Orthodontic treatment used to be limited mostly to teenagers, but more than 1 million adults–who make up about 20 percent of orthodontic patients–now have braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Among the grown-ups, Brown is part of a steadily expanding subset: people in their 60s, 70s and 80s who are straightening their teeth. As rates of toothlessness decline and people live longer, more seniors are saying no to dentures and yes to the orthodontist’s chair. (Columbia New Service, Candace Taylor, Open wide! More senior citizens opt for braces).

While survey data aren’t available on the number of patients over 50, orthodontists say they’re seeing more patients in their golden years. Dr. Don Joondeph, president of the American Association of Orthodontists, said he had six to eight patients between 70 and 80 and “two or three dozen” who are over 60. “People are healthier longer,” he said. “A patient who comes in at 60 could have 30, 40 years ahead of them. They’re making a good investment for their health.”

So, if you’re over 50, would you consider braces (either traditional or invisible Invisalign) to improve your smile? We’d love to know what you think! Please take our poll below and leave a comment! Thanks.

Over 50? Would You Consider Braces To Improve Your Smile? is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Teenage life is typically an active life, physically, socially, and emotionally.  Teenagers are understandably concerned with fashion, relationships, and at the heart of it all is looking good.

Christopher is a teen heavily involved in sports – soccer, la cross, you name it, he’s into it, and using his face, either accidentally or on admirably on purpose, to block a game winning shot while wearing traditional wire framed braces would obviously be ill-advised.

Laura, like most teens, is socially active with keen eye towards fashion.  Traditional wire braces would not only give her that iron man look in her mouth, they would make it difficult for public speaking, giving class room presentations, and – of course – talking 16 hours straight, on the phone, with her best friend.

For both Christopher & Lura, the solution is Invisalign Teen. Invisalign teen is based on the traditional Invisalign technology, but it’s designed for the active life of an American teenager: it’s so comfortable that teens almost forget they’re wearing it, their friends barely notice it, and it pops in and out in snap, and, to quote Fernando Lamas, “they look mahvelous!”

The Active Life of an American Teenager | Invisalign Teen & Looking Good In the End Zone is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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There has recently been a lot of confusion in my Woodbury, Long Island office location. As promised to my patients, Woodbury office team, family and friends, I wish to state the following in order to set the record straight and clear up any confusion and falsehoods concerning the nature of my relationship with Dr. Stuart Balaban.

I am NOT, and have NEVER BEEN, Dr. Balaban’s partner. I am NOT a “successor in interest” to Dr. Balaban’s practice. I have NOT purchased the whole or ANY part of Dr. Balaban’s practice.

The nature of my relationship with Dr. Stuart Balaban is that I was previously interested in purchasing his practice and establishing a professional relationship with him. However, during a rather lengthy negotiation process and while performing my due diligence in assessing Dr. Balaban’s practice, certain issues and concerns were discovered, which prompted me to make the business decision NOT to purchase or enter in ANY agreement with Dr. Balaban, other than to give him a facility to provide necessary treatment and care to his patients!

Unfortunately, I have unfairly come under attack by a number of Dr. Balaban’s patients arising out of the acts of Dr. Balaban. I erred in judgment for allowing Dr. Balaban to treat his patients and operate out of my Woodbury, Long Island office location without full knowledge of Dr. Balaban’s actions and promises to his patients. Before and during the time Dr. Balaban used my office facility, Dr. Balaban apparently made discounted financial arrangements with many of his patients and collected fees for work not yet performed. Whether or not Dr. Balaban intended to perform this work for which he had been paid, only Dr. Balaban knows.

Dr. Balaban made written and verbal representations to many of you who had paid him in full that I would provide his promised future orthodontic treatment. Simply put, I NEVER made such an agreement with Dr. Balaban, and the first knowledge that I had of Dr. Balaban’s promises concerning future treatment by me was when his patients told me about such agreements or showed me letters on Dr. Balaban’s letterhead, signed by Dr. Balaban.

