A great braces-friendly winter recipe! From Dr. Van Vliet

Winter is here, and sometimes we here at Van Vliet Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Dr. Van Vliet would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
• ¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• ¼ cup sliced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
• Sea salt, preferably gray salt
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
• Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great winter dish and have a great week!
--From Dr. Van Vliet and team

Braces 101 with Van Vliet Orthodontics

If you ever sustain any damage to your braces and need to call Van Vliet Orthodontics, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

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

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with Van Vliet Orthodontics. 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.

Fluoride used in the 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 (ADA) 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!

Feel free to give us a call to ask any questions you may have.

Hey Dr. Vliet, 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 Orthodontists). 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.

We hope this information helps. If you have additional questions, please contact Van Vliet Orthodontics or discuss it with Dr. Vliet during your next appointment.

Staying connected with Van Vliet Orthodontics

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Van Vliet offers, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Van Vliet and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call and enjoy your weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving from Van Vliet Orthodontics

Dr. Van Vliet and our entire orthodontic staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients and referring doctors, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile, and would like to know: what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any photos or stories to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Do we have your current contact info?

Are you having a great week so far? Well, if you've seen the news, you probably know there is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in the greater New York area, as well as across the entire eastern seaboard.

Please help Dr. Van Vliet and our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Van Vliet and our entire staff!

Happy Veteran's Day from Van Vliet Orthodontics

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Van Vliet and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

Thanks again, veterans! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas.

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review Van Vliet Orthodontics on Google!

For more than 30 years, Van Vliet Orthodontics has specialized in providing quality orthodontic care, including braces and treatment without braces, to children and adults alike in the Highland, NY and Ramsey, NJ metro areas.

Whether you’ve just come in for a complimentary initial consultation with Dr. Martin Van Vliet or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to know: What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment? You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Thanks so much in advance, and we look forward to reading your generous reviews!

You may write a review here.

Happy Monday!

What's on your mind? Tell Dr. Van Vliet!

You know how our blog-writing process works: Week after week, Dr. Martin Van Vliet and our creative team at Van Vliet Orthodontics blog about topics related to orthodontics and your well-being.

Today, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our amazing patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like us to focus on our blog? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Van Vliet, but couldn’t? Well, here’s your chance! Let us know by posting here on the blog or on our Facebook fan page!

Give it your best shot, and we’ll try to answer any question you may have!

A few tips to stay healthy this cold season, from Van Vliet Orthodontics

It's fall, and the cold season is once again upon us. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks, according to the CDC.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Martin Van Vliet and team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Ramsey and Highland offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great rest of the weekend!

Dr. Van Vliet and team support National Orthodontic Health Month!

With October being National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. Van Vliet our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time with Dr. Van Vliet!

Also, in honor of “Orthodontic Health Month,” we’d thought we’d ask: What do you love about your braces? Share your story on our Facebook page!

Enjoy the weekend!

Invisalign®, giving parents in Highland and Ramsey something to smile about

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics can help! Dr. Martin Van Vliet is specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, and is Certified Invisalign Premier Provider here in Highland and Ramsey.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a complimentary initial consultation, so Dr. Van Vliet can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Happy Wednesday!

Super Cool Kids Club at Van Vliet Orthodontics!

Have you heard the latest in Van Vliet Orthodontics? It's fun, simple and it's cool! It's our Super Cool Kids Club, designed especially for kids like you!

Here's how it works:

* At each appointment, you will have the opportunity to spin the Kids Club Prize Wheel and win prizes such as movie passes, ice cream certificates and much, much more!

* You could also be eligible to enter in our BIG PRIZE drawing, and every 6 months you could win an iPod, portable DVD player or TV/DVD combo!

And here's the best part: By becoming our patient, you are automatically enrolled in our our Super Cool Kids Club while you are on our Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program. If you don't yet have a membership card, be sure to ask for one at your next visit!

