What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Joseph Catania, DDS would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a New Year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Dr. Catania's office!

Safety first this winter! From Joseph Catania, DDS

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Catania and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at the office of Dr. Catania.

How exactly does Invisalign work? [Video]

Dr. Joseph Catania, your Fayetteville Invisalign provider, specializes in teen and adult orthodontic treatment. The state-of-the-art Invisalign system uses clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible. For more information about Invisalign, watch this short patient video.

Don't hesitate to give Dr. Catania a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

A great patient review for Joseph Catania, DDS

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Joseph Catania, DDS. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share one with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Catania and team love getting patient testimonials!

"Everyone made us feel so welcome at our first consultation, I couldn't imagine anyone else taking such good care of my son."

Write a review for Dr. Catania!

Dr. Joseph Catania and our team enjoy creating smiles for a living, and we feel that it is important that both children and adults feel relaxed and comfortable at our office. We thought we’d ask you, our amazing patients: Have you had a positive experience with Dr. Catania? Did our team encourage you to take an active role in taking good care of your smile? Has your new smile changed your life?

Whether you or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. There are many ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Place page and share your story. Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Joseph Catania

Here at the office of Dr. Joseph Catania, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

A day to honor America’s veterans

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring the men and women who have served our country. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Catania and our team would like to share a few facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Dr. Catania encourages patients to share the warmth in our 7th Annual Winter Coat Drive

Winter is a difficult time for many adults and children within Fayetteville, NY and surrounding areas that are unable to afford warm coats. Dr. Catania would like to invite all of our patients to participate in our 7th Annual Winter Coat Drive.

Now through Dec. 8, our office will be accepting any gently used winter items to support Catholic charities and other local closing closets.

Don't hesitate to stop by our office today and share the warmth! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about our Winter Coat Drive, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Catania.

Dr. Catania invites patients to our 9th annual "Candy for Cash!"

Dr. Catania is excited to offer all of our patients, friends, and families in the Fayetteville, NY community the opportunity to exchange their Halloween candy for cash.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The Candy for Cash event is a fun way for Dr. Catania and our team to reward patients for their efforts on Halloween. In addition, we are able to benefit area charities.

Some candies are okay for orthodontic patients. These treats include plain chocolate, peanut butter cups, mint patties, and candy corn.

Dr. Catania recommends that those who wear braces avoid hard, sticky, and chewy candy, such as gum, taffy, nuts, popcorn, caramel, gummies, and lollipops. Parents of children who wear braces may want to check their children’s Halloween candy and eliminate these potential braces-busters.

Dr. Catania’s candy buy-back program can help those with braces enjoy the holiday. And you don’t have to be a patient to join our fun buy-back!

Here’s how it works:
• Bring your Halloween candy in to Dr. Catania's office anytime between Nov. 1-11 during office hours

• You will receive $1.00 for every pound of candy

• For every pound of candy that you bring in, Dr. Catania will donate $1.00 to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital

• Candy collected will be donated to local Food Pantries, along with a variety of food staples

Access your account—any day, any time—at Joseph Catania, DDS

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Dr. Catania's office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

"I like it because I can check my information during the weekend and evening hours." ~Andrea

"Just having the appointments online is a big help, especially when I forget to print my schedule." ~Gary

"I believe this website will be a great service! I look forward to keeping up to date on my son this way. In the hectic life I lead this will allow me to check payment schedule, look at his progress, etc. when it is convenient for me! (usually that is late at night!) Thanks for doing this!" ~Diane

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Halloween Safety Tips, from Dr. Catania

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Catania would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.



A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Catania and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Joseph Catania and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy candy that is often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find orthodontic-friendly options.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

A few patient reviews for Dr. Catania and team

Dr. Catania, serving Fayetteville and Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Catania and team!

"My daughter just really likes the staff and atmosphere. She just had her first visit the other day and just really likes the office and how they make her feel. Your office is great." ~Cheryl

"The doctor and his staff are all very friendly. We like the programs he has the kids to participate in." ~David

"He always makes us feel special (like we're his only patients). He is never rushed during appointments and takes a "wait and be patient approach" before application of braces. I also like that he collects winter clothing for the less fortunate." ~Andrew

"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

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

Why do you choose Dr. Catania as your Fayetteville, NY orthodontist?

