Let's Get This Straight: Q&A About Retainers

Hooray -- the time has come, your child’s braces are coming off! No more needing to avoid certain foods or use specialized tools for cleaning, but you're not out of the woods just yet. 

Children’s teeth continue to grow and shift into adulthood, which is why there is a crucial second step to keeping their smiles perfect -- retainers. Here are some answers to the most common retainer questions. 

1. Why Does My Child Have To Wear A Retainer?
Nothing is permanent in orthodontics! We help align the teeth, but they can move after braces come off -- defeating the purpose of all that hard work! Consistent retainer use will help keep their teeth straight and keep you from coming back for braces for the second time, phew!

2. What Kind Of Retainer Will They Get? 
There are multiple kinds of retainers, fixed and removable, which will be chosen based off which one is best for your child’s individual needs. 

3. How Long Will My Child Have To Wear A Retainer? 
Typically, the first six months after braces are removed, retainers should be worn every day. Over time, the teeth will stabilize, and your child can wear their retainer more infrequently -- delivering that news will be a good day!

4. How Can I Help My Child Care For Their Retainer?
First, always make sure your child is carrying the plastic case made to hold their retainer. If they are eating at school or on a playdate, you want to make sure that when they take off their retainer, it is in a safe place and doesn’t contract germs. Your child should remove their retainer before brushing in the morning and at night and clean their retainer before placing it back in their mouth. Give us a call if you have any cleaning questions.

5. Will A Retainer Hurt Them? 
Each retainer is custom fit to a child’s mouth. If they continuously wear it when they are supposed to, it should fit comfortably and not hurt. If your child moves away from the consistent use of their retainer, their teeth will shift, and the retainer will feel tight in their mouth. Help them to remember they can avoid any discomfort and keep their beautiful smile if they consistently wear their retainer.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding your child’s orthodontic health, please give our offices a call!

Brace Yourself: Braces-Friendly Recipe Ideas

It happened, your child got braces, and now their life is ruined -- their usual words, not ours, of course. 

When your child gets braces, they may feel as if their food choices are limited. And while yes, some snacks should be avoided you can rest assured that there are still plenty of braces-friendly options:

Breakfast Pancakes

A huge breakfast favorite and luckily kids with braces can still eat them! Change up the recipe for a more healthy alternative. TIP: Replace syrup with applesauce. Syrup is high in sodium, sugar, and carbohydrates -- yuck!

Smoothies

A great breakfast for brace-filled mouths on-the-go! Check out these delicious smoothie recipes and keep these tips in mind to keep your smoothie healthy.

Cold Pasta Salad

This can be prepared in a variety of ways with many different ingredients. Your child can enjoy this dish for lunch and/or dinner! Don’t forget: stay clear of hard vegetables that may hurt your child’s mouth. 

Acai Bowls

Acai bowls look good and taste even better! These delicious small berries are packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids you didn’t know your child needed in their life! Be sure to try one of these recipes.

Lasagna

A delicious dinner dish for kids and they will love to make it with you too! Keep this dish on the light side with whole wheat noodles and lean ground beef.

Frozen Banana “Ice Cream”
This is a healthy alternative to actual ice cream -- dairy, fat, and sugar-free! 

Foods to AVOID:

• Hard nuts, candies, fruits (apples and pears)
• Hard vegetables (carrots and corn on the cob)
• Chips
• Pretzels
• Taco shells
• Pizza crust
• Sticky stuff like taffy, gum, or caramels
• Foods that are high in acidity that could cause discoloration (lemons, limes, or sodas)

For more braces-friendly recipes and orthodontic tips, check out our Pinterest page! 

Talking to Your Children About Braces

Let’s talk braces.

Braces are common among many children, teens, and adults in the US. But while some children view getting braces as a rite of passage, others may feel like their world is ending. This hesitation may come from seeing a friend with braces get teased or the fact that they are going through a major life change — like the transition from middle school to high school.

However your child is feeling, it’s important to start a conversation about their impending orthodontic treatment. See below for some things to keep in mind!

Be supportive: Remember, not all kids like the thought of braces, but showing your support and offering advice can work wonders. Did you or your spouse have braces growing up? Dig out some photos and show your child how you looked pre-treatment! This can help them see the big picture — that after this treatment, they’ll have a truly stunning smile!

Explain the benefits: Having a great smile isn't the only benefit of braces. With straight teeth, your child will be able to brush and floss easier, helping prevent cavities and other dental problems! Also, when teeth are aligned properly, you are able to speak, bite, and chew properly.

