Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Drs. Nettune & Banasiak!

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give us a call!

Ask Drs. Nettune & Banasiak: Which toothbrush should my child use?

We will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Braces chic, the new style for your teeth!

Remember the days when braces weren’t particularly “cool”? Well, our team is happy to say that sporting a metal mouth is now in style. According to a recent article on parenthood.com, younger patients are choosing braces, almost as a form of jewelry for their teeth! Now, with colorful braces options for children and teens! Innovative technologies can even shorten treatment times and are more comfortable for patients. There are more reasons to smile about treatment with our team than ever before!

Are braces right for you or someone in your family? Please give us a call to schedule a consultation! Drs. Nettune & Banasiak can help determine whether or not you would benefit from orthodontic treatment. We look forward to meeting you!