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Fitting Braces into Your Life

Fitting Braces into Your Life

Fitting Braces into Your Life

When you are wearing braces, there are a few things you will have to adjust to get the optimal results in the shortest amount of time.

EATING

When you have braces, there are a few types of foods that can damage your brackets and bend your wires, leading you to more appointments and longer treatment times. By simply avoiding sticky, chewy, crunchy, and hard foods, as well as foods like corn on the cob, your orthodontic experience will be smoother and will help prevent unnecessary emergency visits.

CLEANING

Maintaining a clean mouth takes focused attention, more so when you are undergoing orthodontic care. You will never believe the amount of food that can get lodged between your braces when you eat. Plaque buildup as a result of poor brushing and flossing habits can cause bad breath, or worse, tooth decay! It is so important to brush your teeth after every meal and floss every day. It may seem like a hassle, but it will all be worth it in the end!

SPORTS

Protecting your smile if you play sports is essential when you have braces, and mouthguards are an ideal solution to protecting your teeth and gums from injury. Some mouthguards work better than others when you are wearing braces, so check with our team first. We can advise you on the right mouthguard if you plan on participating in any kind of contact sport.

Following these tips throughout your treatment will help ensure you get the results you want from your treatment in a timely manner. If you have any questions, please give our office a call. We are here to help!

Copyright 2012 Sesame Communications

Are Braces Right for Me?

According to Preferred Consumer, it’s estimated that 50 percent of people have teeth that are crooked, not aligned properly, or irregular. Fortunately, modern orthodontics has advanced to the point where corrective devices, such as braces and retainers, are less obvious, more comfortable, and can be worn for shorter periods of time.

So, with that being said, how do you know if braces are right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not braces could be in your future:

CROOKED TEETH
As children grow, so do their teeth. And more often than not, certain teeth will grow in crooked. This isn’t uncommon, as the majority of children will require some sort of teeth correction, whether that’s braces or retainers. Retainers are custom-made devices that either work to hold teeth in place or correct tooth alignment. They’re often worn all day, aside from meals, at the start of the treatment period and then eventually are rolled back so they’re just worn at night. Braces on the other hand are worn for at least a year and work to help straighten or position teeth.

OVERBITE or UNDERBITE?
The other main oral issue that orthodontics helps correct is uneven alignment, such as an underbite or an overbite. You might hear us refer to this as a “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Braces can help rearrange your alignment so an overbite or underbite is less of a problem. Typically after the braces come off for this sort of treatment, patients need to wear a retainer to finish the treatment.

While braces are typically associated with dental issues in children, more adults are wearing the devices as well. According to USA Today, about one in every five braces wearers are adults; a sign that it’s never too late to correct any oral issues. Part of this trend is due to significant technological advancements in orthodontics. For instance, new braces feel much better and come in a variety of styles – including clear – so they’re far less obvious. Plus, the wires on braces are now made from advanced metals, which are stronger and lighter, so they get the job done much more efficiently. With so many people wearing braces these days (according to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, about four million people in the US wear braces at any given time and many more have worn them at some time in their lives), nicknames like “metal mouth” and “brace face” are almost a thing of the past. Technology has also advanced to the point some orthodontic treatment will not require braces at all. The entire treatment can be successfully achieved by wearing clear aligners over your teeth, removing them for meals. This prevents any discomfort that may be associated with traditional braces. What’s more, insurance plans are increasingly covering orthodontic treatment, making braces a much more feasible option for families on a budget.

When weighing whether or not braces or aligners are in your future, it’s important to study all of your options about the categories of braces and other treatments. Also be sure to contact your insurance provider to see what is covered and what will have to be paid out of pocket. It might take a few years of treatment, but braces can give you that winning smile for the rest of your life. Call our office with any questions you might have!

Copyright 2013 Sesame Communications

Dr Jacquie

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling (also known as Dr Jacquie by her patients) has specialized in orthodontic treatment for a little over 10 years. During this time she has helped people live healthier and feel more confident by giving them straight, beautiful teeth allowing them to speak better, digest their food better and of course, look better. Dr. Jacquie was in the first group of orthodontists ever certified with Invisalign and it took place in New York City at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 42nd Street.

Dr. Jacquie is known as a leader in the community by other dental health professionals as the top Invisalign orthodontic specialist in the NY area and as one of the top 10 Invisalign orthodontists in ALL of North America just a few of the many reasons she is chosen by so many local referring colleagues and residents. Dr Jacquie is a local native Long Islander and loves practicing orthodontics in Woodbury, not far from where she grew up. Dr. Jacquie completed her DMD and orthodontic residency at Boston University where she also became the youngest and first female Director of the Pre – doctoral Orthodontic Department and, she holds several national and international patents in the medical field.

