Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Today is National Senior Health and Fitness day! As we encourage senior citizens to be active today, we also want to remind you to stay current on your health visits and check-ups. This includes dental and orthodontics. Are you a senior who has considered orthodontic treatment? You may be surprised to know that seniors can benefit from adult braces.Keep reading to find out more.

If you are retired and considering adult braces in the Morristown, Livingston, Parsippany, Morris Plains and all of Morris and Essex Counties, we encourage you to visit Dr. Wadhwa of Morristown Orthodontics. You may not be aware but retirement age is the perfect time to do things you’ve always wanted to do, including getting braces. If your smile has been something that’s bothered you throughout the years, the time to change that is now.

When you compare getting braces as an adult to getting them as a child or adolescent, there are benefits. One example is children typically must use metal braces due to restrictions and the simple fact that a child’s jaw hasn’t solidified. When you’re an adult, you have a much wider variety of treatment options from traditional braces to clear aligners.

If you are a senior and you’re interested in straightening your teeth, visit our office for a consultation to discuss adult braces. At Morristown Orthodontics, we can help you understand all of the benefits that you will take away, aside from a picture perfect smile.

7 Steps to Live By During Retention

1. Wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Wadhwa.

2. The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth. When retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case

3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin, this is the easiest way to lose them

4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them

5. Keep retainers away from pets — dogs LOVE them

6. Clean your retainers by brushing them with toothpaste and water or with antibacterial soap. NEVER soak your retainers, this causes them to rust and/or break

7. Do not place retainers in the dishwasher, microwave or in boiling water — they will melt or warp.

Friday the 13th Fun Facts

Beware, today is Friday the 13th! If you're one of the 17 million Americans who fear Friday the 13th, we have our fingers crossed that nothing spooky crosses your path! Did you know superstitions regarding the number 13 and Friday age back to ancient times? There are actually a lot of outrageous unknown facts centered around Friday the 13th that most people are unaware of. To play into the humor of Friday the 13th, we at Morristown Orthodontics thought it would be fun to gather some of Friday the 13th Facts to share with you all! 

Fun Facts About Friday the 13th:

1. People that fear Friday the 13th suffer from Friggatriskaidekaphobia.
2. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would never host a dinner party with 13 guests in attendance and refused to travel on the 13th day of any month!
3. Every calendar year has at least one Friday The 13th. The most Fridays The 13th that can occur in any given calendar year is three, such as in 2012.
4. On Friday April 13, 2029, the asteroid 99942 will make its closest encounter with the Earth!
5. The longest period that can occur without a Friday The 13th is 14 months, either from July through September of the following normal year, or from August through October of the following leap year!

Do you know of any fun facts about Friday the 13th that we don't? Share them with us now on our Facebook wall!

Would you wear 2 different colored shoes?

Each year on May 3 it is National Two Different Colored Shoes Day. This is a day to be different from the other 364 other days of the year. On May 3rd you can show your uniqueness.

National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, an “unofficial” National holiday was created by Dr. Arlene Kaiser. Kaiser created this day to recognize and celebrate human diversity. According to Kaiser, “the simple act of wearing two different colored shoes proclaims your individuality. By taking this “positive risk,” you can demonstrate your willingness to be different, and show your appreciation for the unique people in your life”.

The Damon System

The Damon System is not just about revolutionary braces and wires, it's an entirely new way of treating patients. Traditional treatment often requires removal of healthy teeth and the use of palatal expanders to make space. This approach is often uncomfortable, takes longer and can leave a narrower arch and a flat profile.

Damon smiles are full, natural smiles achieved with light force specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient. Traditional braces are tied in with elastics, which cause friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely quickly and comfortably.

At Morristown Orthodontics, we combine three key components, which when used together, deliver faster treatment, fewer appointments, greater comfort, and consistent high-quality results:
Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties".   Ask us about this new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics-usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

Our 3D Process

Morristown Orthodontics eliminates impressions in our office. We use open source intraoral scanners to take extremely accurate and high resolution digital impressions of your patients. Within minutes have a beautiful 3D digital model for archiving, diagnosis, treatment planning and appliance fabrication.

Check out the process below:

3D Scan


We use open source intraoral scanners to take extremely accurate and high resolution digital impressions of your patients.