I am deeply saddened that a trusted colleague and Harvard graduate so brazenly and disgracefully took advantage of so many patients and so many people, including me. I am truly disappointed that Dr. Balaban so exploited his patients and me. Like you, I was blind-sided. I was NOT privy to Dr. Balaban’s business dealings with his patients during the short time he was using my office. Dr. Balaban was the only one who discussed finances with his patients and, from what I have been told by many of his patients and his former employees, these discussions took place after office hours and not in my presence. Any feelings of enmity toward me, concerning Dr. Balaban, is very misplaced.

To those who received false promises from Dr. Balaban

Please accept my sincerest apologies for the nightmare in which you and your family are entangled. If you contact my office, we will try to do everything we can to allay your concerns and reduce your anxiety regarding the many outright lies and distortions of the truth surrounding this matter and my involvement with Dr. Balaban, that have been unjustly disseminated on the internet and the rumor mill.

Over the last few weeks, I have met with many wonderful patients and families, and have heard some truly amazing and heartfelt stories of how some parents have worked second jobs, sold jewelry, sold items on EBay and even cashed in 401K and retirement plans in order to help pay for their child’s or children’s orthodontic care.

In no way, shape or form are you required to, nor am I telling you to, continue your orthodontic care in my Woodbury location. However, if you choose to do so, my team and I will work together with you.

Regarding the orthodontic records of Dr. Balaban’s patients, I simply do not have them! We were told by Dr. Balaban’s former employees that your orthodontic study molds were left behind in his Melville office location. We have NO access to any of your digital photos or x-rays. We only have access to Dr. Balaban’s treatment cards, which he brought over to my office.

To my existing patients

Thank you for your patience, understanding and courtesy while we sort out this mess. I assure you that your treatment will not suffer. Be assured that you will continue to receive the highest level of excellence in your orthodontic care. To my fellow orthodontic and dental colleagues: Thank you for your support and for your “Stu stories”. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at: (516) 921-6010. Dr. Jacqueline I. Fulop-Goodling

Press Release | Dr. Fulop-Goodling and Dr. Stuart Balaban is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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I find that my teen patients are more confident since they are straightening their teeth with barely anyone noticing.

Parents also love the Invisalign Teen Product because it’s no more expensive than regular braces.

Invisalign Teen Product Fits In with a Teen’s Active Lifestyle is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Family Health
October 2009
Dental Essentails
by Kate Willard

Few things are as contagious as a child’s smile, but it’s easy to forget how much work it takes to maintain it. In fact, caring for a child’s dental hygiene is something that starts in infancy.

“Today, pediatric dentists are approaching things from a preventative technique rather than trying to fix everything after it’s already become a problem,” says Dr. Stephanie Strickland, a dentist with Pediatric Dentistry in midtown Manhattan. Starting in infancy, parents are advised to clean their child’s mouth with cotton gauze mouth wipes to remove plaque and residue.

At one year old, a child is ready for their first visit to the dentist. “The most important appointment in a child’s life is the one-year appointment,” says Dr. Mario Vilardi, a periodontist and publisher of “Dear Doctor Dentistry and Oral Health” magazine.

But it’s a visit many parents overlook. “A lot of times, unfortunately, parents don’t bring their child in until around 3 years of age,” says Mark Hochberg, a pediatric dentist on the Upper East Side. “But the first visit is so important because the child gets a full examination and we counsel parents on important steps about bottle feeding, diet, and home care instruction.”

Starting when the first tooth erupts, children should use a child size toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste. Once they can spit it out, which usually happens between 2 and 3 years of age, they can use fluoridated toothpaste. “A child who chronically swallows fluoridated toothpaste can get white spots on their grownup teeth,” points out Hochberg.

Until a child is 6 or 7, parents should help them brush, as it’s unlikely a child can do so correctly unsupervised. At age 7, a child is often ready to start flossing on their own (before which parents can help them, starting when their first molars appear). This is also a good time to introduce fluoridebased rinses like ACT.

