$1.50 for a Cavity?? Dr. Katz Can Help!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

SureSmile Training for Dr. Katz' Orthodontic Office!

As an orthodontic practice, we are always looking for ways to improve the services and we provide and deliver more advanced treatments to our patients. These past couple weeks have given an opportunity to do just that!

Our practice has spent the last few weeks scanning our orthodontic patients for SureSmile wires. This scanning process has allowed us to virtually reposition our patient’s teeth using special software so that the patient can see what their new smile will look like even before they’ve started treatment. SureSmile technology utilizes robotics and digital imaging to customize braces wires for our patients helping the teeth move into position quicker and with less discomfort. Using SureSmile braces shortens the patient’s treatment time by 20 to 40 percent - it’s incredible!

We are so excited to offer SureSmile treatments to our patients. If you would like to find out more about SureSmile please visit our web site. Have you been treated with SureSmile, or happen to know somebody who has? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment and let us, and other patients, know about your SureSmile experience!

Delicious Apple Dumplings Are a Real Treat! - Dr. Wendy Katz, Marietta GA

Happy Holidays!

We would like to let you know that our office will be “CLOSED” December 24, 2008 to January 5, 2009. Our patients can leave us a message on our office answering machine, and we will check all of our messages on Monday, January 5th, 2009.

If you have a broken wire or loose bracket - please use wax temporarily for anything poking or sharp. Dr. Rutrick will be available to handle any true orthodontic emergencies while our office is closed. If you experience any other dental problems please contact your general dentist.

We wish you and your family and great Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!


Want a great dessert that the whole family will love, and that’s “braces friendly?”

Try this delicious dessert:

Apple Dumplings

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Bake 35 – 40 min.
Makes 16 servings

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples
2 Pkgs. croissant rolls (8 ct. each)
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
1 can Mountain Dew
Cinnamon

Peel apples and cut into 8 slices each. Wrap one croissant piece around each apple slice and place in long baking dish in 2 lines. Melt butter and stir in sugar [will be grainy] – pour over wrapped apples. Pour Mountain Dew around wrapped apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 678-909-4902. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Understanding Cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but, what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Regular Checkups Are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit your regular dentist every six months in addition to your orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. 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 you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Moooooooooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 678-909-4902 or visit www.wendykatz.com.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

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 678-909-4902. Dr. Katz can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry?

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at 678-909-4902 and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Ghosts, Goblins, and National Orthodontic Health Month!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month! In honor of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips and treats for a ghoulishly good time!

BOO! Spooky recipes for a “braces friendly” Halloween

Frightfully Fabulous Cupcake Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup superfine sugar
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can of chocolate frosting or store-bought chocolate mousse
1 container of whipped topping

Assorted “braces-friendly” candy pieces such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate bars and melt-in-your-mouth candies.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine cocoa powder, water, and mix until smooth. Fold in mayonnaise. (Make sure cocoa mixture is not to hot to prevent breaking of mayonnaise). Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.

In mixer, combine sugar, cake flour, baking soda and salt and mix slowly until well incorporated. Add wet cocoa mixture, mix on medium-high until well blended. Scrape down the sides and blend for 30 seconds.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 way full of batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.

Slice each cupcake in half, horizontally, and serve the halves with chocolate mousse or frosting, whipped topping, and assorted candy pieces. Kids build the sandwiches by spreading one-half of a cupcake with mousse/frosting or whipped topping, sprinkling on candy pieces and placing the other half of cupcake on top.

Halloween Safety Tips

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

CLICK HERE to visit our web site; and have a Happy National Orthodontic Health Month!

We offer Monthly Payments!

These installment payments begin the first month after the initial payment is made. Monthly payments are due on the first of the month. A payment coupon book will be given to you upon request. It is important to note that monthly payments do not reflect the work done in a particular month but represent a convenient method of budgeting the cost of treatment over a period of time. Whether a patient is seen four times in a month or does not visit the office in a particular month, the same payment is due for the month. It is possible that a treatment fee is based upon a per office visit plan which would be explained at the time of the new patient appointment.

