6 New Year's Resolutions That Will Benefit Your Teeth

Believe it or not, it is getting to be that time of the year again! Before you know it, 2012 will be gone, and we will begin another new year, and with a new year come new beginnings.

Those new beginnings can start with you in 2013! This year, resolve to make goals that will help improve not only your overall health but also your dental health! Check out these 6 great New Year’s resolutions that will benefit both your teeth and your overall health!

Eat Well – Okay, I admit. I probably had one too many cookies this holiday season! There is no shame in treating yourself once in a while, especially during this time of year in which we celebrate the holidays together with family and friends. For 2013, resolve to eat more healthily overall. Say yes to more fruits and vegetables, and do your best to cut back on sugary and processed foods, which can cause problems with your teeth. Aim for a healthy, well-balanced diet. Not only will your teeth and gums be healthy and happy, but your entire body will also benefit from the vital nutrients you consume, AND you can help yourself maintain a healthy weight!

Lose Weight – This resolution is a rather common one that countless people in the nation make every single year. According to recent surveys, 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese. Being overweight puts you at risk for several diseases, including Type II Diabetes, which has been known to increase your risk of periodontal disease. Trust me, you do not want to mess with periodontal disease! Resolve to become more physically active and eat more healthily in 2013 for the health of both your body and your teeth!

Brush at Least Twice a Day – Yes, that is right; we said AT LEAST twice a day! Thoroughly brushing your teeth will help protect your teeth from tooth decay and gum disease, and it will help ward off your teeth’s mortal enemy – plaque! Aim to brush your teeth as thoroughly as possible for roughly two minutes at least twice every single day to make sure you are keeping your teeth in tip-top shape!

Quit Smoking – Are you a smoker? Why not resolve to stop smoking or using tobacco once and for all in 2013? Tobacco harms your lungs, teeth, and gums, and partaking in smoking puts you at risk for tooth discoloration and decay, cavities, gum recession and gum disease, disease of the throat and lungs, and even oral cancer or emphysema. In fact, you are twice as likely to lose your teeth than non-smokers! So do your teeth a favor and aim to stop smoking!

Floss Every Single Day – As people grow older, the big reason that they lose their teeth is not because of cavities but because of periodontal disease. When you floss, you remove the plaque between your teeth that brushing cannot do. If you find flossing too difficult, don’t worry! There are many simple devices that can help you floss. Be sure to take the extra few minutes out of your day in 2013 to floss!

Come Visit Me! Resolve to visit your favorite orthodontist frequently. When you stop by for your appointments at Mastroianni Orthodontics, we can help monitor your teeth and keep tabs on your teeth’s conditions. You should also visit your local dentist once every 6 months.

Will you be making any New Year’s resolutions this year? I hope you resolve to take better care of your teeth and to come visit us here at Mastroianni Orthodontics! We will ensure that you leave with a beautiful, amazing smile! To make an appointment, just call us here at (618) 288-0600 in Glen Carbon or at (618) 622-3377 or visit us online at www.amazingsmiles.com. We hope you have a happy, safe, and successful 2013!

3 Reasons To Get Braces in 2013

With a new year upon us, everyone is going to be caught up in making New Year’s Resolutions, and while resolutions are good, people quite often lose sight of their good intentions and have left their resolutions in the dust come April.

With that in mind, I want to give you 3 reasons why you should seriously consider looking into getting orthodontic treatment for the upcoming year.

Braces help correct an underbite or an overbite - One of the main reasons people get braces is to help correct underbite or overbite. An underbite is a situation in which the lower jaw juts out a bit too far causing the bottom teeth to extend out past the upper teeth. Conversely, overbite occurs when the upper jaw pushes the upper teeth too far forward. These two conditions can cause undue stress on the jaw and the teeth, and lead to permanent damage. Braces can help correct both of these situations and potentially save you lots of grief in the future.

Prevent tooth decay - This one might not be very obvious at first glance. Having crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing rather complicated. Plaque builds up in the spaces between teeth, and if the teeth are too close together, or resting at awkward angles with one another, that buildup can easily grow and get out of hand, causing cavities, tooth decay, and many other oral health problems. With straight teeth, flossing is much easier and much more effective at removing plaque.

Better Self-Esteem - Having a nice straight smile will definitely lend itself toward giving you higher self-esteem. No more worrying about awkward half-smiles in pictures! Plus, you will not feel the need to hide your teeth in photos!

So there you have it. If you have been considering getting braces or Invisalign for your teeth or your children’s teeth, call us at (618) 288-0600 in Glen Carbon or at (618) 622-3377 and set up an appointment. You will be glad you did!

Feast on Thanksgiving? We Say YES!

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just about here? Well, it is, and we have so much to be thankful for, especially for our loved ones, friends, and, of course, our dental health!

