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.