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How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Braces

You’re in between meals and craving something sweet, but you just started orthodontic treatment. This means that many of your favorite foods should now be avoided. Is there anything sweet you can eat? The short answer is yes! Orthodontist Dr. Zohreh Rasouli and the staff at Oyster Bay Orthodontics are here to explain the truth about sugar and how to satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your braces.

The Truth About Sugar

Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and is off-limits during orthodontic treatment to keep the teeth healthy and strong. Whether you’re in braces or not, it is important to note that candy which contains lots of sugar should always be avoided, especially during orthodontic treatment. Failure to do so could mean more dental work after your braces come off. (more…)

How to Survive Summer BBQ Season with Braces

It’s the summer! That means outdoor barbecues with family and friends will be abundant. Whether celebrating a national holiday, graduation, or attending a simple gathering, summer barbecues are a common summertime activity meant for everyone to enjoy. So how do you survive a summer BBQ while wearing braces? Fear not, we’ll break down the foods you should avoid and the foods you can enjoy while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Foods to Avoid During a BBQ

Orthodontist Dr. Zohreh Rasouli at Oyster Bay Orthodontics recommends avoiding the following common barbecue foods:

• Raw Veggies: By now everyone understands the importance of eating vegetables. However, consuming raw veggies while wearing braces could cause more harm than good. To avoid damaging your brackets or arch wires, cut veggies into small, bite-size pieces and chew using your back teeth. Another option is to drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper onto the veggies, wrap them in aluminum foil, and cook them on the grill. 
• Corn on the Cob: While eating corn straight off the cob is not good for braces, corn removed from the cob is fine to eat. Eat the kernels as a side by themselves or add them to a salad.
• Pretzels and Corn Chips: We understand that sometimes you need a bit of crunch in your life. Sometimes that crunch could lead to broken brackets and wires. Avoid eating pretzels and if you absolutely have to have a chip, opt for something other than corn chips and chew them slowly with your back teeth one at a time.
• Tough Meat: Avoid tough or stringy meats – stick to tender meats and be sure to eat them slowly.

Foods to Enjoy During a BBQ

Don’t let the list of foods above discourage you from attending an upcoming barbecue. There are still plenty of foods you can eat that won’t interrupt your orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the delicious foods you can still enjoy:

• Popsicles: We recommend making your own with fresh fruit and juice.
• Soft Fruits: melons, grapes, and kiwis are perfect summertime fruits to enjoy even with braces. Eat them by themselves or altogether in a tasty fruit salad.
• Cheeses: Believe it or not, cheese is a great source of calcium for your teeth.
• Tender Meats: As long as the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone, enjoy!
• Cooked Beans
• Soft Breads
• Soft-Baked Cookies and Lightweight Crackers

At Oyster Bay Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy your summer. For questions about eating with braces or to schedule an appointment, contact our office. Happy grilling! 

How to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

You’ve gotten your clear aligners and it’s time to begin your journey to a healthier, straight smile with Invisalign. Just as your oral hygiene routine would change with braces, you will need to adopt a new routine with Invisalign. This includes stocking up on a few more hygiene products and supplies to maintain your new lifestyle. To make things easier, we’ve listed all the things you’ll need to keep your Invisalign clear aligners clean.

Get Another Toothbrush

Dr. Zohreh Rasouli of Oyster Bay Orthodontics recommends that you have two toothbrushes: one for your teeth and one for your Invisalign clear aligners. This is due to the fact that your Invisalign aligners do not need the same tough bristles used to scrub teeth clean. A softer bristled toothbrush is all you will need to clean the aligners as to not damage them. Having two different toothbrushes also reduces the risk of staining the aligners with leftover food particles from brushing your teeth. (more…)

My Braces are Off But My Wisdom Teeth are Coming In

You’ve been patiently waiting for your orthodontic treatment to come to an end and your braces to come off. You followed all the oral hygiene instructions during and after treatment, but now your wisdom teeth are starting to come in. Will they ruin your new smile?

