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Did you know that orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states, “The goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile and a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw and look great.” A straighter smile isn’t only good for aesthetics, it can also make it easier for you to bite, chew and even speak.

Cost vs. Value

Compared to the drastic increase in the price of a house or car in the last 20 years, you will get more value with orthodontic treatment as it typically lasts longer than most people keep a car or even the same house. With proper oral hygiene, the beautiful new smile you achieve with Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS can last a lifetime at an unbelievable value. Read More

It’s 11 pm and, while you should be in bed, you’re standing in front of the fridge trying to decide a snack of choice before calling it a night. You know this isn’t the best life choice for your waistline, but did you know that it’s also bad for your oral health – especially your braces. Your orthodontic treatment increases the potential to leave food behind on the teeth after eating.

Late Night Snacking Can Lead to Tooth Loss

A 2010 study in Denmark discovered a relationship between midnight snacking and tooth loss. Over a six-year period, a group of over 2,000 adults (8% labeled “nocturnal eaters”) were found to have significantly increased their chances of tooth loss from repeated midnight snacking. Read More

Although diabetes has become a fairly common disease in most recent years, it is still very serious and should be managed properly to avoid damaging effects on the body. These damaging effects include threats to your oral that can greatly influence your orthodontic treatment.

Diabetes and Gum Disease

The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease is closer than most people think. Did you know that those with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease? For this reason, it is important for people with diabetes to understand its effects and practice good oral hygiene before, during and after orthodontic treatment.Read More

At the start of every new year, most of us begin to reevaluate our waistlines and opt for a healthier lifestyle. With the growing popularity of juicing in recent years, more of our patients have been turning to this diet as a means of increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. While blending veggies, fruits, and other nutrients together can be very beneficial for overall health, do you really know the effects on your oral health?

The Effects of Juicing on the Teeth

When you consume a fruit and vegetable drink, you’re exposing your teeth to the acids that come from these foods as well. Over time, these acids can cause staining and erosion damage to your teeth. Many people notice that their teeth feel sticky or rough after juicing for more than a couple of days. Thankfully, Dr. Dennis Flanagan has a few easy tips to help maintain great oral health while drinking yourself to a better you. Read More

Busting Invisalign Myths…It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or considering improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean around, eat around, and live around can be daunting.

The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths! Read More

At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me.” But what exactly does that mean? At Dennis J Flanagan DDS, we say “New year, new smile, better hygiene.”

To help you start the new year with a great smile and better oral health, we’ve come up with a list of essentials you will need to achieve this new year’s resolution.

Floss

Simply brushing your teeth does not always get to the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, fight bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease and improve your appearance. Make sure floss is part of your at-home dental care routine in the new year to maintain your bright smile.

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