Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Goodman and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Goodman Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Halloween Treats and Braces

Can you believe Halloween is almost upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Goodman and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

At Goodman Orthodontics, easy access to your account information

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

October Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Goodman Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Getting to Know Dr. Goodman

I am fortunate to have found Orthodontics as a profession. It is uniquely rewarding. A good orthodontist must possess several attributes: a keen eye for angles and spatial relationships, good listening and communication skills, and the ability to balance theoretical and practical concerns.

As a child, I told everyone that I wanted to be a dentist, and when I admitted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1985, my dream became a reality. The early days of dental school were challenging because dental students need to develop manual dexterity and artistic skills. As my natural abilities leaned toward mechanical drawing, solving puzzles, and model building, I gravitated towards Orthodontics. While the end result of orthodontic treatment is seen as cosmetic artistry, it is really all about the angles and spatial relationships, like the puzzles and building projects I enjoyed as a child.

After completing my orthodontic residency at Montefiore Medical Center in 1993, I developed a practice philosophy that involved the patient in their own treatment. A natural fit was my early incorporation of a new technique called Invisalign in 1999. I soon was hired by Invisalign to teach other orthodontists around the country about this technique, and to this day, I remain an important part of the Invisalign Faculty. In November of 2010, I presented Invisalign lectures at both the international Invisalign Summit, as well as for the prestigious Greater New York Dental Meeting. In 2009, I appeared on Fox 5-TV, which did a profile on Invisalign Teen (a technique specifically designed for teenagers and young adults). While Invisalign constitutes one part of my practice, more cases are treated in our offices with fixed braces. Not only do we use the most advanced orthodontic brackets and diagnostic tools, we were the first office in the New York City area to incorporate the SureSmile system, a technique using computer diagnostics and robotic wires which elevates orthodontic treatment to a new level of efficiency and precision.

Ok, so now I come clean. As a child, I secretly dreamed of being sports star (although strangely I did like going to the dentist!) When I’m not trying to force either path on my two sons, Grant and Rick, and my daughter Blake, we sit around the big screen and watch American Idol and Survivor.

Send Your Photos to Include In Our Office Mural!

Be part of our first-ever office mural. Mail us photos of yourself, with or without family or friends, and we will include it in a framed mural that will on display in the office. You will be famous!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can 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, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in greater New York City!