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Orthodontics For All Ages

Orthodontics is not just for kids anymore. Years ago, when people thought about orthodontic treatment, they pictured a pre-teen or a teenager with a mouth full of metal. Thankfully, times have certainly changed. Today, orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore. People of any age group can now have the smile they deserve.

We have all read about or seen celebrities who are wearing braces or have completed orthodontic treatment. People like Tom Cruise, Manu Ginobili, Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, and even Katy Perry have all had orthodontic treatment. As technology evolves, braces and other orthodontic treatment options have become more popular. Now, everyone wants a great smile and it’s possible in some cases to achieve one in 15 months or less. (more…)

Common Speech Problems Orthodontics Can Treat

Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you struggle to pronounce certain words, your teeth could be the reason why. Thankfully, orthodontics can help. Dr. Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics can provide orthodontic treatment to resolve common oral problems such as:

Lisp or Whistling

Lisps or whistles are common in children and adults and are developed due to open bites. An open bite occurs when the tongue doesn’t make a true connection with the roof of the mouth. This typically happens when pronouncing words containing the letter “s” or “z.” Patients with an open bite often pronounce these words as if they have the letters “th” instead of an “s.”  (more…)

5 Reasons to Smile in the Year 2020

There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. As we close out the year, it is important to find reasons to smile and be grateful for all the lessons we’ve learned and achievements accomplished. For those who can’t find a reason to smile, Dr. Zohreh Rasouli at Oyster Bay Orthodontics has five: (more…)

Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents understand the early warning signs of an orthodontic problem and recommend kids be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 – 8. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Well-timed 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.

There are many different types of malocclusions or bite problems that require orthodontic treatment. Below is a list of the most common orthodontic problems seen today in children, teens, and adults. At Oyster Bay Orthodontics, we can help treat the issues below with several orthodontic treatment options. These include metal, ceramic, invisible and lingual braces. Surgical orthodontics is also offered depending on your treatment plan and needs.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zohreh Rasouli  to determine how we can help you with your orthodontic needs. It is not necessary to have a referral from your general or pediatric dentist to take advantage of this complimentary service we provide to all our patients. We’re here to help you Discover Your Best Smile! (more…)

Should My Mouthguard Be Custom or Store Bought?

Anyone participating in a sport should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. This is especially important for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and wires can damage the mouth if you are hit in the face. 

Many people ask whether it is necessary to invest in a custom-fit mouthguard or will an over-the-counter one work just as well. To help you make the best decision for your situation, Dr. Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics has information about each mouthguard.  (more…)

4 Dieting Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well-nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Dr. Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics has four tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve!

Brush and Floss

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. It also recommends flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring and annoying, is pertinent to oral health. Did you know not flossing is linked to heart disease? YIKES! (more…)

Will Orthodontic Treatment Cause White Marks on My Teeth?

Once you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, you just want to enjoy your brand-new smile. However, one thing patients often worry about is having white marks on their teeth following treatment. Luckily, whether you end up with white marks on your teeth after treatment is UP TO YOU! If you take good care of your teeth during treatment, white marks can easily be avoided.

How White Marks Form on the Teeth

The white marks that appear on your teeth during/after orthodontic treatment are called white spot lesions (WSLs). These spots are caused by plaque buildup on teeth. Removing plaque from your teeth is incredibly important because the bacteria in plaque produce an acid that begins to dissolve the mineralized surface of a tooth (and ruin the appearance of those pearly whites). (more…)

6 Orthodontic Tips for a Sensitive Gag Reflex

Having a sensitive gag reflex is nothing to be embarrassed about. Additionally, it is not something that should deter you from seeking orthodontic treatment. Those with a sensitive gag reflex can get frustrated, but it is certainly something that can be worked with while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists, like Dr.  Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics, are trained professionals that can help care for and achieve a beautiful smile. Below are some tips to help patients with a sensitive gag reflex. (more…)

Date Night with Braces

Date night can be a nerve-wracking experience. From what to wear, where to go, what to talk about, the numerous variables of date night can wreak havoc on what should be a fun experience. You don’t want your braces to be another source of worry on this evening, and they don’t have to be! 

With a few simple tips from Dr. Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics, you can flash your beautiful smile at your date as many times as you want without being worried about leftovers being hidden in your brackets.

At a Nice Restaurant – Stick to Soft Foods

While mood lighting can help hide a lot of things, it can’t get rid of food in your teeth. Stick to soft, tender foods so you can smile with confidence all night long. Pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and other softer options are easy to eat and are less likely to have little bits that stick around in wires and brackets. 

Any crunchy fruits or veggies could prove difficult as well. Let’s just say corn should be a “no-go” whether you have braces or not! Also, any chewy bread or pizza should be cut up into small pieces before consuming. (more…)

Protect Your Braces While Playing Sports

Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up the sports you love! Luckily, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Play Safe, Play All Season

In general, it is not uncommon for an athlete to experience injuries to the mouth and jaw area. Ever taken a soccer ball to the face? A fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, does increase your risk of oral injuries. Common oral injuries include lacerations to the cheeks, lips, and tongue, chipped or broken teeth, TMJ, and root fractures.

Have no fear, you can easily protect your teeth, mouth, and braces while playing sports by investing in a mouthguard. While it is suggested that braces patients invest in an orthodontic model, a basic mouthguard will provide more protection than nothing at all. (more…)