Want another thing to be thankful for? Recent research has shown that the typical, bountiful meals that you make for Thanksgiving (if planned correctly) are not only delicious but also healthy for your body, teeth, and your gums, too!

Our bodies need many different essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. Well, so do your teeth and gums! Guess what? Many of those essential vitamins and minerals can be found in many of the foods in the Thanksgiving meal that you prepare!

See below which foods are the best for you and why!

Turkey – The highlight and main event of any Thanksgiving meal, turkey is high in phosphorous, which is healthy for developing teeth. The high amount of phosphorous also helps rebuild and remineralize your teeth and the bones in your jaw! That’s just one more excuse to gobble all the turkey you want this Thanksgiving!

Sweet Potatoes – Are you a sweet potato fan? Have you been told over and over that sweet potatoes are bad for you? Well, you’re in luck! Recent research is showing that sweet potatoes are much healthier and nutritious than what was once thought, even more so than regular white potatoes! Sweet potatoes are also loaded with nutrients and lots of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and B6, so load ‘em up on your plate!

Green and Winter Vegetables – Vegetables are important for a well-balanced diet as it is, but green vegetables and winter vegetables are even more essential for your gums! They are packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C, both of which are essential for gum health and also for the repair of gum diseases like gingivitis and even periodontitis!

Cranberries – Rejoice, cranberry lovers! You can eat cranberries without any shame or remorse! These fruits contain flavonoids, which can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and forming plaque! Remember, bacteria are the ones responsible for tooth decay and gum infections, so be sure to chow down on some sweet cranberries!

Pumpkin Pie – Yes, we said it. Pumpkin pie is actually a good source of Vitamin C and calcium, which is essential for gum health and developing teeth and bone maintenance. Now, we’re not saying that you can go and eat whole pumpkin pies, but you most certainly can indulge in a piece or two!

Remember, wellness for your whole body, including your smile, starts with prevention and good nutrition. All of us here at Mastroianni Orthodontics wish you an enjoyable, nutritious, and stress-free Thanksgiving and holiday season!

And if you want to come in for an appointment, be sure to call us in Glen Carbon at (618) 288-0600 or in Swansea at (618) 622-3377 or visit us online at www.amazingsmiles.com!

Mastroianni Orthodontics School Spirit Video Contest - We Have a WINNER!

The results are in! We have a winner from our school spirit video contest!

Weeks ago, we challenged students around the area to create their very own school spirit video that would show just how much spirit they have for their schools. Contestants were then told to upload their videos to YouTube and also on our Facebook fan page wall. The entrant’s video with the most “likes” by October 24 at 8 a.m. would then be declared the winner.

What was the prize, you ask? We awarded $500 to be dedicated to the school department of the winner’s choice!

This year, we are proud to announce that Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, Illinois, is the winner of our school spirit video contest! Congratulations to all of you, and job well done!

You can watch their video here:

We also had an entry from Maryville Elementary School that featured the school’s 1^st graders! You can see their video right here!

Thank you to everyone who entered our contest, and congratulations once more to Marquette Catholic High School! You are a great example of school pride and dedication! We are excited for next year’s contest, so be sure to keep an eye out for further details after the start of the 2013-2014 school year!

Keep Your Teeth From Getting Scary This Halloween!

To the excitement of children and children at heart everywhere, Halloween is finally upon us! You have your costume all ready and together for the big day, and you are ready to traverse through your neighborhood for some Trick-or-Treat goodies!

Before you get ready to step out the door, though, you might want to inform yourself which treats you should and should not consume, especially if you are currently receiving orthodontic treatment! Check out Mastroianni Orthodontics’ Official No-Eat List below!

Gum:

*bubble gum

*Bubble Yum

*Trident

*Freedent

*sugarless gum

Taffy:

*Laffy Taffy

*Airheads

*Starburst

*JuJu Bees

*Gummy Bears

*Now & Laters

*jelly beans

*licorice

*Gummy Savers

Caramels:

*caramels

*caramel apples

*Tootsie Rolls

*raisins

*Sugar Daddies

*Marathon Bars

*Snickers

*Milk Duds

Hard things:

*ice cubes

*pens and pencils

*whole apples

*whole carrots

*celery stalks

*popcorn seeds

*hard pretzels

*hard taco shells

*hard corn chips

*nuts of any kind

*hard bagels

In addition to all of the above is the infamous group called SWEETS. Sweets can be eaten but it is very important that you brush or rinse your mouth immediately after eating them! The sweets will not cause damage to your braces but they will cause damage to your teeth. This is how you get those white spots on your teeth while wearing braces.

What is the absolute worst offender of all the sweets? Why, soft drinks, of course! It does not matter if the soft drink is a diet soda or not - it will have the same effect on your teeth! We ask that you please try to stay away from soda during your treatment.