Design

With O3D's Core Software Suite in our office, there are no limits to what we can create. We use it for archiving, diagnosis, treatment planning, appliance design and fabrication.

Print

After we scan and design, our models are ready to be sent to the 3D Printer.  The digital file goes to the 3D printer to produce physical models; in-house appliance fabrication.

We're High-Tech at Morristown Orthodontics

Morristown Orthodontics 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 our 3D oral scanners and 3D printers. Not only do these new technology tools 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 3D printers and oral scanners. Our 3D printing and 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.

We offer a complimentary exam to determine what treatment plan is best for your clinical needs and lifestyle. Contact our Morris County or Essex County orthodontic office to schedule your consultation today.

Don't Forget To Thank Your Mailman!

February 4th is recognized as National Thank A Mailman Day! Don’t forget to say thank you to your mail carrier when they stop by to deliver your mail. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget the process of mail and all the hard work it takes to get from point A to point B, so take time to thank your mail person because they deliver in various weather conditions 6 days a week.

Here are some fun facts provided by the USPS.

• In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Constitutional Post–the first organized mail service in America.
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• As the nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin established many of the conventions we are accustomed to today.
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• Postage stamps were invented in 1847.
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• On April 3, 1860 the famous Pony Express officially took off.
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• In 1863, free city delivery started and in 1896, free rural delivery began.
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• In 1963, the Zip Code began.

If You Have Overcrowded Teeth, You're a Candidate For Orthodontic Treatment

One of the most common problems several of our patients get treated for at Morristown Orthodontics is crowded teeth. We actually see this problem on a daily basis, and this term is defined just like it sounds, either the teeth are too big for the patients jaw size, or the mouth has too many teeth and is overcrowded. The problem with too many teeth in the mouth is the lack of space, as the teeth are shifted out of place resulting in a crooked position. Unfortunately, this can occur in both adult orthodontic patients as well as children.

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It is pretty easy for us to determine this problem for our patients as an examination of the patients’ mouth can lead to a diagnoses. The teeth typically appear crooked and jammed in an unnatural way, causing teeth that can lead to future dental problems because they’re harder to clean. Another result of crowded teeth is the obvious fact of a smile that may not be considered cosmetically appealing and can lead to self-consciousness.

Depending on the severity of the overcrowded teeth, Dr. Wadhwa can determine which method of treatment will work best. Sometimes having excess teeth extracted helps with expansion of teeth. Other times, palate expanders are used in the mouth to help widen the jaw; this method is only used on children, not adults; their jaws have already stopped growing. Also, several types of braces give amazing results for adults and children with overcrowded teeth. It all really comes down to the individual being treated when we determine how to correct the crowding.

If you suffer from this condition and live in the South Orange or Morristown area, please call us to schedule a consultation to learn about your orthodontic treatment options.

Two-phase Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. They are flexible, compliant and their growth potential is still at a maximum. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and aesthetic occlusion.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

To learn more please contact Morristown Orthodontics.

Happy New Year from Morristown Orthodontics

Morristown Orthodontics would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season as we approach the New Year! We hope that you are able to spend time with your friends and loved ones while enjoying full meals, big hugs, and lots of love and laughs.

If you are currently being treated and wear an orthodontic appliance, please be sure to make the proper choices when enjoying holiday treats that are sticky or chewy. Should you have any questions, please visit our website for common questions and answers regarding appliances.

Remember New Year's celebrations tend to have treats we don't usually indulge it, so be sure to brush and floss after your special countdown!

Happy New Year!

What are your holiday plans? Share your holiday activities with us by commenting below or by sharing on our Facebook page.

Holiday Hours

Morristown Orthodontics is closed for the holidays!

We will reopen on Tuesday, January 5, 2016!

Happy Holidays!

Cutting Edge Technology At Morristown Orthodontics

Morristown Orthodontics 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 our 3D oral scanners and 3D printers.  Not only do these new technology tools help us get your results faster, but they also make treatment easier on you as a patient.

With the digital advances in the high-tech orthodontic tools at Morristown Orthodontics, we can take a 3D oral scan of your teeth instead of using those uncomfortable impressions. With the 3D scans, Dr. Wadhwa can use the image to plan appliances for your treatment.

