While the majority of children at this age do not need any Orthodontic treatment, there are a significant percentage that do need “early interceptive orthodontic treatment.”

The key word here is “interceptive,” meaning that orthodontic treatment at this early age is intercepting a problem that left untreated would require more extensive treatment later or not be able to be treated with orthodontics alone.  By correcting a problem early, you can avoid more extensive treatment later that may include extractions and possible jaw surgery.

The majority of the problems that are treated early are due to a “growth problem.”  The upper and lower jaws are not growing at the same rate or in the same direction, or one is too small or one is larger than the other.  These types of problems are the reason we treat children as early as age 7.

Here is an overview of the problems that would be best corrected early (before all the adult teeth are in place.)

1. Severe crowding of the teeth. Your child has lost some baby teeth and the adult teeth that are coming in are sideways, up to high, behind other teeth or maybe not coming in at all. Instead of removing baby and adult teeth, your child can have early treatment that will make room for all the adult teeth and therefore save them from any extractions of baby and adult teeth.
2. A crossbite. This is when the lower jaw shifts to one side.  You may notice that your child chews funny or that when they are biting down their face appears slightly off center.  A crossbite is usually a problem with the growth of the upper jaw and is best corrected before age 10.
3. An underbite. The lower jaw bites in front of the upper jaw.  This type of bite problem is caused by a growth problem in the upper jaw and is best corrected during a child’s active growth phase.  This type of problem in particular, if not treated early will often result in jaw surgery as a young adult.
4. A thumb or finger sucking habit, severe tongue thrust or other oral habits. Most children who suck their thumbs and/or fingers for a prolonged period of time, will cause some deformation of the shape of the upper jaw.  This alteration in the shape of the upper jaw can cause crowding problems, airway problems and bite problems.  A simple, fixed appliance is generally used to correct this persistent habit.
5. Severe mouthbreathing, grinding of the teeth, or airway issues. All these are related to your child’s jaw growth and development.  Again a growth problem that is best corrected early while your child is still growing.
6. Severe overbites. Depending on the severity of your child’s overbite, this can be corrected early with the use of removable retainers.  With excellent cooperation, these removable retainers will often eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic work later.

If your child has any of the above problems, you do not need a referral from your family dentist.  You can call an Orthodontist directly and make an appointment for a consultation.  Even if you are not sure, a consultation with an Orthodontic Specialist will give you an overview of your child’s current growth and development and give you valuable insight into any future orthodontic needs that your child may have.

Needless to say, we do know how Orthodontics can impact your child and you too, forever! Modern Orthodontics can change your smile in as little as 6 months. Some of the newest advances in “braces” today are totally invisible and perfect for any adult or teen who wants a fabulous smile that can last a lifetime.

One new innovation in invisible braces in the past 8 years is Invisalign. Invisalign Orthodontic treatment involves wearing a series of clear removable aligners ( they resemble a very thin mouthguard) approximately 22 hours per day. They are removed for eating and toothbrushing. The aligners last about two weeks, then you switch to another set for another 2weeks. This process continues until your teeth are aligned and your smile is fabulous!

The technology that goes into the making of the aligners is quite sophisticated. An impression or “mold” of your teeth is taken and then sent to Invisalign. The mold of your teeth is scanned and then digitized. A computer generated sequence of tooth movements is then put into place for approval by the treating Orthodontist. Once the Orthodontist approves the final result and how the teeth are moved and aligned, the clear aligners are fabricated and sent to the Orthodontist for delivery to the patient.Invisalign treatment is invisible and virtually pain free.

More recently, braces that go behind the teeth called “lingual braces” are increasingly popular especially for adults who are in sales or speaking careers. The braces that go behind your teeth (lingual) are completely invisible and work in a similar fashion to the braces that go on the front of your teeth. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are spokeswomen for the company known as “I Braces” that manufactures these custom made braces. The Cowboy Cheerleaders are known for having a Half-Time contest asking the audience to guess which cheerleaders have braces on!

One question that comes up regarding the “I Braces” is a concern about the potential irritation of the tongue by the braces. Whether the braces are on the front of your teeth or on the back, there will 2 weeks of some adjustment either by your cheeks or your tongue.