Let’s say you are enjoying some Halloween treats and one of your braces becomes loose. What should you do? Well, should one of your braces come loose before an appointment, please call the same day that you find out that it is broken. We are not going to be upset with you but we do want to make sure that we have enough time to fix it during your regular scheduled appointment. Some broken brackets can wait to be fixed while others need to be repaired as soon as possible.

The last thing that we would like you to know is that if one of your braces comes loose you run the risk of making your treatment take longer because that tooth is no longer moving in the right direction and may in fact be moving back toward its original position. If you cheat and eat everything you are currently eating, you will only be cheating yourself in the end. Just remember these things from the start and your treatment will run more smoothly.

We all want this to be a positive experience for you and we want to get the job done as quickly as we possibly can. This will only happen with your cooperation. Let’s work together to give you the best possible smile in the shortest period of time. Call us at (618) 288-0600 in Glen Carbon or (618) 622-3377 in Swansea if you have any questions or are interested in receiving orthodontic treatment from us. You can also check us out online at www.amazingsmiles.com! Have a safe and fun Halloween for both you and your teeth!

It's National Orthodontic Health Month - Celebrate Having and Maintaining a Healthy, Happy Smile!

Happy October, blog readers! It is hard to believe that we are already just 2 months away from the end of the year. Time has really flown by this year!

With the beautiful month of October comes wonderful fall weather, apple cider, pumpkin patches, lots of Halloween fun, and, of course, lots of Halloween candy and sweets. But did you know that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month?

Every year the American Association of Orthodontists focuses on promoting good oral hygiene and taking the time to recognize the outstanding work of orthodontists around the country. It is a time to remind people not only how important it is to have a healthy smile, but also to keep in mind how to care for braces, retainers, and any other orthodontic appliances they may have.

When it comes to treating yourself to sweets, no one is more enthusiastic than Dr. Jeff! After all, that is why we have our very own Otis Spunkmeyer cookie-making machine in our office. We would like to remind you, though, that not every sweet treat, snack, and piece of candy is ideal for consumption. Be wary of anything crunchy such as tortilla chips, nuts, or popcorn, as these can potentially cause damage to your braces. The same goes for sticky candies such as caramels, licorice, and taffy.

We hope you all will have a safe and fun October and Halloween, but if you find yourself suffering from fright of a more orthodontic nature, feel free to call us at (618) 288-0600 if you are in the Glen Carbon area or (618) 622-3377 if you are in the Swansea area. We are always ready to help if you have any orthodontic emergencies!

For more information on the American Association of Orthodontists, please visit their website at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Setting Aside Money for Medical and Dental Procedures in 2013? Plan NOW For Invisalign Treatments and SAVE!

Have you wanted to straighten your teeth lately but fear that you will not have the funds necessary to put toward your treatment?

Well, if you happen to have any extra dollars from your flex spending account(cafeteria plan), what are you going to do with all the extra money before the end of the year? After all, those funds will not roll over; you have to use it or you will lose it!

It hardly seems possible, but the holidays are approaching rather quickly.  With that in mind, we would like to remind you to take advantage of the “flex plans” that many businesses offer their employees for medical and dental procedures.

Whether you have money that needs to be spent before the year’s end or if you are planning ahead for the procedures you would like in 2013, we urge you to make sure that you are utilizing your flex plan to your best advantage!

When considering procedures for 2013, please be aware that orthodontic treatment is considered an acceptable expense for flex spending accounts. Plan now to get the smile you have always wanted with Invisalign, the gold standard in invisible orthodontics.

This method of straightening teeth without bands or wires has helped millions of patients achieve a beautiful smile in a discreet, comfortable manner – as an Elite provider we can do the same for you!

Our office offers free Invisalign consultations and has financing options that makes starting treatment comfortable for you. Now that should give you something to smile about!

If you are interested in this or would like to know more about Invisalign or braces, feel free to call us at Mastroianni Orthodontics! You can call at (618) 288-0600 in Glen Carbon or at (618) 622-3377 in Swansea! Be sure to check us out online at www.amazingsmiles.com for more information!

What are you waiting for? Don’t put off giving yourself a beautiful smile another year! Give yourself something to smile about when you visit the experts at Mastroianni Orthodontics!

Retainers - Take Care of Them and They Will Take Care of YOU!

As school begins, students of all ages are excited to see their friends again and get back into the routine of learning. Sometimes the excitement can make students forget about their homework, their pens or pencils, and - if they recently finished orthodontic treatment- their retainers.

Well, guess what? Dr. Jeff is here to give you an exclusive checklist to all of you students out there who wear retainers to keep your retainers nice and safe and your teeth beautiful!

Use Your Case – Your case is there for a reason, so use it! Be sure to place your retainer back in your case when you eat lunch in the cafeteria (or anywhere else, for that matter). Not only will you keep your retainers safe and sound, but you will also be much more likely to remember your retainer after you eat your lunch!