Emergencies

We want you to know that we are always available for you, available if you have a problem with your braces, feel discomfort or have questions. So feel free to give our office a call, yet if you have an emergency requiring immediate attention, you can reach Dr. Katz after business hours on her cell phone at (404)788-7656.

Most emergencies can wait to be addressed until your next appointment or until the office reopens. Below are some potential problems and what you can do to make yourself comfortable.

If you are in severe discomfort or an accident will be handled appropriately on an individual basis.

Become our friend on MySpace!

At our office we are running a contest for our current patients.

Win an Ipod Shuffle!!!

We are happy to announce that both Dr. Katz is now a part of one of the largest Social Networking community online: MySpace. With over 200,000,000 online members, that both Dr. Katz and her team feel that MySpace is a great venue to stay up to date with you, our patients, and your needs. Help us learn what makes you smile as we continue to create and improve yours!

Ask Dr. Katz to be your friend on MySpace by the end of the month and get entered to win a free iPod shuffle! Entering our MySpace SmileSpace Contest is Easy!

Simply find Dr. Katz ahttp://www.myspace.com/wendykatz

and request her to be your friend. Keep as your number 1 friend on MySpace for three months or write to us on MySpace or to our office about “Why I like my Orthodontist and you will be entered into our drawing!

Thanks!

Toothbrush Trivia

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

· Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color

· The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India

· On average, children smile about 400 times per day

· Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months

· The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Yum Yum - Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! If you've been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

Your Friend: Fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

What’s so Special About an Orthodontist?

We often find our patients wondering about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Dr. Katz started out in dental school and got a DDS (dental) degree, just like your dentist. But after dental school, Dr. Katz decided she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties in the dental field. So she stayed in a school for a few more years to become an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontics (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontics (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontics (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

The works!

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Dr. Katz is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 678-909-4902.

Learn about Suresmile

A revolutionary orthodontic treatment process called Sure Smile is available to our patients. This technology uses a 3-D scanner to accurately record the mouths' tooth positions in the computer. This enables the orthodontist to manipulate the digital model to change the bite to the ideal position for a precise fit virtually. The Sure Smile process incorporates robotics to customize the high tech flexible wires for each individual's prescription. This allows us to use lighter wires which causes less patient discomfort, and move the teeth more directly, which ultimately means less adjustment visits. This process permits more efficient tooth movement which moves the teeth to the end point faster, somewhere between 15-40% faster than conventional orthodontic treatment. This is very exciting news where the patient will receive the benefit from this awesome technological advancement. Call our office to schedule a consultation appointment to discuss how this service may benefit you with regard to comfort, speed of treatment, and less time requiring fewer visits.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:

· An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly

· A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in

· A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Patient comments

I appreciate what ya'll have done for me, being able to smile after all these years has made such a difference in my life! I also enjoy your friendly and fun staff.
— C.S.

All my problems chewing are corrected and I am so pleased with the appearance of my teeth.
— C.M.

You and everyone in the office make going to the dentist fun!
— M.P.

Thank you for going beyond the call of duty to assist me through the surgical experience.
— K.W.

You have given me a great smile and added confidence.
— C.S.

It really made me feel like part of your family when you came and visited me at the hospital.
— S.O.

We have been very satisfied with the care you have provided us. It is very difficult to find someone special who makes you feel comfortable. The atmosphere in your office is so lovely and your staff is so enjoyable.
— M.S.

You have gone beyond the call of duty than any other orthodontist.
— S.S.

You all have made my smile beautiful.
— J.T.

I would like to thank you for helping me achieve one of my biggest goals in life - a perfect smile. Ya'll have always made me feel welcome.
— J.P.

Thanks for the card. Your little touches: Birthday cards, holiday cards, etc., really are a very nice touch. It makes the office feel more like family and "small town".
— L.B.

INFECTION CONTROL AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES

INFECTION CONTROL AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES

Our office strives to offer the highest level of health care available to you and all of our patients. We continue to add products and systems as they become available, especially in the critical area of infection control. Our continuing goal is to provide state of the art sterilization and infection control procedures.