If you are not opposed to having braces on the front of your teeth, but you still want a no metal option, then newest type of braces, called Innovation-C are the choice for you. These braces have the advantage of never discoloring (they are made of ceramic) and move the teeth more efficiently and quickly without the associated pain and discomfort of traditional metal braces. They have a clip that holds the wire in place rather than a clear or colored elastic tie. This allows the wire that is attached to the brace to be constantly active. These type of braces work best with light wires and therefore, light but consistent force on the teeth. Studies have shown that the time spent in braces can be decreased by 25% with these new type of clip braces.

Invisalign, “I Braces” and Innovation-C braces, are just some of newest innovations in Modern Orthodontics today.

Studies have shown that your physical appearance does effect your economic status. According to Danile Hammermesh and Jeff Biddle, two economists with the National Bureau of Economic Research, they have found the more attractive your appearance, the more money you will make. Orthodontics is truly an investment in you and your family’s future.

Drs. Cater and Galante are a husband and wife team of Orthodontists who have been in practice together for over 15 years. They have over 45 years of combined experience in Orthodontics and are Premier Providers of Invisalign ( top 5% nationwide).

They discovered that the patients that had the straightest teeth also had retainers that they were consistently wearing.  That was the number one reason for their straight teeth…continued and consistent retainer wear.   It did not matter whether you had third molars removed, or other teeth removed.  Some of the patients only wore their retainers 1 time a week and had very straight teeth.  Others found that they needed 2 to 3 times a week of wearing their retainers to keep their teeth straight.

Bottom line…retainers are a very important part of the success in keeping your smile as beautiful and your teeth as straight as possible for your lifetime.  Please feel free to ask any of our staff or our Doctors about the importance of retainers!   Cater Galante Orthodontics, realizes the importance of retainers for a lifetime of perfect smiles and we offer a very affordable insurance program for all patients who need retainers replaced due to loss or breakage.  Feel free to contact our offices for more information.

The Importance of Lifetime Retainer Wear

The question always comes up…Doctor how long do I need to wear my retainers?  The correct answer is forever. Really Doctor?  Yes it is true!  A very large research study was done by the University of Washington in the early 90′s.  They looked at all the treated Orthodontic cases in the clinic, thousands of patients.  They wanted to see how well the teeth stayed straight after the braces were removed.  Their findings are the basis of our current retention protocol.

They discovered that the patients that had the straightest teeth also had retainers that they were consistently wearing.  That was the number one reason for their straight teeth…continued and consistent retainer wear.   It did not matter whether you had third molars removed, or other teeth removed.  Some of the patients only wore their retainers 1 time a week and had very straight teeth.  Others found that they needed 2 to 3 times a week of wearing their retainers to keep their teeth straight.

Bottom line…retainers are a very important part of the success in keeping your smile as beautiful and your teeth as straight as possible for your lifetime.  Please feel free to ask any of our staff or our Doctors about the importance of retainers!   Cater Galante Orthodontics, realizes the importance of retainers for a lifetime of perfect smiles and we offer a very affordable insurance program for all patients who need retainers replaced due to loss or breakage.

Feel free to contact our offices at 916-435-8000 for more information.

Now Available ….Invisalign for Teens!
Many adults have enjoyed the benefits of Invisible Braces, also known as Invisalign.  Invisalign Treatment, for those of you who are not familiar with them, are clear, removable braces that move your teeth without the use of fixed metal or ceramic braces and wires on your teeth.   They are worn 22 hours per day and removed for eating and brushing your teeth.  They are very easy to wear , comfortable and best of all removable so patients can continue to eat all their favorite foods and brushing and flossing are routine.
Many teens have requested Invisalign and now it is available!  There are several new additions to the aligners that help with tracking compliance (ie…wearing of the aligners 22 hours per day) and built in features to compensate for teeth that are not fully erupted yet.  The  benefits of improved oral hygiene, no broken or loose brackets and no dietary restrictions, make Invisalign Teen a good choice for many patients.
Many parents will also be happy to find out that the investment for Invisalign is similar to that of clear braces.

Call our office at 916-435-8000 or 530-432-3483  and set up a complimentary consultation to find out if Invisalign is the right choice for your Teen.
*** Check out our website at: www.luvmysmile.com to learn more about Invisalign

There are three types of apnea. In all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.

1.  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common is usually caused when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.

2. Central sleep apnea is not caused by a blocked airway but rather the brain’s failure to signal the muscles to breathe.