But perhaps the most important step to take in maintaining your child’s healthy smile is finding a pediatric dentist you love. When you’re looking for a dentist, look for features that indicate their office is kidfriendly. Toys, games, and videos can be helpful in easing children’s fears about visiting the dentist. Finding a dentist who explains what is happening in terms a child can understand is also key.

visit us @ www.drjackiesmiles.com
&
www.liveituptvshow.com
(weekly dental correspondent…
look us up under Entertainment)

When should Your Child Start Brushing | How To Choose A Dentist is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Family Health
October 2009
Braces 411
by Kate Willard

The who, what, when, where, and how of orthodontic treatment can be a daunting pile of questions regardless of whether your first or your seventh child is due for some wires. And while it may seem early, the American Association of Orthodontics actually recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.

Early intervention

“Early intervention is great prevention,” explains orthodontist and Invisalign specialist Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling. Though a child is hardly an adult at age 12, their mouth is actually full-grown around that age. By evaluating a child’s mouth by around age 7, dentists can use the malleability of a growing mouth to correct jaw discrepancies and crowding issues with growth modification appliances like an arch or palate expander even before starting a treatment with braces.

There are many options in the field today, from wire braces that allow for less frequent and less painful visits, to clear braces that remain a popular cosmetic choice, and from bonded retainers that fit on the backside of the front teeth to the clear Invisalign trays. But it is important for treatment options to be individualized to your child’s needs as diagnosed by your child’s orthodontist.

Orthodontist Dr. Mark Bronsky, who has a practice on the Upper East Side, says that while many people consider orthodontic work to be a mainly cosmetic issue, “the goal is for long-term health. If the teeth fi t together in a way that is close to the way they should, they tend to be more stable and healthy in the long term.” And with the right treatment, Dr. Bronsky adds, “kids gain some serious self-esteem benefits” in the process.

visit us @ www.drjackiesmiles.com
&
www.liveituptvshow.com
(weekly dental correspondent…
look us up under Entertainment)

Your Child & Preventive and Corrective Orthodontic Treatment is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Now with the latest orthodontics technology, more people can have the attractive smile. Two words: Cosmetic braces. Cosmetic braces are seen as more comfortable, have shorter treatment times and take less visits to the dentist. So what are the types of cosmetic braces? What are the costs associated with it? Is the demand growing for cosmetic dental procedures?

A few popular types of cosmetic braces are: ceramic brackets, invisible aligners and lingual braces. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets (and sometimes tooth-colored wires) that improve smiles without the use of metal. Invisible aligners and lingual braces go one step further and make treatment virtually invisible. Lingual braces are actually placed on the back of the teeth, making them undetectable without looking inside the mouth.

Depending on how major a change a person seeks in a smile (and the condition the teeth are in to begin with), professional help can cost anywhere from around $300 for basic brightening to as much as $100,000 for a full overhaul of the mouth and some plastic surgery. Methods like Invisalign that straightens the teeth by using clear plastic aligners cost between 10 k to 50 k, depending upon the number of teeth that require alignment. For dental implants, the costs are approximately 2 K for composite laminates and up to 7 k for porcelain ones. For tooth jewelery, the costs are between 3 k to 3.5 k and for gum bleaching, the costs are around 7k.

A June 2006 Forbes reports that the number of cosmetic dental procedures requested in the U.S. has grown by about 12% over the last five years (“The Price Of A Perfect Smile“).  About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Cosmetic Braces | The Way to A Great Smile is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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A Sticky Story: The History of Gum

In the tropical rainforest of what is now Central America, members of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization had their own version of chewing gum, called chicle, which was derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree (known by locals as the chicozapote tree).

North America also produced gum-friendly trees: it is said that Native American tribes in modern-day New England introduced their gum-chewing habit to early colonists. The ubiquitous spruce provided a chewy resin that the natives found thirst-quenching.

In the late 1800′s, an American inventor named Thomas Adams endeavored to make various rubber products (including toys, galoshes, and bicycle tires) out of chicle he had imported from Mexico. He failed in each attempt, and found himself with a seemingly useless supply of chicle.