Welcome to The Club!!!

Foods to avoid, from Van Vliet Orthodontics

There are a variety of foods Dr. Martin Van Vliet wants you to avoid while you're in braces. Most foods can damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or break the brackets on your braces. If you have braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch causes plaque, cavities and tooth decay.

Also, avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. 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.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call or ask Dr. Van Vliet during your next visit! Have a wonderful week!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: Why braces?

Our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics will tell you that braces, are cool, hip and usually pretty “fun” these days. In fact, these were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile and In-Ovation, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning, to name a couple—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, also provide exciting ways for our patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may also contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child visited Van Vliet Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Martin Van Vliet help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile this fall!

Have you scheduled your fall appointment?

Schools are back in session in Ramsey, Highland and surrounding communities, which means it's a perfect time for Dr. Martin Van Vliet to remind all our patients about the importance of scheduling your fall appointment in advance. With school, clubs, sports and other activities to consider this fall, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Van Vliet Orthodontics in the coming months. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If Dr. Van Vliet and staff receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that appointment. Feel free to give us a call at 845-691-8330 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

See you soon and enjoy your weekend!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: What are In-Ovation® Braces?

You already knew our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics is all about hi-tech. We've touched on the treatments we offer at our convenient Ramsey and Highland offices, and today thought we'd discuss In-Ovation® System Braces.

In-Ovation is a new and technically advanced system that can give you the radiant smile you have always wanted more quickly than traditional braces, and without the need for ugly, unsanitary, and uncomfortable ties or elastics. Best of all, there's never a need to have your braces tightened! Using light, gentle forces, In-Ovation makes the path to a beautiful smile faster and more comfortable than you ever thought possible!

With In-Ovation you can have:

* Faster results
* Shorter appointments
* Fewer office visits
* Greater comfort
* Improved facial proportion and appearance

In-Ovation comes in three styles that look great and are comfortable to wear.

* In-Ovation R is smaller and has a lower profile than other self-ligating brackets. With no elastic or metal ties, you will have less irritation, less plaque build-up, and less difficulty keeping your teeth clean.

* In-Ovation C is a translucent ceramic bracket that offers fast and comfortable treatment with the added benefit of high aesthetics.

* In-Ovation L MTM offers a superb alternative to tray aligners for patients requiring 6mm of movement or less. Completely invisible, L MTM self-ligating "quick clips" work within a few short months to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted.

We happily offer our patients In-Ovation® System Braces. To learn more about this revolutionary orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at 845-691-8330 in Highland or 201-327-2233 in Ramsey.

Get those regular checkups! From Van Vliet Orthodontics

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day, especially after meals, in-between your visits to Van Vliet Orthodontics? If so, that's wonderful. But, it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting Dr. Van Vliet for your regular appointments. After all, 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 treatment

During an oral exam your dentist will also 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 visited a dentist in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Don't have a general dentist? Ask Dr. Van Vliet or our staff next time you're in, and we'll be happy to provide a few references.

We hope you're enjoying your summer!

Dr. Van Vliet, reminding you to wear your mouth guard this summer

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we just can't believe we're already halfway through summer! As the weather stays hot through September here in the Northeast, the chances for you athletes to sustain a mouth injury get likelier and likelier (because most of you are spending so much time outdoors or participating in more sports-related activities). Dr. Van Vliet and our staff would like to remind our athletes in orthodontic treatment to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact- and non-contact sports.

That includes wearing a mouth guard at all times when you're out on the field or court. Only by using a mouth guard can people with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - Dr. Van Vliet will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

We hope you're all having a great summer! See you soon!

SureSmile and Invisalign in the New York Times

Two weeks ago, the New York Times had a very interesting article, titled "Taking the Guesswork Out of Braces," which discussed the different types of new treatment the world of orthodontic has to offer. At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we embrace all forms of new technology, and especially high-tech treatments such as SureSmile, In-Ovation, Invisalign and 3D imaging.

