The "A" Team at Dr. Catania's Office

Join the "A" Team at Dr. Catania's office!
All patients with orthodontic appliances can participate!

All you have to do is brush well!

Each time you get an "A" grade for oral hygiene, your name will be entered into our monthly random drawing for a $20 Target gift card.
And remember to save the wooden nickel you receive when you get your "A". You can trade 5 wooden nickels for a $5 gift card to your choice of Target or Barnes and Noble.

Keep up the great brushing!

September 2008 Jordan
October 2008 Emily
November 2008 Jenna
December 2008 Stephen

Joseph Catania Patient Reviews

Joseph Catania prides himself on providing the upmost in orthodontic care. Just listen to what his patients are saying about his superior services.
>Dr. Catania always makes us feel special (like we're his only patient). He never rushes during appointments and takes a "wait and be patient approach" before applying braces. I also like that he collects winter clothing for the less fortunate.
-Andrew G.

They have very friendly employees, fun games like which pet belongs to which employee, and how much money is in the jar. You also have the wooden nickle for brushing and a gift certificate to target which my son strives for.
-Colleen K.

My daughter really likes the staff and atmosphere. She just had her first visit the other day and loves the office and how they make her feel.
-Cheryl M.

He did a great job with my older child's teeth and is doing the same with my younger child. He has a good disposition and is not condescending.
-Eric T.

Dr. Catania has a commitment to public health and a strong academic background.
-Peter B.

He is very nice and I understand him when he talks about my treatment.
-Thomas P.

Everyone on Dr. Catania’s staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, he is comfortable to speak to, takes the time to explain to his patients about their orthodontics, always asks if I have any questions, and he always has a SMILE! You can't get that everywhere you go.
-Marsha S.

He is very friendly and helped to calm down my nervous and overly excited child.
-Gary C.

He is kind, talented and always on time!
-Linda L.

A Nifty "Eggs"periment from Dr. Catania

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Fluoride Is Your Friend! - Dr. Joseph Catania

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the our orthodontic office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!