One day he was inspired with the idea to use the chicle as a base for chewing gum. By the end of the century, Adams, Sons, and Co. was the most profitable chewing gum company in the country, and went on to create one of America’s best-loved gums – you guessed it: Chiclets!
As you might imagine, there’s not enough chicle in the world to keep up with today’s high demand for chewing gum. Most gums today are made of synthetic latex combined with sweeteners, softeners, flavorings, and colorings.

Test your gum-ption with this trivia quiz!

1. Swallowed gum remains in your stomach for:
A. 2 years
B. 7 years
C. 8 years
D. None of the above

2. Forward-looking scientists believe a special type of gum may help prevent:
A. Arthritis
B. Cancer
C. Broken bones
D. Blindness

3. Research suggests that chewing gum after ____ will help you heal faster:
A. Abdominal surgery
B. Tonsillitis
C. Appendicitis
D. Lasic surgery

4. The Chewing Gum Action Group was created in England to:
A. Introduce preschool children to the wonderful world of gum
B. Lobby Parliament in the interest of gum companies
C. Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins
D. Provide free chewing gum to underprivileged families

5. A new type of gum claims to reduce bacteria in your mouth by:
A. 10 times
B. 50 times
C. 80 times
D. 300 times

6. Chewing gum was strictly forbidden in ____ between 1992 and 2004:
A. Croatia
B. Belize
C. Morocco
D. Singapore

1. D: None of the above. Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not set up shop in your stomach for years. While we don’t recommend that you swallow your gum, we can assure you that the parts of gum that cannot be digested simply pass through your system, as would any other roughage.
2. B: Cancer. In Finland, a group of scientists have proposed that chewing gum containing an amino acid called cysteine may be able to prevent cancer of the digestive tract.
3. A: Abdominal surgery. A group of California doctors have announced research that indicates that chewing gum can help patients recover more quickly from abdominal surgery, thereby reducing their hospital stays by a day or more.
4. C: Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins. Gum litter in England is such a problem that gum manufacturers, local governments, and other interested parties have teamed up to form the Chewing Gum Action Group, which facilitates advertising campaigns to teach people to dispose of their gum properly.
5. B: 50 times. A German chemical company recently revealed its plans to manufacture gum that contains a bacteria found in yogurt. Supposedly, this gum would reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth by 50 times.
6. D: Singapore. With a law passed in 1992, Singapore banned the import and sale of chewing gum. In 2004, the ban was revised and gum is now allowed into the country, but only for “therapeutic” reasons – in particular, nicotine gum that is used to help quit smoking.

30 East 40th Street
New York, New York
10016, USA

E-mail: nyc@drjackiesmiles.com
Telephone: (212) 972-3522

A Sticky Story: The History of Gum is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Why so young? “There are many reasons and a lot of research which reveals that early orthodontic intervention aids in dental and skeletal prevention,” said Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling.

Braces As Intervention & Prevention

(a.k.a. Dr. Jacquie), an orthodontist with offices in Woodbury and Manhattan. “Many orthodontic problems can be corrected prior to the eruption of all of the adult teeth. Most children complete their dental growth by age 12 and many children even earlier because kids today are developing quicker because of the hormones in the foods that they eat, ” said Dr. Jacquie. At age 7, most children’s first molars have erupted, in addition to some front teeth. At this stage, a panoramic x-ray is taken to reveal the size of the other permanent teeth, which have not yet erupted. If crowding issues exist, appliances like a palatal expander can be prescribed to make the mouth bigger for the unerupted crowded teeth seen on the x-ray. “Most importantly,” Dr Jacquie said, “The increase in frequency of palatal expanders today and early orthodontic intervention have decreased the need for extraction of permanent teeth. That’s amazing!”