Give them choices: Metal braces aren’t your child’s only options. Speak with one of our orthodontists about some of the other orthodontic options we offer! For instance, Radiance Clear Braces are exactly that, clear — which is a great choice for any aesthetic concerns. We also offer Invisalign® treatment which straightens teeth with a custom-made series of aligner trays, a virtually invisible piece of plastic that is worn over teeth.

Choose the right orthodontist: When it comes to the health of your child, you wouldn’t pick just anyone to go to for care. At Adelberg Montalvan, we treat our patients as if they were our own children — so you can rest assured that they are in great hands. Just look at what some of our patients have been saying!

And, as an added courtesy, we'd love to offer any NEW patients $500 OFF braces:

Adelberg Montalvan specializes in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations: Massapequa Park, Nesconset and West Islip. If you are in need of a local orthodontist, look no further! Contact us today to learn more.

Choose AMPD for Your Orthodontic Needs!

At Adelberg Montalvan, we specialize in Pediatric Dentistry AND Orthodontics. All of our orthodontists are Board Certified and are proficient in treating both children and adults with metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign®.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child, look no further — just see what some of our patients have been saying!

“Dr. Jenny and her staff are FABULOUS!! From the moment you walk in, you are greeted at the front desk. You barely wait. My daughter's smile is priceless thanks to Dr. Jenny. I truly recommend her. Thank you!” — Christine D.

“Awesome visit with Dr. Jon today! He and the entire staff made the process of getting braces a piece of cake for my son.” — Jodi R.

“Delia is 12 now and looking at her smile makes me happy that I made the right choice with Dr. Jenny and her staff! She barely could close her mouth with protruding upper teeth now they are all straight.” — Rosa P.

“Jenny is a wonderful person and orthodontist! She, with her partner Jon, are my go to people when it comes to all things orthodontic. Jenny and Jon will be treating my children when they are ready!” — Marc B.

“Dr Jenny is the absolute best! I have a beautiful smile because of her! Absolutely recommend her for anyone who wants a perfect smile!” — Meghan D.

“I'd give Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental 10 stars if I could. Their offices are a state-of-the-art facility, clean, inviting and kid friendly. Their front desk staff is professional friendly and accommodating. Their Doctors give top notch dental care from cleaning, fillings and orthodontic care with a kid friendly approach. My daughter is never afraid to go to her appointment. In fact she looks forward to them.” — Anna W.

“My son Michael's wire on his braces came lose. We didn't have an appointment, but when I called they told me to come in right away. One of the dental hygienist fixed the problem. Everyone is always so pleasant & provide excellent service.” — Michael M.

“I am always very confident that my children are receiving the best dental care they possibly can. Dr. Jeanine is extremely patient and caring, putting my anxious child at ease. Dr. Jenny is an excellent orthodontist.” — Christian B.

New to our practice? Take advantage of our New Patient Gift Voucher — $500 OFF New Patient Braces!

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding your child’s oral care or if you need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at any of our three convenient Long Island locations.

Pediatric Orthodontic FAQs

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

While you may know an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at age 7?

Are there other orthodontic questions you have in mind? Brace yourself - we have the answers:
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam. To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit Page.

What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
What must be done to correct the problem?
Will any teeth need to be removed?
How long will the treatment take to complete?
How much will the treatment cost?

Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

For more of our frequently asked questions, please visit our website! Is there something we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page, perhaps the rest of the Adelberg Montalvan community is curious as well!

#WellnessWednesday - Packing Healthy Lunches

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Food plays an important role in balancing mood and concentration. Not to mention, the right foods can have positive effects on your dental health! With the school year gearing up, now's the time to get into the groove of packing teeth friendly lunches that also give your child a boost for improved learning.

Packing a healthy lunch for your kids doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time consuming. Here are some ideas to make it easy:

• Pretzel Kabobs - Take some ham, turkey, and cheese and roll them up together - then skewer them with pretzel sticks. The casein protein found in cheese (or other milk products) helps to fortify the tooth’s surface and protect against cavities. It’s low in sugar and acid, and high in calcium!
• DIY Pizza Lunchables - Use a whole-wheat sandwich thin, turkey pepperoni, pizza sauce, and shredded low fat cheese. If bread products have to be included in the meal, stick to whole grains. While they can still stick to your teeth, bacteria doesn't grow as quickly when you choose foods made with whole grains instead of foods made with refined grains and added sugar (like white bread).
• Power Pita - Take 2 mini whole wheat pita pockets and stuff them with grilled chicken strips, leafy greens, and other veggies. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C - a nutrient that builds collagen which helps for strong gums. Vitamin A, found in leafy greens and carrots helps to protect tooth enamel!