You can be confident that our office meets all guidelines of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Communicable Disease Center, and you; our most important critic. Our staff members are thoroughly trained in infection control procedures and are updated yearly.

Tour of our office

1341 Terrell Mill Road. You enter the drive way heading east on Terrell Mill Road. We are the third driveway on the right past Powers Ferry Road.

We are located east of Powers Ferry Road on Terrell Mill Road across the street from the Schreiner Academy.

This is the front desk where you check in and schedule appointments and discuss financial or insurance needs. Check out our current office contest which changes every two months.

Pull up a seat and relax in our comfortable reception room. Enjoy reading current magazines, watching T.V. or talking on the phone.

This is the main operatory where the majority of orthodontic adjustments take place. Five dental chairs comprise the “open bay area”. Model box storage is hidden behind the cabinets. We love having windows to see the outside world.

Toothbrush area - We hope you will brush and floss before you are seated in the dental chair. Oral hygiene is extremely important to maintain throughout the orthodontic process. If your teeth and gums are healthy your teeth will move at the fastest rate possible. Our goal is to not have any stains when the braces are finally removed.

The sterilization area is where the instruments and tools are cleaned, disinfected or sterilized according to the standards of the ADA, CDC and OSHA guidelines. We set up trays in advance to expedite your appointment.

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to decay – and because they are easier to keep clean. Plaque can lead to cavities and can increase the risk of gum disease.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 678-909-4902 to set up a consultation. Dr. Katz can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Another Invisalign Video

Browsing YouTube the other day I came across this informative video about Invisalign. Check it out and feel free to ask me questions:

My personal experience with Invisalign

About 5 years ago I noticed that I was starting to wear down my lower front teeth and they were starting to chip on the edges. I decided to fix the problem by going into orthodontic treatment. What better way could there be than to fully experience what it’s like to wear braces myself.

This gave me the opportunity to really test the assistants’ work and it was a challenge for myself to put my own braces on with a mirror. I could critique their technique placing the bands on my teeth under my direction. I could feel exactly how sore your teeth get the first evening. What it is like having to brush your teeth immediately following eating a meal so you are not wearing your lunch (Boy, salads are tough to eat out!). How long it takes for the initial soreness to subside. What it feels like to add a button on the inside, or a coil spring which irritates your lip or cheek. I understand how wax can make the adjustment period bearable. I learned that sometimes you can try to add two ties on the brace (or a spacer) to act as a bumper. I am more aware of tucking the inside cleats, or pushing a tie (ligature) wire underneath the archwire so it will not poke and clipping the ends of a wire.

Following the braces I decided to try the Invisalign trays. This is a series of clear trays that make small incremental movements of the teeth utilizing removable retainers. This technology requires extreme compliance by wearing these trays 22 hours a day. Surprisingly, your teeth are slightly sore for 2-3 days only so the adjustment period is much quicker than with fixed braces which take a week. Very few people noticed my lisp when I first started wearing the trays.

After that phase I had some cosmetic bonding to restore the small teeth and replace the worn edges. None of that would have been possible unless I had shifted the teeth ideally with braces. That entire process took about two years. I believe the experience has made me a better orthodontist today having gone through it as an adult. I am able to express exactly what it feels like and what to expect. I have to tell you that our staff does a fantastic job executing the procedures, and making the patient feel comfortable. It helps me do my job by knowing what it is like and what you are thinking on the other side of the chair. I now have a greater appreciation for my staff and the patients.

Team highlight!

Hello everyone, my name is Gina and I am the New Patient Coordinator as well as a Certified Orthodontic Technician. I will be your first contact when you come to our office, and will be the person to explain needed orthodontic treatment. I’ll help you through the first few appointments to ultimately achieve your beautiful smile.
I have been in orthodontics since 1979 and with Dr. Katz since 1987 and have enjoyed working with her. I have experienced many positions in our office since that time. I love welcoming new patients and helping them get started with their braces.
I have two beautiful children and a Jack Russell dog named Jack. In my spare time I enjoy trimming and carving study models and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

All of our staff love to see your smiling faces! Come in today to see why our team is creating so many smiles in Marietta!