It's Never Too Late for the Perfect Smile! --Vardy Orthodontics

They turn you away at the kiddy roller coasters once you've surpassed the three-foot height limit. You have to leave school and start punching the career clock at some point. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy other privileges we usually associate with youth: nobody's stopping you from drawing a chalk dinosaur on the sidewalk - and it's never too late to straighten your teeth!

Many people think that if they didn't have braces in junior high, they've missed the only chance to straighten their teeth. But more and more, we see a strong trend in orthodontics: adults who realize the time is still ripe.


Chicago resident Sally Borla, retired and in her 50s, didn't dream she'd ever wear braces. After treatment, she couldn't imagine why she hadn't started earlier. "I'd always related braces to young people, but I guess I'm living proof that it doesn't matter how old a person is," Borla said. "When I look in the mirror, I can hardly believe that the smile looking back at me is mine."

And because orthodontics closes up spaces between teeth or eliminates crowding, patients have found it's easier to keep them clean. Michael Smith of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said he noticed fewer problems with tartar buildup since braces had realigned his teeth and jaws when he was in his late 20s. "I do believe my teeth will last a lot longer," said Smith, now in his 30s.

Maria Castro of Brandon, Florida, was 91 ("and a half," she'd add) when her braces came off. Castro said her smile was a source of pride until one of her teeth began to slip behind its neighbors when she was in her late 80s. When her family dentist told her that her teeth, gums and supporting bone were in good shape – and her son, an oral surgeon, concurred – she said, "Why not?"

Why not, indeed? One out of every five people in orthodontic treatment is over the age of eighteen. So if your teeth aren't as straight as you'd like, and you find yourself jealously eyeing your pre-teen's braces, give us a call at Vardy Orthodontics. Remember there's no age limit on the perfect smile!

Dr. Vardy Patient Reviews

At Vardy Orthodontics, we pride ourselves in providing superior service and a personal approach. Just see what our patients are saying about us!!!My orthodontist, Dr. Iris Vardy, is very thorough and meticulous. She is sensitive to children’s fears and is a highly competent individual. She dissolves any notions about the discomforts of orthodontia.
-Fontaine D.

Dr. Vardy is very friendly and explains things thoroughly.
-Greg C.

My favorite thing about Dr. Vardy is the combination of professionalism and warm atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable and very gracious.
-Nina F.

Dr. Vardy is very smart and cares about getting all the details just right. She is concerned that our family understands each step of the process and takes the time to explain why it is being done.
-Laura S.

Dr. Vardy is the best. She is accommodating and does her utmost for her patients. She is concerned, caring and extremely competent.
-Joy C.

What I like best about Vardy Orthodontics is their skill and knowledge, their ability to comfort parents and children, and Dr. Vardy’s availability, work ethics, personality, and her office.
-Beth S.

Dr. Vardy and her staff are extremely friendly and caring.
-Andrea F.

Dr. Vardy is very friendly, knowledgeable and up to date with the latest technology!
-Deborah G.

The entire office staff is friendly and helpful.
-Megan K.

EVERYTHING!
-Lisa M.

First Graders Learn about Dental Hygiene at Vardy Orthodontics

On January 26th, we at Vardy Orthodontics received a very special visit from the first graders at PS166. They came to tour our office and learn why it is so important to take care of your teeth.

Our beloved Jehona has been on staff with us since 1996 and arranged the field trip as her daughter is a student in the class. Nancy, our lovely patient and photographer, came to take photos of the special event.

We want to thank all of our visitors for their considerate behavior and the beautiful, thoughtful “Thank you” cards they made for Dr. Vardy and Jehona. We look forward to seeing you all in the future!

The Tooth Fairy - Dr. Iris Vardy

Losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project I found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
• I large empty match box
• Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
• Ribbon
• Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
• Markers
• White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
• Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You - Dr. Iris Vardy

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 917-720-4838. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Concern? - Dr. Iris Vardy

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 and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth - Dr. Iris Vardy

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!