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Age 7 & Up

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation? 

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening? 

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

The Athletes Guide | Play Sports With Braces

We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.

NEW RECIPE ALERT | Spinach & Kale Smoothie

Your kid’s diet should have fruits and veggies for complete nutrition. But when he does not eat them in their solid form, you might want to consider smoothies. Smoothies are great for both kids and adults, and even better for new patients being treated at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group as they are braces friendly. The trick is to make the idea of smoothies exciting – get your children involved in the process. Let them make smoothies with fruits of their choice, on the condition that they will drink it.

To help get you started on your smoothie journey, we're sharing a delicious recipe with you below! Try it out this weekend and let us know how you liked it!

Spinach and Kale Smoothie

When your children refuse to eat dark green or leafy vegetables, get them to drink it! Here’s a recipe for a healthy, yet tasty, green smoothie for kids.

You Will Need:

• 2 cups chopped spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 kale leaf
• I sliced banana, frozen or fresh
• 1 cup almond milk

How To:

• Wash the spinach and kale leaves and chop them.
• Add the spinach and kale leaves, almond milk, and peanut butter to a blender and puree them for a minute, or until you have a smooth mixture.
• Add the banana and blend for another 30 seconds, or until you get the desired consistency.
• Serve fresh.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 1
Nutritional Value: calories – 325, carbohydrates – 46.1g, protein – 10mg, fat – 13.9g, cholesterol -0mg

New Year, New You! | Why Braces Are Popular For Adults

Orthodontics has evolved enormously in the last two decades and there is now less pain, time and cosmetic detriment when having orthodontic treatment. This is one reason we are seeing so many adult patients getting braces. Are you considering orthodontic treatment as an adult? If so, keep reading to find out why your timing is right.

Why do adults choose to get braces?

• Overcrowding of teeth
• Shifting of teeth
• Poor bite
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Self-consciousness
• Align teeth before crown and bridge work
• Improve gum and teeth health
• A beautiful smile they have always dreamed of

What are the benefits of having braces in your adult years?

• You are having treatment by your own choice and on your own terms.
• Maximize function and health of your gums and teeth.
• Improve your bite and alleviate issues such as grinding and headaches.
• Straight teeth help to provide a beautiful smile and a boost in confidence.
• Alignment options are vastly improved on what they were when you were a child.

The bottom line is, it is never too late for braces or to achieve the smile you've always wanted. If you are ready to learn more about treatment and live in Rhode Island, contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, click here for contact info.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Take some time this holiday season to be appreciative of those who work when they should be with family and friends, those who are away from those they love, and those who sacrifice for our needs. Merry Christmas to all!

Types of Braces

All orthodontic appliances work essentially the same way: by employing light, constant force to move teeth into proper alignment. But how we apply these forces can vary, as numerous innovations have become available in recent years. Some of the newer, less visible orthodontic appliances have been designed to blend more easily into an adult's personal and professional lifestyle. 

Types of orthodontic appliances include:

Traditional Metal Braces — This is probably what you think of when you picture someone wearing braces: small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. A thin wire runs through the brackets and is attached on either end to metal bands that go around a back molar.

Clear Braces — Instead of highly noticeable metal brackets, you can have clear ones made of ceramic, plastic or a combination of both. They are hardly visible, except for the thin wire running through, but they are more susceptible to breakage than metal braces.

Clear Aligners — As an alternative to the fixed type of orthodontic appliances mentioned above, clear aligners are removable. They are actually a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth exactly. Each tray is part of a series of trays that move your teeth a little bit at a time until they are in the proper position. Your trays are designed with the help of specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your bite.

Lingual Braces — These metal braces are bonded to the back of your teeth (tongue side) so that no one can see them. That is the plus side. On the minus side, they can be more difficult to get used to wearing, and are more expensive than traditional braces.

National Sundae Day! NEW RECIPE

Every year, on the 11th of November ice cream lovers celebrate one of the most popular desserts, an ice cream sundae! Ice cream sundaes come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes, but there are always at least 4 ingredients that make the dessert an official sundae: ice cream, flavored sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

Are you an ice cream sundae lover looking for a new recipe? Well, look no further! We found a delicious mouth-watering recipe sure to satisfy any ice cream sundae appetite.

