Oral Health

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) works like a hinge, and you have one on each side of your jaw to make it possible to open and close your mouth. Dysfunction of the TMJ can cause a host of problems, from teeth grinding to back pain. Fortunately, many treatments are now available to address this condition with great results. Our board certified orthodontist has extensive training in TMJ disorder treatment, and he can assist you in determining which approach or approaches can best help you. Some of the most common techniques are: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications Muscle relaxants Oral splints and mouthguards Orthodontic treatment Physical therapy Injections Oral surgery (very rare) TMJ disorder can be caused or worsened by misaligned teeth, […]

Did you know the actions leading to the beginnings of Valentine’s Day were actually centered on the avoidance of war? A Catholic priest named Valentine defied the orders of the Emperor Claudius II and secretly married young men and their brides after the emperor had declared it illegal because only single, young men could be sent to war. Rather than lose potential soldiers to fight his war, Claudius attempted to hoard them by proclaiming marriage illegal. Valentine continued to marry young couples anyway and, eventually, was put to death for it in 270 AD. Before his death, he sent a letter to a secret love and signed it “From your Valentine”. Nearly 1,800 years later, people are still signing letters […]

At Nettune & Banasiak Orthodontic Associates, Drs. Roger Nettune and Kenneth Banasiak and our staff have found that patients who like their smiles have better self-esteem. People who don’t like their smiles are often skittish about talking to other people. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, when women are asked about what they’d most like to change about themselves, many point to their smile. Despite wanting to change their smiles, quite a few of the people who are unhappy about that part of themselves won’t consider getting braces. Most Americans Don’t Have Straight Teeth The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that 4.5 million Americans wear braces or other orthodontic equipment to straighten their teeth and to get a […]

One word no one likes to hear is “cavity!” For those patients of ours wearing braces, hearing that word is especially problematic, considering that delaying any dental work may result in delaying treatment time. We often blame candy as the culprit behind tooth decay, but other foods and drinks that kids consume can be just as harmful to their teeth, and can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Keeping your teeth or your child’s teeth from decay during treatment starts with a proper diet, and today, our team at Nettune & Banasiak Orthodontic Associates will explain the negative effects that candy and other treats, including peanut butter, raisins, fruit juice, and chewy fruit snacks, have on your child’s teeth as […]

Also known as onchophagia, the habit of nail biting is one of the so-called “nervous habits” that can be triggered by stress, excitement, or boredom. Approximately half of all kids between the ages of ten and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another. Experts say that about 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults are nail biters, however most people stop chewing their nails by the time they turn 30. Here are four dental and general reasons to stop biting your nails: 1. It’s unsanitary: Your nails harbor bacteria and germs, and are almost twice as dirty as fingers. What’s more, swallowing dirty nails can lead to stomach problems. 2. It wears down your teeth: […]

Our team at Nettune & Banasiak Orthodontic Associates knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment. But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your time wearing braces? Fluoride, the mineral that helps you prevent cavities and tooth decay, can also help keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Drs. Roger Nettune and Kenneth Banasiak, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every […]