Dr. Jacquie is a Super Elite Invisalign provider,which at Align Technologies, Inc. (the parent company of Invisalign) is reserved for the top 1% of overall Invisalign providers in the world, and results in treating the most difficult patient cases. Did you know if one patient went to 5 different orthodontists, they would end up with 5 different smile designs? Orthodontics is where science and art meet. It is like going to 5 different plastic surgeons for a rhinoplasty or nose job. A patient can end up with 5 different shaped noses. Out of 55,000 Invisalign providers in North America, there are less than 25 doctors that are part of Invisalign s Faculty Bureau of which Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling is not only a faculty member, but also a professor certifying and teaching the advanced course of Invisalign to dentists around the world. Some of her favorite places have been BuenosAires, Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy, Ireland, Israel and Hawaii.

For the past decade, Dr. Jacquie s patients have trusted her to help them achieve the smiles they have always wanted. And now, with the launch of JustMelt, she and her team of renowned beauty experts are available to help patients achieve all of their aesthetic goals.

Whitening your teeth

Dr. Jacquie Fulop-Goodling ( also known to her patients as Dr. Jacquie Smiles ) is the insider tip for Broadway actors and actresses, as well as television and screen actors, from stars to weathermen, for getting the whitest teeth possible. And YES, that is important! Whether you want a brilliant career on stage, or a promotion at the office, or a better smile on your Christmas family picture, a beautiful smile will indeed change your life.

So what are the different choices out there on the market for getting whiter teeth?
There are two possible choices under dental supervision: in the dentist s office or at home.
The do-it-yourself method includes Over-The-Counter toothpaste whiteners, strips, or paint-on gels.

Zoom! Whitening is an In-Office Whitening System with proprietary technology for those who need it done in one session and immediately. Individual supervision by the dentist assures you the maximum success.
If you have more time, you can do the same procedure over 4-6 weeks. Either at the dentist s office, or at home with a mouthguard, prepared for your individual mouth structure and whitening needs by your dentist. This is often preferred as it is less costly and just as successful.
An Over-The-Counter toothpaste usually yields a smaller success rate, but some people only need this. There is little risk involved, but no supervision, and no individual preparation.
The strips and paste-on gels are the generic pirates of the market, and should probably be avoided. No guarantees and costly repair work, should they not be the proper choice for your teeth.

Ask Dr. Fulop-Goodling at your next check-up to have the different plans explained to you.
See more about her here

Invisalign aligners are making braces an obsolete dinosaur

Over a half million patients have made the move from ordinary braces to Invisalign aligners and the number is growing every day!

Most Invisalign users ( especially kids) claim their biggest joy is the fact that the aligners are almost invisible. They are thrilled to know they will not be the target of mean jokes from their classmates. Plus they can take them out whenever they want to, so they can eat and drink with their friends with no embarrassment. Because there are no metal brackets, there is less irritation – and not only the day-to-day aches and pains, but also the long, unending visit to the dentist while he “adjusts” the metal brackets without seeming to notice how much it hurts the kids.

Parents like it because of the special preparation in the preview visit. The Invisalign dentist uses advanced computer technology to set up a series of customized clear appliances, or aligners for both upper and lower arches. No two patients have the same plan, and this individual process assures them that their kids are getting the best procedure for their specific mouth and jaw structure.
Invisalign not only controls the forces of the aligners on the teeth, but also the timing. Only certain teeth are allowed to move at each stage, and this is planned in advance so that the parents and the kids know what to expect.
No surprises, no embarrassment with ugly metal in the mouth, and no painful visits in the dentist s chair.

About Dr. Jacquie Smiles

In September 2005, Dr. Fulop-Goodling, a.k.a. Dr. Jacquie Smiles, became Invisalign ’s National Spokesperson for a hygiene campaign.
has taught over 10,000 orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic residents, dental students and their teams in multiple areas of orthodontics throughout the world. She has lectured nationally and internationally from Hawaii to Japan.
Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling is one of the top 10 Invisalign doctors worldwide and has treated close to 2000 Invisalign patients, including Teens. Her practice offers four state-of-the-art locations in New York that cater to children, teens and adults. Her offices in Manhattan, Long Island and Monroe are all equipped with state-of-the-art computer imaging systems and digital radiographic equipment.