Avoid Using Napkins – I know that the idea of simply placing your retainer on your napkin for temporary safe-keeping while you eat is tempting, but I beg you, resist the temptation! Placing retainers on napkins while eating is the #1 reason that retainers go missing. Think about it – if you are late to lunch and need to scarf down your sandwich, you might be more worried about being late to class and may forget all about your retainer! Do yourself a favor – put your retainer in your case!

Handle With Care – Your retainers are not toys; they are very valuable (and breakable), so be sure to treat them with care! Clean them thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste and warm water. This will help remove the plaque on them and eliminate any odors that maybe be lingering. Be sure to rinse your retainer under warm water after you eat and place it back into your mouth right away. If you take good care of your retainers, they will last you for years to come!

Your Retainer is NOT a Treat for Fido – You know who wants to chew on your retainer? Your pets do! If you do not have your retainer in, please do not leave them in the reach of pets; they will destroy your retainers if given the chance.

Always Be Aware of Your Retainer’s Location – I know that there is a lot of information to remember in school, but please remember to be aware of where your retainer is at all times! Be sure to keep your retainer away from hot water, hot car dashboards, your pockets, napkins, and, of course, the washing machine.

Follow Dr. Jeff’s Instructions – Want to have an amazing smile? Just follow our instructions! Wear your retainers full-time until we instruct otherwise, always bring your retainer to your appointments, and never try to adjust your retainer on your own.

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, be sure to call us at Mastroianni Orthodontics at (618) 288-0600 for our Glen Carbon office or at (618) 622-3377 for our Swansea location! Check out our website at www.amazingsmiles.com to see what we can do for you!

Get Rewarded for Great Oral Hygiene with the Mastro Bucks Program!

We all have to take care of our teeth; there is no doubt about that. While the benefits of getting your teeth cared for by professionals should be a great reward in itself, it is always nice to get rewarded for following your orthodontist’s instructions, taking care of your teeth, or simply showing up to appointments on time.

Well, guess what? At Mastroianni Orthodontics, you can earn money while you are in treatment! We have an incentive program called “The Mastro Bucks Program” to help encourage our patients to be active participants in creating their amazing smiles.

At Mastroianni Orthodontics, we feel it is super important to celebrate our patients’ achievements and to let them know how proud we are of their successes, so we are giving our patients the chance to earn wooden nickels for being great patients!

Every time you come into our office, we will rate your hygiene as “Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor.” You must be given either an “Excellent” or “Good” rating for the day to earn wooden nickels, which are small wooden tokens that can be collected throughout your treatment and turned in after your braces are removed for a prepaid Mastroianni Orthodontics American Express credit card!

The number of wooden nickels you collect throughout your treatment will determine dollar amount on your card. Here is how the amounts are broken down:

Wooden Nickels                                                         Dollar amount

25                                                                               $10

50                                                                               $20

75                                                                               $30

100                                                                             $40

Want to know how to earn your wooden nickels? Here is how you can do it!

1.     Keep your teeth clean – When you come in for a visit, your brushing will be evaluated. If you are given an A or B grade, then you will earn 1 nickel, and, more importantly, you will qualify to earn more. Your teeth must be clean to qualify to earn coins in this and in other categories.

2.     Come to your appointments on time - Our computer tracks what time you arrive for your appointments, so we will use it to determine if you are on time or not. (1 nickel)

3.     No broken or “loose” brackets – Help keep your braces attached to your teeth by avoiding foods on your “do not eat” list! (1 nickel)

4.     Be compliant – If we ask you to wear rubber bands or headgear, then please do so for the proper amount of time each day. (1 nickel)

Here are some special ways that you can earn more nickels:

*Refer a Friend – When you refer and friend and that friend starts treatment with us, you will receive 20 nickels!

*Good Grades – Get A’s and B’s on your report cards (NO C’s or below!) for nickels! You can bring in your report cards twice each year and earn 5 nickels each time!

*Get Your Teeth Cleaned Twice a Year – Simply bring a note in from your general dentist that your teeth have been cleaned, and you will receive 5 nickels.

*Appear in the Newspaper – When you appear in the newspaper or win a special award (such as trophies, medals, ribbons, etc.), show us, and you will earn 5 nickels!

*Send a Postcard on Vacation – Going on a vacation? Be sure to send us a postcard! We will post it to our bulletin board at the office and will give you 5 nickels in return!

You can collect up to 5 wooden nickels at each of your regularly scheduled visits. Keep the nickels in the cup we will provide you and turn them in at the end of your treatment. It is that simple!

We believe that by rewarding your good behavior you will take pride in your treatment – we want to give you the credit that you deserve!

If you are ready to receive orthodontic treatment, give us a call at our Glen Carbon office at (618) 288-0600 or at our Swansea office at (618) 622-3377 or make an appointment online at www.amazingsmiles.com! We look forward to hearing from you soon!

We've Got School Spirit! How 'Bout You? Then Show Us and Win $500!

