The Blog of Paul Carpinello DMD MSD PC http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog The blog of Drs. Paul Carpinello and Serban Nicolaescu - Orthodontists serving Drexel Hill, Edgemont, and Newtown Square, Pennsylvania (PA) Thu, 17 May 2012 21:24:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 If my child has early treatment, often called Phase One, is additional treatment necessary? http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/if-my-child-has-early-treatment-often-called-phase-one-is-additional-treatment-necessary/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/if-my-child-has-early-treatment-often-called-phase-one-is-additional-treatment-necessary/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 21:24:26 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=128 Phase One orthodontic treatment can be thought of as your child’s foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles, and occurs when your child has a mixture of primary and permanent teeth. The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. If the Doctor has recommended early treatment, this may mean that your child has exhibited early signs of jaw problems, such as an upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow. Early treatment may also be used to avoid permanent tooth extraction later and will deliver better long term results and treatment options in the future.

Early treatment may be the foundation, but what good is a strong foundation if the building placed on it is crooked? The second phase of treatment, usually including a full set of braces, begins when all permanent teeth have erupted and is necessary in order for your child to achieve an ideal bite and perfectly straight teeth.

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/if-my-child-has-early-treatment-often-called-phase-one-is-additional-treatment-necessary/feed/ 0 Ask Dr. Carpinello: “What Should I expect During My Initial Consultation?” http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/ask-dr-carpinello-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/ask-dr-carpinello-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 18:16:36 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=123 Great question! When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Carpinello will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. We will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help us when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Carpinello will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that we can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Dr. Carpinello’s practice. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand the doctor’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/ask-dr-carpinello-what-should-i-expect-during-my-initial-consultation/feed/ 0 May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month! http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 21:27:33 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=121 Dr. Paul Carpinello Orthodontics knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with an orthodontic consultation. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in to discuss your treatment options?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment or ask us on Facebook!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/05/may-is-national-teen-self-esteem-month/feed/ 0 Doing Our Part to Help the Planet! http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:59:31 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=119 We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a ‘green’ office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/doing-our-part-to-help-the-planet/feed/ 0 Making Your Life Better with Orthodontics http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:29:52 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=115 The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew, and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain you teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, we can personalize your treatment to suit all your needs.

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/making-your-life-better-with-orthodontics/feed/ 0 From Dr. Carpinello: Enter our new Chocolicious Contest! http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/from-dr-carpinello-enter-our-new-chocolicious-contest/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/from-dr-carpinello-enter-our-new-chocolicious-contest/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:44:40 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=110  

Check out this latest flier from Dr. Carpinello and learn more about our latest contest! If you have questions be sure to call the office or find us on Facebook!

Good luck!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/from-dr-carpinello-enter-our-new-chocolicious-contest/feed/ 0 April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:02:47 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=108

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/04/april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/feed/ 0 Am I Too Old for Braces? http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:24:24 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=105 Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly

Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/am-i-too-old-for-braces/feed/ 0 What do rubber bands do? http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:07:47 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=103
Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Dr. Carpinello has prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.

If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!

Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.

]]> http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/what-do-rubber-bands-do/feed/ 0 Connect with us on Facebook! http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/connect-with-us-on-facebook/ http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/2012/03/connect-with-us-on-facebook/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:14:37 +0000 googlelogin0288@sesamecommunications.com http://www.theplacetobrace.com/blog/?p=100
We’ve rolled out our new Facebook Timeline page and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout. When you connect with us on Facebook, you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!

See you on Facebook!

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