"Hey Dr. Vives! Why are regular checkups so important?"

At All-Star Family Orthodontics, we want to make sure your child is brushing his or her teeth three to four times a day, in addition to maintaining life in braces. But it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Dr. Vives, of course). After all, regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During the visit, your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth while in braces

During an oral exam the dentist will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment – there are plenty of great dentists in Old Bridge and surrounding areas. Just ask us and Dr. Vives will be able to provide a few names!

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

Of course not.

In fact, our staff at All-Star Family Orthodontics recently read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has 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 this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Vives 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. Vives would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Dr. Vives

Back to school is around the corner! Gear up...
If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Vives for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing sports such as football, baseball and soccer. 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 All-Star Family Orthodontics.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at All-Star Family Orthodontics.