Orthodontist and Dentist

Combining modern technology with old fashioned service

Specializing in INVISALIGN

If you are looking for an Orthodontist in the New York City area, Dr. Jacquie Smiles, Orthodontist and Invisalign specialist should be on the top of your list. She and her staff of specialists, hygienists, dentists, Orthodontists and assistants are flourishing in three locations:
In New York City – 30 E 40th St tel. (212) 972-3522
In Woodbury – 40 Crossways Park Dr. tel. (516) 921-6010
In Monroe – 505 Route 208 tel. (845) 782-4288

INVISALIGN
These invisible, removable and comfortable aligners have made braces a thing of the past. With Invisalign, eating, drinking, brushing and flossing are no longer stressful and painful.
Each set of Aligners is used for approximately 2 weeks, moving your teeth about 0.25 millimeters. After 2 weeks, it is time for the next set of aligners week by week, your teeth move to the final position for that million dollar smile.
Inidividual appointments are set up with each person on an average, the total time lasts 9-15 months, with 18-30 check ups every 6 weeks compared to the much longer period for braces usually at least 2 years.

At your first visit to Dr. Jacquie s Invisalign, located in Long Island, you will have a 3-D computer imaging technology done, assuring that the plan that you receive is customized to you and your needs.
Using this 3-D technology, you actually see a virtual picture of what you will look like when you are finished. Your doctor will determine at each visit which teeth will be moved at which time – this individual treatment ensures the maximum improvement for you.
From pediatric to adolescent and adult orthodontics, Dr. Fulop-Goodling has been named one of the Top 10 specialists of all Orthodontists for Invisalign. Not only a successful Orthodontist, she has also assumed a professorship at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and became Director of the Pre-Doctoral Orthodontic Department. She is often invited to give lectures nationally and internationally. She will once again be one of the featured speakers at the Greater New York Dental Meeting this year, where orthodontists from around the world will learn the latest Invisalign techniques from her.
Although her locations are fit with the latest equipment in modern technology, you will be surprised at the personal service offered to each individual patient. This old-fashioned style of service is a breath of fresh air.
Visit Dr. Jacquie Smile s Invisalign in NYC, in Long Island. You can be treated in a private area, or maybe your kids want to be treated in a bigger room, sitting right next to their friends, connected to the Internet, of course!

Greater New York Dental Meeting highlight speaker returning again

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, D.M.D. an Invisalign Specialist, residing and practicing in New York, New York will once again be one of the featured speakers at the Greater New York Dental Meeting……
You can enroll for her course, to be held on Wed 8:30 12:30 and 1:30 4:30
Course Nr. 6010 with Limited Enrollment for U.S. and Canadian Dentists only.
Course participation limited to those who have already completed “Invisalign: Clear Essentials I “
Attendees must be active Invisalign providers.
(Course will be repeated on Mo.)
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gnydm/programguide2012/#/132

For the 7th year in a row, Dr.Jacquie teaches the advanced invisalign course at the largest dental congress exposition in the United States – once more. The Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) is the largest healthcare and Dental event in the United States attracting 53,789 attendees from all 50 states and 132 countries which included 18,311 dentists in 2011.

Home


In Dr. Jacquie s course ( for limited participants), the following subjects will be worked on in depth:
*using the treatment plan more effectively
*treat the most common cases in your practice
*manage cases during treatment
Dr. Fulop-Goodling has taught over 10,000 orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic residents, dental students and their teams in multiple areas of orthodontics throughout the world. She has lectured nationally and internationally from Hawaii to Japan. In March 2011, Dr. Jacquie had the great pleasure of lecturing at the Invisalign lab in Costa Rica where she spoke in front of a prestigious group of orthodontists who are recognized as the top Invisalign providers in the United States.
Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling is one of the top 10 Invisalign doctors worldwide and has treated close to 2000 Invisalign patients, including Teens. Her practice offers four state-of-the-art locations in New York that cater to children, teens and adults. Her offices in Manhattan, Long Island and Monroe are all equipped with state-of-the-art computer imaging systems and digital radiographic equipment.

Dr. Jacquie Orthodontist and Invisalign Specialist

Puts the Personal, back into Personal Hygiene.
When you think of words like Dentist, Orthodontist or Dental Surgeon, you immediately think of Personal Hygiene. So why is the Personal disappearing at Dental Centers around the USA? Every visit you have to explain your background to a different dentist, a different hygiene expert, a different assistant. If you have been there, done that, and hate it, you might consider going back to some of the old-fashioned ideas like:
individual attention
regular check-ups
historical knowledge, based on that important first exam
last, but not least, how about knowing your dentist s name?

