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).

Here are some more startling facts:

Approximately 40% of patients over the age of 40 snore, and half of them snore EVERY night

Among those that snore on a regular basis, OSA is prevalent in 17% of men and 15% of women

An estimated 18 million Americans have OSA and another 16 million remained undiagnosed

Why Should You Care?
If you, a spouse or loved one snores on a regular basis they may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  While snoring may seem just a nuisance to anyone in bed with or nearby the snoring individual, it is truly a silent killer for many Americans.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with higher risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, irregular heart beat, impotence, behavior and cognitive problems and the big one….death.
Furthermore, OSA leads to excessive daytime sleepiness.  This can cause injuries at work, poor job performance and possible job loss.

It is also estimated that people with OSA are 10 TIMES more likely to die in a car accident than someone without OSA.

Okay, I Snore, How Do I Know I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

You will first need to have a sleep study done by a Physician who specializes in Sleep Medicine.  You can get a referral to a sleep center from your family medical doctor or a dentist.

Once a sleep study is performed, you will get a diagnosis regarding the severity of you OSA.  In the case of mild to moderate OSA, you will often get a referral back to your dentist or dental specialist who have expertise in oral appliances and dental sleep medicine.

With mild to moderate OSA, an oral appliance worn at bedtime is very effective at eliminating the snoring and thus the sleep apnea.  Patients who have these oral appliances will immediately notice the benefits.

These benefits include feeling rested for the first time in a long time, not having daytime sleepiness (no more 3 pm trips to Starbucks), clearer thoughts (brain not in a “fog”) and more energy than they have had in a long time.
Of course a follow sleep study will be needed to confirm the success of the oral appliance and make sure it is adjusted for maximum effectiveness.

If after your initial sleep study, it is determined that you have severe OSA, there will be several different treatments recommended by your sleep medicine specialist.
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device is usually recommended and fitted for your use at bedtime.   In very extreme cases, surgery is recommended.
Drs. Cater and Galante can assist you in finding the Best Sleep Center and Sleep Medicine Specialist to help you or a loved one with this truly deadly disease.  We offer a free exam and consultation to determine if you may have OSA.
Call today to set up your complimentary exam, 916-435-8000.

In recent years, this area of Medicine has grown due to the expanding population of people over 40 years of age.  It is well documented that over 90 million people in the United States snore.  Of this 90 million somewhere around 32 million have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Basically, OSA( Obstructive Sleep Apnea)  is a disease that results from the narrowing of your airway.  As we age and/or gain weight, the ability of the tongue-base musculature to expand the upper airway during normal respiration often declines.

This causes you to basically stop breathing while sleeping. This is what is known as an apneic episode.  The apneic episode causes you to briefly awake long enough to gasp a few breaths of air and then resume your sleep and snoring.

Over the past 15 years, oral appliances have developed into a viable and scientifically sound method for eliminating upper airway obstruction in a larger percentage of patients.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recently published a report that lends substantial importance and credibility to the use of oral appliances in the treatment of OSA.

Overall, those patients with mild to moderate OSA have a 52% chance of controlling their OSA with an oral appliance. Severe OSA patients, however, are best treated with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)  devices or surgery.

The Different Types of Oral Appliances

The best success has come from appliances known as MRAs.  MRA stands for mandibular (lower jaw) repositioning appliance.

There are non-custom (off the shelf, or boil and bite) appliances and custom-made (adjustable) appliances.  Currently, the custom-made, adjustable MRA have been proven to work the best.

It is best to always seek a dentist who has experience with these type of appliances.

How The Oral Appliances Can Help:

Basically, these oral appliances work to expand the airway and improve breathing while sleeping.  Young, thinner patients with lower body mass have some of the best response rates to these types of appliances.

Patients with or with out TMJ dysfunction may or may not be a contraindication to the use of oral appliances.

It has been shown that women are overall more successfully treated with oral appliances than men.

Are There Any Side Effects of Wearing These Appliances?

Fortunately, the side effects are minor compared to the side effects of OSA.  There may be some limited tooth pain, dry mouth, and overall facial muscle soreness.  Again it is important to receive care from a dentist or dental specialist who has expertise in the area of Dental Sleep Medicine and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

There is one specific appliance that has been used for decades and is well documented in the medical literature to improve airway, decrease sinus and allergy problems and improve sleep.  This appliance is called a Rapid Palatal Expander and is commonly used by Orthodontists for expansion purposes in young children.

Since dental sleep medicine and obstructive sleep apnea,  are not included in the curriculum of most dental schools and post-graduate residencies, additional training is required before initiating treatment.

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (www.aadsm.org) is a good resource for locating physicians , dentists and other dental specialists who have expertise in these types of appliances.

If you think you might have sleep apnea and have questions, please call our office at 916-435-8000

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