Try the Banana Split Sundae

HOW TO MAKE THIS SUNDAE: Doesn’t this look a-peel-ing? Create layers with vanilla-chocolate ice cream, fudge sauce, sprinkles, and thinly sliced bananas. Top with tons of whipped cream, more sprinkles and fudge, and a cherry.

Have a FaBOOlous Halloween

Wishing our community a Happy & Safe Halloween today! #RIOrtho

More On National Orthodontic Health Month

There are so many things that come in October. From the obvious Halloween, to Breast Cancer Awareness, National Pizza Month, and National Orthodontic Health Month, there is a lot to recognize. Being that we are orthodontists, we'll be covering some details on National Orthodontic Health Month and what it entails.

National Orthodontic Health Month was organized to help raise awareness about taking care of your teeth beyond your general dentist, as well as emphasizing the importance of taking care of your teeth properly when being treated for braces. If you have any questions regarding orthodontics that you have yet to find answers for, we are here for you! This is a great time to get your questions answered by the Rhode Island Orthodontics team of professionals. Also, if you have never been to an orthodontist before, now would be a great time to have an orthodontic evaluation exam. Children age 7 and up are encouraged to do so, as well as adults.

How Does Two-Phase Orthodontics Work?

Are you aware of two-phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Rhode Island Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Rhode Island Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get our of control. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, the second phase can begin. The average treatment time of the second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Rhode Island Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.

Maintaining Your Retainer

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning. A Hawley-type retainer can be brushed gently with a regular toothbrush — but a brush may scratch the clear aligner types. Denture cleaners, in powder or tablet form, as well as special retainer cleaners, can be used to clean most removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing; a floss threader or interproximal brush can also be a helpful cleaning tool when needed.

Finally, remember to always carry — and use — a retainer case. You'd be surprised how many retainers end up folded in a napkin and accidentally discarded! Also, don't expose your retainer to excess heat by washing it in very hot water or leaving it on a heater: That can cause the retainer to warp and make it unusable. With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.

For  more questions or concerns about maintaining your retainer, visit our website or give Rhode Island Orthodontics a call.

Benefits of Braces for Teens

The teenage years are often the best time to have orthodontic treatment.The ages of 12 and 15 are the optimal years to receive treatment as the adult teeth have erupted but facial growth is still occurring. At Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, we strive to keep treatment times as quick as possible while still ensuring amazing results. In general, treatment times are between 12 and 24 months.

Having braces in your teens has a variety of benefits including:

• Growth is ongoing and generally helpful to orthodontic treatment 
• Friends and classmates are often also in braces 
• A confident smile increases self-esteem at a sensitive age 
• Provides a lifelong beautiful smile throughout adult years (with use of retainers) 

If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment for teens at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, visit our website or call us at one of our offices in East Greenwich, Warwick,Wickford, Wakefield, Coventry, Barrington and Westerly, Rhode Island.

#RIOrtho Q & A

What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

We Use State of the Art Technology

Rhode Island Orthodontic Group understands that crafting a great smile takes time, but with today’s technology we can deliver results faster to our patients by using cutting edge tools such as a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions.Not only does this new technology tool help us get your results faster, but they also make treatment easier on you as a patient.

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment, and say hello to our digital scanners. Our digital scanning technology allow us to provide a more comfortable procedure while treating patients for orthodontics. We can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes with the scanners, and print orthodontic appliance parts as we need them.

Another awesome fact about the 3D technology is we can use them with all Invisalign related services.

Orthodontics is a life-changing experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to share in the experience with you as you enhance your smile! The doctors and staff at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group look forward to seeing you soon!

Make S'mores on a Stick for National S'mores Day

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

S'mores on a Stick Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• Assorted sprinkles
• 24 Popsicle sticks

Directions

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 2/3 cup milk on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Add marshmallows and 1 cup chips; stir until smooth. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto 24 graham cracker halves; spread evenly. Top with remaining graham cracker halves; press down gently.
2. Microwave remaining milk for 1-1/2 minutes. Add remaining chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies; decorate with sprinkles. Let stand for 2 hours before inserting a Popsicle stick into the center of each. Yield: 2 dozen.