From your very first visit to Joseph Catania DDS our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Catania's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and post a review.

After all, reviews help Dr. Catania create more beautiful smiles in Fayetteville, Syracuse and surrounding communities.

You may write also post a review here.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Back to school with Dr. Catania!

Here in Fayetteville, NY, kids and parents are beginning to stock up on pencils, spiral notebooks, and binders because it’s back to school time! Because it is more challenging to work around school, sports, and after school activities, Dr. Catania wants to remind our patients about how important it is to plan in advance for your orthodontic appointments! Also, to best serve all our patients we ask that you please give us advance notice if you are unable to make an appointment, so that someone else has the opportunity.

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to reserve your next appointment at our office.

Happy learning!

-Dr. Catania and team

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Dr. Catania's office can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Catania, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Fayetteville, NY area!

Dr. Catania supports Style 'N Smile!

The Style 'N Smile fashion show, sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, promotes self esteem, while displaying the newest back to school fashions. Most importantly, the fashion show emphasizes how a beautiful, healthy smile never goes out of style. To learn more about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, take a look at this short video clip from 90210 pop culture icon Jennie Garth. In the video, she shares how being self conscious is a rite of passage, and that’s why giving younger (and older) people the opportunity to improve their smile goes hand in hand with improving self esteem.

With SureSmile and The Damon System treatment options, Dr. Catania has what it takes to make you smile! Give us a call today if you have any questions about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, or if you would like to schedule your consultation!

Eating healthy at the ballpark this summer, from Dr. Catania

This summer, as you and the family head to out to the ball game—whether it’s at a Major League park or the local tee ball game in Fayetteville, NY, it’s important to remember to make smart, healthy choices when it comes to snacks. Here are some tips from Dr. Catania and our team that you can use to avoid greasy, ballpark foods:


1. Eat before you go!

2. What are you drinking? Water is always a cheap, refreshing option. Gatorade, Powerade and VitaminWater work as well, though keep in mind their sugar levels.

3. Bring your own snacks. Remember that these must be in unopened packages when you enter the gates.

4. Before the game, get some exercise. You’ll be sitting for two- to three hours at the game, so be sure to take a walk or a light run before you head out.

5. Calories, calories, calories. From hot dogs to fries to pizza, the ballpark stands typically sell high-caloric foods. But most venues will also offer healthier options, such as crab cakes, chicken sandwiches, turkey wraps or soups and salads.

Enjoy the game!

-Joseph Catania, DDS

Dr. Catania, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Joseph Catania, DDS, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Catania will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

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!

Celebrities love braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? At the time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. Do you notice any differences in the alignment of his pearly whites? The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Joseph Catania.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Joseph Catania DDS a call at 315-446-3360.

Soy-simmered chicken wraps, a nice, braces-friendly summer recipe!

Let's say you just got your braces on, and Syracuse orthodontist Dr. Joseph Catania told you that you'll want to avoid eating anything sticky, crunchy, hard or chewy for the foreseeable future. What does this leave for you to eat this summer? Lettuce? Yogurt? Nothing?

Well, our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) summer dish that is sure to delight: soy-simmered chicken wraps. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Catania.

Ingredients:

• 3 boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 large onions, chunked
• Small flour tortillas (pkg. of ten) wheat or white
• (optional: 10-16 oz. of cooked chopped broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

In a slow cooker, or a large pan on the stove, layer the onions and the chicken breast. Allow at least three hours in the slow cooker on medium, or at least one hour on the stove—the longer the better. Spoon out the chicken onto a cutting board, and with a knife and fork, shred the chicken as finely as you’d like. Then, stir all sauce ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling, and let it simmer for five minutes on low heat to thicken. In a serving bowl, stir sauce and onion into chicken; if you’d like, add cooked chopped broccoli. This dish makes about six to eight servings.

Our staff at Dr. Catania's office hope you enjoy this great summer dish! Have a phenomenal weekend!

Dr. Catania and team want to know: what's on your summer reading list?

Two weeks ago, you might recall, Dr. Joseph Catania and our staff asked you about your summer plans. Well, with summer only a week away, some of us at Syracuse's Joseph Catania DDS have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. More specifically, of course, summer reading. We know that during the summer, it’s easier to go play some ball with your friends or watch TV for that matter, but reading during the summer is a key step in being prepared for your classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

If you're out of ideas for summer reading material? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we found recently.