Dr. Martin Van Vliet and staff encourage you to read the article, which explains the treatments we offer at our convenient Highland, New York (NY) and Ramsey, New Jersey offices very well. For more information on these innovative treatments, we encourage you to visit our website or ask Dr. Van Vliet during your next visit.

Happy Friday!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: What's the deal with retainers?

If you've recently completed treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Martin Van Vliet will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, Dr. Van Vliet will tell you that teeth may shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Van Vliet is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment at Memorial Smiles, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call! We hope you're enjoying your summer!

Van Vliet Orthodontics present: Patriotic fun facts!

Tomorrow night, Dr. Martin Van Vliet and team will help celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. And because we know most of our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some patriotic fun facts about Independence Day! Enjoy!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone! Please be careful with your fireworks!!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: Can Invisalign help me?

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics manages to straighten teeth without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient offices in Ramsey, New Jersey and Highland, New York. 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. Van Vliet has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Van Vliet about once every 8 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-18 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 36, but both will vary from case to case.

Give our office a call to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Dr. Van Vliet is a Certified Invisalign Premier Provider in the greater New York City area.

Dr. Van Vliet at the 4th International Congress on 3-D Dental Imaging

Next weekend, Dr. Van Vliet will be attending the 4th International Congress on 3-D Dental Imaging in La Jolla, California.

The annual meeting is designed to educate dentists and orthodontists from all over the world on how to optimize treatment through 3-D imaging, which we use at our convenient Highland, New York and Ramsey, New Jersey locations.

Recognized as a leading provider of SureSmile and Invisalign appliances, Dr. Van Vliet has lectured on these topics nationally. He has integrated these state-of-the-art treatment modalities along with the most advanced 3D I-Cat imaging into his private practice to maximize treatment results and patient satisfaction.

Isn't it nice to know you have a complete dental expert in Dr. Van Vliet taking care of your perfecting your smile?

Van Vliet Orthodontics, supporting National Smile Month!

Last week, we told you June is National Dairy Month, but did you know June is also National Smile Month? Now that we’re well into June, our team at Van Vliet Orthodontics thought this would be a great time to remind our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits with Dr. Van Vliet. After all, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, according to our friends at the American Dental Association.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart) in addition to visiting Dr. Van Vliet.

Hope that helps! We hope you enjoy National Smile Month for many, many years to come!

Talkin' dairy and gum disease with Dr. Van Vliet

As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to climb, there’s nothing more refreshing than getting some ice cream, a milk shake or a glass of cold milk to cool off. June is National Dairy Month and a great time for Dr. Van Vliet and our staff to remind you that dairy foods should be a part of your overall diet.

After all, a 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for 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. Dr. Van Vliet will tell you eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth.

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call at Van Vliet Orthodontics. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Van Vliet Orthodontics, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely fought and gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many people, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office is sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you’re headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!

We hope you have a fun, safe and memorable Memorial Day weekend!

SureSmile back in the news! From Dr. Van Vliet

SureSmile, the revolutionary orthodontic treatment that continues to deliver great smiles in less time, is in the news again! This week, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients at Van Vliet Orthodontics.

In the video, Dr. Gupta spotlights a teenager named Jessica Thompson, who wasn't particularly thrilled about getting traditional braces, and chose SureSmile as her treatment instead. Dr. Van Vliet and team want you to know Jessica is not alone - more and more people are choosing SureSmile as their treatment method.

With SureSmile treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics in Highland and Ramsey, getting braces isn’t at all what it used to be. Dr. Martin Van Vliet's patients get fantastic results in less time with this remarkable technology and typically spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits, experience less discomfort and ultimately greater results.

To learn more about SureSmile treatment with Dr. Van Vliet, we invite you to give us a call today. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Van Vliet Orthodontics, supporting Children's Book Week

You might not be aware that it's Children's Book Week! Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated nationally in schools, libraries and bookstores to encourage a love of books.