Encouraging healthy eating habits now can go a long way!

Have any other tooth-friendly treats your kids love? Head to our Facebook page and share your ideas! And don't forget to take your kid's selfie for our #SelfieOfSummer contest!!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Important Teeth Terms

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com 

 

Caring for your children’s teeth is essential for starting them on the right to path to good oral health. If you’re uncertain of some words we’ve used during your appointments or on phone calls, we’re here to help you brush up on your vocab. 

See the below important teeth terms everyone should know:

Primary Teeth: You may have heard the term primary teeth, milk teeth, or deciduous teeth, but most commonly - baby teeth. Around age 6 most children will lose their baby teeth and the permanent, adult teeth will come in. 

Anesthesia: This kind of pain numbing medication is applied ‘locally’ - only to the area that needs numbing. A local anesthetic may be used while filing cavities or other minor procedures. For serious surgeries, general anesthesia may be required - which produces partial or complete unconsciousness

Gingivitis: Triggered by bacteria inside the mouth, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gum around the roots of the teeth and if the connective matter around the teeth is damaged, it may progress to tooth loss.

Fixed Appliances: This is another term used to describe semi-permanent devices attached to the teeth, like braces. Traditional braces are bonded to the front of the teeth to fix alignment problems.

For a full glossary of dental terms, visit our website here » 

If you have more questions or concerns about teeth terms give us a call! We have three different Long Island locations and specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. 

Don't forget to take advantage of our #SelfieOfSummer Contest! Enter your selfie for a chance to win a $200 AMEX Gift Card! Details here »

Why Should a Malocclusion Be Treated?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

What is malocclusion of the teeth? Since occlusion refers to the ideal alignment of your teeth, malocclusion refers to the misalignment. If the teeth are misaligned, they will not be able to perform the vital functions necessary, leading to health problems.

Even though malocclusion is mostly hereditary, poor oral habits such as thumb sucking, bad dental care, prolonged bottle feeding or pacifier use can contribute to the problem. Ignoring malocclusion and the health of your child’s teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as:

·      Discomfort when chewing or biting

·      Speech problems (ie: developing a lisp)

·      Alteration of the appearance of the face

·      Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose

·      More difficulty brushing and flossing, leading to tooth decay or gum disease

Malocclusion is the most common reason for referral to an orthodontist; very few people have perfect teeth alignment. However, most problems are minor and do not require treatment if spotted early. If you’re realizing this is effecting your child, please schedule an appointment with us!

Consult with one of our orthodontists here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics for your child’s first orthodontist appointment. Let us help you identify and reduce problems early on to make sure your child’s orthodontic experience is easier in the long run! Call us today!

Don't forget to take advantage of our #SelfieOfSummer Contest! Enter your selfie for a chance to win a $200 AMEX Gift Card! Details here »

 

Braces vs. Invisalign - What's Right for My Child?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Image Courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As orthodontic methods have advanced through the years, there are now more options than ever for straightening teeth. The two top contenders? Traditional braces and Invisalign.

Benefits of Braces:

• Made of high-grade stainless steel, today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than years past
• The wire and brackets that form part of the braces help support closing of gaps and correcting crooked teeth
• Braces are not removable, and thus can’t be taken out and lost
• Braces typically work quicker in correcting teeth and work efficiently in fixing complex tooth issues

Benefits of Invisalign:

• The invisible smile corrected - Invisalign is a series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners that work to adjust teeth without anyone knowing
• Invisalign can be removed to eat, brush, floss, etc
• Invisalign is extremely useful for ethic purposed and simple dental issues
• Invisalign is comfortable and convenient, and are easier on the teeth overall

So which is the better option for your child? The decision ultimately depends on your child’s specific needs. While braces can be a hassle when eating and can cause mouth abrasions, the success of Invisalign is directly related to the patient wearing their aligners when required.

If you're seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, consult with one of our orthodontists here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics. We’ll be able to help you determine which treatment is best for your child.

Braces and Invisalign do more than just straighten teeth - they are valuable in correcting bite issues that often require special diagnosis and treatment. Get your child started on the path to a lifetime of great oral health!

Tooth Tips for Summer!

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Schools out, and before your kids run off to their summer camps, play dates, or sport games - there are a few things to keep in mind. We always tell our children to be careful - look both ways when crossing the street, wear a helmet when riding a bike, but do you also remind them of ways they can be protecting their teeth?

