Dr. Vardy shares a recent study about Xylitol

At Vardy Orthodontics we have known for some time that certain types of chewing gum, cough drops, toothpaste, mouthwash and candy have been found to help prevent tooth decay. Believe it or not, the sugar substitute “Xylitol” was found to be the culprit, helping to prevent bacteria growth that often contributes to cavities. This research was focused on permanent teeth.

But what about baby teeth? Dr. Vardy wants to share with you a study that found Xylitol in an oral syrup was found to have a significant effect on cavity prevention in children between 9-15 months of age.

Before using Xylitol products you should ALWAYS consult your dentist first!

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Dr. Vardy and the Vardy Orthodontics team

Ghosts, Goblins, and a Ghoulish Halloween Recipe!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and 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

Also, be sure to visit our web site; and have a Happy National Orthodontic Health Month!

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Dr. Vardy

Dr. Vardy is answering all your burning questions about mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask Dr. Vardy at your next dental appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

Patient Reviews

Dr. Vardy has been serving New York's orthodontic needs in the Upper West Side since 1993. Take a look at what a few of her patients have to say!




Dr. Vardy is nice, and is good at what she does. ~ Jeff B.

Expertise, knowledge, availability. ~ Peter S.

Dr. Vardy does a great job! ~ Sujin P.

Dr. Vardy is nice, and gets everything done!! ~ William D.

From Kissing to Metal Detectors: Braces Myths Unraveled by Dr. Iris Vardy

Dr. Iris Vardy and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) set the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular – and strange – questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today’s smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult – almost impossible – to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any “attraction” felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!
Teen with braces

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightening?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightening strike remain the same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to nationalgeorgraphic.com, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today’s braces, especially ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers and wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

More questions? Vardy Orthodontics can help. Give us a call, or come in for a consultation for all your orthodontic needs.

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 917-720-4838 to set up a consultation. Dr. Vardy can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Procedures

Banding

The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.

Bonding

The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special orthodontic cement.

Cephalometic X-ray

An x-ray of your head which shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaws, and teeth.

Consultation

A meeting with your orthodontist to discuss a treatment plan.

Debanding

The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.

Debonding

The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.

Impressions

The process of making a model of your teeth by biting into a soft material that hardens into a mold of your teeth. Your orthodontist will use these impressions to prepare your treatment plan.

Invisalign®

An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear custom-molded aligners. Invisalign can correct some, but not all, orthodontic problems.

Ligation

The process of attaching an archwire to the brackets on your teeth.

Panoramic X-ray

An x-ray that rotates around your head to take pictures of your teeth, jaw and other facial areas.

What Others Say about us

Here are a few highlights, to read all of the responses we have received click here.

"I, for one, certainly was mae to feel very much "at home" and I appreciated your hospitality. Everyone I had the opportunity to meet today was nice, friendly, helpful and warm."- Doug

"Thank you for the talk we had the other day. It really matters to me that I fully understand issues relating to Katja's treatment, and our conversation helped me to claify the situation. I appreciate the time you took to discuss her little mouth with all of its tribulations..." - Bruce

"Now that I have my braces off, I can smile freely and with confidence. I'm so proud of my new smile that I've taken to carrying around my "before and after" photo to show to friends!" - Jay

"Dear Dr. Vardy,
Thank you sooooooooo much for all your hard work. My teeth really look amazing and I have gotten many complements on them.
People have asked who my orthodontist way!" - Samantha

Dr. Vardy responded "Cha, since you don't want to wear visible
braces, I suggest we use lingual braces on you. Before you know it, your teeth and
smile will be perfect." Dr. Vardy corrected Cha's teeth within a year and a half. "People
ask me if these are my own teeth since they look so great! I never had anyone comment
on my smile and teeth before!"- Cha

Early Treatment - Great Results

As early as the age of 7, it is possible to redirect growth to restore function and self-esteem. Early/Phase 1 Interceptive treatment is generally limited to one year and is determined by a bite or facial growth pattern that if left unattended will result in a negative consequence.

Initial	Final
Initial	Final
Initial	Final

Orthodontic First Aid

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

- Poking Wire -

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

- Loose Bracket or Band -

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

- Loose Wire -

Using tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If you do this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it and call our office.

- Loose Appliance -

If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

- Headgear Does Not Fit -

Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less if it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the prescribed hours.

- General Soreness -

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase® on the affected area may help; this can be found in your local pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take Aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!

Invisible Braces for you!

Dr. Vardy is a Certified Invisalign Provider

Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces. A complimentary consultation with Dr. Vardy can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

- What is it? -

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

- Why would I want it? -

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

- How does it work? -

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Vardy has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Vardy about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How to Find Us

- Address -

Vardy Orthodontics P.C.
130 West 78th Street
New York, NY 10024

- Contacts -

Phone:	(917) 720-4838
Fax:	(212) 579-6871

Emergency Contact

For emergencies, please call our direct phone number 24/7.

- Orthodontic Office Hours -

Monday:	12:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday:	12:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday:	12:00pm - 6:00pm

Adult Patient Night

Thursday:

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Invisalign® Night

One Thursday Per Month:

6:00pm - 9:00pm

* FREE RECORDS
* Refreshments will be served.

Business Hours, Emergency Care & Cleanings Only

Wednesday:	12:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday:	12:00pm - 6:00pm