Summer is ending soon (to the dismay of many students), and the new school year is beginning in full force locally and nationally.  Some students may be, well, less than thrilled when it comes to returning to school, but the patients whom we see in our office are often talking about how excited they are for school to begin once more, and we have to say, we’re excited FOR them!

That is why we plan on holding a fun School Spirit video contest for them this year!

What is this video contest all about, anyway? Well, it is quite simple! All you have to do if you want to enter is create a brand new school spirit video! Make a video about how much school spirit you and your friends have for the upcoming school year, and then upload it to YouTube. 

After you have done that, email us the link of your school spirit video on YouTube at marcia@amazingsmiles.com to officially be entered into our contest! You have until October 1 to enter your video into our contest. By the way, our contest began August 1st, so start making your video now!

After all the videos have been submitted, we will then post all entrants’ videos to our Facebook fan page on October 1 (if you haven’t liked our Facebook page yet, then you totally should, especially since you can see your video there!).

Now here is the important part – the entrant’s video with the most “likes” by October 24 at 8 a.m. will be the winner! He or she will then receive $500 to be dedicated to the school department of his or her choice!

So if you want to give an extra 500 bucks to your music department, athletic department, language arts department, science department, or whatever, then put on your thinking cap and start devising this year’s winning School Spirit video!

Oh, and we almost forgot! We need to give you guidelines! Follow these guidelines below to make sure that your video still has a chance to win $500:

*Your video must be less than 5 minutes in length.
*Your video must be “ family-friendly.”
*Your video must also be submitted on time – no later than Mon., October 1!

So what are you waiting for? Get those creative juices flowing and show us how much school spirit YOU have in your School Spirit video! You never know – you might just win money for your school!

Braces Are Not Just For Kids Anymore!

I see many parents come into my office for their children’s orthodontic needs. It is great that these parents are so involved in making sure their children’s teeth are straight, but I would like to take a moment to address their personal dental straightening needs.

Parents, having recently been given the title of Elite Preferred Provider from Invisalign, I am confident that I can help align not only your children’s teeth, but also yours. Perhaps you had at one time considered getting braces yourself but felt you were past the age of getting them. Maybe you feel that you would look awkward with metal braces while working at your office. With Invisalign this is no longer a concern.

Invisalign uses clear aligners that conform to the shape of your mouth and gradually reposition your teeth into the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Simply keep the aligners in your mouth all day and night, removing them for meals, brushing, and flossing. Also, Invisalign can be easily removed for cleaning- something standard wire braces cannot do.

Using our new iTero scanner, we can have you in for impressions and fitted for Invisalign in a matter of weeks. Since all impressions with the iTero scanner are digital, we can have them immediately sent to the Invisalign lab overseas so that you’ll be working on straightening your teeth in much less time that it would traditionally take with the paste impressions.

It’s never too late to have a great smile! If you are interested in getting fitted for Invisalign for yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (618) 288-0600 for our Glen Carbon office or (618) 622-3377 for our Swansea office. We hope you enjoy the rest of the Summer and look forward to seeing you!

You May Take a Vacation, But Your Teeth Shouldn't! Don't Forget Your Braces!

School is now out across the nation, and summer vacation has commenced for many students. What better time to take some time to kick back and relax with your family on a summer vacation?

At Mastroianni Orthodontics, we hope that you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with your family this summer, if just for a little bit. Just remember, no matter where you go or what you do, whether it’s camping in your favorite state, soaking up the sun on the east or west coast, or sight-seeing in your favorite city, your teeth are never on vacation!

The first thing to do is to let Dr. Jeff know that you are going away on vacation so that he can make arrangements for your next appointment when you return. You wouldn’t want to miss an appointment for a tightening because you were busy soaking up the sun on a beach in Florida, even if it’s a pretty nice alternative to missing an appointment. Also, make sure to add our office’s phone number (Glen Carbon: (618) 288-0600, Swansea: (618) 622-3377) to your emergency contacts. If a bracket falls off or a wire snaps, be sure to call us immediately!

Secondly, make sure that you bring a kit of braces cleaning supplies for while you are away! The kit should include the following:

·      Toothbrush

·      Proxy Brush (the little thin brush that helps you clean behind the wires of your braces)

·      Floss and Floss Threaders

·      Travel-sized containers of mouthwash and toothpaste

·      Orthodontic Wax

·      Bands (If Required)

·      Pain medicine (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)

The toothbrushes and floss may be common sense recommendations, but you’d be surprised how often those things can get left behind, both at home and in the hotel room!

Make sure to bring plenty of dental wax along. The last thing you want happening is a wire constantly poking you in the mouth during a weeklong outing and not having any wax on hand to cover it up.

On that note, be sure to bring spare bands with you, or pick up some extras from our office if you are running low. If you’ve dealt with bands for any amount of time, you know they sometimes get worn thin and snap, and you don’t want to be far away from home without some backups!