At Dr, Jacquie Smiles, you meet the same qualified experts every visit, whether it is your orthodontist, hygiene advisor, financial assistant, specialist in child dental care, or the specialist in Invisalign.
Just because they have the latest equipment and technology does not mean they have forgotten what it means to get to know their patients. Parents are happily surprised to hear their kids say after a dentist appointment:
Dr. Sara was really nice – Araksya is a good dancer – Zelicy helped me get my iPod docked – Evelyn gave me a great recipe for pumpkin pie- and the list goes on and on and on.
The staff at Dr. Jacquie enjoys their work, and enjoys especially working with kids.
Dr. Josh says: one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is watching patients see their new smiles at the end of their treatment, when compared to their original photos, for the first time!

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Gooding not only leads one of the best dental clinics in the NY area – three actually:
In New York City – 30 E 40th St tel. (212) 972-3522
In Woodbury – 40 Crossways Park Dr. tel. (516) 921-6010
In Monroe – 505 Route 208 tel. (845) 782-4288
but also is an international lecturer who is much in demand.

Orthodontics and Invisalign on Long Island

Are you looking for a top rated Invisalign Orthodontist in the Long Island area?

The dental offices of Dr. Jacquie Smiles are a one-stop clinic for you and your family for all of your orthodontics needs.

invisalign-clear-braces-in-New-Jersey

Expert cosmetic dentist Dr. Jacquie Smiles and her staff of invisalign specialists, hygienists, dentists, orthodontists and pediatric assistants have become one of the most popular and successful dental clinics in the Long Island, New York, and Nassau County areas. Dr. Jacquie’s office provides expert Invisalign and Orthodontics services in Woodbury!

Get your complimentary orthodontics appointment on Long Island, NY today by filling out our contact form or call us [drj_phone location=”woodbury”].

Contact Us for an Invisalign Consultation Today — [drj_phone location=”woodbury”]

Invisalign Clear Braces in Long Island, New York

Dr. Jacquie is an Invisalign dental specialist in Woodbury, Long Island, NY.
Dr. Jacquie is an Invisalign dental specialist in Woodbury, Long Island, NY.

These invisible, removable and comfortable aligners have made braces a thing of the past. With Invisalign, eating, drinking, brushing and flossing are no longer stressful and painful. Each set of Aligners is used for approximately 2 weeks, moving your teeth about 0.25 millimeters. After 2 weeks, it is time for the next set of aligners. Week by week, your teeth move to the final position for that million dollar smile.

Dr. Jacquie Smiles in Woodbury is an Invisalign Elite Premier Provider. She has been recognized as a top provider every year since 2003. In September 2005, Dr. Jacquie Smiles became Align Technology’s National Spokesperson for a hygiene campaign. In 2009, she became a Spokesperson for Invisalign Teen treatment which was featured on the Tyra Banks show in June.

Invisalign is a great product with a proven clinical record. However, your treatment is only as good as the dentist who provides it. For the best results, you need an expert in Invisalign orthodontistry techniques. Dr. Jacquie Smiles in Woodbury is a top Invisalign expert in Long Island — why go anywhere else!

Dr. Jacquie Smiles is a 2014 Elite Provider

Your First Orthodontist Visit to Our Woodbury, Long Island Offices

Woodbury, Long Island Orthodontic Specialists At your first visit to our Long Island dental office, you will have images of your teeth done by 3D computer imaging technology. This assures that the dental treatment plan Dr. Jacquie and her staff create for you is customized to you, your mouth, and your teeth.

Using this amazing 3D dental technology, you actually see a virtual picture of what you will look like when you are finished. Dr. Jacquie and staff will determine at each visit which teeth will be moved at which time. This individual treatment ensures the maximum improvement for you, with as little mouth pain as possible.

Expert TMD Orthodontistry in Long Island

Our Woodbury dental specialists at Dr. Jacquie Smiles are not only here help you to create a beautiful smile. We are also qualified to do extremely fine work on your jaw, a vital step in the fight against TMD troubles (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders).

At Dr. Jacquie Smiles Woodbury dental clinic, we are committed to not only your cosmetic dental improvements, but also your personal health and care in the fight against TMD. Whether the cause is stress or grinding your teeth, or a physical problem, such as premature arthritis or a necessary correction of the jaw, the orthodontic work and counselling Dr. Jacquie’s team of experts offers can help.

