Blog Archive - 2012

Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment?  Consider making your first step an orthodontic consultation. During the consultation we will address your questions, concerns, and talk about a treatment plan that would best suit your situation. We want you to feel prepared and in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind when you come in for your appointment. If I do need some adjustments to my teeth, what options will I have besides braces? (This will help you determine what approaches we use to straighten your teeth.) What kind of preparation is needed to get braces? How many visits will it take? (It’s important to know how many appointments may be […]

Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child’s development. Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice. If you’re wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout […]

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter. More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and […]

It’s chilly outside, and sometimes nothing satisfies the team here at Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates more than a hot meal. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment. Ingredients 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles Water for boiling noodles (optional: 1 or 2 onions, chopped) (optional: 1 to 2 Tablespoons margarine for sautéing onions) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best, but the canned type works too) ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ½ cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese 1½ cups milk ½ cup bread crumbs […]

Drs. Nettune and Banasiak know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. But… not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates thought we’d remind you that Invisalign Teen gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a “clearly” amazing smile! So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the […]

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. Next time you visit Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates, find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment. The first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look. Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be […]