At Oyster Bay Orthodontics, we get this question a lot and rightfully so. With the typical timeline for orthodontic treatment being between about 18 and 36 months, we understand that it would be very disappointing for all that hard work to go to waste. In some very rare cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth can shift the teeth and ruin past orthodontic treatment, but again, this is rare. This is why it is important to maintain a relationship with an orthodontist, like Dr. Zohreh Rasouli, even after treatment has ended. Once your wisdom teeth do come in, it can be determined if they need to be removed or not. (more…)

What to Expect in Your First Week With Braces

You’re getting your braces put on for the first time and you’re not sure what to expect. One thing is for sure; your oral hygiene practices will definitely change. To help prepare you for what’s in store and make the most of your orthodontic treatment, we at Oyster Bay Orthodontics explain what you can expect from your first week in braces:

Placement Day

On the day your braces are put on, the process should be relatively painless. In the hours following placement, you may notice that it will take you longer than usual to finish meals as you get used to wearing and chewing with braces. Stick to softer foods (like soups, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, shakes, etc.) for the first few days while your teeth and mouth adjust. You may also experience slight discomfort or soreness as the teeth begin to move. (more…)

Orthodontic Consultation Questions You Should Know

Orthodontic consultations are often times a complimentary introduction for orthodontists, like Dr. Zohreh Rasouli, to get to know you and your oral health concerns. The best thing you can do to make the most of your consultation is to prepare a list of questions beforehand. To help you get started, we’ve come up with a list of common questions answered during our complimentary smile exams.

How Long Will My Treatment Take?

It is important to first note that orthodontic treatment is not a “one size fits all” approach to straightening teeth. At Oyster Bay Orthodontics, we develop orthodontic treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient to ensure they get the best results. Be sure to ask the orthodontist for an estimate of how long your treatment will take as the length may vary depending on how complex your situation is. (more…)

The Top 3 Best Drinks For Your Teeth

In a previous post, we discussed some of the drinks that have a negative effect on the teeth. This included soda, fruit juices, and coffee. While it may seem like water is your only beverage option, fear not. There are a few drinks still available to quench your thirst without affecting your orthodontic treatment.

Milk

Not only can it help build strong bones, but milk is a great source of calcium. Calcium helps to repair and maintain tooth enamel to keep your teeth strong. Lactose intolerant? Don’t worry. Calcium-fortified soy milk is a great alternative to getting the same benefits as regular milk. However, it is important to keep in mind that milk also contains sugar which, if left on the teeth for too long, can cause tooth decay. (more…)

Orthodontic Treatment: One Phase Or Two?

Did you know that orthodontic treatment is not just for teens and adults? In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that by the age of 7, children should have an initial orthodontic consultation. These comprehensive consultations determine whether or not a child’s teeth are developing properly or if early orthodontic treatment is or will be needed in the future.

Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Orthodontics

The typical process for Phase 1 orthodontic treatment involves a patient being fitted for their appliance (braces for example) which is worn until their teeth move into their proper positions. Some patients may require extractions or surgery prior to beginning treatment. Once the teeth are properly aligned, the patient wears a retainer to keep the teeth from shifting back. (more…)

Are You Too Old For Braces?

When you think of braces, who do you picture wearing them? If you’re like most Americans, children and teens come to mind. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you probably think you missed your chance for straight teeth, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to advances in technology, orthodontic treatment for adults has become more common while producing excellent results. So much so, The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18.

With Age Comes New Changes

As we age, our bodies change. This is especially true for our teeth. For a variety of reasons, including injury, tooth loss, teeth grinding, loss of enamel, or natural growth, our teeth begin to shift towards the front of our mouths as we age. As a result, our teeth can become crooked and overcrowded. In some cases, patients may experience jaw pain or have difficulty properly cleaning their teeth. (more…)