Orthodontics

An uneven bite, also known as malocclusion, occurs when the teeth do not align properly. It might seem like a minor issue, but it can have negative ramifications on your oral health and overall well-being. At Banasiak & Nettune, board-certified orthodontist Kenneth Banasiak, DMD can diagnose and treat uneven bites. He understands the impact of these misalignments, not just on the aesthetics of a smile but also on bite functionality. Dr. Banasiak notes that consequences of an uneven bite may include:  Tooth wear and damage – When your teeth are misaligned, they do not distribute the force of your bite evenly. This can lead to excessive wear on certain teeth, making them more susceptible to damage. Over time, this uneven […]

For many adults and children, trouble breathing can be caused by orthodontic concerns and lead to additional health issues such as sleep apnea. Oftentimes, that manifests as snoring, waking up out of breath, extreme fatigue and drowsiness, and other very serious—possibly even life-threatening—symptoms. Some individuals may benefit from orthodontic treatments that can help improve not only the function of their bite and their smile aesthetics, but also their overall well-being.  Airway orthodontics goes beyond just correcting orthodontic issues such as crowding, gaps, and misalignment. The treatment is designed to address health problems that affect your breathing and sleeping with advanced orthodontic techniques and appliances. For many individuals, orthodontic options such as traditional metal braces and palate expanders can help reduce […]

For many different products and services, the latest and greatest version is typically the most desirable option. Why? Because improvements have been made, kinks have been resolved, and processes have been streamlined—all of which can provide a superior final commodity/outcome and better overall consumer experience. The same concept holds true in orthodontics: treatment methods are continually advancing, as are the technologies that make these new-age techniques possible. Consequently, selecting an orthodontist who continually adopts and utilizes the latest, most cutting-edge orthodontic technology available can result in optimal efficiency, efficacy, and outcomes for a wide variety of treatments. At Banasiak & Nettune, we employ i-CAT^™ 3D CBCT radiography, iTero^™ digital impressions, JUELL^™ 3D printing, and more, positioning our practice as a […]

Finding an orthodontist that can provide exceptional care for you and your family is an important decision, one that can seem overwhelming with so many choices available. To aid you in your research, our practice has provided some qualities to look for that can separate the average doctor from the best board-certified orthodontist. We suggest a three-pronged approach: 1. Make a list of available orthodontists (ask friends and family members for recommendations or check online for local practitioners). 2. Eliminate anyone who is not a board-certified orthodontist. The American Board of Orthodontists bestows certification to a select group of orthodontists who have completed a graduate program in dentistry and gone on to complete additional training at an accredited orthodontic residency. […]

The future is digital, and so is your orthodontic treatment. Newer, more advanced tools make it possible to provide more precise treatment, leading to improved outcomes and shorter treatment times. At Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates, we utilize state-of-the-art digital dental technology to ensure our patients have the best experience possible, from start to finish. Patient comfort is just as important as patient safety and results, in our opinion. Digital technology, including intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, allow us to provide a more comfortable experience for each person we see. Intraoral cameras negate the need for bitewings, lead vests, and other common tools of the past. The pen-like intraoral camera is small but accurate, and you can see your images […]

Nearly everyone wants a beautiful smile with straight teeth, but not all orthodontic treatments offer equally optimal outcomes. Invisalign^®, an innovative orthodontic system that has revolutionized teeth straightening, can effectively and safely reposition teeth when performed by a skilled orthodontist. However, mail order and DIY teeth straightening solutions are not professionally monitored, which can lead to serious consequences and potentially permanent damage. The American Dental Association (ADA) has come out against DIY (Do It Yourself) orthodontic treatments, saying, “Dentists [should be] in charge of diagnosing and treating patients to ensure the safe delivery of appropriate care.” This is also true when it comes to mail order teeth-straightening aligners. At-home kits that ask patients to create a dental mold, mail it […]