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling: Expert Invisalign and Orthodontics Dentist in Long Island

From pediatric to adolescent and adult orthodontics, Dr. Fulop-Goodling has been named one of the Top 10 specialists of all Orthodontists in Long Island for Invisalign. Not only a successful Orthodontist, she has also assumed a professorship at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and became Director of the Pre Doctoral Orthodontic Department. She is often invited to give lectures nationally and internationally.

Get up your complimentary orthodontics appointment at our convenient Woodbury, Long Island location in Suffolk County by calling us at [drj_phone location=”woodbury”] or by filling out our convenient contact form to receive more information.

Contact Us for an Invisalign Consultation Today — [drj_phone location=”woodbury”]

Toddlers and Toothbrushes

What is more thrilling than seeing your little cutie shine that wide grin of theirs at you? Pretty much nothing except maybe the knowledge that you have done everything possible to ensure that beautiful smile is as healthy as it is fetching. With the American Dental Association estimating that as many as 40 percent of children under 5 have tooth decay, it is time for toddlers to put down their tiaras and pick up their toothbrushes.

According to New York City based orthodontist Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling, who owns three practices that are among the busiest pediatric dental and orthodontic offices in the area in NYC on Long Island and in Monroe, instilling in your child a healthy respect for oral hygiene and effective habits from day one is vital.

It is essential to start your child off with good oral health as early as possible to not only keep their mouths healthy while they rely on you for everything, but to also give them the knowledge and the tools to be able to care for their own oral health when the time comes, says Dr. Jacquie. It is incredibly empowering to a child when parents make her an active partner is her dental care and we know that those children are more likely to go on to a life of good oral hygiene.

I. Start Young
WHY: Good oral hygiene should start even before baby teeth sprout. While bacteria in the mouth cannot do any damage to the teeth before they erupt it is important to get into the habit of wiping the gums at bath time for a number of reasons:
Parents often do not realize when the teeth are starting to push through.
It is much easier to acclimate a baby to this routine before the discomfort of teething interferes.
Getting baby used to having her mouth cleaned will make it easier to transition to toothbrushing when the time is right.

HOW: It is as easy as wiping baby s gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. Simply wrap the material around your finger and gently swipe it over the gums no need for toothpaste yet!

II. Is your baby Tooth some?
Once the first chomper appears (usually around six months, although some perfectly healthy babies do not see their first pearly white until as late as 18 months) it is time to step up your oral health game. According to Dr. Jacquie, babies should see a pediatric dentist at their first birthday or upon the eruption of that first tooth whichever comes first. As soon as that first tooth appears, it s time to get brushing.

WHY: We still see parents who believe that caring for their children s baby teeth is less important than caring for adult teeth. Not only does that attitude send the wrong message, it is also absolutely false that baby teeth are less important than adult teeth. Dr. Jacquie says, explaining that baby teeth fulfill all the same duties as adult teeth with the only difference being that they are designed to fit the smaller jaws of our youth. Healthy baby teeth are essential for proper digestion, speech development and jaw development. Baby teeth are also important placeholders for adult teeth, and adult teeth that come into an unhealthy mouth are more prone to have decay as well.

HOW:
Apply a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to a baby toothbrush with a small head that fits comfortably in your hand and twice a day brush on the inside and the outside of your child s teeth. Some cooperative babies even let their parents give their tongues a quick once over.
It is very important to use the smallest amount of toothpaste possible until baby learns to rinse and spit not something many 6 month olds are likely to do.
While there is no evidence to show that flossing baby teeth carries any real benefit (particularly those that do not even touch), it is not a bad idea to establish that routine as well once your baby has tooth surfaces that touch each other.

III. To fluoridate or not to fluoridate?
The most common sources of fluoride are fluoridated water, fluoride supplements and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and The Centers for Disease Control all agree that drinking fluoridated water is a safe method of fluoridation. Furthermore, the CDC states. The proper amount of fluoride from infancy through old age helps prevent and control tooth decay.

WHY: Fluoride is an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents and can even reverse early signs of tooth decay. It is important both before and after teeth erupt.

Fluoride the baby ingests enters the blood stream making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay even before they erupt, explains Dr. Jacquie.

HOW: There are a number of ways your baby and toddler can get the fluoride they need and it is important to discuss the optimal method for your family with either a pediatrician or a dentist before teeth even arrive. Since methods of feeding vary and the addition of fluoride to drinking water varies from one city to the other, Dr. Jacquie recommends speaking with your pediatrician early on to ensure your baby is getting the proper amount of fluoride.