The 3D scans are also used to create the model of your teeth.   It’s a pretty simple process of a few clicks to send the 3D oral scan file to our 3D printer. Our 3D printer is beyond incredible. It jets thin layers of material until it forms the full model. Using the new model, we can create the full range of orthodontic appliances you will need for treatment.  This makes the process significantly faster than it has ever been for our patients, and provides unbeatable precision.

Another great thing about our 3D scanner and 3D printer is we can create more than just models for our patients. We can also create orthodontic appliances, delivery and positioning trays, clear aligners, and retainers.  These are all created faster and more accurately than they have ever been processed before.

We offer a complimentary exam to determine what treatment plan is best for your clinical needs and lifestyle. Contact our Morris County or Essex County orthodontic office to schedule your consultation today. 

Get Your Teeth Wedding Ready For 2016

With the holiday season in full effect many couples are taking the next step towards marriage, and giving a new meaning to the term merry and bright. There are several things that go into planning a wedding from the venue, to the dress, to the photos and bridal party. As some see weddings as an end to an era, weddings are really a celebration of new opportunities and new beginnings. A lot of people start new goals when they become engaged, starting a new workout regimen, changing hairstyles, or getting the brightest whitest and straightest smile they’ve always wanted. If you want to have your best smile on your big day in 2016, don’t panic about a metal smile or longevity because we have a program that can help you achieve just that.

Invisalign, approved by the FDA in 1998, has been a wonderful non-invasive alternative to classic braces for almost 20 years.  Not only has it changed smiles, but Invisalign has changed the look of classic braces using state-of-the art technology; no cement or metal used. Morristown Orthodontics utilizes the Invisalign system providing a series of BPA-free plastic trays that realign your teeth. Patients wear these trays for 20-22 hours a day, and two weeks at a time.  They’re easy to remove making it easy for brushing, eating, drinking, and oral care.  As the trays are clear, they appear to be invisible which makes it even better for those who may be self-conscious about getting braces in adulthood.

Patients can start to see results fast with Invisalign, usually within a couple of months after beginning a personalized treatment; and in most cases treatment is completed within 1 year.  This is a great treatment for those of you who are ready to say “I Do” in 2016.  Invisalign can produce results in weeks, and still give you a clear smile while taking engagement pictures and celebrating before you walk down the aisle.   

If you are ready to get your best smile in 2016 for your big day, give us a call and we can set up your first visit to get started.

The Details On Elastic Bands

Braces are often the main line of treatment for most orthodontic problems and nearly always need to be augmented by elastic bands to help achieve perfect results. Elastic bands help move your teeth so as to minimize the teeth gaps and cure the 'over-biting' complain.

Elastics are fitted by your orthodontist and may leave your teeth and gums slightly sore after the fitting. Do not worry though, this goes away in a few days. These elastic bands need to be worn 24 hours a day, for as long as your orthodontist advises. You may, however, remove them during meal times and when brushing your teeth only to wear them again as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to  wear new fresh bands after removing the previous ones.

At Morristown Orthodontics we advise wearing the elastic bands in the following way:

From upper right canine to lower right first molar and from upper left canine to first lower left molar. You might face problems in placing these correctly initially, but don’t worry we will teach and help you accordingly.

You can follow this guide unless you are personally instructed  to do yours a little differently.

Elastic bands might get broken at one point, it is advisable to replace both jaws' elastic bands. This is because with time the bands' elasticity decreases, so when one jaw's band is changed, it will have a stronger elasticity than the old one. Also, replace your elastic bands routinely to make sure the traction they apply on their teeth remains of a good strength as elasticity is lost through wear and tear.

Depending on the quality of elastics you use, you may be instructed when you should change the elastic bands, but mostly we advise changing them twice a day; once in the morning and once before bedtime. Keep extra bands with you at all times as they might break unexpectedly. You may pick up as many elastic bands as you want from your our office, it would only make us happier as it means you would be using them regularly.

The most important thing you need to take care of when wearing elastics is the regularity. Do not wear them for a part of the day and then not for some other times of the day as it will greatly affect your results. This irregular use of elastic bands will it move your teeth adequately, resulting in persistence of your problem. Furthermore, your teeth and gums will remain tender and sore as they will not grow accustomed to the force of elastic bands, and it might actually move your progress a bit backwards each time you take the elastic bands off for a long duration.

So when you visit our office for the setting of your elastic bands, make sure you ask any questions that come to mind, and pick up a few extra bands to play it safe.

