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A Helpful Site on Orthodontics

March 27th, 2024

As you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, our team at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts would like to point you to a helpful website. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have lots of important information about everything relating to braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience, and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

Check out AAO today and feel free to contact us at our New Bedford or Mattapoisett, MA office if you have any questions.

Dr. Neil Oliveira and Dr. Derek Wolkowicz and our team at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts hope this information helps you!

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

March 20th, 2024

A popular option for straightening teeth at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts, Invisalign can be a great method for improving your smile, and can help patients with crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and more.

Invisalign, which is different from traditional braces, works by applying a series of clear, retainer-like aligners in order to eventually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Patients typically swap aligners approximately every couple of weeks.

At Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the beautiful and healthy smile they’ve always wanted. During your initial visit at our New Bedford or Mattapoisett, MA office, the first thing we do is 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.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want, and brushing and flossing are easier. Invisalign’s aligners are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during your treatment. And, no metal and wires usually means you spend less time at our office getting adjustments. With Invisalign, you can view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete!

Depending on the severity of the problem, Invisalign treatment may take anywhere from three to 18 months to complete. You should be aware that Invisalign is not as effective as traditional braces in treating bite problems, teeth that are lower or higher than others, or severely overcrowded teeth. Both teens and adults are now great candidates for Invisalign, so we invite you to contact our New Bedford or Mattapoisett, MA office to set up an initial consultation and learn more on how Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Thanks to Invisalign®, you can have a perfect smile without metal wires or brackets!

March 6th, 2024

When it comes to straightening your smile, our team at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts knows that having a mouth full of metal braces may not be your idea of fun. Luckily for you, Dr. Neil Oliveira and Dr. Derek Wolkowicz can offer a cosmetic alternative: Invisalign!

Using a series of clear, comfortable, and completely customized aligners, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without traditional braces.

Since Invisalign aligners are discreet, they’re hardly noticeable when you speak and smile, and because they’re removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want. Just remember to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in! Treatment with Invisalign is just as effective as with metal braces, and the results are just as amazing!

If you want to know more about Invisalign, contact our New Bedford or Mattapoisett, MA office to schedule an appointment.

Fluoride and Your Orthodontic Treatment

February 28th, 2024

Our team at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment.

But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your time wearing braces?

Fluoride, the mineral that helps you prevent cavities and tooth decay, can also help keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Neil Oliveira and Dr. Derek Wolkowicz, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. We may also prescribe a fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse for at-home treatment to keep your teeth happy in between visits.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!