Braces

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 […]

Picture someone wearing braces—how old are they? Most people imagine a child or a teenager when they think about the average orthodontic patient. However, approximately 20% of all people with orthodontics are over the age of 18, and an increasing number of adults are choosing to fix teeth that have bothered them for cosmetic or functional reasons (or both). Today there are more options than ever for individuals of all ages to enhance their smiles. Traditional braces are still a popular option. They are often the most affordable choice and they can address a wide range of concerns both simple and complex. But if a “metal mouth” makes you nervous, there are other excellent methods to straighten the teeth, such […]

One of the most important aspects of your orthodontic treatment begins when the braces come off. Maintaining your outcome often requires the use of a retainer, as this helps your teeth stabilize in their new position. To preserve your bite alignment, you will need to wear your retainer regularly and take good care of the appliance. Retainer maintenance is simple and straightforward, but it will require diligence. A little patience can give you the smile you’ve always wanted with permanent results. Some tips for retainer wear and care include: Brush your retainer daily with your regular toothbrush and toothpaste Only hold the retainer by the central portion, avoiding pressure on the sensitive edges and metal parts Remove the retainer and […]

While everyone understands that a dentist takes care of teeth, not everyone is aware of what an orthodontist does. This confusion sometimes leads to misunderstandings about what Nettune & Banasiak Orthodontic Associates does for our patients and how exactly Drs. Roger Nettune and Kenneth Banasiak can help them. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the myths and misconceptions about orthodontists. Perhaps the biggest misconception about the orthodontist is that they’re just like your family dentist. The truth is, they’re actually very different. While it’s true that both orthodontists and dentists care about helping you enjoy a lifetime of good dental and oral health, orthodontists go about achieving this goal in different ways. For instance, if you need […]

Kids can be picky eaters. How many times have you seen your child try to hide the peas under a mound of mashed potatoes? At Nettune & Banasiak Orthodontic Associates, Drs. Roger Nettune and Kenneth Banasiak and our team understand how hard it can be to get your child to eat the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. The task of providing fun, nutritious meals becomes even more challenging if he or she wears braces. It’s an age-old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. These five braces-friendly recipes are not only nutritious, but they will have little Jimmy flashing his “tin grin” when he sits down at the kitchen table in the morning. Scrambled […]