3. Mixed apnea is a combination of the two.

With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.

Sleep apnea is very common and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.  A sign that a person has sleep apnea is snoring.

Risks factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.

Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure,  cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches and even death.

Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.

People who have severe snoring episodes during sleep will have a spouse who complains of having interrupted sleep as well.

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.

Treatment may involve a sleep study, a referral to a sleep medicine physician and ultimately an oral appliance to cure your apnea.

The oral appliance that is right for your particular problem is where our office can help.

After an initial consultation with Drs Cater and Galante, they will determine the best course of action for you.

Many patients report feeling exhausted during the day, having trouble staying awake mid-afternoon and in general feeling somewhat depressed and lethargic on a regular basis.  Weight gain is also a symptom of undiagnosed sleep apnea.

You do not need to live with these symptoms any longer.  There is help for you and it can be a very easy solution.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 916-435-8000 and ask Nataysia or Margaret to schedule your FREE Sleep Apnea Consultation and Exam.

What is Sleep Apnea? The word “apnea” literally means “without breath.”
There are three types of apnea. In all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.
1.  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common is usually caused when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.     2. Central sleep apnea is not caused by a blocked airway but rather the brain’s failure to signal the muscles to breathe.
3. Mixed apnea is a combination of the two.
With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.
Sleep apnea is very common and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.  A sign that a person has sleep apnea is snoring.
Risks factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.
Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure,  cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches and even death.   Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.  People who have severe snoring episodes during sleep will have a spouse who complains of having interrupted sleep as well.
Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.
Treatment may involve a sleep study, a referral to a sleep medicine physician and ultimately an oral appliance to cure your apnea.
The oral appliance that is right for your particular problem is where our office can help. After an initial consultation with Drs Cater and Galante, they will determine the best course of action for you.
Many patients report feeling exhausted during the day, having trouble staying awake mid-afternoon and in general feeling somewhat depressed and lethargic on a regular basis.  Weight gain is also a symptom of undiagnosed sleep apnea. You do not need to live with these symptoms any longer.  There is help for you and it can be a very easy solution.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 916-435-8000 and ask Nataysia or Margaret to schedule your FREE Sleep Apnea Consultation and Exam.

An independent study done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found the following:

1. 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset.
2. 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more engaging to members of the opposite sex.
3. 74% of adults believe an unattractive smile can lessen a person’s chances for career success.
4. 88% say they remember someone with an attractive smile.
5. Only 50% of Americans are happy with their smile.

Another study conducted by Peter Van der Geld, Paul Oosterveld, Guus Van Heck and Anne Marie Kuljoers-Jaagtman and published in the Angle Orthodontist (Vol 77) noted the following:

“Facial attractiveness plays a key role in social interaction.  It influences kinship opportunities, personality evaluations, performance and employment prospects.  Furthermore, facial attractiveness is suggested to influence personality development and social interaction.  Attractive children and adults are judged and treated more positively.  Attractive children and adults also exhibited more positive behaviors and traits. “

The bottom line here is that your smile is SOCIALLY VERY IMPORTANT!  Other ingredients that make up your attractiveness includes:  Weight, Physique, Eyes, Hair, Dress, Nose, Ears, Body Proportions, Grooming, Posture and Cleanliness.

Unlike losing weight or getting into shape, you can get a “REALLY GREAT SMILE” from your Orthodontist!  No need to go on a starvation diet (although you may have to give up those gummy bears and starburst temporarily!)  No need to start running 5 miles every day…just call our office for your FREE initial consultation and find out how you can get your REALLY GREAT SMILE right now!

Another benefit of Orthodontics besides a REALLY GREAT SMILE, is the fact that once you have your outrageously beautiful smile, you have it for life (as long as you keep wearing those retainers at night!)   Weight loss can be temporary, your hair color needs to be redone every 6 weeks and your botox injections need to be repeated every 3 months.

So what is your smile costing you?

The statistics show you will make more money, have more friends and have a better love life if you have a great smile.

Orthodontics is truly the best bargain in healthcare today.  It is never too late to get the Smile You Have Always Desired for yourself or your child.  It is truly an investment in you and your family’s future.

Call our office to set up a FREE consultation and find out how you can have “A Really Great Smile.”

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
- Mother Teresa

A person filled with confidence has a brilliant smile.”
- Japanese Proverb