| What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics
is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is
"malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics
requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective
appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and haws into proper alignment and achieve facial
balance.
Why do dental and facial problems occur
Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired.
Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or
missing teeth, cleft palate and a wide variety of irregularities of the jaws and face.
Acquired malocclusions can be caused by thumb or finger sucking,
tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease, or
premature loss of primary teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems
affect not only the alignment of the teeth but facial Appearance as well.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Everyone wants beautiful smile - and everyone should have a
healthy one. The orthodontist's goal is to achieve both for the patient
Crooked an crowed teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may
contribute conditions that cause not only tooth decay but eventual gum disease and tooth
loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excess stress
on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints with resultant
chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.
When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse.
Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the
additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems in later years.
The importance of an attractive smile should not be
underestimated A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. A person's
self-esteem often improves treatment brings teeth, lips and face into harmony. In this
way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success as well as improve one's
general attitude toward life.

Brushing
and Flossing
The Biggest enemy of your teeth is plaque and the most common and
effective means of removing plaque from your teeth is regular brushing and flossing.
Brushing Technique
- Hold the brush at an angle and press firmly against the teeth,
flexing the bristles.
- Move the brush in small circles Cleaning the tooth surface.
- Brush above the archwire and below it.
- Brush the backside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth
Success
By actively taking part in your treatment, you, your orthodontist
and the office staff will develop a mutual confidence, and together you'll advance
step-by-step towards your ultimate goal . . . a beautiful, healthy smile.
Foods to Avoid
Braces are delicate and easily damaged, so what you eat becomes
especially important in caring for your appliances. Chewing ice, for example, can really
cause a lot of harm. Here are some examples of foods which should be avoided:
Sticky Foods
Caramels, taffy and chewing gum.
Hard Foods
Hard candy, raw carrots, popcorn, pizza crusts, etc.
It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced
diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Even if some foods are hard and crunchy -
an apple, for instance - you can cut them into small pieces. Also remember, unless you can
brush immediately afterwards, sugary foods should be avoided.
Feelings
Your braces may cause some discomfort during the
first few days of treatment, and after some subsequent adjustments. There are several
thins you can do to minimize this problem:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Use warm saltwater rinse, as needed.
- Take aspirin or an aspirin substitute, as needed.
- Put wax over any problem areas.

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Paul J. Batastini, D.D.S., Spec. Lic. 2417
Paul F. Batastini, D.M.D., Spec. Lic. 3672
Dr. Frank Batastini, M.B.A., D.M.D., Spec. Lic. 5089
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3 Convenient
Locations to Serve You:
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69 Haddonfield-Berlin
Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel 856-428-1888
Fax 856-354-2081 |
1168 White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ 08037
Tel 609-561-2424 |
1035 East Landis Ave.
Vineland, NJ 08360
Tel 856-696-2600
Fax 856-696-1347 |
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