Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Zammitti for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Zammitti to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Zammitti Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Protecting your mouth during sports, with Zammitti Orthodontics

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already fall! If you fall play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Zammitti for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

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 Dr. Zammitti. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Zammitti will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Zammitti Orthodontics.

Ask Dr. Zammitti: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Zammitti Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, or Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Zammitti or visit this article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

-Your friends at Zammitti Orthodontics

Technology helps you relax at Zammitti Orthodontics

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Zammitti understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Dr. Zammitti uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Style 'N Smile, supported by Zammitti Orthodontics

The Style 'N Smile fashion show, sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, promotes self esteem, while displaying the newest back to school fashions. Most importantly, the fashion show emphasizes how a beautiful, healthy smile never goes out of style. To learn more about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, take a look at this short video clip from 90210 pop culture icon Jennie Garth. In the video, she shares how being self conscious is a rite of passage, and that’s why giving younger (and older) people the opportunity to improve their smile goes hand in hand with improving self esteem.

With SureSmile and Invisalign treatment options, Zammitti Orthodontics has what it takes to make you smile! As a courtesy to our patients, there is no fee for your initial examination. Give us a call today if you have any questions about the Style 'N Smile fashion show, or if you would like to schedule your complimentary consultation!

Ask Dr. Zammitti: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Zammitti Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Zammitti the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

What are patients saying about Zammitti Orthodontics?

Dr. Sal Zammitti specializes in orthodontic treatment for adults and children in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Have you seen this great patient testimonial video? If not, take a minute to watch and learn what real patients of all ages have to say about their experience at Zammitti Orthodontics!

Dr. Zammitti is a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider. Invisalign straightens teeth invisibly without the need for metal brackets or wires, and the clear aligners are easily removable. Our practice also offers SureSmile, to get you in and out of braces fast! To learn more, please visit our website or call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!