Happy summer reading, from Dr. Catania and team

What are happy patients saying about Dr. Catania?

Syracuse orthodontist Dr. Joseph Catania and team love hearing from our current and former patients and receiving testimonials. Well, we've been getting quite a lot lately, and thought we'd share a few with you!

"Dr. Catania is always happy and willing to answer any questions." ~ Brian N.

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

"Professional, yet friendly and approachable to both parents and children." ~ Gary F.

"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 & a gift certificate to target which my son can strive for. Along with this online info its a great fit." ~ Colleen K.

"Wonderful for children." ~ Joseph B.

Tell Dr. Catania and staff: What are your summer plans?

As the school year comes to a close, the days get longer and the temperatures climb in Fayetteville, Syracuse and other areas, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool and cool off. For some folks, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation or an exciting camp for your favorite sport? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned that is a tradition? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us as the summer rolls along!

Dr. Catania and team would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun summer!

Dr. Catania, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is a time to reflect and honor the men and women who have served to protect America and ensure our freedom. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids in Syracuse, Fayetteville and surrounding communities, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up at school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

Memorial Day weekend, which is ripe for travel, also marks the unofficial start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, Dr. Catania and our dedicated staff would love to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if we don't see you this week!!

SureSmile makes its way to CNN!

SureSmile is in the news again! This week, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a short report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients at the office of Dr. Joseph Catania. We encourage you to check out the video and let us know what you think! Give us a call at 315-446-3360 if you're interested in SureSmile, the treatment that has made quite a splash in the orthodontic industry!

How is Dr. Catania doing as an orthodontist? Let us know!

Whether you're the parent of a child with braces or an adult with braces, Dr. Joseph A. Catania wants you to look forward to coming to his office. After all, Syracuse orthodontist Dr. Catania wants what you want — a big smile with beautiful, straight teeth. Dr. Catania is committed to making orthodontics convenient, affordable and gentle, even fun.

Whether you've visited Joseph Catania DDS for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and post a review.

After all, reviews help Dr. Catania create more beautiful smiles in Fayetteville, Syracuse and surrounding communities.

You may write also post a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! Dr. Catania and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Dr. Catania, reminding you Mother's Day is this Sunday!

Mother's Day -- which falls next Sunday, May 9 -- is special to all of us, isn't it? Everyone looks forward to this day to let our mom know how special she is to us. The day is observed by giving gifts, visiting our moms or taking them out to celebrate. Tell Dr. Catania and team, what are you planning on mom's special day this upcoming Sunday?

Out of ideas? Then check out this helpful video about clever, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, courtesy of Good Morning America's recent segment. We're sure mom will love whatever you come up with!

Ask Dr. Catania: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely not. At the office of Dr. Joseph Catania, nobody is "too old" for braces. In fact, our staff recently read an statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is that people want to look and feel great. In an age—and culture—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Catania can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Catania would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

SureSmile at work on the Science Channel! From Dr. Catania

This is cool - SureSmile treatment was recently featured on the Science Channel! You've probably heard from friends or family members that wearing braces is a long-term commitment, taking two years on average. While that may be true of traditional orthodontic treatments, it's not true for SureSmile. Through the use of SureSmile's sophisticated 3-D imaging, treatment planning, and customized precision archwires, Dr. Catania can reduce treatment time compared to that of conventional braces.

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Joseph Catania, we love working with SureSmile technology. Take a look at the video, and be sure to let us know what you think.

Happy Wednesday!

Fun facts with the Joseph Catania DDS team

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Joseph Catania DDS thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Benefits of smiling, from Dr. Catania

People with big, happy smiles may live than those who don’t, after all. That, according to a new study at Wayne State University.

Dr. Catania has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and researchers studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile).

The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. The researchers found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting the office of Joseph Catania regularly? If not, give us a call!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Joseph Catania

You may recall that in February, Dr. Catania and our team blogged about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports. Well, we thought a reminder today wouldn’t hurt. You see, April happens to be National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

The above video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists outlines five ways you can protect yourself this spring. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our team at Joseph Catania DDS. And remember to stay safe and have fun!

