exchanged for the next in the series.
What Happens After Treatment?
After your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will create a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original positions. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s guidelines when wearing your retainers to help ensure their effectiveness.
For more information on treatment methods, financing options, or to set up an initial examination, call Astoria Family Orthodontics at (888) 386-0162. We have offices in Long Island City, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights.