Keep Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or any other over-the-counter painkiller on hand in case your teeth begin to get sore or achy. These dull aches are rare, but they can happen, and you would do well to plan ahead.

Also, don’t forget the travel-sized toothpaste and mouthwash. Many airports won’t allow full-sized bottles of liquids on the plane, and you could find yourself in another country without the proper tools to clean your teeth if you hadn’t planned for this ahead.

Remember to mind what you eat. As always, sticky foods like gum and hard foods like jawbreakers are not recommended as they can cause damage to the brackets and wires of your braces, so avoid those types of foods as best as you can.

Finally, for those of you who have had your braces removed, but are wearing a standard removable retainer, make absolutely sure to keep the retainer with you when you take it out. It’s very easy, and sadly quite common for people to accidentally misplace their retainers, or worse, throw them away as they leave a restaurant. Having to replace retainers can be time-consuming and costly, so it pays to take the effort to prevent any possible mishaps with them.

We hope you all have a safe and fun summer vacation, and spend lots of quality time with your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to take lots of pictures. Dr. Jeff and everyone here at the office would love to see them!

Routines Are the Way to Go To Be Cavity-Free This Summer!

Summer is in full swing, and that means school will be out until August! And because there are no classes, homework, or tests, kids can run around freely, do whatever they want, and eat whatever they want, right?

Wrong!

Summer may be the season that revolves around family, fun, freedom, and relaxation, but like everything else in life, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. In this case, kids can be placed at a higher risk for tooth decay during the dog days of summer because children tend to consume more sweet drinks, soda, ice cream, and other sugary treats at this time. Studies have shown that sugary substances can attack teeth within 20 minutes after consuming them, which can then lead to tooth decay.

Now, we’re not saying that kids aren’t allowed to have any fun whatsoever throughout the summer. Of course, kids are allowed to unwind, relax, and learn through having fun, but we humans are creatures of habit. Therefore, it’s best to keep your child on a regular routine throughout the summer. In that routine, you should be sure to include teeth brushing AT LEAST twice a day!

“But Dr. Mastroianni, why do I have to keep my kid on a regular routine throughout the summer? Do you just not believe in having fun?” you ask.

If you know me, you know that I LOVE to have fun. But you also know how strongly I believe in keeping one’s teeth in great condition, even during fun times (this includes vacations!).

And believe it or not, brushing one’s teeth is easier than you may think to keep in a regular schedule! Here are some tips to help ensure that your children will brush your teeth throughout the summer and remain cavity-free!

Include Brushing Teeth on the Schedule AT LEAST Twice a Day – This not only includes when you stay home during summer days but also when you’re on vacation. That’s right. Even if you’re camping or driving across the country to visit relatives, you need to have your children brush their teeth twice each day.

Keep Sugar Intake Down – This can be difficult to do, especially during the summer! Of course, treats for special occasions like a birthday are perfectly fine. Just try to keep the sugar intake in moderation, and try to sway children away from consuming nothing but sweets, ice cream, soda, and other summertime treats!

Provide Healthy Snack Alternatives – Always do your best to keep healthy options available to your children as snacks. Include veggies, cut-up fruit, and even low-fat cheeses. Not only will these snacks be less prone to giving your child cavities, but they are also very nutritious and beneficial to your child’s growing body!

Emphasize Drinking Water, Not Soda – As the temperatures rise more and more throughout the season and kids become more and more physically active, they will reach for sodas and sugary drinks to help quench their thirst. Help keep this in check and provide water when you can! Besides being healthier, water will also quench thirst while sugary drinks tend to simply dehydrate children, causing them to drink more.

Be a Good Role Model – As with everything else when it comes to raising children, if you want your child to exhibit certain characteristics or actions (like teeth-brushing, for instance), you should do the same. Be sure that you take care of your teeth yourself, eat healthily, and drink water. It isn’t fair to make your child eat veggies while you chow down on chocolate all day! Try to make oral hygiene a family goal and act as a team to help each other reach this goal!

Brush To Music – Who wants to brush their teeth to the sound of silence? Not children, that’s for sure! Try to make teeth-brushing an enjoyable time by playing a song that your child likes while they brush their teeth. Typically, songs can last between two and three minutes, which is the perfect amount of time that one needs to thoroughly clean his or her teeth!

Get Regular Checkups – Summertime is an excellent time of the year to take your child to a routine dental check-up. You won’t have to worry about taking time away from a child’s school activities or sport’s activities. It’s recommended that you see your dentist at least twice a year.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us here at Mastroianni Orthodontics at (618) 288-0600 or check us out at our website at www.amazingsmiles.com. We provide excellent orthodontic services and help people obtain (and keep!) amazing smiles. Call today!

iTero Digital Impression System - Our Office Just Got a Whole Lot More Futuristic!