Are you looking for a great book to read this summer while on vacation? Then check out the Children’s Book Council’s website, which offers some great reads!

In fact, here are five kids’ books that adults will love as well. The great thing? Your local library in Highland or Ramsey probably has a copy!

Read up and have a great weekend!

-- Dr. Van Vliet and team

Write a review of Van Vliet Orthodontics!

Whether you've visited Van Vliet Orthodontics for a week, month or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Dr. Van Vliet and team! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here.

Thank you! We hope you enjoy Mother's Day Weekend!

What's so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Van Vliet started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree) at Farleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, receiving his DMD in 1975. Your dentist also graduated from dentistry school.

After dental school however, Dr. Van Vliet decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 1988, he was elected as a Diplomate on the American Board of Orthodontics. Soon thereafter, Dr. Van Vliet became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment, as well as bite problems such as overbites and under bites.

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

Dr. Van Vliet's commitment to orthodontic excellence is evidenced by his involvement with various professional organizations. Specifically, he is an active member of the following organizations: American Association of Orthodontics, Northeastern Society of Orthodontists, New York State Society of Orthodontists, American Board of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, NY State Dental Society, Ninth District Dental Society of New York and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. The American Academy of Periodontology and American Board of Orthodontists have granted Dr. Van Vliet awards for his achievements in the field.

Isn't it comforting to know you have a dental expert in Dr. Van Vliet to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, what puts you at ease?

Trust us when we say Dr. Van Vliet knows that not everyone always enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But at Van Vliet Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. For over 30 years, Van Vliet Orthodontics has specialized in providing quality orthodontic care, combining his expertise with high-tech equipment to create beautiful smiles, both aesthetically and functionally.

We recognize, however, that orthodontic excellence involves more than cutting edge technology. At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we take pride in our genuine concern for each of our patients with individualized care and attention, ensuring a comfortable environment and desired results to our patients in Highland and Ramsey.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Van Vliet Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Martin Van Vliet? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

The Dos and Don’ts of Facebook for parents, from Van Vliet Orthodontics

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we know many parents tend to sign up for Facebook accounts and ‘friend’ their kids, often as a way to keep an eye on their online activities. But then what? Many parents in this digital age are still lost when it comes time to monitoring their kids online.

Last fall, parenting author Vicki Courtney wrote a helpful post on the things parents should and shouldn’t do while on Facebook. Dr. Van Vliet and our team at thought you might benefit from reading Vicki’s interesting piece.

Here is her list of the Top Ten Facebook No-Nos for Parents, designed especially for those moms and dads who aren’t sure whether they’ve stepped over the line in monitoring their kids online.

We hope you find this article informational. Please let us know what you think!

Fun fact Friday with Dr. Van Vliet and Van Vliet Orthodontics!

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Van Vliet Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Van Vliet Orthodontics, helping you save face this spring

Did you know that April is National Facial Protection Month? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we want our patients (and their pearly whites) to stay safe this spring. Wearing a mouth guard and other facial protection is one of the easiest and least expensive forms of facial protection and helps prevent potential lifelong jaw and mouth problems!

This year, the American Association of Orthodontists teamed up with football legend Emmitt Smith to remind young athletes with and without braces that mouth guards and other forms of facial protection help avoid serious injuries. To learn more and to see pictures of the football great showcasing his smile, visit the AAO’s Sports Safety Page or contact our staff if you have any questions about protecting your mouth. And remember, Dr. Van Vliet will provide a mouth guard for anyone in treatment.

Dr. Van Vliet, helping distinguish the myths and facts about orthodontics

Dr. Van Vliet and our professional team know there are many myths circulating about orthodontists these days. But, before you buy into these myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our staff came across a great site that helps set the record straight. The American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Van Vliet Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at our Ramsey or Highland offices.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, from Van Vliet Orthodontics

Did you remember to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades, toasts and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patrick's Day Dr. Van Vliet and team know you will enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio.

