Blog Archive - 2012

Let’s say you just got braces and  Drs. Roger Nettune, Kenneth Banasiak has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy.  What does this leave for you to eat?  Lettuce?  Nothing? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of  “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from treatment at Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates. If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about […]

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks. To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Roger Nettune, Kenneth Banasiak and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others. And remember […]

Great question! If you are brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Roger Nettune, Kenneth Banasiak, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined […]

One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That’s why Drs. Roger Nettune, Kenneth Banasiak and team at Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be a great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports.  Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO: Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. Wear a helmet Wear protective eyewear Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin […]

“Dentists,Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Drs. Roger Nettune & Kenneth Banasiak started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Drs. Roger Nettune & Kenneth Banasiak decided to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites. Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the […]

After recovering from your cold or the flu, Dr. Roger Nettune and Dr. Kenneth Banasiak will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush! Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart – keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips: • Wash your hands before and after brushing• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster• Replace your […]