DIY Banana Split Pudding Pops

Enjoy the rest of the summer with this tasty homemade snack that's sure to be a hit at any age. You probably have all the ingredients you need already! Skip store-bought popsicles and opt for a DIY version with this delicious BRACES FRIENDLY Banana Split Pudding Pops!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp thick chocolate fudge sauce
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (4 serving size)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

INSTRUCTIONS

• Prepare your fruit. In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and pineapple juice.
• Stir together your strawberries and sugar and let sit 5 minutes. Puree, and then strain into a second medium bowl.
• In a third medium bowl, add the chocolate fudge sauce.
• In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk and stir only until combined (don’t mix too long or the pudding will thicken too quickly!). Quickly stir in whipped topping.
• Divide pudding mixture between the 3 bowls and stir to combine (try not to stir too much or the pudding will become thick and harder to pour).
• Divide strawberry pudding mixture between 6-8 popsicle moulds. Divide banana pudding mixture between the popsicle moulds, pouring on top of the strawberry pudding. Divide chocolate pudding mixture between the moulds, pouring on top of the banana pudding. Freeze 6-8 hours until firm. To unmould, run briefly under luke warm water.

We are Rhode Island's TOP ORTHODONTISTS

We're happy to inform you that all 4 of our Rhode Island Orthodontics doctors were named winners of Rhode Island Monthly's Top Dentists - in the category of Orthodontics!

Here's what Rhode Island Monthly had to say about how the doctors were nominated and determined to be the TOP DENTISTS (orthodontists) in Rhode Island.

"Professional Research Services contacted more than 1,000 licensed general dentists and dental specialists in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts. PRS asked which dentists they would recommend across Rhode Island and outlying areas. Each dentist recommended up to three colleagues in each specialty. Once the ballots were complete, each nominee was evaluated based on the survey results, the legitimacy of their license and their current standing with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Dentists who received the highest number of votes in each specialty are reflected in alphabetical order by specialty. Some dentists have more than one location. Call their office for additional information." - Rhode Island Monthly Website Excerpt

Braces & Facial Piercings...What You Need To Know

Facial piercings in lips, tongue and cheeks have become popular forms of self-expression however we strongly advise you to think carefully about the oral health risks associated, especially if you are considering orthodontic treatment.

Lip rings rub against your teeth and scratch the surface, over time they may even wear a groove in them. For patients with braces, there is a chance that oral piercing jewellery can catch on the brackets causing discomfort or damage to the orthodontic appliances, which could lengthen your treatment time.

Other problems associated with oral piercing jewellery include increased risk of infection from touching them or getting food caught around the piercing site, tooth sensitivity, gum damage and gum recession.

If you have oral piercings and you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is advisable to take the opportunity to remove the jewellery and allow the piercing site to heal over. If you are investing time and money in improving your smile, it is equally important to invest in the health of your teeth and gums.

Providing the Best Service to the Best Patients

Did you know that not every Invisalign provider is the same? All dentists and orthodontists who offer this revolutionary treatment are trained by the makers of Invisalign to become a certified provider. However, there are different doctor designations based on overall experience and success with treating patients using the clear teeth aligners.

Rhode Island Orthodontics is excited to announce we have received the Top 1% Provider designation for Invisalign! Our expertise in treating greater difficulty level cases and the extensive experience working with the Invisalign system to produce amazing smiles truly sets us apart. To reach the Top 1% designation, orthodontists must treat 800-lifetime cases and continue to perform 200 cases a year.

What This Means for You
If you are considering Invisalign to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, you want the orthodontist with the most experience. Rhode Island Orthodontics is in the top 1% of ALL Invisalign providers in North America. 

The top 1% of Invisalign providers offer:

• A proven track record of successfully treating patients of all ages.
• Rhode Island Orthodontics has been treating people with Invisalign for several years.
• An Invisalign provider patients can trust.
• Knowledge and experience to create healthier, straighter smiles.
• The highest level of Invisalign case experience.

We are so pleased that our doctors have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system. Call for your consultation today (401) 884-650.