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

You may remember our post from a couple of weeks back, when we posted a blog on the benefits of braces. This week, our staff at Van Vliet Orthodontics thought we'd get a little more specific and delve into adult braces. Recently, we read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent since 1996! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our Highland and Ramsey offices can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign®, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Orthodontic treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and Dr. Van Vliet knows adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Van Vliet and our entire team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Van Vliet Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in March?

With the unusual winter we've had in the Northeast, it's hard to believe spring is right around the corner. But it is. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from a baseball field nearby. Dr. Martin Van Vliet and our office staff thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all! You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Dr. Martin Van Vliet and our team work tirelessly 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 tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! For more than 30 years, Van Vliet Orthodontics has specialized in providing quality orthodontic care, including braces and treatment without braces, to children and adults alike.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Van Vliet can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics. Have a great weekend!

Tackling sports injuries with Van Vliet Orthodontics

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Van Vliet and our dedicated team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why Van Vliet Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Van Vliet will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Van Vliet is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics.

Reminding you to stay safe during the storm, from Van Vliet Orthodontics

With the snow fast approaching the New York/New Jersey region, Dr. Van Vliet and our team at Van Vliet Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind you, our valued patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about the next couple days. Here are a few helpful tips to get through the snow storm.

*Winterize your vehicle
*Drive, accelerate, and brake slowly
*Pack an emergency road kit, learn common emergency signs
*Make sure you install tire chains
*Learn how to fix a flat tire and jump start a car
*Stay safe!

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Van Vliet Orthodontics, our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes staying safe (and warm) on the roads during this storm! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

At Van Vliet Orthodontics, access your account 24/7

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

Patients at Van Vliet Orthodontics enjoy access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. 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! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"This is the first time exploring it and I am very impressed." ~ Anthony R.

"I can see appointments on line, text alerts are great idea. I can see payment history." ~ Kelsey T.

"Information is right there to view. we enjoyed reviewing the pictures." ~ Frederick R.

"Love the email reminder." ~ Aaron G.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Van Vliet Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Happy Friday!

Dr. Van Vliet wants to know: What do you love about our community?

Van Vliet Orthodontics, located in Highland, New York and Ramsey, New Jersey, and serving Manhattan and surrounding communities in New York City, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods that surround the Big Apple. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our fantastic patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Van Vliet and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Highland, Ramsey, the Big City, or our neighboring communities? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite hang-out in New York City or somewhere in north Jersey?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Van Vliet Orthodontics with a few helpful Invisalign® tips

Last week, we told you about the advantage of Invisalign treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics. Today, we thought we'd follow-up and share a few helpful Invisalign tips with you. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Van Vliet wants you to ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Van Vliet Orthodontics, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

The advantage of Invisalign® at Van Vliet Orthodontics

Last week, the Van Vliet team shared with you information about SureSmile, the technology that's sweeping the orthodontic world. But did you know Dr. Van Vliet is also a Certified Invisalign Premier Provider?

Part of what makes Invisalign "work" is that it's customizable for anyone, Dr. Van Vliet says. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next Dr. Van Vliet uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Van Vliet Orthodontics, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

Ask Dr. Van Vliet: How Will I Smile with SureSmile®?

Dr. Van Vliet knows a lot of patients have braces anxiety. Their biggest concern is the amount of time between getting their braces on and off. Well, there is a new orthodontic system that makes straightening your teeth with braces a lot faster and easier compared to conventional orthodontic treatment. It's called SureSmile, and Dr. Van Vliet is a certified SureSmile provider!

There are three steps to this groundbreaking treatment. First, Dr. Van Vliet identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Van Vliet and our team view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

For more information about SureSmile, head over to our web site. There, you may take a look at an educational video that includes patient testimonials and examples of SureSmile treatments.

Have a great week!