Like Free Shaved Ice? Come Get Yours at Mastroianni Orthodontics on June 19 and June 20!

It is finally summertime! This winter felt extra long despite what the groundhog said way back in February. And really, that feels like a million ages ago.

Now, if you have been coming to Mastroianni Orthodontics for any amount of time, you know that we like to have fun around our office. Well, one of the things we love to do in the summer is call in the local Kona Ice truck and offer our patients and visitors free shaved ice.

You read that right - Kona Ice will be serving complimentary snow cones to anyone who comes into our office! 

Kona Ice isn’t just any snow-cone vendor. Whenever the truck comes around, it pretty much is like a party in our parking lot. You will be dazzled by their bold and delicious flavors, and best of all, it is FREE!

The Kona Ice truck will be in our Swansea office on Wednesday, June 19th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and our Glen Carbon office on Thursday, June 20^th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.!

Listen up, patients! If you don a Hawaiian shirt or Hawaiian attire when you get your free Kona Ice, you will also have the chance to earn extra nickels! Remember, this event is free to anyone in the nearby community!

So what do you need to do to get your free Kona Ice? Simply come into our office for a ticket. That is all! Once you have a ticket, you can visit the truck in our parking lot for a tasty Kona Ice snow cone. Simple, right?

Let’s ring in the summer in a fun way with Mastroianni Orthodontics and Kona Ice! We really hope we see you there!

Don't Want the Flu or a Cold? It Starts With Your Toothbrush!

The cold and flu season is upon us, and while it is early in the season, we are already having a moderate to severe season. Currently, Boston is in a state of emergency with the many people who come to the hospital having the flu, and several states throughout the nation, including Illinois, have widespread cases of the flu already.

While washing your hands is crucial to staying well, it is just as important to pay attention to your toothbrush, the place in which germs and bacteria can collect and be spread. Here are four oral health tips to help you from potentially catching a cold or the flu this season!

Replace Your Toothbrush Often – This is perhaps something many people will overlook when it comes to fighting the flu or the common cold. Be sure to keep replacing your toothbrush every 3 months, and always use a new toothbrush at the end of the cold or flu so that you won’t expose yourself to the old bacteria again.

Sterilize Your Toothbrush Once a Week – You should especially do this if a loved one of yours is sick. To sterilize your toothbrush, simply place it in a microwave-safe cup with 2-3 inches of water and bring the water to a boil in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. Try adopting this habit year-round the help prevent the numerous germs and bacteria in your bathroom from clinging to your toothbrush.

Store Your Tooth Brush Properly – Airborne bacteria can move quite easily from brush to brush, so do your best to limit contact with the other toothbrushes in the room. Always store your toothbrush upright and away from the others, and, if you can, use a toothbrush cover to protect it. Keep in mind also that the tube of toothpaste may also contain germs from touching the bristles of a germ-covered toothbrush, so use a clean finger to transport a squirt of toothpaste onto your toothbrush to ensure your health.

When In Doubt, Wash Your Hands Before and After Brushing – While encountering bacteria is inevitable, you can help decrease the amount you come in contact with when you wash your hands. Washing them before AND after can help prevent the spread of diseases that are caused by these types of bacteria, so wash up!

Remember, good dental habits are essential to having a strong and healthy body! Take care of your toothbrush and your general health, and you should have higher chances of evading the flu and cold this year!

For more tips or to make an appointment, feel free to call us at (618) 288-0600 in Glen Carbon or (618) 622-3377 in Swansea or check us out online at www.amazingsmiles.com!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Help Your Children Love Their Mouths More For National Children's Dental Health Month!

It’s February, and you know what that means! Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and stores everywhere are bursting with red, white, and pink stuffed animals, flowers, and sweets.

Know what ELSE is red, white, and pink? The inside of your mouth! February is National Children’s Dental Month, and what better time than this month is there to teach your children about their teeth and the importance of taking good care of them? The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month each February to help in raising awareness about the importance of oral health, and their message has reached millions of people across America.

When it comes to oral care, developing good, healthy habits at an early age helps children get in the routine of taking care of their teeth and gums not only through their childhood but also for the rest of their lives.

Here are some tips to help you teach your youngsters how to care for their mouths and ensure that they have healthy teeth and gums for the rest of their lives:

Educate Your Children on Oral Health – Explain to your children why taking care of their teeth and gums is so important. Tell them that if they take good care of their teeth throughout their lives, their teeth will then help take good care of them in return by helping them speak clearly and chew the right foods so they grow up to be healthy and strong. Explain to them the concepts of plaque, gingivitis, cavities and unhealthy gums and why they’re detrimental to their teeth.

Brush At Least Twice a Day – It’s important to properly maintain teeth, and this is essential to teach to your children right away. Make sure they know that they should brush their teeth at least twice a day – after they eat breakfast and before bedtime. If they’re able, tell them it’s good to brush their teeth after lunch or after having a sweet snack. Make sure also that they know why it’s so important to brush their teeth, too, as brushing their teeth frequently and properly will obliterate deadly plaque.

Brush ALL of Your Teeth – Children may have the tendency to brush only their front teeth because they’re easier to reach. Make sure they spend some time on the teeth in the back, too. If you’d like, ask us to show them the best way to brush their teeth efficiently and without damaging their gums.

Remember – It’s Not a Race! Be sure that your children spend some time on their teeth. Two or three minutes is a good time to spend on brushing. If they’re having trouble keeping track of their time, you can play one of their favorite songs to help them pass the time and also get a good idea on how long they should brush.

Get the Right Toothbrush For the Job – Toothbrushes with soft bristles are sure to do the job so that gums aren’t damaged when teeth are brushed. Remember to change out toothbrushes every 3 months. You can help your child figure out when the time has come to switch brushes by purchasing the toothbrushes that have the fading color on the sides of the bristles.

Eat Healthily- Sometimes it’s just not enough to brush your teeth. Sugar and candy can wreak havoc on teeth and begin to form cavities because bacteria go crazy when sugary residue resides on teeth. Be sure your children eat sweets and drink soda in moderation and ALWAYS brush their teeth after consuming sugary treats and beverages. Better yet, make sure they eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda.

Practice Healthy Habits – Brushing teeth is only one way to care for teeth, not the catch-all. Flossing teeth is extremely important in keeping teeth healthy and happy as it helps get rid of the food that’s hidden in places no toothbrush can reach. Your child might think it feels weird to floss the first few times they try it, but soon enough, they’ll get the hang of it.

Visit Us Twice a Year – And of course, visit us and your dentist twice a year to make sure teeth are healthy and are growing in correctly.

Are you ready to visit us? Call us at Mastroianni Orthodontics at (618) 205-6133 or visit www.amazingsmiles.com to make an appointment. You don’t have to have a referral to see Dr. Mastroianni, and we also take all types of insurances.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

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.

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!

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!