Protecting your child’s smile is just as important as guarding against skinned knees. See below for some ways your can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong these upcoming summer months:

Wear a mouth guard while playing summer sports - According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, about 10-39% of childhood dental injuries are sports related. There’s no need to risk it, any mouth guard is better than NO mouth guard. Before your child’s next game - make sure a mouth guard is included as part of their uniform. 

Chew on sugarless gum, not ice! - Yes even though ice is natural, sugar free, and refreshing - it can be risky to your teeth! Munching on hard, frozen cubes can weaken enamel, leading you to crack or even chip your teeth. So leave the ice chomping to the blenders, have your kids pick up sugarless gum instead.

Choose smart tooth snacks - When packing snacks for the beach or even to include in your child’s lunch, opt for ones that are tooth-friendly. Dip a banana in yogurt and freeze for a tasty frozen treat or brew up some refreshing drinks as an alternate to sugary Kool-Aid!

Brush before bedtime - This year round advice hasn’t changed, but in summer months with later curfews and night time Ralph’s Italian Ices runs, it’s important this tip doesn’t slip through the cracks. Make sure your kids brush their teeth before going to bed and only have water to drink after brushing.

These tips plus scheduled dental visits can help your children enjoy this summer with healthy smiles! If you’re looking to schedule your child’s next dental visit, give us a call! We have offices in Nesconset, Massapequa Park, and West Islip and are always available to talk with you and address any concerns.

#TBT - The History of Braces

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When braces were first invented, they typically were reserved for those of wealth, or extreme cases of orthodontic deformations. Now, they are a routine dental procedure that both children and adults undergo to improve their oral health.

For this Throw Back Thursday, let’s take a look at a brief timeline of how they came to be what they are today:

• Braces seem to date back to ancient times. Archeologists have found many mummified remains in and around Egypt of people with metal bands and catgut around their teeth, dating back to 300 BC
• True progress wasn’t really seen until the 18th century when the concept of orthodontic braces started to appear in medical journals. Pierre Fauchard (the father of modern dentistry) published a book known as “The Surgeon Dentist” which documented numerous general dentistry topics, with a specific chapter devoted to orthodontics. This chapter explored ways to straighten teeth, including a concept involving the “Bandeau.” This device looked like a horseshoe, and would be inserted into a patient’s mouth to keep the natural arch of the teeth and mouth in place.
• Further along, in 1819 - the wire crib was invented, an early model of the dental brace we know today. In the same century, gum elastics were also used and X-rays were incorporated into orthodontic procedures.
• The first use of the word “braces” wasn’t until the early 1900s around the same time that Edward Angle, the father of American orthodontics, devised a system that classified anomalies of tooth positions and invented appliances and surgical techniques for their treatment. This system is still in effect today!

Braces have come a long way from using catgut to shift teeth into proper alignment. Even with all the advancements in these last 3,000 years - orthodontists predict the popularity of orthodontic treatment will only increase as the cost and length of treatment time decreases!

If you're seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, consult with one of our orthodontists here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics. Let us help you identify and reduce problems early on to make sure your child’s orthodontic experience is easier in the long run! Call us today!

How to Teach Your Teens the Importance of Brushing

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

 

Remember how difficult it was to get your toddlers to brush their teeth? The good news is you’re now well-trained in encouraging healthy habits. The bad news is that getting tweens and teens to brush every day can be even more difficult. Teens who fail to brush regularly set themselves up for a lifetime pattern of dental neglect. That’s why it’s important to continue encouraging your older kids to take care of their oral health.

Children who are susceptible to gum disease and cavities often start seeing problems when they hit puberty as habits begin to slip. A recent Gallup survey found that a whopping 34 percent of teens only brush their teeth once a day, although the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Image Source: Gallup

Get your tweens and teens back on track by following these easy tips:

·       Avoid being too pushy, which can make your children less likely to brush

·       Incorporate positive forms of reinforcement and reward your teens for taking care of their oral hygiene

·       Do not use a visit to the dentist as a punishment, as it can create fear and dread

·       Practice good dental health habits to lead by example

How do you get your tweens and teens to brush their teeth twice a day? Tweet us your ideas @AM_pediatric.

Best Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Although an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at age 7. At this young age, the first adult molars erupt - thus establishing the back bite. During this time, we can evaluate front to back and side to side tooth relationships to see if there may be a possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles.

By having your child seek early evaluation, we not only will be able to detect any future problems but also intercept them and anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. This includes:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Interceptive treatment prevents serious problems from occurring later in life. Consult with one of our orthodontists here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics for your child’s first orthodontist appointment. Let us help you identify and reduce problems early on to make sure your child’s orthodontic experience is easier in the long run! Call us today!