Dr. Vives selected as New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs!

Recently, Dr. Vives received a prestigious honor of being included on “The List” of New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs, and was featured in New Jersey Family Magazine’s December 2011 issue. The list includes the nearly 400 children’s doctors, dentists and other pediatric healthcare professionals in New Jersey, all of whom have been nominated by local patient and parents. Dr. Vives and our entire team at All-Star Family Orthodontics are thankful to be included in the group of “physicians who have earned the trust, admiration, and professional respect of moms.”

To learn more about New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs, head over to their web site. If you have any questions about New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs, or if treatment at All-Star Family Orthodontics is right for you, please give us a call!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Vives and All Star Family Orthodontics

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we at All Star Family Orthodontics are thankful for all our patients and friends for making each day extraordinary.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Do You Live With Someone That Grinds Their Teeth?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw 
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration 
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum) 
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling (732) 727-6666. Dr. Vives can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

"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!