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Archive for February, 2012

You’re Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best with Croco Orthodontics!

Can Braces Work for Adults?
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Dr. Matthew Croco. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders. In fact, some of our oldest patients have been around 65-70 years old!

How Do I Get Started?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?
Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give Croco Orthodontics a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

Dr. Croco, reminding you to protect your mouth

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Many of our patients are involved in sports, and Dr. Matthew Croco thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact and non-contact sports.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions and other dental injuries. Dr. Croco suggests his patients all wear mouth guards if there is any chance they could be hit in the mouth. At Croco Orthodontics we give our patients mouth guards while they are in treatmentn and do not charge extra for them. We also offer custom fit mouth guards to patients after they have had their braces removed and treatment is complete.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in sports. We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions about the mouth guard options at our office, or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Croco: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At Croco Orthodontics, we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.

Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Dr. Matthew Croco will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!

We have found that the best patients are the ones who have a great outlook on the treatment and have fun. A positive attitude is key. Compliance and good oral hygiene are the biggest hurdles to a high quality outcome. Following instructions leads to faster and better treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Croco Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Croco Orthodontics

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012


Each February for the past 62 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Matthew Croco is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

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