The benefits of good oral health in babies and toddlers are massive healthy habits early on prevent tooth decay, the premature loss of baby teeth and other issues and can even preempt the development of dental phobias that will hamper oral health as the child assumes control of his own care.

Baby teeth might be temporary but they are incredibly important to a child s oral health and to the development of their adult teeth. Additionally, despite their name, they are meant to last a lot longer than through your child’s baby years. Most adult teeth in the front of the mouth do not come through until ages 6 or 7 and molars often do not appear until age 12, says Dr. Jacquie. With tooth decay the most common chronic childhood disease, establishing these habits early on is essential.

What is the deal with Orthodontic Relapse?

Most teens and their parents believe that if they comply with their orthodontic treatment, they will have straight teeth for life. But in reality, that just is not the case. Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling’s three orthodontic offices throughout New York are among the busiest in the state and a recent in-office poll highlighted just how wrong most of us are: according to the poll, more than three quarters of Dr.Jacquie s patients have had more than one round of orthodontic treatment.

This signifies a major trend one that most people can verify simply by asking around. Chances are they know someone who has had orthodontic treatment more than once, or who had it and whose teeth have become crooked again.

So, what is the deal?

According to Dr. Jacquie there are two major issues at play:
1. Patients do not understand the importance of wearing their retainer following treatment. Not for 6 months – for the rest of their lives.
2. Until recently, the process of making retainers and replacing them (if lost, broken, or if the patients teeth shift) was riddled with problems: orthodontists retired before their patients needed new equipment, patient records were not computerized and therefore difficult to locate, and much more.

At the root of both of these issues is the mistaken belief that orthodontic results are permanent. Teeth have memory, and once the braces come off, or the patient ceases to wear aligners, they will gradually return to their original position, Dr. Jacquie explains. The fact is that as a whole the field has not emphasized enough the true importance of wearing retainers and it is always been a part of orthodontics handled individually by each office. We are seeing more and more cases of repeat treatment and the most valuable knowledge we can impart to patients is that they should discuss after care with their orthodontist in as much depth as they did their actual treatment.

Additionally, Dr. Jacquie encourages her patients to view wearing their retainer as a healthy lifestyle decision. The decision to have orthodontic treatment whether made by an adult for themselves or for their child is an important health decision, Dr. Jacquie says, going on to explain that like many other healthy life choices, a well aligned smile and mouth requires a commitment. I tell my patients to compare it to a healthy diet. The benefit will remain with them for as long as they stick to that diet, but if they stray for too long, they begin to lose some of it. It is the same with orthodontic treatment.Thankfully, with the right guidance and by asking the right questions the first treatment can last a lifetime.

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 20-21 (TRAY 10!)

I feel like I am on the home stretch. I also feel like getting an extra week in with my trays helped me out a lot. Tray 10 eased onto my teeth with no problem.

I also have a confession. I jumped five trays ahead to sneak a peek at my last tray (14) before refinements. Wow, do my teeth look straight in the end. I sure hope they fit in those trays. This week, I offer a retrospective look at my first 18 weeks with aligners, in numbers.

A LOOK BACK AT WEEKS 1-18
How many people asked me if I am wearing Invisalign: 4
How many people asked me what was on my teeth: 6
How many of those people were under the age of 7: 2
How many people assumed I was wearing a mouthpiece during Muay Thai: all of them?
How many people questioned my hygiene and, instead of trays, thought I might have a nasty film on my teeth: 1 (he is since been schooled on how to talk to a lady)
How many aspirins I have taken: 2 (seriously, 2)
How many times I misplaced/lost my trays: 12
How many times I dug through the garbage looking for my trays: 4
How many times my trays were actually in the garbage: 1
How many attachments were placed on my teeth: 6
How many attachments are still on my teeth: 6
How many events I went to with my trays in, and left with my trays out every single one this summer and fall
How many events I missed because of Invisalign: 0
How many times I snapped my trays out in front of my boyfriend way too many
How many hours in 18 weeks: 3,024
Approximately how many hours I have worn my trays so far: 2,268-2,520
How many hours I have spent without my trays in: At least 504
How many times I have flossed in the last 18 weeks: 378
How many times I flossed prior to getting my trays: probably less than 100, and I am talking in my lifetime (I used to hate to floss)

Next up: I love them, I love them not.