Staying connected with Joseph Catania, DDS

At Joseph Catania, DDS, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our facebook page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Catania and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Ask Dr. Catania: What can Invisalign do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options with Dr. Catania, patients often ask us how Invisalign is so different than braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. Catania than you may know. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that are nearly invisible. Besides straightening your teeth, did you know that Invisalign can improve your oral health? Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your beautiful smile:

Healthy gums- Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning- Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing- Properly aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Catania the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, feel free to give us a call! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Hey Parents! How is your child learning this summer?

It's summer here in Fayetteville, NY, but just because your children are on summer break from classes, doesn't mean that the learning should stop! Dr. Catania and our team thought that we'd point your child to a few helpful websites that will help keep your child's mind sharp, courtesy of our friends at More4Kids. Here are 12 helpful websites that we think your child will love!

Are there any great ways that your family encourages summer learning? Let us know! We love to connect with our patients on our Facebook page, or you can always give us a call at the office.

Happy learning,

Your friends at Joseph Catania, DDS

Ask Dr. Catania: When should my child begin orthodontic treatment?

Braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. Today, Dr. Catania will tell you that kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it may be wise to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Catania to assess what the best age for treatment is.
Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!