This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Mastroianni Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush and floss daily. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference, especially while in braces! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy Holidays from your friends at Mastroianni Orthodontics!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth and braces if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Mastroianni Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Mastroianni and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Gobble Gobble!

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What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here for us at Mastroianni Orthodontics , and now that Halloween is passed, we bet you and your families have begun to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the community. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Halloween Treats and Braces

Can you believe Halloween is almost upon us? While we're sure you are busy putting the finishing touches on your costume, carving pumpkins and decorating, we wanted to take a moment to remind you all to be kind to your braces this Halloween season.
Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

Easy access to your account, any time, any day!

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say we’ve heard quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Mastroianni Orthodontics feel free to give us a call.

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Mastroianni Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Summer Photo Contest Winners

Earlier this summer, we asked you to share with us your best summer photo. Since then, you have sent to us some amazing photos. If you haven't seen the other entries yet, check them out on our Facebook Page. Yesterday we awarded the prizes - Tickets to the City Museum in St. Louis - to four lucky winners:

• Funniest- B. Page


• Most Adventurous- J. Chouinard


• Most Creative - R. Wiemers


• Furthest Locations - S. Griffin

Thanks again to everyone who turned in pics, they were great!

Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why we work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Mastroianni can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge

Think you can make someone smile in 30 seconds or less? Then check out Invisalign Teen's "Make Me Smile" Challenge! Here's how it works:

Each month, a new challenge will be issued on the Make Me Smile Challenge web site. It is up to you to record a video response to the challenge, and upload it on the site. Videos can only be 30 seconds long, but you can enter as many times as you wish!

There are three challenges total, and the first has already begun! At the end of each round, a judge will chose a winner to receive an Apple iPad! A grand prize will be awarded at the end of the three challenges to send you and a friend to Hollywood!

We've included the contest dates below, but be sure to check out Invisalign Teen's web site for more information, and GOOD LUCK!

Challenge 1: August 17 – September 13, 2010
Challenge 2: September 14 – October 1, 2010
Challenge 3: October 12 – November 9, 2010

Should kids get braces at a younger age?

Decades ago, braces were considered to be best used on patients in their mid-teens. But these days, kids as young as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment based on the recommendations by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
So how do you know when to have your child screened for orthodontic problems? Experts say it really depends on the specific needs of the patient. Some children who get braces at an early age will reap a great benefit from doing so if they have developing orthodontic issues that can be better treated while the patient has both baby and permanent teeth. Just know that Dr. Mastroianni only starts treatments when they are absolutely necessary and tries to limit early treatment whenever possible as there are only about 5 or 6 conditions he feels are worth correcting at that age.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 9 and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age 8 for our team to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps clear up a confusing aspect of orthodontic care! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, please call your dentists soon to schedule.

Are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Dr. Mastroianni and our team can help determine the cause of the problem.

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! You’ve taken your kids to our office to improve their smiles, but what about yours? If you've been wanting to improve your smile , our staff at Mastroianni Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation, so that we can discuss the specifics of your treatment, and determine if Invisalign will work for you.

Orthodontics - All the cool kids do it!

Braces today are cool and—many would say—even fun! These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as In-Ovation, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and exciting for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are better today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors at each visit, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Mastroianni Orthodontics and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Mastroianni Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to an amazing smile!

Top Ten Tips for Keeping your Braces Clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips, from Mastroianni Orthodontics:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with the fluoride toothpaste we prescribed you, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Where Are You Headed This Summer?

Summer is here, and its time for our summer photo contest! Whether you are headed on vacation, or have fun plans near home, send us your favorite summer photo! We will be choosing winners in several categories, including Most Adventurous, Most Creative, Funniest, and Furthest Location. Each winner will receive tickets to the The City Museum in St. Louis! The contest ends August 31st, Good luck!

Invisalign Teen at Mastroianni Orthodontics

Invisalign Teen has become a popular treatment here at Mastroianni Orthodontics because it provides an option for younger patients to have straight, healthy teeth, without anyone noticing! Unlike traditional braces, teens using the Invisalign Teen system can remove their aligners, allowing them to eat just about anything without worrying about damaging or breaking their braces. This also makes teeth easier to clean compared to traditional braces. There are many advantages to using this new system, and we would love to have an opportunity to discuss it further with you. As you probably know, our consultations are always complimentary and we would be able to assess your teen's eligibility for treatment with Invisalign Teen at that time.

