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!