Tell Dr. Catania what’s on your mind!

By now, you know how it works: Each week, Dr. Catania and our professional staff write about important topics pertinent to orthodontics and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at our office, including SureSmile and Invisalign. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Catania for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

Wishing you Happy St. Patty's Day, from Dr. Catania

Did you remember to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day Dr. Joseph Catania and our staff know you will enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ with Dr. Catania

We've blogged about Invisalign treatment with Dr. Catania in the past, and today thought we'd talk about the advantages of Invisalign Teen when treated by Dr. Joseph Catania, who knows a thing or two about image.

At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces: Invisalign Teen!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you might ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months, but varies. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen. Dr. Catania is a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider.

What are patients saying about Joseph Catania, DDS?

Dr. Catania and our dedicated team deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, serving Fayetteville, Syracuse and surrounding communities here in Onondaga County. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"I was impressed with the state of the art equipment. All the people working there were extremely welcoming and friendly." ~ Susan O.

"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 & a gift certificate to target which my son can strive for. Along with this online info its a great fit." ~ Colleen K.

"The friendliness of the office and the giving back to the community (candy drive, coat drive, etc.) that they support." ~ William B.

"The doctor and his staff are all very friendly. We like the programs he has the kids to participate in." ~ David B.

"He's honest and does a good job." ~ Tony S.

Dr. Catania, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, Dr. Joseph Catania and our professional team thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you're going to drink one of these beverages, don't sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to visiting Joseph Catania DDS, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. Catania, please feel free to give us a call!

Protecting your mouth during sports, with Dr. Catania

It may be just 24 degrees outside, but wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you're planning on spring sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Catania for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Joseph Catania DDS.

At Joseph Catania DDS, 24/7 access to your account

At the office of Joseph Catania DDS, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Fayetteville and serving nearby Syracuse and other communities.

Did you know that patients of Dr. Catania have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our wonderful patients have to say about this service!

"Very convenient to see what the account balance is and when last payment posted. Also it is an easy tool to check when appointments are." ~ Kerin M.

"In addition to the phone calls, this is another friendly reminder of upcoming appointments.; also it's nice to be able to access my account online." ~ Marsha S.

"I can monitor insurance payments efficiently. I can also keep track of my child's appointment easier." ~ Eric T.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Joseph Catania DDS if you have any questions!

Dr. Catania wants to know: What do you love about our community?

Joseph Catania, DDS, located in Fayetteville and serving Syracuse and surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Catania and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Fayetteville, Syracuse or our neighboring communities? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite hang-out? Let us know!

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks! Or, you may give us a call!

Have a great rest of the week!

The Damon System at Joseph Catania, DDS: Better Results in Less Time

We've blogged about the advantages of The Damon™ System in the past, and today, thought we'd remind you about this revolutionary new braces system. A lot of our patients, (especially you parents!) come to Dr. Catania thinking traditional braces are the only answer. But with the Damon System, your child can get better results in less time!

Am I right for the Damon System?

Dr. Catania and our dedicated team will evaluate your eligibility for the Damon System, and the procedure can be performed for children and adults alike!

What makes Damon braces better?

Probably the biggest advantage of Damon braces over traditional brackets is the amount of time and effort involved. Dr. Catania can often cut months off of the total treatment time for patients using the Damon System, and less visits to our office are necessary to make adjustments.

In addition, the Damon System brackets are:

•Cleaner- Damon brackets don’t have the elastic of traditional brackets, and are less prone to all the plaque buildup that your dentist warns you about!
•Discreet- Damon braces are smaller and have fewer parts than traditional brackets, making them less noticeable and more comfortable.
•No tightening- With the Damon system, Dr. Catania can position your teeth and avoid frequent adjustments. This also reduces the need for complicated tooth extractions or surgery.

If you have been thinking about an orthodontic procedure, come see us at Joseph Catania DDS for an assessment to see if the Damon System is right for you!

What puts you at ease at Joseph Catania, DDS?

Dr. Catania understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But he wants you to our team strives to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Have a great week!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Dr. Joseph Catania

Happy Monday! Today, Dr. Catania and team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Joseph Catania DDS, please give us a call.