If you’ve ever had to have impressions of your teeth taken, you know how much fun it is (or isn’t) to have those trays filled with putty pressed up against your teeth. Up to this point, taking impressions the old-fashioned way with the putty was necessary to orthodontics. Most orthodontists would mix up the material, put it in special horseshoe-shaped trays, and then insert it into the patient’s mouth for several minutes. Anyone who has done it knows that it’s a messy procedure and in some cases it can cause a gag reflex. It’s certainly not the most fun thing to do when going to the orthodontist, but I’m very glad to tell you that at my office in Glen Carbon, that that experience is no more!

Instead of using the traditional putty method, we now use the new iTero Digital Impression System, which scans patients’ teeth and lets us work with a 3D digital model. This system is available at our Glen Carbon office. The whole process takes somewhere between 8 and 15 minutes and gives us a perfect 3D representation of the patient’s teeth that we can interact with on the computer. iTero uses a combination of lasers and optical scanning software in a process called parallel confocal imaging. What it means for our patients is that the messy material and gag reflex are a total thing of the past!

The other added benefit of having 3D scans in this way is that patients can directly see the progress that they are making with their teeth alignments. This will help them better understand what is going on in with their teeth, and it will help us to better explain how we are helping them.

Also, since the entire process is digital, the amount of time it takes us to get working models of our patients’ teeth is much shorter and far less cumbersome than it used to be.

Instead of sending off the impressions of your teeth to Invisalign and waiting 2 to 3 weeks for the results, we now can email the scan of your teeth directly to the company and can get a speedier result. This then allows us to give you an amazing smile even more quickly and accurately!

In the end, this all means that we can have patients come into the office for their first visit and leave the office on their last visit with a great smile in a shorter time than we used to. I love seeing my patients as much as I can, but I also know that we’re all working toward giving them the awesome smiles that they are capable of as quickly as possible, and this is definitely one of the tools that will help us achieve that.

So what are you waiting for? If you aren’t happy with your smile the way it is, then we’re ready to help you get the confidence and the pleasure that comes with having straight teeth and a fantastic smile! Call us today at (618) 288-0600 and set up an appointment, or stop by our website at www.amazingsmiles.com. Also, don’t forget to friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! I can’t wait to hear back from you!

What Braces? Straighten Your Teeth Stealthily With Invisalign!

The lazy days of Summer are here! Baseball fans are cheering for their favorite teams, summer vacations are winding down, and kids can’t believe school will be starting just around the corner.

So, what other big events happen in the summertime? Hmmm… how about weddings?

That’s right – everywhere around the nation, brides-to-be are looking for that one special dress to wear down the aisle and make them feel like the most beautiful woman in the world on their special day.

But once the dresses, outfits, shoes, and accessories are all selected and readied for the big day or the big night, there’s nothing left to worry about, right? Well, not if you wear braces or have crooked teeth!

What’s the big deal about braces anyway? We’ve got one word for you – PICTURES.

Everyone will be snapping pictures, whether you’re the bride or groom, the bridesmaid, or even the mother of the bride. Naturally, you want to look your best for this special occasion, no matter what your role. So what’s a person to do?

Lucky you! We have the perfect solution for all of your woes!

Invisalign is a great way to correct crooked teeth issues in a nearly invisible way! It’s perfect for weddings and any other upcoming special events.

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that help in straightening your teeth. It is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and provides an esthetic alternative to traditional braces.

Why on Earth would you want Invisalign? Well, not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable. That means you can drink and eat what you want while you’re undergoing treatment, and even brushing and flossing your pearly whites is no longer a problem! Besides, these aligners are comfortable, and there’s no metal to cause mouth abrasions during your treatment!

Oh, and by the way - no metal and wires typically means that you’ll be spending less time at your doctor’s office getting adjustments.

So how does Invisalign work? You wear each set of your aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Your teeth will shift little by little each week when you go through each aligner until they have finally straightened into the final position that Dr. Jeff has prescribed. You’ll visit your favorite orthodontist (Dr. Jeff, of course) every 10 weeks to ensure that your treatment is going according to plan.

If you’re thinking about using Invisalign to improve your smile, Dr. Jeff is the right person to go to. He has treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign and is the most experienced providers in this area (in fact, he was the VERY FIRST Invisalign Teen provider in the Metro St. Louis area!). His expertise with the Invisalign system will ensure that your treatment results will be top notch!

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign or seeing if it’s the right treatment option for you, call us here at Mastroianni Orthodontics at (618) 288-0600! We have offices in Glen Carbon and in Swansea to help serve you better! See if Invisalign is the proper treatment for YOU!

When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

Ahh, braces. They were the bane of our existence in junior high and high school. Maybe we were reluctant to smile, or our classmates poked fun of us and called us “metal mouth,” and we had to be constantly vigilant of what goes in our mouth and to clean our teeth so thoroughly after every meal. But when they came off – oh, sweet freedom!