Dr. Mastroianni is a Premier Provider of Invisalign, meaning that he is in the top 5% of orthodontists in the entire COUNTRY using the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen systems. Call us today at 618-288-0600 to set up your complimentary consultation with our office.

New Office Video at Mastroianni Orthodontics

We believe that there are two main reasons people choose to seek care at Mastroianni Orthodontics. The first being the great customer service that we offer. We strive to be on par with any great restaurant you’ve been to, a vacation you’ve taken, or any other memorable experience in your life. We want you to have a comfortable, enjoyable experience at our office. Our modern clinics in Glen Carbon and Swansea are fun and feature lots of high tech equipment.

The second reason is the level of clinical care that we deliver, and the excellent results we are able to achieve for our patients. Part of this is reached by the continuing education that both the doctor and the team participate in each year. For example, Dr. Mastroianni recently returned from the 2010 AAO Annual Session, one of the largest orthodontic events in the world, with the latest information, technology, and treatment techniques in the field of orthodontics. We ensure that we are current in all the latest technologies to help deliver superior care to our patients.

Patients at Mastroianni Orthodontics are treated like a members of our own families, and we strive to build strong relationships with each new patient at our office. We also consider involvement in our community as a critical part of Mastroianni Orthodontics. Each year, we donate several free orthodontic treatments to school auctions and fundraisers, and even sponsor local sports teams each year in many Metro East communities. You can learn more about our practice on our web site, or give us a call to schedule a complimentary consultation!

24/7 Access to Your Account at Mastroianni Orthodontics

At Mastroianni Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Glen Carbon and Swansea, IL.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site? You can look up your appointments all at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

I was not sure of my appointment time, but with this service I can now easily access my information. ~ Susan J.

Love being able to access appointment information online as well as the option of being texted reminders for appointments. I am a mother of 3 teenage boys 2 of which are currently getting treatment...Kudos to the Mastroianni team ~ Sonja W.

I like the availability of the information on finance account and changes/updates with numbers very easy and quick. ~ Yolanda C.

There is no need to call to confirm, I can do it quickly and easily from home or work without being interrupted ~ Rebecca D.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Mastroianni

There are so many questions about orthodontics that people never ask, so we took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at almost any age, but many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid more serious treatment recommendations later on. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician, but our philosophy is that every patient should be screened no later age 9 just to be certain no orthodontic problems are present.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, headgear, space maintainer, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of seven and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions. Additionally, we use Invisalign to align teeth in an esthetic way and our patients love the comfort and ease of removal!

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

There may be an initial period of adjustment, but most people are able to overcome it within a week. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups. We frequently recommend having the teeth cleaned every 3 months during orthodontic care to make sure the teeth are very clean and that any cavities are spotted as early as possible.

Have more questions? Give us a call at Mastroianni Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

This April, play it safe with Mastroianni Orthodontics

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Mastroianni and the team, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and mouths! Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard or other form of protection, you can greatly reduce your chances of traumatic facial injuries. This is even more important while you are in orthodontic treatment, when patients risk damaging their appliances by not wearing the proper mouth protection.

We hope the above video helps; Protective gear is vital during these activities! If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact us.And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Access your account anytime at Mastroianni Orthodontics

At Mastroianni Orthodontics we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Glen Carbon and Swansea, IL.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Orthodontics for Any Age in Glen Carbon and Swansea, Illinois

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! At Mastroianni Orthodontics, anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can improve the overall result down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Hope this information helps!

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Mastroianni started out in dental school and earned a DMD. After dental school however, Dr. Mastroianni decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Mastroianni Orthodontics in Glen Carbon and Swansea

At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Mastroianni Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

--Dr. Jeffrey Mastroianni

Sports and Orthodontics

With all this crazy weather we have been having, you wouldn't believe that it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Mastroianni for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with us. And don’t forget to ask us— we will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Mastroianni Orthodontics.

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see us, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Mastroianni to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at 618-205-6133 to schedule an appointment.

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Mastroianni is a certified Premier Invisalign provider, and has treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign, making him one of the most experienced providers in the area. He was also the very first Invisalign Teen provider in the Metro area. If you have questions about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, and would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 618-205-6133.