Blog Archive - 2012

When you have braces, your wires will need to be replaced with new ones regularly. It is the slow, steady pressure placed on your teeth that move them into their desired positions, so these adjustments are a vital aspect of your treatment. We have set out a specific treatment plan to achieve your optimal results, and keeping up with your appointments will allow your treatment to be completed in the predicted amount of time.   Scheduling your adjustments sooner than planned may result in more pain and discomfort, because your teeth haven’t been allowed to settle into their new positions properly. Skipping appointments or scheduling them farther apart will result in a much longer treatment time. Visiting our office regularly […]

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment. Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include: Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or […]

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 […]