Shopping Secrets For Black Friday Sales

Everyone knows the biggest day for the best shopping deals is the day after Thanksgiving! Black Friday has become an unofficial holiday for smart shoppers looking to save on holiday gifts.  If you’re one of those smart shoppers, you’re in luck because we have a few secrets to help you in your hunt for the best deals this year.

Rule #1 Be Prepared

Many stores give early bird Black Friday ads to customers on their email list. Check out your favorite stores online and subscribe to their e-mail list so you can start finding the deals before the stores open!

Rule#2 Get Bonus Discounts

If you get a thrill from shopping at the crack of dawn, you will love the rewards that may come with it. Many stores do giveaways to those who are in line to shop on Black Friday. Last year, Sports Authority gave the first 80 customers to walk in gift cards worth up to $500.

Rule# 3 Split Up

It’s fun to shop with family and friends, but with so many deals and so little time you can play it smart by dividing up the shopping. Compare your lists with your closest pals, and split up the stores and items!

Rule# 4 Stay Within Your Budget

Make a list of what you need and a set budget on what you have to spend.   Make sure you stay strict to the list and don’t purchase items you don’t need.  Sometimes it’s the things that aren’t on the list that blow your budget.

2 Healthy Turkey Day Foods For Your Teeth

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth.

At Morristown Orthodontics, we want you to know you can now be extra thankful for turkey and pumpkin pie!

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving Day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

Pumpkin

Not only are pumpkins decorative and delicious, but they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel. 

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

Time To Toss Your Toothbrush?

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush?

It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one ever 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn that's a clear sign you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement.

So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and it’s out with the old and in with the new. 

After reading the above you're probably thinking ”My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it.” And maybe that’s true, but did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush:

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Do we need to say it again? Germs and bacteria in your mouth twice a day, every day.

Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Brushing your teeth helps maintain your oral health and you must do this with a clean toothbrush. For tips on brushing your teeth with braces please visit http://www.morristownorthodontics.com/brushing-and-flossing.php

Morristown Orthodontics

161 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07960-3772 

202 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079

(973) 538-2171

Pumpkin Cookie Pops

In a month full of sweet treats, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your braces and/or your orthodontic appliances. As an alternative to Halloween candies that may be sticky, chewy and hard we have a fun recipe provided by the American Association of Orthodontist that you and your family will love.

Pumpkin Cookie Pops

(Adapted from www.pumpkinnook.com)

Ingredients:

• ¾ C unsalted butter, softened
• ½ C brown sugar, firmly packed
• ½ C canned or fresh cooked pumpkin
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla
• 2 ¼ C all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch salt
• 20 wooden sticks (tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks work best)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine with electric mixer the butter, brown sugar and orange zest. Add the pumpkin, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix. 
• Gradually add the flour and spices. Mix with your hands to create a soft dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Divide dough into two pieces. Roll out each piece to
• 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into pumpkin shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place on ungreased baking sheet and securely insert a wooden stick into the bottom half of each pumpkin cookie.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Decorate with favorite frosting

During Halloween it's important to stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind), jelly beans and soft drinks. Sweets can cause cavities, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods. 

Morristown Orthodontics

161 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07960-3772 

202 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079

(973) 538-2171

Is It REALLY An Emergency?

Did you know that many things we consider an emergency are really things that are simply causing us temporary discomfort and can be resolved at home? It's true. Most orthodontic concerns, like, poking wires and mouth soreness can be fixed without scheduling an emergency appointment.

Here'sHow...

Poking Wire - Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, pencil eraser or Q-Tip. Orthodontic wax can always be used to cover any archwires that might be sticking out. Also...nail clippers can be used to clip a broken archwire that may be poking out if wax doesn't ease you comfort.

Loose Wire - Use Tweezers to re-insert archwires that have slipped out of the molar bracket. Place wax over it if there is any remaining discomfort.

 

Soreness - Warm salt-water rinses are helpful in relieving soreness. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil as you would for a headache or similar discomfort. Carefully chewing on a half piece of sugarless chewing gum will help alleviate the pain and help your mouth feel "back to normal" much more quickly.

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances. We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office.

Please Remember:  If you are involved in contact sports, a TekFit mouth guard can be fitted over your braces for added protection.

Morristown Orthodontics

161 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07960-3772 

202 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079

(973) 538-2171