Perhaps you are now at that time in your life in which your children, who have been “blessed” with your teeth, may be ready to visit the orthodontist to talk about braces and other orthodontic care. But how can you know for sure if your child needs braces? And how early is “too early?”

It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 8 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required. Permanent teeth begin to erupt and emerge from the gums, which is also the best time to pinpoint any dental issues such as crossbites, crowding, and other problems. It’s always better to see someone at a young age to find that no treatment is needed at the time than to try to fix the problems of someone who should’ve been seen at an earlier age.

Does age 8 seem a bit young to you? Are you asking yourself, “Well, I got braces when I was in my preadolescent years, so why does my child have to go so much earlier than I did?”

There are quite a few big advantages to being screened at an early age and (potentially) receiving orthodontic treatment. For one thing, early orthodontic treatment corrects problems that would otherwise worsen in the adult years. The corrections can also be done more easily at an early age since the bones are still growing.

Braces, which actually harken back to ancient times (yes, that’s right – some unearthed mummies had wires wrapped around their teeth to give them a prettier and more efficient smile!), are put in place to slowly straighten the teeth in one’s mouth. Braces put steady pressure on the teeth and help them stay in place for a certain amount of time.

So how do you know if your child is in need of braces? Naturally, we’ll screen your child to see if he or she needs treatment right now or in the near future, but you can also keep a lookout for these other signs:

*your child lost baby teeth early or late.

*your child’s teeth don’t meet at all.

*your child has trouble chewing or biting.

*your child’s upper front teeth protrudes and is more than 25% past the bottom teeth.

*your child sucks on his or her fingers beyond age five or six

*your child’s teeth are otherwise poorly positioned.

Remember, the goal of all orthodontic treatment is to give the person a good bite; that is, we want to give them straight teeth that mesh well together. With straight teeth, one can chew, bite, and talk much more easily, and the person’s dental health and overall health (and definitely self-esteem) is enhanced.

If you think you’re ready to visit an orthodontist for your child, then it’s time to stop by Mastroianni Orthodontics! We love to give people amazing smiles that they’ll have for the rest of their lives! Visit our website at www.amazingsmiles.com or call 618-288-0600 to make an appointment today!

See Why Mastroianni Orthodontics is Right For YOU!

Orthodontist.

Does this singular word strike fear into your heart? Are you sweating and biting your nails as you read this now?

Guess what? You don’t have to feel that way! In fact, the word “orthodontist” will wind up being your new favorite word once you come visit us here at Mastroianni Orthodontics!

At Mastroianni Orthodontics, we care about our patients and cater to their every need. Unlike the other guys, we go above and beyond to make your experience with us spectacular, enjoyable, and one-of-a-kind.

Your experience begins as soon as you set foot inside our office. Our office is big, bright, comfortable, and best of all – sparkling CLEAN! We have nice, comfortable seating once you arrive for your appointment with us as well. You’ll feel like you stepped into one of your friend’s house, waiting for them to serve you some cookies.

That reminds us – you know that horrible, unpleasant “office smell” that you experience every time you set foot in a doctor’s office? Well, you won’t smell that here! Every morning we take the time to bake fresh, gooey, delicious Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, just for you! That’s right – you can have your cookies and eat them, too, in our office in Glen Carbon!

While you wait, you can enjoy our Internet café and big screen television so you can keep up with the latest news. And guess what, kids? We have a video game room for you to play in while you wait to see Dr. Jeff (Oh, and Mom and Dad, if little Johnny is getting his teeth looked at, your other children are free to use the game room, too!)!

Speaking of waiting – you know how you typically arrive at an appointment only to wait and wait well past your appointed time? Good news – we, unlike many other medical professionals’ offices, run ON TIME. We find it unacceptable to make you wait past your appointed time. We make keeping our schedule on track one of our top focuses!

Oh, and remember the days when you had to sit in a cramped waiting room, filling out all of your patient information on an old clipboard? Those days are long gone here at Mastroianni Orthodontics! You can now fill out all your patient information ONLINE in the comfort of your own home! You’re also free to return to the form at any time if you need to take a call, find out your family health history, or simply go to bed because it’s late!

All in all, a practice isn’t great without an excellent team. Here at Mastroianni Orthodontics, we believe we have the best of the best. Our dedicated team will do anything to keep you happy and comfortable! Whether it’s a quick phone call or an hour-long visit, we want to make your experience with us pleasant and enjoyable. Dr. Jeff has a zany sense of humor and a caring demeanor, and you will feel right at home in his office. Our staff is also super friendly, and we all know your name and welcome you to our office as if you were family.

Are you ready to make that first step in orthodontic treatment? Want to see what we’re all about? Don’t delay! Pick up the phone and call us here at 1-618-288-0600 or visit us online at www.amazingsmiles.com to make an appointment today!

Remember - at Mastroianni Orthodontics, you are NEVER thought of as simply “an appointment!” Call us today!