Studies have shown that younger children are more comfortable during the expansion phase of the expander, as once puberty is near by, the discomfort level increases because the palate has a “growth plate” like suture fusing into one piece. (Post pubertal children and adults requiring a palatal expander must have surgery first since their palate has already fused into one piece.) Also, the more permanent teeth a child has can cause more discomfort due to the overall greater orthodontic forces necessary to be exerted because a child has more teeth in their mouth.

According to www.dentistry.com, an orthodontist can generally determine whether there will be adequate room for the remaining permanent teeth at this time. This determination is often aided by a panoramic X-ray. If there will not be adequate room for th permanent teeth, early treatment can be initiated and may consist of appliances to expand the jaws or the early removal of deciduous teeth. This approach greatly increases the chance that the remaining permanent teeth will erupt ideally aligned, thereby reducing the need for future orthodontic treatment.

A commonly treated orthodontic problem is an overbite (more correctly termed overjet), or “buck teeth.” An overbite may result when the upper jaw grows more rapidly than the lower jaw, or may simply result from protrusive front teeth. If the jaw is involved, treatment will usually consist of an orthopedic appliance to help stimulate lower jaw growth.

In addition, limited upper braces are often placed on the front teeth. The advantages of treating the overbite early include improved chewing, speech and facial aesthetics, increased self-esteem and reduced risk of dental injuries.

Finally, orthodontists generally recommend treating harmful habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing at a young age. There is strong evidence that these habits can lead to significant orthodontic problems. Dr. Jacquie said, “Early intervention is a key factor in determining what your child’s future smile will look like. It is wonderful to create wide smiles and can avoid pulling adult teeth because we are able to evaluate children younger today.”

For more information, please do not hesitate contacting Dr. Jacquie at (516) 921-6010 or visit her website, www.drjackiesmiles.com

At What Age Should Your Child See an Orthodontist for Braces? is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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Bruxism | Are you Grinding Your teeth

You’ve probably read about “gnashing of the teeth.” Authors from Mark Twain to Charles Dickens to the scribes of biblical times have referenced this popular idiom for an expression of extreme anger. But if you find yourself or a family member gnashing or grinding teeth, the more likely culprit is not anger, but stress.

bruxism,” a word that comes from the Greek “brychein” which means “to gnash the teeth

The medical term for teeth grinding or clenching is “bruxism,” a word that comes from the Greek “brychein” which means “to gnash the teeth.” Although there’s not a firm consensus in the medical community regarding the exact causes of bruxism, it is widely thought that stress is a contributing factor in many cases.

Because bruxism frequently takes place during sleep, it can be tricky to identify the problem. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms. If you suspect that you or a family member is experiencing bruxism, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Because continuous teeth grinding can cause long-term damage, the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

Signs of bruxism include:
• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
• Night grinding that is loud enough to disturb the sleep of those nearby

Adults and children alike are prone to teeth grinding

Adults and children alike are prone to teeth grinding, although in young children the habit tends to be age-related – bruxism can coincide with the arrival of new teeth – and in most cases is simply outgrown.
For children and adults suffering from bruxism, seek out signs of stress and take steps to alleviate anxiety, especially just before bedtime. Stretching exercises and massage, especially in the jaw area, can help. You can also try holding a warm washcloth or heated rice sack against the jaw to relieve tension.

Other ways to manage bruxism include:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

Teeth grinding can result in chipped teeth, worn enamel, and chronic pain

Although slight cases of bruxism don’t cause permanent damage, severe or long-term moderate cases can result in chipped teeth, worn enamel, and chronic pain. Bruxism can also lead to or worsen temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ). If someone in your family is experiencing bruxism, schedule a visit to our office right away. We can check for damage, determine the severity of the situation, and recommend methods of managing the problem – before long-term damage occurs.

To Learn More, Contact Dr. Jacqueline I Fulop-Goodling DMD, Invisalign Invisible Braces

30 East 40th Street
New York, New York
10016, USA

E-mail: nyc@drjackiesmiles.com
Telephone: (212) 972-3522

Teeth Grinding | Management & Cures is a post from: Invisalign and The Future of Braces & Dential Health

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